SATURDAY 15TH JUNE 2024

G7 Leaders Pledge $420m Investments in

Nigeria, Other African Countries

Kano Governor Ordering Arrest of Emir Bayero Violated His

Fundamental Rights, Court Holds

Awards N10m damages against state Set to rule on motion seeking nullification of Kano emirates law June 20

in which the deposed Emir Bayero is the applicants, the 10 respondents in the case include the Attorney General of the Federation, Attorney

Afreximbank

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afreximbank to establish a $3 billion Nigeria Industrialisation Financing Facility for an industrial park and light manufacturing.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Udoka-Anite, signed on behalf of the country on the sidelines of the ongoing Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) 2024 in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The deal is expected to lead to the creation of special economic and agro-processing

zones across the country and create 20,000 jobs.

The intervention would support the development of an automotive sector as well as the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) value chain to better enable the automotive and transport sector in the country.

The package would further cover the technical and financing support for the diaspora investment fund framework.

Furthermore, the agreement also signified the partnership between the ministry, Arise IIP and Afreximbank to revamp

General of Kano State, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police,

Tinubu Meets FBI Director, Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Fight Terrorism, Cybercrime

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the fight against cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes.

The FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States of America, and its principal federal law enforcement agency.

The President, according to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, who spoke yesterday, during a meeting with FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at the State House in Abuja, declared, "we cannot achieve this important feat of eliminating crimes without collaboration.

"Incidentally, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is also collaborating with other West African countries to fight economic and other related crimes,'' President Tinubu said.

Tinubu described the presence of the FBI Director alongside his team in Nigeria as a recognition of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism.

He said: "It is an honour for me to receive Director Christopher Wray, the leader of an organization that has demonstrated consistent procedural sophistication and a reputation for excellence over several years. Your visit conveys the importance of Nigeria and Nigerian partnership in the work of America's law enforcement institutions and vice-versa. For

FG,

us, it is a recognition of what stage we are at, who we are, and the level of interest both countries share in eliminating crimes locally and globally.”

The President told the FBI Director that his administration has prioritised education as a tool against poverty, which is generally believed to be a driver of criminal activities.

''We are working hard to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, sextortion, and I am glad that we have a good number of agencies that are involved in reducing these crimes to the barest minimum, and they are also well represented at this meeting,'' he added.

Noting that no single country could combat financial crimes in isolation, Tinubu called on the United States to support developing countries with the requisite technology and knowledge transfer required to combat complex international crimes.

Earlier in his remarks, Wray said he was in the country to enhance the "outstanding partnership" that exists between the government of Nigeria and the government of the United States.

He lauded Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries.

According to the FBI Director: "We appreciate the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat, not only to the countries in the region but also to the United

States.

''We appreciate your vision in re-engineering the role of the Office of the NSA to effectively

coordinate efforts on counterterrorism, and this has already started to bear fruits in terms of the success you are recording

against ISIS in West Africa and other terrorist groups.

''We appreciate your support and collaboration on cyber-

enabled crimes and sextortion, which has unfortunately resulted in a few tragic deaths in the United States.”

NIPC Partners States to Retain, Attract New Investments

James Emejo in Abuja

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enhancing ties with State Investment Promotion Agencies (SIPAs) to boost investments in the country.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement with SIPAs in Abuja, she highlighted the importance of working to ensure the retainment of investors currently in the country amid the harsh business environment which the government is working to address.

Rimi, said there was need to ensure a seamless coordination and alignment of efforts to attract investments both at the national and state levels.

She said a crucial aspect of the strategy was to strengthen and build the technical and institutional capacity of the SIPAs to enable them to achieve set goals and objectives as well as assist them to access key information on investment opportunities.

Rimi, also reiterated the commission’s resolve to address constraints that hamper investment activities as well as proffer practical solutions to enhance the investment climate.

She said the engagement aimed at fostering strong collaboration with stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government (MDAs).

The NIPC boss said the commission had designed the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) to ensure an efficient system in the sub-regions.

She urged the participants to use the opportunity to interact, network, listen to the various speakers, and find ways to drive investment in the country.

Rimi added, “The objectives today are to strengthen this relationship between NIPC and the State Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). To ensure a seamless coordination and alignment of efforts to attract investments across the country.

“We want to strengthen and build the technical and institutional capacity of the IPAs to enable them to achieve set goals and objectives.

“We want to be able to disseminate information about investment opportunities across the states, leveraging local knowledge to attract investors.”

In his remarks, Director, Infrastructure and Public Private Partnership (PPP), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE), Dr. Micheal Magaji, reiterated the importance

AFREXIMBANK SEAL $3BN DEAL TO BOOST INDUSTRIALISATION, CNG, OTHERS

the cotton, apparel and textile value chain in Nigeria.

The financing support would further create 20,000 jobs for the country and attract investment estimated at over $2 billion at the moment.

"This is going to cut across the cotton belt in Nigeria and also create a lot of jobs in Nigeria's core strength in terms of cotton and textile production which used to be the pride of the country 1980s

for Global Infrastructure and Investment”, they welcomed the commitments of $100 million and $320 million by partners, aimed at meeting the infrastructure and development needs of Africa through private sector engagement.

The leaders agreed to support flagship projects to develop transformative economic corridors for quality infrastructure and investments, touching Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

“Today, Italy joined US and EU efforts to promote sustainable development along the Lobito Corridor – committing to strengthen collaboration and mobilise an additional aggregate contribution of up to $320 million in investment in support of the core rail infrastructure and of the related side projects, with a view to additionally creating synergies with the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA).

“The Co-chairs welcomed the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) as a key platform for collaboration on infrastructure investment in Africa and celebrated the Global Energy

and 1990s. So, we are bringing it back and working together to get that done," Afreximbank announced.

The partnership also reinforces the commitment of the present administration to drive economic diversification.

In addition, it would help expand the Afreximbank's Arise IIP/FMITI partnership as well as support state-wide investment projects in technical viability and a development of

Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) commitment of up to $100 million in philanthropic catalytic investment capital to unlock an additional $1 billion in private finance,” the group said.

The AGIA, led by the African Development Bank (AfDB), African Union Commission (AUC), is a platform that seeks to generate, finance, and execute projects with the private sector, and to catalyse up to $10 billion green infrastructure opportunities for private sector investment.

On the paucity of energy in Africa, it said: “We recognise that universal access to affordable clean energy is a key factor for sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic growth and social development, as proclaimed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It also contributes to meeting the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and to keeping a temperature limit of 1.5C within reach.

“Africa’s significant but largely untapped clean energy potential needs massive investments. We will work to accelerate investments in clean energy sources to ensure an inclusive

healthcare value chain.

This comes about 24 hours after the World Bank 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 had announced $1.5 billion for the country’s Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation (RESET)

transition which supports energy security, recognizing that a substantial proportion of people in Africa still lack reliable access to electricity and clean cooking.

“We look forward to the launch of the G7’s 'Energy for Growth in Africa' initiative and to contributing to its success.

The initiative will help develop bankable clean energy projects, attract private capital through the catalytic use of public finance and technical assistance, encourage the flow of concessional finance, and overcome barriers to investments in clean energy across Africa,” the group added.

The group of rich countries said it will engage with governments, the private sector, financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and community groups and also coordinate with existing programmes, to ensure complementarity and avoid duplications.

Meanwhile, AfDB’s President, Adewumi Adesina, told Reuters in London that something African countries needed to stamp out was resource-backed loans - where they promise to supply oil, gas or metals in

Development Policy Financing Programme (DPF), and $750 million for the Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms (ARMOR) Programme-forResults (PforR).

The World Bank had 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.

return for the money, often on undisclosed terms.

“It is an approach some have used to secure funding from China as well as other countries, banks and commodity firms.

"If somebody has a liquidity challenge, it doesn't mean you should pawn your assets," Adesina said, while also criticising the providers of such loans.

"It's like scavenging! Financial scavenging to take advantage of desperation of countries," he said.

"It's not about any particular country or institution, it is a fundamental thing. I think it is a disaster for Africa," he added.

Besides, he noted that there was the need for the world to take cognisance of the economic and planetary value of Africa’s savannahs, rainforests, rivers and oceans.

He estimated them be worth at least $6.8 trillion and the bank wants to recalculate the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures to incorporate it all. The Congo Basin for example is estimated to be the world’s largest carbon sink, bigger than the Amazon.

of collaboration to boost investment, adding that reforms remained critical to ensuring investment promotion in the country.

He said: “our engagement today underscores our commitment to fostering strong partnerships between the federal and state levels and between the public and private sectors.

“We are here to listen, learn, and share our expertise, with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable development and economic growth across Nigeria.

“Our doors are always open, and we are committed to supporting you in every step of this journey. I look forward to our discussions and the innovative solutions emerging from this engagement.

“Together, we can continue to transform our states and, by extension, our nation into hubs of prosperity and progress.”

“Additionally, we use this opportunity to urge all states present at this engagement to take full advantage of this collaboration.” He said the benefits outlined presented a glimpse of what could be achieved through joint efforts. Magaji said, “We encourage you to engage with the Bureau. Leverage our expertise and unlock the full potential of your state’s assets.

KANO GOVERNOR ORDERING ARREST OF EMIR BAYERO VIOLATED HIS FUNDAMENTAL

RIGHTS, COURT HOLDS

Commissioner of Police, Kano state and Department of State Services.

Delivering judgment yesterday, in the case instituted by Bayero seeking for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, the trial judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, described the order given by Governor Abba Yusuf, for Bayero’s arrest as unlawful.

The court ruled that the act of the Kano State Governor ordering the police to arrest the 15th Emir of Kano "is a threatened breach of his fundamental right to liberty", citing section 35(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"That the act of the Governor of Kano State in directing the police to arrest the applicant without any lawful justification, which directive has forced the applicant into house arrest, preventing him from going freely about his lawful business, constitute a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under section 41(1) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria" part of the certified copy of the judgement states.

"That the 2nd respondent and the government of Kano state shall pay to the applicant the sum of N10,000,000:00 (ten million naira) only for the breach and likely breach of the applicant's fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed under the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria" part of the certified copy of the judgement states.

“The prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting this suit is refused, the amount having not been specifically pleaded and strictly proved.” Justice Amobeda ordered.

However, the court restrained the respondents from arresting, detaining or harassing the deposed Emir Aminu Bayero, or further interfering with his fundamental human rights.

“That the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents are either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, or any other person or authority forthwith restrained from arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant or further interfering with the Applicant’s fundamental rights,” it added.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court sitting in Kano has fixed June 20th 2024, to rule on a motion filed by the Counsel of Aminu Babba Dan'agundi, seeking nullification of the Kano emirates council (repeal) law 2024.

Danagundi's Counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu, moved the motion after

the court refused an application for stay of proceedings orally moved by counsel for Kano state House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun.

Fatogun, drew the attention of the Court that his client’s dissatisfaction with the ruling of the court on Thursday, in assuming jurisdiction in the matter.

He said they have already filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and motion on stay of execution, urging the judge to adjourn in view of the processes filed pending hearing and determination of his application at the court of appeal.

Counsel to the Attorney General of Kano State and the state government A.G Wakil aligned himself with Fatogun’s position. The trial Judge, Justice Abdullahi Liman, held that the court would continue with the case pending application adding that, there was no formal stay of proceedings application before the court.

The applicant's counsel countered saying the authorities cited by defense were not judicial decisions but rules of court.

Justice Liman, ruled that from the acknowledged receipt letter of the defence counsel it was clear that no date is fixed and there is no evidence that the appeal has been entered.

When the plaintiff's counsel rose to move his motion seeking a declaration of the conduct of the dependants as null and void, Counsel for the Assembly applied to be recused from the matter asking for adjournment to enable his clients find another lawyer. He argued that he cannot defend the interest of clients who have the fundamental rights to be heard and to proceed is do deny them their right.

Justice Liman held that the conduct of the lawyer amounted to abuse of court process. While noting that he intends to abandon the procedural rule,the judge said the sacred duty of courts is do serve justice to all manner of people.

Counsel for Kano Government, AG Wakil, opposed the plaintiff's application having filed his application for stay of proceedings arguing that if granted the substantive case is over.

The plaintiff's lawyer then withdrew his application to amend his originating motion dated 31/024 which the judge struck out and adjourned to Thursday, June 20th, for ruling on the motion seeking the court declaration that the Kano emirates council repeal law 2023 is null and void.

STRENGTHENING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP…

STrATeGIC ALLIANCe TO SANITISe FX MArKeT…

Shettima Canvasses Public-Private Partnership to Stimulate Economic Growth

Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval

Adibe emenyonu in Benin City

Salutes Elumelu's entrepreneurial vision, pledges ease of doing business

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a more robust collaboration between government and business leaders to propel the nation's economic aspirations.

captured.

Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop securing loans, noting that the N9 billion loan recently approved by the House of Assembly was needless and will plunge the state into financial distress.

has been swindled by Obaseki-led administration with an unassailable, humongous debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion, the governor is unyielding and unstoppable in his characteristic design to leave Edo State in ruin, by asking for a facility of N17.5 billion few days ago, which was said to be N9 billion."

Speaking yesterday, at a gathering of top industrialists at the Heirs Holdings Group Directors' Annual Summit Dinner in Abuja, Shettima called for synergy between the political class and economic stakeholders, emphasising that the two spheres are not opposites

According to him, open dialogue, shared insights, and collaborative work between the public and private sectors are necessary to develop solutions tailored towards Nigeria's unique realities.

But in a swift reaction, the Edo State Government said it was perplexed to learn of what it termed “laughable and incredibly ridiculous tantrums attributed to the new acting chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Jarret Tenebe where he made baseless and spurious allegations on the fiscal management of our dear state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.”

Burna Boy has achieved another feat with his ‘I Told Them’ tour in Canada as he became the African artiste with the highest-grossing tour in the north American country.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Tenebe had said the state was already suffering under a debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion.

Tenebe, said "It is important to state, that it is now in public and political space that the fiscal budget of Edo State was passed few weeks ago before the Edo State House of Assembly proceeded on leave without the commencement of the execution of the budget by the executive.

Burna Boy Sets New Highestgrossing Tour Record for African Artiste in Canada

first African artiste to perform at the Grammy main ceremony.

According to a post shared by Touring Data, the Grammy Award winner grossed $5.7 million from 69,219 tickets sold over six concerts in Canada, setting a new African record.

He said, "While it is a monumental disaster that Edo State patrimony

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Touring Data had earlier reported that the City Boy crooner grossed $1.725 million at the ‘I Told Them’ tour at the Capital One Arena in Washington on March 7, 2024, the highest ever by an African artiste in the US. This feat ensured Burna Boy broke his previous African record set at the TD Garden in Boston.

It is most disheartening that the Edo State Government now is requesting for a facility of N17.5 billion with no corollary of project attached there to the said facility and also that the facility is not contained as loan to be taken in the 2024 fiscal budget just recently passed. A cursory perusal of the entire budget does not reveal where the project for the facility is ever

With his fusion of dancehall, reggae, Afrobeat, and pop, Burna Boy is one of Nigeria's best-known stars. The LeriQ-produced 2012 single "Like to Party" proved to be his breakout track and paved the way for his full-length debut, L.I.F.E, a year later. Over the next five years, Burna released two more albums and collaborated with a variety of artistes, from J Hus and Skales to Fall Out Boy and Lily Allen.

The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has announced plans to launch a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in primary schools across the country. He made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a working visit to Oyo State.

Burna Boy had made history earlier in the year as he became the

among the youthful population. He said the government is worried that about 72 per cent of the nation’s youthful population have become foreigners through the influence of cartoons and movies which are foreign in contents, values and cultures.

His international exposure widened with 2018's Outside, which hit number three on the Billboard Reggae chart and won the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Album of the Year. 2019's African Giant and 2020's Twice as Tall were both widely acclaimed and charted in several countries.

$1.28bn Divestment: Seplat Confirms Receiving Notification of NNPC’s Termination of Court Case

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

He said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade would be set up in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote national values as of old, stating that the essence of the Brigade was to revive and rebuild the national values and create positive models

Seplat Energy yesterday confirmed that it had received a notification to the effect that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) had terminated its court case attempting to halt the $1.28 billion deal with ExxonMobil.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A brief statement signed by the indigenous oil company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, noted that, it would, following the development, now proceed to quickly conclude the oil assets’ sale deal which was first announced in February 2022.

Issa-Onilu said as a way out of the malaise, NOA would soon launch a Mobile App containing indigenous cartoons through which local contents, national values and culture would be promoted.

State oil company, the NNPC had challenged Exxon's sale of the assets to Seplat, saying it had first right of refusal. The deal was further held up by regulatory issues.

According to him, "These various policies are geared towards changing the narratives and the wrong impression that the outside world is having about the country.

"Seplat Energy commends the open cooperation and progress achieved by all stakeholders, and will diligently engage all key stakeholders, including the government, in progressing towards a swift completion of the acquisition," the Seplat statement said.

but complementary forces vital for national stability and progress.

He said: "Politics is too important to be left to the politicians, and enterprises that define our economic destination are too important to be left to the businessmen alone to develop."

Aligning with President Bola Tinubu's economic agenda, the Vice President urged conglomerates to serve as pipelines for the administration's practical economic vision, departing from cosmetic reforms of the past.

"Information at the behest of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly is to the effect that they were recalled from their holiday or leave by the Speaker on the request of the state governor for the immediate approval of the said facility which according to them is said to be N9 billion but as event unfolded, after the mammoth request by the opposition in the House as to the rationale for a facility as

"Collaboration between the public and private sectors is the ingredients of a thriving economy. We must engage in open dialogue and share insights and work together to crop solutions that are peculiar to our realities. Whether it is tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, or

lid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has described the United States as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner for the nation’s mining sector development. Speaking while receiving

stupendous as N9 billion for fathom projects which only existed in the imagination of the governor, it was discovered that the facility was not even N9 billion but a figure wrapped in secrecy as much as N17.5 billion to which the opposition in the house rejected and or refused to be part of the approval.

enhancing education and healthcare, our partnership must aspire to drive sustainable development and create a safe future for all Nigerians,” he stressed.

He hailed the Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, Tony Elumelu, describing him as an "enigma and a banking colossus whose entrepreneurial exploits have carved a niche in Africa's economic landscape.”

But in its reaction, the Edo State Government stated that the Edo APC was “obviously pained by the achievements of

The Vice President lauded the Heirs Holdings chairman's visionary leadership and commitment to empowering young African entrepreneurs.

the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki across all sectors of the state over the past seven years.”

Speaking earlier, Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, Elumelu, reaffirmed the group's unwavering commitment to the philosophy of Africapitalism and empowering young entrepreneurs across the continent.

Elumelu, whose business empire spans 24 countries, noted that the annual gathering serves as a platform to review achievements, business practices, and learn from the experiences of over 100 board members.

“Tenebe has been on a frenzy looking for lies to tell since he assumed office as Acting Chairman. Rather than focus on reawakening his completely comatose party, which is unable to provide constructive criticisms expected of a viable opposition, he has resorted to spreading misinformation in a desperate attempt to curry cheap popularity.

"Tony Elumelu belongs to the class of wealthy men because he generates wealth and opportunities and is a harbinger of great tidings to the Nigerian people," Shettima said.

"Today, we started our Annual General Meeting, and it will continue until Saturday. Sessions like this afford us the opportunity to reflect on everything we have done within the year, look at things we should have done better, learn from our past mistakes, and re-strategise on

“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe made wild and completely off-themark comments suggesting that Edo State is owing $35 billion. Even if that was what was written for him, he should have known that the figure is wrong and can't be true.

how to accomplish our purpose," Elumelu stated.

According to him, at the core of Heirs Holdings' ethos is the belief that the private sector must play a leading role in Africa's development, a philosophy he described as "Africapitalism."

"In reality, our debt stock is not a secret and in fact, we are ‘under borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe would have known this if he understood the economics of governance, fiscal responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio.

He stressed the group's focus on human impact, citing the empowerment of 20,000 young African entrepreneurs with nonrefundable seed capital of $5,000 each as their most significant recent achievement.

Elumelu, expressed confidence that the collective efforts of Heirs Holdings and other business groups would contribute to transforming the African continent and uplifting the black race globally.

Mining Development: Nigeria, US Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership

also want to be part of the move to reduce global emissions and put our mining sector on the global map. We have critical minerals that are in commercial demand globally,"Alake said.

Nigeria Understudies Singapore's Civil Service Reform System

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

“We are establishing, this year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in Primary School. 1,000 in each state, including FCT, Abuja. These Citizens’ Brigade are going to be like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild of the olden days.

The Nigerian civil service is making bold steps towards reformation by understudying the civil service structure and reforms in Singapore.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Dr. Folasade YemiEsan, disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, at a Special Juma'ah Prayer held at the National Mosque, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2024 Civil Service Week.

“Across the world, Nigerians are known to be the smartest people on earth. This is a positive development but some people mischievously tend to portray us in negative light. But this is not who we are as a people.

The HoS, represented by the

“To change the negative narratives, we are setting up the Citizens’ Brigade to produce young Nigerians and create positive models to rebuild the national values."

Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene, in his office on Thursday, Alake lauded the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy, stating that it underscores the significance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries.

formalisation of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others.

Adedayo Akinwale

in Ibadan

Seplat expressed excitement that its acquisition of ExxonMobil's Nigerian shallow water oil assets, will now progress after the hurdle was removed.

The Exxon-Seplat deal when concluded, is expected to inject the much-needed capital into Nigeria's oil industry, potentially leading to improved output. It would also signal to investors that similar deals, such as Shell's asset sale to Renaissance in January, are likely to gain regulatory approval.

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area of the state. The government, in a letter dated 2nd of February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024. The letter read in part, "I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in

The House of Representatives and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have resolved to lift the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages.

“I thank you for your visit. I met the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines and Money conference in London past year, and we had a fruitful engagement. I did analyse all our issues, and fundamentally, we just want to diversify our economy from oil. Not just for our own economic survival but also to be in tune with global trends for reduction in global warming. We

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, said the civil service was reforming towards improved efficiency which informed why in the past years, many Nigeria's senior civil servants had travelled around the world to see what civil service was all about in many countries.

“The Civil Service is reforming and whatever President Tinubu is trying to achieve with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are

The minister welcomed partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas.

ready to support him in that direction. Recently, a delegation came back from Singapore where a good number of people went to understudy the system. We have seen many systems, and believe me, we are doing very well in terms of our focus.

Throwing light on reforms embarked upon by the federal government, the minister highlighted revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; on-going plans for new security architecture to secure natural resources; efforts to generate big geo-data; the

“We have harmonised our field not only to be relevant to Nigeria, but also to align with the global efforts being made by civil servants all over the world and in particular in Africa,” she said.

"The mining sector provides a veritable avenue for increased trade between Nigeria and the United States, especially in the area of value addition, which implies processing of extracted minerals and setting up factories here. We would also require financing from multilateral institutions for our local operators. We are providing incentives for investments like tax waivers for mining equipment, policy of full repatriation of profits to home countries amongst others," Alake emphasised.

She added that the trajectory of the ongoing reform is phenomenal, boasting that Nigerians had begun to see a civil service that is not only transformative but worthy of emulation with any civil Sservice in the world.

Yemi-Esan enjoined the Nigerian public, especially the Muslim Ummah, to continue to pray for the progress of the Nigerian Civil Service in guaranteeing the peace, stability and national development of the country.

In his remarks, the US Ambassador commended the renewed interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, stressing that the sector has huge potentials to rival the contribution of oil to the nation's economy.

Burning of Rivers Assembly Complex: Court Dismisses

House, NAFDAC Agree to Temporarily Lift Ban on Sales of Sachet Alcoholic Beverages

Alex enumah in Abuja

bordering on terrorism and murder.

that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State." It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the Chairman of Ido local government. In the meantime, the state government has vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

NAFDAC recently banned the production of beverages in small sachets and bottles over prevailing cases of drug abuse in the country, especially by some young Nigerians. Against this background, there was

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the application by two Rivers State indigenes challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try them over alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

a motion moved on the floor of the by Hon. Paschal Agbodike and Hon. Philip Agbese, which called for an investigation on what led to the ban.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, in Abuja, Agbese revealed that the decision to temporarily lift the ban was reached following a meeting between the House Committee and NAFDAC officials.

He noted that the decision would remain in effect until the economy recovers from the current downturn.

Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele, were among five persons charged with terrorism and murder. The others are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

They were last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

Agbese said: “There was a motion

before the parliament to investigate the activities that led to the ban placed by NAFDAC on the use and sale of sachet beverages in the country.

“In its wisdom, the parliament delegated the House Committee on NAFDAC, led by Hon. Regina Akume, to investigate the matter and report back. The committee dutifully carried out its legislative function as mandated.

“We engaged with various stakeholders, including NAFDAC and the organised private sector.

Although, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges, the judge however, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center, pending the hearing of their bail application fixed for February 2, as well as the motion of the 1st and 2nd defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit against them. Ezebalike and Oladele had argued that by the provisions of the Terrorism Act, it is only the Attorney General of the Federation that can file any charge of terrorism against them.

Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman

During our meeting, resolutions were reached based on submissions from stakeholders, civil society organisations, and other interested parties.

“The recommendations presented to parliament included the view that the ban was untimely given the current economic realities. The five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC, the impact of COVID-19, and other ongoing economic challenges have made it difficult for industry operators to comply with the terms.

Fagbemi, SAN, submitted that the charge having been filed by the Inspector General of Police, was incompetent and asked the court to strike out counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of the charge or strike strike out the entire suit for been incompetent. Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application for lacking in merit. According to Lough, besides Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Acts that empower them to bring the charge against the defendants, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Act, shows that the police have powers to also initiate terrorism charges against the defendant.

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede and the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in a Strategic Alliance to Stimulate the forex market in Abuja…yesterday

L–R: Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar; Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chairman Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu and Chairperson Tony Elumelu Foundation, Awele Vivian Elumelu, during Heirs Holdings Directors’ Annual Summit Dinner held in Abuja…Thursday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

ALGON President: LGs Can't

Pay N62, 000 Minimum Wage

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ripples of the minimum wage have continued unabated as the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has said that the local government administrations in the country cannot afford to pay workers the N62,000 proposed as the new minimum wage.

The federal government recently increased its offer for the new minimum wage for workers from N60,000 to N62,000.But the labour unions have insisted on N250,000.

Speaking on a programme,

monitored on one of the national television stations, ALGON National President, Aminu Muazu-Maifata, said some of the 774 LGAs in the country are still struggling to pay the N30,000 minimum wage approved in 2019.

According to the ALGON President,

“With the present allocation from FAAC, no local government council anywhere in Nigeria will be able to pay N62,000.

“The 774 local government councils received slightly above 18 per cent of the total FAAC of the federation, while the federal government received above 52 percent.

“Some councils could not even afford the N30,000 and are still working on the N18,000. Whatever is coming from FAAC presently, 90 per cent goes into salaries and pensions.

“This tells us that without adjustment and an upward review of the percentage of the allocation coming to local councils, it will be extremely difficult or impossible for local government councils to pay N62,000.”

The governors had last week said that they cannot afford to pay any wage above N69, 000 insisting that it cannot fly.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said last Friday that the N60,000 minimum wage is not sustainable and therefore cannot fly.

The NGF said that it is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due.

The Forum also sympathised with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

However, the NGF acting Director on Media Affairs and Public Affairs, Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, said that the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across

Why Pope Francis Invited Comedians to the Vatican

As world leaders gather in Italy for a summit addressing entrenched global crises, Pope Francis hosted an international gathering of a different sort yesterday, to broadcast his own message – of the importance of humor.

Why Pope Francis thinks the Church should play a part in world leaders’ debate on AI

Over 200 people were in the audience at the Apostolic Palace,

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to prioritise infrastructure development to enhance growth and productivity in the state.

He stated this at the funeral and thanksgiving service in honour of the mother of Bishop Francis Wale Oke, late Mama Elizabeth Areola Abeo Oke (Mama Alaadun), held at

with more than 100 comedians from 15 countries. Goldberg and Louis-Dreyfus were visible in the front row.

According to the CNN, before proceedings got under way Fallon was seen larking around at the front of the audience hall, before quickly being told to get to his seat as the pope was about to walk through the door.

“In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are

the James Oke Memorial Anglican Church, Kasumu Village, Ibadan. Governor Makinde promised to extend the ongoing road construction in Kasumu Village to Egbeda Road through Owobaale-Erunmu, where the state government plans to convert the moribund Erunmu Dry Port to a Container Terminal, all the way to Lalupon.

According to the governor, residents of Kasumu and other areas in the area must be wary

in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles,” the pontiff told the gathering.

“You unite people, because laughter is contagious,” he said, adding that he has prayed for 40 years for a good sense of humor, adding his own joke and the end, where he asked the audience to “I ask you to please pray for me: for, with a smile, not against!” – and was obliged with laughter from

of land grabbers and also avoid selling their lands, as the corridor would soon experience massive economic transformation as a result of the road project and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project being developed around the axis.

He said, “Let me say it again that those who have landed properties here should not sell them. Not only those around Kasumu side but also Owobaalé axis. Also, the location before we get to the Infectious Disease

the crowd.

“You manage to make people smile even while dealing with problems and events, large and small. You denounce abuses of power; you give voice to forgotten situations; you highlight abuses; you point out inappropriate behavior,” Pope Francis added.

The 87-year-old pontiff said humor could overcome “social barriers” and help create “connections among people.”

all cadres, including pensioners.

The NGF cautioned parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it, noting that any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

According to NGF, "All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes. "In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

Court Frees Binance Executives from Tax Evasion Charge

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, discharged two executives of Binance Holdings Limited, accused of tax evasion.

The two freed staff of the crypto currency firm are Tigran Gambaryan, who have been in custody since his arrest in late February and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who is said to be at large after escaping from custody in Nigeria.

They were freed after the court struck out their names from the four-count charge preferred against them by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Centre at Olodo, that is the location we were planning to site the Dry Port before we thought of converting it to a container terminal.

“It would still be on the old narrow gauge and if you go further up, we have the Circular Road, which is also hitting this place. This road would hit the other one and the other one by Bishop Wale Oke, I am standing on the altar of God to say that I will finish that road before the end of my tenure.

FG Declares Monday, Tuesday Public Holidays for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

Michael Olugbode and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The federal government has declared Monday 17th, and Tuesday 18th June 2024 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion. He called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of our country.

The minister assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.

While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to our children.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), yesterday, deployed 743 vehicles, 92 ambulances and other equipment for patrol during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration nationwide.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, made the disclosure during a press conference in Abuja.

NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL) yesterday marked the ‘World Blood Donor Day’, lauding those who have contributed to saving lives in partnership with the organisation in the last 20 years.

Speaking at an event in Abuja to commemorate the day, the Manager, Diagnostics Services (NMSL), Mrs. Mirian Anabui, described the occasion as momentous, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting blood donation initiatives, raising awareness, and advocating for equitable access to safe blood supplies.

Through their invaluable donations, she explained that the donors had offered the gift of life to countless individuals, families, and communities, noting that their act of giving had helped sustain lives, fuelled hope, and embodied the essence of humanity.

“Today, on World Blood Donor Day, we come together to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 20 years of giving, 20 years of selflessness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to saving lives.

This was also sequel to the filing of an amended charge by FIRS' counsel, Moses Ideho, wherein Binance is listed as sole defendant. Recall that in the earlier charge while Binance is the 1st defendant, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were listed as 2nd and 3rd respectively. When the matter was called yesterday, Gambaryan stepped into the dock.

Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, who appeared for Binance (1st defendant), then informed the court that the cryptocurrency firm had just appointed a representative in Nigeria. The new appointee, who was also in court, stood up and announced his name as Ayodele Omotilewa.

“Through your invaluable donations, you have offered the gift of life to countless individuals, families, and communities. With each donation, you have provided hope to those in need, strength to the vulnerable, and reassurance to the weary.

“You have embodied the spirit of solidarity and compassion, demonstrating that a single act of kindness has the power to transform lives and shape the course of our shared humanity.

“As we reflect on the past two decades of giving, let us also look forward with optimism and determination. Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting blood donation initiatives, raising awareness, and advocating for equitable access to safe blood supplies for all,” she added. In a lecture he delivered, an expert, Oyetunde Akinloye, noted that the day was set aside to thank voluntary unpaid donors for their life-saving gifts as well as create awareness for blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Pension Fund Operators of Nigeria, Oguche Agudah; CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforall), Damilola Ogunbiyi; President, The Rockefeller Foundation, Raj Shah; Managing Director, Access Pensions, Dave Uduanu; Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pensions, Olumide Oyetan, and Executive Director, ARM Pensions, Abimbola Sulaiman, during a private sector investors’ roundtable organised by SEforall, NSIA and GEAPP in Lagos… yesterday

Federal Might, Organised Labour and the Grass Between

Fighting for higher wages must be balanced with economic realities, argues Aoiri Obaigbo

Iya Kudi was looking crushed on Tuesday mid morning. For her, it would appear that it never rains but pours. A wind storm two month ago knocked down our electrical poles. For six weeks, there was none of what we all still call ‘Up NEPA’ in the neighbourhood. In the prolonged darkness, her business—eking out a living by making ice and chilling drinks —was grounded. Then ‘NEPA’ brought light to other streets but our own ‘transformer had serious issues’, we were told.

We had two options. An indefinite wait for them to bring us a new transformer with a hint that some areas have been waiting for years. The second option was for us to raise the money—N25,000 per house.

Iya Kudi made a lot of trouble with her house mates to make their contribution as she needed ‘up NEPA’ more than the others.

At last, Friday before June 3, there was the joyous shout of “Up NEPA” as darkness took a break for eight hours.

According to her, she had eaten deep into her slim capital and had to take a loan from the local Sherlock. Hope was only beginning to seep back into the gloom of a life she endured, only to wake up this morning and ‘enemies of life’—translated from Yoruba—had gone to switch off the light.

‘It’s like they just want everyone to go jump down from Third Mainland Bridge in this country. Let’s just die and leave the country for only the rich and strong. They have no consideration for mekunu at all.’

One never thought the day will come when Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress would be counted as enemies of the poorer citizens.

June 3, 2024, the organised labour commenced an indefinite strike over the demand for N494,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Last-minute efforts to avert the strike ended in a deadlock, leading to full compliance by workers to the directives of the labour unions. Angry looking officials positioned themselves at the entrances to prevent workers from going into their offices.

“Alluta Continua!”

These industrial actions would usually have little or nothing to do with Iya Kudi and the mekunu she’s bemoaning, but the unionists forced themselves into control rooms and shut down the national grid. If Iya Kudi had worked herself up into a medical emergency, she’d have had to use a native doctor as organised labour had also shut down the health sector.

The rules of engagement has been changed to exclude any consideration for people who are neither in a position to implement the wages demanded nor likely to benefit from whatever wage the combatants arrive at. Iya Kudi is about 70. In all these years, she must have experienced quite a few labour union agitations for money. Her late husband was a vulcaniser. Kudi, her daughter, makes dish washing liquid for a living and is married to a washerman in Kano. She’s the one who commissioned the construction of the freezer for her mother. So the entire family is in no situation to benefit from organised labour, but are suffering from the tyranny of the strike nonetheless.

Stephen Ochai, chairperson of the Amalgamated Unions of Nigeria at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, was reported to have affirmed labour’s commitment to the strike until the government adopts a more reasonable stance and expressed the opinion that 80 per

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is a prestigious and premier military university in West Africa. Its 60-year history is rich with exploits in military training and scholarship. The NDA is an arena where the ethos of discipline, loyalty and patriotism are entrenched. Its sobriquet as the gateway to generalship and scholarship has been established, and it remains one institution in Nigeria that is revered for its enormous contributions to nation-building. The institution’s primary responsibility is to develop well-grilled officer-level military officers for Nigeria. The NDA, however, has opened its doors to students from brother African countries consistent with relevant pacts and partnerships with such nations.

The history of the Nigerian Defence Academy is rich. It was established on 5 February 1964 to train officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In 2004, former president Olusegun Obasanjo approved a postgraduate school, sensing the need to avail the institution’s culture of excellence to civilians. The NDA postgraduate school offers courses to civilians and military personnel up to PhD level in distinct fields. The high point of the postgraduate school is that it has also afforded military personnel the opportunity to widen their knowledge in other fields of human endeavours. It is now commonplace to find military personnel brandishing master’s and doctorates in addition to their military training. This, indeed, is a boost for the country.

According to available information, “The

cent of Nigerians on social media support their demands and actions. It’s difficult to ascertain how Stephen Ochai arrived at that percentage, but about 92.3% of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector. No matter how the fight between government and organised labour ends, these workers often earn below the official minimum wage and lack formal employment contracts.

The official wage policies have limited impact on the informal sector, where earnings are often as precarious as in Iya Kudi’s icy business.

NLC and TUC should always consider that while their salaries will be paid, no matter how long they mount barricades, every hour the national grid is down puts in peril, the livelihood of the mekunu majority, most of whom aren’t on social media.

For the voiceless majority, staring into space like Iya Kudi, inflation has been the enemy. Galloping prices have been terrorising the populace and it’s inconceivable that increasing payment for a slim but organised minority can make inflation disappear.

The labour leadership has to review their strategy of seasonally demanding more pay and disregarding other economic variables, including the bottlenecks of extortion created by their members in their individual duty posts.

They should also dig deeper on ways to tackle government on the rising cost of existing in Nigeria. Nigeria’s minimum wage currently stands at N30,000. Despite periodic revisions, over the years—including those from the melodramatic days of Oshiomole—it hasn’t ever matched the rising living costs, nor decreased greed and extortion among the civil servants and other members of organised labour.

Empirical evidence over the years suggests that increasing the minimum wage merely increases unemployment and inflation rates. Because when wages rise, businesses pass on the cost to consumers, contributing to inflation.

One expects a grand battle against the rising cost of governance and reactions against episodes like deflating an ailing economy by buying insanely expensive toys for members of the house of assembly to gallop over our bad roads. One expects leadership in demanding transparency about how the huge constituency votes of NASS are utilised. One expects TUC, especially, to actively engage and sensitise communities to know the difference between a senator’s legitimate earning and what’s meant for social investment in their communities. Waking up from slumber to demand for pay rise is way below what the masses expect from Labour leaders.

NLC AND TUC SHOULD ALWAYS CONSIDER THAT WHILE THEIR SALARIES WILL BE PAID, NO MATTER HOW LONG THEY MOUNT BARRICADES, EVERY HOUR THE NATIONAL GRID IS DOWN PUTS IN PERIL, THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE MEKUNU MAJORITY, MOST OF WHOM AREN’T ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE VOICELESS MAJORITY, STARING INTO SPACE LIKE IYA KU

It’s baffling that Labour set up a political party years ago and has remained stunted all these years in terms of political relevance and has shown little or no sensitivity to national gaps that need to be bridged. They have remained a reactive rather than proactive organisation. It’s disappointing when one looks back to where organised labour is coming from. The impact of NLC before it became a Congress, when it was in fragments but led by men whose names we can never forget because of the leadership of courage and character they gave the masses at critical moments in our history.

Who can forget the altruistic era of men like Michael Athokhamien Omnibus Imoudu, popularly known as Pa Imoudu, a labour union leader and activist? His relentless advocacy for justice and independence left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s labour movement. Obaigbo is the author of The Wretched Billionaire.

A New Feather to NDA

Joshua Ocheja reckons that the NDA Secondary School is a good initiative

overarching goal of the postgraduate school is to raise capacity for research, knowledge, innovation and creativity.” I agree with this because, as an alumnus of the NDA. I could not have asked for a better deal in my quest for knowledge, which raised my capacity for critical thinking in research.

I was consequently excited when I learned of the establishment of the NDA Boarding Secondary School, scheduled to take off in September 2024 for students within the age bracket of 10 and 12. The school website stated that “the NDA viewed the provision of quality education as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the community. Thus, establishing a secondary school with boarding facilities will extend this CSR to children nationwide.”

I was still curious, and I made further inquiries from the relevant authorities, and here was what I got. “The school aims to groom students with lifelong skills by intentionally cultivating the national value system, the culture of patriotism, dedication, integrity, self-discipline, self-reliance, and loyalty to the nation. I was flabbergasted by the quality of the thought process that led to the establishment of the school. You can’t get anything less from such a reputable institution. I give a thumbs up to the Commandant of the NDA, Major General John Ochai and his lieutenants for this brilliant initiative. When fully functional, the school, by inculcating self-discipline, among others, will fill a critical gap in the lives of young Nigerians, especially in this era where teenagers

are susceptible to unhealthy pursuits and addictions. This era of social media makes our young ones vulnerable to distractions. What else could we ask for in an era of social, moral, and economic decadence?

Undoubtedly, the academic standard would be consistent with NDA’s trajectory of excellence. I can imagine a situation where students would grow in an environment suitable for learning while imbibing the culture of self-discipline and patriotism. It is a complete package and an opportunity for parents to grab with both hands.

This is indeed another one from the NDA. The NDA Boarding Secondary School is open to everyone (male and female), irrespective of the professional backgrounds of their parents. Upon graduation, students are at liberty to make their choices. They are not mandated to join the military. Whatever decision they make, the fact remains that they would have been well groomed for either the military or civil life. The good news is that I gathered that application forms are on sale until 26 June 2024 and can be obtained from the school website: https://ndabssafaka.com.ng/. The entrance examination will be held nationwide at designated examination centres.

The NDA Boarding Secondary School is a game changer. The school’s mission is to build a learning community to foster the best foundation for the younger generation and equip them with comprehensive education for excellence in life and career. I struggle to imagine the impact on the

lives of those who would be privileged to pass through the school. Parents’ joy is greater when they bequeath their children lifelong skills and respect for our national value system. These and many more are the overarching objectives of the NDA Boarding Secondary School.

The students would be known and addressed as the Valiants. They would have the opportunity to be inspired by the military institutional environment and various activities of Cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy. They will also acquire life-changing light military skills/training required for success in life and future careers, riding on a 60-year-old tradition of excellence.

As many parents would key into this novel initiative, posterity would be kind to them for contributing to nation-building. The phrase, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he won’t depart from it,” rings a bell. It reminds me that we can still get things right in our country if we are intentional about it. This is a commendable initiative as it would provide that medium for our youngsters to take ownership of the country. This is another one from the Nigerian Defence Academy, the premier military university of West Africa, which is the gateway to generalship and scholarship.

Ocheja, a military historian and doctoral researcher, is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy

In praise of Democracy...

Sallah: Beyond Ram Slaughtering

In Praise of President Buhari

Stop the ‘War Against

Witchcraft’

When President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.

The Islamic religion recognizes two festivals: Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. While Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, Eid-al-Adha is celebrated every 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and on the last day of the ten majestic nights that Allah swore by, scholars argue, in Qur’an 89 vs 2: “And (by) ten nights.” Popularly referred to as Sallah, it is otherwise called Ileya, time to go home, in the southern part of Nigeria.

Muslims have, however, pegged the festival on ram slaughtering while ignoring all the acts of worship stated above.

Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.

Known for slaughtering, Eid-al-Adha symbolizes the virtues of keeping one’s promise with Allah (or fellow humans). It originates from the historic event of Prophet Ibrahim trying to sacrifice his son, Isma’eel, in fulfilment of the promise he had had with his Lord. Consequently, he was ordered to replace Isma’eel with a ram. Sacrificing animal to Allah, subsequently, became a rite upon the followers of Prophet Muhammed (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The festival, like every other act of worship in Islam, has its modes of celebration and is full of lessons.

Muslims should note the following before sacrificing animals.

Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.

It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

First, that sacrificing animal is to be done with taqwa and good intentions but is not compulsory on one who does not have the means to do so. Hence, it is inappropriate for a Muslim to borrow money to sacrifice animal. More so, he should not buy sick or unbalanced animal for cost’s sake. A sacrificial animal must be physically fit and healthy. Also, a Muslim should not buy underage animals for sacrifice: Sheep and goats must be six months and one year or above, respectively; cattle must be at least two years; while camels must not be less than five years.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the police and government of Benue State to arrest Daudu (Jnr) and close down the Rain of the Spirit Ministry. This statement became necessary following a proposed witch-hunting event in Makurdi on Sunday. The event titled, War Against Witchcraft, takes place at the church premises, Rain City, along Achua Road after Baptist High School, Makurdi.

After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.

And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals.

Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.

Another contradiction of note is the using of sacrificial animals for fight. Some even bet over them! Not only does Islam frown at such act, any damage that happens to an animal during fights nullifies such animal for sacrifice.

Abdulkabir Muhammed is the Anchor of LASU Crescent Friday program at LASU Radio

Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.

First, Muslims should take cognizance of several other supererogatory acts of worship that precede ram slaughtering. As a matter of fact, slaughtering of animal is among the last acts performed by pilgrims in Mecca. For one who could not afford the means of pilgrimage, they are advised to engage in several acts of worship like, Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness), Qiraa’at (Quran recitation), Sadaqah (charity), Nawaafil (supererogatory prayers), fasting and Dhikr—chanting the words, “Allahu Akbar 3ce laa ilaaha illa-Allah, Allahu Akbar 2ce WaliLlahilHamd.” These acts are extraordinarily rewarded during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Regarding this, the Prophet had said: “No good deeds can be done at a time better than these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah…”

On his Facebook page, Daudu made it clear why state authorities should be concerned about the event. He stated: “WAR! That witch that is tormenting your life must die, that witchcraft power that have(sic) been fighting you shall be made powerless, YOU MUST BE FREE, join us this SUNDAY16/ June/2024@Raincity along Achua road after Baptist High School, Makurdi. Time: 3 pm, don’t miss it”. Benue State authorities should not allow this ‘war’ to hold for the following reasons. This event will be used to incite witchcraft fears, panic, and anxieties which would lead to a breach of peace and abuses in Benue communities. As Daudu stated on his Facebook page, the purpose of the program was to ensure that supposed witches died. And who are these supposed witches? Innocent men, women and children in the communities. The program will

Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.

Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

Fasting is highly recommended on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah as it expiates all the (minor) sins committed by a slave in the year preceding it and the year following it. A non-pilgrim should consistently chant, “la ilaaha illa-Allahu wahdahu laa sharika lahu, lahu al-mulk walahu-al-hamd, wahuwa ‘alla kulli shay’in qadeer.” On the ninth day, known as Yawmul Arafah, pilgrims maintain the Mount Arafah chanting dhikr, remembrance of Allah, while praying to Him. They do this until sunset. Slaughtering of animals follows the next day and continues three days after. It is sad that many

Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending. Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

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

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

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

Tin Benue

reinforce the belief and superstition that witches exist and torment people. Meanwhile witches do not exist. Witch torment is a product of fear and ignorance. Again, witchcraft power is not recognized under Nigerian law hence witchcraft imputation is a crime. So, the supposed ‘war against witchcraft’ will be an exercise in criminality. The Rain of the Spirit Ministry will be a crime scene on Sunday. As Dauda made clear in his post, the event will be used to sanction and sanctify allegations of witchcraft, the persecution and murder of alleged witches. And Benue should not allow this to happen! Benue State has been notorious for abuses linked to witchcraft accusations. Suspected witches are attacked, tortured, lynched or murdered in cold blood. These abuses have persisted because the laws against witchcraft accusation are not enforced. Witchcraft accusers and witch persecutors are not penalized. Witch hunters and warriors like Daudu are not brought to justice. Witch hunters engage in incitement of hatred and violence against alleged witches with impunity. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges Benue State authorities to take necessary measures to prevent this War Against Witchcraft and other abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks. Witch hunting must stop. Witch hunters must be stopped! Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

Using Technology to Misuse technology

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.

t looks like the jig is up for those that used mouse ‘jigglers’ while working, or pretending to work, at home. The jiggler devices keep the mouse moving randomly so that a screen stays on and it appears the user is still working. The US bank Wells Fargo, however has spoilt the fun by sacking workers who weren’t working.

Another way of keeping track of workers is by monitoring their swipe cards although this fails when others swipe for them but a foyer camera might stop that. Yes, Big Brother, or a little camera, is watching you and you are not paranoid, your boss is keeping track of you.

Of course, there is nothing to fear if you actually do your work, or so they tell you! Dennis Fitzgerald,Melbourne, Australia

Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

PROMOTING TOURISM…

L-R: Deputy General Manager, Glocient Hospitality, Mr. Dayo Olujekun;

Appeal Court Fixes June 20 to Hear Suit on Rivers Assembly Crisis

Orders parties to maintain status quo

Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has adjourned till June 20, this year to continue hearing on matters bothering on the legitimate leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court also ordered the parties involved in the House of Assembly crisis in the state to maintain the status quo, pending the determination of the court on the matter. The 3-man appeal panel made up of Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, Justice Hamma Akawu and Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, gave the order yesterday.

The Appeal Court gave the order, via zoom, in a suit registered in CA/PH/198/2024 filed by Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and 24 others (appellants) against Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and five others (defendants).

The appeal panel further advised the parties not to take any step that

would affect the merit of the matter before it and directed that notice of appeal be served on the defendants before the adjourned date.

Amaewhule and the 24 other lawmakers had approached the Appeal Court seeking to vacate the interlocutory injunction of a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt which

FG Directs NSCDC to Take Over Protection of Transmission Lines

in Abuja

The federal government has ordered the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to take over the protection of transmission lines and towers across the nation.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo, gave the order yesterday during the passingout parade of the second batch of mining marshals of NSCDC in Abuja, decrying that: “It is not acceptable for a country to spend billions on power infrastructure for it to be vandalised.”

The minister, while expressing deep concern over the constant vandalism of transmission lines, towers and transformers, described the repeated vandalism of critical national assets as economic sabotage which must be nipped in the bud.

Tunji-Ojo added that: “I will speak with my brother, the Minister of Power, about the rate of vandalism, the rate of destruction of our critical infrastructure in the sector and a lot of sabotage going on with our transmission lines, our generation points and all the rest has to be looked into.

"It is your job to make sure that no critical asset of government is destroyed and we are ready and I believe NSCDC is up to the task.

“The next time I come here, I want to see my Power Rangers, I mean people that will protect our distribution lines, people that will protect our Gencos and people that will protect every power sector. It's not reasonable, it's not acceptable for a country like Nigeria to spend billions of dollars on power infrastructure all for it to be vandalised. No country grows or develops without the power

sector, so NSCDC it is time for you to play your part.

“In terms of the power sector we will take this sector by sector. I have decided that the solution towards you accomplishing your mandate is sectorisation of your responsibility.”

Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the country would do everything it takes to win the war against illegal miners.

He said: “Today, I can tell you the revenue from the solid mineral sector is not where it used to be, it has improved. The security in terms of our mines has improved and of course Nigeria is a big country. Therefore, we need to train more, we need to deploy more personnel to make sure that all our mines and all critical assets of Nigeria are well protected.

Right Policies Will Guarantee Returns on Renewable Energy Investments, Say Experts

Ejiofor Alike

Global financial and power experts have called for specific policies for the development of renewable energy resources in Nigeria to guarantee returns on investments.

The experts made their position known at a panel discussion on ‘Driving Economic Transformation in Global Africa: The Role of Emerging AfriCaribbean Giants’, at the recent 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, Bahamas.

Speaking at the panel session, the General Manager of FranzEnergy Limited, Mr. Osi Okonkwo, insisted that some strategies should be put in place to enable renewable energy

to go much further down the power value chain.

“There is a need to delve into the actual production of solar panels, inverters and batteries, on the continent. There is so much more that can be done. But, to do this, when you talk about strategy, a few things need to be done,” he said.

Citing China which just launched a 5,000- Megawatt-capacity solar farm, he said that this capacity was about all of the power supply at the moment in Nigeria.

“So, when you think about the Chinese story, and trying to use that as a template, a few things we have to do.

“There is a need to lean into the

transition fuels, gas first, and foremost, then facility, use that as a transition fuel, for cleaner future,” he added.

According to him, there is also a need to depend more on the more consistent replenishable versions of renewables.

“So, we have to think of hydro dams, geothermal where it is applicable.

“Lean into that first and foremost, because the run-off-the-mill solar farms and wind are more inconsistent," he added.

Speaking on the issue of policies, Okonkwo said they should be fewer but clear, to allow for meritocracy to access resources, and funding, among others.

empowered Oko-Jumbo to keep on with the leadership of the state assembly.

Justice Charles Wali of the State High Court had also ordered Amaewhule and 24 others to stop parading as speaker and lawmakers in the legislative arm of the state.

The court also held that all the laws made by Amaewhule and others were in nullity until the determination of the matter.

Similarly, the hearing on the suit filed by civil society organisations challenging the eligibility of Martin Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the State House of Assembly faced another setback yesterday, at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

The trial judge, Justice Stephen Pam, adjourned the case to June 24

for hearing following the absence of the defendants in court.

The lawyer to the 27 lawmakers, Ferdinand Orbih (a Senior Advocate of Nigeria) had written to the court requesting more time to attend another case at the Appeal Court involving his clients same yesterday.

The CSOs among other prayers are asking the court for the judicial interpretation of the action of the lawmakers who were elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They want the court to determine if the lawmakers have not automatically lost their seats and cease to be lawmakers by their defection from the platform on which they were elected into office.

Group Rejects Inclusion of Ohaji in Proposed Orlu State

A socio-cultural organisation, Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum in Imo State has rejected the inclusion of Ohaji in the proposed Orlu State, citing cultural, social, and geographical differences with the Orlu people.

A bill for the creation of Orlu State is being considered by the National Assembly.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.Tajudeen Abbas, the Ohaji district of the Ohaji/Egbema LGA stated that their inclusion in the proposed state was a result of political conquest and selfishness, and not a decision made by the people.

The forum highlighted their proximity to Owerri, the capital of Imo State, and their historical and cultural ties to the capital city.

They also noted that their inclusion in Orlu State would lead to further marginalisation

and deprivation.

In the letter signed by various leaders of the forum which included High Chief Fidelis Enyia, Dr. Theodore Amunwa, Isinwa Destiny, and Nwosu Nicholas Tochi, the Ohaji people demanded to remain part of Imo State, where they say they rightfully belong. The statement read, “The above organisation being the apex social cultural body speaking for the good people of Ohaji district in conjunction with other major stakeholders wholly and entirely support and commend the bill for the creation of Orlu State.

“For so long the people of South-east have not left anyone in doubt that an additional State needed to be carved out for the geo-political zone. This move therefore will not only correct the imbalance but goes a long way to assuage, placate and give them a sense of belonging.

Adeniji Kazeem Unveils Book on Electronic Transaction

Nigerian Law of Electronic Transactions'.

In a statement by Adeniji Kazeem & Co., the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, chaired

the public presentation of the book at an event that was held in Lagos. Also, former Federal Commissioner of Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, was the Special Guest of Honour. The book authored by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), examined the predominance of electronic transactions in the 21st Century

and the need to understand the legal framework that governs it.

Kazeem, as noted in its preface, said: “In today's digital age, electronic transactions have revolutionized the way we conduct business and manage our financial lives.

“From online banking and mobile payments to cryptocurrencies and

blockchain technology, the landscape of electronic transactions is constantly evolving.

“As we navigate the digital economy landscape, it is essential to understand the legal framework that governs electronic transactions.”

The dignitaries who attended the event, described the book as a gateway

and guide to the world of electronic transactions, which according to him, would enable readers to navigate this complex and rapidly evolving field with confidence.

Kazeem also explained that the book “shows that the digital economy and the huge financial transactions it generates is made up of a complex but exciting web of laws and regulations that sometimes defy regular understanding.

“Any country including Nigeria wishing to prosper and benefit from the wealth of the global village must continue to

Former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, has launched a new book titled, 'The

Blessing

Michael Olugbode

Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Hon. Wale Ojo-Lanre; Director of Marketing/Sales, Glocient Hospitality, Mrs. Ada Matthews; and General Manager, Glocient Hospitality, Mr. Lanre Balogun, during a meeting at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre...recently

LCCI: Stable Political Environment Crucial for Business Success, Investment Inflow

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has declared that a stable political environment is very crucial for business success and attracting foreign investments, enjoining governments to go beyond the rhetoric and ensure Nigerians reap the dividends of democracy without any further delays.

It expressed these views in a statement titled, 'LCCI Statement on President Tinubu’s Democracy Day Speech on June 12, 2024', issued yesterday by the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona.

According to Almona, the “LCCI joins all Nigerians to celebrate the peaceful transitions and commitment to democratic values in the past 25 years.

“A stable political environment is very crucial for business success and attracting foreign investments. Beyond the rhetoric of speeches, the government needs to stay close to executing their proposed programmes and ongoing reforms to ensure Nigerians reap the dividends of democracy without any further delays.”

She added that “President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria, reflecting on the nation’s 25-year democratic journey and a roadmap for its future.

“His address, delivered on the historic June 12th, underscored the government’s dedication to democracy, economic development, security, and social cohesion.”

According to the chamber, Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech sets forth an ambitious and optimistic vision for Nigeria’s future with his “focus on economic diversification, security,

education, healthcare, infrastructure, and anti-corruption measures reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the nation’s challenges.

“As Nigeria reflects on the progress made and the path ahead, we urge the government to remain serious about implementing the required reforms towards a more sustainable economy.”

The chamber also urged the government to “ensure clear and consistent communication about economic reforms and policies to businesses and the public to reduce uncertainty, build confidence, and establish transparent mechanisms for tracking and reporting progress made through reforms.”

It also said that the government should “remain sensitive to the concerns and feedback from the organised private sector and engage in more consultations towards achieving better implementation of policies.”

The LCCI also tasked the government to “provide targeted support for businesses to reduce their cost burdens from energy, logistics, and regulatory compliance. We recommend non-cash interventions that can ease the harsh production environment.

“Expand social safety net programmes to support households affected by high living costs and inflation during this transition period and also increase funding for public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.

“Foster a collaborative environment between the government, businesses, civil society, and labor unions to ensure fair and timely negotiations on wages and working conditions and implement continuous dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent labor unrest.”

Otti Congratulates OkonjoIweala on Her 70th Birthday

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has congratulated the Director General of the World Trade Organisation(WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for attaining the landmark 70th birthday anniversary.

Otti, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, said he was delighted to know that Okonjo-Iweala has made much positive impact on humanity over the three scores and ten years of her life so far, describing her as a rare gift.

He said: "On behalf of my family, government and good people of Abia State, I wish to offer our congratulations to you on this auspicious day of the 70th anniversary of your birth.

"Today presents us with the muchdesired opportunity to appreciate you and thank you for the wonderful work and service you have rendered and continue to render for the overall development of our people, nation, and indeed, the world.

"The people of Abia State, in particular, are proud to celebrate with you, our own daughter in whom we are well-pleased, and boldly declare that you are a rare gift and pride to womanhood."

Otti further expressed his sincere gratitude to Nigeria's former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, for her "wise counsel and willingness to always be of help in the work that we are doing in Abia State."

Adekunle Gold Speaks on Sickle Cell Disease on Glo-Sponsored African Voices

Popular Afropop singer, Adekunle Almaruf Kosoko, known as Adekunle Gold, will this week speak about his advocacy on Sickle Cell Disease on Globacom-sponsored Cable News Network (CNN) magazine programme, African Voices Playmakers.

Reputed for his rich lyrics and unique rendition of songs, he tells CNN’s correspondent and anchor of the 30-minute show, Larry Madowo, how he has successfully braved the odds and risen to his musical pinnacle in spite of the challenges of the debilitating disease.

After battling the disease behind

EXPLORING CAPITAL MARKET INNOVATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVT...

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike (left) with the Director- General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, during a meeting to discuss initiatives to enhance domestic credit from the capital markets and economic development through innovative infrastructure financing held at SEC office, Abuja…recently

France,13 Nigerian Universities to Research into Plastic Waste Management

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

France has entered into a sponsorship agreement with 13 Nigerian universities to develop research centres and build micro plants in order to support plastic waste management in the country.

The benefitting institutions from the sponsorship agreement totalling the sum of €753,000 which is part of the French Embassy Fund (FEF)

Project 2024 include: Alex Ekwueme University, Bayero University Kano, Nile University, Covenant University, Babcock University, University of Jos (UNIJOS), Obafemi Awolowo

University (OAU), University of Ibadan, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Yaba College of Technology, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Delta.

This FEF project is an initiative of the French Government as part of the global dynamic to fight against plastic pollution. Funding under this programme is intended to support young Nigerian researchers from the partnered universities in order to develop innovative adaptive ideas for a healthier and safer environment, where plastic waste has less to no impact, especially in the educational environment.

Funded projects are expected to be fully implemented and sustainable by December 2025.

Speaking at the event which held at the French Embassy in Nigeria in Abuja, the Chargé d'Affaires of France to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean Francois Hasperue, said: “We are witnessing climate change effects, whether in the form of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity or severe droughts. Nigeria is a sad example of this, as it is one of the 10 countries in the world most sensitive to climate change. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a present reality, contrary to what the

climatoseptics would have us believe.” He added that, “These issues are global and we need to find global solutions together as air pollution does not stop at the border nor plastic pollution in the oceans. “The rise of youth activism is one of the most significant developments in the fight against climate change in my view. All along the events I have seen and met the young people and also the public committed to tackle these issues. We owe it to them to listen to their voices and to provide them with answers that are sometimes incomplete, but also to always leave room for discussion.”

8 Division Garrison Emerges Overall Winners in Nigerian Army Combat Competition

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

closed doors for his entire life, Adekunle Gold is using his superstar status to raise awareness and rally support for those also living with the disease. Madowo takes the singer through the emotional, yet revealing first long-form interview about living with the disease and how it has inspired his new life mission.

Born on January 28th, 1987, Adekunle is a Higher National Diploma graduate of Arts and Design of the Lagos State Polytechnic. He gained widespread acclaim after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade" which was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the 2015 Headies. “Sade” was a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life". The same year, he signed a record deal with YBNL Nation and released his debut studio album Gold, which clinched number 7 on the Billboard World Albums chart. His three singles: "Sade", "Orente" and "Pick Up" had preceded this. He released "Tequila Ever After", his fifth studio album in 2023.

The 8 Division Garrison of Nigerian Army, Sokoto, yesterday, emerged overall winners in the Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Noncommissioned Officers 2024 combat compétition.

The competition was held at Giginya Barracks 243 Battalion Barracks, Sokoto among three

formations under 8 Division Nigerian Army.

The four events of the competition included Map Reading, Weapon Heading, Combat Swimming and Obstacle Crossing which was the final event.

The results of the four-day keenly contested competition was announced by the Chief Umpire, Col.J U Ujong, who

declared 8 Division Garrison as overall winners .

He further stated that 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army came second while 1 Brigade came last.

The award prizes were given to Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers who performed exceptionally during the competition.

The prices were in two

categories, male and female category. Trophies were presented to winners in each event as well as in overall performance in the competition.

Speaking after the presentation of trophies, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj. Gen. Michael Godwin Mutkut, said the aim and objectives of the competition had been achieved.

NACCIMA Appoints Odufuye Vice Chairman, Digital Economy, Gaming, Sports Betting Trade Group

Agnes

Ekebuike

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has announced the appointment of Dele Odufuye as the Vice Chairman of the NACCIMA Digital Economy, Gaming, and Sports Betting Trade Group. His appointment was contained in a letter from the National President of NACCIMA, Dele Kelvin Oye.

The NACCIMA President expressed his confidence in Odufuye's ability to contribute to the operations of the trade group effectively, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Odufuye to this pivotal role. Given his outstanding achievements and leadership in the field of technology and entrepreneurship, we believe that he brings invaluable expertise and vision to our group.”

Odufuye is an award-winning IT Professional, Serial Entrepreneur & Investor. He is currently the Managing Director of Cavista Holdings, a globally expanding investment holding company with diverse investments across four continents, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, technology, and financial services. The company’s subsidiaries comprise Cavista Technologies (with operations in Nigeria, Botswana, the Philippines, India, and the United States), Agbeyewa Farms, Glocient Limited, and Payzeep. Odufuye also holds a leadership position at Axxess, the leading home healthcare technology company in the United States.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Balogun: Our Goal is to Make Ikogosi warm Springs r esort One-stop Tourist Destination in Africa

Managing Director of Glocient Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Lanre Balogun, in this interview provides insights into the dilapidated state of the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre in 2022 and steps undertaken in more than one year to revamp and expand the resort to a one-stop tourist destination in Africa. He stresses that private sector participation in such ventures remains the only lifeline, saying government has no business in business. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts:

What is Glocient all about?

Glocient Hospitality is the hospitality arm of Cavista Holdings Limited. Now, Cavista Holdings has interest in hospitality, fintech, technology and agriculture. So, for fintech, we have Payzeep. For the technology company, we have Cavista Technologies. For Agriculture, we have Agbayewa Farms.

Ikogosi has been a mixture of success and failure. Over the years we have seen so much promises as to what it can offer, hopes raised and dashed. What makes your hospitality management believe that it wouldn’t be the same?

Let me give you a little bit of background to how Glocient came into Ikogosi. First of all, government we all know, historically, has no business in business. At Glocient Hospitality, we have assembled, and I’m saying this with all humility, the best hospitality team in this country. Between me and my team, we have over 85 years experience. I worked for several years with the holding company of Radisson Blu, owners of the Raddisson Hotel, Ikeja, the Raddisson Blu, Ikeja, Park Inn by Radisson VI. I also worked for Avalon International. When you’re starting a business, it’s called conceptualisation. That is, the owner of the business has a vision of what a person wants, and what is achievable, and better ROI, return on investments, and you go to construction, opening, preopening, then you open the property.

So, Cavisa Holdings’ leadership, in their wisdom, wanted the best hands they could get in the country, with the best experience. When they got the concession of this place in 2022, to run a business like this, and they wanted a whole Nigerian team, they didn’t want any external body to come and say because Nigerians couldn’t do it, they had to bring people from abroad. So, I was the first to arrive. I pulled my colleagues in the same industry, put heads together, and we visited this place. To some people, it wasn’t doable. But when we came here, you must have the passion, zeal and most importantly, you must have the understanding of the business. That is the most important. And our approach in making this place a success is what we call SLAM, which is ‘Sell, Leadership, Alignment of Strategy and Management of Cost.’ Management of cost in Cavisa Holdings strategy is the most important, because you have to manage cost. So, everything you are seeing here was done by ourselves, no contractors involved. The rooms you stayed were done local. We got the local furniture people, the local artisans, the tilers, and the plumbers. But with experience, these are people that did other international brands that you see in Lagos.

What about the room designs?

We did everything ourselves when we came here. I can boldly tell you that. It wasn’t properly aligned. The alignment in the rooms where you have the media wall, the TV wall, that was not where it was before. There was a window in that place. But, you know, from the hospitality experience, you must sleep. And your bed, your media wall must align directly to how you are sleeping. So, all that we had to bring in our experience to design that. Experience and know-how was what brought us here and within eight months, we were able to complete 60 rooms. This place was completely dead when we came in. You couldn’t stay here for one hour. This place you are is where bats converged. There was no roof. The roof was falling off. It was dark. We couldn’t even enter. And even the leadership of the state, when they got in here, they were shocked. They were shocked about what they saw but we have been able to turn it around within the shortest time. And the resources we put in here, from what you are seeing, it’s bigger than what we actually spent because of our experience and how we’re able to run and manage the projects. So, principally it’s the knowledge and the zeal and passion for this business. Now we have brought it back. It’s now known all over the world. We have guests coming in from all over the world to visit Ikogosi. Even when we go to markets to tell people about Ikogosi, people tell us Ikgosi cannot be this. We had that challenge when we go to Abuja and other places because they don’t believe that Nigerians can transform businesses.

This is not the first time Ikogosi is being renovated only for it to be run-down. What is Glocient going to do to make it different this time around?

Glocient is the first that would transform Ikogosi to this standard. The last people that did it didn’t invest anything and

Balogun

they didn’t have the knowledge. With due respect to them. That’s why I said government has no business in business. When we took it over, there was still somebody running the place and they had an agreement with the state. But we didn’t meet anything in place. So, if they were running it, it would have been different. What we came in with is knowledge. Like I said, I was with a group for 22 years running international hospitality businesses. We designed, like I said, from conceptualisation to opening. My Director of Sales and Marketing has the same experience. One of the finest tour organisers in this country; my Deputy General Manager, Mr. Dayo Olujekun, ran one of the best tourist organising companies in Nigeria; and Mr. Francis Obosi is known all over the country as the best man when it comes to running hospitality business. So, we come with experience and knowledge of how a hospitality business should be run.

Don’t you think a change in government may affect all you have done here?

Before signing the concession, we dotted the ‘I’s and crossed the ‘T’s. So a change of government doesn’t affect our business. We have a proper agreement in place and we will ensure the proper execution of our agreement.

What are the facilities put in place that were not here before?

First things first, the standard of the room we have here was not what they ever had. The class of rooms we have here, we reclassified the rooms. The state of the spring experience you have is not what it is. We upgraded the spring experience. When you go to the spring, the state of that place was not habitable. We upgraded it to a world class position. We are still continuing with the upgrade but at the stage we are presently, it can compete with any tourist attraction anywhere in the world.

The dining experience, we use QR code here now, which is obtainable worldwide. It was never in existence here. The security architecture we met on the ground was almost zero. For our business, if you have one security breach, it kills our business. Majority of our clients are from outside Ekiti. They come from Lagos, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and others. Now, everybody is very security-conscious and they want to know the security arrangements we have before coming to Ikogosi. Rest assured that the security is top-notch. We have experienced hands, people that have managed security of major VIPs in this country, we’ve brought them down here to look after our security architecture. On the infrastructure, we’ve categorised the property into three camps. There’s camp A, on the other side where we have 32 rooms, here because it’s called Camp B, we have 43 rooms. And Camp C, which is called the Villa, has 15 rooms and a Presidential Villa.

We’ve invested a lot in upgrading the landscape. The landscape you see here is not what we used to think. So we made it habitable. We’re having a fish pond here. If you go outside here, you see that those things, those grasses you see there were not there. We actually planted those grasses, cleared the bushes and we’re creating what we call a forest park where people come, they can meditate.

We’ve lined the stream with hard core rocks to provide a befitting outline to the stream.

We have park benches, pool and people come there to

meditate and relax. You know we are tired of the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. You want a serene environment, a peaceful environment to sit.

Arrangements like this, are being made all over the resort for families, for media and others that need quiet time to refresh. A boardwalk is being created from the reception because we are building a new reception here. Construction work is not concluded yet. In fact, this restaurant you’re seeing, by the time you come in December, it will be totally transformed. We needed a decent place for people to dine and eat. Those that have been here before were blown away by what we have on ground.

From our leadership standard, our chairman will tell us, you are not even 10 per cent of where I want you to be. So, imagine an investor telling you, yes, you are happy but this is just 10 per cent into our destination. Conceptualise that and imagine where we are going.

What is the lifespan of the contract for new Ikogosi? There is an NDA, non-disclosure agreement. We can’t discuss that.

Can you tell us, in terms of your investment so far, what is the value of the investment you have made? It’s a foreign direct investment. So far, we have expended in excess of a million dollars, and we are going to invest more than $5 million.

What is the tenure in terms of upgrading this place? We don’t have the tenure. We just want to continue to improve the resort and complete the Camp A and we want to have a helipad here. We want to have a sports centre. We will continue to invest and we hope to make it a resort that the world wants to visit.

Can these projects be competed in the next 10 years? In the next 10 years, our goal is to have completed all the rooms here. Our goal is to have a golf course, make Ikogosi number one holiday resort in Africa. And our goal is to completely transform the economy of Ekiti State. Now, our leadership vision, when they ask him (our chairman), why are you investing in Ekiti? The first is jobs. Second is more jobs and the third is more jobs. That is the vision of the principal, Mr. John Olajide.

How many other rooms have been upgraded to this vision in Ikogosi?

In total, we have 92 rooms. We’ve completely upgraded and revamped 60 of them. But our goal is to have 120 rooms. So, we have 60 saleable rooms now.

You mentioned the warm spring experience. Is that the key selling point for Ikogosi?

The key selling point for Ikogosi. When you come to the spring, Ikogosi has the only warm and cold springs in the world. They both flow side by side and they maintain their thermal properties. For you to experience this, we tell our tourists, take off your shoes and use your bare feet. We have this warm spring coming this way and we have the cold spring coming the other way. All in the same area. So, they meet at a point. We encourage you to take off your shoes. You walk from the warm spring and you go to the cold. The cold is like water coming from a dispenser. You experience it. By the way, the water you use in your room also comes directly from the spring. The swimming pool is also a thermal pool. The water comes directly from the spring. Now I would like to add that we recognise that this is a very special place and so we must respect and uphold the culture as much as possible. Before we did anything, we had to see the custodians of this town to tell them, this is what we want to do. Eighty per cent of our staff are from the community. They tell you, we are grateful you transformed our economy but the way it is, is the way it has been since our forefathers got here. Do not touch what you have there. You can make it clean but the way it has been, keep it that way. But if you want to experience it, you can walk and feel it. Also, take the water because the history we have here is that people that are looking for children, when they take the warm path of the spring, they believe that it makes them to be fertile.

From what we see, we had women that come to say ‘thank you’ to the spring. That’s what they believe and it works. So people don’t take any water if it’s not the spring water. That is why we have channelled water to the town. So this water in town, it’s directly from the spring. But you can experience it, feel it, up to how deep you want to go.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Has Rema Parted Ways with Mavin, Jonzing?

Stories by Ferdinand ekechukwu

For a couple of weeks now, the nigerian music scene has been awash with news of Rema’s alleged exit from his label, Mavin Records and its affiliate, Jonzing World.

The music star was said to have parted ways with the labels following successful negotiations to buy out his contract.

Considering the situation between Rema, Mavin/Jonzing, it is still fresh that world’s leading music company, universal Music Group in February 2024 announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Mavin Global, comprising Mavin Records, founded by Don Jazzy.

However, the deal remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be finalised by the end of third quarter of 2024. “

It is a landmark deal that comes with plenty of guaranteed upside for Mavin, but not without the danger of a possible loss of its identity”, a report stated.

The report further stated that while uMG lists the full repertoire of Mavin’s roster as assets, it only goes into detail, highlighting Rema and Ayra Starr’s feats in the last few

years. Right, Rema’s success is acclaimed, arguably Mavin’s biggest artiste at the moment, followed by Starr.

So, many suspect the recent deal with uMG is not unconnected to the reason for Rema’s rumored departure from Mavin and Jozing and move to pave the way for a newfound status as an independent artist and identity. But at what cost will this be for Rema? And for Don Jazzy?

In January 2024, music executive D’Prince, clarified Rema’s contract with Jonzing World, his label, and Mavin Records, owned by Don Jazzy. A signee of Mavin Records, D’Prince in an interview disclosed Rema’s contract involves a collaborative arrangement.

“He is signed to Mavin, he is also signed to Jonzing World basically like Jonzing World is my label, Mavin Records is my label as well because that is where I came from basically,” he said of Rema who was signed in 2019.

“There should not be any confusion. He was unveiled as a Mavin Records and a Jonzing World artiste and that is what it is. Jonzing World also doubles as his management company.”

It is expected of the parties involved –Mavin Records boss, Don Jazyy, his brother

and Jonzing World honcho, D’Prince, and the talented Rema to have issued statements to put the records straight to clarify recent developments as standard practice requires.

The absence of official statements has given room to some reports, one quoting Don Jazzy, to have said he invested a huge sum of money in Rema, but once the 24yr-old singer started making money he decided to terminate his contract, saying he was not fairly treated.

The ‘Calm Down’ crooner had also in April, two months after the Mavin/uMG deal, gone on rampage, ranting on a couple of issues, in addition accusing Don Jazzy’s Mavin of fake PR. Mavin had in a tweet announced that Rema, born Divine Ikubor, was working on a new music.

Rema had retweeted the post while surprised that his record label claimed he’s working on a new project. “SMH, tf is this? He quizzed, “SMH, tf is this?” Before he tweeted, “Labels get creative, stop trying to clone me. No new music. Sorry. I’m too big for fake PR bye!”

Rather than leave music industry observers guessing, indications to Rema’s exit pretty much emerged after the singer had taken steps to remove all Mavin Records and Jonzing World related information from his Instagram profile.

Tems Turn-up Her First World Tour ‘Born in the Wild’

nigerian singer and songwriter Tems recently captivated audience at Hammer-

smith’s eventim Apollo, coinciding with her birthday as she lit up the stage, kicking off a six-month world tour that winds up in Australia in November.

With an electrifying live performance, delivering non-stop previously released hit singles and new tracks from her debut studio album, “Born in the Wild” launched on June 7, Tems turned

up for the show of her first world tour wearing a Ferrari-red, glittering custom SRVC dress.

A report stated that the set list kicked off with “Gangsta,” the eighth track on the new album, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

The energy soared as she seamlessly transitioned into the upbeat “Wickedest” and then “Turn Me Up.”

“It’s near-impossible not to dance to Tems, particularly when she demonstrates precisely how it’s done: grooving across the stage, grinding into the air, and rolling her body to the sound of scream-

ing fans” the report affirmed. Later, with the declaration “Let’s keep the crazy phase going!” the crowd roared in anticipation as she performed throwback tracks “Crazy Tings” and “Replay”. Tems maintained the momentum with new song “T-Unit”, before a rendition of “Wait For You,” a Drake feature.

To wrap up the show, she performed the hit tracks, “Love Me Jeje,” “Essence” and “Me & You.” The “Born in The Wild” tour continues its journey to Paris, France, today June 15th. Then to north America in August before rounding up in November.

NgLabelle: My Desire is to Contribute to Nollywood’s Growth, Expansion

A relatable Nigerian story, Voltage, scheduled to premiere in cinemas nationwide on July 5, 2024, has stirred anticipation among Nollywood buffs following the buzz around the movie. Directed by Fred Amata, the movie delves into a prevalent concern with a satirical lens, exploring its impact on individuals, families, and the national economy. The producer, Ngozi Ogbonna NgLabelle speaks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu on the upcoming movie, her debut cinema production, promising a blockbuster, and more. Excerpt

Whatinspiredyourlatest movie?

Well, I just was inspired by the fact that I want to contribute to the growth of nollywood and filmmaking in general. I have always been there from my teenage age. So, I have always aspired to impact and to contribute. So that has always been my inspiration. And the opportunity came and I grabbed it.

Canyoulistsomecastofthemovie?

Voltage has an impressive cast line up including Segun Arinze, Kate Hensaw, Olumide Oworu, Linda Osifo, Kelvin Ikeduba, White Money, Keppy ekpeyong, Jude Chukwuka, Rotimi Adelegan, Ricardo Agbor, Aaron Sunday, Sunny McDon and a host of others.

Whatshouldbeexpectedfromthemovie?

Voltage, my ongoing movie project is simply a nigerian story of what happens in nigeria; how nigerians weather the hardship and all the challenges they go through because of how deteriorated the economy has become. So, just expect entertainment, expect to be educated, and to be informed on one or two issues that bother the Nigerian society through the movie. It’s a power packed movie that I believe is going to be a blockbuster. The buzz is everywhere right

aboutyourself?

I’m not a young actress in the industry o! No way… I have been here since I was 16. I have done a lot. You cannot talk about any Nollywood movie without one way or the other recounting having me around. I don’t think that is possible; ‘Na we be the old school na’ (laughs). So, I’m not young, probably you should say young in cinema filmmaking, well practically young. But intellectually and overtime, I have been there. I have learnt, I have studied, I have understudied and I have served. So, I’m not young in the industry.

Howmanymovieshaveyouproducedsofar?

under my big ‘ogas’, the veterans of the industry that I have worked with, I have produced couple of movies. With Zeb Ejiro when I was working with him as production coordinator, and others. This is my first when it comes to my own production; this is my debut, Voltage.

What is the secret of your success in the industry?

Humility is the secret of the success; constant, consistency, humility, and focus. That’s just the secret. And above all, God and the Grace He has bestowed upon me.

Ifyouhavetheopportunitytochangeanything nowaboutyourselfintheindustry,whatwill it be?

I would have loved to somehow consistently

act in a lot of movies I had opportunity to act because I was behind the scene, have always been behind the scene. Sometimes I cast for movies, sometimes I write scripts, sometimes I co-produce, I coordinate. So, I didn’t want to act. And then the people that met me, some I even casted, some I even auditioned are now big faces that people respect them, people want to see them. They are making so much money. So, if I have anything I would like to change about myself in the industry I would have acted. Instead of remaining behind the scene, I would have put my face out there in the television which I did a little a couple of times. But I would have consistently focused on acting.

Whatisyournextplanafterthismovie? I have a lot of plans; I have a lot of movie projects lined up. Immediately after this I’m embarking on the next one.

Whatisyourgreatestdesireintheindustry? My greatest desire is to gain grounds, make name and impact you know. Bring a change that I desire. We have a lot of issues in the industry; we have a lot of challenges, we have a lot of things going on especially during production that I would love to, if I have the opportunity, change. Then I would like to impact in the lives of people who are looking up to me, who are coming behind. That is my desire; to contribute massively to the growth and expansion of Nollywood, yes.

NgLabelle

Tems

rema

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Yemi AlAde:

Part of My Biggest Achievement Are Lives My Music Give Joy

Yemi Alade is a dynamic Nigerian singer and songwriter. Her music fuses Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop, and R&B, influencing numerous countries across Africa and beyond. Her works showcase her linguistic versatility as she is known to sing in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, and a few other languages making her a true panAfrican icon. She told Tosin Clegg about her new album, her collaborations, milestones and more

You’ve achieved so much in your career. What are some of the milestones that stand outtoyouthemost?

I would say being able to take care of my family after I lost my dad is the biggest milestone in my career. It’s my biggest achievement and also the lives my music has brought joy to is my second biggest achievement. These two things are invaluable and priceless.

Canyousharetheinspirationbehindyour soon to be released album, Rebel Queen?

African pop music was a blend of powerful messages that helped us through different situations in life while growing up. This album reflects the state of what my playlist consists of right now that’s for example the new and old pop music that cuts across generations and boundaries. There is a lot of sounds and discussions about what African music such as AFROBeATS or Afropop should sound like and sounds like. So for me, I wanted to strip everything down and go back to the core and essence of african feel good music which is a reflection of our different sounds across the continent including genres such as reggae, rhythm and blues as well as rock and roll due to their heavy influence on Africans globally. I am a true rebel in words and in action. So many albums tend to have monotony in genre and style and it bores me easily most times. But this album has something new, old and borrowed. I want to emphasise to you that every song is unique and a capsule of my thoughts and melodies with a truck load of nostalgia.

Tell us about the tracks list?

The album explores themes of feminin- ity, style, dance, motivation, liberation, and consciousness. each track delves into these concepts, celebrating the strength and beauty of femininity, the expression of individuality through style, the joy of dance, the power of Yemi Alade

motivation, the journey towards liberation, and the awakening of consciousness. It’s a 16 track album that takes you through sounds of Africa on different tempos and rhythms with features from a few of your favorite artistes from different parts of the world.

What was the idea behind your new song, ‘Tomorrow’ off your album?

‘Tomorrow’ is a special song to me. It is a dance and conscious oriented song that reminds us of endless possibilities and a second chance that ‘tomorrow’ gives every one of us. It was borne from bare melodies that manifested into words that everyone can relate to. I am glad that the song gained massive acceptance since its release and the whole world is dancing to it.

You’ve collaborated with many artists across different genres. Which collaboration was the most memorable for you?

I only collaborate with musicians that I’m a fan of. It always feels like a literal “dream come true” for me. every single collaboration I have had is memorable especially my collaborations with female artists from around the world. My songs also are a reflection of who I am and my personal life experience influences my songs 90 per cent of the time. I honestly have just continued to make music with the constant element being Yemi Alade.

You’ve performed all over the world. What’s been your favorite place to perform and how do you prepare for a big performance?

Performing in Puerto Rico was outstanding! The energy was right! The vibe was high! Preparing for any performance takes weeks

Savage Xtra Releases New Album

uche Barry, known in the music scene as Savage Xtra epitomises resilience, passion, and originality.

His new album, “Young, Blessed and Dangerous,” showcases his evolution as an artist and is set to make a significant impact in the nigerian music industry and beyond. Last weekend, he celebrated the launch of his second studio album with a spectacular event at the prestigious Hard Rock Cafe.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with good music, party vibes, and a palpable sense of

celebration for a journey that is proving to be truly deserving. Friends, fans, and industry insiders gathered to witness this milestone, highlighting Savage Xtra’s growing influence and the anticipation surrounding his latest work.

While expressing himself on this milestone he stated that, “I just want to be the artist that anybody can call and reach out to. I want to be that artiste who is accessible with his craft. I don’t want to be, you know, moving sideways with my crafts in the industry. I want a situation where anyone can call me and say Savage Xtra, I need a verse. I don’t

have to be as big as other people. I need people that will look at me and understand that this is greatness speaking.”

The event featured live performances, exclusive previews of tracks from the new album, and heartfelt speeches reflecting on Savage Xtra’s journey from humble beginnings in Oyibo, Rivers State, to becoming a rising star in the music industry. His blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and Amapiano, infused with personal experiences and emotions, resonated deeply with the audience, solidifying his reputation as an artist with a unique sound and a powerful story.

of musical rehearsals, then dance rehearsals before we do the final rehearsals that combines both dance and music. And what makes it so impactful is that we rehearse as if we are already on stage. Ahead of all of these when it comes to putting together songs I always believe there will always be time for the things that are most important and writing music is something I always do with ease on the road as I make voice notes very frequently and later create the production.

How have you managed to reinvent yourself and your music over time?

The reality of the matter is that the music industry has always been tough. even before I showed any interest in music, it was tough and will continue to be tough. But you know what they say about tough situations, only the strongest will survive. I am myself. I am true, African and incredibly authentic. There is no one like me. I’m unique! A rare gem! Trail blazer and an African rebel making her way in this diverse word of monotony.

How do you envision your career evolving over the next five years and what has made you remain relevant so far?

I will try to explain it in words. I love music. It is the one thing that I’m incredibly gifted at. I am deeply rooted and connected to music. For me, it’s therapy, life and it has chosen me as a messenger. That’s how I can explain it. For the next five years, I would say I’m always happy to see what God has in store for me as he is the center and head of my world. For me every day is a beautiful surprise and I let it come at its pace.

Stakeholders Mark World Food Safety Week

As part of efforts to mark the World Food Safety Week, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the London Professional Training Centre, recently hosted the International Food Safety Workshop with the theme, “Prepare for the unexpected.”

The workshop aimed at addressing critical issues in food safety and preparation, brought together over 100 physical attendees and more than 500 virtual participants from various states across nigeria. The primary objective of the workshop was to raise awareness about the paramount importance of food safety

and to equip food handlers with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage unexpected challenges in the food industry. emphasising best practices, emerging trends, and innovative solutions, the event served as a robust platform for experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions and share valuable insights.

The workshop commenced with a market sensitisation ceremony in Lagos State held recently, followed by school sensitisation programs in two different schools, targeting both junior and senior secondary students.

The preliminary activities were designed to spread awareness and instill the fundamentals of food safety among diverse demographics.

Throughout the workshop, participants

experienced a variety of engaging sessions, including interactive panel discussions, expert presentations, and case studies. Hands-on demonstrations further enriched the learning experience, allowing attendees to directly apply the concepts discussed. These sessions facilitated a deeper understanding of food safety practices and protocols, promoting a culture of safety and preparedness within the food industry.

Different speakers delivered keynote addresses, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Lagos, nigeria and international organisations committed to promoting food safety and public health. Their insights underscored the global and local importance of food safety measures, particularly in the context of public health.

Savage

Minimum Wage: Labour Demand and Nigeria’s Economic Realities

Oluchi Chibuzor urges the organised labour to consider Nigeria’s economic realities in its negotiation for a new national minimum wage

The organised labour, the federal government and members of the organised private sector have been engaged in an intense negotiation for a new minimum wage for the country.

In accordance with the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 that established the legal framework for periodic reviews of the minimum wage every five years, the organised labour is presently pushing for a comprehensive reassessment and adjustment of the national minimum wage.

At the last sitting of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage in Abuja, both the government side and representatives of the private sector made a final offer of N62,000 while organised labour represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) came down from their initial demand of N615,000 to N250,000.

The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage led by Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, has since submitted its report to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who in turn has submitted it to President Bola Tinubu to act on.

In 2019, the minimum wage was raised to N30,000, a significant increase from the previous N18,000 established in 2011.

On January 30, 2024, Tinubu appointed a 37-member committee for a new national minimum wage for Nigeria. The committee includes members from the federal and state governments, private sector and the organised labour. Representing various geographical regions, the panel includes Governors such as Umar Bago (Niger); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Dikko Radda (Katsina); Charles Soludo (Anambra); Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Otu Bassey (Cross River), tasked with deliberating and proposing a revised national minimum wage. However, the manner in which the NLC and TUC is going about the matter makes it look like they are having a trade dispute with the federal government. Labour is not considering the ability of other parties in the negotiation, which includes the states and the private sector to pay the amount it is demanding. While the state governors, despite receiving higher allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), since Tinubu assumed office, have stressed that N60,000 minimum wage is not sustainable and would be difficult for them to pay, some members of the organised private sector (OPS) have also expressed concern over their inability to pay. Even the OPS members that are able to pay are confronted with challenges such as numerous taxes and levies, high inflation, foreign exchange scarcity, among others, which raising the minimum wage further could hurt their operations and could force them to sack their workers.

Also, the Association of Local Government of

Nigeria (ALGON) has raised concerns over the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, saying if approved, its members may not be able to pay.

ALGON National President, Aminu MuazuMaifata, said it would be difficult for LGAs’ administrations to pay the N62,000 proposed minimum wage. According to him, some of the 774 LGAs in the country are still struggling to pay the N30,000 minimum wage approved in 2019.

“With the present allocation from FAAC, no local government council anywhere in Nigeria can be able to pay N62,000,” the ALGON president said.

He added, “Presently, 90 per cent of our inflow from the Federation Account goes into salaries and pensions. Without an upward review of the percentage of allocation to local government councils, it will be extremely difficult or even impossible for them to pay N62,000 minimum wage.

“The 774 local government councils received slightly above 18 per cent of the total FAAC of the federation, while the federal government received above 52 percent.

“Some councils could not even afford the N30,000 and are still working on the N18,000. Whatever is coming from FAAC presently, 90 percent goes into salaries and pensions.

“This tells us that without adjustment and an upward review of the percentage of the allocation coming to local councils, it will be extremely difficult or impossible for local government councils to pay N62,000.”

Chairman of Lafia Local Government, Nasarawa State, said if the proposed minimum wage law is approved, local governments would have to turn to governors and the federal government for financial augmentation.

According to him, councils perform multiple functions beyond salary payments and these obligations should be considered when determining an affordable and sustainable minimum wage.

Indeed, a national minimum wage affects states, local governments and private sector employers, especially small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The first consideration in wage negotiation is affordability and ability to pay.

Over the past few years, the country’s economic growth trajectory has been marked by fluctuations and challenges, as reflected in the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates.

That was why the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the need for a realistic and sustainable wage system that balances workers’ needs with the country’s economic realities.

While Idris acknowledged the government’s commitment to reviewing the minimum wage, he cautioned against demands that could harm the economy.

“As I have repeatedly said, the federal

government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardise the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.

“We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of an increase in wages.

“It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians. And this is where programmes like the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative comes in.

“By replacing or complementing petrol usage with CNG, that programme alone will cut transportation costs by as much as 50 per cent,” Idris added.

The federal government’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies and implement a managed exchange rate float, which, while aiming to achieve stability and resilience, inadvertently led to a cost-of-living crisis underpinned by a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services, resulted in a decrease in the purchasing power and increased poverty levels.

Significantly, headline inflation surged from 22.4 per cent in May 2023 to 28.9 per cent in December 2023. During this period, the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly know as petrol, increased from about N198/litre to N626/litre between May and December 2023. Additionally, there was a notable devaluation of the naira against the USD, moving from N461:US$1 to N1,493:US$1. These adverse effects prompted mid-year budget amendments by the state governments.

Removing subsidies and the Naira’s managed float led to an increase in nominal FAAC revenues, coinciding with a surge in headline inflation. The real value of FAAC net deductions increased marginally, rising from N1.39 trillion in the first half of the year to N1.52 trillion in the second half of 2023. This indicates that the additional revenues, in real terms, have shrunk with the increase in monthly inflation that followed both policies.

Moreover, the subsidy removal and exchange rate float only led to the states earning an additional nominal revenue of N231.7 billion from FAAC in the second half of 2023, compared to the first half. This excludes foregone revenue through a debt swap agreement with the federal government and monthly savings directed to the infrastructure

In 2019, most state’s faced constrained fiscal space, preventing the implementation of the current minimum wage.

The real value of additional revenues has shrunk due to the surge in inflation, restricting the response options for state’s to the current socio-economic crisis and emphasising the

delicate balance the states must maintain. It is crucial to recognize state governments’ limitations in addressing today’s socio-economic situation. While the state governments can influence fiscal policy, it requires complementarity of fiscal and monetary policies at the federal level to achieve the much-desired results. Any wage increase approach should align minimum wage adjustments with economic realities at the subnational level, prioritising the fiscal sustainability of the states.

That is why some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) recently argued that states should be allowed to independently fix minimum wage for workers in their respective states.

Reverend John Baiyesea (SAN) argued that rich states like Lagos, Kano, Rivers, should not be expected to pay workers the same amount as Kwara, Ekiti, Niger, and Zamfara states, which are considered not to be rich.

“Therefore, negotiations ought to be from state to state based on capacities and capabilities of each state,” he said.

According to him, the National Assembly passed a National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which fixed the minimum wage at N30,000, but up to 10 states have not been able to pay the N30,000.

Similarly, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) also argued that states should negotiate their own minimum wage.

“It stands to reason and logic that since the states are not equally endowed in terms of resources and wherewithal, no one state should be compelled to pay the same minimum wage with another or the federal government. It has to be understood that this is one of the touchstones that fundamentally define and render what we practice to be at best a pseudo federal system,” he said.

According to him, “if there is any area that the Constitution has to be promptly tinkered with, this national minimum wage with its attendant debacle is a veritable one,” he added.

For Mallam Ahmed Raji (SAN), the federating units should negotiate their minimum wage because of the differences in their financial capacities.

According to him, the federal government should not negotiate for the states, adding that “in a federal system with a lot of distinct peculiarities in the states, it appears a bit odd.”

“The states are not equally endowed. A federal system promotes healthy competition among the states. Minimum wage is one area of competition,” he added.

Therefore, the organised labour must ensure that it considers Nigeria’s present economic realities in its negotiation so as not to force the government to agree to a minimum wage that would not be sustainable and lead to job cuts.

Tinubu 2

Osifo

Ajaero

Audit is Trustworthy

The last four decades in the accounting and auditing profession has been serried with fnancial crisis precipitated by corporate failures, such as the Savings and Loans industry debacle, Carrian Group, Texaco (1980-1989), Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), Barings Bank, Long-Term Capital Management (1990-1999), Enron, Adelphia Communications, WorldCom, Parmalat, Bear Stearns, Northern Rock, Lehman Brothers, AIG, Nortel (2000-2009), China Medical Technologies, Banco Espírito Santo, Theranos, Wirecard, FTX, Silicon Valley Bank, Signa Holdings (20102023), to mention just the signifcant few.

The formative years of a generation or two of adults living today were filled with bad news about the financial crisis. And because of how the news is reported unexamined, auditing is unfairly blamed for the corporate failures, foisting on the profession the invidious reputation that audit is not trustworthy. It is a huge formative misinformation.

This generation has been instilled with ideas of accounting and audit suffused with vocabularies of infamy and negativity, instead of righteous vocabularies that solemnly describe the sanctity of accounting and auditing. They never saw an accountant or auditor on the front page of a major newspaper or magazine for having “conferred the greatest benefit on mankind” per Alfred Nobel’s criterion and therefore being awarded the Nobel prize.

One of the painful consequences is the drying and leaking of the pipeline of accounting. Young brilliant minds tend to choose career in professions that are lined with inspiring noble vocabularies and prizes because as noted by Brooks (2015), “tales of the excellent can lift the ambition of the living.”

The young ones are not hearing any tales of the excellent minds that drive the accounting profession and our civilisation, they only hear of the few villains who deviate from the hallowed accounting promise of trust.

The angst of financial crisis is always salient and palpable. Society needed answers. What happened, what failed, who failed, etc? And what to do to prevent recurrence. There were no definitive answers; meanwhile the financial crisis only became recursive in those decades. The markets and society needed a crutch and a scapegoat to heap the blame on and salve the pains of financial crisis. Reacting with the typical impetuous investor heuristics in the sea of misinformation, they called everything happening in the crisis audit failure. Because of the cognitive salience of the pain of financial loss it was easy to uncritically accept that auditors were responsible for all the failures.

The unexamined invidious blame stuck, even though it was based on misinformation. Once etched into the doxastic state of society it became difficult to change, with the result that now audit is struggling to restore trust in the trust that it produces for society. An invidious verdict of untrustworthiness has been foisted on the profession.

Given this indurate invidious belief that audit is untrustworthy, which by now has become a classic case of belief perseverance, we need a confident mantra that is thematically exciting, fascinating, persuasive, receptible, a potent “counterspeech” (Siebert & Siebert, 2023) to respond to the enduring

misinformation that unexamined audit failures indicate that audit is no longer trustworthy. We need to enlighten society with the truth that it needs to extinguish the incorrect belief in unexamined audit failure narratives. We need a mantra that is ideated, couched and nuanced to have palpable substantivity – persistence of impact on the hearers – even in the absence of auditors; it should well up in their minds whenever questions are raised about the reliability of audit.

The late eminent psychologist and Economics Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman (2011), explained that: “A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”

Therefore, if frequency matters for familiarity and truth, a solemn resonant mantra is needed to counter the audit failure misinformation and inculcate investors, the markets, and the society with the inspiring sentiment of audit trustworthiness.

Having contemplated this for decades (I wrote my first advocacy article for accounting in 1982) and tried a couple of advocacy things, and bearing in mind the attributes of an inspiring mantra mentioned above, I have finally arrived at this coruscating pithy mantra, “Audit is Trustworthy!”

The mantra is solemn, eloquent, succinct, and saliently perseverant. It is demonstrably faithful and true, and deserving of full acceptance. Its verity is evident in the epic ascent of our civilization that is built on the trust that accounting, audit and auditors produce (Soll, 2014) – the taste of the pudding

is in the eating. Its brilliance will edify society and wring out its incorrect beliefs about audit failure. Therefore, the mantra should empower accountants and auditors to reassert trust in our primal role in the match of civilization.

I am suggesting here that this novel mantra, Audit is Trustworthy, should henceforth be confidently on our lips anytime we are talking with professional colleagues, clients and anyone who asks for reason for the trust in audit.

To be effective advocates of accounting and audit with this mantra we need to educate ourselves in the history of the progress of our civilization to know the role of accounting in it. We should study and understand failure so we can persuasively and truthfully explain it to society and its leaders when entities fail.

We need to constantly remind society that accounting has been a perdurable faithful companion in the match of civilisation. All predictions of the anticlimax of accounting and auditing in moments of fleeting aberrations, from the Medici family’s bad accounting to the collapse of Enron and SVB, have historically failed because of the verity of the accounting promise of trust. But the invidious belief of audit failure has become indurate.

Therefore, our mantra will continue to shatter the myth that audit is untrustworthy in a more visible way by practical explanation of audit failure. For example, I have explained that “the only way to stop it [failure] is to halt the torsion of the market, but that is not what we need, the market needs to be in constant motion. The market lives just like the earth spins and experiences tensions necessary to maintain its balance, e.g., earthquakes.”

According to (Jacoby, 2023), “To those they affect, earthquakes are harrowing and tragic. Yet, unfathomable as it may seem, they are also essential to human existence. For without plate tectonics — the movement and collision of the immense subterranean slabs of the earth’s crust, which trigger earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes as they shift and slide — our planet likely would not be habitable.”

Affirming the inevitability and benefits of earthquakes, Williams J. Broad (2005), the New York Times veteran science reporter, wrote after the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami:

“They approach the topic gingerly, wary of sounding callous, aware that the geology they admire has just caused a staggering loss of life. Even so, scientists argue that in the very long view, the global process behind great earthquakes is quite advantageous for life on earth -- especially human life.”

So too, the torsion of the market produces obligatory losses and audit failure is part of it because of the inherent errabilities of counting, accounting and auditing in the quandary of the cauldron of the market. This makes residual audit failure literally self-explanatory. But to deal with the damage already caused by the false audit failure narratives accounting and audit need strong advocacy, globally.

Ekeigwe, FCA, CPA (Massachusetts) is the Founder/ Chairman, Audit Committee Institute. He can be reached via Christian.ekeigwe@gmail.com

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

MDCN Inducts 80 New Graduating Medical Doctors of Bingham Varsity

in Jos

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 80 new graduating medical doctors of Bingham University, Karu, into the medical profession, charging them to uphold the ethics of the profession.

The 80 new doctors bring the total number of medical doctors produced by the institution to 629 since its inception.

At the induction ceremony held in Jos, Plateau State, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, commended the new doctors for their perseverance in completing the rigorous six-year clinical program, urging them to dedicate themselves to the country’s development and the welfare of humanity in their career pursuits.

He emphasised the role the university has played in training medical doctors in Nigeria, noting that Bingham University is one of the leagues of universities in Nigeria that is uniquely positioned in the training of medical doctors.

He said, “Today marks a great milestone in the history of Bingham University, as we induct the 2016/2017 set of the University-trained medical doctors and dentists. I heartily congratulate our 80 MBBS graduates that have worked tirelessly in order to be counted amongst the worthy graduates to partake in this event today.

“I understand that the ratio of medical doctors to our country’s population is 1:5000, whereas the World Health Organisation recommends a ratio of 1:600 of the population. In addition to this worrisome ratio, an estimated

16,000 doctors have left Nigeria over the last fve years through the japa syndrome. We therefore give God the glory that Bingham University is helping to fll the manpower gap in the medical and dental profession.”

The Vice Chancellor encouraged the inductees to stay back in Nigeria and contribute their quota in salvaging the deteriorating Nigeria healthcare system.

President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, also expressed confdence in the inductees and encouraged them to continue seeking knowledge and growth in their profession.

He charged them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and

ethical standards in their medical practice, reminding them of the core values of the Christian faith that were instilled in them during their studies at Bingham University.

He said, “As you embark on this noble path, let us refect on the profound responsibility and the sacred trust that has been placed in your hands. The journey you have chosen is not merely a profession but a calling; it is a calling to heal, comfort and serve humanity with love and dignity, the sacrifces made by your parents and loved ones should not be forgotten but respectfully be appreciated.”

Earlier, Provost of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences of the university, Prof. Haroun Isah, urged the newly inducted medical doctors to maintain good behaviour, and to remember the lessons learned during their studies. He acknowledged the support of the graduates’ families, educators, and well-wishers.

Isah said, “I am more excited that we are churning out more female doctors than males. This means we are strategically raising an educated generation as these ones will ensure their children also do better.”

Of the 80 graduates, there were 46 females and 34 males, leading to a relative increase in the number of female doctors. One of the new doctors, Miss Jennifer Chidinmma Okocha who bagged the award of best student in Paediatrics, shared her thoughts with THISDAY.

She said, “One of the things I’ve learned is that making a signifcant impact often involves public health initiatives; reaching out directly to the masses, listening to patients, and being an integral part of the community. This approach allows me to connect with people and understand their needs better, ultimately enabling more effective care.”

Book Review: Command Your Stage

Danladi Bako

“C

ommand your stage” is a 272page introspection, interrogation and examination of the art and science of public speaking and contextual presentation written by our dear author, broadcaster and speech presentation expert Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede.

The book is packaged and delivered in twelve chapters of precise, descriptive, unambiguous free-flowing prose laced with intellectual sagacity and journalistic expertise so much that the reader is likely to believe that Bimbo indeed has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in elocution as well as literature in English.

The depth of the linguistic prosecution of the message of the took is about one of the finest and most lucid one has read in a very long time.

The author explores and utilises English language and choice of words with a dexterity of a seasoned literary colossus

The book opens with a prologue she aptly titles “The Power and the Glory”. For the author “There is something almost mystical about being able to speak effectively in public. Something about talking to an audience that somehow elevates the speaker above the crowd. It goes beyond the physical placement of speaker by transporting them to a higher level. This is a power that cannot really be expressed, because it cannot really be explained”

She goes ahead to elucidate about the concept of glory. She says, “The glory is that pin drop silence in the hall when you can see the intensity of the absorption on the faces in the audience. You can feel the glory, when at the end of presentation, even the most comfortable in their chairs rise energetically to give the speaker a standing ovation. She goes ahead to give examples of Kings and Queens of the Power and the glory” Reverend Martin Luther King jnr, Nelson Mandela , Barack Obama, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe and of course Alh Yusuf Maitama Sule, Nigeria’s former Representative to the United Nations.

Chapter One focuses on the big question “What is Presentation? According to the author, presentation is both an art and also a science because the intrinsic elements of an art is an “acquired habit of thinking , making or doing something with such regularity that the practitioner becomes unconsciously competent and skilled, while science is a concerted effort to obtain knowledge in order to attain a better understanding of nature through observation , experimentation under controlled conditions .

For her, the whole essentials of art and science are in presentation, especially when recounting or arranging the events or ideas in a logical order or sequence. Combining these three components makes a desirable quality presentation effective as well. “Many opinions have been shared on this regard. While some argue that presentation is an art because of involves creativity, aesthesis and ability to engage. Others see it as a science because it involves the use of research , data and techniques. This chapter explains further after defining what presentation is , goes further to explain what presentation is not. It is not cheap talk, it is not small talk, it is not a conversation, it is not gossip, it is not haphazard, it not a time filler, it is not propaganda, it is not slande,r It is not miscommunication, it is not hate speech.

The author ended chapter one with a quote from renowned American business magnate Warren Buffet who says “If you can’t truly communicate and talk to other people and get across your ideas, you have no potential” (pg 27.)

Chapter two explores the question “Who needs presentation training”. The truth is we will all need to utilise at least one skill desirable from presentation training of one type or another. Whether you are speaking on a one on one situation a condolence visit, or a housewife who has ran out of foodstuff and needs to speak to her husband for more money, an employee seeking to get permission to excuse himself from work to take care of a sick relative or even as an Honorable member of House of Assembly seeking for votes, and and has to explain his manifesto to his constituents. These are examples of type of people and situations that provoke the realisation that need presentation training (which involves phonetics and pronunciation) is a no-brainer when it comes to achieving optimum results in effective communication Airport announcers, corporate executives, teachers, journalists, and indeed anyone and everyone that needs to interface with other people, audiences or voters , they all need presentation trainings, not just once but periodically.

Chapter three asks do you deserve an audience? This is also a rhetorical question. She defines an audience and further states that you must know your audience, the composition of the audience and knowledge of the coloration and demographics of the set of people you

are addressing or speaking up to. One useful takeaway from this chapter is where the author states categorically that, “The height of arrogance for a speaker, a politician or position holder to assume that your audience is duty bound to listen to you It is not. The audience has played its part, it is there. You have to play your part by communicating effectively otherwise you would loose their attention within a few minutes of your presentation communicate with your audience”(page 75).

Speak to your audience not at them by utilising words, phrases and sentences that invite their inclusion and welcome their participation. Try to blend into the environment. Being presentable is half the battle because you are to discover that if your look good and feel good, the chances are that you will give a good account of yourself. But also your performance should gain you recognition, not your attire.

On page 76, the author restates a quote from former American President Gerald Ford “If I went back to college again, I would concentrate on two areas. Learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.”

In Chapter four we are faced with “The barriers to effective presentation”. These are Physiologic Psychological, Emotional, Educational, Socio-cultural, Technical, Political, The Question and Answer bogey, Tonal and the Physical. There are so many ways to present, and each speaker must choose the method that is most appreciable for them, as well as the topic and also their audience. It is possible to influence audiences when you know who they are. Tailor your vocabulary, language and style to suit the needs and expectations of your audience. Another take away from this chapter is a quote by her in page 146 “Understand that like your voice, your material is an extension of you. If it lacks structure, coherence or alignment with the topic or theme it might suggest that you are lackadaisical or careless. Just as you would not appear in untidy, unkempt apparel, it is essential that the content you offer commands both respect and attention” Consequentially it is obvious that “All the great speakers were bad speakers first”.

How do you prepare for the D-Day ? She Calls the procedure PEACE. P for psychological, E for Emotional, A for Acceptance, C for Commitment and E for Expectation.

Chapter Six “No pain, no gain “ and Chapter Seven

“Vocal gymnastics” deal with the real processes and procedures of becoming a very good presenter of literally all forms of events , occasions and programmes related to public speaking.

Chapter Eight focuses on the imperative of the utilization of eye contact in presentation. For the author “effective communication generally does not happen in conversation or small talk, of two people who consciously avoid eye contact, not to talk of when a speaker or presenter stands on a stage to address an audience. If you are a speaker of repute your audience must be convinced that you are the genuine article . Yes ,your eyes carry the conviction of your message. Dorothy Leeds postulates that “before you begin to speak your eyes are your most important physical feature as a speaker because they are crucial in establishing rapport !”. “Make eye contact with as many people in the audience as possible.”

Chapter Nine “ShowTime” examines - the gamut of a successful show featuring the presentation by the speaker, the music, the anthems, the dignitaries and all other parts but ultimately the presentation is the cynosure.

Chapter ten takes a look at preparations for public life and its affectation of language culture, diction and how the huge generation of young ones can situate themselves in public speaking sub-culture utilizing the skills of public speech making and presentation training.She ends this chapter by saying “In my opinion, preparing for public life should be an intentional process. Communication is an essential tool that can be used to improve public life and governance because the constant exchange of information between the government and the governed is what guides societies and policies”.

As a fitting end to this book review i go back to the foreword written by former Lagos state Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola , “To say that the author has done many of us a world of immense good is an understatement. for many years on television and on stage she held us spellbound with her power of the word and her presence. In this book and presentation, she shares her experiences. The author has been extremely generous in the treatments of these important terms of preparations in the art of public speaking.”

Dr. Bako is a former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission

L-R: Co-founder GTB/Fate Foundation, Mr. Fola Adeola; former Chairman, Ecobank, Chief John Odeyemi; author, Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede; Former First Lady Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and former Governor, Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, at the book launch

L - R: Founder, Ovation, Chief Dele Momodu; Former Director General, NBC/Book Reviewer, Dr. Danladi Bako, and CEO BISCON Communications, Bisi Olatilo, at the book launch

Deconstructing Ekeoma Eme Ekeoma

Born in Igbere, Abia State of Nigeria, Eme Ekeoma came to Lagos with his uncle while he was 19 years old. At that age, eking out a living was such a herculean task for young Ekeoma. But sheer vision, strength of soul, love for home and enterprise led him on. He went ahead to get a job with the Central Bank of Nigeria. Sadly, however, Ekeoma’s contract, at the apex bank was terminated. This, would, however, prove to be the turning point and watershed in his life as destiny came calling. Unperturbed by what others would have seen as a misfortune and eyes tenaciously fixed on his goals, through dint of hardwork, Ekeoma turned his stumbling block into a stepping stone. With his astounding success, as an entrepreneur, Ekeoma’s life witnessed a giant leap. All the hurdles he had to cross on his way up no doubt served as a motivational tonic to any hardworking young man or woman who encounters him. Adedayo Adejobi x-rays the life of this 64-year-old philanthropist extraordinaire and Chairman, Nepal Oil and Gas

Forever young and ebullient, the Chairman, Nepal Oil and Gas, Elder Ekeoma Eme Ekeoma, wears many hats - a highly successful business tycoon, philanthropist, and an elder in the vineyard of God. With a life hinged on raw and selfless commitment, the discovery of a higher purpose; his passion for family values, friends and the community is quite infectious.

Not born with a silver spoon or princely robes and royal bloodlines, one thing he armed himself with is the Nigerian grit and a mind set on achieving. Nothing defines Elder, as he is fondly called, more than ‘entreprise, philanthropy and a man after God’s ’heart’. For those close to the passionate, hard-working visionary, he is known to be whip-smart, incredibly generous, with an ability to analyse and think through a problem, step by step.

Whether it was working at the Central Bank of Nigeria, dipping his toes in the oil and gas business, or the travel business, this business tycoon with deep Presbyterian faith has indeed made a huge success and he is living the dream in modesty. Still, Ekeoma steadfastly believes that the success is not his doing.

For a man who has created businesses and scaled them to great heights, he is indeed worth a fortune. Enjoying a luxurious life, with discipline, he tries within the ambit of civility to live a modest lifestyle like a regular person, whilst using his wealth for investment, philanthropic and God-centric purposes.

Being a billionaire is an impressive achievement. Creating an empire that brings in that amount of money is no easy feat and takes an incredible amount of determination, motivation and skill. What is even more impressive, though, is that he is a billionaire who is also a Christian.

Having made an impact in the secular world for over four decades, one thing, however, has consumed him - his unwavering passion for his calling: preaching and spreading the gospel. Even across corporate Nigeria, the businessman has always been open about his Christian faith. He proudly wears his faith as a man passionate about God’s kingdom, so much so his business Associates refer to him as ‘Elder’.

Ekeoma’s enormous wealth is indeed inspiring. He’s unapologetic about his religious roots and embraces Christian faith and causes, in a nation where some wealthy Christians don’t want to be publicly identified with their faith.

Despite the extraordinary wealth of this entrepreneur and others in his league, who never seem to have serenity with their wealth, Ekeoma has distinguished himself as a man not driven by material wealth, but the love for God, the gospel and humanity. If there is one thing, etched on the map of his heart, it is how to spread the gospel of Jesus, and win souls for Christ.

Aside his wife of inestimable value, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma, whom he would ‘kill’ for, preaching the gospel comes uppermost in his large heart and spending most of his downtime at home with his children and adorable grandchildren. With great riches comes great unease, according to people who have studied the psychology of wealth. The overriding problem is affluenza - nagging guilt about the chasm between the very rich and everybody else. Unlike his peers who are afflicted and motivated by greed and fear, and a compulsion to continue to accumulate even more, this very rare spirited billionaire would empty his pockets to help innocent men

held in Nigeria’s notorious prisons get justice, and also, passionately, spread the gospel. His seething inner vision has so far seen him give hope to hospitalised patients unable to pay their bills and over 1000 inmates who have regained their freedom.

For those curious to know the secrets behind

his wealth, which he doesn’t take personal credits for, Elder is quick to point you in the direction of God. He strongly believes that “if you have anything or if I have anything, it’s because it’s been given to us by our Creator.” With that understanding, Ekeoma has become an impulsive kingdom giver to the Nigerian Presbyterian Church, the

prisons and his community. He considers it an honour and mission work. Beyond work, he is a man given to prayers, smart strategy, faith, hard work and sense of divine guidance. In the Bible, Christians are told over and over again about how money is the root of all evil. It can bring about greed, wrath, and gluttony. Even small amounts of money can cause people to fall into the hole of sin. There are countless stories in the media about business people or celebrities who are prideful and stuck up due to their power and wealth, which completely goes against what God wants.

Ekeoma’s life’s journey and disposition to living and wealth make him much more inspiring. Ekeoma acknowledges that money can be a symbol of success, but he identifies envy and greed as the hidden drivers behind the yearning for more and more money. As a devout family man who embraces and preaches love, purpose, oneness of spirit and strong family values, Ekeoma’s real happiness stems from helping the meek, lowly, yet holding strong family life - his real joy. With the boundless freedom in his convictions, little wonder he is not fazed by or afraid of death or money. For all those close to him, an integral part of his life is his fellowship. His audience is the world, but what you could call his primary constituency, a non-denominational Businessmen’s Fellowship, the Believers Fellowship, gathers fortnightly inside the gray-walled hall of the Golden Gates Hotels, Kingsway Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The Believers Fellowship is the brainchild of the entrepreneur, as instructed by God, to prepare humanity for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Believers Fellowship was birthed in 2016 and it is a non-denominational fellowship that meets every fortnight.

For almost a decade, he has been quietly, methodically, and patiently building an evangelical army, that has pushed the business community to God, sending more and more to Christ.

Unlike his peers who would have taken to the idea of making the fellowship a business concern by establishing a full-time church with branches locally and abroad, Ekeoma has done the opposite. Ekeoma is not given to such mundane and unbiblical pursuits. He is rather consumed with preparing the saints for eternity.

Aside his burning commitments to his calling, which in no small measure complements his spiritual life, as his wealth has grown, he has constantly deployed his financial resources to build roads, provide pipe borne water and other life-enhancing infrastructure in his home town and Lagos where he lives.

Ekeoma and his wife have shown what giving looks like from a biblical perspective daily. For high-net-worth individuals, particularly people that created first-generation wealth, to look at the growth of their business, not for them to maintain an extremely lavish lifestyle or accumulate generational wealth, but for the cause of Christ - they’re a shining light in the Christian community.

He is one of Nigeria’s wealthy Christian entrepreneurs who has defied the conventional wisdom about Christian tycoons. He doesn’t hail from the Persian Gulf, he didn’t make his money in petroleum alone, but he definitely wears his faith on his sleeve. Motivated by Jesus’ radical teaching on money, Ekeoma gives generously. It is that absolute conviction that drives him every day. Come rain, come shine, Ekeoma’s certainty in his Saviour’s existence has gotten him this far, and he’s not looking to waver at 64.

ekeoma

ekeoma and wife

Addressing Change of Nigeria’s National Anthem

Ikenna ezealah

Recently, the Nigerian President led a campaign and signed into law a change in the national anthem. The previous national anthem “Arise, O Compatriots,” created by five Nigerians and then was put to music by Benedict P. Odiase, is now replaced by “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was written in 1960 by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams and was initially adopted as Nigeria’s national anthem when the country gained independence on October 1, 1960.

“It is my priority” the President said, as citizens were given no input or involvement in the process. A minor issue was prioritised, despite major issues and urgent national priorities troubling the lives of the Nigerian citizens such as inflation, skyrocketing cost of food, inconsistent power, insecurity, dilapidating infrastructure, underfunding of education, departure of multinational firms, the downward spiraling economy, and much more.

This move, reflecting misplaced priorities, poor timing, and a myopic insensitivity to the historical backdrop of the British colonial legacy by re-imposing an anthem on Nigerians that a foreigner created and not the Nigerian people, is tragic evidence of lack of leadership and vision.

An anthem is too personal for a people to be outsourced. The words “Nigeria, We Hail Three” were touted as being more inspirational and befitting.

But no matter how inspirational the words of any chosen anthem are, the real question is: Do the actions of the Nigerian political class as representatives of the citizenry reflect it? No! Can you find traces of respectable value system in most from the political class that gives meaning to the words of the national anthem? No!

In the now former anthem, the first word is “Arise”, which is to awaken to higher vision, values, and sense of duty. To transcend ethnicity and petty politics, in order to listen to the call of service that, through diligent implementation, furthers the welfare of the whole. How many citizens and political leaders in Nigeria’s history up to the present can say they have even fulfilled this first word?

Words change conditions only when practice empowers them to manifestation. The new anthem will not change the behavior of the political class, so instead of changing anthems the right move would have been to look within and change. If this proved too difficult, then it is the poor leadership and the political class that should have been changed, not the anthem.

Moving beyond constructive criticism, and notwithstanding the atrocious timing of the change in national anthem,

I will now offer a solution and explain how a change in the national anthem can be approached that would encourage greater inclusive and a sense of collective ownership.

Here are the ten recommended steps to properly changing the national anthem:

Host an open townhall with members of the public from all levels of society, government officials, organizations and civil society. Make a live case to the people. Describe the origin, meaning, parties, timeline, and development of the anthems within the historical context of the country’s history, then share reasons why a change is necessary.

nvite comments, questions, healthy debate, and exchange of diverse ideas so people are included in the purpose and process.

Announce a “National Anthem Rewrite” initiative in which the Nigerian citizens are encouraged to create and submit a national anthem, and a recitation video to a national commission and on social media. The objective is to empower the Nigerian people to take ownership, unleash their creativity, and ensure the recited words of national pride arise from their spirit!

All created anthems will be reviewed, finalists will be selected, then one chosen; or different elements of some can be combined to create one whole anthem. A citizen’s commission will adjoin the national commission to participate in the decision-making process.

The bill introducing a change to the national anthem will then be presented to the National Assembly, where it should be passed after some discussions.

A signing ceremony will be organized with members of the public from all levels of society, government officials, organizations, and civil society. A band/group comprising different tribes and regions of the country will be composed to sing, record, and perform the national anthem.

The author(s) of the anthem, the public, and others will be invited to Abuja for the first live performance of the group in a day of national unity. The event will also feature performances by Nigerian artists, poets, and comments by civic and academic leaders. The author(s) in a ceremony will be given an award(s) by the President in recognition of their creative contribution to the country. Then, the multiethnic group garbed in their native attires will sing it live for the first time.

The lyrics will be engraved in a large plaque and decoratively mounted tall in a wall in the State House Aso Rock Presidential Villa and the National Assembly Complex.

This way, the Nigerian people are involved, centered, and use their own abilities to define the meaning of their anthem instead of a foreigner. It is indolence, lack of vision, and want of creativity that makes African leaders always ready to adopt foreign ideas, systems, and institutions, without the indigenous impetus to harness the abilities of their people, build on their

beneficia-

cultural heritage, and create something original. Here, many will remonstrate, saying “Nigeria was not named by Nigerians, must we change that too?” If we are serious, yes! How did Nigeria get its name? According to Richard Bourne in his book: “The name ‘Nigeria’ had been coined by his (Frederick Lugard’s) wife and admirer, Flora Shaw, colonial editor of The Times, in a letter she wrote to her paper in January 1897. She used it to define the territories abutting the River Niger that were then being traded in or claimed by the Royal Niger Company” (Nigeria: A New History of a Turbulent Century; p. 3).

Thus, Nigeria was named not with any historical symbolism, rich cultural meaning, or existential ideal for its future development, but based solely on a colonial convenience of grouping people together in relation to a landmark! And you my people conveniently accept that and even defend against any change because you have grown “accustomed” to it? How deep have we sunk in Africa! Now contrast this with the reason that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah gave in his autobiography about renaming the Gold Coast “Ghana”.

He spoke about how in the very early days of the Christian era before England was important, his

African ancestors had attained a great empire: “It is said that lawyers and scholars were much respected in that empire and that the inhabitants of Ghana wore garments of wool, cotton, silk and velvet. Thee was trade in copper, gold and textile fabrics, and jewels and weapons of gold and silver were carried.

“Thus we may take pride in the name of Ghana, not out of romanticism, but as an inspiration for the future. It is right and proper that we should know about our past. For just as the future moves from the present, so the present has emerged from the past. Nor need we be ashamed of our past. There was much in it of glory. “What our ancestors achieved in the context of their contemporary society gives us confidence that we can create, out of that past, a glorious future, not in terms of war and military pomp, but in terms of social progress and peace.” (The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah; p. 195-96).

What a difference of day and night in the naming of “Ghana” and “Nigeria”! One rich in historical meaning and an inspiration for the future, while the other is just a geographic convenience lacking substance. Perhaps the difference is that Ghana has had the fortune of a visionary leader at the head of government, while Nigeria has not! Nigeria has even historically worked hard to ensure its most talented and industrious citizens are deprived of every opportunity of leading government, so that an avaricious cabal of tribalistic, vacuous, and visionless officials can continue plundering the national coffers while pushing the people in penury toward the abyss of infamy.

L-r: Former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo university, prof Bamitale Omole; celebrant and Founding partner, Diya, Fatimilehin and Co, Gboyega Fatimilehin; and the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko at the 70th Birthday ceremony of Gboyega Fatimilehin in Lagos…weekend

L-r: CeO Chambers of Commerce and Industry Giessen-Friedberg, Dr. Matthias Leder; former Minister of Information and Culture and Managing partner of Bruit Costaud, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Commercial Attaché Consulate of Turkey in Frankfurt, Mr. Yusuf Yerkel at the second annual conference of the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Germany on.... recently

L-r: Non-executive Director, Totalenergies Marketing Nigeria plc, Mr. Noubi Ben Hamida; executive Director Human Resources and Corporate Service, Mrs. Bunmi Popoola-Mordi; Chairman, Mr. Jean-Philippe Torres and Managing Director, Dr. Samba Seye during the Totalenergies Marketing Nigeria pLC pre-AGM Cocktail party held in Lagos ...recently

L–r: Dangote Sugar refinery Numan General Manager, Cane production, Dr. Ibrahim Doka; Numan Operations, Group GM Operations Services, Bello Dan–Musa; His royal Majesty, Amna Shelleng, Amna Alhaji Abdullahi Isa Dansong, presenting certificate of graduation to one of the 100

ries of the Dangote Sugar refinery Numan Operations Skills Acquisition empowerment Scheme for indigenes of Numan Federation, during the certificate presentation ceremony in Guyuk one of the host communities in Adamawa State….recently

Keys to Success as Female Entrepreneur (II)

Two weeks ago, we commenced a series on ‘Keys to Success as Female Entrepreneur,’ where the Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Africa Group, Dr. Toyin Sanni, shared tips on how female entrepreneurs can thrive.

This week, Sanni, we spoke further, explained that having decided on business direction, the entrepreneur must have a knowledge of the chosen profession.

“This is where skills come in. While running a business, continuous learning and unlearning is a must for you as a founder and the team”, she asserted.

She pointed out that despite her several years in business, reskilling has always been a routine.

“I am always looking ahead and preparing for a new phase of growth. For instance, I have concluded two levels of the three phase Owner President Management program of the Harvard Business School and I’m rounding up Year one of my Doctorate in Business Admin with the Paris Business School, researching on the Internationalisation of African Family Businesses,” she hinted.

The mother of three enlightened further that knowledge of a business also comes handy during stormy period to help navigate through, stressing that as the business advances, headwinds are almost inevitable, hence should be prepared for.

Citing an experience with Emerging Africa, she recalled that economic fluctuations, currency devaluation, interest rate hikes and retaining talents were some of the interfering hurdles that forced some adjustments.

Sharing some of the losses to the shocks, she said, “The impact of recent currency devaluation and interest rate hikes didn’t come so easy on us, but then we do not expect it to be a smooth sailing ride all of the time.

“For instance, our largest debt capital deal was being closed right in the middle of the hike and almost collapsed as all parties refused to proceed at previously agreed rates, so we had to begin again.

“One of our lowest moments too was undoubtedly when the pandemic hit, disrupting operations and creating unprecedented uncertainty. In the early period, we had to resort to significant salary cut and that was painful to do, of course I personally took the biggest hit.

“Another challenge was managing the threat to key talents on account of the migration of young Nigerians to the developed world. We have had to manage that in various ways, including new remuneration design and retaining migrated personnel on contracts, amongst others.”

According to her, getting over this period was not a child’s play, however, the experience offered valuable lessons and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to its mission.

“In the midst of business turbulence, constant adaptation and resilience remain crucial”, she maintained.

“It is also important to cultivate resilience

OGE Seeks Multifaceted Approach to Tackle Tax-related Corruption

OGE Business School (OGEBS) has advised the federal government to explore mul- tifaceted approach in tackling tax-related infractions, said to have ripped the economy hugely.

According to a report by HEDA Resource Centre, over N100 billion is being lost to tax-related offences in Nigeria every year, a development considered detrimental to the economy.

Speaking at OGE-BS training for fraud examiners recently, the Head, Strategic Tax and Compliance Unit at Dangote Industries Ltd, Dr. Titilayo Fowokan, identified tax-related corruption as tax evasion, fraudulent tax schemes,

money laundering through tax evasion, income concealment and false statements of tax return.

In addressing the scourge to achieve economic growth, she opined that collaboration among tax authorities, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and tax professionals.

Also Speaking, Lead facilitator and Founder, OGE- BS, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, stressed the need for a knowledge of fraud detection, achievable through skills update to enable investigators to be ahead and abreast of criminal behavior.

On detection too, Oyedokun said fraud examiners must be familiar with tools of data analytics and technology to identify patterns, trends and anomalies in tax payer data.

Embrace Cybersecurity to Keep Customers, Reputation, Says Expert

The Chief Executive Officer of Quomodo Systems Africa, Oluwole Asalu, has underscored the need for investors to prioritise cybersecurity to keep their businesses going and to avoid unnecessary loss.

and a growth mindset, viewing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures. By staying persistent, leveraging support networks, and continuously investing in personal and professional growth, the sky is just the starting point for women,” she stressed.

That Sanni was not weighed down by these distractions, the organisation under her leadership has been able to pull several landmark deals within six years.

“Some of our largest deals are the ongoing N100 billion NEN Infrastructure Bond program, the first tranche of N40.9 billion - largest private bond in Nigeria closed recently. More so is the proposed $100 million AAA impact fund MOA signed in Singapore as well as our $50 million Technology Fund registered in Mauritius,” she disclosed.

As a way of supporting women- led businesses, Sanni said several initiatives were being floated by Emerging Africa for this cause.

She said, “One notable offering is the Balanced Diversity Fund, as well as other initiatives through our VC Division. Our affiliate, the Toyin F. Sanni Foundation focuses on serving underserved African women and children, providing them with resources and opportunities for empowerment and development.

“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to supporting women and promoting gender equality within our organisation and beyond.”

Sanni insisted that women must be engaged to contribute meaningfully to the economy and for other reasons as achieving personal and professional goals, psychological well-being and family support.

“Financial independence is a strong buffer against emotional and physical abuse by spouses and other family members as it reduces the vulnerability of such women. Besides, they can be able to create opportunities for other women and help uplift their communities.

“For instance, I founded the NGO Women in Finance NG, which provides a platform for networking and mentorship, empowering women in the financial sector.

“My activeness has also had a profound impact on my family and dependents. My daughters are actively involved in the business and are inspired by my journey, seeing firsthand the importance of hard work, resilience, and the impact they can have on others. Through my efforts, I aim to create a ripple effects that encourage and supports more women to pursue their ambitions and contribute to their communities,” she said.

She pleaded with government at all levels to multiply support for women- led businesses, assuring of its multiple gains.

“They should implement targeted policies and programs focused on easing access to financing, provide training in key business areas, and create a supportive regulatory environment.

“By collaborating with various stakeholders and prioritising the needs of women-led businesses, government can significantly contribute to women’s growth and by extension, Nigeria’s prosperity,” she added.

According to the serial entrepreneur, the increasing reliant of businesses on digital technologies poses significant cybersecurity risks, requiring organisations to set up a robust cybersecurity framework. Noting that the financial sector was mostly hit by cyber-crime in Nigeria, with the sector losing up to N50. 5 billion between 2019 to July 2023, he expressed concern that the menace was still being overlooked.

Asalu, argued that cybercrime which is now the biggest risks confronting financial sector

was often treated as monetary thefts, adding however that it also entails intrusions into private spheres and disruptions to social order.

“In light of the significant risks associated with cyber threats, it is crucial that businesses prioritise cybersecurity as a critical component of their operations and business sustainability.

“To achieve this, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, robust security measures must be implemented, including firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, to provide a strong defence against cyber-attacks.

“Cybersecurity is not merely a technical requirement but a societal imperative. The beacon permits innovation to thrive, economies to expand, and individuals to connect without fear. Cybersecurity is our silent guardian, and it’s our collective duty to maintain its watch,” he said.

CSR-in-Action to Honour Achievements in Tech

The CSR-in-Action Group through its advocacy arm has reiterated its commitment to innovation and technology, just as its introduced a new award category to its Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards to recognise feats in these areas.

The CAHR Awards which initially packs nine categories, sought to honour individuals and businesses that have made substantial contributions to communities and championed human rights causes.

The organisers said it was reducing the categories to seven in its forthcoming sixth edition to eliminate

duplication as well as maintain consistency and clarity throughout the selection process.

It explained that the organisation was now accepting nomination until June 30, 2024, under different award classification. These include the MKO Abiola Community Engagement Award, Mallam Aminu Kano Award for Leadership and Ken Saro-Wiwa Environmental Management Award.

Others in the individual brackets are: Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Community Impact Award, Josephine Nkemdilim Masade Equal Rights Award, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Human Rights Award and Apostle Hayford Alile Humanitarian Award.

Henley & Partners Hosts Business Experts, Explores New Opportunities

Finding opportunities and boosting the investment profile of Nigeria, amongst others were the thrust of discussion at a private cocktail event hosted by citizenship and residence advisory firm, Henley & Partners in Lagos recently.

The event had the presence of distinguished individuals including business leaders, private investors, investment bankers, lawyers, wealth managers and High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

Speaking at the gathering with theme, ‘A Taste of the World’, Managing Director, Private Clients

at Henley & Partners, Troy Hanley, expressed delight at connecting with Nigerian business leaders, stating that it would drive the firm to deliver exceptionally in the country.

He explained that the company’s expansion to Nigeria was borne out of commitment to Africa’s largest economy in helping citizens connect international opportunities and become global citizens.

Hanley, reiterated the firm’s strength in advising HNWIs and their families, as well as assisting clients in obtaining residence and citizenship through qualifying investments in countries of choice.

T4 Education, Accenture Announce Shortlist for $50,000 SDG Award

T4 Education in partnership with Accenture and American Express has unveiled shortlist for its 2024 World’s Best School Prize.

Those shortlisted were spread across five categories of the award namely: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting HealthyAmongLives. them was a Nigerian school, Wis- dom International School of Excellence (WISE), which made the top ten in the “Overcoming Adversity’ category, thus stand a chance to be a partaker of the $50,000 prize.

Rated as the world’s most prestigious education award, the World’s Best School Prize aimed to celebrate institutions promoting Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs through best practices and aiming at societal progress.

Commenting, Founder of T4 Education, Vikas Pota, said, “Unless we solve the urgent challenges global education faces – from learning gaps exacerbated by COVID to chronic underfunding and teachers’ wellbeing, recruitment and retention crisis – we will have failed the next generation.

Dangote Sinotruk Targets 60% Local Content, Launches New Cabin CKD Plant

Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd (DSWAL) will raise its local content of the vehicles it produces to 60 percent when Ajaokuta Steel Company begins production.

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, stated this during the inauguration of DSWAL’s completely knocked down (CKD) plant on Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

Present at the inauguration were: the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who cut the ribbon; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, the Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barao, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and other distinguished guests.

According to Alhaji Dangote, “The investment in the truck assembly plant is part of our backward integration to add value and reduce imports. I am glad yesterday, Your Excellency, when you talked about Ajaokuta Steel in your speech, and I believe the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel project will give fillip to our attempt to increase local content in the assembly in our lines.

“We have welding and painting shops to fabricate and paint trucks and trailers of different types so as to enhance local content of CKD operations of commercial vehicles manufacturing in Nigeria.

“In the next 12 months, we will begin to fabricate different types of trailers and tippers in our plant to increase value addition of up to 40 to 60 per cent with the goal to achieve domestic self-sufficiency and serve the West

Africa regional market.”

He said Dangote Sinotruck WA Limited is an assembler and producer of four lines of commercial vehicles, covering heavy duty trucks, medium trucks, light trucks and other semi trailers, all of which serve the local transportation industry.

“As you are aware, Dangote also owns majority shares of Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria in Kaduna where we assemble small vehicles. We (DSWAL) are a joint venture company with a total investment of 100 million dollars formed for

the truck assembly which is owned 60 per cent by Dangote industries, 30 percent by Sinotruck China and five per cent by Andas.

“Our aim is to meet the expected current demand of this segment of automobiles required for logistics, consumption, food, and beverages industry in Nigeria as the government focuses on economic development across the country.

“I am sure we are going to participate in the new production of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which this government is driving.

“But, we in Dangote, are actually committed

to buying 10,000 of the CNG trucks of which 1,500 are arriving this June/July. Already, about 500 are at the port. So this company has the installed capacity to assemble and produce 10,000 trucks annually and create about 3,000 jobs across Nigeria,” he said.

Dangote Sinotruk, he said, is playing “a strategic and key role” to develop the heavy duty truck assembly and manufacturing industry in Nigeria, and in doing so provides employment opportunities for Nigerians, in addition to improving the local auto industry.

Car Enthusiasts, Digitaries Witness Launch of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Lagos

The atmosphere at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, was electrified as car enthusiasts and high networth personalities witnessed the launch of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos during the week.

The grand launch on June 5, 2024 was a significant milestone in the automotive industry, as the event drew an impressive crowd of high-calibre personalities from various sectors of the economy, along with esteemed traditional rulers, marking a momentous occasion for the brand.

The Federal Palace Hotel provided a fitting backdrop for unveiling the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, showcasing the vehicle’s sophisticated design and advanced features. Attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at the SUV, which boasts a blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro to the Nigerian market,” said Mr. Sola Adigun, the Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria. He further stated during his keynote address “We are not just selling cars, but we are selling automobile solutions. We decided to go for Chery for a few reasons: Chery is the number one domestic vehicle in China, and it is present in about 80 countries of the world. Last year, over one million Chery was exported out of China, with about 13 million users worldwide. That is why Carloha settled for Chery. And this launch marks the rebirth of Chery in Nigeria.”

The Chery Tiggo 8 pro launch marks a significant step forward in Chery’s expansion strategy within

Africa, promising to bring unparalleled driving experiences to Nigerian consumers. The event’s success is a testament to the brand’s growing influence and the strong relationships Chery is building within the region.

Distinguished guests included top executives, industry leaders, government officials, and notable figures from the business community. Among

the dignitaries are Dr. Okey Nwuke, member Board of Directors, at Access Bank, Dr. Edward Benson, Mr. Ruso Ascanio, MD Grimaldi, The Esa Omu - Adekunle Oyinloye, the traditional ruler of the day, Dr. Adeyemi Fawole, Managing Director, Avis Nigeria Limited, Mr. Wale Fasere, MD/CEO, Fastride, Motoring Editors across major newspapers, magazines and blogs, Executive

members of MTN Employee Multi-purpose Cooperative Society (MEMCOS), Executive members of Exxonmobil Cooperative Society (EMCOOP), partners, stakeholders, friends, and families. Their presence underscored the importance of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s entry into the Nigerian market and the potential impact on the automotive landscape.

In addition to the business elites, the presence of the traditional ruler, Esa Omu - Adekunle Oyinloye added a touch of cultural significance and prestige, deep respect, and recognition of Chery’s commitment to integrating with the local culture and community.

The launch event featured a series of engaging activities, including a detailed presentation on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s innovative features, a live demonstration of its capabilities, and opportunities for attendees to experience the vehicle firsthand. The launch concluded with a networking reception, allowing guests to discuss the implications of this new introduction and explore potential collaborations.

The highlight of the event is the unveiling of Tiggo 8 pro by Dr. Okey Nwuke, The Esa Omu - Adekunle Oyinloye in the company of other dignitaries, a PowerPoint presentation of Tiggo 8 pro by Mr. Yinka Oladipo, the National Sales Manager of Chery in Nigeria, testimony from Grace Olugbade, the longest Chery user, who has driven Chery vehicle for over 10 years in Nigeria, a thrilling session with James, a Nigerian born-Chinese Comedian, also known as ‘Qian Duoduo’ and energetic dance session by Star kids, which added a youthful zest to the epic launch event.

Carloha Celebrates Guardian Day With Display of Chery Vehicles at Circle Mall

Carloha Nigeria has this morning begun the display of Chery vehicles at the Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos to celebrate Chery Guardian Day with the theme “Love in every kilometer”. These iconic vehicles will be on display from today June 15 to June 18, 2024.

The Guardian Day is celebrated in China, to recognize the contributions and importance of Guardian figures in society, and also offers an opportunity to express love, and gratitude for the support, and sacrifices parents make for their children. Therefore, Carloha Nigeria is joining

the Chery global community to commemorate the “Guardian Day” in Nigeria, by showcasing Chery vehicles at Circle Mall. Visitors to Circle Mall will have the exclusive opportunity to discover Chery’s innovation and explore the remarkable features of the latest models.

From Tiggo 8 Pro, a luxurious SUV designed for comfort and performance to the Tiggo 4 Pro, which is a versatile and dynamic compact SUV, Tiggo 2 Pro, a stylish and efficient urban SUV, and Arrizo 5, a sleek and sophisticated sedan perfect for modern driving needs: all you enjoy are cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and stylish design, making them the

perfect choices for discerning Nigerian drivers. Exclusive Offers During the Event

Carloha Nigeria in partnership with DYQUE, is pleased to offer an exciting incentive for customers who purchase any Chery models during the event. Purchase any Chery models during the display at Circle Mall, and will receive one unit of the Dyque power solution (inverter), to enhance your automotive and home experience. Additionally, Carloha is offering a 5% discount to any customer who makes a down payment of N5 million on any Chery vehicle throughout June 2024. This limited-time offer provides significant savings on the purchase of a high-quality vehicle.

Carloha Nigeria is committed to delivering exceptional value and peace of mind to its customers. All Chery vehicles purchased from Carloha come with 6 Years free Service and 6 year Warranty or 200,000 km, whichever comes first, providing long-term assurance and reliability.

“We are delighted to bring this extraordinary display to Circle Mall, offering our customers a chance to experience the innovation and elegance of Chery vehicles firsthand,” said Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, the Sales and Marketing Director for Carloha Nigeria. He further enthused that “our partnership with DYQUE enhances this event, ensuring our customers receive outstanding value with every purchase.”

lineup of Dangote Sinotruks produced at the Dangote assembly plant

l-r: Sales and Marketing Director, Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Joseph omokhapue; Ceo, Carloha Incorporated, Mr. liang long; member of the Board of Directors, Access Bank, Dr. okey Nwuke; The esa omu-Adekunle oyinloye, the traditional ruler of the day, Dr. edward Benson; and Managing Director, Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun, during the launch of Chery Tiggo 8 pro at the Federal palace Hotel in lagos… recently

Finidi George Has He Blighted Home-grown Coaches’ Chances?

After erstwhile Eagles Manager,Jose Peseiro’s unimpressive run at the 2026World Cup qualifier matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in which the Portuguese could only muster two points out of a possible six,the voices of advocates of home-grown coaches managing the Nigeria senior team grew louder than ever.With the NFF not able to iron out the contract issues of the formerAlAhly Manager,the Sunday Dankaro House decided to settle for Finidi George,who worked with Peseiro as an assistant, with some senior Eagles players backing the formerAjaxAmsterdam winger to take the team to the promised land.His first assignment as an interim manager before his confirmation was a double-header friendly against Ghana and Mali in which he won the first and lost the latter 2-1,and all eyes were set for the must-win crunchy encounters against SouthAfrica and Benin Republic.With just three points from a possible 12 ,he has put the three-timeAfrican champions in a precarious position of missing the Mundial for the second time in succession,Kunle Adewale asks if Finidi’s performance has not succeeded in dimming the chances of home-grown coaches’for the Super Eagles

In his 22 months stint as Nigeria’s senior football team Manager, erstwhile Coach, Jose Peseiro, led the Super Eagles in 23 matches winning 11, with seven losses and four draws, which obviously was not too good a record for a team of the three-time African champions’ stature.

The Portuguese tactician however made up for his previous underperformances by qualifying Nigeria to the final of 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire against all odds but lost 2-1 to the host in the final to win the silver. However, there was no hiding place for the former Sporting CP chief coach, after his two draws in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against minnows-Lesotho on home soil and Zimbabwe on a neutral ground culminating in the emergence of former international, Finidi George to the delight of those that have been advocating for home-grown coaches to manage the senior national team rather than being handed to a half-baked white coloured man. Finidi emerged after beating compatriot and more popular candidate, Emmanuel Amuneke to the job, with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, citing continuity for the choice of the erstwhile Enyimba of Aba sweat merchant.

Former Nigeria international and a member of the Technical Committee that recommended Finidi George for the job, Victor Ikpeba, giving the main reason why the NFF settled for Finidi ahead of people’s favourite, Amuneke and other candidates that showed interest in the Super Eagles

job said the Nigeria football body settled for the Rivers-born player because of financial constraint.

“We settled for Finidi because of the finances involved in the hiring of a foreign coach. It’s not like we don’t have confidence in our own coaches back home. We thought there should be continuity in the way Peseiro took the team to the final of the 2023 AFCON,” the former Borussia Dortmund forward had hinted.

Continuing, he said, “We were guided by the NFF President to look inward. It’s not that we can’t afford a foreign manager, but Nigerians back home want a Nigerian coach, and that is what we have now.”

In his reaction, NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, had claimed Finidi was the obvious candidate for the position due to his exceptional coaching resume and prior experience as an assistant coach with the Super Eagles.

Olajire said, “Finidi George was not only a great football player, he has prepared himself very well and done himself no harm with the laurels he has been able to acquire in his short period as a coach.

“He had the option of remaining in Spain and taking up an appointment with a second tier club but he chose to come back to Nigeria and start with an NPFL club.

“He started with Enyimba. In his second season, he won the league title. It is not easy to win the league title so we must praise him for that and looking at the log now, this is his third season with the team and with four matches to go he’s well on the way to retain-

ing the title.

“That is no mean feat and it shows that this is a man who knows what he’s doing. Pertaining to the Super Eagles, he worked for 20 months as an assistant with Jose Peseiro, that gives him head start over anybody.

“He worked closely with the team, was with the team when they qualified for the AFCON and came second at the AFCON.

“It’s natural that someone of this stature, someone who has accomplished these things and who has been very close to the team gets the nod, with the fact that we have only five weeks to to very important matches.”

Finidi as and interim manager, his first assignment as Super Eagles was the doubleheader friendly against Ghana and Mali. After pulling a 2-1 win in the battle of the jollof rice, he lost 2-1 in the contest against the Eagles, as it was the Eagles of Mali that had the last smile. But as always the case, those who backed the defunct Calabar Rovers attacker said it was too early in the day to judge him. One of the Super Eagles senior players that backed Finidi for the Super Eagles job, Wilfred Ndidi, in an interview with THISDAY before the South Africa and Benin Republic encounters was indeed counting on Finidi to take the team very far.

“I think he’s going well with the support from everyone. The previous two international friendly games the Super Eagles played against Ghana and Mali in Morocco were very difficult for him because he was alone. “There was no assistant, he did everything alone- the tactics and analysis. Now he has

gotten more support and I look forward to working with him. We’ve worked together before, he is an amazing personality, his tactics are really interesting. Going forward, I think he’s going to do well for the team,” Ndidi had told THISDAY.

Backed by most of the senior players that won silver medal at the last AFCON, Finidi penultimate Friday set for perhaps the biggest test of his coaching career, a must-win World Cup qualifier match against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, it however took a second half equaliser for Nigeria to get a point from the encounter. Having bungled the match against Bafana Bafana, there was still room for amendments against Benin Republic, coached by former Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr.

The Cheetahs came from 1-0 down to beat the visitors 2-1, leaving the three-time African champions languishing in fifth place of the six-team table, with Nigeria’s chances of hoisting their flag at the 2026 Mundial hanging by a thread.

Meanwhile, the 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 on Wednesday. President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, revealed at the weekend that it was working on new measures to ensure that Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Finidi was 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 an emergency meeting with the Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh in Abuja on Thursday.

After the meeting, the NFF President revealed the federation 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.

With Finidi’s poor performances in the World Cup qualifiers, it remains to be seen if the former Real Betis winger has not succeeded in silencing the voices of advocates of home-grown coaches managing the Super Eagles.

Finidi George passing instructions to Victor Osimhen

Rangers Eighth League Title Quest Gets Bendel Insurance Test

After a slight midweek set back in which they lost 1-0 to old foe,Shooting Stars of Ibadan,table-topping Enugu Rangers will tomorrow host Bendel Insurance at the NnamdiAzikiwe Stadium,Enugu,in FlyingAntelopes’quest to becoming the 202324 Nigeria Premier Football League champion.The Cathedral,have proven to be a crucifying ground for most opponents of the seven-time champions,and with coach Fidelis Ilechukwu having rested five starters midweek to be fresh for tomorrow’s encounter and the return of Kennneth Igboke from the Super Eagles camp,there will definitely be no insurance for Bendel

Enugu Rangers International will tomorrow at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu go head-to-head with Bendel Insurance in the Flying Antelopes’ quest to win the 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League title.

The seven-time league champions last won the league in 2016 and a victory against old foe, Bendel Insurance will put them in good stead to clinch their eighth league title. Rangers currently top the NPFL table with 64 points, followed closely by second placed Remo Stars of Ijebu-ode.

Though, the Fidelis Ilechukwu’s tomorrows opponent -Insurance are currently placed seventh on the log, defensively they have been very shrewd, especially in their travels.

Meanwhile, the 2023/24 Nigeria Profes-

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sional Football League, NPFL winners may be decided on Sunday if Enugu Rangers win at home and Remo Stars lose their away

game.

Enugu Rangers will host Bendel Insurance while Remo Stars will be away to

Sunshine Stars.

Despite a less impressive away record, Bendel Insurance have been a tough nut to crack, boasting the fewest conceded goals in the NPFL this season.

Expected to leverage their home advantage and the support of their ardent fans, Enugu Rangers may be gearing up for an eighth NPFL title.

Enugu Rangers Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu believes in his team’s ability to seize the moment.

“It will be a thing of joy for me, my family, technical crew and everybody, especially for our fans who have waited since 2016,” Ilechukwu said.

“Every supporter of the Flying Antelopes is looking forward to the trophy again. There is hope that it will happen. The problem now is Remo Stars, we have two games and we need to fight to make sure we win our next game and I think with that it will be a great joy for Rangers, the management, fans and everybody,” he said.

On Sunday, the matches between Sporting Lagos vs Enyimba and Bayelsa United vs Shooting Stars will air on StarTimes Beta Sports channel 244.

Can Remo Stars Go One Better in 2023-24 NPFL Season?

After placing 3rd in the 2021-22, 2nd in 2022-23, as the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) 2023-24 season wraps up, Remo Stars are a strong contender for the league trophy and the question remains if they can go one better this season?

Their journey has been remarkable over the last two seasons. Each year, they have fought gallantly, getting stronger each season. Having built on their impressive third-place finish in 2022 and a tantalisingly second place in 2023, the team’s trajectory suggests a club on the cusp of greatness, with a clear upward trend that fans and their coach hope will culminate in a championship title this year.

A historical opportunity beckons. Remo Stars’ coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, fueled by the team’s consistent improvement over the past two seasons, believes this could be their year to clinch the elusive NPFL title. The team has shown steady progress, and the coach sees this as their golden opportunity to reach the summit of Nigerian football finally.

The stats speak volumes of their potential: Remo Stars have an excellent home record, with 17 wins out of 18 games, showcasing their stronghold at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo in Ogun State. Their overall form is marked by 19 wins, 5 draws, and 12 losses, placing them at 62 points, two points shy of league leaders Enugu Rangers.

Ogunmodede’s strategy has been clear: build a fortress at home and be resilient on the road. The team’s ability to score goals, averaging 0.7 goals per away game

forms the backbone of their title challenge. Forward, Sikiru Alimi has been on fire this season with 15 goals and is a strong contender for the Golden Boot award.

The 2024 season has seen Remo Stars display a brand of football that is both exciting and effective. Their recent 4-1 victory over Heartland Owerri is a testament to their attacking flair and resilience. However, losses like the 3-2 away defeat to Lobi Stars serve as a reminder that the NPFL is a competitive league where any team can be a stumbling block.

The team’s performance has not gone unnoticed, with media coverage and fans engagement at an all-time high. Broadcast partner StarTimes has ensured that the excitement of the NPFL, and particularly the rise of Remo Stars, reaches a wide audience.

As we approach the business end of the season, Remo Stars find themselves in a strong position to claim their first NPFL title. The question on every fan’s mind is whether they can maintain their form and handle the pressure of being top contenders. If they can continue their current trajectory, Remo Stars could very well be lifting the NPFL trophy, completing a remarkable journey from third to first in just three seasons.

The next few matches will be crucial, only league leaders, Enugu Rangers can deny them their shine, but one thing is certain: Remo Stars are no longer dark horses—they are genuine title contenders.

On Sunday, Remo Stars will be away to Southwest Neighbours, Sunshine Stars and will host Katsina United in their last season match on June 23.

Capacity crowd at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, last Sunday when Rangers hosted Enyimba reenacted the glory days of the Nigerian league

Germany Humilate 10-man Scots in Opening Match

Scotland were taught a lesson by classy Germany in their Euro 2024 opener as Ryan Porteous was sent off in a 5-1 defeat in Munich.

Steve Clarke’s mantra was “respect everyone, fear no one” as they looked to make it past the group stages of a major tournament for the first time.

But they looked shellshocked as Angus Gunn failed to save Florian Wirtz’s effort inside the opening 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena.

Jamal Musiala rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net with Kai Havertz making it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Porteous was shown a straight red for a crunching challenge on Ilkay Gundogan following a VAR check.

The Germans, who last won the European Championship in 1996, were not finished and

Niclas Fullkrug smashed a wonderful drive into the top corner to add to Scotland’s woes.

Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net to finally give the Scots something to celebrate before Emre Can made it 5-1 to earn Germany the biggest win in an opening match at the Euros.

The Tartan Army descended in their thousands believing they could upset the odds, but there was an early warning as Antonio Rudiger sent a ball through to Wirtz. He was just offside but Angus Gunn reacted to save his half-volley with his head.

The hosts were in control and after a brilliant clearance from Porteous to deny Musiala

a chance, they did take the lead.

Kimmich sent a long pass to Wirtz and the Bundesliga’s player of the year took his chance, Gunn did get a touch but only pushed it in off the inside of the post.

And it got worse for Scotland as they went 2-0 down after just 20 minutes.

Musiala picked up a brilliant pass from Gundogan and rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

Steve Clarke had his head in his hands as the hosts were awarded a penalty soon after for Ryan Christie’s clumsy challenge on Musiala, but it was outside the box and overturned after a VAR check.

Kai Havertz’s resultant free-kick deflected off the wall and spun into Gunn’s arms.

Turkish Giants Scramble for Ndidi’s Signature

Three Turkish football clubs are reportedly locked in a fierce competition to secure the signature of Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, whose contract with Leicester City is set to expire by June 2024.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has been a stalwart for Leicester City since joining the club in 2017.

However, with his contract nearing its end, Ndidi seems poised for a potential departure from the King Power Stadium.

According to Fanatik, Leicester City have been unable to convince Ndidi to extend his stay, paving the way for Turkish

clubs to enter the fray. Trabzonspor, Bekta and Galatasaray are among the interested parties in the Super Lig. Trabzonspor, keen on bolstering both their forward line and midfield options, have expressed interest in Ndidi along with Paul Onuachu.

The Black Sea Storm are reportedly determined to secure Ndidi’s services and have presented an enticing offer, including a substantial signing bonus.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray has made a compelling offer of a three-plus-one-year contract in

a bid to sway Ndidi to choose them over other suitors.

Ndidi’s tenure at Leicester City has been marked by consistent performances, making him a sought-after asset in the transfer market.

The Nigerian international played 36 matches last season, contributing six goals and six assists to the Foxes’ campaign.

In addition to his club exploits, Ndidi has also been a key figure for the Nigerian national team.

He featured prominently in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, starting recently against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Eagles Goalkeeper, Olorunleke Dumps NPFL for Sudanese Giants

Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, has completed a move to Sudanese giants Al Merrikh Omdurman SC on a two-year deal.

According to reports circulating in the media, Olorunleke’s transfer follows a successful medical examination, marking a new chapter in his career after his stint with Enyimba FC.

Olorunleke played a key role for Enyimba FC during his time in the Nigeria Premier Football League, which led to his Super Eagles call-up under

the guidance of Jose Peseiro.

Although he has yet to make a significant appearance for the Super Eagles, he played a crucial role for Enyimba, leading them to a record ninth title last season.

Olorunleke brings a wealth of experience to Al Merrikh, having previously played for Giwa FC, Sunshine Stars, and Abia Warriors. His consistent performances have earned him a reputation as a reliable shot-stopper.

Al Merrikh has been

without competitive action since September 2023, when they lost 3-0 on aggregate to the Young Africans in the CAF Champions League.

The addition of Olorunleke is seen as a significant reinforcement as they look to rebuild and kickstart their competitive games.

Olorunleke’s move is expected to bring stability and experience to the Al Merrikh defense, and fans are eager to see him in action as the club aims to return to form.

Sheffield Utd Plot Move for Eagles Invitee, Osho

According to TEAMTalk, Sheffield United are plotting a move for 2024 Super Eagles invitee Gabriel Osho in a bid to bolster their defensive options.

The Blades’ defensive department has been decimated by the loss of Chris Basham, George Baldock and Max Lowe who are all set to leave the club upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.

Osho is being targeted

as one who could help fill the void being left by the aforementioned players with the Reading Academy product capable of playing as a centre-half or right back.

His experience could also help Sheffield United stage a comeback to the Premier League after they got demoted to the Championship, finishing last on the English top-tier division log last term.

Having helped Luton Town regain promotion to the Premier League in the 2022/2023 campaign, he could also help Sheffield United return back to the top-flight just a season after losing their status in the division.

Chris Wilder’s side face competition for the AngloNigerian defender as Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor are also eyeing a move for him .

Okocha, Kanu, Eboue, Osimhen to Raise

$9 million for Mobile Clinics in Nigeria

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Super Eagles legends, Austin Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu, are among the 60 celebrities already in Nigeria for the Charity Champions Cup billed for MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja today.

The Charity Cup, organised by Attom Foundation, plans to raise $9 million for the acquisition of 36 mobile clinics for medical assistance for 10,000 people with eye defects.

Other stars billed for the charity match include, former Ivory Coast international, Emmanuel Eboue, former captain South Africa national team, Mark Fish; Kelechi Iheanacho,Victor Osimhen, Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze, among others.

Addressing the press yesterday, at a briefing attended by Eboue, Kenneth Omeruo, George

Boateng, the founder/CEO

Attom Foundation, Dr. Yahaya Attom, said the charity cup would feature several footballers and celebrities drawn up for the Attom 11 vs Charity 11 match up.

Attom said each mobile clinic cost about $250,000, adding that four of those buses had been acquired and would be moved to Abuja on Saturday from Lagos. “When it comes to a cause like this, there is no limit to how much funds we can raise.

“Our aim is to help the less privileged and provide medical assistance, particularly in rural areas.

“We realised that eye care is one of the neglected aspects of human body. At the last outreach in Maiduguri by Attom Foundation, we gave

more than 1,000 people free eye surgery. We want to have mobile clinics in 36 states of the federation where surgery will be provided for over 10,000 beneficiaries,” Attom said. He said the next edition of the annual charity tournament will be played in Lagos in 2025.

Also speaking, Eboue asked fans to turn out in large number for the match while expressing happiness to be in Nigeria for the charity match.

“We will provide entertainment for the fans on Saturday and l urge everyone to come to the stadium. I have been to Nigeria severely, but this is my first visit to Abuja. I am very happy to be here,” Eboue said.

On his part, Omeruo, expressed desire sitting on the same stage with Eboue and Boateng, who played and served as coach for Ivory Coast and Ghana, two of Nigeria’s biggest football rivals.

U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Land in the Dominican Republic

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, have secured their ticket to the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals to be staged in the Dominican Republic later this year, after a 2-0 defeat of their Liberian counterparts at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday.

The victory took the aggregate tally to 6-1 in favour of Nigeria, with extraordinary poacher Harmony Chidi setting a record of 13 goals in a qualifying series that will be difficult to equal in years to come. She had 11 goals

before kick-off, but netted the two goals of the evening to take Nigeria’s total of the series to a whopping 25. Central African Republic fell by a dozen goals while Burkina Faso fell 1-7 on aggregate.

Her first came after only four minutes when she sped past the Liberian defence to toe-poke the ball beyond the flailing arms of goalkeeper Makula Konneh from a cross by Shakirat Moshood.

A goal feast was expected, but this did not happen, as Peace

Effiong had a close call in the 17th and Moshood rocked the crossbar a minute after from 20 yards. Moshood also missed from close range with 10 minutes left of the first half. In the 56th minute, Moshood blasted beyond the goalpost when faced with Konneh, but Harmony Chidi made sure of her brace seven minutes later when she lashed the ball beyond Konneh’s reach as Nigeria seized the ball from a defensive slip-up by the visitors.

Gantos FC Wins 4th Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge

Gantos Football Club of Lagos has emerged the champion of the 4th edition of the Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge, sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation.

In the competition to celebrate the June 12 birthday of the 1997 African Footballer of the Year and 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medallist, Victor Nosa Ikpeba, the Segun Williams Ijitola captained Gantos Fc defeated Odogwu Fc 2-0 with two goals scored by Ikechukwu Elvis.

Elvis who scored a total four goals in the competition emerged the Highest Goal Scorer and the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

Emerging champions, Gantos took home a cash prize of N250,000, a golden trophy and gold medals.

Odogwu FC captained by Charles Apugo, finished second place and losing 0-2 to Gantos. Odogwu got a cash prize of N125,000, a silver trophy and

silver medals. In third place, is Golden Competitors FC captained by Michael Aluede. They defeated Soccer Pro Fc captained by Chidi Chukwuka 2-1 by penalties after playing a goalless draw at regulations time. Competitors Fc got a cash prize of N100,000 for finishing third place, a trophy and bronze medals. Soccer Pro FC that finished in fourth place got a consolation cash prize of N50,000.

Africa’s Premier MMA Championship Gets Big boost as Moniepoint Powers Usman’s AKO Series

Africa’s fastest growing financial institution according to the Financial Times, Moniepoint Inc has thrown its weight to support the growth and development of the Mixed Martial Arts, MMA across the continent. This is signposted by a season-long partnership with the promoters of African Knockout Championship, Africa’s pioneering MMA promotion, which features the amateur MMA reality TV production “The AKO Show,” and a series of professional MMA fight nights branded “Face Off.”

The partnership, which embodies the shared values of grit and powering dreams, which are at the core of both Moniepoint’s mission and the spirit of MMA, comes at a time when the sport even though dogged by a lack of fight tournaments and sufficient talent is gaining significant traction in Africa, with 19 countries having recognised it as a national sport.

Mixed Martial Arts also known as cage fighting is a full-contact compact sport that incorporates elements from various combat sports and is based on striking, grappling and ground fighting. Africans leading the charge include Usman ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru, the first African-born champion in UFC welterweight division, along with Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, another champion in the middleweight category and Cameroonian, Francis Ngannou, a heavyweight champion have been very instrumental to the popularity of the sport such that it’s been dubbed the fastest-growing sport on Earth, measured in participation and audience.

Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Liameed Gafaar, presenting the trophy to the winner of the 4th Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge

Ryan Porteous was sent off for the tackle on Ikay Gundogan

Arraign On, Not ‘Over’

“FUELqueuesreturnin(to)Lagos”

“EFCC arraigns Kwara bizman over (on) N170m contract scam” Please further note that ‘bizman’ is a substandard entry. “Ogun: Adebutu, others docked over money laundering” No editor/reporter has any journalistic licence to misuse words or phrases, especially those that are fixed or stock etymologies. You put a suspect in the dock. Verbal usage of ‘dock’ does not apply here. It is mostly a maritime application.

“…on the auspicious occasion of your 83rd birthday anniversary celebration.” Delete ‘anniversary’ for Ochudo’s sake!

“…in the context of work ethics (ethic)….”

“Happy birthday to a truly inspirational leader per (par) excellence in politics who has certainly earned a place in the history of our dear.” Dear what?

“The endemic country in the country is fast weakening our nascent democracy.” Apart from the gibberish of ‘country in the country’, our democracy is no longer ‘nascent’!

The Special Adviser to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on Public Communications, Onyebuchi Ememanka, made a public nuisance of himself in his scurrilous and horrendous feedback to one of my candid articles published here not too long ago: “…Ukwa Ngwa resurrects which appeared…at (on) Page 17 made a negatively interesting read (reading).” ‘Read’, in this context, is strictly informal which means it cannot be used in formal/standard writing. The same thing applies to ‘invite’ (invitation) which is becoming faddish in Nigeria!

“It was at (in) the last paragraph that I understood what the entire article was all about, namely, yet another attempt by an apologist of Mazi Alex Otti, to further seek to needlessly politicize and denigrate the history of our people.”

Finally from Ememanka: “It rather follows age long (age-long) traditions of seniority at (on) the bench.” For those who may not know, the bracketed

words are the correct entries.

THE Guardian front and inside pages of May 12 followed the footsteps of Ememanka by prefacing this week’s edition with two howlers nurtured by juvenile sloppiness: “It should be recalled that stakeholders opposed AMCON’s deadline on (for) bank’s acquisition.”

“Govt test runs (sic) American building system in Kuje scheme” ‘Test run’ is a noun—not a phrasal verb! Just use ‘tests’, which is brief and concise. These Nigerian etymological creations vitiate contemporary English.

Usage note: Customs (plural)—The Customs and Excise (British: now Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs since 2005 when the department was merged with Inland Revenue). Also: US Customs Service just like Nigeria Customs Service which the current leadership has so revolutionized with a catalytic touch that you would think there had been no CG before the present one—the NCS now posts, unprecedentedly, N100bn revenue yearly! Britons apply plural verb (The Customs have seized….) while Americans use singular verb. The choice is yours! For me, to the extent that it is a government AGENCY, I will support Americans on this for once! What do you constructively think?

“It is high time (also it is about time) all the contentious issues in SWF are (were) resolved now (sic) in the interest of the economy and the country.”

“Attempt (An attempt) by the APC to elect officials has led to cracks in its rank (ranks)”

“There are intractable crisis (crises) between….”

“The demeanour of majority (a majority) of the contenders….”

“The compendium is the first single national publication that will feature all the custodian (the entire custodians) of Nigeria’s cultures….” (Full-page advertorial by Daily Trust)

Let us move from Daily Trust to THISDAY of May 12 which circulated all manner of blunders: “Stop by the nearest Access Bank branch for our Cross Border Transfer (cross-border transfer) service.”

(Full-page advertisement)

The next two faults are still from THISDAY of the above edition: “…the last thing the public needs (need) now is to rub salt in (into) their wounds.”

“Population, urbanisation (urbanization, preferably) driver (drivers) of investment into (in) Africa”

“This is a cost effective (cost-effective) way of banking.”

“A hearty cheers” (Full-page congratulatory advertorial by the Chrome Group) Why not ‘Hearty cheers? “…on the occasion of his Birthday Anniversary (sic).” (Full-page advertorial by Mainland Oil & Gas Co. Ltd) ‘Birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot co-exist because the former implies the yearly anniversary (celebration/marking/commemoration) of an epochal event (birth/discovery/wedding/memorial et al) in the life of an individual or an organisation (organization, preferably). This faux pas keeps recurring daily! Is it that we do not read or are we just raucously careless or incorrigible? We have ‘wedding anniversary’.

“Although sports betting have (has) been around for a long time….”

Finally from the Back Page of THISDAY under focus where a guest columnist offered readers just an executive takeaway: “Now that they have attained those standards, I hope they will not let it (them) drop again.”

The PUNCH of May 12 joins the language-poverty club with the following inaccuracies: “I ran to the two of them and they would borrow (lend) the state money.”

“Glo Borrow (Lend) Me Credit” (Full-page advertisement by glo Unlimited) What is this schoolboy mix-up of ‘borrow’ and ‘lend’?

“Risk averse (Risk-averse) Nigerian banks lag behind peers—Report”

For the first time, let us welcome THISDAY Style to this stylish column. Its two editions lacked grammatical etiquette on three occasions: “…my experiences here has (have) been a big part of my music. From the onset (outset), my music has (had) always been about me being a Nigerian.”

Once Upon Another ‘June 12’

This month, almost to the week, three years ago, we revisited our lamentations on the epochal fallouts, and consequent upheavals that dogged the incidents that culminated into what we have called the new-old “Democracy Day”. It was titled “Once Upon A June 12”. Three days ago, we marked the 2024 version of our Democracy Day with some stumbling drama, high octane sophistry and a measure of sobriety befitting our parlous state as a nation.

Once again, we take a detour on the homilies of our ungainly staggering towards systemic and historic failings as a nation state. Let us cast our mind to that day when we did something magnificent - for once - but were betrayed by vaulting ambition and shameless power mongers.

“Do you remember what you were doing on 12th of June, 1993? That was 31 years ago! Well, I still hold a rather grim memory of that day largely because of the deep searing disappointment, destruction and general dislocation that followed for months on end - all because some puny minds were too full of their self-importance and warped significance in molding the future of this country; and they messed up royally. Yet a forgetful, docile and abominably forgiving nation chose to move on, and moved up a number of these charlatans to positions of power in political structures they consciously killed and maimed so as to frustrate our emergence as a great nation.

On that day in 1993, I swore to vote, for the first time, and canvassed my environment to vote for the more agreeable duo of Chief MKO Abiola, and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe - without partisan expectations. I, like many of my friends, didn’t even remember both candidates were Muslims. It was a no-brainer pitching an amorphous Alhaji Bashir Tofa against an Abiola. We didn’t really care that Tofa, from the populous Kano, picked his vice from the East, in Sylvester Ugoh, a Christian. It just didn’t matter. It wasn’t that Abiola was a Yoruba like me, or a media personality, fun-loving, philosophical, humanitarian - passions that sat well with me. Not really. He just seemed to click all the boxes I had arranged as sine qua non for my favourite African

head of state. And he appeared genuinely eager to make a positive impact in pulling Nigeria up from the dumpsters the military had scrambled her into.

I queued under the heat...I can’t remember if it rained before we dispersed that day. But the semi-awkward voting pattern which shaved any sense of secrecy or privacy in balloting was bad enough...you had to queue behind either of the two candidates - Option A4 they called it. The elements favoured one man, in my area, thus ballot snatching, vote manipulation and other malpractices were hard to come by. Over 80% of my neighbourhood, close to the old Punch office in Mangoro, Lagos Mainland East were for the billionaire publisher, and multiple chief.

Abiola won fairly, and handily, in my area... and as we learnt via live transmission of votes counted all across the nation, the man whose dexterity in churning colourful anecdotes and witty idioms, and who was not diminished by his speech impediment, won handsomely in all the four corners of Nigeria, including in Tofa’s Kano (52% to 48%). In the East, Ugoh’s candidacy didn’t help Tofa’s party that much… Abiola won in Anambra, and was pretty close in Imo and Enugu. Apart from the feudalist enclave of Sokoto (20.8%) there is nowhere he scored less than 32% in the then 30 states and the FCT - an incredible national spread unequalled since.

Then they struck… the spoilt-brats, and national termites, decided their fathers’ land would be better tilled by one of them in whom they were comfortable! The 8.3 million votes of Abiola’s Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the almost six million votes of Tofa’s National Republican Convention (NRC) did not mean anything to the military rascals. That the election was manifestly free and remarkably fair did not strike them as a worthy legacy. They chose to popularize an abomination - annulment.

Sadly, some of the destroyers and wasters of our commonwealth and posterity are still alive; with a rickety bunch shamelessly swaggering through the portals of democratic temples, pretending to be paying penance through observance of democratic tenets - woe onto all the perpetrators and enablers of the perfidies

“Put your phone on silent (silence)”

From THE NATION ON SUNDAY of June 9 comes the next boyish infraction: “Nigeria: Giant with a feet of clay” You mean nobody in the production team could detect this mistake? Get it right: ‘Nigeria: Giant with clay feet—not ‘a feet of clay’!

“…Happy Birthday my sweetheart & congrats for (on/upon) being a Digital grandma.”

“Travel expert…said Nigeria needs (needed) a national or flag carrier with….”

The Guardian of May 24 nurtured some misunderstandings right from its front page: “The meeting, which started at about 12.10 p. m. at (in) the Council Chambers, was attended by….” No cloudiness about timing: exactitude is the word or clear guess game (at 12.10 p. m. or about 12.10 p. m.—if unsure). In formal writing, ‘at’ and ‘about’ cannot co-function when timing.

“Taraba CAN blames acting gov over (for) killings, aide disagrees”

“Since August, I have been remitting money into (to) my husband’s account….”

“Chioma, you are not 50, you are 18 with 32 years (years’) experience”

The Guardian of June 12 was conscienceless: “With this resolution, the committee said local councils will (would) no longer be a third tier….”

Still on The Guardian which fumbled scandalously with five kindergartener mistakes: “What is absolutely incorrect is the celebration of same (the same) figures as some achievement in the face of Nigerians’ gnawing poverty.”

“…which shows that majority (a/the majority) of Nigerians still live below the poverty line….”

“…offering a competitive edge over other economies in (on) the continent….”

“…the turnover shows a reap-off (rip-off) of consumers and low quality service in return.”

“The exercise is how to maximize those potentials (potential or potentialities).”

that arose out of the annulment of the ‘June 12’ presidential elections. May their names and ancestry be clouded in ignominy and levity ad infinitum.

The consequences of that glib dismissal of a people’s mandate, and the harassment, disruptions, murders, assassinations and brutalities that ensued, left a troubled and weary nation thoroughly exhausted and dehumanized. Valiant efforts across the land to challenge the militant robbery of the people’s mandate was violently crushed, strategical lacerated by infusion of divisive politics, and ethnic jingoism… every trick and subterfuge to corrode and rubbish the emergent crystallization of pro-democracy alliances was lavishly dispensed: even as the economy and international image of the country suffered colossal hemorrhage in the hands of those vagrant nonentities.

After the needless shedding of young blood, mass carnage in the fold of the vibrant civil society agitators, and deft maneuverings of political vultures, some sort of contrivance emerged atop the unmarked grave of the stoic mad man who broke all rules of statesmanship in his bid to consolidate power on his puny head, Sani Abacha. He was extinguished indecorously on 8 June, 1998. A political escapism was conjured after the convenient and mysterious elimination of the gallant man of his people, Abiola on 7 July, 1998. Exactly one month apart, by some evil genius abracadabra! And 1999 was birthed.

So also did the different plumage of cadaverous ambitions surged in shameless carnival parade - people who had betrayed the ‘military-must-go’ vanguard; people who rallied to grandstand at the podiums of the five leprous fingers (the fitting title Chief Bola Ige used in christening Abacha’s five imposed ‘political parties’). Suddenly, the same braggarts and vandals were at the Eagles Square jostling for privileges and positions in Abubakar Abdulsalami’s half-hearted transition meandering.

Like drunken sailors caressed into their doom by beautiful vengeful sirens...we stumbled into the fourth republic. Many were bruised beyond repair; some were traumatized into exile… and others who remained, like me, had lost the zeal to

revamp and restart the rebuilding project - crushed by the mere sight of characters who ought to be in chains, seeking restitution for destroying the hope of a nation, now angling and seeking to lead and monitor the growth and prosperity of the same unfortunate nation!

Fast-forward to 2018. In spite of his welladvertised failings, somersaults and seeming inadequacies, one of the greatest acts of statesmanship performed by President Muhammadu Buhari was recognising the sacrifices, anguish, and disillusionment occasioned by the annulment of ‘June 12’. Whether he did it as a genuine act of class penitence, and national reconciliation; or dubious political masterstroke to bolster his reelection bid in 2019, it didn’t really matter. His great act of atonement and exorcism of the evil done to this country, to Nigerians - dead, maimed or alive; to Abiola, his families and stable friends; and to the over 14 million valid voters... has enshrined his name in the portals of history as the man who did right by anointing ‘June 12’ as the proper Democracy Day; and Abiola worthy of accoutrements reserved for Nigerian heads of state - Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR.!

Yes, absolutely nothing can replace the lives wasted in the battles to reclaim the stolen mandate of 12 June; nothing can make up for the searing losses and diminution this country suffered in the hands of madcap adventurers who blew through our resources...but the tokenism offered, and homilies enunciated by Buhari that day, 12 June, 2019 at the inaugural Democracy Day ceremonies, went a mile or two in restoring the hope of many in this country. That singular act, by executive order, which previous civilian presidents had been presumably afraid to touch with a long pole...made many proud to have survived the locust years of the military vagabonds, and their civilian co-philanderers.

MISSILE

Eyiboh on Presidential Posters

“Senator Godswill Akpabio does not have any intention to contest for president in 2027, nor is he nursing any ambition of a joint presidential ticket with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other person by whatever name... Akpabio has been dedicated to providing the necessary legislative support to the Tinubu administration and has not contemplated running for president at any point” – Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, reiterated on the circulation of posters linking Akpabio to contesting for presidency

OKEY IKECHUKWU

Fathers’ Day: Once Upon A Father

Many have celebrated, and others are preparing to celebrate, Fathers’ Day. Some men are busy grumbling that “their” day is not getting as much attention, and noisy approbation, as Mothers’ Day. Others are contending with a world that has become too busy with “father bashing” and “male gender bashing” to appreciate what needed to be appreciated. There are many men of genuine good faith, and fathers of exceptional inclinations who would put all father bashers and men bashers to shame and to flight. But let us leave all that and get on with today’s business. Please note that there is not an ounce of fiction in the following narrative.

This piece about a certain father was written at the behest of Rev Father George Ehusani. The reverend gentleman is a Catholic priest and a friend who has consistently invested in anything and everything that would improve the quality of any human being he encounters, advance the spirituality of the wider society and create future leaders who would be exemplary in every sense of the word. So, I am here doing his bidding, since he wanted me to put in the public domain a true story of a man who was a father and a spiritual guide to his son.

“Prof”, Ehusani said over the phone after the initial pleasantries, “as fathers’ day is being celebrated in some places around this time, I would like you to write about ... (identity withheld for now), whom you have often spoken about in some of our public engagements. Please, you need to share some of that moving reality you are privy to via your newspaper column. Yes, many people need to hear about fathers who were true fathers, as are many toiling, unsung and misunderstood fathers today. The general denigration of men and fathers, as well as the growing pretence that parenting now depends on how any adult feels about it, is doing incalculable damage to society”. So, here we are, to talk about a certain father.

The man was such a benign and edifying influence on his son, that the latter easily recalls, very vividly to this day, how this man often sat with him in front of the house one evening after another. It was during one of such evenings that the boy, a primary four pupil, brought his Michael West English dictionary in order to anchor the question he had for his father. This was not unusual, because whenever the boy came to join him in those solitary moments he sometimes inflicted on himself in the usually cool breeze that blessed School Road in Umuahia, it was like the unburdening of a soul to a trusted guide.

These moments were the boy’s favourite opportunities for asking his father the meaning of new words he had read about, and of asking him about anything whatsoever on which he needed clarification. A soberly quiet and clear-headed man of uncommon perspicuity and his son, all by themselves in the evenings,

more often than anyone would expect of a father and son in the city. The man’s simple, patient and unassuming nature belied his deep knowledge of life and so many other things. The boy simply saw an older, and very dependable friend and nothing more – even though he called him father.

On that fateful evening referred to above, the boy had come to discuss the meaning of names. The word teacher spoke of clement weather and inclement weather during the boy’s lesson in Nature Study at school. He later checked his dictionary and it turned out that the word ‘clement’ meant “mild and merciful”. So, there he was with a simple question for his father: “Papa, did your parents know you were a very kind and gentle person before they gave you your name? His father’s name was “Clement”.

The man turned, looked at his son with some amusement and asked in return: “Why do you ask?” Then the boy explained what transpired in school earlier in the day.

Seeing the quizzical look on his father’s face the boy said, “Papa, that word is your name, and it describes you exactly. So, I have been wondering how your parents gave you a name that describes who you are”. The man smiled, rubbed the boy on the head and suggested that they went into the house. He did not answer the question.

When the boy was ready to proceed to secondary school, he took the Entrance Examinations for several boys-only schools. But he was posted to a mixed sex school, instead. He was in tears, because several friends and members of his church always said that people who attended such schools stood a much higher chance of going to hell. Well, he was determined not to go to hell!

During the long vacation, after the boy had

just finished his first year in secondary school, he came to tell his father that he no longer wished to change his school to an all-boys school. Believing that one must avoid mixed gender secondary schools in order not to get corrupted and go to hell, the boy was in tears when he was posted to a mixed school after the general common entrance Examinations. Now, he wants something else.

Patient as ever, his father asked why. The boy explained that it was better for him to face the challenges and temptations of daily living and come out successful, than to avoid the real world that he would come out to face after secondary education. The man, seeming totally unperturbed, tried to convince the little boy to stick to his original decision, to no avail. Midway into the holidays, the boy’s mother brought up the matter of change of school in the parlour one evening. His father told her that they would discuss it later and decide how to go about it. Till date, the boy never knew what his parents discussed. But no one ever brought up the change of school issue again, until he finished with secondary school education.

When it came to university education, the teenager said he wanted to study philosophy. Everyone: uncles, aunts, and possibly even passers by who heard what the discussion was about, were dead set against it. The boy wanted knowledge of the meaning and purpose of life, but everyone else was talking about employment and earning money. The young man’s father said nothing when the latter bought a JAMB form and applied to study philosophy at the university of Nigeria, Nsukka. He said nothing when the young man said that he would rather get involved in his father’s printing and publishing business, than go to the university to study anything other than philosophy.

Then, one day, during one of those evenings in front of the house, which the years never took away from them, the man asked his son: “Did you consider studying psychology?” The boy said the subject had too many wrong answers about human nature. The man said nothing to his quick retort. He knew his son’s familiarity with all manner of subjects. He saw his teenage son switch from the sciences to the arts a few weeks before his final year secondary school examinations. He watched him spend his money on comics, esoteric literature and science books. He saw the boy subscribe to many publications, including Spaceflight, which is published by the National aeronautical Space Agency (NASA) of the United States.

Unbeknown to the boy, his father was ever closely watchful and attentive to his stirrings. He was feigning aloofness while keeping a close tab and acting as a gardener whose only concern was to ensure that “This plant” actualized its true potentials, rather than follow the wishes of the gardener.

He was always more of a friend and protector to his son and his siblings, than a father. He never showed his boy whether he had any flogging

skills, or huge and scary frowns often used by most parents and adults to drive home their authority. He would rather calmly explain to you what is right and what is wrong. To make him admonish you was to disgrace yourself. Going back again to the past, there was an occasion when the little boy stood before his father, helpless and confounded. He was facing judgment as a bad boy, for “smoking cigarette” at the age of four. “I learnt that you spent the entire evening smoking cigarettes, so I want you to tell me who taught you such a thing”, the father said. The boy was silent. “The entire evening” kept ringing in his head. Meanwhile all he did was put the stub of a cigarette he picked up from the pavement in front of the house to his mouth once. He was disappointed when no smoke came out. The taste was revolting! He ‘smoked’ it by blowing at one end. But nothing came out of the cold and foul-smelling thing.

Then came the verdict: “Since you have already taken your preferred meal, namely dozens of cigarettes, you will skip dinner”! The boy was aghast. Surely his father had been misinformed! Dozens of cigarettes? Unbelievable! And cigarette is not food. Now, his dinner is gone! What a calamity!

His father mercifully brought the episode to an end before midnight when he, along with the boy’s ever-gentle mother, woke him up and inflicted a meal on him. Awake, the boy starred around him in consternation. “How could adults behave like this?” he wondered. His dinner was apparently hidden away somewhere all the while! And everyone made him believe that he was going to feed on cigarettes for the rest of his life. The same people who said you should not tell lies? Oh, the world must be coming to an end.

Bigman was 88 when he came to spend the Christmas with his son, as he promised. He only just stopped driving himself, at his children’s insistence, four years earlier. He was as happy as a baby on arrival. All his practical jokes came with him by the truckload. It was now him sitting with his son in front of the latter’s house. He was impatient for ‘a conversation’, from the moment he arrived. As they talked into the night, laughing and throwing jokes at the wind, Bigman began to say something specific, including messages, concerning all of his children.

Later, the same day, he was gone! When the bereaved called his childhood friend, Paul, who made the travel arrangements for Bigman’s last trip to Abuja, the latter exclaimed: “Oh dear! Okey, Papa’s last statement to me as he left for Abuja was ‘Paul, under no circumstances should there be any misunderstanding between you and your brother, Okey, or I would come from wherever I am and beat the hell out of you both”.

I am grateful to God Almighty for the parents he gave me. As for fathers’ Day, Bigman’s “Legacy” is ever-present for me. He was an insightful, firm, considerate, non-indulgent and very understanding father.

Rev Father George Ehusani