THURSDAY 15TH JUNE 2023

Subsidy Removal: Petrol Price War Imminent as NMDPRA Begins Licencing of More Oil Importers

Vows to protect Nigerians from exploitation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory

Authority (NMDPRA) yesterday disclosed that it had begun the process of licencing additional oil marketers to begin importa-

tion of petrol, thereby breaking the monopoly of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Other things being equal, as the market expands and more entities are allowed to import products, Nigerians are expected to be the

ultimate winners as prices of petrol would likely fall due to competition, given that operations do not engage in price fixing.

Speaking in Abuja after meeting with the marketers at the agency’s

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Obinna Chima, Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday abolished segmentation in the foreign

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L-R: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, at the Ambodes residence during a private ceremony to celebrate the former Governor’s 60th birthday…yesterday

ROYAL VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT...

LCCI Marks 135th Anniversary, Restates Commitment to Advancing Private Sector, Economic Growth

Dike Onwuamaeze

The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, has stated that the chamber was founded on the practical idea of building and advancing a thriving economy that is controlled by the private sector.

Olawale-Cole made this statement yesterday in his welcome address during the unveiling of the LCCI 135th that commenced activities marking the celebration of the anniversary with the theme “135 Years of Business Advocacy and Value Creation,” with the unveiling of its anniversary logo.

He said the LCCI was established in 1888 and has grown to be the largest chamber of commerce in West Africa with thousands of members.

Olawale-Cole said: “We have upheld the values of our predecessors and the principles outlined in our foundational documents. In addition, we have done so with courage.

“The founding fathers of the chamber have a practical idea of building and advancing a thriving economy that was controlled by the private sector through advocacy, trade promotion and business advisory.

“I am proud to say that the chamber during the past 13 decades has remained the leading voice of the organised private sector (OPS) in Nigeria. We have regularly maintained consultations on policies and measures affecting business and the economy with our time-tested approaches.

“We have grown. Today’s LCCI

has over thousands of members, up from 14 members when this great institution started and 26 sectorial groups, demonstrating our comprehensive coverage of the Nigerian economy.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, LCCI, Mr. John Odeyemi, said 135 years meant so much in the life of an organisation, which predated both the amalgamation and independence of Nigeria that took place in 1914 and 1960 respectively.

Odeyemi, who had been a council member of the chamber for 50 years now, said activities of the chamber became remarkable in the eyes of Nigerians from 1960, adding that “the fortunes of the chamber and the country have been growing together. And we have been a very vital organ of economic development for the country.”

Similarly, a former President of LCCI and ex-Minister of Industry, Dr. Nike Akande, said it was a great pleasure for her to witness the grand celebration of the chamber at 135 years.

She added: “I stand with a great sense of history to be a part of the history we are celebrating today. “The LCCI is the premier institution for public advocacy in West Africa. Through our policy advocacy, we have consistently engaged the government and strengthened the corporation between the public and the private sectors.

“We have enhanced Nigeria’s bilateral cooperation with other countries through our international

relations activities.”

According to a former director general of LCCI, Ambassador Adekunle Olumide, the LCCI started as the only voice for business in Nigeria until 1960 when the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) was created by the chamber. Olumide stated that the 135 anniversary of the chamber provided opportunity to highlight the strengths of the LCCI and emphasise the need for enhancing, otherwise it would be difficult for the chamber to maintain its premier position.

These strengths, according to him, included the membership of the chamber, which is made up of “influential private companies that operates in the key sectors of the economy” and the financial autonomy of the chamber that has never relied on the government for funding of its activities.

Other strengths of the chamber, he said, included the dominance of corporate governance in managing the activities of the chamber, the professionalism of the LCCI’s secretariat, and the ability of the chamber to undergo periodic reforms. He said; “Any organisation that

shies away from periodic reforms will be atrophied at any time and its strengths and vibrancy will be weakened. The LCCI from time to time will invite outside bodies like KPMG to look at the organisation’s strenght and structures.”

The Chair of Printing and Publishing Sector Group of LCCI, Mrs. Layo Bakare-Okeowo, said that the chamber has experienced tremendous growth and weathered through challenges and achieved countless milestones.

“This anniversary serves as a testimony to its resilience, commitment and unwavering dedication

to its values and mission,” she said.

Speaking during the occasion, the President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Tijani Musa Isa, who was represented by the Registrar of ICAN, Professor Ahmed Modu Kumshe, said that ICAN is indeed proud to associate with the LCCI that has recorded giant strides over these years.

Isa described LCCI as a steadfast advocator of the private sector, “working tirelessly to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through sustained public policy advocacy, stakeholders’ engagement and trade promotion activities.”

REA, Oando Seal Deal to Boost Clean Energy Access in Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), which the parties said will enhance the deployment of sustainable renewable energy access across Nigeria.

A statement from the REA in Abuja stated that the MoU formed the basis of a public-private arrangement between the government agency and OCEL for the deployment of solar infrastructure.

The parties, it said, recognise the potential benefits of the deployment of

solar infrastructure for power generation in order to trigger commercial and enterprise growth in benefitting communities.

“There are approximately 92 million Nigerians without access to electricity in the country, most of whom reside in rural areas. To this end, the federal government set a target to power 5 million homes through the REA in partnership with the private sector.

“This MoU gives OCEL access to target communities for the rollout of solar mini grids towards the achievement of energy security, power accessibility and affordability,”

NCC Tasks Telcos on Network Security, Consumer Safety

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the country to comply with regulatory frameworks put in place by the commission towards ensuring security and safety of their networks for telecom consumers.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, gave the charge at the 2023 annual Nigeria DigitalSense Forum, focused on Internet Governance for Development, which took place in Lagos recently.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Danbatta said one of the regulatory framework put in place

by the commission was the Internet Code of Practice (ICP) for telecom industry, which was essentially to protect the right of Internet users to an open Internet and provide clear guidelines to Internet Access Service Providers on the use of traffic management practices. He said the Internet Code also outlines the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ personal data as well as lists the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in the handling of offensive and potentially-harmful content, and the protection of minors and vulnerable audiences online; among others.

Through upholding the tenets of Internet Governance Code, Danbatta said the commission, in collaboration

with other stakeholders could make networks safe and get telecoms consumers protected online.

Speaking to the theme of the event: “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria", Danbatta said building robust legal and regulatory frameworks remained a crucial requirement for effective data governance in Nigeria and that the ICP provides the framework in this regard.

The EVC, however, underscored the need for telecom licensees, especially the MNOs and ISPs, to adhere strictly to industry frameworks that seek to enthrone effective governance in Internet delivery services.

Represented by the NCC’s Head, New Media and Information Security, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, the EVC said with

the emergence of new technologies such as the Fifth Generation (5G), currently being deployed in Nigeria, the need has come to pay greater attention to the issue privacy, data integrity and online trust across telecom networks.

"As we embrace the transformative potential of newer technologies such as 5G, we must prioritise safety concerns because the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology is unprecedented. As such, we need to always prioritise consumer privacy, transparency, and ethical data use; and this can be achieved by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, and by doing so, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria," Danbatta said.

it noted.

It quoted the Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salihijo, as saying during the ceremony that one of the best ways to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria was by exploring opportunities to optimise the critical role of renewable energy. He further expressed his delight about the REA and Oando partnership, saying that it will bring about mutually beneficial collaboration, knowledge exchange and experiences targeted at achieving the common goal of optimising renewable energy.

The statement said the Oando brand had been a key player in the energy space for over 20 years and is making significant in-roads in the renewable energy space through its newest subsidiary, OCEL, which was launched in 2021.

Speaking at the signing event, President OCEL, Dr Ainojie Irune, expressed his confidence in the collaboration with REA, stressing that the kind of collaboration was needed to boost energy access in the country.

“We would not be signing this MoU today if Agencies like the REA didn’t provide an enabling environment. I commend the REA for partnering with the private sector to boost energy access in rural areas across Nigeria.

“We are clear in our minds that a sustainable solution to ensuring all Nigerians have access to power will be by deploying innovative and captive power solutions that address the unique needs of each community.

“Furthermore, experience has

shown that power is an enabler of productivity. Thus, it is imperative that we accelerate the work required to boost access to power across the nation.

“The REA and Oando collaboration mark the beginning of another timely and strategic partnership targeted at exploring new approaches to clean energy development for socio-economic impact in a post-subsidy Nigeria,” he said.

While commending the REA for its approach to understanding and leveraging the role of the private sector players to deliver on the task of sustainable energy access across the country, Irune noted that Oando was focused on championing clean energy in ExecutiveNigeria.Director Technical Services, REA, Barka Saju, indicated that delivering sustainable energy access across the nation must go beyond just connections and serve as an enabler of growth in communities, while targeting electrification projects to people’s sources of livelihood.

Head of the Solar Power Naija Programme, Barbara Izilien, in her comments, said REA continues to deepen private sector engagements to encourage private sector investment to deploy sustainable renewable energy projects across the country.

“We are trying to grow the funding of the Solar Power Naija and this MoU signing will support the expansion targets of the REA in providing energy access to communities,” she pointed out.

L-R: Emir of Borgu, His Royal Highness Mohammed Haliru; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Emir of Kontagora Dantoro, His Royal Highness Mohammad Barau Muazu, during their courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday.

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

KOKO BEACH HILTON RESORT, A NEW ERA IN NIGERIAN LUXURY HOSPITALITY...

Baba Musa: It’s Unacceptable to Accommodate High Levels of Domestic Interest Payment

Urges Tinubu to raise revenue-to-GDP ratio to 10% to boost fiscal space

James Emejo in Abuja

The Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Dr. Baba Musa, has said while Nigeria’s current revenue-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remained low at about 6.5 per cent, it was unacceptable to have a high level of domestic interest payment on debt service.

Speaking during a podcast at the African Development Bank Meetings in Egypt recently, he said the administration of President Bola Tinubu would have to find a way

of reducing the country’s domestic debt while also mobilising revenue for infrastructural development.

The WAIFEM DG said the country’s current debt service stood at about N2 trillion of which about $3 billion was used for domestic interest payment alone.

He said, “When you compare it to the external which is just about $300 million, it is so unacceptable to have that high level of domestic interest payment.”

He said fiscal pressures remained one of the biggest challenges confronting West African member countries particularly Nigeria,

leading to, “very limited fiscal space” which was compounded by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baba added that the threat of food security, climate change as well as the crisis in Sudan had further posed risks to the country’s fiscal space.

He said, “The debt situation in almost all the countries was already at high risk of debt distress or moderate risks in some countries.

“All these shocks brought a lot of fiscal issues and necessitated governments to do some interventions that were not foreseen in

EFCC Summons Ex-Aviation Minister, Sirika Questions Nigeria Air Officials

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to appear before the commission.

The anti-graft agency had also questioned officials of the Nigerian Air over the recent launch of the airline in Abuja.

THISDAY gathered that while the minister was due to appear before the commission within the week to answer questions related to the launch of the airline, Nigerian Air, garbed in Ethiopian colours, the commission had already grilled some supposed officials of the national carrier.

When contacted, spokesman of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that there was an ongoing investigation but could

not give further details. "I can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation in that regard," he said.

Competent sources told THISDAY that the commission would look at the N3 billion sunk into the project though some stakeholders insisted that over N80 billion was expended on the project.

The minister had, at the twilight of the Buhari’s administration, caused the supposed launch of the Nigerian Air in Abuja using an Ethiopian aircraft.

Stakeholders were enraged that an Ethiopian airline that landed in Nigeria with Ethiopian colours was packaged as a national carrier.

The minister had said at a recent Arise News Channel interview that the landing of the Ethiopian aircraft in Abuja, was "a marketing strategy."

"We have already questioned

some officials of Nigerian Air.

"We have invited the former Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika.

We are expecting him within the week", the source said.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) disclosed last week that the airline was still on the first stage in a five-phase process of obtaining Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to operate as a commercial airline.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had also consistently opposed the idea on several grounds.

Speaking on the matter recently, the spokesman of AON, Obiora Okonkwo, warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to be "blackmailed into accepting a contraption that would definitely and ultimately hurt the Nigerian economy and destroy millions of existing jobs in favour of one or two individuals".

the budget and also made them borrow more.

“So, it worsened the debt situations in most of the countries, moving the countries in some cases from moderate to high risk and in some cases from high risk to the situation of debt distress.

“The number one thing facing almost all the countries is the lack of fiscal space. Fiscal space for investment and fiscal space to spend more money.”

He said, “Virtually, what we have seen over the last two years if I can be more specific is that the net financing in most of the countries appears to be negative now.

“Which means that countries will have to find a way of mobilising more resources to be able to fund their budgets.”

Noting that Tinubu’s government came at a time of dire fiscal constraints, he said the hope was for the president to appoint technocrats

who have the requisite experience to reset the economy into his cabinet.”

He said, “And he (Tinubu) is known as someone who actually focuses on domestic revenue mobilisation and at the same time is keen in building infrastructure.

“Right now, Nigeria’s revenue as a percentage of GDP is about 6.5 per cent compared to an average of about 15 per cent in the region, and maybe 18 per cent to 20 per cent if you consider low to high-income countries.

“For Nigeria, it is an unacceptable situation to have revenue to GDP of 6.5 per cent. If Tinubu can raise it a little above 10 per cent, I think the need to borrow will drastically reduce and he will be able to have enough resources to invest in the country and of course, service the existing debts.”

He said the current government would have to devise a strategy to reduce debt accumulation as

this would provide it with some fiscal relief to meet its obligations.

Baba also said that the political economy within the WAIFEM member countries remained a thorny issue to address.

“What I mean by this is that in our member countries, for instance, three to four countries have had elections.

“It gets tricky because as you know, elections come with lots of expenditures that are unforeseen and of course, that tends to throw away government fiscal policy because politicians will like to meet certain expenditures to attract votes.”

He also pointed out that the Russian-Ukraine crisis had brought about lots of food shortages in the region as well as caused increases in prices of food, therefore, worsening the inflationary conditions in almost all the countries including Nigeria.

He added that the uncertainty of food security is currently high.

Curio Collection by Hilton Unveils

Koko Beach Resort Ilashe,

Hilton has signed the Koko Beach Resort, Ilashe, Lagos, into the Curio Collection by Hilton.

The signing took place at the African World Hotel Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, marking the first internationally branded resort on Nigeria's Atlantic coastline. The Branding and Management Agreement (BAMA) with Hilton's Curio Collection is for a new luxury destination in Lagos, Nigeria - Koko Beach Resort Ilashe Lagos.

“Due to open in 2025, this 60room luxury resort, developed with

Lagos

Outposts Investment Limited, is currently under construction on the pristine Ibeshe/Ikaare beach and represents a new dawn for Nigerian tourism, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's progressive regime.

“With stunning sea views, private villas, diverse dining options, and an array of world-class recreational facilities and amenities, this project aims to promote domestic tourism and ease pressure on our foreign exchange reserves.

“A huge thank you to Governor

Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, whose support has been instrumental in moving this project forward smoothly on the shores of Lagos,” it explained in a statement. Hilton was represented at the signing by Mr. Patrick Fitzgibbon and KOKO Beach Hotels & Resorts by its founder, Mr. Richie Shittu. “Lagos, get ready to explore this remarkable destination with Hilton's globally recognised service for an incredible hospitality experience! Stay tuned for more updates,” it added.

Firm Announces N20m Research Grant Scheme for Tertiary Students

Oluchi Chibuzor

As part of its commitment to knowledge development, Grooming Centre, has announced its 2023 N20 million tertiary institution research grant scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The 2023 University Grant would be awarded to 100 undergraduates and 50 postgraduate students who are presently carrying out their final year

research studies in the areas of either microfinance, rural development, inclusive finance, social enterprise, MSME and women in development.

Speaking in Lagos, recently, to formally announce the programme, the Chief Operating Officer, Center for Research in Enterprise and Action in Management (CREM), Mr. Clifford Onyeike, said the grant scheme was Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Centre.

He added that importantly, the grant was aimed at catalysing research, knowledge and management, “by providing monetary incentives through a grant system to 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking their research works in the aforementioned sectors, each year."

He explained that submission opened on June 26, 2023, and application closes on 18th August 2023, adding that research must show a

high level of originality, imaginative thought and data-inclusiveness.

According to him, “applicants must be either a student at the postgraduate or undergraduate level in a Nigerian tertiary institution whose research study is in the area of microfinance, rural development, inclusive finance, social enterprise, MSME and women in development.

“The focus of the research study must be relevant to the Nigerian

context, practical, innovative and should be capable of promoting any of the above areas of interest, in the Nigerian space."

On his part, the Head, Special Projects, Grooming Centre, Chikezie Egbulefu, said applicants must be a student at an NUC/ NBTE approved Nigerian university or polytechnic.

According to him, applicants must submit a written recommendation from his/her project supervisor to

benefit from the N20 million available.

“The applicant must submit a research concept of between 10 to 25 pages which will include an introduction, a literature review, and research methodology along with the candidate's personal profile.

“Awardees will be required to submit final soft copies of the research project on completion of the study. There are no age, gender, religious or ethnic barriers to application."

Representative of Curio Collection by Hilton, Mr Patrick Fitzgibbon (L) and founder, Koko Beach Hotels & Resorts, Mr Richie Shittu, during the signing of management agreement at the World Hotel Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, marking the first internationally branded resort on Nigeria's Atlantic coastline!

JOINT INTELLIGENCE BOARD MEETING...

Tinubu Orders Thorough Investigation of Kwara Boat Mishap

President, north central governor, Saraki, Lai Mohammed mourn State pledges 1000 life jackets as AbdulRazaq leads delegation to Patigi Call for urgent investigation

Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation of the recent boat mishap in Kwara State which reportedly claimed over 100 lives.

He also expressed sadness over the accident that led to the death of some of the wedding guests at Egbu village in Patigi Local Government Area of the State.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday, by State House Director of Information, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, while urging the Kwara State Government and relevant federal government agencies to look into the circumstances surrounding the boat accident, promised that his administration would look into the challenges of inland water transportation in the country to ensure that the matter of safety and operational standards were strictly adhered to.

"The Kwara State Government and relevant federal agencies should work together to unravel the im- mediate and remote causes of this unfortunate accident. Immediate relief and necessary assistance should also be provided to the survivors and families of victims," the president added.

Tinubu further stated: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of our people in Kwara State. That the victims were guests at a wedding ceremony made the unfortunate accident more painful.

"My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of victims of the tragic mishap. I also sympathise with the

government and people of Kwara State over the accident"

"May all loved ones find comfort," the president prayed.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, pledged to deliver 1000 life jackets to support safe travels on water in Patigi local government area of the state.

Speaking with journalists after his sympathy visit to the people of Kpada and Duro, the headquarters of Ebu and Dzakan settlements whose residents died in the fatal boat mishap incident, the governor Said, "measures will be taken as we are having discussions with Nigeria Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA) on enforcement of safety codes.

"We will also be sending a team to Lagos State on how their waterways law works.

"Our immediate step is to deliver at least 1000 life jackets to support safe travels on water in the area.

"In addition to whatever safety measures that are in place, the government will design and roll out some statewide standard operating procedures (SOPs) for water travels to cover issues of boat serviceability, speed limits, loading limits and wearing of life jackets by all passengers. This will be the new irreducible minimum.

"The government will also send to the parliament a proposed legislation that imposes punishments and fines for violations of the safety protocol". AbdulRazaq added.

For their part, the North Central Governors' Forum yesterday expressed grief over the death of over 100 wedding guests following the accident.

The Chairman of the North Central Governors' Forum, Abdullahi Sule, expressed grief in release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra.

Sule, who is the governor of Nasarawa State, therefore, said the North Central Governors were deeply shaken by the tragedy, ironically at a time of a wedding celebration.

The regional governors' chairman, on behalf of other governors of the North Central States and the people of the region, condoled the government and people of Kwara State and the family of the deceased. Sule said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the people of Kwara State at this period.

HYPPADEC begins search operations

"We pray that God will grant the departed eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the loss."

However, a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, called on Kwara State government to commence immediate investigation into the fatal boat mishap.

Also yesterday, the management of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) dispatched a team of experts from its Kwara State office to the scene to assist in search operations. Saraki in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, signed by his Press Officer, Local Affairs, Mr. Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, described the fatal boat mishap as unfortunate and a great loss to the affected families,

communities, and the State at large.

Saraki, a former governor of the state however sympathised with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, the family of the victims, and the good people of Patigi and the State over the accident.

He said, "I deeply empathise and sympathise with the royal father, the good people of Patigi, and the families of victims of the boat mishap."

He called on the government to conduct a proper investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the mishap with a view to putting in place measures to prevent a recurrence.

He urged the families of the victims to take solace in the fact that death was an inevitable end

for all mortals.

Saraki prayed to God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the families and the entire Patigi community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, said the Commission had already dispatched a team of experts from its Kwara State office to the scene to assist in search operations.

He said the agency was awaiting a comprehensive report on the mishap to guide it on the next line of action to be taken to contain future occurrence of the ugly incidence. In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, he described as tragic, the boat mishap.

Under AMCON Mgt, 14 Arik Air Aircraft Worth over $1bn Allegedly Allowed to Rot Away

EFCC investigating airline’s financial transactions Receiver manager insists Arik founder must negotiate with AMCON

Chinedu Eze

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has allegedly allowed 14 aircraft worth over $1 billion bought brand new by Arik Air to rot away since it took over the company’s operations under receivership on February 9, 2017, THISDAY gathered yesterday. This was part of the findings of

Don't Appoint People with Questionable Character in Your Govt, CSO Tells Tinubu

Adedayo Akinwale

A civil society group, the Centre for Leadership Legacy Int'l (Centre LLI), has urged President Bola Tinubu not to appoint people with questionable character into his cabinet.

The Centre in a statement issued yesterday, by its Executive Director, Dr. Yakubu Idris, reminded the president that the buck stops on his table, and that if he fails to meet the expectations of Nigerians on account of appointment of people of questionable character, he has posterity to contend with.

He warned the president against prioritising party patronage over

competence, character, pedigree and track records.

Idris said: "It's time to go for competence and character and pedigree. Nigeria is already at the precipice and we cannot afford to toy with its destiny any further.

"Our note of caution to the president is against the backdrop of the purported plans to pressure him into appointing people who were found to have abused their offices in the past.

"There are reports that there are plans to impose certain persons whose track records are tainted on the President for appointments into his cabinet. The need for the

President to appoint individuals of unblemished character is more urgent now than ever."

The Centre said at the moment, the President was being bombarded with names from every nook and cranny of the country, adding that political jobbers were at their games, peddling names of likely ministers that would be appointed to work with Tinubu.

It specifically gave the instance of the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), who it said was being paraded before the president for appointment after being eased out of office following allegations of abuse of office.

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has investigated the financial transactions of the company since it was taken over by AMCON.

THISDAY gathered from inside sources that the EFCC has invited the Receiver Manager, Mr. Kamilu Omokide, and the founder of the airline, Sir, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, for interrogation on the financial dealings in the company.

THISDAY learnt that while Johnson heeded the invitation, Omokide said he would not be able to come at the time of the invitation but promised to meet EFCC at his convenience in Abuja.

Informed source gave the list of the aircraft that were allegedly destroyed by the management of AMCON under receivership to include: Boeing B737 with registration number, 5NMJC, Boeing B737 with registration number, 5N-MJD, Boeing B737 with registration number, 5N-MJJ, Boeing B737 with registration number 5NMJK, and Boeing 5N-MJF.

There were also Boeing aircraft painted in NG Eagle livery, which included Boeing 737 with registration number, 5N-BXV, Boeing B737 with registration number 5N-BXW and Boeing B737 with registration number, 5N-BXX. All the Boeing aircraft in Arik Air fleet are New

Generation (NG) model, which are either Boeing 737-700 or 800 NGs.

“There were also CRJ 900 aircraft that were also torn apart, which include 5N-JEC, 5N-JED and 5NJEE. In addition to these were three Bombardier Q400, which include 5N-BKV, 5N-BKU and 5N-BKX,” the source added.

But Omokide who spoke to THISDAY denied that the aircraft were stripped and cannibalised, insisting that the equipment could be restored within a short period of time if money were made available.

The source added: “There was asset stripping, asset dissipation and the destruction of value. The aircraft parked at the Arik Air hangar have been ravaged. The engines of the aircraft have been removed; all their avionics removed.

“They also removed the cockpits of most of them. So, what you see is a mere carcass of the aircraft. These aircraft are modern aircraft, New General Boeing aircraft. The oldest among them is just 16 years and the newest is just seven years, which are CRJ 1000s.

“There are no complete avionics. Most of them have been removed. Their dashboards have also been removed. Currently, out of 17 aircraft inherited, only three are operating as at last week and these are two

Bombardier Q400 and one Boeing B737.

“The spare parts inventory before AMCON take over was about $150 million, but by last week the place was empty. There were posters and emblems of NG Eagle, which means that there was intention to close Arik Air and replace it with NG Eagle, using the Arik Air facility.

“It has also become clear that they might have just left Arik Air with those damaged aircraft, taking the others to NG Eagle. But the High Court in Lagos ruled on March 31 that all purported NG Eagle assets should revert to Arik Air because everything was funded from Arik Air, including the aircraft, the spares, and the facilities.

“There was real estate firm (name withheld) headquartered in Abuja that was not registered as financial service company, which was used by Arik Air management in Receivership to negotiate aircraft leasing agreements.

“In fact, the company purportedly entered an ACMI damp lease agreement with Arik Air-In-Receivership in a profit-sharing ratio of Arik 55 per cent and the company 45 per cent for one Unit aircraft B737-700 MSN 38127(E1-GVW).

L-R: The National Security Adviser Major-General Babagana Monguno (Rtd) ; Director General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Magaji Bichi; the Director General National Intelligence Agency ( NIA), Ahmed Rufia Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Intelligence General, Samuel Adebayo at the joint intelligence board meeting held at the office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.... yesterday

The Okun-for-Governor Conundrum in Kogi State

For leaders, statesmen and constituents of the Okun-Yoruba sociocultural bloc in Kogi State, the last few weeks have been characterised by a flurry of consultations and interactions, meetings and engagements.

At the core of these dialogues has been the unfulfilled desire of the Okun people of the state which lies ensconced at the very heart of the North Central state, to lead the multicultural geopolity.

Created by the administration of Nigeria’s former military President, Ibrahim Babangida on the sixth anniversary of his government on August 27, 1991, Kogi State is a bouquet of curious complexities. It is arguably the very first in the history of geographical reconfigurations in Nigeria, to be “amalgamated” from two different states. While the predominantly Igala-speaking segment was hewn out of the erstwhile Benue State, the Ebira and OkunYorubas were sectioned out of the primordial

Kwara State.

Interestingly, Nigeria’s two largest rivers, the Benue and the Niger, are joined in landmark matrimony in the historic town of Lokoja, capital of the state.

Nigeria’s legendary colonial overlord, Lord Lugard once held court in this hitherto pristine address.

Since the inception of the state, the largely Igala-speaking Eastern flank of the state, serially held court in Government House, Lokoja.

The Kogi State seat of government is christened Lugard House after the iconic character who, in 1914, oversaw the contentious sewing together of the former Northern and Southern protectorates, to form the controversial entity called Nigeria.

Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999 for instance, the baton

of leadership in Kogi State was serially passed from Abubakar Audu, to Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada, respectively, from 1999 to 2015, all Igala.

This was the trend for 17 years within the period, except for a brief interregnum in 2008, when the courts called for fresh poll between Audu and Idris.

Speaker of the House of Assembly at the time, Clarence Olafemi from the Okun stock, held sway for a fleeting three months and conducted the election which returned Ibrahim Idris.

It is necessary to mention here that the closest a candidate from Okunland came to the topmost political office in Kogi State, was in 1999 when Stephen Olorunfemi ran on the ticket of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP). His main challenger was Audu who hoisted the flag of the All Peoples’ Party, (APP) at the time. Olorunfemi put up a robust fight. It was alleged though that some Okun elements surreptitiously aligned with Audu, to shortchange Olorunfemi.

Igalaland was poised for perpetuation in office

beyond 2015 when Audu who contested the governorship that year against the incumbent, Idris Wada, of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP), was in clear lead in the election of November that year.

Tragically, he died before the results were fully tallied and announced. Yahaya Bello, an Ebira from Kogi Central who came second behind Audu at the primary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) months earlier, was curiously called up to inherit Audu’s votes!

Such weird and incongruous political prescription had no precedence in Nigerian politics. Bello deployed every untoward and unimaginable tactics to return himself into office during the November 2019 election.

-Olusunle writes from Abuja.

Balancing Ondo’s Political Equation with Election of House Speaker

Fidelis David writes that the newly inaugurated 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have followed established political convention, ensuring that the first three positions in the state –governor, deputy governor, and house speaker – are equitably shared among the three senatorial districts in the sunshine state.

Last weekend, the newly inaugurated 10th Ondo State House of Assembly elected a member representing Ondo East constituency, Olamide Adesanmi Oladiji, as Speaker of the House.

Also, a lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency 1 , Abayomi Akinruntan, was elected as Deputy Speaker.

Oladiji and Akiruntan emerged unopposed after the lawmaker representing Ifedore constituency, Temitope Akomolafe, moved a motion for the nomination of Oladiji Olamide as Speaker which was seconded by the lawmaker representing Ondo West II, Abiola Oladapo, while a member representing Idanre Constituency, Princess Oluwatosin Ogunlowo, nominated Prince Abayomi Akinruntan,for the position of Deputy Speaker.

The inauguration followed the expiration of the Ninth Assembly led by the immediate past Speaker, Hon Bamidele Oleyelogun.

Addressing the 10th Assembly, the new Speaker, appreciated his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and also appreciated Governor Akeredolu for providing an enabling environment leading to his emergence.

His words: “To my colleagues, this victory is for all of us, by electing me as the Speaker, you have demonstrated to the world that our legislators are living up to the dreams and aspiration. I pledge to you my colleagues that there will be a smooth relationship between the legislative and the executive arms of government in order for us to achieve success”.

Politics of consensus

In the March 18, 2023 Assembly election in Ondo state, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won overwhelming major-

Oladiji

ity seats clinching 22 out of the 26 constituencies, while the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) won the remaining four seats.

The Housecl members are: Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi Owo I, Oladiji Olamide Ondo East, Ololade Gbegudu Okitipupa II, Abayomi Akinruntan Ilaje I, Morenike Witherspoon Owo II, Olawunmi Fayemi Ilaje II, Princess Tosin Ogunlowo Ajirotutu, Idanre, Chris Ayebusiwa, Okitipupa I , Olatunji Ifabiyi, Odigbo I, Stephen Abitogun, Akure II, Temitope Akokolafe, Ifedore, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, Ondo West I, Dr. Christopher Ogunlana, Irele, Mrs Morenike Witherspoon, Owo II, Oladapo John Biola, Ondo West II, Messiah Allen, Ese-Odo, Oluwarotimi Fasonu, Odigbo II, Oshatti

Olatunji Emmanuel, Ose; Murtala Suleiman, Akoko South East; Fatai Tiamiyu Atere, Akoko North West 1; Victor Japhet, Akoko North East, Kolawole Ologede, Akure North Oguntodu Olajide, Akure I, Oluwatoyin Daodu, Akoko Southwest I, Tope Agbulu, Akoko Southwest II, and Felix Afe, Akoko Northwest II.

Therefore, mathematically, it was expected that the ruling party will dominate the house and will be producing the leadership of the house, through a rancour-free process. Before the consensus and unpossessed election of Oladiji and Akiruntan, the battle for the speakership was a straight fight between —Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (Owo 1, the former Majority Leader); Hon Oladiji Olamide (Ondo East, former Deputy Majority Leader) and Hon Abayomi Akinruntan (Ilaje 1).

Also, Hon Ololade Gbegudu (Okitipupa 11) jostled to be Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly but later jettisoned his ambition. The four aforementioned aspirants are all returning and ranking members among the 26 lawmakers.

How Oladiji and Akirurutan emerged

The 56-year-old Hon Oladiji (popularly known as Landmark) is from Ondo Central and he’s the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, and also the Vice Chairman of the State House of Aseembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He had earlier bagged a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti in 1998. Landmark had also studied and bagged Ordinary National Diploma in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic Unwana Afikpo in Ebonyi State.

Also, 49-year-old Abayomi Akinruntan (popularly known as Abba) from Ondo

South was elected Deputy Speaker. He was the Parliamentary Secretary of the 9th Assembly and he attended Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

According to established convention, the first three political positions in the state –governor, deputy governor, and speaker of the House of Assembly – are shared among the three senatorial districts.

Although, zoning of the State Assembly is not a constitutional matter, the essence of zoning is for justice, equity and fairness and such yardstick was adopted leading to the emergence of Oladiji and Akirurutan as speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

Other very important factors to consider in the choice of House of Assembly Speaker include ranking status, hierarchy in the Assembly, competence, integrity, leadership qualities and ability to seamlessly command respect among members of the House.

The state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is from the northern zone and the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hails from the southern senatorial district.

Thus, politics of APC led by the Chairman, Ade Adetimehin and the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu came into play, believing that the speaker’s emergence from the central zone would make it easier for the management of any possible crisis.

Although Akeredolu had earlier denied having any interest in who becomes the speaker, but finding by THISDAY showed that the Governor and the party leadership prefer Oladiji due to his “loyalty”.

Tunde Olusunle writes about the moves being made by Okun-for-Governor stakeholders in Kogi State towards ensuring that of their own emerges next Governor of the Confluence state during the November, 2023 poll.

Abejide

Melaye

Braimoh

Promoting Water Management for Future Generations

Nestlé Nigeria, one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa, is promoting Sustainable Development Goal 6 — clean water and sanitation — among 8,000 children in Nigeria annually. Rebecca Ejifoma takes a deep dive into its hands-on empowerment programme for over 160 students across public and private primary schools in Ogun state and Abuja on water management for future generations

Friday, March 31st this year, will forever go down in sweet memory for primary 5 pupil Esther Samuel of Salvation Army School 1 Agbara in Ogun State. It was a day she traded her oblivion to water management and sanitation hygiene for extensive practical knowledge. “I am very happy to be part of this event. I enjoyed the tour of the factory. I have learnt a lot about how to use and conserve water and not waste it," she expressed.

Her excitement is occasioned by the newly acquired knowledge of water management courtesy of Nestlé Nigeria commemorating World Water Day 2023. "I'm ready to practice what I have been taught here at home," says Samuel. "I will definitely teach my siblings and friends all I have learnt," she continued, as she thanked Nestlé and her school for the intriguing hands-on experience.

Samuel is one of the over 160 students and teachers from public and private primary schools in the state who got firsthand knowledge of Nestlé Nigeria's message of responsible and sustainable water management and sanitation for all by 2030 in line with SDG 6. The training was in collaboration with the Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency and the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency for students.

Imbibing Right Water Habit Through Tour

Nestlé Nigeria did not only enlighten the participants but also took them on a tour of the company’s water plants in Agbara Ogun state and Abaji, in the Federal Capital Territory. It spiced up the day with exciting games to etch in their minds the proper habits in using, consuming, and managing water. “This is to help them become better stewards of this precious resource, water,” says Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager.

While pointing out that water is a scarce resource, Uwadoka lamented the acute water scarcity in many communities across Nigeria.

"A city like Lagos may seem to be surrounded by water. But there is not much of it that is safe for drinking or cooking," she chipped in. "To preserve water into the future, the respect and conservation of water must improve. This is why it is important to educate the children so they imbibe the right habits early."

The Role of Government in Nestlé's Initiative

World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance to raise awareness about the importance of water and the impact of our actions on preserving this scarce resource today and for future generations. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Accelerating Change”.

Leveraging the global day, Nestlé is synergising with the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Universal Basic Education Board, Ogun State, the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to reach more children.

"World Water Day is another opportunity to emphasise the need for daily consumption of clean water in adequate amounts for optimal hydration and healthy living," says Mr Sola Ogunbor, the Programme Manager of Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.

He said that children could contribute to accelerating the needed change by adopting new behaviours on how they use, consume, and manage water daily to shun wastage.

On her part, the Head of Water Supply, FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Chinyelu Obrike, told participants at the Nestlé’s factory in Abaji that every action, no matter how trivial, will make a difference.

While describing children as agents of change, Obrike holds dear that children are quick to learn and eager to bequeath what they learn to their friends, peers, teachers and parents. “This educational advocacy will bring the rapid transformative change

needed to fast-track the achievement of SDG 6 – water and sanitation for all. We are happy to collaborate with Nestlé Nigeria on this laudable initiative,” she highlighted.

Managing Water for Future Generations

According to research, water is one of the most crucial natural resources for human survival. And the words of the Marketing and Category Manager for Nestlé Waters Nigeria, Joy Abdullahi-Johnson, align well with this notion. Hence, she chorused the mandate of the UN to attain SDG 6 in the next seven years. "Water needs to be managed in a way that is equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial. With the increasing pressure on our water resources, we all need to work together to preserve this vital resource we all depend on."

At Nestlé, she emphasised, we strive

that once equipped with adequate information, children can become good stewards of the environment from an early age. "We are, therefore, excited to be at the forefront of efforts to educate these young ones today," she chipped in.

Global Statistic on Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene Targets

According to the UN SDG Report 2022, the world’s water-related ecosystems are degrading alarmingly. The report also hinted that meeting drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene targets by 2030 requires a four times increase in the pace of progress. It further alarmed that at the current rates, in 2030, 1.6 billion people will lack safely managed drinking water,

2.8 billion people will lack safely managed transition, and 1.9 billion people will lack basic hand hygiene facilities.

Nestlé Nigeria Reaches 8,000 Children with Healthier Kids Initiative

It is owing to this worrying SDG report that Nestlé Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. “Caring for water is one of the ways we do this,” Uwadoka told THISDAY in an interview. “Thus, we reach over 8,000 children annually with information on healthy hydration and water conservation through the Nestlé for Healthier Kids initiative, a school-based nutrition education programme.”

Indeed, Nestle Nigeria, producers of Milo and Golden Morn, is resiliently working with stakeholders and partners to increase access to clean, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (WASH) for individuals and families, as well as teachers and students in schools within their host communities. This drive is in its quest to ensure every community in Nigeria has enough safe water for everyone by 2030, seven years from now.

While this water management campaign is in top gear to attain the target by 2030, Nestlé Nigeria believes that every individual reached is one more champion for the planet. "Everyone we reach will be one more advocate for the future," says Uwadoka.

WWD Abaji: Cross-section of students getting firsthand knowledge on water management in Abaji, Abuja

Water needs to be managed in a way that is equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial. With the increasing pressure on our water resources, we all need to work together to preserve this vital resource we all depend on

WWD Agbara: A Nestlé official empowering students in the Agbara area of Ogun State on necessary water management skills

IoT Analytics Predicts More Applications with 47% AI

Emma Okonji

IoT Analytics, a leading global provider of market insights and strategic business intelligence for the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud, Edge, and Industry 4.0, has predicted that there will be more IoT applications developed globally with the infusion of 47 per cent AI element in all developed IoT applications by 2027.

In its latest report, which focused on new IoT market evaluation, spending outlook, and strategies, IoT disclosed that its enterprise spending reached $201 billion in 2022, significantly lower than many had previously predicted and that

IoT adopters would focus on building the IoT software backbone in the next five years.

Analysing the report, the CEO at IoT Analytics, Knud Lasse Lueth, said: “The IoT is evolving. Software for example is becoming a more important part of the IoT stack, more specifically IoT applications. AI is also starting to play a bigger role. We are observing that IoT vendors deploy five distinct strategies for winning in this changing IoT market. The partner ecosystem for example is becoming a crucial element in any IoT vendors’ go-to-market and IoT delivery.”

Evaluating the IoT market, the report cited its January 2023 IoT

market update, which stated that IoT enterprise spending reached $201 billion in 2022, up from below $100 billion in 2018.

The report further explained that the number of global active IoT connections grew by 18 per cent in 2022 to 14.4 billion active IoT endpoints. “In 2023, IoT Analytics expects the global number of connected IoT devices to grow another 16 per cent to 16.7 billion. While 2023 growth is forecasted to be slightly lower than it was in 2022, IoT device connections are expected to continue to grow for many years to come,” the report added. Giving insight into the IoT market in 2023 and beyond, the report said:

“IoT technology in 2023 adds value to organisations in all verticals, from manufacturing to retail and transport. In 2023, 87 per cent of all IoT projects met or exceeded expectations, based on a 2023 survey of 300 IoT decision-makers that will be published in an upcoming IoT Analytics adoption report. Some companies have connected millions of connected IoT devices and are looking to expand with more sophisticated software tools. Despite several key challenges related to interoperability, skills and know-how, and chipset supply, companies do not question if they should do IoT but rather how it will be scaling for them.”

Speaking about the IoT technology maturity framework, Lueth said: “To understand how the IoT tech stack is changing and where the growth opportunities in IoT are going forward, one needs to consider a typical technology-focused maturity curve that an IoT adopter goes through.”

He listed five curve indices to include: Enabling the asset, Establishing connectivity, Creating the software backbone, Building value adding IoT applications and Infusing AI into IoT.

According to Lueth, in the first stage, whether it is a smart washing machine, a heavy asset

in a factory, or a ship at sea, companies need to invest in sensors and local controllers/ gateways to be able to process IoT data.

In the second stage, Lueth said enterprise end users must establish and simplify the connectivity to their IoT hardware, while in the third stage, companies must invest in the software backbone that allow them to access various IoT data sources and build valuable services.

Ajisebutu: Technology Adoption Will Lift Nigeria Out of Poverty

Emma Okonji

The CEO, 21st Century Technologies, Mr. Wale Ajisebutu has said the fastest way for Nigeria to be lifted out of poverty, is for the country to adopt and implement the right technologies from the wide range of emerging technologies across the globe.

Ajisebutu who spoke recently on CNN’s Marketplace Africa, said building digital infrastructure in Nigeria had been the priority

of his company, insisting that partnering with tech giants can grow the Nigerian economy and the region’s wider economy.

According to him, “Data is generated and consumed and it is increasing in an exponential rate. We want to play a key role in the fourth industrial revolution in this part of the world, which will propel development much faster”

Ajisebutu who ventured into telecoms operations after a chance

encounter, said: “I decided to go into telecoms by chance. I had a discussion with one of the richest men in the world and he said, it would be good if I can adopt technology to solve problems in Nigeria. That was 25 years ago.”

Ajisebutu, who expressed his belief that the right technology adoption and implementation would lift Nigeria out of poverty, said: “Poverty in this part of the world is now defined by access to technology, instead of geography.

What we want to do is to make technology available to everyone in this part of the world. Training to acquire digital skills is also important because if you train them on digital skills, they will have access to technology, and you can lift them out of poverty.”

Ajisebutu described what it takes to have a successful Nigerian business, adding that there is no challenge anywhere especially in Nigeria where people with digital skills cannot do something

to make a difference.

“The opportunities are there. If there is no power, you generate your own power. If there is no water, you invest in whatever facilities to get water. If you do the right thing in Nigeria, the sky will be the limit. Having invested heavily in all facets of technology, from 5G deployment to supporting operators of General System for Mobile Comm unication (GSM) in Nigeria, 21st Century

Technologies is modernising and making sure that the platform is able to meet all customers’ requirements.

Speaking about the expansion plan of the company, he said the company recently opened an academy with one vision to train ten million Africans in the next ten years.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

A SHOWCASE OF INNOVATION

Growth - Our PEBEC Story, tells a unique story, contends BASHIR IBRAHIM HASSAN

ENTER THE 10TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

It came to pass that the elections for the four top positions in the National Assembly namely, President of the Nigerian Senate, the deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the deputy, which held last Tuesday in Abuja, have all gone the way of those anointed by the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Jibrin Barau, Honourable Tajudeen Abass and Honourable Benjamin Kalu, respectively, stepped into their Missions accomplished. The current Assembly, therefore, has, at least, one thing in common with the one it has just succeeded: both leaderships were wished and nursed into existence by the presidency in conjunction with the leaders of the ruling party.

See page 25

FAREWELL TO MY MOTHER

EMEKA IHEDIOHA pays tribute to his mother, Dame Dorothy Ihedioha who passed at 90

To sticklers for democratic ideals, such a situation is unhealthy as subordination becomes predictable and, in many cases, inevitable. It’s expected, though. Not many followers of our political journey would rank us among the best practitioners of this widely-accepted system of government, even in this part of the world.

own way around democracy’s intrinsic values of fairness, justice and equity. Sometimes our tactics resemble those applied in the jungle where survival is as good as the texture and volume of the muscle. At other times, we demonstrate our unreadiness or inability to outgrow the ways of our ancestors who were either coerced or willingly surrendered their personal freedoms to stronger men and women in the form of kings, queens, and so on. Whatsoever the rulers wanted in those days often assumed the weight of laws or decrees. It was in the interest of subjects to discover what the preferences of their lords were and act accordingly.

See page 25

EDITORIAL

PLIGHT OF THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED

After democracy grew from its rudimentary stages in Greece and began to take root in other progressive countries, not many pundits envisaged that few persons could supplant this noble mode of government, which has as its core strength the wishes of the majority, and still retain the name. But as it moved to places grappling with the rigours of adopting it, democracy took on various characteristics. But let’s take solace in the fact that we’re making progress of some sort. Twenty-four unbroken years into the Fourth Republic should be enough proof of our headway. Senator Akpabio and company can gain assignments. They need other catalysts, though. Looking back at previous assemblies, especially the last one, for instance.

Words are powerful. At the commencement of the ninth National Assembly, its Chairman and President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, announced to the world that under his leadership, the federal legislature would not deny requests from the executive arm headed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. By that, he probably hoped to receive applause from Nigerians who had witnessed the many frictions Assembly led by Senator Bukola Saraki and the Buhari administration. But many people

Even with the delays and failures in getting some things done, the Saraki-led lawmakers appeared to have kept the government on its toes

of legislature. Lawan’s awkward commitment, whatever the motives, carried with it a signature of subservience and a reckless, unfortunate abdication of responsibility. The independence and authority of one arm of government had sadly for the Assembly men and women, public perception can’t be so disregarded without consequences. That was how the last Assembly earned the “rubber stamp” tag from Day One, an albatross that followed it to the very end. Thankfully, no such self-sabotage has so far fallen out of Akpabio’s mouth.

Last Saturday, I watched some members of the ninth Assembly give their valedictory remarks. Some were, of course, more convincing than others. And it was obvious that all were united in hoping that posterity would be kind to them. One principle which guides my assessment of persons and situations is that no matter how bad they look, there must be some good in the mix. Somewhere, somehow. image, you can’t take away from the ninth Assembly certain key contributions to our national development: The resetting of the nation’s budget cycle to run from January to Production Sharing Contracts (Amendment) Act 2019. Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. Police Act 2020. Petroleum Industry Act 2021. Electoral Act 2022, among others. The

The PIA which was in the making for nearly two decades has led to the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and other initiatives that stimulate growth in arguably the most vital sector of the economy.

speech as head of the federal law-making body last weekend, “As of June 10th 2023, over 1,129

and over 500 were successfully passed. The president assented to 131 bills, the highest of any Assembly in Nigeria’s history. In the last few days, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has assented to two bills passed by the 9th National Assembly, namely the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration, No.37) Bill, 2023, which extends the retirement age of high court judges, and others, from 65 to 70 years.” Only last Monday, the president also signed into law the Student Loan Bill that was proposed by former Speaker Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila and passed by his colleagues late last month.

Earlier in May, while addressing memberselect of the 10th Assembly, Lawan tried his hand on record-straightening, image-mending and legacy-positioning. His words: “When the working together, partnering and synergising to ensure that services are provided for the citizens, government delivers services better, more my leadership, the ninth National Assembly adopted a friendly but professional approach to executive-legislature relations focused on a harmonious working relationship based on mutual respect, consultation, cooperation, must tell our story. We will not allow anybody else to tell stories about us from his jaundiced point of view.”

some people) would erase soon the negative memories many citizens have about the immediate past Assembly and, actually, some others before it. They include accusations of budget-padding, disproportionate selfindulgence, crooked constituency projects, probes into the activities of agencies that amounted to little, and the endorsement of too many loans for the Buhari government. This last point directly accounts for Nigeria’s embarrassing, crippling and slavish debt status today. Up till the last rounds of their sitting, the legislators were still approving borrowing for an administration that was trying, without success, to justify the billions of naira and dollars it had taken on several occasions from domestic and foreign lenders.

This newly-inaugurated Assembly should make conscious attempts to toe more noble, it is dominated by rookies. The argument that this could hamper legislative proceedings rooted in experience might hold to some extent, but injecting fresh blood into the red and green chambers which are in dire need of innovativeness, pragmatism and agility couldn’t have come at a better time. The of democracy. It mustn’t be taken for granted. No other leg of government epitomises representative governance than the legislature. Through wholesome representation, various and feel a sense of belonging. The Assembly is that critical.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

This newly-inaugurated Assembly should make conscious attempts to toe more noble, selfless, exemplary and patriotic lines… The citizenry deserves reassurance on the benefits of democracy. It mustn’t be taken for granted. No other leg of government epitomises representative governance than the legislature

The new federal legislature should chart its own course towards enhanced productivity and image, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

A SHOWCASE OF INNOVATION

There is always the tendency to dismiss the type arrangement after which Nigeria’s system is modelled as a Tokunbo spare parts shop – the type associated with Apo Mechanic hubs for fairly used components -- compared with accredited dealership outlets of major components.

However, every once in a while, there emerges a vice president who creates a performance-based identity. They elevate the image of spare parts trader they connote and gain global repute.

EMEKA IHEDIOHA pays tribute to his mother, Dame Dorothy Ihedioha who passed at 90

FAREWELL TO MY MOTHER

modalities for a business climate reform intervention, “with help from a few friends from the private sector. There were a number of engagements and consultations that heralded the establishment of the Council.”

After his term as vice-president ended in 2001, Albert Arnold Gore Jr. remained prominent as an author and environmental activist, whose work in climate change was said to have been very powerful during which may have ironically created for him the second term.

Historians will have a big job assessing 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023. Was the law professor depend on which yardsticks – mundane or profound -- they apply in assessing his performance and where it places him in record books.

If they use the latter, more problematic, favour of the man.

the least politically partisan vice president that Nigeria has had. He, very early in the Buhari make business environment in Nigeria more friendly to investors at all levels to accelerate business and economic growth.

the Buhari administration were improving security, rebuilding the economy and tackling

Management Team focused on actualizing the priority pillar of the administration – the economy.

“This set the context for policy discussions on strategies for improving the Nigerian business environment as a formidable tool for enhancing productivity and competitiveness for economic growth and development,” recall the authors.

In January 2016, the then Senior Special the Special Adviser to the then Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Bunmi Adeoye, were, according to the book, tasked with brainstorming and working out the

inaugurated in July 2016. The clear mandate of the Council was to oversee reforms in Nigeria’s business environment; to remove bureaucratic constraints to doing business in the country; to make the country a progressively easier place to start and grow a young Nigerians from the public and private sectors with diverse backgrounds. They assist ministries, departments and agencies the Council in creative and innovative ways public, private and international stakeholders, including the Massachusetts Institute of primarily targeted at reducing the cost and time of doing business, with enhanced transparency. “We prioritize soft infrastructure “While there still remains a lot of work to be done, we are grateful to have recorded notable strides in regulatory reform, with particular emphasis on the deployment of technology, legislative reforms, judicial reforms and subnational reforms.”

As my mother, Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, begins her glorious journey to that she is no longer around with us. But her memories will linger on because, in good and bad times, she was always there for us. And speaking for myself, she was always there for me. In the 90 eventful years that Mama sojourned on Mother Earth, what marked her out was a rare combination of strength, resilience and adorable love. Her wisdom illuminated our paths. She was zestful in words and action. Even when Mama had her own challenges, she never was the epitome of uncommon strength and unwavering courage.

While she was with us, Mama’s guiding philosophy rested on the admonition she and put your trust in God. With this guardianship, she ensured that the vacuum

coming hither: Ripeness is all”. The message here is that to the extent that fruit falls from the tree only when ripe, death at old age is a gift of God. For us, the Ihediohas, Mama at 90 years of age was ripe through and through, even as we wished she stayed with us longer. Meanwhile, the longevity Mama enjoyed was also no happenstance. She lived a well-ordered life of honour and discipline. She shunned frivolity in whatever guise. And for those of us she left behind, we stand challenged to aspire to the towering height she attained.

Although her loving husband, my father of blessed memory, Nze BMG Ihedioha, died 28 years ago, Mama trudged on like a spartan, guiding and guarding the family with her wisdom, love and gracefulness. Her life bears protective and caring mother can make in the lives of her children. She taught us the value of perseverance, reminding us that no obstacle is insurmountable and that every setback presents an opportunity for growth. She demonstrated, through her accomplishments, that a life welllived is not measured by its length but by its depth. Mama was guided in the main by a remarkable sense of trust in God’s faithfulness.

administration, which gave directives on Transparency, Default Approval, Registration of Businesses.

Soon the Council had a life of its own, due largely to the singular passion-driven industry, resourcefulness and commitment

on Ease of Doing Business and Executive

Inside the Banquet Hall of the State House on 26 April, 2023, it was colour and glitz Environment Council organized its 5th individuals and agencies across the public contributions to the initiatives over the past two years.

Indeed, more than the razmataz of the story to tell the world. This is contained in

According to its authors, “This legacy book captures highlights of major lessons learnt over the lifespan of the project so far and distils the vital role stakeholder collaboration plays in the delivery of reforms.”

of collaboration among motley ministries, government that are not often considered to be in the habit of working together, as well as statements from thinkers, philosophers, statesmen and intellectuals that resonate with those genuinely interested in, and committed to making the Nigerian environment supportive of investment.

Hassan, a business and economic analyst, writes from

that her exit would create in my life was bequeathed to me are now anchored in my

My mother was a strict disciplinarian who ensured that the virtues of hard work, discipline and respect were inculcated in her children. It was therefore little wonder that as I grew up, I was always conscious of how disappointed Mama would feel if I took the wrong turn. Mama inspired me to live by the ideals of love and service to others. And that remains the guiding principles in the choices I make in both my personal and public life.

Even though Mama is on her journey for the simple reason that she led a very

had written this immortal line: “Men must endure their going hence, even as their

into eternity, we take solace in the overwhelming outpouring of tributes that have come our way after her passage have helped to relieve the pain. And we owe that to her too. Mama deepened the bedrock of all our relationships. It is a testament to the remarkable woman she boundaries that have held our country back. To many of our friends, she was their mother too. Her love, kindness, and grace knew no bounds and her legacy will continue to inspire and touch hearts for generations to come.

However, nobody lives forever. The wisdom of King Solomon encapsulates the delicate balance between life and death. “To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die,” he reminded us in the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes. We are consoled by the knowledge that both are integral parts of the human journey and must be approached with reverence and purpose.

Ada Zion, as Mama was fondly called, touched the lives of the Ihedioha clan in immeasurable ways. Her life is worthy of emulation, and her good deeds will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Mama, as we bid you farewell, we undertake to carry the echo of your resounding laughter, the steadfastness of your faith and the aggregation of your excellent virtue, knowing your spirit will forever reside within us, guiding us and reminding us of who we are until we meet again.

Sleep in peace, the Ihedioha jewel, until we meet again to part no more.

Hon. Ihedioha, CON, is a former Governor of Imo State

Growth - Our PEBEC Story, tells a unique story, contends BASHIR IBRAHIM HASSAN

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

PLIGHT OF THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED

Government must do more to ameliorate the problems of the poor

Nigeria is credited with the third highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa, a continent that has the largest number of IDPs in the world. It is therefore important that special attention be paid to many of the camps across the country. The conditions of the IDPs are dire, harsh and increasingly becoming critical. There are reports of people sleeping in the open while others are in extremely overcrowded places. The number of IDPs is also on the rise. It is estimated that 1.8 million people, of which women and children, constitute 87 per cent are hostilities in the country. This is another challenge for which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must fashion enduring solutions.

We acknowledge the limitations of government, given lean resources. But we must the problems of the most vulnerable in our society. Apart from massive food shortages, the victims are imperilled by several risk factors. Dislodgement of populations and resettlement in makeshift locations create overcrowding, economic and environmental degradation, poverty, lack of safe water, poor sanitation and waste management, all of which promote communicable diseases and make life unbearable for the displaced citizens. There are also reports of the startling abuses to which women and girls are subjected in the camps. It is unacceptable demanded from these vulnerable women and girls in exchange for food, money and other favours.

We appeal to all critical stakeholders to help in tackling the diminishing quality of life in the IDP camps where the rate of mortality and malnutrition is unacceptable. Government, donor agencies and NGOs should also address the cases of low rate of vaccination in the camps amid allegation of shortfall

CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Letters to the Editor

in intervention by corresponding agencies. There are also health and other issues. Some of the people disorders and an increased rate of infectious diseases. Many children born in the camps do not have access to education, placing their future at risk. Hunger is rife, medicare is in short supply even as shelter, clothing and water are essential commodities.

The dire situation of the displaced persons is amply captured in a recent report by the United Nations which stated that, “The vulnerable host populations are in critical need of humanitarian interventions that include food, water, sanitation, protection, education, shelter and health services.” The question, therefore, is: Why, despite the “huge and enormous” cost to the federal government, Nigeria, according to the UN agency, is facing “the biggest humanitarian crisis in Africa today”?

The challenges are probably the several agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of soothing the pains of the IDPs, and massive corruption. After all, it is known that relief materials meant for the IDPs have been diverted to the open markets for sale to the public of misappropriation of funds meant for the relief of the displaced persons. By diverting scarce resources meant for the most vulnerable of our people, life is challenge must be addressed.

The federal government needs to ensure that resources being deployed to help the poor and vulnerable of our society are not misappropriated by a few persons in positions of authority. The authorities must also work to restore lasting security to the communities from where people in the IDP camps ran so that they can return to pick up the bits and pieces of their lives.

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

LETTERS

UNITING TO BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION IN WEST AFRICA

Every year, over 350 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, with 50% used for creating everyday items such as containers and packaging. As urban populations grow, our tems have led to severe consequences for our environment, wildlife, and ecosystems. This year’s World Environment Day, d’Ivoire and supported by the Netherlands. This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, calls for urgent and sustainable solutions. It is crucial to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, uals must unite to embrace responsible plastic usage, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for the region.

Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to West Africa. Some 20% are recycled or incinerated. Although the region generates approximately three million tons of plastic waste (circa 1% of the global output) each year, there is evidence of microplastics originating from other regions ending up in tap water, salt, and beer consumed in West Africa. This pollution harms marine life and negatively impacts the livelihoods of coastal communities

costs of cleaning and maintaining tourist sites further reduce our national income and perpetuate poverty.

Raising awareness and fostering collaboration between de

pollution no longer threatens our environment and livelihoods. Everyone needs to come together to tackle this issue compre habits, opting for reusable alternatives and reducing reliance on ly packaging, and exploring sustainable alternatives. Govern ments can play a crucial role by improving waste management systems, encouraging the use of biodegradable packaging, promoting recycling, and upcycling, and embracing circular economy principles that contribute to a more sustainable and courage the use of certain plastics, following successful exam ples set by countries like Rwanda and Kenya.

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in West African economies cultural plastics, such as polymers, are widely used by farmers

to enhance production, reduce crop losses, and conserve water. However, their extensive use has emerged as a threat to envi ronmental sustainability, as most plastics turn to waste within a year without recycling. By adopting sustainable farming prac tices that minimise plastic usage and promoting agroecology, conservation agriculture, and the use of cover crops instead of plastic mulching, the agricultural sector can lead by example. The adoption of innovative alternatives to plastic, such as bio vironment and support the growth and competitiveness of West African agriculture.

AGRA calls on all actors and stakeholders to adopt and de ploy the 6R model for better managing agricultural plastics: Refuse, Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. By re fusing unnecessary plastics, redesigning products for increased recyclability, reducing plastic consumption, promoting reuse, improving recycling infrastructure, and exploring recovery op bating plastic pollution.

Lionel Axel Kadja is the Regional Head for Western Africa at AGRA

Many children born in the camps do not have access to education, placing their future at risk. Hunger is rife, medicare is in short supply even as shelter, clothing and water are essential commodities

Aig-Imoukhuede: The Story of an Investor, Banker, Philanthropist

Obinna Chima

In the annals of Nigeria’s financial landscape, it is rare to find individuals who possess a track record of monumental achievements and yet remain humble and self-effacing. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is one such leader, propelled by unwavering principles and a deep sense of purpose, he has demonstrated that African professionals can build wealth whilst remaining principled and ethical in their business conduct.

Behind his considerable achievements is a life journey that began in the late 1960s, one of four siblings born to notable Nigerian public servants. He was privileged to grow up at a time when in his words ‘merit and excellence were Nigeria’s default setting’. The quality of leaders that held sway in Nigeria’s government and business affairs left him with the belief that Nigerians could operate at the highest global levels of professional excellence a belief which clearly guides him even to this day.

It is a journey that I, as a business-focused journalist, have followed with a keen interest for the last two decades. Aig-Imoukhuede’s formative years laid the foundation for his keen commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the empowerment of its people. His career is full of instances when he went beyond the expectations of his career responsibilities to take on assignments focused on improving Nigeria.

Notwithstanding the added burden of taking on challenges and assignments in the national interest experiences, he was blessed to enjoy a remarkable and unblemished career that would significantly impact Nigeria’s financial landscape.

From his early banking days at Guaranty Trust Bank, where between 1991 and 1999 he quickly rose to become the Bank’s Treasurer and subsequently an Executive Director, Aigboje has consistently been a flagbearer of excellence in the nation’s financial markets. He was part of the team of Money Market of Nigeria treasurers who worked with the CBN to set up the NIBSS (Nigeria Interbank Settlement System) the foundation of Nigeria’s globally celebrated automated payment system which has enabled Nigeria’s fintech revolution.

A turning point in Aig-Imoukhuede’s journey was his 2001 decision to buy his own bank a story which he chronicled in his bestselling book ‘Leaving the Tarmac - How to buy a bank in Africa’. This journey which he embarked on with his friend and partner Herbert Wigwe, saw them acquire Access Bank a small ailing bank in 2002. With Aig-Imoukhuede in the saddle as Managing Director and Herbert as his able deputy, they took Access Bank on a journey of transformation that has had a profound and long-lasting impact on the Nigerian banking sector. In March 2002, when Aigboje was appointed MD/CEO, the bank was ranked in the bottom quartile of a field of 90 banks, by 2012 barely 10 years later Access Bank ranked amongst Nigeria’s top five banks with subsidiaries in the UK and nine African countries. Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from 10 000 to 6.5 million, with more than 10,000 employees and an asset base of USD $12 billion. These major achievements did not go unnoticed.

In 2011 at the age of 45 Aigboje received Nigeria’s Commander of the Order Niger national honour, the following year he received the prestigious African Banker of the year award from African Banker magazine. In 2013, he took the decision to retire as CEO of Access Bank ahead of the end of his tenure and handed over to his partner Herbert Wigwe in a much applauded and celebrated CEO succession process. Under Herbert’s leadership Access Bank maintained its enviable growth and is now Nigeria’s largest bank. Aigboje left the Banking sector when the ovation was loudest with his record at Access Bank as his most memorable legacy. However, during his final years as a bank professional, he made three key contributions at the national level which today are notably celebrated for their impact. The first was his role as Chairman of Nigeria’s Banker’s Committee subcommittee on economic planning. Where he led the banking sector’s’ voluntary adoption of the

Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, an initiative that has since been emulated by several countries across the world.

The second was his role as Chairman of the 2012 Presidential Committee on the verification of Fuel Subsidies, the work of the Aig-Imoukhuede Committee is credited with saving Nigeria from making billions of dollars of fraudulent fuel subsidy payments, even though it came at great risk to the safety of him and his family. His third outstanding contribution was the Founding of FMDQ OTC Exchange in 2013 as its pioneer Chairman along with its CEO and other key FMDA stakeholders. Just like NIBSS, FMDQ Plc has become one of the fundamental pillars of Nigeria financial system

After retiring from the banking industry, Aig-Imoukhede drew inspiration from the Rockefeller Family Office and established the Tengen Family Office. His ambition, alongside Herbet Wigwe, was to create a lasting legacy of wealth transfer and business succession across multiple generations. Aigboje then accepted an invitation from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) at the time, to become the first Vice President of the NSE’s National Council.

In 2014, on the invitation of then Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) President Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Aigboje joined the Nigeria Stock Exchange’s National Council as its first Vice President. In 2014, he was elected President of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, this has

with the Lord Mayor of London to catalyse trade between both nations. In 2021, he was appointed Chairman of Enterprise NGR—a member-led advocacy group that promotes the growth and development of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services sector (FPS). Aig-Imoukhuede passionately believes in Nigeria’s potential to become Africa’s premier financial centre, stressing the need for greater collaboration between the private sector and government to promote Nigeria internationally and domestically.

His commitment to societal impact extends beyond the realm of finance. Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, which he cofounded with his wife Ofovwe, they partner with the government and private sector to build the capacity of public servants (through its partnership with Oxford University) and provide funding and technical assistance for civil service reform initiatives. The Foundation also strives to improve the lives of Africans by transforming public service delivery and increasing access to healthcare.

The Foundation spends billions of Naira every year on these laudable programs. Aig-Imoukhuede’s dedication to uplifting communities has been recognised locally and internationally. Only last month the AigImoukhede Foundation was a recipient of the National Productivity Order of Merit award and the man himself was conferred with the nation’s third highest honour Commander of The Federal Republic for his contributions to public sector transformation. In the impact philanthropy space, his contributions towards universal health care for all Africans led to his appointment in 2011 as the first African co-chairman of the New York- based GBC Health, a private sector coalition against HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis (GBCHealth). As a board member of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, he facilitated a partnership with GBC Health that birthed the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth).

In 2012, together with Aliko Dangote and Jim Ovia, he co-founded the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), and as vice-chair of Global Citizen Nigeria, he co-founded the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF). In January 2020 whilst championing the Global Citizens global goal live campaign in Davos Switzerland, Aig-Imoukhuede conceived of the Adopt a Health Care Facility Program which PSHAN officially launched last year. The Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility-Programme (ADHFP) aims to establish at least one globalstandard Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), so far funding for over 120 LGAs has been secured.

uniquely placed him as the first African to have the honour of chairing two national exchanges in a lifetime. After decades of focus on the banking sector, Aig-Imoukhuede turned his attention to endeavours aimed at strengthening the Nigeria’s capital markets and the broader financial ecosystem.

First in assuming the mantle of NSE President his trademark of transparency and integrity helped to foster investor confidence and foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s capital markets. Most importantly, through his leadership the Council and management where able to instil much higher standards of market practice and conduct amongst operators. He was and remains an advocate for much stronger and better capitalised capital market operators and challenged the capital market community to build formidable investment groups that would match their banking sector contemporaries in capacity and relevance.

In 2017, as outgoing NSE President he pledged to put his money where his mouth is by establishing his own formidable capital market operator. I will come back to this promise later. You can trust Aig-Imoukhuede to leave a lasting impact at the Exchange. He orchestrated the steps that culminated in the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2021.

As President of the NSE, Aigboje was appointed co-chairman of the UK-Nigeria Emerging Markets Task Force along

Let me come back to his promised contribution to Nigeria’s capital market through the establishment of a formidable African capital market player. Aig-Imoukhuede regularly shares his vision for lifting millions of Africans out of poverty through the democratisation of opportunities for wealth creation.

From 2017, he begun to build an investment management conglomerate modelled on Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway. He deployed the Family Office resources to establish the Coronation Group an investment management conglomerate encompassing most aspects of investing, lending, and insurance with offices in Nigeria and other African countries. Today the Group operates with $200 million of its own capital, placing it amongst the continents largest privately owned players. This emerging Financial Market powerhouse has the potential to expand its capital to a staggering $500 million by 2033.

Aigboje the self-effacing investor has spent the last five years quietly building an integrated financial platform encompassing almost every aspect of investing, lending, and assurance, employing some of Africa’s most talented individuals in technology and finance. Guided by a mission to provide transformational solutions to Africa’s unique challenges, Aigboje spends his working hours as Coronation Group Chairman orchestrating the building of Africa’s leading financial ecosystem. Some of his contemporaries have been described as emperors, Aigboje prefers to be described as an orchestrator. I applaud this gentle giant of Africa.

“

In 2014, he was elected President of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, this has uniquely placed him as the first African to have the honour of chairing two national exchanges in a lifetime. After decades of focus on the banking sector, Aig-Imoukhuede turned his attention to endeavours aimed at strengthening the Nigeria’s capital markets and the broader financial ecosystem.

Aig-Imoukhuede

Stakeholders Urge Nigerians to Optimise 5G Services

Emma Okonji

Stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have restated the value of the Fifth Generation (5G) services, especially on the positive use of the internet to ease connectivity, and have urged Nigerians to optimise the 5G service.

a working visit to the management of NPA at the corporate headquarters in Lagos… recently

Danbatta Assures Nigerians of Broadband Support for e-Procurement

Emma Okonji

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has said the broadband connectivity being driven by the federal government, through the NCC will enhance electronic procurement (e-procurement) that will ensure greater accountability and transparency in governance process in Nigeria.

He stressed that e-procurement was the way to go and that NCC would continue to create the

enabling environment required for e-procurement to thrive through NCC’s dedicated commitment to driving the attainment of ubiquitous broadband connectivity across Nigeria.

Danbatta said Nigeria’s investment in broadband infrastructure was beginning to yield substantial benefits for the country’s e-procurement sector, revolutionising the way businesses engage in procurement processes, especially Governmentto-Business (G2B) and other e-government activities.

Danbatta said this in Lagos

recently, while receiving an award at the 3rd Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by the Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).

Danbatta was conferred with the ‘Excellent Service Delivery and Accountability Award’, in recognition of his outstanding performance and contributions to the canons of the public procurement profession in Nigeria by ensuring that the NCC complies strictly with the provisions of the Public

Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges; at the event, Danbatta said: “With the new administration in the country making broadband connectivity an outstanding pillar in its policy thrust, the commission would continue to focus on improving broadband infrastructure to change the landscape of procurement governance, and help to unlock new possibilities for businesses and public institutions. “

They also noted that 5G technology has enhanced capabilities that would provide superior communications services for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and facilitate attainment of a national digital economy.

Speakers at the 2023 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) with the theme “5G Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria,” organised by ITRealms Media Group, made the assertions.

In his keynote, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said data remained

critical to the digital economy, and assured that NCC would continue to build robust legal frameworks for data governance.

“As we embrace the transformative potential of 5G, we must also prioritise safety concerns,” Danbatta said.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Head of New Media, NCC, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, said the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology, remained unprecedented and beckoned on citizens to embrace it and use it to the fullest.

The chairman of 2023 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) and President, Computer Society of Nigeria (NCS), Prof. Simon Adesina Sodiya, said the internet as a global connection of networks, would continue to provide opportunity for people to share information in order to connect to one another.

On the internet, Sodiya explained that the importance of data security and governance cannot be over emphasised, while stressing the essence to come up with guidelines, procedures, rules, for realistic usage of internet.

Olatunji Appointed into Forbes Technology Council 2023

Emma Okonji

The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr. Vincent Olatunji has been appointed into Forbes Technology Council for 2023.

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and Technology Executives.

Forbes Councils’ founder, Scott Gerber, said they are really excited to welcome Olatunji to the Council. He stressed that their mission with Forbes Councils was aimed at bringing together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.

Pleased with the appointment, Olatunji in a statement, said: “I am delighted to be counted worthy to join the Forbes Technology Council. It is another confirmation of our modest effort to ensure that our country is recognised among the global leaders in Data Protection

compliance.”

Olatunji holds a doctorate degree in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos. He is a Certified Public Private Partnership Specialist (IP3 Specialist) and a PECB Certified Data Protection Officer.

He is an accomplished professional with proven track records of delivering impactful results thereby excelling in building strong relationships across sectors and achieving tangible outcomes. He has also successfully led teams, conducted extensive research, developed effective policies, and implemented strategic initiatives at all levels of government in Nigeria. His expertise lies in driving human growth and process transformation, and he is highly skilled in negotiation, networking, and public speaking. He has worked in the public sector for over 30 years thereby bringing his wealth of experience and professionalism on board Forbes Technology Council.

Layer3 Secures Multiple Awards at ABoICT 2023

Nosa Alekhuogie

Layer3, a leading cloud and IT solutions provider in Nigeria, proudly announced their win of three prestigious awards at the esteemed Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards 2023 (ABoICT).

The company was honored with the titles of Cloud Service Provider of the Year, Enterprise Solution Provider of the Year, and Excellence/Leadership Award, to recognize their significant contributions to the advancement of information and communications technology, particularly in the realm of Cloud Services.

Layer3’s exceptional recognition reflects their unwavering commitment to facilitating digital transformation among Nigerian organizations through the utilization of cutting-edge Cloud computing services

and a steadfast dedication to excellent service. These accolades highlight the company’s profound impact on the industry during the past decade, fostering growth and development in the technology landscape.

During the event’s Leadership Lecture, the Chief Technology Officer of Africa Data Centres FZE Nigeria, Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, emphasised the imperative role of Cloud services in propelling countries toward the next phase of digital transformation.

He asserted that the government should prioritise the adoption of cloud services where feasible, as these technologies offer myriad advantages such as cost savings, rapid scalability, advanced cybersecurity features, and AI-driven big data processing.

Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko (5th left); FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral, Joseph Akpan (4th left); ED Engineering & Technical Services, NPA, Ibrahim Abba Umar (3rd left); Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NPA Adenrele.S. Adesina (3rd right) and other officials of the Nigerian Navy during

BoI Wins Best Development Bank, Financial Institution Syndicated Loan Awards

Nume Ekeghe

The key capital-raising transactions of the Bank of Industry (BOI) from the international financial market, which fueled its sterling financial performance in 2022, are being recognized with local and international awards.

The bank’s total assets have grown by an impressive 248 per cent between 2016 and 2022, reaching N1.71trillion by the end of 2021 and closing at N2.38trillion as of December 2022.

For these, the bank has won: The Best Financial Institution Syndicated Loan in EMEA (Bank of Industry’s €1Billion Loan) and The Best Financial Institution Bond in Africa (Bank of Industry’s €700Million debut 144a/Regs Senior Issuance, later increased to €750Million) at the EMEA Finance Achievement Awards For 2022 in June 2023. And The Best Development Bank of the Year-Africa and The Best Commitment to ESG PrinciplesNigeria at the International Banker, 2023 Banking Awards held in London, United Kingdom in May, 2023.

The International Banker Awards 2023 was established to recognise top-ranking individuals and organisations setting new benchmarks for performance and pushing the boundaries within the financial industry.

Similarly, EMEA Finance is a leading finance magazine with a vision to be ‘the independent voice’ – one that speaks at the highest level of integrity and journalistic ethics – for the financial community, its customers, and suppliers across the EMEA region.

Commenting on the awards, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Kayode Pitan said, the recognitions, 20 of them in the last six years, “Do not only show a demonstration of commitment and innovativeness that has improved the bank’s fortunes, but also serve as positive reinforcement for more work.”

Under Pitan, from 2017 to date, BOI has raised over $5 billion from the international financial markets.

The first of the transactions was a $750 Million syndication concluded in 2017 with the

support of Afreximbank and a team of international Financial Institutions (now fully paid off).

The second and third were the Euro 1Billion syndication closed in March 2020 and another $1Billion syndication that closed in December 2020 (to be fully paid off by December 2023).

The bank’s maiden Eurobond of €750 million, concluded in February 2022 was the fourth transaction. This transaction marked the first of its kind in several ways to the bank, Nigeria and Africa. This deal was the bank’s first Eurobond transaction and the first Euro-denominated Eurobond transaction in Nigeria. The transaction was also the first Eurobond transaction covered by Nigeria’s sovereign guarantee. It represents a benchmark for other prospective issuers from the African continent. It earned the bank the Agency Bond Deal of the Year award at the 2023 Awards event of the Bonds, Loans and ESG Capital Markets in Cape Town, South Africa and has just earned one of the awards listed above.

CrusaderSterling Advises Pension Contributors to Choose PFAs Wisely

CrusaderSterling Pensions

Limited (CPL) has advised pension contributors to choose their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) wisely in order to achieve maximum investments yields on their Retirement Saving Accounts (RSA) upon retirement.

The company gave this advice during its 15th stakeholder’s forum that was held recently at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, where contributors were also admonished to desist from maintaining more than one RSA to avoid complications while assessing retirement benefits.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CPL, Mr. Rotimi Adebiyi, stated that the forum was meant to provide further information to clients on recent industry updates like the ongoing data recapture exercise, use of pension

contributions for mortgage financing, etc.

Adebiyi also urged participants to embrace electronic upload of pension remittances and schedules “via the Electronic Pension Contribution Collection System (EPCCOS) and to avoid paying through any e-payment channel that could not upload their schedule of contribution.

Speaking during the forum, the Executive Director, Operations of CPL, Mr. Olufemi Odukoya, urged contributors to choose their PFAs wisely and advised employers to remit their employees’ contribution seven days after payment of salaries to enhance good returns on their pension investments.

Speaking in the same vein, the CPL’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Femi Dada, said that CPL is

distinguished in the market by its superior return on investment and has consistently led the industry in fund price.

Dada stated that the CPL brand has led the industry’s fund price table consistently for more than a decade. He said:

“Our RSA Fund II price was N7.0507 as at May 15, 2023, returning over 605 per cent, which is the highest in the industry on time adjusted basis.

The Managing Director of First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited (FPCNL), Mr. Oloruntimilehin George, who was represented by the Head, Business Development and Client Services of FPCNL, Mr. Akin Denton, also enjoined organisations to use online payment platforms that are designed for pension remittance, which could capture their schedule of contribution.

APM Terminals Apapa Paves School Playground with Recycled Tyres

Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa last week, took its 2023 Go Green campaign to schools, creating environmental awareness by paving the playground of the Army Children Primary School, Apapa, Lagos, with pavement blocks produced from recycled tyres.

The annual “Go Green Campaign” is an initiative of APM Terminals to promote environmentally sustainable activities at its facilities across the world. The theme of the campaign this year is “Healthy Ecosystem and Beating Plastic Pollution”.

In addition to paving the school playground, staff of the leading terminal operator also planted trees at the Army Children Primary School.

“At APM Terminals Apapa, we take our responsibility towards the environment, the community and our children

very serious. Every year, we give ourselves the opportunity of our Go Green Campaign to contribute to a sustainable future for all. We are always happy to give back to the society,” Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said.

He said in addition to beautifying the environment, trees help combat global warming, as they absorb carbon dioxide, removing and storing carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air.

The pavement blocks, according to Knudsen, were made out of APM Terminals Apapa’s used tyres by a Nigerian firm named FREEE Recycle Limited. APM Terminals Apapa recently partnered with FREE Recycle Limited in an effort to grow its recycling of used tyres, to avoid these ending in landfills or as medium for trapped water and associated

L-R: Finance

insect borne diseases.

Also at the event was the Managing Director of FREEE Recycle Limited, Ifedolapo Runsewe; Education Secretary of Apapa Local Government, Fausat Olawepo, represented by Abosede Olanrewaju; and staff of the Army Children Primary School.

Expressing delight at the participation of the school children in the tree planting exercise, Adenaike, reiterated APM Terminals Apapa’s commitment to sustainability and protection of the environment.

The Head Teacher of the school, Dorothy Okafor Ucheta and the Education Secretary of Apapa Local Government, Fausat Olawepo, represented by Abosede Olanrewaju, both expressed gratitude to APM Terminals for paving the school playground and inculcating a useful lesson in the pupils – that they can turn waste to wealth.

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

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

Business Partner, APM Terminals Apapa, James Nartey; Procurement Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Chinyere Adenaike; Head Teacher, Army Children Primary School Apapa, Dorothy Okafor Ucheta; Employee Relations Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Benedict Nwangwu and Facilities Maintenance Manager, APM Terminals, Apapa, Moses Onyebuchi Ezenwafor, paving Army Children Primary School playground with materials made of recycled tyres during APM Terminals Apapa’s Go Green Campaign in Lagos…recently

Dike Onwuamaeze

FRCN, ISSB, NGX RegCo Boost Stakeholders’ Capacity on SASB Standards

Kayode Tokede

In preparation for the standard effectiveness of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the ISSB, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), and NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo), recently organized webinars to prepare companies for the imminent release of the ISSB’s first two IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, better known as IFRS

S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information); and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures).

The webinars themed; ISSB

Industry-based Disclosure: Using the SASB Standards - A Tool for Disclosure of Sustainability-Related Information, was well attended by over 1,500 individuals from Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

The webinars featured presentations on IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 as well as the industry-specific

metrics drawn from the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards. These covered four industries: the Oil & Gas, Telecommunications, Financial Services, and Food & Beverages and Consumer Goods sectors.

Commending the FRCN, ISSB and NGX RegCo for their efforts in helping to create awareness around the launch and adoption of IFRS 1 and IFRS 2, the Executive Secretary of the FRCN, Ambassador Shuaibu Adamu,

said, that it is encouraging that African countries are coming together to collaborate in this capacity building programme because it is clear that Africa does not intend to be left behind and is partnering with the IFRS Foundation to ensure significant further investment in capacity building for African countries is delivered, also to ensure the ISSB standards are truly global in their implementation.

Speaking during the webinar

series, the Director, Directorate of Accounting Standards, (Public Sector) of the FRCN, Dr. Iheanyi Anyahara, commended the joint efforts of the organizers to ensure that Nigerian companies are prepared to early adopt the ISSB Standards when they become effective.

He also noted that the capacity building engagements will continue even after the webinar series. Additionally, Dr. Anyahara stated that the FRCN has inau-

gurated the Adoption Readiness Working Group (ARWG), which will make recommendations to the FRCN on the adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Standards in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of NGX RegCo, Ms. Tinuade Awe stated that as a member of the NGX Group, NGX RegCo has been involved in furthering the development of sustainability reporting in Nigeria over a period of time.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/14/23

Creating Awareness on the Dangers of Lupus Disease

To tackle the ignorance bordering the chronic autoimmune disease, Systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus, a nongovernmental organisation, Lupus Haven Nigeria recently took its sensitisation campaign to market places in Rivers State. Blessing Ibunge writes that over 300 persons also benefited from free medical by the group

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. According to medical experts, Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues.

The Lupus Haven has in the past years been creating awareness on the deadly disease. Recently, the group took same sensitisation to Rumuola community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Buguma in Asari-Toru and communities in Oyigbo.

During the most recent sensitisation and free medical care, held at the New Market Borokiri, Port Harcourt, beneficiaries had opportunities of health talk/free medical check, malaria check, eye check, breast examination, fasting blood sugar test and blood pressure check, lupus awareness talk, kidney check, liver check and other related medical examinations.

Dr Eunice Oriji, one of the medical personnel at the outreach, said some of the symptoms associated with the diseases include resistant malaria, severe headache and fever, kidney and liver damage, reddish rashes on the face or other parts of the body, etc. She explained that although is genetic but most of the victims are females.

Dr Oriji who further explained that there is no cure to the disease, said if identified early a victim can survive it while tackling the symptoms.

She said “We came for the medical outreach, trying to sensitise people about LUPUS. Most people are not aware of this disease which is mostly common on females of a productive age. They come to the hospital with common illness like malaria symptom, headache and fever. So they will come on the first day we treat them they go, the second day the illness still persist so we said let check.

“We have come to realised that LUPUS comes with same symptom like malaria before it progresses to affecting different parts of the body.Lupus is generally a disease where your body is fighting your body. It commonly meets by people to the person they generate. This illness happen and we advise people, especially those of productive age from 13 to 18, aside from coming to complain for malaria, they should come and also have this particular illness check.

“Lupus, like I said initially, you will have a generalispoed symptoms like body weakness, is misdiagnosed to be like malaria, until the person starts have multisystem damage whereby you are weak, you cannot even move, it starts affecting your muscles, it affects your kidneys, your liver, all organs of the body”.

Dr Oriji said noted that the disease is genetic, “is not what we can diagnose by mere seeing the person. Based on one or two illness, we now go further to diagnose by performing some investigations to really know if this is what it is.

“The cause of the illness is unknown for now. As such we tend to manage it base on the symptoms the patient present with. So if it has affected your kidney, the person will come down with reduce urinary output, they will manage that. Depending on the symptom, if is the muscles we can help with therapy just to help revive the cells”.

The doctor added that “As a community we cannot do without those who are asking for things that are affecting them. Traders as you can see they don’t have the time to come to the hospital, so we are here to also render services, treat them. What we noticed is that majority of them have hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, so we are here to also render such services to them”.

Mrs Ugomma Ozigbo, one of the founding members of the foundation, hinted that over 200 persons were targeted to benefit from the programme but at the end of the outreach about 300 received medical attention.

She further hinted that by December this year Lupus Haven will organize a bigger outreach in the state which will focus mostly on cancer. She expressed that the organization needs financial support to reach wider population in the state.

“Today, we are in the market place to sensitise the people about lupus and then give them medical help. We have come here today with doctors, nurses, eye doctors. We have come with malaria medicines, high blood pressure medicine.

“We planned to attend to at least 200 people, we feed and share the word of God with them and we tell them about Lupus, things to look out for being that God has helped us, we have a survival,

a lupus warrior in our midst. So this is our way of showing God we are thankful for His help. But we are attending to over 200 persons here. So this organisation needs all the support that we can get because is financially tasking but God is helping.

“By December we are planning a bigger outreach to look into cancer. So far we have done similar outreach in Rumuola, Buguma, Mile one park and Oyigbo. The foundation has been running for about two years now. We run the outreaches monthly and then we have a praise station on Stadium Road”.

A survival of the disease, who spoke to THISDAY at the outreach, Ijeoma Maria Ozigbo advised other victims to speak out for timely intervention. As a victim, she said she has to so many people encouraging them on to seek attention of good doctors and follow instructions when given.

“Before when you get to a certain age and you don’t have the disease is fine but now it seems to be everything. I believe letting people know about the disease, giving them things to watch out and things they can do to ascertain if they are under the attack of Lupus or not is very important.

“Is not very easy but I have a very good support system and that is very important, being able to talk to your parent, let them know what is going on and they can actually take you to the best doctors possible. Thy help because sometimes if you don’t know what to look for, you just be treating malaria and the disease will be spreading to your kidney and even the heart and then you find someone that is 42 or below the age dead from a stroke or something else when it could have been treated earlier.

“I believe that with the experience I have had, I want to help other people so that they can know ahead of time instead of waiting for the disease to spread wide in the person’s body.

“Most times the attack start with the joints and skin, so the person will

start having reddish rashes on their face and on their joint they will start having stiffness and swelling and sometimes they start having malaria symptoms. In Nigeria they will be treating malaria and they will forget the other signs when they could also pay attention to other signs and figure out that is other thing not just malaria”.

Some of the beneficiaries of the free medical care that spoke at the awareness programme expressed appreciation to the group.

A septuagenarian, who gave her name as Dappah Blessing, said she never expected to benefit from the programme as a she was in the market to purchase fruits not a trader.

The retired primary school teacher said “Actually I did not know I would come and meet blessing today. I went to the market to buy fruits, as I was coming out I saw the group on medical outreach and they called me to come closer. When I got there, they checked me on Sugar level, BP and referred me to a doctor who also checked me on arthritis because every night I do have pain.

“After the diagnoses, they gave me drugs, breakfast and every bible. God will continue to bless the Lupus foundation for the free medical”.

Another septuagenarian, Mr Christian Iwunze, who came for the medical check from Rumuokoro axis of Obio/Akpor, said “When I checked my BP it was normal but arthritis was my challenge. They referred me to a doctor who prescribed drugs for me.

“I pray to God they should be coming every six months because we are suffering; there is no money to go to the hospital. I am very happy. I came from Rumuokoro when I heard about free health care services. I am 70 years old now but with the way I attend to my health issues, you could hardly predict my age. I look very young”.

The Public Relations Officer of the Market, Helen Conquest who also lauded the group expressed “I came for eye check and malaria test. I thank God they have diagnosed and given me drugs for malaria and glasses to correct my eyes so that I will be able to read very well.

“I know it is not easy to leave our business and go to a hospital for health care. Sometimes if you go, you will spend alot of money but right now it is free of charge they have given me. I really appreciate the organisation”, she added.

Beneficiaries of the free market medical outreach in Borokiri, Port Harcourt by Lupus Haven Nigeria, receiving drugs from the pharmacists

One of the medical personnel attending to a patient at the outreach

How Atmospheric Water Generators Will Improve Quality Drinking Water for All Nigerians

Nigeria needs sustainable clean water solutions which eliminate carbonintensive supply chains and environmentally harmful plastic wastes. Data from development organisations have indicated the need for the country to improve the quality of drinking water for health reasons, among others. As such, a global leader in atmospheric drinking water generating devices, Watergen recently launched in Nigeria, with Macif Projects and Distribution Limited, Macif, as its exclusive distributor. The atmospheric water generator, AWG, is a plug-and-drink solution that provides sustainable clean drinking water from the atmosphere. In this chat with Ukonwa Ikedife, Director, Macif Projects and Distributions Limited, spoke on how the economical and environmentally friendly AWG, which is based on a worldwide patented unique heat exchange technology, can help address the challenges of clean water scarcity in our communities. Precious Ugwuzor brings excerpts

Watergen is a global leader in atmospheric drinking water generation with an innovative and sustainable solution that uses a patented unique heat exchange technology to generate clean drinking water from the atmospheric air. Macif recognizes the need for this solution in Nigeria and is bringing this innovative technology to Nigeria to address the challenges of clean water scarcity in our communities. Through this partnership, Macif aims to provide a sustainable and reliable solution that is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

VARICOCELE PART 2

Introducing Watergen’s atmospheric water generator in Nigeria will significantly contribute to water security and climate action because Watergen’s technology reduces dependence on traditional water sources, such as groundwater or surface water, which are often limited, scarce, atmospheric water generation, Nigeria can diversify its water sources, improve water availability, reduce water-related conflicts, and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on water resources.

Furthermore, because the Watergen devices are a plug-and-drink solution i.e., they are used to create drinking water sources right at the point of consumption, they would eliminate the carbon-intensive supply chains and the environmentally harmful plastic wastes that cannot be recycled thereby reducing our carbon footprint in contribution towards global climate action.

What sets Watergen apart as an atmospheric water generator is its patented GENius heat exchange technology that ensures the efficient production of safe, clean, and mineralized water. Watergen offers a sustainable solution that is safe, effective, economical, and most importantly, environmentally friendly.

health outcomes, reduce reliance on bottled and sachet water, mitigate plastic waste, and alleviate the burden on traditional water infrastructure. The technology’s potential for scalability and adaptability makes it a promising solution to address water challenges in urban and rural areas of Nigeria.

Last week, we started a topic on Varicocele. We defined varicocele, discussed the types, causes, symptoms and diagnosis. This week, we will conclude with further diagnosis of varicocele, its effect on fertility, treatment and possible complications.

DIAGNOSIS OF INFERTILITY

The following tests may be ordered to confirm diagnosis:

- A pelvic ultrasound scan is a noninvasive imaging test that allows the clinician to see the veins in the testicles in great detail. It is the most common imaging test ordered by providers to aid in the diagnosis of varicoceles.

If the clinician suspects that a varicocele is interfering with fertility, a sperm analysis may be ordered. In this process, semen is collected in a special container and analyzed with a microscope to look for the presence of sperm as well as its overall health.

The ideal targets for these innovative water generators include households, offices, schools, hospitals, communities, markets, train stations, hospitals, IDPs, barracks, prisons, and other facilities or organisations that require a consistent and reliable source of clean drinking water. Additionally, any areas with limited access to clean water or unreliable traditional water sources will benefit from Watergen’s atmospheric water generation technology.

Given the challenges caused by clean water scarcity in Nigeria, Nigeria is a suitable market for Watergen’s technology. While the adoption and readiness for this technology may vary across different regions and communities within the nation, there is a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable water solutions. With proper awareness campaigns, education, and support, Nigeria has the potential to embrace and benefit from this innovative technology.

A small blood sample is withdrawn with a tiny needle. The blood sample is then sent to a lab to be tested for hormone levels like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone.

VARICOCELE AND FERTILITY

Varicoceles have been observed upon physical examination of roughly one-third of men being evaluated for infertility. They are classified based on their size and whether they are present on one or both sides of the scrotum. It is critical to understand that varicoceles of all sizes can have an impact on fertility. Furthermore, new evidence suggests that varicoceles may affect sperm function in ways that semen analysis does not detect.

A varicocele on one side of the scrotum affects the function and temperature of both testes causing toxin buildup and oxidative stress. These elements may lead to complications such as poor testicular growth, hormone production, shrinkage due to tissue loss and other factors related to testicle health and function in boys going through puberty.

Watergen’s water generation products, which Macif is bringing into the Nigerian market, range from an indoor machine with an output capacity of about 30 litres of water per day to an outdoor device that can generate up to 6,000 litres per day. The Watergen GEN-L, produce 6000 litres, 900 litres, 220 litres, and 30 respectively per day. With this diverse range of devices, Watergen can cater to households, hotels, restaurants, schools, offices, religious institutions, shipping and marine vessels, healthcare facilities, community centres, and any institutions requiring a reliable and safe drinking water source.

drinking water, Watergen will improve public

Watergen has achieved significant milestones worldwide, establishing itself as a leader in atmospheric water generation. These milestones include successful deployments in various countries, collaborations with international organizations, and awards and recognition for its innovative technology. In Nigeria, the milestone of introducing Watergen’s atmospheric water generator will contribute to raising awareness about sustainable water solutions, drive technology adoption, and achieve positive outcomes such as improved access to clean water, reduced reliance on plastic or sachet water, reduced plastic waste, enhance water security, and positively impact on public health and the environment.

Varicoceles that cannot be felt by the physician because they are Grade 0 as earlier explained, but are diagnosed by ultrasound or other imaging studies may not be considered clinically significant.

TREATMENT OF VARICOCELE

Treatments of varicocele are classified into three categories:

1. Varicocele Embolization - In this treatment method, small coils are passed through a vein in the groin area so as to block the veins in the abdomen feeding the varicocele. Long-term success rates appear to be slightly lower and treatment may require more than one procedure. This method does not require incision and may be suitable for children. Also, it is sometimes used in patients who have previously failed surgical repairs or have pain as the primary indication for surgery or body characteristics that increases the risk of surgery, such as obesity.

2. Laparoscopic Varicocele Ligation - This involves inserting a camera and small instruments into the abdomen and clipping the veins feeding the varicocele. Long-term success rate for this procedure is also lower. Furthermore, complications though rare, when they do occur, they can be far more serious than with other approaches.

3. Microsurgical Subinguinal Varicocele Ligation - This method has the lowest complication and highest success rate. It is the least expensive, and eliminates the risk of dangerous intra-abdominal injuries. In this treatment method, the patient is sedated and under general anesthesia. The spermatic cord is isolated by making an incision in the lower groin so that the veins that feed the varicocele can be identified and divided, while important structures for testicular function are preserved.

COMPLICATIONS OF VARICOCELE REPAIR

Possible complications from varicocele repair include:

(hydrocele)

procedure for patients undergoing non-surgical repair.

CONCLUSION

A varicocele can impair the body’s ability to regulate the temperature of the testicles. Toxin buildup and oxidative stress can both contribute to poor testicular health. A varicocele may inhibit testicle growth, hormone production, and other factors related to testicle health and function in boys going through puberty and may cause gradual shrinkage due to tissue loss.

A common risk factor of a varicocele is infertility. This means that repairing a clinically significant varicocele can improve sperm parameters significantly, allowing for natural conception or reducing the need for assisted etc in the future. Surgery is only required if the varicocele is causing pain or when trying to conceive.

It is important to have an individualized approach to varicocele management. The size of the varicocele, scr otal discomfort, the patient’s fertility goals, blood tests such as testosterone levels, or semen analysis findings all influence the decision to treat a varicocele. There is strong evidence to suggest that repairing a varicocele improves testicular function and prevents further testicular damage, but this correlates closely with the size of the varicocele.

In addition, the age and fertility of the patient’s female partner must be considered when deciding whether or not to treat a varicocele. When female fertility is a factor, the best path for each couple should be determined in collaboration endocrinologist to determine the best approach to treatment instead of just engaging in surgical procedures that may yield little or no result.

Ukonwa Ikedife, Director, Macif Projects and Distributions Limited

Inclusive Book Launch Event Spotlights Special Needs Children

Vanessa Obioha

Promoting inclusivity and highlighting the power of personal stories, disability inclusion advocate and Founder of Diary of a Special Needs Mom Initiative, Bukola Ayinde launched three thought-provoking books recently at The Learning Place, Lekki, Lagos.

Two of the books —’My Name is Nimi’, and ‘Nimi’s Birthday Party’ — chronicled the inspiring journey of her daughter Oluwalonimi living with cerebral palsy, and the third, The Gods Are Strange, celebrated the importance of adopting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.

The well-attended launch hosted close friends and family to an afternoon of discussion around children with disabilities, and better routes to take for their inclusion in society. The event featured spoken word poetry, as well as book reviews from Mitchel Adegbola, a lecturer at the University of Lagos; and Tonye Faloughi, a creative entrepreneur.

“So I realised that children learn from play. One of my daughters, if you are getting her to read a storybook, she may not want to read it. But if she’s going to turn it into a play, she will have to internalise what she’s reading,” Ayinde explained the concept of ‘TGAS’.

‘TGAS’ is a stage play that exemplifies the complementary roles of diversity and inclusivity toward nation-building through the adventures of a fearless warrior, a talented blind, and an exceptional dancer to restore the

lost glory of the Odudu kingdom.

Through a strategic collaboration with the Goethe Institute, the play has been performed by a theatre group in Jos, and at Corona Secondary School, Agbara. Although released in 2018, ‘MNIN’ was relaunched. It has been translated into six different languages: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin English, French, and German.

“When I realised that all the different sectors in the community were reluctant in partnering with this course, I decided to take another angle to it, which is, to work with children, to be able to tell them about persons with disability and for them to understand it as a medical condition. For them to be able to understand that inclusion is the future for them, “ Ayinde said.

‘NBP’ is a play presented as

Fertility Expert Urges Govt on Incentives for IVF Treatment

Rebecca Ejifoma

a guidebook to include special needs children at social gatherings. Ayinde said that she ran a three-month-long experiment by inquiring from other abled children on ways to achieve inclusion.

Ayinde aims to educate and engage young people about disabilities and the importance of inclusion in enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs.

Peak456Educateson Importance of Breakfast, Age-appropriate Nutrition

Mary Nnah

Nigeria’s leading children’s dairy brand, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk, from the stable of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, commemorated this year’s Children’s Day by partnering schools and childcare givers to educate on the importance of age-appropriate nutrition in supporting children to grow up strong and smart.

The series of events took place across 11 states, including Lagos in conjunction with Peak Yogurt and Peak Chocolate.

One of the locations was the Ndubuisi Kanu Park where a three-day event, which began on May 26, was organised for children within the axis.

The brand held an inter-school competition, open to primary school pupils between ages 4 and 6 years, who were asked to prepare a breakfast meal, using

Peak 456 Growing Up Milk. The top three winners went home with educational scholarships worth N200,000, N150,000 and N100,000 for first, second and third place winners respectively.

Speaking on this year’s edition, Brand Manager Peak 456, Odianosen Okosun, said, “This year, we decided to make it extra special for our children, not only by celebrating them but by creating an atmosphere of healthy competition where they can learn about nutrition and also win prizes that will add value to them.

“Our country’s growth and economic development are dependent on how well we take care of our children and what better way can we take care of our future if not by providing them with the right nutritional food.”

“Peak 456 Growing Up Milk is specially formulated for children between ages 4 and 6 years and fortified with docosahexaenoic acid

(DHA) to support brain development. It contains various nutrients to aid children develop physically and mentally. Peak 456 Growing Up Milk is very passionate about ensuring our children grow up to be strong & smart adults. This is why we partner with schools and other educational bodies”, Okosun noted further. Another location was at Homot Schools, Ikorodu, catering for children within that axis. At this location, Peak 456 partnered with Shedams Fitness and Saga, a fitness coach and former Big Brother Housemate, to nurture the fitness and well-being of the children in a fun way. The children were supercharged as they followed the instructions of the fitness coaches and learned a lot about keeping fit and eating healthy.

The third location was at Banana Island Field, for the Biporal Children’s Day party. This celebration took place on May 27 and as with other locations, children participated

in exciting activities and went home with educational prizes. Similar children’s day events were held in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Aba, Ibadan, Osogbo and Owerri.

The brand recently launched its BreakfastPlus Schools programme pan-Nigeria with the theme; Better Nutrition for Every Child. The integrated marketing campaign is targeted at preschool teachers, school-aged children and parents who play vital roles in influencing children academically as well as in their nutritional habits.

Research has shown that 90 percent of brain development happens in the first 5 years of life and the food children take has a direct impact on their growth and development. The Breakfast Plus Schools campaign will help educate teachers, parents and even children on the need for nutritious foods including milk in their diets, starting from breakfast.

Ahmadiyya Hospital Implores FG on Enabling Environment for Hospitals to Thrive

To better serve humanity and save more lives, Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital, Ojokoro in Lagos, has implored the federal government to create an enabling environment for hospitals to thrive.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr Samiullah Tahir, made this appeal while highlighting the hospital’s impacts at a media conference and tour of its Ojokoro branch.

In the last five years, Tahir said

Ahmadiyya, in partnership with the Lagos State government, has offered residents of the Ojokoro community and Lagosians comprehensive medical treatment.

The treatments range from Tuberculosis (TB) to Human Immuno-deficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), among others, while providing vital maternal and child care services.

While adding that Ahmadiyya offers free surgeries, too, the CMD said they provide a lot of free medical grants for all the federations thanks to its

about 100 staff and six full-time doctors.

He added: “Although most services are free, those who can pay do so. Those who can’t pay do not. Those who walk in pay; charge them; that’s how we get money.”

Besides the charity services, the Ahmadiyya headquarters provides X-ray machines. “Obstetricians need them. Although we got them free of charge, they cost around N60 million.

“Similarly, we acquired a scanning device for about N20 million,” he added.

A world-class fertility centre, Bridge Clinic, has highlighted the need for government incentives for insurance companies to provide In-Vitro Fertility (IVF) treatment for couples in the country.

The Senior Fertility Doctor and Gynaecologist of Bridge Clinic, Dr Ayo Olayinka, made the call at its Welcome Forum held in Lagos.

The forum was on the theme, “Unable to Conceive the Second Time and the Inability to Achieve Conception As Secondary Infertility”.

Speaking to journalists, Olayinka decried the high cost of IVF in the country. “Because insurance usually does not offer coverage for assisted reproductive techniques (ART), most people have to pay out of pocket.”

He says, “We are hoping that the government can provide some form of incentives that will allow insurance companies to provide either limited or complete coverage for IVF treatment, even if it’s for one circle.

According to him, such a supportive gesture would be a start, considering how pricey IVF is in the country.

Despite the steep cost of the procedure, Bridge Clinic boasts more live births than any other clinic in the country.

The fertility doctor expressed: “We have over 3,000 and counting live births from IVF. We expect this number to increase exponentially over the next few years.”

To further help couples achieve pregnancy, Bridge Clinic has outlets in Abuja, Port-Harcourt and two major centres in Lagos. He emphasised: “We hope to open more outlets that will bring this technology – ART – closer to the people to impact their lives positively.”

In his submission, he said there is a need for more awareness. “Some people know, but finance is the cause. Some have the finance but don’t know.

“We have to strike a balance between these two so those with the wherewithal can come in as quickly as possible to access the treatment.”

Olayinka soon regretted that one of the most heartbreaking experiences is encountering a lady or a couple who wished they had the information earlier.

Meanwhile, Bridge Clinic is proud to have pioneered the first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in Nigeria. According to the doctor. ICSI is a unique technique of injecting sperm into the eggs. “Before now, the traditional approach was to keep the sperm and the egg, culture them in a dish and then wait for them to fertilise,” says Olayinka.

He also pointed out that there are men whose sperm, although alive and viable, are too weak to penetrate the eggs.

“That is where the ICSI comes in; it helps the sperm to do its job by drilling the eggs and dropping the sperm rising to the eggs,” the gynaecologist illustrated.

The Bridge Clinic senior doctor also hoped that the next generation of babies from this novel procedure would benefit from some form of government subsidy.

“In some countries, there are subsidies,” Olayinka pointed out. “In Israel, the government subsidises IVF; the first two babies you have from IVF are free.”

While prescribing solutions to further boost fertility, Olayinka dissuaded women from washing their vaginas with soap to make them clean.

He clarified: “The vagina cleans itself. The vagina should be acidic all the time. The moment it moves more towards alkaline, that’s a distortion in the vagina.”

The fertility doctor also cautioned that such harmful practices indirectly affect fertility, thereby, causing more harm.

The gynaecologist, therefore, urged men and women to seek experts’ advice, investigation, consultation and evaluation to get the solution they seek.

Nasarawa Doctors Threaten Strike after 21 Days

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Tuesday said its members have concluded plans to withdraw their services if the state government failed to address the welfare issues demanded by the members after 21 days.

The state Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Peter Attah, made the threat during a press briefing in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital on Tuesday.

Attah, therefore, maintained that the doctors had to give the ultimatum as their last resort having exhausted all avenues for the state government to prioritize welfare of doctors working with the state owned facilities, but to no avail.

Tahir, however, lamented some challenges they faced. “Medical services are quite expensive. Unfortunately, the government is not supporting us as it should.”

While insisting that the government can do many things for society, the CMD clarified, “We don’t have many challenges because we have a big source of income, and nobody will go without being served”.

He also highlighted the high cost of drugs as a significant hurdle in running hospitals in Nigeria.

He pointed out that the demands of the doctors included: non promotion and annual increments of doctors salaries since 2018, non implementation of the national minimum wage and hazard allowance, as well as tax exemption on call duty allowance.

The Nasarawa NMA chairman, however, explained that due to continuous deteriorating state of the working conditions of doctors in Nasarawa State Government owned hospitals, three of their colleagues have died with lassa fever within a space of one year in the line of duty.

“Doctors in Nasarawa State owned hospitals work under intense pressure due to shortage of manpower. Many doctors have left the facilities for greener pastures because the government has failed to do the needful. Our patience is over stretched,” he insisted. Attah concluded that while they remained opened for dialogue, they would not hesitate to proceed on indefinite strike on the July 3, 2023 if the state government failed to address their demands.

Pemi, Bukola, Nimi, Lawrence Ayinde at the book launch recently held in Lagos

Rebecca Ejifoma

What is the Nigerian Dream?

By Godman Akinlabi

Afew years ago, I saw a post on the popular social networking site Twitter asking Nigerians what the “Nigerian Dream” means to them. Curious, I checked the comments to see what Nigerians consider the Nigerian Dream. Most respondents said the Nigerian Dream is to get an international passport and Japa (a colloquial word to describe the trend of young and talented Nigerians leaving the country for better opportunities abroad) at all costs. Another dominant response was that the Nigerian Dream is to secure a slice of the national cake and enrich themselves and their family at the expense of the rest of the country. Other comments were along the lines of the Nigerian Dream being to “betterpassmyneighbour,” implying a sense of competition or envy among neighbours who compare their living standards.

Frankly, I thought the answers were ridiculous until I pondered the question and quickly discovered there was no single Nigerian Dream articulated and deliberately sold to generations of Nigerians to incubate their aspirations and see themselves as part of a national project that is larger than them.

I am privileged to have the opportunity to travel around the world quite often. I have observed that citizens of many developed societies were born and raised into a shared national ideal that fuels their individual aspirations and helps them see the bigger picture and how their actions contribute to the building or destruction of their nation. One country has its people believe that anything is possible within their land; that anybody from anywhere can become

somebody through sheer will and hard work. No “connections” are needed. This principle attracts people from all over the world, including Nigeria, who are persuaded that they will make it in that country.

In the absence of such an ideal in Nigeria, citizens frame variegated, often self-centred and conflicting goals detrimental to national harmony, patriotism, and development. However, this is not a citizen problem. It is a leadership gap that has gone unaddressed for decades, breeding pervasive cynicism among Nigerians.

“Tobuildanationwherepeaceandjusticereigns” ends the second verse of our national anthem, and I reckon, could be a good anchor for a national dream that represents the shared goals, values, and aspirations of Nigerians, serving as a unifying force, guiding the nation’s efforts, and shaping its future direction. But peace and justice have eluded Nigerians. Democracy was supposed to help usher in a national dream that encompasses ideals of progress, prosperity, equality, and societal well-being for Nigerians because democracy is a government of the people, by the people,forthepeople. Nigerians do not believe they are in a democracy, and the just-concluded elections proved as much. Widespread voter suppression, ethnic baiting, flagrant results manipulations, and the usurpation of the clear will of the people have deepened the disillusionment Nigerians feel about their country. People are abandoning their fatherland to “Japa” abroad. Almost daily, young Nigerians place a demand on me to pray for them as they relocate to other climes: incredibly talented professionals and students who could have helped shape and build a progressive Nigeria. Countries with an established national dream have gained them. If there was a Nigerian Dream those young Nigerians connected to that powers their aspirations and that the Nigerian state is actively

building and promoting, they would be here making sure it is realised against all odds. Because we have none of that, we lose people, skills, innovation, and progress!

Will our leaders ask themselves, “What is the Nigerian Dream?” Will they create one that is inclusive and draws on the strength of our diversity to propose a united and progressive nation every Nigerian feels proud of and loyal to? Will it be business as usual?

And will Nigeria continue to be a country where anything goes, and everybody looks to bleed until it can no longer sustain any form of life? This democracy day should be a time of reflection, especially for our political leaders.

No country develops without a national dream that reflects the people’s hopes and aspirations and provides a sense of purpose and identity for the nation. Nigerians are resilient and have a strong “can do” spirit. We need to design a national ideal that nurtures their strength and helps them channel their grit and excellence to endeavours that move the country forward. As we step into a new political dispensation, I urge the leaders to rethink the Nigerian idea and propose a Nigerian Dream that restores faith in our democracy, fuels our aspirations and devotion to the nation, guides our economic development, social justice, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and technological advancements, and inspires future generations.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. May our democracy flourish and may Nigeria prosper. Godman Akinlabi is a preacher, author, and leadership expert inspiring individuals, organisations, and governments to attain their potential.

Seplat JV ‘Eye Can See’ CSR Initiative: Bringing Hope to the People Through Sustainable Living

Our sense of sight is responsible for most things we absorb into our bodies. That is why they say the eye is a window to the soul hence the utmost need to maintain our vision and give proper care to our eyes for overall eye health. The significance of maintaining our eyes as illustrated in the following factors, cannot be overemphasized.

Vision Correction: Many individuals experience refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related near vision decline). Eye care services, including comprehensive eye exams, enable accurate diagnosis of these conditions and the prescription of corrective measures like glasses or contact lenses. By addressing vision impairments, eye care services enhance visual acuity, enabling individuals to perform daily activities with ease and efficiency.

Regular eye examinations play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of various eye diseases. Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can be asymptomatic in their early stages, making them difficult to detect without professional intervention. Eye care professionals can identify signs of these diseases during routine examinations, enabling timely intervention and management to prevent further vision loss or complications.

Prevention and Management of Eye Conditions:

Eye care services encompass preventative measures aimed at reducing the risk of eye-related problems. For instance, eye care professionals can provide guidance on proper eye hygiene, including recommendations for handwashing and avoiding eye trauma. Additionally, they can educate patients about lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, regular exercise, and protection from ultraviolet radiation, which contribute to maintaining good eye health. Furthermore, eye care services facilitate the management of chronic conditions like dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, and conjunctivitis, offering relief and preventing potential complications.

Individuals with existing eye conditions or those at risk due to age, family history, or other factors require ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal eye health. Eye care services enable regular check-ups and monitoring of conditions, facilitating timely adjustments to treatment plans when necessary. Monitoring can also involve the assessment of eye-related side effects of systemic health conditions and medications, allowing for early detection and management of potential complications.

Quality of Life Improvement: Good vision is vital for maintaining an individual’s independence, productivity, and overall quality of life. Eye care services help individuals achieve and preserve clear vision, allowing them to perform daily tasks effectively, excel in their professions, and engage in recreational activities without limitations. Additionally, maintaining good eye health contributes to overall well-being, as visual impairments can impact mental health, social interactions, and overall satisfaction with life.

Early detection and treatment of eye conditions in children are crucial for their visual development and

academic success. Regular eye exams help identify refractive errors, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and other conditions that, if left unaddressed, can lead to permanent vision loss or developmental delays. Eye care services for children often include vision screening programs in schools or pediatric eye exams, ensuring that potential issues are identified early and appropriate interventions are implemented.

In recognition that most eye conditions were preventable through proper care and regular eye checks, Seplat Energy, a Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian and London stock exchanges with assets in the Niger Delta birthed a remarkable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ‘Eye Can See’ initiative. This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited. The initiative was introduced to help reduce the risks of eye blindness.

The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative focuses on bringing free, qualitative, and comprehensive eye care to members of its host communities. The meaning of ‘eye can see’ can be said to be a way of making sure that the eyes carry out their functions which are known as seeing/vision, clarity.

Since its inception in 2012, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. It has brought light to the eyes that were once shrouded in darkness, offering hope and renewed vision. With unwavering dedication, the programme has treated a staggering 96,211 individuals, provided 45,074 pairs of reading glasses, and performed 4,218 life-changing eye surgeries.

Through this CSR initiative Seplat Energy has

demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of community members, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. This outreach has promoted positive relationships between Seplat and the communities in Edo, Delta, and Lagos; all of which are the states where this outreach is being carried out. This in turn is building trust, putting smiles on the faces of individuals, and encouraging individuals to seek medical attention when needed.

Testimonies Abound: In separate interviews, some beneficiaries of the programme and other stakeholders, spoke to the impacts of the Eye Can See initiative and how it has changed their lives tremendously.

For Rev. Mrs. Elizabeth Emuobor, who had a surgery in one of her eyes when Seplat Energy deployed the Eye Can See programme at Ugboren Community in Delta State in 2018, the intervention brough hope to her situation.

She said the surgery done on one of her eyes due to a Cataract disease, happened after she had visited many hospitals, which had demanded for payments before the treatment could happen.

She said: “Seplat’s intervention was a great help for me. I had visited several hospitals and I was told to make payments. Seplat really did well by coming to my aid. The surgery was done on me without any payment. They restored by sight free of charge.

“If other companies are acting the way Seplat does, the country will be better for it; people will be happy. At 80, I am still strong and going to market. I would have been blind today if not for Seplat’s intervention.

Another beneficiary, Benson Eberuwenvwi, said in 2020 a surgery was done on one of his eyes during

the Seplat Eye Can See programme. “I couldn’t see with it then. Now, I can see clearly with it. I go about my business; I am so happy and grateful to Seplat Energy.”

Chiagozie Nelson, a 11-year-old beneficiary who had cataract in both eyes, said since last year when the surgery was performed on his eyes, he has been seeing properly. “Before I had to touch things to properly identify what they are. I couldn’t see clearly in class. I couldn’t walk alone. I couldn’t walk under the sun. But now, I can see, I can play and I can do everything.

“I perform better in class now. I can only thank Seplat for the surgery and bringing my sight back.”

Mr. Linus Mba (A Consultant Refereeing for Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Technical Adviser –Refereeing) is another beneficiary. He had surgery on his left and right eyes in 2014 and 2017 respectively under the Seplat Eye Can See programme.

Mba said: “My coming to Sapele Delta State for the surgery changed my life for good. I was finding it very difficult to see before the surgery. The timely intervention of Seplat saved me. I could have really had difficulties living. I am still very active as at today. I still publish a magazine on football refereeing.

“I can only appreciate Seplat for making it possible for me to still see my eyes. May God continue to bless the company and all its people.”

Mr. Bassey Etim Bassey, a Petroleum Engineer with the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), partners in the Seplat Joint Venture, described the Eye Can See programme as a very impactful programme that has tremendously touched many lives. According to him, the impacts of the programme are immediate and long-term.

“The programme gives hope to people in our communities; you see the joy and glow on people’s faces. It’s so heart-warming and fulfilling. This is one of the best CSR programmes for us. NEPL will always support this programme,” he assured.

The Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, describes the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative as a flagship programme of Seplat Energy in its quest to bringing smiles on the faces of the people in its host communities.

She says the programme is targeted at men, women and children with various eye problems, explaining that Seplat Energy intends to provide free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities, prevent and reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses and treat other related eye problems, educate patients on ways to care for their eyes and how to detect Cataract, Glaucoma, etc educate patients on lifestyle change to reduce the rates of Hypertension & Diabetes.

Seplat Energy, a renowned company known for its commitment to life-changing Corporate Social Responsibility programmes in the areas of health, education and entrepreneurship development, among others, remains dedicated to this cause and continues to make significant impact on the lives of those affected by visual impairment.

Godman Akinlabi

Some members of the community after receiving undergoing the surgeries

Bloomberg: Oil Tankers Avoid Nigeria over Nine-year Multimillion-dollar Tax Claims

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

At least two oil tanker owners are staying away from Nigeria after several companies received backdated tax bills totalling millions of dollars, a Bloomberg report said yesterday. Multiple businesses received demands from Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), according to a member notice by industry group Intertanko seen by

Bloomberg.

They cover the period from 2010 to 2019 and range in amount from $400,000 to $1.1 million per vessel. In aggregate, some claims reach tens of millions of dollars, the report stated.

As a result, at least two shipowners, who asked not to be identified discussing commercial matters, are steering clear of Nigerian ports to avoid the risk of having their ships arrested.

Tanker earnings from West Africa to Europe have soared more than 42 per cent in three days so far this week, according to Baltic Exchange data, according to the report.

Ships staying away from Nigeria makes it easier for those owners still willing to go there to get higher rates for their vessels.

Many of the tax bills referred to a previous law published by Nigeria’s revenue service in July

2021. That measure says any vessel carrying crude oil, gas or refined fuels from Nigeria is liable to pay tax there, it said.

Intertanko couldn’t immediately comment and Nigeria’s FIRS didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment, Bloomberg said.

Recall that on June 3, 2021, FIRS released a circular that there should be taxation of foreign ships or vessels lifting crude oil from Nigerian

territorial waters.

“One of the common features of the oil industry in Nigeria is that crude oil is often sold to foreign buyers.

“Free on Board (FoB) origin means that the foreign or non-resident buyers are responsible for the arrangement and payment for vessels for the transportation of the crude oil from Nigeria.

“Usually, the shipping companies

CBN ABOLISHES MULTIPLE EXCHANGE RATES, TRANSACTIONS NOW TO HOLD ON I&E WINDOW FX RATE

14, 2023.

Owing to the development, findings by THISDAY showed that the spot rate of the naira depreciated by 40.78 per cent to close at N664.04 to a dollar on the I & E FX window yesterday, as against the N472 to a dollar it closed the previous day. The market also depreciated to a record low of N750 to a dollar during intra-day trading yesterday. However, on the parallel market, the naira which had been hovering around N770 to N760 to the dollar in the past week, appreciated by N5 to close yesterday at N755/$1.

The I&E FX window is the market trading segment for investors, exporters and end-users that allows for FX trades to be made at exchange rates determined based on prevailing market circumstances, thus ensuring efficient and effective price discovery in the Nigerian FX market. The FX window was established by the CBN in 2017.

However, the CBN in latest circular, pointed out that applications for medicals, school fees, BTA/ PTA, and SMEs would continue to be processed through deposit money banks, just as it announced

the re-introduction of the "Willing Buyer, Willing Seller" model at the I&E Window.

“Operations in this window shall be guided by the extant circular on the establishment of the window, dated 21 April 2017 and referenced FMD/DIR/CIR/GEN/08/007. AlI eligible transactions are permitted to access foreign exchange at this window,” it stated.

The central bank also pointed out that the operational rate for all government-related transactions, “shall be the weighted average rate of the preceding day's executed

BAWA HONOURS DSS’ INVITATION HOURS AFTER SUSPENSION

"Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him."

The DSS had recently blocked the 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi office of EFCC in Lagos with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) over ownership of the property. The agency was later directed by Tinubu to vacate the premises immediately and find amicable ways of resolving the matter, saying such needless rivalry would no longer be tolerated on his watch.

But Tinubu, yesterday, suspended Bawa, indefinitely.

A terse statement from the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said Tinubu approved Bawa’s suspension to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.

"This follows weighty allega- tions of abuse of office levelled against him,” the statement said. It added, “Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations, in the commission, who will oversee the affairs of the office of the chairman of the commission, pending the conclusion of the investigation."

Subsequently, Mohammed Umar was instructed to take over in acting capacity.

"He has been directed by President Tinubu to take over the affairs of the commission, being the Director of Operations, after the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa," a follow-up statement said.

Unlike his predecessors, Bawa own case appears to be enmeshed in twists and turns. Recall that he was the architect of the controversial naira redesign and currency swap policy implemented in the last months of the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Bawa had, allegedly, sold the idea to Buhari, who got the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement the policy.

The suspended EFCC chairman had purposed that the policy would help to curb money laundering, banditry, and other criminal activities involving illegal movement of funds.

And to a large extent, it did.

But Tinubu and many of his supporters never hid their aversion to the monetary policy, which they believed was targeted against the then All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate. They saw the dual crises of naira and petrol scarcity at the time as contrived to hurt Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

Tinubu said during the campaigns, "Even if they said

there is no fuel, we will trek to vote. They have a lot of mischief. They could say there is no fuel. This one, too, they think they can cause a crisis by sabotaging the fuel supply.

“They are sabotaging fuel supply. Whether there is fuel or not, whether there is Okada (motorcycle) or not, whether there is tricycle or not, we will go and vote and we shall win. This is a superior revolution and when I tell you, you know what I mean. You know me; we are going there to win.

“They have been scheming to create a fuel crisis, but forget about it. Relax. I, Asiwaju, have told you that the issue of fuel supply will be permanently addressed."

The general suspicion following Bawa’s suspension is that the Tinubu camp may be taking their pound of flesh over his role in the Naira redesign and currency swap policy of the last administration.

Nonetheless, except for the first chairman of the agency, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, others, from Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Farida Waziri (rtd), to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ibrahim Lamorde (rtd), AIG Ibrahim Magu (rtd), and now Bawa, all left office amid allegations of impropriety.

Bawa was the fourth executive chairman of EFCC. He was appointed by Buhari on February 16, 2021, and was confirmed by the senate on February 24, 2021.

Bawa’s ascension to office was a departure from his

predecessors, who were all appointed from the Nigeria Police. He was the only head of EFCC that emerged from the agency.

Immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, accused Bawa of demanding $2 million from him. He made the accusation in an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

But the agency, at a media briefing, said the accusation was triggered by an ongoing investigation of Matawalle over alleged monumental corruption involving the theft of about N70 billion from Zamfara govern- ment coffers.

The coalition alleged that Bawa “operates like an emperor”, using his office to “intimidate, harass and force” people, financial institutions, and other government agencies to do his bidding with backing from his godfather in the corridor of power.

History of Controversies

Nuhu Ribadu

The first chairman of EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, at a point fell out of favour with the powers that be in December 2007 and was forced out of office two weeks after he tried to prosecute a powerful governor and close associate of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

In a widely publicised ousting, he was forced out of a graduation ceremony by security operatives at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State. He was demoted

transactions at the l&E window, calculated to two decimal places.”

It also announced the proscription of trading limits on oversold FX positions with permission to hedge short positions with OTC futures.

Limits on overbought positions shall be zero, it stated, while announcing the “re-introduction of order-based two-way quotes, with bid-ask spread of A1. All transactions shall be cleared by a Central Counter Party (CCP).

“Reintroduction of Order Book to ensure transparency of orders and seamless execution of trades. The

by the police and then retired.

Farida Waziri

Farida Waziri’s appointment in May 2008, shortly after Ribadu’s removal, was clouded by allegations that she was sponsored by some former governors to cover up their money laundering and fraud charges before the commission.

Waziri was accused of failing to secure convictions for high profile cases involving former governors already instituted by her predecessor.

Ibrahim Lamorde

Ibrahim Lamorde replaced Waziri on November 23, 2011, as acting chairperson of EFCC. He became embroiled in controversy in 2015 after the senate alleged that $5bn (£3.2bn) had gone missing at the EFCC.

Ibrahim Magu

Ibrahim Magu was also suspended as chairman of EFCC. He was first appointed as acting chairman of the commission in November 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The senate refused to confirm Magu as chairman of the agency due to “security reports” by law enforcement agencies. He was also said to have had a public spat with then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister OF Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The DSS, in a 2016 report, alleged that Magu was living in a N40 million mansion.

operational hours of trades shall be from 9am to 4pm, Nigeria time. Cessation of RT200 Rebate Scheme and the Naira4Dollar Remittance Scheme, with effect from 30 June 2023.

“Further guidance on these matters shall be communicated in due course. All market participants and the general public are kindly enjoined to abide by these rules,” it stated.

The stock market and the bond market welcomed the move towards exchange rate convergence.

For instance, at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), the Banking Index lifted activities at the stock market by N992 billion amid perceived currency reforms. The positive trading by investors was spurred by positive investor sentiment following reports of the CBN allowing the naira to freely float at the I&E FX Window.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) gained 1,821.51 basis points or 3.13 per cent to close at 59,985.10 basis points from 58,163.59 basis points it opened from trading.

Consequently, the market capitalisation gained N992 billion to close at N32.662 trillion, from the N31.670 trillion it opened for trading.

Sectoral performance was impressive as the NGX Banking Index gained the highest, followed by NGX Oil & gas Index.

Specifically, the likes of Zenith Bank Plc increased by 9.74 per cent to close at N33.80 per share and Guaranty Trust Holding Limited Plc appreciated by 9.42 per cent to N33.70 per share, contributing massively to the NGX Banking Index growth yesterday.

Access Corporation also rose by 9.79 per cent to close at N15.70, while ETI gained 9.75 per cent to close at N15.20 per share.

Generally, the NGX Banking index gained 26.52 per cent, while the Oil & Gas index added 16.01 per cent, but the NGX Industrial Index dropped by 1.13 per cent.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive as 70 stocks gained relative to 13 losers.

The total volume traded advanced by 9.28 per cent to 1.297 billion units, valued at N21.080 billion, and exchanged in 11,947 deals. Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) topped the activity chart with 230.764 million shares valued at N2.744 billion.

contracted for the transportation of the crude are non-residents, and payments to them are made by the non-resident buyers of the crude oil.

“Consequently, any vessel that carries crude oil, gas, petroleum products or any other item from Nigeria is liable to tax in Nigeria, irrespective of where or with whom the carriage contract was executed,” the circular said at the time.

GTCO followed with 125.470 million shares worth N4.205 billion, while Zenith Bank traded 119.144 million shares valued at N3.972 billion.

Access Holdings traded 92.792 million shares valued at N1.450 billion, while Fidelity Bank sold 75.621 million shares worth N494.144 million.

On the other hand, Nigeria's sovereign dollar bonds surged as much as 2.7 cents on the dollar, with longer-dated maturities rising the most.

Analysts anticipated that the naira would stabilise in the next few days, adding that allowing the nation’s currency to float would improve forex inflows into the country.

Chief Executive Officer, Eczellon Capital, Diekola Onaolapo commended the policy, saying the new administration's policy direction ware already reaping positive responses in the market.

He said: “This policy is essentially setting Nigeria on the path of prosperity and wellness.

It is something that has to happen and unfortunately, the previous administration didn’t attend to it because it is a very difficult decision.

“The stock has already started reacting positively and what this unification means is that people can plan both internal businesses as well as international businesses.

“On the immediate, just as the subsidy matter as well, people would feel the pain. So, when you find inflows into the country in the form of foreign portfolio investment, the influx of dollars would ultimately ease pressure on local demand for dollars and ultimately, we would reach an equilibrium. In other words, we would get to some degree of predictability and stability.”

He added that the market would accurately reflect the true demand for and supply of the dollar within the economy. In a market-based system, the forces of supply and demand determine the price and quantity of a currency, he said.

On his part, the Head, of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co, Mr. Ayokunle Olubunmi, forecasted that rate would eventually converge around N600 to N650 to the dollar, but may experience initial volatility.

He said: “For every presidency, you have what you call the political honeymoon the best thing is to do everything right during your

Continued on page 44

Ahmed noted that as the NNPC starts slowing down on importation in deference to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) regulation which prohibits one entity or individual from controlling more than 30 per cent of the market, there was need to fill the gap being created by the new development.

“Like I said, the market is open already. We have to follow the regulation. So we will put out policies that are user-friendly. Some of them (oil marketers) have already started putting their applications in because we don't want to create a gap.

“NNPC is slowing down on their importation, so we need to have someone closing up the gap that

NNPC is creating so that we don't have a shortage in the country.

“But NNPC being a responsible organisation, is also monitoring what other replacements they have, so we agree that NNPC will continue to import until such a time when we have a critical mass of other importers.

“The licences, we are processing them. Some or about two to three marketers already came to us last week to say that they have already booked cargoes to come in July. So, these are some of the very interesting things that we have received propositions for, which are very interesting and we are fast-tracking the licenses to make sure they import.

“We are interacting with the NNPC every day to ensure that the market is well supplied and there's no gap in importation,” he stated.

On the availability of foreign exchange (FX) for importation, Ahmed stated that since the market

had been deregulated, marketers could begin to source for FX where it is available without resort to the government.

“For FX, the market is deregulated, so, I don't believe we should subsidise our FX or that they should go to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The price that NNPC rolled out which they sell now, took cognisance of the exchange rate, not at the NNPC rate.

“So, if exchange rate is N650 to a dollar, if the naira improves, the price will change, so it can go either way,” he argued.

President Bola Tinubu had during his inauguration on May 29, announced that fuel subsidy had been removed, with the NNPC thereafter rolling out its projected prices in several locations in the country ranging from N488 to N557.

Ahmed maintained that the issue of standardisation of products had become imperative in order to avoid situations where consumers will be short-changed when products that

are of lower quality are imported into the country.

SUBSIDY REMOVAL: PETROL PRICE WAR IMMINENT AS NMDPRA BEGINS LICENCING OF MORE OIL IMPORTERS headquarters, the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, explained that the industry regulator would not allow businessmen operating in the downstream exploit Nigerians even in a deregulated market.

He also said that during the meeting, the oil marketers agreed to improve their level of collaboration with security agencies to ensure the smooth movement of petroleum products.

“We called for this engagement so that we can align and also roll out our policies in terms of requirements for importation of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS). Of course, we have been engaging and directing all through, but we thought it was necessary to meet again for more clarity regarding the way forward,” he added.

He noted that the NMDPRA was giving priority to transparency in the importation of petrol, both by oil marketers and the national oil company to ensure that consumers get value for money.

“We discussed the issue of quality of products importation, which is a very important aspect as well. So we deliberated on how

products distributed locally meet the requirements so that the consumer is not negatively affected,” he said.

Due to logistics reasons, Ahmed noted that the prices of petrol would not be the same nationwide, explaining that bridging or equalisation fund has now been expunged. He added that there would be no price capping by NMDPRA to ensure that the price is reflective of the market, but that blatant exploitative tendencies will be frowned upon.

“Prices will not be the same all across the country because of local transportation logistics. For example, the price in Lagos being the main receiving location for imports will not be the same thing, the same price in Ibadan, Sokoto or Maiduguri,” he pointed out.

Besides, he said that a small team will also be raised to look at the PIA amendment which currently screens out certain entities from bringing in the product into the country.

UNVEILING OF PURE BLISS 60 MILLIONAIRES IN 60 DAYS...

L-R: Category Brand Manager, Chic Choc & Nutrisnax,

Head, Lagos Office, Federal Competition

in 60 Days Consumer Promo held in Lagos ... yesterday

Senate Resumes Legislative Activities, Adjourns Till July 4

National Assembly notifies Tinubu of inauguration, leadership election

Minority caucus pledges support for presiding officers ACF: North deserves to produce senate president, tasks Akpabio

NLC urges legislators not to be rubber stamp to executive Governors congratulate Akpabio, pledge cooperation

Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Sunday Aborisade and Udora Orizu in Abuja

The 10th Senate, yesterday, resumed legislative activities after members emerged from a closed-door session, and immediately adjourned till July 4 to enable the new committees set up discharge their responsibilities.

The executive session lasted for over three hours, after which Senate President Godswill Akpabio took the opening prayers to declare the session open.

The two chambers of the National Assembly resolved to formally inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of their inauguration and election of presiding officers.

The senate, which equally informed the African Union (AU) and other international parliamentary bodies that it was now open for legislative work, congratulated the House of Representatives on its successful inauguration and informed the House that the Senate, too, was now in session.

That was as the minority caucus of the senate resolved to work harmoniously with the newly elected presiding officers in the overall interest of the country.

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) congratulated Akpabio on his emergence as Senate President, and urged him to ensure inclusiveness in the National Assembly.

However, ACF said the north deserved the office of the senate president, given the volume of votes it gave to APC.

At the same time, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) enjoined members of the newly inaugurated National Assembly to live up to their oath of office and avoid being an appendage of the executive arm of government.

The senate, yesterday, set up a 15-member Welfare Committee, chaired by Senator Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East) to make arrangements for senators to settle down.

The resolutions followed motions moved by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), which were considered and adopted.

The senate adjourned plenary

till July 4 to allow the management and its welfare committee arrange for allocation of offices and seats to senators, among others things. The recess was also to enable them observe the forthcoming Muslim Eid-el-Kabir holiday.

Meanwhile, the minority caucus of the red chamber resolved to work with the newly elected presiding officers in the overall interest of the country. Senator Abdul Ningi, who briefed newsmen after the minority caucus meeting, said all the senators spoke frankly during the executive session and agreed to work as a team by seeing themselves as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ningi said, “The 10th Senate will be entirely different. We are not going to be confrontational, but we are not going to be laidback legislators. We will ensure that we understand our functions, powers and limitations. We will outrightly inform the executive of our powers under the constitution, under the House rules and under the legislative privileges.

“We are not going to be caged. I am very happy this afternoon that the first thing that the senate president did was to call for an executive session, and it was a very exhaustive deliberation and I am happy he has started on a very clean slate.

"I can see that he is ready for this job and we have assured him that once he gives us our respect, we are going to accord him our full loyalty.

"We will also caution him that in spite of whatever happened, the senate is the institution that made him senate president and the chairman of the National Assembly and because he is a ranking senator, he understands that.”

Ningi further said, "We had an executive session, and then we went through the order paper and we sent congratulatory letter to the House and we also sent communications to the international bodies, like the EU, AU, the other legislative international bodies, and then we adjourned for two weeks.

"The issue of Sallah holiday is pending. We are supposed to adjourn for two weeks. Welfare committee was also set up to allocate seats and offices for senators. The sitting arrangement will be done based on

the senate tradition, that is ranking.

"Apart from the principal officers, the next sitting arrangement will be past leaders in the senate, followed by those who were returning several times, including those switching to the senate from the House.

"They would be followed by those coming from sister parliaments in the states, while the back benchers will be the new lawmakers, including the former governors coming to senate for the first time."

In a related development, Clerk of the National Assembly requested to notify Tinubu and the senate that the 10th session of the House of Representatives convened and Tajudeen Abbas was elected Speaker.

Abbas, who made this request in an announcement at plenary yesterday, also asked the clerk to inform the president and the senate that Benjamin Kalu was elected Deputy Speaker.

He further urged the clerk to advise the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to inform the president that the House had assembled, with quorum formed, and was ready to receive any message he might wish to transmit.

The clerk requested, "That a message be conveyed to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria informing that Body, that the House had assembled on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 with quorum formed, and that Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“That a message be conveyed to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria informing that Body that the House had assembled on Tuesday, 13 June, 2023 with quorum formed, and that Hon. Kalu Benjamin Okezie, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, was elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

"That the Clerk to the National Assembly do notify the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the House had assembled on Tuesday, 13 June, 2023 with quorum formed, and that Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, representing Zaira

Federal Constituency of Kaduna State was elected the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“That the Clerk to the National Assembly do notify the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the House had assembled on Tuesday, 13 June 2023, with quorum formed, and that Hon. Kalu Benjamin Okieze representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State was elected the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“That the Clerk to the National Assembly do advise the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to inform the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the House had assembled, Quorum formed and is ready to receive any message he may wish to transmit."

ACF: North Deserves to Produce Senate President, Tasks Akpabio

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which congratulated Akpabio on his emergence as Senate President, and urged him to ensure inclusiveness in running the affairs of the National Assembly, said the north deserved the office of the senate president, considering the volume of votes it gave to APC.

A member of ACF, Alhaji Musa Saidu, made the assertions in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

Saidu stated, “We wish to congratulate Senator Godswill Akpabio on his election as the new senate president. We wish him well as he settles down in his new job.

“However, Akpabio should take a lesson from his election by ensuring inclusiveness in running the affairs of the National Assembly.

“Akpabio should always remember that he has been elected as the Nigerian senate president and not a senate president for a particular part of the country. It is imperative to say that we were not too happy with the manner he ran the affairs of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in terms of inclusiveness, when he was the minister.”

Saidu, who is also the leader of

Arewa Community in Southern Nigeria, cautioned against victimising Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who contested the senate presidency with Akpabio. He stated, “As far as we are concerned, Yari is a hero, in spite of losing the senate presidency, securing 46 votes in the election meant that he was a force to reckon with. In fact, Yari was not disgraced, as he lost the election honourably.

“Like I have said before, the north deserves the position of senate president, because of its massive votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election. But since it is the will of God that Akpabio will be the senate president, we have nothing to say.”

Don't Be Rubber Stamp to Executive, NLC Tells Legislators

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) enjoined members of the newly inaugurated National Assembly to live up to their oath of office and avoid being an appendage of the executive arm of government.

In a statement by Acting President of NLC, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the labour movement said the lawmakers owed their loyalty first to Nigerians, adding that people have great expectations of the 10th Assembly.

The statement said, "While expecting great things of or from this Assembly, we, however, find it necessary to sound a note of warning, that the National Assembly is not an extension of the executive, its role of law-making, investigation and oversight being defined and cut for it by the constitution.

"The loyalty of the National Assembly should be to the nation or those who elected the members and not to the party or the executive. Other interests should be subordinated to the national Interest at all times.”

NLC added that the lawmakers should strive to make laws that will strengthen democracy and promote accountability.

The union said, "Without demeaning the initiatives of the past assemblies, there is a lot of work ahead. For instance, we need laws that will deepen and strengthen our

democracy, especially in relation to elections, governance, accountability, and citizen participation. Similarly, quite a number of our laws/statutes are in need of review."

NLC said there were serious issues needing full and transparent investigation through honest oversight.

Governors Congratulate Akpabio, Pledge

Friendship, Cooperation

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) congratulated the Akpabio and pledged to promote cooperation and friendship between the senate and the governors.

The pledge came as the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, charged all the senators and members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State to cooperate with their colleagues at the National Assembly to attract investment to the state.

A statement by NGF Chairman and governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, which was addressed to the senate president, said, "Please, accept the warm congratulations of all the 36 governors of Nigeria, via the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, on your victory as the president of the 10th assembly and kindly accept our best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the ‘uncommon’ responsibilities and challenges of your very high office.

"As you embark upon your new assignment, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum wishes to assure you and the distinguished members of the senate of the continued friendship and sympathetic interest of the governors and their people from across the length and breadth of our beloved country, Nigeria.

"As a former member of the forum yourself, we, at the NGF look forward to working with you, not only to develop closer ties between our platform and your exalted office, but also to further cement the relationship between the executive arms of government at all levels and make concerted efforts in the cause of peace and the brotherhood of all of our peoples."

Olayinka Johnson; Brand Manager, Pure Bliss, Bukola Yusuph; Senior Legal Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Kemi Adebiyi;

and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Susie Onwuka and Head, Marketing, OK Foods, Sachin Wali during the unveiling of the Pure Bliss 60 Millionaires

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

THREE-DAY OPPORTUNITY FRAMING WORKSHOP...

R-L:

Confession of Influencing Cause of Justice: NBA Tasks Police, ICPC

Alex Enumah in Abuja

on Interrogation, Prosecution of Senator Bulkachuwa

The umbrella body of lawyers in the country, the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) on yesterday called on the Nigeria Police Force

and the anti-corruption agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), to immediately arrest with the view of interrogating and possibly prosecution of Senator

Adamu Bulkachuwa for allegedly influencing the cause of justice in the country.

NBA national Presidential, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN made the call shortly after the 102nd meeting

of the National Judicial Council (NJC) which held Wednesday in Abuja. Senator Bulkachuwa is the husband of the immediate past President of the Court of Appeal,

WFP to Spend $2.5 Billion on Hunger, Malnutrition in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nation World Food Programme (WFP) is to spend $2.5 billion in the next four years to assist Nigeria in combating hunger and malnutrition.

This is was revealed in Abuja, yesterday, during a joint press conference by WFP and the Ministry of Humanitarian Disaster Management and Social Development to announce the WFP Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027.

The WFP Representative and Country Director, David Stevenson said Nigeria’s most vulnerable people continue to suffer critical levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, driven by persistent conflict, organised violence, recurrent climate shocks and broad exposure to the impact of climate change.

He lamented that one in three households in Nigeria cannot afford nutritious food and more than 100 million people report at least moderate food insecurity, further decrying that the severity and scale of regionalized crises have been compounded by the global food supply crisis, which has hampered Nigeria's economic recovery from the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.

He disclosed that the WFP Nigeria CSP covers the Northeast, Northwest and states hosting Cameroonian refugees with a total budget of USD 2.5 billion for five years.

He said: “To address the challenges posed by the deteriorating food and nutrition situation, WFP will integrate its dual mandate by working on the humanitarian-developmentpeace nexus, applying targeted emergency responses that save lives while opening shockresponsive pathways to rapid recovery and resilience using a gender transformative, nutrition mainstreaming, climate smart, and conflict sensitive approach.”

Stevenson noted that WFP focuses on crisis response, resilience building and addressing the roots causes of food insecurity and malnutrition and includes five fully integrated outcomes.

He revealed that 4.3 million people required food assistance during the lean season (JuneAugust). of which 522,367 will be in the ‘emergency phase’ (Phase 4), noting that recurrent climate shocks with widespread crop loss from flooding, unprecedented food inflation and conflict have contributed to the deterioration of the situation. A quadrupling of severe acute malnutrition to 700,000 and 600,000 in Phase 4 emergency conditions.

He said to respond to the needs, WFP would increase the number of people assisted with lifesaving food assistance from one million now in February to 2.1 million during the peak of the lean season before scaling down during the harvest period. The rest of the food security

actors plan to assist 700 thousand people, noting that this will leave a gap of 1.5 million people not assisted.

He added that the WFP would use in-kind food, electronic voucher or cash to provide the assistance. The transfer modality selection would be informed by multi-sectoral assessment which would consider market functionality, protection risks, government regulations, availability of financial infrastructures, beneficiaries’ preference and how the modality contributes to resilience supporting food systems or connecting farmers to markets.

He reiterated that WFP’s total funding requirement for 2023 is $473 million of which US$400 million is to provide lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable people in Northeast Nigeria, adding that WFP urgently required $255.5 million to meet assistance needs for the next six months (March

to August 2023).

In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, noted that the partnership that existed between the Ministry and WFP had been very cordial and had achieved several milestones in the humanitarian space.

Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (Rtd).

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Monday, the Senator from Bauchi State disclosed how he had on several occasions pressured the wife to do some of his colleagues lawmakers one favour or the other in the course of her duty as a judicial officer.

"The statements were clearly admissions by the Senator, that he did attempt to, and/or actually perverted the course of justice/ interfered with due administration of justice, which makes him liable to be investigated and prosecuted even on his admission.

"That this came with a huge negative impact on the integrity and the independence of the Judiciary can only be an understatement", Maikyau said in a statement issued to journalists.

While stating that he had already registered his disappointment and displeasure with the NJC, because the "disgusting and despicable conduct of Senator

Bulkachuwa", was a direct attack on the integrity of the Judiciary, the NBA president stressed that the body will not hesitate to take on anyone, either within or outside the legal profession, who takes steps or makes statements that are capable of undermining the independence of the judiciary and the impartiality judicial processes.

"It is in this regard that I call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to immediately invite Senator Ahmad Muhammad Bulkachuwa for interrogation and proceed to prosecute him accordingly. I shall write a letter to both the IGP and the ICPC Chairman in this respect.

"We reiterate our commitment to the maintenance and defence of the integrity and independence of the Judiciary in Nigeria, within the bounds of the law, irrespective of the personalities involved", he added.

Southern Kaduna in Diaspora Writes Sani to Correct El-Rufai’s Wrongs

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

A group, Southern Kaduna in the Diaspora (SOKAD), has appealed to the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and his administration, to transcend religion and ethnicity, and govern with fairness and justice.

This is contained in a letter of appeal signed by the President,

Dr. Freeman Kamuru, and the Secretary General, Dr. Danlami Ngboze.

In the letter titled: “El-Rufai’s Parting Shots: An appeal to the incoming Kaduna State Governor for fairness and good governance", the group appealed for the reinstatement of two monarchs and three District Heads deposed in

FCDA to Relocate NYSC Orientation Camp to Kwali

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Plans are underway by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to relocate the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), orientation camp currently in Kubwa to a new site in Kwali Area Council.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Adesola Olusade, disclosed this during the third edition launch of Community Development Service (CDS) Activities for 2023 and Director General's award organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Abuja, yesterday.

Represented by the Director, Finance and Administration, FCTA, Mrs. Justina Pawa, he said the administration had approved the relocation of the NYSC orientation

camp from Kubwa to Kwali.

"The FCT Administration has over the years identified with the Scheme’s programmes and projects, especially in the areas of improved welfare and provision of infrastructure.

"Just recently, the immediate-past FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello gave approval for the establishment and construction of a new NYSC Orientation Camp to be located in Kwali," he said.

He enjoined all stakeholders to live up to their responsibilities so that the scheme would achieve more

"There is no gainsaying the fact that NYSC has contributed greatly to the development of the country through its various programmes, including the CDS.

"The Scheme has done exceptionally well in promoting harmonious

co-existence of Nigerians of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in its fifty years of existence.

"Equally deserving commendation are the opportunities provided for our young graduates to gain work experience, acquire leadership skills and make great contributions to nation building.

"Going by the theme of this year’s award ceremony, ‘Deepening Collaboration and Optimising Corps Members’ Contributions through CDS for Nation Building,’ I am confident that a lot more can be achieved if all stakeholders show stronger commitment to the success of the Community Development Service of the Scheme," he said.

He appealed to both individuals and organisations to collaborate with the scheme in developing the youths. Olusade, appealed to well-mean-

ing Nigerians, non-governmental organisations and corporate organisations to identify areas of needs and collaboration with the Scheme with a view to improving the welfare of Corps members as well as strengthening the operations of the NYSC management at the federal and state levels.

In his remarks, the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Yashu'a Ahmed, said the CDS activities had helped to reawaken stakeholders on their roles.

According to him, over the years, youths on National Service have, through the CDS, made enormous impact on communities all over the country.

Apart from bridging the imbalance in rural- urban development, he noted that their efforts also reawaken stakeholders' consciousness on the needs of the rural dwellers.

the last days of El-Rufai.

They said it had become necessary to inform Nigerians and the world about El-Rufai’s last two weeks as governor of Kaduna State.

“Just as we thought that Southern Kaduna had weathered the storm, in the last two weeks of his administration, El-Rufai rushed to conclude his agenda of cleansing Southern Kaduna peoples of their religions, cultures and leaders.

“In under two weeks, we saw an unbridled unleashing of barbarism and state terrorism under the guise of exercising the legitimate powers of government. Pure evil descended on Southern Kaduna

He demoted His Royal Highness, the Etum Numana, General Aliyu Iliyah Yammah (retd) and reduced him to the Chief of Arak, and then deposed him.

Similarly, he deposed the paramount ruler of the Piriga Chiefdom, His Highness, Jonathan Paragua Zamuna; Sacked three District Heads of Aban, AbujanMada and Anjil in Arak Chiefdom.

"Meanwhile, we appeal to the new governor, Uba Sani, and his administration to transcend religion and ethnicity, and govern with fairness and justice. As a starter, SOKAD-USA is appealing for the re-instatement of our two Monarchs and three District Heads deposed in the last days of El-Rufai."

Commissioner-Designate, Adaze Aguele-Kalu; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Commissioner-Designate, Patrick Uanseru, and Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, during a meeting with project partners of the Benin Enterprise Park at a three-day opportunity framing workshop, in Benin City... yesterday

FOR A DRUG FREE COUNTRY...

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) (right), exchanging copies of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Narcotics Control Bureau of India and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and NDLEA of Nigeria with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of Delegation, Shri G. Balasubramanian, during the signing of the MoU at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja .... yesterday

Sule Briefs Tinubu on Insecurity, State Assembly Crisis

President meets Emir of Borgu, Kontagora, promises to end insecurity Kyari, Ogbuku give update on NNPLC, NDDC

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met with the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, who briefed him on the high level of insecurity in the state as well as the crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The governor, who spoke with newsmen at the State House, Abuja, said the President during the closeddoor meeting, asked him about the recent attacks by bandits and the ongoing crisis in the State House of Assembly, where two factional

speakers emerged. Tinubu had earlier met with two royal fathers from Niger State: the Emir of Borgu, who bestowed him with chieftaincy title of Jagaban, when he was Governor of Lagos State, Muhammed Haliru Dantoro; and his counterpart from Kontagora, Mohammed Barau.

Also yesterday, the president met with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, who said he briefed him on critical national

engagements NNPC does on behalf of the nation and Nigerians to keep him abreast of what the corporation is doing.

In the same breath, the President met with Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, who equally briefed him on the status of the agency and what the parastatal intended doing to support the administration.

However, speaking on the purpose of his visit, Sule said, “First and foremost, I think Mr President was

Nigeria, India Sign MOU to Combat Drug Trafficking

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Governments of Nigeria and India

have taken a tough step to combat trafficking in illicit drugs between the two countries.

This followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India in Abuja yesterday.

Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), who signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency said the move represents a robust partnership in the effort to exterminate incidences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the two countries

He said: “This bold step taken by the two agencies is an affirmation of our foresight and commitment to the task of ensuring the safety of our citizens and the global community at large.

“Today’s development constitutes a fundamental step towards positioning the two countries, India and Nigeria, at the forefront of confronting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks with brazen capabilities of outmaneuvering legitimate drug law enforcement.

“With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world working assiduously to curb the

menace knows that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

“The governments of both countries remain committed to eradicating the problem posed by illicit substances, notably synthetic opioids and Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) which pose a potent threat to our citizens.”

Marwa, while acknowledging the courage exhibited by the two agencies in the course of past meetings that culminated in the MoU, stressed that the partnership would impact greatly on efforts to prevent “illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and related matters” between the two countries.

In his remarks, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Indian delegation, Ambassador Shri Balasubramanian, who signed on behalf of his country, noted the enormous negative impact of drugs on global financial and political systems, adding that proceeds of drug trafficking are often directed towards terrorism financing.

The envoy observed that drug trafficking does not only affect the health of the individual that consume it, but equally the economy of the country as well as national security.

He advised that both countries should take advantage of their similar demographic advantage to address substance use problems.

Balasubramanian, noted that the

liberal trade relations and educational advantages enjoyed by both countries had been negatively applied to further criminal drug trade, urging that all hands must be on the deck to ensure that merchants of death do not succeed in their evil trade.

He pledged the commitment of the Indian Government to ensure the enforcement of the provisions of the MoU.

interested in knowing some of the security challenges we have in the state. The state is always an area, where some of these few security challenges come up because a lot of these bandits and kidnappers always target Abuja, they think that's where the money is.

“They usually come between our border and Kaduna, they come between our border and Kogi, our border with Benue, so we had a few of some of those issues. In fact, a few days ago, more than twenty something people were kidnapped on the main highway coming to Abuja, but God so kind, we were able to get all of them back.

“Last week we got some few expatriates, who were kidnapped at their site between Garaku and Dari. We were able to get all of them out yesterday (Monday). I'm sure Mr President got some of those security reports that some of those issues came up.

“There was also the problem within the House of Assembly, I think Mr President wanted to know more about that. So, that's what I used the opportunity to brief him on what is really happening.”

Asked what assurances he got from the president on security, the Nasarawa governor said, “I saw the commitment from his own side, because from what you can

Sierra Leone Election:

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is deploying 95 Election Observers to the presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone holding on June 24.

A statement by the Commission yesterday, explained: “The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has approved the deployment of 95 Election Observers (Long and Short-Term - LTOs/STOs) to observe the 24th of June Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone.”

The move, it stated, was in line with provisions of Articles 12 to 14 of the 2001 regional Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance on assistance to member States holding elections.

The statement also disclosed that

see while I'm here, there are already some heads of security agencies that are here, so he said he's going to discuss with them immediately.

“In the past, we had taken joint military operation in the area and he said it was also another option that he will look at. That is the direction that we're getting,” he said.

Kyari, on his part, briefed him on critical national engagements NNPC does on behalf of the nation and Nigerians to keep him abreast of what the corporation is doing.

Commenting on possible solutions to the situations on ground, like deregulation and others, Kyari said, “I'm aware that Mr President is working on several steps to bring palliatives so that Nigerians can benefit from it, more than anything.

“There's a structural approach to make sure that Nigerians have access to cheap fuel in the form of CNG and LPG and this is work in progress and I believe that this will be rolled out very soon.”

After the meeting with Ogbuku, the NDDC boss told newsmen: “At least, it's just an interventionist agency, just to intervene in the underdevelopment of the region. So, we have different programmes, but the most important thing is that most of these programmes must be in line with Mr President's vision. So, he has asked us to do certain

things and get back to him, once we put that together, we'll get back to him again.”

The Emir of Borgu, said the visit was to congratulate and wish the president the best in his administration.

“Since he's already in the office and we have seen changes coming to the country, so it is something that we feel is very necessary to encourage him. That's what I came to do, to congratulate him and encourage him for the success of his administration,” he said.

Asked if he made any request from the President, he stated that, “We talked about security challenges, which is also confronting the entire nation and we believe that he's going to do something.

“We told him about what is going on in our areas and we want him to come to our aid and he's promised he's going to do his best in terms of the security challenges, even the entire nation because it's one of the promises he made during the campaigns, that the issue of insecurity will be history, by the grace of God,” he said.

Former governor of Katsina State, Hon Aminu Masari, and former Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Timi Alaibe and former DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, also met yesterday with the President.

ECOWAS Deploys 95 Election Observers

ECOWAS had provided Sierra Leone with $500,000 financial support for the elections.

The Election Observation Mission (EOM) would be led by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, a former ECOWAS Commission President and ex-Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office in West Africa and the Sahel, with Ansumana Ceesay, former ECOWAS Representative in Liberia and Guinea-Bissau to serve as Deputy Head of Mission, the statement revealed.

The statement also disclosed that the Mission would be assisted by an ECOWAS Technical Team to be led by Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

“The 15 LTOs, who depart for Freetown on 15th June, will be led by Serigne Mamadou Ka, Acting

Head of the ECOWAS Election Assistance Division (EAD). The team comprises experts in election administration, gender, conflict management, security, legal and constitutional issues, and the media.

“From 20th June, the LTOs will be joined by 80 STOs drawn from the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee, Member States, Foreign Affairs Ministries and Electoral Management Bodies, the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, Community institutions (Parliament and Court of Justice), Civil Society Organisations, the Media, and election observers,” it added Thirteen candidates from 17 registered political parties are vying for the Sierra Leone presidency, including incumbent President Julius Maada Bio, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the

Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

The SLPP defeated the then ruling All People’s Congress (APC), in the last presidential election in 2018. Some 135 parliamentary and 493 Local Council seats would also be in contention on 24th June.

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) registered 3,374,258 voters for the 2023 elections out of an estimated population of 8.7 million.

Voting is expected to take place in 11,832 polling stations within 3,630 polling Centers across the 16 electoral districts nationwide from 7:00am to 5:00pm local time.

According to the statement, the deployment of the Election Observation Mission was a follow-up to the joint ECOWAS and African Union pre-election fact-finding Mission to Sierra Leone from 12th to 14th April 2023.

INAUGURATION OF OYO STATE 10TH ASSEMBLY...

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Debo Ogundoyin and his deputy, Hon Abiodun Fadeyi, during the inauguration of Oyo State 10th Assembly at House of Assembly Chamber, Secretariat, Ibadan... yesterday

Aiyedatiwa Resumes as Ondo’s Acting Governor, Sues for Calm

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday, formally resumed duty as acting governor following medical leave by his principal, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and therefore sued for calm, as concerns over the governor’s health mounted.

Aiyedatiwa resumed office a day after the State House of Assembly confirmed receiving the letter of medical leave from the governor, which directed his deputy to act as the governor while away. Speaker of the state Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, had explained that the governor had embarked on a

21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from June 7, 2023 to July 6, 2023.

In his message to the people of the state after resuming duty, Aiyedatiwa said there was no cause for alarm, stressing that he was focused and committed to the delivery of dividends of good governance to all.

"On behalf of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, I note the concerns of our people about governance in Ondo State and all rumours and insinuations making the rounds in the State.

“Let me aver without mincing words that rumours about the

disruption of government activities are misplaced and only arose as a result of impatience and lack of proper understanding of the running of the machinery of government.

"In any case, such misrepresentations and apparently baseless allusions are to be expected when political gladiators by their activities in the build up to party primaries and gubernatorial elections in any state try to heat up the polity. Ondo State cannot definitely be an exception.

"It is, therefore, important to assure our people that governance is on course in the State. Mr Governor has laid a solid foundation for One Administration in the state

and there is, undoubtedly, no politically debilitating division in the government.

“Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, my boss, is a revered democrat, who has always demonstrated his respect for the Rule of Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).

"It should be recalled that by his usual practice, he has always transmitted power to the Deputy Governor whenever he proceeds on annual vacation. This is what he has again re-enacted by transmitting power to proceed on a medical vacation. He is human like all of us. Whenever the need arises,

everyone finds time to rest and take care of their health when medically challenged.

"As we are also aware that the 10th House of Assembly of the State was recently inaugurated. Though currently on recess, the House being led by the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, will function in line with its constitutional mandate upon resumption. The State Executive Council and the Parliament will continue to enjoy mutually beneficial relationship in our avowed duties to move the State forward.

"We therefore, enjoin the good people of Ondo State and all friends of our dear Sunshine States not to relent in their prayers for Mr

Governor's quick recovery, so that he can resume duty after his medical vacation, to continue with his good works for the betterment of Ondo State in particular and Nigeria at large.

“I cannot but enjoin the political class to be guided by good conscience in the pursuit of ambition in order to sustain the atmosphere of peace and unfettered development that we have been witnessing in our dear State in the last six years," he said, assuring the people that the state government would continue to uphold and pursue the constitutional primary responsibility of government to secure the lives and property of the people of the State.

CBN

ABOLISHES MULTIPLE EXCHANGE RATES, TRANSACTIONS NOW TO HOLD ON I&E WINDOW FX RATE honeymoon period. It is a good policy.

“The main challenge we have in the FX market is illiquidity or inadequate supply and the reason is that the price does not reflect the fundamental price of naira. It is good that they did not peg it, but floated it. If it is implemented as planned.

“Recall that in 2016 there was an FX policy that was designed but wasn’t implemented. But if this is implemented as planned you would see a lot of FX that was outside the market come back inside. Also, those that were hoarding dollars would drop.

“Firstly, you would see that demand would drop but also those that want to legitimately buy would have access to it.”

He added that a lot of exporters who have monies outside the country would be encouraged to bring back their funds.

“It might take some time for the market to stabilise, but it is a good policy,” he added.

For his part, Head of Macro Strategy at FIM Partners, Charlie Robertson said: "A much needed devaluation which takes the currency from 50 per cent overvalued to about 5-10% (cheaper). This should improve the current account and improve the long term investment climate."

An influential member of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s

advisory board, Mr. Wale Edun, had said the country would unify its exchange rates “imminently”.

While commenting on the move to drive towards exchange rate convergence, Edun, had said, “I would say it would have to be done within a quarter as rather than within a year. I think you’re talking, think quarters rather than years, that’s where I would put it.”

President Bola Tinubu had last week suspended the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and had appointed Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, as the acting Governor of the CBN.

In his inaugural speech, the president had said the country’s monetary policy needed thorough house cleansing and had expressed his desire to have a CBN that would work towards a unified exchange rate

The move towards exchange rate convergence is part of Tinubu’s Refined Action Plan that was developed by his Policy Advisory Council before he was inaugurated.

In a report by his National Economy Sub-committee seen by THISDAY, the committee had noted the existence of multiple exchange rates; FX supply shortages that remains a challenge and leaves gap between the official and parallel market window, and had fixed a period of 12 to 18 months to address the challenge when Tinubu assumes office.

Some of the initiatives identified by the committee to create a monetary environment that drives growth in the next 18 months includes the transition to a transparent, unified and market-determined exchange rate system, announce readiness of the administration to address issue of multiple exchange rates and the gap between the official and parallel markets in the President’s Inaugural Speech, review the CBN’s balance sheet and ascertain the true position of the Nigeria’s external reserves, model the potential impact of a harmonised exchange rate regime on the economy and quantify the amount of foreign reserves required to adequately support the policy, based on the backlog of unmet FX demand and associated obligations. Others included to estimate of future FX demand for the year; and an additional contingency reserve, aggressively grow FX supply & build external reserves, including securing funding support from the Multilateral Agencies and DFIs at concessionary rates.

“An estimate of least $50-$60 billion in reserves, with a monthly inflow of at least $6 billion-$8 billion dollar per month from export earnings and other forms of capital inflow, will be required to defend the naira at an exchange of N500-N600/$.

“Remove all FX intermediation windows and allow the banks as primary dealers to supply the FX

market through a willing buyer/ willing seller model. Raise the capital requirements of Bureau De Change (BDC) to ensure only strong, wellcapitalised and automated BDCs are allowed to operate, for example, Travelex.

“Introduce an effective exchange rate management system, viz the crawling peg. Implement policies to eliminate the barriers to attracting increased Nigeria’s Diaspora remittances. Set up strategic meetings and engagements with top emerging market/frontier investors to share the new monetary policy and build confidence in the economy

“Generate FX revenue by implementing a strategy to make Nigeria a preferred destination for businesses. Explore opportunities to strengthen the CBN governance structure and refine its operating model to enable it to operate efficiently and reduce its costs, given the expected significant future reduction in its interest earnings arising from the reduction in Way and Means facilities, going forward (CBN charges the FGN at MPR +3% on the outstanding obligations),” it added.

The committee also recommended a detailed evaluation of CBN’s current quasi-fiscal operations, review, rationalise and transfer its operations that are incompatible with the core monetary policy management to the relevant fiscal authorities, among others.

Nosak Group Appoints Egharevba, Koyenikan, Others General Managers

Nosak Group's board and management have approved the appointments of Victor Egharevba as General Manager of Saturn Farms Limited and Tolulope Koyenikan as General Manager, Operations/Production, Nosak Distilleries Limited.

In his new role at Saturn Farms, Egharevba, according to a statement yesterday, would oversee mill operations to boost retail operations, and spearhead the plantation expansion program to increase yield of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) in the various farms.

He has a degree in Agricultural Science and has completed several farm management certifications and professional courses.

He has over 20 years of experience and has held different roles such as Assistant Plantation Manager, Field Supervisor, and Director of Operations while working for several companies. Prior to his promotion, he served as Assistant General Manager, where he displayed remarkable qualities in the performance of his tasks.

For his part, Keyenikan was the Assistant General Manager of Nosak Distilleries Limited prior to his appointment, where he pioneered production procedures that contributed value to efficient business operations.

In his new position, he would oversee all areas of the ethanol production facility including production, maintenance, operations, and plant optimisation for optimum product output. He has a B.Tech in Industrial Chemistry, Master's degree in Process Engineering, and an alumni of the prestigious Senior Management Programme of the Lagos Business School. He began working for Nosak Distilleries in 2002 as a distillery supervisor and progressed through the organization, eventually becoming the Assistant General Manager before being appointed as the General Manager of Operations and Production.

Ogugua Obi, who previously held the position of Quality Assurance/Control Manager, has also been elevated to Assistant General Manager, Quality Assurance/Control, Nosak Distilleries Limited. Obi is an ISO 90001 Certified Lead Auditor who also has a Master’s Degree in Process Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science.

In addition, Nosak Distilleries Limited, elevated the Maintenance Manager, Christopher Enejor to Assistant General Manager, Maintenance/Utility. He holds a B.Engr. in Mechanical Engineering and has obtained several certificates, including one in machinery failure.

EAGLE SCHNAPPS’ NEW INITIATIVE…

L-R: Insight and Category Manager, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, (IDL), Samson Opaleye; Head of Sales, IDL, Hope Gbagi; On-Air Personality, Foluso Ogunjimi; Head, Internal Audit and Control, Umoren Akpan; Head of Marketing, Mobolaji Alalade, at the Eagle Schnapps media briefing to unveil the new initiative by the company in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Clark Criticises APC Govt, Says Okowa Wasted N1. 7trn in Five Years

Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie

Elder Statesman and National Leader of the Ijaw people of Delta State, Chief Edwin Clark has criticised the past administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the watch of former President Mohammadu Buhari as well as the Delta State government under Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Clark said the Buhari’s

administration plunged Nigeria into a more difficult situation, while Okowa could not account for the over N1. 7 trillion paid to the state by the federal government from 2017 to 2022.

He said the people of Niger Delta were suffering and it was an irony because they produced the largest chunk of oil in the country.

Clark, who spoke yesterday on the Morning Show of ARISE

Abiodun Appoints Six Special Advisers

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of six Special Advisers to assist in running the administration for his second term in office.

The new appointment is the second to be made by the governor to kick-start his second term in office. He had earlier re-appointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and also approved the appointment of Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS).

According to a statement signed by the SSG, Talabi, Mr. Oladapo Okubadejo has been appointed as the Chief Economic Adviser to the governor.

Other appointees are: Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Special Adviser, Budget and Planning; Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, Special Adviser, Housing; Adebowale O. Akinsanya, Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure; Mr. Olusina Ogungbade, Special Adviser, Justice, and Dr. Tomi Coker, Special Adviser, Health.

Talabi said the appointments would take immediate effect.

Tax Professionals Task Govt on Policies to Drive Growth

Omolabake Fasogbon

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has expressed the optimism of a prosperous economy amid biting economic realities and the environment.

At the Institute’s 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM), its President, Adesina Adedayo, maintained that the past few years had been challenging for the Nigerian economy, adding therefore that the right policies are needed to reverse unfavourable trends.

Adedayo expressed that the

country had been struggling with growth ever since it exited the recession in 2020 and recovered from the COVID-19 setback.

Quoting the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), he said the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.10 per cent in 2022, lower than the 3.40 per cent recorded in 2021.

He further decried the lingering revenue underperformance which he blamed on public sector inefficiencies, structural bottlenecks, poor informal sector integration, industrial-scale oil theft and tough business operating environment.

Court Orders CBN to Pay MRA Damages over Information Denial

WaleIgbintade

A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay Media Rights Agenda (MRA) N1 million as damages for wrongful denial of access to information and directed the apex bank to also make available to the organisation all the information it requested in its May 22, 2020 letter regarding the bank’s data protection policies and practices.

The MRA in a statement signed by its Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, stated that the

News Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said the people of Delta State had become strangers in their home and poorer than what they were when their

fore fathers were alive.

“I decided to employ a lawyer who went to the federal accountant general’s office to obtain the certified copy of all the amount

of money paid to Delta State from 2007-December 2022. I got a letter from the Accountant General’s office listing everything. What was paid to Delta State came

to one trillion, seven hundred and sixty something billion naira, but Okowa could not account for the money before leaving office,” Clark said.

282 Bag First Class as LASU Celebrates 40th Anniversary

FunmiOgundare

As Lagos State University prepares to hold its 40th anniversary celebration and 26th convocation, the institution will on June 22 at the Buba Marwa Auditorium confer honorary doctorate and appreciation award on eight eminent Nigerians “who have made valuable contributions to the

Niger

Gets

Laleye Dipo in Minna

development of the university and the country at large.”

A total of 10,183 students of the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions will also be graduating from the institution with 282 bagging first class honours.

Those to receive honorary degrees are former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde

Another Military

Following increase in bandits attacks in parts of Niger state another military Brigade has been established in the state.

The 18 Brigade will be located in the Niger North senatorial zone

to take care of local governments in the area especially those local government areas where bandits have held sway in the last couple of months.

The establishment of the 18 Brigade has therefore, brought to two the number of such

Raji Fashola (SAN), who will be conferred with Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Urban and Rural Community Development and Youth Empowerment); wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, will be conferred with Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Child Healthcare, Environmental Development and

Women Empowerment); HRM Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, will receive the Honorary Doctor ofArts (Broadcasting, Community Integration and Human Rights Advocate), while the General Overseer, Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, will also receive Honorary Doctor of Science (Genetics and Biotechnology).

Brigade to Tackle Insecurity

military units in the area after the 31 Brigade.

THISDAY was told that a combined operation by the military and Air force personnel have successfully dislodged bandits from Rafi and Mariga local government areas of the state

where they have killed, injured and abducted many residents.

“A large number of the bandits were neutralised while many of the cattle rustled by the gunmen were recovered” the source a highly placed government official, told THISDAY.

Kogi 2023: Court Decides Ododo’s Fate as APC’s Guber Candidate July 18

AlexEnumahinAbuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja would deliver judgment on July 18 that would determine whether Mr. Ahmed Ododo, would remain the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State.

The judgment is in respect of a matter before the court seeking the disqualification of Ododo as APC’s candidate in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State. The trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, fixed the date for judgment shortly after taking arguments from parties for and against the suit.

The plaintiff, Mr. Abubakar Achimugu, drew the attention of the court to 16 exhibits he tendered in support his amended originating summons requesting for the disqualification of Ododo from the governorship race.

Achimugu, who is represented by a lawyer, Mr. Josiah Daniel-Ebune,

insisted that Ododo breached Sections 20, 21, 124, 147 of the Constitution and Section 159 of the EvidenceAct, when he failed to resign his appointment with the Kogi State Government at the time he purchased the expression of interest Form and also stood for the primary election that purportedly produced him as candidate.

Osun APC Leader Scores Adeleke High in Infrastructural Devt

Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo

A prominent leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mr. Moshood Adeoti, has adjudged the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the last six months as impressive, noting that the governor has given so much attention to infrastructural

court delivered the judgement in a suit instituted by MRA against the CBN, the CBN Governor and the Attorney General of the Federation.

The Court presided over by Justice Donatus Uwaezuoke Okorowo, held that the failure of the CBN to disclose or make available to MRAthe information requested by the organisation in the letter amounts to a violation of its right of access to information established and guaranteed by Sections 1(1) and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and also constituted a wrongful denial of access to information under section 7(5) of the Act.

development in the state since coming into office.

Adeoti, who is a former secretary to the Osun State Government, acknowledged Governor Adeleke’s impactful leadership in the state on Tuesday while speaking at an inauguration dinner in Abuja.

He said that there is nothing wrong in appreciating a leader

who is doing well for his people.

The dinner was part of the series of events put up to mark the inauguration of Representatives Bamidele Salam, Mudashiru Lukman and Lanre Oladebo, into the 10th National Assembly.

Adeoti, who belonged to the All Progressive Congress (APC), declared that that would not stop

him from recognising the good works he is doing for the state. He said: “If we are looking at each other, anyone doing well, it is right for us to appreciate him,” adding that “God will continue to empower him to do more.”

“Help me tell him (Governor Adeleke) that he is doing well at this very moment.”

Lawmakers Urge FG to Relocate Nigerians from Flood-prone Areas

Udora

The House of Representatives yesterday, urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to liaise with relevant agencies of the federal government to ensure the relocation of Nigerians from

flood-prone areas.

The House also asked NEMA to ensure the federal government stockpiles sufficient quantities of temporary shelter materials, food and nutrition items and medicine to support people in flood-prone areas.

It further invited the

Director-General of NEMA and other agencies of the federal government to brief the House on measures in place to mitigate flood disasters and manage the socio-economic impact on the citizens’ resident in the floodprone areas.

The resolutions followed the

adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also adopting amendment to the motion, the House called for the implementation of the Presidential Committee on Management of Floods and Disasters in Nigeria.

Bayelsa APC Chairman, Stakeholders Hail Akpabio’s Emergence as Senate President

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dennis Otiotio, and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta have hailed the emergence of the former Governor of Akwa

Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the President of the 10th Senate.

Otiotio said they believe that the former governor will bring to bear the uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State and his wealth of experience

to help in the rapid development of the Niger Delta

While congratulating Apabio on his emergence as the president of the Senate of the Federal Republic, he said he pray and hope that the new Senators listen to advice of the party

and president. He said: “We believe he is going to bring his wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that they work cooperatively with the executive arm of government to bring democracy to the people of Nigeria.

Orizu in Abuja

Garba Lawal Warns Eagles Against Another Upset Versus Sierra Leone

Kunle Adewale

Former Super Eagles player, Garba

Lawal, has warned the Super Eagles not to allow another upset against Nigeria as they take on Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.

Minnow Central Africa Republic (CAR) in 2021 invaded Lagos in a 2022 World Cup qualifier and handed

AFCON 2023 QUALIFIER

Nigeria a shocking 1-0 defeat to lay the foundation for the non-qualification of the the Super Eagles for Qatar 2022.

This Sunday, Nigeria will visit the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, to play Sierra Leone. A win will guarantee Eagles qualification for Côte d’Ivoire 2023

to be played next January with a game to spare.

Sierra Leone currently lacks a CAF-approved standard stadium.

In a BrilaFM Lagos interview yesterday, Lawal who was one of Nigeria's standout players at the 1998 edition of the FIFA World Cup in

France warned that the attitude to the remaining games in the qualifiers must be positive.

"In football, what matters is the victory. Nobody remembers whether you played good football or not. What matters is the three points on offer," Lawal said.

"The Super Eagles must not give room for complacency. It's going to be 50/50 and it's not going to be an

easy game for the team. We must not allow another upset from a supposedly weaker teams.

"They (Super Eagles players) have to be organised, that will make the job easy for the coaches because the philosophy and methodology has to be the same."

The Eagles are having closed doors training sessions at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Lagos before their trip to Monrovia.

Recently, the Leone Stars have proven to be formidable opponents for the Super Eagles.

In a 2021 AFCON qualifier held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in November 2020, Sierra Leone remarkably salvaged a 4-4 draw after trailing 4-0. Four days later, in Freetown, they held Nigeria to a goalless draw.

In their first encounter of the current series at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja last year, Sierra Leone took an early lead before the Super Eagles rallied round with goals from Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen to secure a 2-1 victory.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has designated Sudanese referee Mahmood Ali Ismail

Bright, Osimhen, Zaidu, Musa, Ekong, Lookman, Aribo, Iwobi, Bassey, Ajayi, Akpoguma, Omeruo, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Awoniyi, Simon, Adeleye, Sochima, Ojo, Duru, Samuel, Divine, Onyeka.

as the center referee for match between Sierra Leone and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Ismail will be joined by his compatriot Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim as assistant referee one and Djiboutian official Liban Abdourazak Ahmed as assistant referee two. Mohamed Diraneh Guedi, also from Djibouti, will be the fourth official. Bakary Jammeh from Gambia will oversee the match as the match commissioner, while Kokou Djaoupe from Togo will be the referee assessor. Nigerian has accumulated nine points from four matches and will secure one of the two qualification spots if they manage to draw against the Leone Stars, who currently sit in third place with five points.

...Full House in Eagles’ Camp as Team Aims for Early Ticket

Super Eagles players and officials observing a prayer session during yesterday’s training at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos

Omotayo, Mati, Others Target Win as WTT Contender Lagos Enters Main Draw Today

Femi Solaja

With boys separated from men, the WTT Contender Lagos enters the main draw from this morning with only four Nigerian players set to do battle against some of the best players in the world.

While number player on the continent, Aruna Quadri, is missing in action due to club engagement, only four Nigerian star players, Olajide Omotayo, Taiwo Mati both male, Esther Oribamise and Fatimo Bello

Samoura to Step Down as FIFA Secretary

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura will leave her role at the end of the year after seven years in which she played a pivotal role in transforming the organisation, restoring its credibility and breaking down barriers.

“It was the best decision of my life to join FIFA,” says Samoura. “I am very proud to have led such a diverse team. My first word of thanks goes to Gianni Infantino for giving me this dream job. He has shown trust, understanding and an incredible level of support. It is a pleasure to work alongside someone that has transformed FIFA.

"FIFA today is a better governed, more open, more reliable and more transparent organisation. I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfilment.

“I had intended to share my news first with the FIFA Council members next week, but I am aware there has been growing speculation about my position in recent months.

are the last men standing against top players in the round of 32 from this morning at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Fatimo Mati will be the first to taste the heat from 11;10 am this morning when she comes against Korean Lee Eunhye in the second match of the day.

While the left-handed Bello is ranked 53 in the world, her righthanded opponent is 93 in the ranking range meaning with selfdetermination and composure, the 25-year-old Nigerian may cross the hurdle.

And while the match is on-going, Taiwo Mati also has a date with history as he attempts to reach the

last 16 in major tournament. The 18-year-old Nigerian ranked 75th in the world will come against 17th ranked German right-hand attacker, Patrick Franziska in the third match in the men’s category.

The duo of Oribamise and Omotayo will make their attempt to reach the next stage later in the day with Manar Vikash Thakkar standing in the way of 28-year-old Olajide and Oribamise ranked 125 in the world will square up against Korean Kim Nayeong.

The tournament started on Monday with, 48 players in the preliminary round of matches and only eight gained entries into the main section and joined therest based on their respective ranking.

Host country Nigeria had the largest number of players in the preliminary as they are hoping to join the likes of Taiwo Mati, Olajide Omotayo, Fatimo Bello and Edem Offiong in the main draw following the absence of their talisman Quadri Aruna due to club engagement.

Also, the LOC Chairman, Wahid Oshodi, believes there would be a lot of surprises in the preliminary as well as the main draw.

“On the fans' side, expect a fantastic tournament, great things to look forward to as some of the best players in the world, with different styles include some of the exciting players in the world will compete from the preliminary round,” Oshodi said.

All invited players are now in the camp of the Super Eagles in Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos as countdown begins for Sunday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying showdown with the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia.

Table-toppers Nigeria, on nine points, will slug it out with the Leone Stars, four points behind and in third place, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville, Monrovia.

The 22,000 -capacity arena will witness fireworks from 5pmNigeria time (4pmLiberia time) as the Super Eagles seek to reach the finals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire early next year, with a game to spare.

For the last edition of Africa’s flagship football championship, the Super Eagles qualified for the finals with a game to spare after Paul Onuachu headed in with few minutes left against Benin Republic’s Guepards in Porto Novo.

Three-time champions Nigeria will fire from all cylinders at the Paynesville, conscious that secondplaced Guinea Bissau, two points behind, are likely to inflict defeat on group whipping boys Sao Tome and Principe in the other match

of the pool.

In the last weeks of 2020, the Leone Stars famously came from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with the Super Eagles at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in another Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match (Cameroon 2021), and few days later, held the Eagles to a barren draw at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown. When both teams clashed on Day 1 of the ongoing series at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja a year ago, the Leone Stars drew the first blood before goals by Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen put Nigeria in the driving seat. The Eagles flew to Agadir, Morocco some days later to inflict a 10-0 defeat on Sao Tome and Principe, in the event setting a new international win-record.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Sudanese official Mahmood Ali Ismail as the referee for Sunday’s encounter, with his compatriot Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim as assistant referee 1. Liban Abdourazak Ahmed from Djibouti will serve as assistant referee 2, with Mohamed Diraneh Guedi, also from Djibouti, in the role of fourth official.

We

Are

Not Under Pressure, Says City FC Chairman

The Chairman of City Football Club of Abuja, Chidi Okonkwo, has said his team will not be under any pressure when they face Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the Naija Super 8 play-offs.

Both North-Central teams are set to lock horns in the opening fixture of the play-offs at the Eket Township Stadium on 23 June. The Nigeria National League club is the underdog for the knockout tie.

The winner of the match will represent the zone in the main Naija Super 8 tournament, set to hold at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, from 7-16 July. Okonkwo said his team deserves to be in the play-offs and the boys will not be intimidated when they take on Lobi Stars. “I think every team in this Super 8 play-offs

Curtain Falls on Savannah Conference Saturday

ZENITH BANK BASKETBALL NAIJA SUPER

deserves to be there. For City FC to be there from NNL means we are a big team too. We just missed promotion last season by one point and we were top of the league for a long time before we lost the promotion ticket to El Kanemi Warriors.

“So what I’m looking for in the tournament is for the boys to have fun. It is not a tournament they have to put themselves under pressure but just to have fun. They should also use the tournament to showcase themselves,” Okonkwo said.

City FC and Lobi Stars qualified as representatives of the NorthCentral geo-political zone in the

8 PLAYOFFS

Naija Super 8 play-offs, after securing 197, 858 and 71, 182 votes respectively from football fans across the country.

Also on the opening matchday, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan (3SC), will go head-to-head with Remo Stars of Shagamu, for the ticket to represent the South-West geo-political zone.

Other zonal battles in the playoffs are Rivers United vs Bendel Insurance; Kano Pillars vs Katsina United; Enyimba vs Heartland and Yobe Stars vs Gombe United. All the matches will be live on SuperSports Variety (DStv ch 209) and SuperSports Select 2 (GOtv ch 64).

The qualifiers for the Zenith Bank sponsored National Women Basketball ends on Saturdayas curtain falls on the weeklong preliminaries at the Savannah Conference.

This qualifying contest organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation is taking place at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, with only six teams on parade. They are; Nigeria Customs, Nigeria Army, Plateau Rocks, Air Warriors, Nasarawa Amazons and Kada Angels.

So far, Customs have been outstanding by winning all the five games. On Monday, customs defeated home team Kada Angels 78-32. Earlier, Customs whipped

Air Warriors 73-47, Plateau Rocks 53-45, Nasarawa Amazons 90-51 and Nigeria Army 66-30.

Interestingly, because of the number, Customs and all the five other teams will move to the national finals sponsored by Zenith Bank except the NBBF says otherwise.

Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said the organization was all set to make this year’s league exceptional. “We are aware the NBBF has made the format more interesting with the preliminaries and so all plans have been concluded to make the ladies enjoy themselves in this competition.

23 PLAYERS IN CAMP

Umar Barambu to Nigerians

“It takes a great person to take that bold step of removing the subsidy on petrol. Some people contacted us to protest that decision, but we said no!The well is dry, and ‘Baba’ cannot give what we don’t have now.We must accept reality and face that challenge squarely so that together we can rescue the country”--NANSpresidentdeclaring supportfortheremovalofsubsidyaftermeetingPresidentTinubu

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

On Senator Bulkachuwa’s ‘Confession’

At the valedictory session of the 9th Senate last Saturday, a ‘Most distinguished’ (as they address themselves) told his colleagues that many owe their stay in the green chambers to the ‘benevolence’ of his wife, a retired judicial officer. Despite the best efforts of the (now former) Senate President Ahmad Lawan to apply the ‘off the mic’ principle to gag the father-confessor, the damage to the reputation of the Nigerian judiciary was already done. Senator Bulkachuwa started by drawing his colleagues’ attention to the fact that his wife, Zainab Bulkachuwa, who retired three years ago as president of the court of appeal, had been very supportive of them. Given that she presided over several election tribunal cases while in office, questions are now being raised about whether a few of the judgments were ‘arranged’ by her senator-husband. For the benefit of readers who may not have watched the proceedings, here is what transpired. “Mr. President, at my age I don’t think I will lobby anybody under the sun. I will do the right thing, and I always do the right thing and sincerely and honestly too. So, I (can) look at faces in this chamber, who have helped me and sought for my help when my wife was the president of the court of appeal…”

Evidently uncomfortable with the direction Bulkachuwa was going, the senate president interjected, “I think I will advise that you just round up and take your seat…this kind of insinuation will mean that there was favour and the rest of it. I don’t think it is a good idea.” If the 83-year-old senator understood the admonition of the senate president, he ignored it as he merely doubled down on his claim. “Well, Mr Chairman, I must say that (it is) okay

to round up, since that is what you want me to do. I will do that and must thank, particularly my wife whose freedom and independence I encroached upon while she was in office; and she had been very tolerant and accepted my encroachment and extended her help to my colleagues.” The senate president interjected again and this time, more firmly: “Please, I don’t think it is a good idea going in this direction. It is not a good idea.”

Ganduje Versus Kwankwaso

The political battle between the immediate past Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 polls, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is getting out of hand. Fielding questions from State House correspondents last weekend, Ganduje threw caution to the wind: “I know he (Kwankwaso) is in the building, but we have not met. Probably if we met, maybe I could have slapped him.” Kwankwaso has since responded: “I heard that he (Ganduje) said he would have slapped me, but I’m here. He was in a confused state when he said that. These are my political boys (and) if they see me, they lower their gaze.”

My brother, Mahmud Jega has weighed in with the argument that a leaner, younger, and obviously fitter Kwankwaso would probably be more dangerous in any physical bout between the two men. But then, Jega also forgot that Ganduje spent years at the University of Ibadan where he got his doctorate degree in Public Administration and may have picked one or two tricks in street fighting from that city-village. On a more serious note, the war of attrition between Kwankwaso and Ganduje speaks to the fickle nature of the relationships between politicians in Nigeria. It is also reflected in the service they deliver to the public. If loyalty and trust mean nothing in their personal life, then we are all forfeits when they manage our expectations. That exactly is what

is happening today in Nigeria.

The relationship between Kwankwaso and Ganduje dates to 1992 when the former was Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives under the transition to civil rule programme of General Ibrahim Babangida and the latter was a civil servant with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ministry in Abuja. When in 1999 Kwankwaso secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket for Kano, he picked Ganduje as his running mate. Having won the election, they both served the first term but were defeated in 2003. Appointed Minister of Defence by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Kwankwaso made Ganduje his SA until 2006 when he resigned. In 2007, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed Kwankwaso to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) while Ganduje was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Development Commission. When he ran again for the Kano governorship in 2011, Kwankwaso also picked Ganduje as his running mate. And when leaving office in 2015, he anointed his deputy as successor. But less than a year into Ganduje’s term, crises between them began.

That Kwankwaso was the one at the Villa to report the action taken by the new administration in Kano to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu only buttresses Ganduje’s point that the governor is a ‘stooge’. But how the two of them resolve their personal problems is of no concern to me. I just hope that they do not set Kano State ablaze.

Even before the Freudian Slip by Bulkachuwa, Nigerians already knew we have a challenge in the judiciary. Only a few months ago, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, complained about the workload of the Supreme Court, seeking an amendment to the 1999 Constitution so that certain cases could terminate at the appellate court. But he was challenged by Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). “Let any one table the Bill to amend the Constitution seeking the deletion of interlocutory appeals and we will tell the entire Nigeria why in reality there are excruciating delays in the Justice delivery system” Daudu vowed. One of the reasons he cited is “over concentration of the judicial docket on political and electoral cases as if the entire justice sector and judiciary was created for the benefit of politicians.”

In my January 2018 piece, ‘When Judges Imperil Democracy’, I bemoaned a situation in which “our politicians are no longer content with hiring SANs, they also have their own judges.” That sadly is what was imputed on the floor of the Senate by Bulkachuwa. But then, it is no secret that the only cases that many of our Judges are interested in are those that border on elections and related matters. Because they are deemed ‘juicy’. Meanwhile, many other serious cases suffer from neglect and needless adjournment. I therefore align myself with the sentiment expressed by Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, also a former NBA president. “Senator Bulkachuwa’s

statement at the valedictory of the 9th senate is a monumental disgrace for our institutions. This man deserves to be taken up immediately by the authorities. It is a blight on my confidence in our systems,” said Agbakoba, who added that he had represented a senatorial candidate in the election that brought Bulkachuwa to represent Bauchi North in the 9th Senate. “We lost in three courts. Senator Bulkachuwa seems to suggest why.”

Nigerians can remember the initial attempt at the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to tackle money related corruption among judges. The homes of some were broken into at night and searched, bank accounts were frozen, and dirty money trails were reportedly uncovered. A few were arraigned in court. After the government supposedly fighting corruption became muddled in its own internal contradictions, the entire idea collapsed. The ‘gra gra’ ended. The chase was abandoned. And Judges and politicians soon found compromise. Then, all went quiet.

Unfortunately, the moral crisis associated with corruption among judges is one reason why the refrain ‘Go to court’ has today become a cruel joke in the country. Most ordinary Nigerians have come to expect only judgments rather than justice from our courts. But with what Bulkachuwa said in the hollow chambers of the senate, it should worry all of us that some of our judges have earned a reputation as wheeler-dealers of a tainted citadel of justice!

Trouble on the Homefront

On Tuesday, there was drama at the swearing in ceremony of the new House of Representatives Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas. The speaker apparently forgot ‘the order of precedence’ at home and his first wife would not have that. So, she chose to displace the second wife in the public glare. In Zamfara State, a ‘civil war’ is also brewing between defeated Governor Bello Matawalle and his successor, Dauda Lawal-Dare. The problem began when the new administration asked Matawalle to return government vehicles he allegedly took away. The number was put at 17. At the end, the government harvested more than 40 vehicles from the residence of the former governor. But for Matawalle, the vehicles are not the real issue. “The saddest thing is that, in my Gusau house, all my wives’ rooms were broken, even hijabs have been taken away. Stoves were all put in a car and taken away,” Matawalle wailed and who would not feel for him? With the stoves now carted away, how will his wives cook? “This is robbery, they entered everywhere in my houses, even my daughter’s wedding clothing materials (Kayan Lefe) were not spared.”

While President Tinubu should help Matawalle retrieve his wife’s hijabs from Governor Lawaldare, it may also be important to pay attention to the trouble that seems to be brewing in the military. No, it is not what some people think! On 28th May, a day before she ‘handed over’, former First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari chaired the public presentation of a book written by the president of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs

Vickie Anwuli Irabor. Titled ‘The Journey of a Military Wife’, the author is the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor. Now, why is this important?

Last week, I found myself among a group of retired senior military officers, some of them General Irabor’s course mates. They were angry that his wife did not portray them well in her book. That elicited my curiosity. On Monday, I got the book. Although poorly produced and certainly could have been better edited (assuming it went through any such process), the book contains much relevant information about the military that researchers will find useful. The story of how she met her husband, the marriage and his military career are also interesting. So, I find it a good book in terms of contents. But I also discerned what riled the retired Generals.

According to Mrs Irabor, most retired military officers exhibit certain behavioural traits after their tour of duty, and she warned their wives to be fully prepared: “Furthermore, since the tension and absenteeism which the job brought to the family is gone, nights would be free so military wives must prepare!” (emphasis’ hers). And then the punchline: “While this may sound like a joke, some retired military wives during an interview revealed that the sex life of retired officers got to another level because the military job and its tension is no more there, so all they do is sex!” (Again, emphasis’ hers).

While I plead with the retired Generals to see the lighter side of the ‘revelation’, I also hope Mrs Irabor is ready for a serious ‘indoor game’ once her husband retires.

Justice Ariwoola ...the CJN