SUNDAY 25TH JUNE 2023

In New KYC, CBN Directs Banks to Obtain Customers' Digital IDs, Social Media Handles

James Emejo in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made the digital ID and social

media handles of bank customers a mandatory requirement for the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy in the financial industry going forward.

A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information that may be used to verify the identity of a person.

The move, the apex bank said, is aimed at strengthening the fight against financial crimes. This was contained in the CBN's

Customer Due Diligence Regulations

2023 report, which was posted on its website and addressed to all banks and other financial institutions.

The regulation, signed by the CBN Director, Financial Policy and

Tinubu Departs Paris for Brief Private Visit to London

L-R: Glo Brand Specialist, Miss Adedoyin Adeyemo; Balogun of Ijebu Ode, Chief Agboola Alausa; Coordinator, 2023 Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Chief Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuff; Globacom official, Mr. Sola Mogaji; Iyalode of Ijebu Ode, Mrs. Bisi Osibogun; President, Ijebu Ode Regberegbe Council, Chief Giwa Mushafau Odutayo; and Glo Brand Specialist, Miss. Olufunke Alade, at a press conference on the 2023 Ojude Oba Festival sponsored by Globacom in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State… recently

President Bola Tinubu, who was scheduled to return to Nigeria yesterday, has departed Paris, France for London, the United Kingdom.

Continued on page 6

APC Strategists Mobilise against PDP over Senate Minority Leadership

Tambuwal, Aliero, Dickson, Ubah, Moro, Ningi, others warn against imposition

The move by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to produce the Senate Minority Leader may hit a brick wall as formidable forces loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have mobilised to ensure that one of the smaller parties produces the Senate Minority Leader, THISDAY has learnt.

This is coming as a former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; his counterpart in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, Senators Mohammed Adamu Aliero; and Henry Seriake Dickson, respectively, as well as five other senators from the minority political parties have warned against what they described as an ongoing attempt to destabilise minority parties in the Senate.

Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,

on page 6

Dr.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (left), and the Director General of the World Trade Organisation,

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France…recently

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

N’Assembly will back Tinubu to drive development, says Akpabio

Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

APC STRATEGISTS MOBILISE AGAINST PDP OVER SENATE MINORITY LEADERSHIP

yesterday said that the 10th National Assembly would partner President Bola Tinubu-led administration to change policies inhibiting the progress and development of the country.

The other five signatories to the statement issued yesterday by the eight senators include Senator Abdul Ningi; Senator Patrick Abba Moro; Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi; Senator Sumaila Kawu, and Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has 59 Senators; PDP, 36; Labour Party (LP), eight; New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), two; Social Democratic Party (SDP); two; APGA, one; and YPP, one.

With PDP’s overwhelming majority, the main opposition party is strategising to produce the Senate Minority Leader.

THISDAY however gathered that the immediate past governor of one of the South-south states,

who is also a member of the PDP has mobilised forces to stop his party from producing the Senate Minority Leader.

Investigation revealed that the former governor is determined to influence the choices of minority leaders in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The PDP chieftain, it was learnt, wants his loyalist in one of the minority parties to emerge as the Senate Minority Leader, while his loyalist in the PDP emerges as the House Minority Leader.

The former governor, who is believed to be working with the suspected agents of President Bola Tinubu's government, held a marathon meeting with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in the Senate President’s office in Abuja over the matter last week.

Sources in the Senate who were privy to the meeting told THISDAY

that the meeting explored ways of blocking the chances of PDP in the minority leadership positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

THISDAY learnt in Abuja that the PDP had zeroed in on the immediate past governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal as the Senate Minority Leader.

It was learnt that Tambuwal, who was the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 7th National Assembly, was considered the best choice to give Tinubu's government a robust opposition.

A senator in the Senate caucus of the PDP explained to THISDAY on condition of anonymity that bringing Tambuwal on board would create a vibrant opposition for the new administration.

But the former governor of a South-south state, who was sighted by THISDAY in a black suit, after the marathon meeting with

Akpabio, left the Senate wing of the National Assembly at about 6:30 pm on Thursday in the convoy of Akpabio; and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau.

Also in the convoy were senators Salihu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central), Jibril Isah (APC Kogi East) as well as the recently appointed Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate) to President Tinubu, Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel.

A source at the meeting told THISDAY that the plan of the former governor with the leadership of the Senate, was to have a minority leader not chosen by PDP but by his own loyalists within the party.

He said: "The former governor from the South-south and suspected agents of Tinubu's administration have zeroed in on a former Minority Leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe."

Abaribe left his position as the

IN NEW KYC, CBN DIRECTS BANKS TO OBTAIN CUSTOMERS' DIGITAL IDS, SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES

minority leader of the 9th Senate when he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), He returned to the 10th Senate on the platform of the APGA.

The four principal positions for Senators elected on the platforms of the minority political parties are Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip, and Deputy Minority Whip.

Tambuwal, Aliero, Dickson, Ubah, Moro, Ningi, Others Warn against Imposition

Meanwhile, Tambuwal and seven other senators from the minority political parties have warned against what they described as an ongoing attempt to destabilise the minority parties in the Senate.

forces inside and outside the Senate to divide the minority parties and foist a pliant and compromised leadership on them.

“We have pledged to work constructively with the new Senate leadership and the Executive branch to deliver good governance to the Nigerian people. We consequently hereby advise and caution that they should not aid any group inside or outside the Senate to divide and destabilise the minority parties and the Senate institution,” the statement explained.

The statement disclosed that the senators of the minority parties would meet when the Senate reconvenes to select their leaders after due consultations with their political parties “without undue interference from anti-democratic forces within or outside the Senate.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, no Senator has yet been endorsed or selected for any Minority position as this would await due process as agreed by all Minority Parties

Under the Social Media Handles

Under Section 6 (IV) of the new regulation, financial institutions operating under the regulatory purview of the CBN are now obligated to collect and verify customers’ social media handles as part of their KYC process. This requirement applies to both individuals and legal entities and seeks to enhance the accuracy and depth of customer identification.

According to the new regulation, financial institutions will leverage the information responsibly and strictly adhere to data privacy and protection regulations.

It also stated that the inclusion of social media handles in KYC requirements will also enhance the accuracy and depth of customer identification.

By obtaining this additional information, financial institutions can gain valuable insights into customers’ online presence and activities, enabling better assessment of potential risks associated with money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.

The apex bank noted that it is now mandatory for financial institutions to collect and verify customers’ social media handles as part of their KYC requirements.

This new regulation, which complements the existing provisions outlined in the CBN’s Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Financial Institutions Regulations of 2022, was designed to fortify the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.

Under the new regime, financial institutions are required to establish internal processes and procedures for

conducting customer due diligence measures for both potential and existing customers, including occasional customers.

The banks must identify customers, whether individuals or legal entities, and obtain specific information such as legal names, addresses, contact details, identification documents, account types, nature of banking relationships, and signatures, the framework further specified.

Moreover, the regulations emphasised the need to identify politically exposed persons (PEPs).

The Guidance Notes on Politically Exposed Persons Financial Policy and Regulation Department June 2023, clearly stated that to verify customer identities, financial institutions must rely on reliable and independent source documents, data, or information.

For individuals, the process involves confirming the date of birth, residential address, contact details, and the validity of official documentation.

In the case of legal persons or legal arrangements, financial institutions are required to undertake searches on public registries or databases, review annual reports or relevant financial statements, and examine board resolutions.

The regulation also emphasised the importance of record-keeping and maintaining up-to-date customer information.

Under the regulation, financial institutions must retain records obtained through customer due diligence measures, account files, business correspondence, and analysis results for at least five years after the termination or cessation of a business relationship or an occasional transaction.

Regular reviews of existing customer records are required based on risk categories, with high-risk customers requiring annual reviews, medium-risk customers requiring reviews every 18 months, and low-risk customers requiring reviews every three years.

The CBN’s decision to include social media handles as a mandatory KYC requirement recognises the growing

influence and prevalence of social media platforms in individuals’ and businesses’ daily lives.

The apex bank pointed out that social media can provide valuable information about customers’ professional networks, affiliations, and potential sources of income.

Thus, financial institutions will be required to establish internal processes and procedures to collect and verify customers’ social media handles accurately.

The information will be used alongside other KYC data, such as legal names, addresses, contact details, and identification documents, to create a comprehensive profile of the customer.

Essentially, the addition of social media handles to the KYC requirements reflects the CBN’s commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and evolving risks in the financial sector.

By adapting regulations to include digital footprints, the CBN aims to ensure that financial institutions have a more holistic understanding of their customers, promoting enhanced due diligence and risk mitigation, the apex bank stressed.

This development serves as a reminder to individuals and businesses to be mindful of their online presence and activities.

Customers should also ensure that the information shared on social media platforms aligns with their stated profiles and remains consistent with their financial transactions.

The CBN stated that the objective of the guidance was to assist FIs in the identification and management of risks associated with PEPs in the course of business relationships.

According to the CBN, "Financial institutions in the ordinary course of their businesses, establish business relationships with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) who may be vulnerable to corruption and thus may portend reputational and financial crime risks to the FI.

"PEPs pose a high risk of money laundering, financing of terrorism, and

proliferation financing (ML/FT/PF) due to the possibility that individuals holding such positions may misuse their power and influence for personal gain or advantage to themselves, close family members, and/or associates.

In a statement issued yesterday, the eight senators who signed the statement stated that it had come to the notice of the minority political parties in the Senate of an attempt by

Continued on page 12 Regulations Department, Chibuzo Efobi, was aimed at bolstering compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CFT) provisions while aligning with international best practices.

"Such individuals may also use their families or close associates to conceal illicit funds and assets. In addition, they may also seek to use their power and influence to gain representation and/or access to or control of, legal entities for similar purposes," the apex bank added.

The apex, as a result, mandated financial institutions to comply with the provisions of the CBN Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Financing of Terrorism and Countering Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (AML/CFT/CPF) Regulations, 2022 to mitigate the potential risks posed by PEPs.

"Amongst these obligations is the requirement to apply a risk-based approach to identifying Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and to apply appropriate Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) measures when dealing with those that pose higher AML/CFT/ CPF risks.

"In view of the corruption levels in Nigeria, domestic PEPs are rated highly vulnerable to financial risks, therefore, by default, most domestic PEPs are considered high risk. Foreign PEPs and PEPs with prominent functions in international organizations should be categorized based on the level of risk as assessed by financial institutions."

In addition, it said: "Consequently, the CBN issues this Guidance in line with CBN AML/CFT/CPF Regulations 2022, FATF Recommendations, FATF Guidance on PEPs (2013) and Wolfsberg Guidance on PEPs (2017), to assist FIs in the identification and management of risks associated with PEPs.

"This guidance provides minimum standards for FIs in their relationships with PEPs and does not limit measures to be taken by FIs to meet their statutory obligations. The Guidance Notes will be revised from time to time, as necessary," CBN added.

TINUBU

The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, who disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, said President Tinubu, who was initially scheduled to be back in Abuja yesterday, would now proceed to London, United Kingdom, for a short private visit.

The president, Alake stated, will be back in the country for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival.

President Tinubu had concluded his official trip to Paris, France, during which he had an outstanding participation in the summit for 'A New Global Financing Pact' hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Aside from his participation at the event where he represented Nigeria well, the President also held high-profile sideline meetings with fellow heads of state and government, global business leaders, and chief executives of leading multilateral and development finance institutions from around the world.

The summit afforded the president the opportunity of projecting, on a global stage, his advocacy for widening the fiscal space, economic justice for Africa as the world accelerates the pace of energy transition and the urgency of addressing the pressing issues of poverty and climate change.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has welcomed an investment of $520 million in Nigeria's specialised agro-processing zones by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

He also praised the President of the multilateral institution, Dr. Adewunmi Adesina, for further opening up the nation's economy for investments that provide job opportunities and poverty reduction.

Receiving Adesina after the

two-day summit on A New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France, the President, according to Alake, said the agro-industrial project strengthens an area of the country’s competitive advantage as he listed other areas of priority that require Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

The president urged the bank to inject funds into projects that target women and youth empowerment while appreciating the AfDB President for his vision of setting up a Youth Entrepreneurship Bank in Nigeria that will provide credit, skills, and other support for young Nigerians.

He assured Adesina that the federal government would provide all the necessary assistance to ensure the sustenance of the projects, adding that electricity remained a priority area that needed urgent attention.

Earlier in his remarks, the AfDB President thanked Tinubu for the bold initiatives that had repositioned the Nigerian economy in three weeks and stimulated the appetite of investors from different parts of the world; removal of fuel subsidy and harmonisation of exchange rates.

He said: “I commend the President’s foresight, boldness, and determination for macroeconomic policy direction by removing the fuel subsidy. No bird can fly with its wings tied behind. All those steps are signals investors like.’’

Adesina said the bank would support the economic policies of the new administration in Nigeria, which had placed the people first in development targets.

In another meeting, President Tinubu received executives of Airbus/ATR and assured them that the aviation sector would be “streamlined for efficiency,’’, especially in the maintenance of aircraft and training.

DEPARTS PARIS FOR BRIEF PRIVATE VISIT TO LONDON

Tropical Agriculture, Mr. Ken Dashiell; Executive Manager, I-Youth Project, IITA, Aline Mugisho; and General Manager, Nutri K Limited, Abdoulkader Boukari, during the Agribusiness Investors’ Network organised by Innovative Youth in Agriculture from IITA in partnership with Mastercard Foundation held in Lagos …weekend SUNDAY ADIGUN

ENERGY EXPERTS…

L-R: Director, Energy Management,

Commission

DMO: Nigeria’s Debt Increased by N3.6tn to N49.85tn in Three Months

James

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has revealed that Nigeria’s total public debt - federal and state governments - hit N49.85 trillion at the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.

The figure represents an increase of N3.60 trillion compared to N46.25 trillion recorded at the end of December 2022.

In a statement issued at the weekend, DMO said the debt excludes the N22.71 trillion ways

and means advances of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“As of March 31, 2023, the total public debt stock comprising the external and domestic debts of the federal government of Nigeria (FGN), the thirty-six (36) States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was N49.85 trillion (USD 108.30 billion),” DMO said.

“Comparatively, the total public debt stock for the preceding period, December 31, 2022, stood at N46.25 trillion (USD 103.31 billion). During

Wike is an Enemy of Our Party, Can't Lead Us, Says Rivers APC

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The leadership of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described former governor Nyesom Wike as an enemy of the party who is unfit to lead the party in the state.

The Publicity Secretary of the party, Darlington Nwauju, who spoke yesterday in a statement made available to THISDAY in Port Harcourt, said a man who had during the campaign period described the party as “cancer” cannot turn back to lead them.

Nwauju stressed that a man who had not been a member of the party and did not support the party's interest cannot be promoted to lead them also.

The party spokesperson said, "The attention of All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has been drawn to calls by imposters and sponsored amorphous groups acting as fronts for the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, that APC in Rivers State is calling on him to join the same party he had characterised as suffering from cancer.

"Nothing can be more preposterous than this kite being flown by minions of Wike working hard to justify their pay cheque.

"We wish to unequivocally dismiss any such rumour or sponsored story planted in any medium that Rivers State APC had at any forum invited Wike to join our party none the least calling on Wike to take over leadership of a party he never campaigned for.

"We dare anyone to provide video evidence of any campaigns where Wike openly campaigned for the APC. The terror unleashed on our party members in the cause of his eight years of maximum rulership alone is enough evidence to confirm that

Wike has no business with Rivers State APC. Asking him to come and take over is asking an enemy to come and finish off his victims.

"We are aware of his schemes to escape justice over the looting of the collective patrimony of Rivers people which is the major reason for his romancing top APC members.

"For those who may be suffering from amnesia, a non-APC member cannot be a cheerleader for the entry of Wike into APC. Nobody can decree his membership in a political party through radio or newspaper publications. All vexatious attempts at distracting our party in Rivers State will keep failing.

"For the avoidance of doubts, the APC in Rivers State has a legally recognised state office where all official businesses are conducted. We do also have standard procedures for convening our meetings according to our party's constitution. Therefore, it is expedient for the public to be aware that village meetings or gatherings cannot equate with a stakeholder's meeting of APC in Rivers State, especially a gathering that took place at a hotel belonging to such a non-APC member".

Nwauju further dissociated the leadership of the party from the purported call by a chieftain of the party, asking Wike to lead the state APC. He also expressed the party's untiring support to the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

"We, therefore, disassociate the leadership of our party from any so-called stakeholders meeting suggesting that our party be handed over to Wike. We reiterate our party's resolve to lend 100 per cent support to the policies and programmes of the federal government under the indefatigable leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

the period, there were increases in the debt stock of the FGN, States, and the FCT.

“The public debt stock for March 2023 does not include the FGN’s N22.719 trillion Ways and Means

Advances of the Central Bank of Nigeria whose securitisation was approved by the National Assembly in May 2023.

“The amount will be included in the FGN’s Domestic Debt Stock

from June 2023.”

Ways and Means is a loan facility through which the CBN finances the government’s budget shortfalls.

In January 2023, then-President Muhammadu Buhari asked the Senate

to securitise the N22.7 trillion Ways and Means loan. Securitisation is the practice of pooling together various types of debt instruments and selling them as bonds to investors.

Wagner Chief Agrees to Exile in Belarus After Halting Moscow Invasion

Gboyega Akinsanmi with agency report

The commander of Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, last night agreed to live in exile in the Republic of Belarus after ending the gravest threat to the 23-year rule of President Vladimir Putin in Russia.

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, according to reports, negotiated the ceasefire with the mercenary boss to stop Wagner’s troop movement after discussing the issue with Putin.

With the agreement, Prigozhin ordered his fighters to halt their march on Moscow to avoid “shedding Russian blood.”

Before Prigozhin halted an armed invasion into Moscow, Russia’s political capital, reports revealed that mercenaries were just 200 kilometres from Russia yesterday.

As Wagner’s fighters successfully took over Rostov and advanced towards Moscow, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) claimed Putin’s aircraft was spotted

on flight radar flying northwest from Moscow to the St Petersburg area. The flight radar, according to the BBC, later disappeared from the system near the city of Tver, where Putin owns a large rural retreat.

Defending Wagner’s insurrection attempt, Prigozhin said: “They wanted to disband the Wagner military company. We embarked on a march of justice on June 23. Now, the moment has come when blood could be spilled,” said Prigozhin in an audio message.

“Understanding responsibility for the chance that Russian blood will be spilled on one side, we are turning our columns around and going back to field camps as planned.”

As part of the ceasefire yesterday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov announced that Russia would not pursue a criminal case against Prigozhin, but Wagner’s commander would go to Belarus, rather than return to the fighting in Ukraine, he said.

Peskov also said Wagner fighters,

who followed Prigozhin in his uprising, would not be prosecuted, given their “service at the front and those fighters who did not participate can join the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Moscow braced for the arrival of the private army led by the rebellious mercenary commander by erecting checkpoints with armoured vehicles and troops on its southern edge. Red Square was shut down and the mayor urged motorists to stay off some roads.

Wagner’s lightning insurrection appeared to develop with little pushback from Russia’s regular armed forces, raising questions about Putin’s grip on power in the nuclear-armed nation even after the abrupt halt to Wagner’s advance.

Amid the standoff yesterday, Lukashenko negotiated with the mercenary boss to stop Wagner’s troop movement after discussing the issue with Putin.

Prigozhin accepted Lukashenko’s offer to halt the Wagner group’s

advance and further steps to deescalate the tensions

Lukashenko acknowledged the proposed settlement contains security guarantees for Wagner troops, among other terms.

Prigozhin did not say whether the Kremlin responded to his demand to remove Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu.

The Wagner chief will move to neighbouring Belarus as part of the deal and the criminal case against him will be closed, the Kremlin said yesterday.

Prigozhin’s troops who joined him in the uprising will not face prosecution and those who did not will be offered contracts by the defence ministry, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Lukashenko offered to mediate, with Putin’s agreement, because he had known Prigozhin personally for about 20 years, Peskov said. “Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal.”

Attacks Between Tinubu, Obi’s Supporters Show Depth of Nigeria’s Polarisation, Says Okonjo-Iweala

Gboyega Akinsanmi

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has lamented the level of disunity in Nigeria, describing the situation as sad.

The WTO boss spoke via her verified Twitter handle yesterday while debunking reports alleging that she snubbed Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, during the just-concluded Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France.

She shared photographs she took at the Summit with President Tinubu, to debunk the allegation.

Okonjo-Iweala had posted

photographs with some participating African Presidents like that of Senegal, Macky Sall; South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema – at the Summit, which was also attended by President Tinubu.

Social media users in Nigeria especially supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, who go by the appellation of ‘Obi-dients’, hailed Okonjo-Iweala for purportedly snubbing Tinubu at the global event.

Consequently, many netizens, who are supporters of President Bola

Ahmed Tinubu, otherwise known as ‘BATists’ began to fire what can be described as a counter salvo without finding out the veracity or otherwise of the claim that former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance snubbed Tinubu at the Paris Summit.

They alleged that President Tinubu was deliberately cropped out of the photographs despite his attendance at the Summit convened by the French President, Emmanuel Macron.

But, amid the social media spat between the two groups of Nigerians occasioned by false claims and counter-claims, Okonjo-Iweala took to her verified Twitter handle

again yesterday evening to debunk the allegations against her.

She shared more photographs she took at the Summit with President Tinubu, Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu, and others, noting that photographs with other African Presidents earlier posted by her were done in the order she received them from her accompanying staff and colleagues at the event.

She, therefore, stated that ascribing any ulterior motive or meaning to her action (order of posting her photographs) was unnecessary and unwarranted even as she called for unity of purpose and cessation of further attacks by Nigerians.

Energy

of Nigeria, Ibrahim Sulu; Group Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Khaled El Dokani; Chief Financial Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; Chief Executive Officer, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Ademilua; and Managing Director, Savannah Energy, Nigeria, Mr. Pade Durotoye, at the sixth edition of Lafarge Africa’s Concrete Ideas Series in Lagos…weekend

SUNDAY ADIGUN

Emejo in Abuja

US INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY…

NJC Declares More Vacancies on Supreme Court Bench, Redistributes Slots to Regions

Alex Enumah in Abuja with agency report

The Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has declared two additional slots on the Supreme Court bench vacant, bringing the total number of vacancies up for grabs to 10.

The CJN’s previous vacancy notice had declared only eight seats and commenced the process of appointing the justices to bring the court to its full complement of 21 justices.

The number of judges dropped from 20 in November 2020 to 13 in August 2022.

This shortfall has led to a mounting workload for the available judges.

The proposed appointment of 10 new justices to the existing 13

justices will bring the number of judges to 23, which is higher than the full complement of 21 judges.

It is believed that the NJC declared two extra vacancies in anticipation of the imminent retirement of two of the existing 13 justices before the end of the year.

Justice Amina Augie from Kebbi State in the North-west, who is currently the sixth in the hierarchy on the bench, will clock the retirement age of 70 on September 3, 2023.

Also, Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, who hails from Niger State in the North-central, and is currently behind the CJN as the second most senior judge of the court, will also bow out on October 27.

In an email seen by Premium

Times, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, disclosed in an email on Thursday that he had received a fresh notice from the CJN raising the number of vacancies from eight to 10.

The Justices of the Supreme Court and the President of the Court of Appeal also received the CJN’s updated call for nomination.

Maikyau said in his mail to lawyers that he received Ariwoola’s fresh letter dated June 19, “which superseded the earlier letter of June 14, 2023,” requesting him “as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, to nominate suitably qualified candidates to be recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

According to the NBA president, the available slots are now open to

qualified candidates from all six geo-political zones.

This development has thrown one slot open to the North-east region that was excluded in the previous announcement.

In the notice, the vacant slots were allocated to the geopolitical zones as South-east (two); South-south (one); South-west (one); Northcentral (three); North-east (one) and North-west (two).

CJN also redistributed the available slots to the country’s six geopolitical zones to correct the lopsidedness in regional representation that would have resulted from the previous plan.

In the previous notice, two slots were declared open to each of the South-east, the South-west, and the North-central, while one each was

Shake-up as Army Chief Reshuffles Top Brass, Appoints PSOs, GOCs, Others

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

In his first official move to reposition the Nigerian Army (NA), the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Abiodun Lagbaja, yesterday approved the reshuffling and redeployment of top army brass, as well as the appointment of Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and General Officers Commanding (GOCs).

A statement issued by the Army Spokesman, BrigadierGeneral Onyema Nwachukwu, said the shake-up was designed "to reposition the Nigerian Army (NA) for operational efficiency and functional administration."

The statement said the new army chief approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to command, instructional and staff appointments across the Nigerian Army formations and units.

Those affected in the recent redeployment include some Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of the Army Headquarters (AHQ), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, Brigade Commanders, and Commanding Officers, among others.

Some of the senior officers appointed as PSOs of the AHQ include Major General AB Ibrahim who was posted from Headquarters

3 Division NA to the Department of Policy and Plans (DAPP) and appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General BR Sinjen posted from Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) to the Department of Army Operations (DAOPs) and appointed Chief of Operations (Army) and Major General OR Aiyenigba from Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police to Department of Army Standards and Evaluation and appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army).

Others are Major General NC Ugbo from Nigerian Army Signals School to the Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs and Major General E Akerejola from the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to Army Headquarters Department of Logistics as the Chief of Logistics (Army).

Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are: Major General BA Alabi from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters 1 Division as GOC; Major General AE Abubakar from Headquarters 7 Division to 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and Major General PP Mala, who was posted from Depot Nigerian Army to Headquarters 7 Division

as GOC/ Commander Sector 1 Joint Task North-east Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

Others are Major General GU Chibuisi from HQ Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena (MNJTF) to Theatre Command Joint Task Force North-east Operation (OPHK) and appointed Theatre Commander, while Major General IS Ali was redeployed from Theatre Command Joint Task Force North-east OPHK to HQ MNJTF as the Force Commander.

Also Major General EAP Undiandeye’s redeployment from Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre to Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) as Chief of Defence Intelligence has been formalised.

Senior officers appointed as Corps Commanders include: Major General OO Oluyede as the Commander, of the Infantry Corps, Major General Marcus G. Kangye from the Department of Civil Military Affairs (DCMA) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and appointed Commander.

Others are Major General AA Adeyinka from the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and appointed Commander.

Other senior officers also affected by the redeployment are Major General KO Aligbe who is

appointed as Commander Training and Doctrine Command; Major General JO Ochai, from Defence Headquarters to Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and appointed Commandant; Major General IB Maina posted from Department of Policy and Plans to Army War College Nigeria and appointed Commandant.

Equally redeployed are Brig Gen TB Ugiagbe who is appointed Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army); Brig Gen OG Onubogu from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre to Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre as Commandant; while Brig Gen Nicholas Ashinze moves from Department of Civil Military Cooperation to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director Fusion.

The statement said the Nigerian Army has also formalised the redeployment of Col AO Onasanya from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters Guards Brigade as Acting Commander.

"The Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments,” the statement added.

allotted to the South-south and the North-west.

However, no slot was given to the North-east.

While Justice Augie and Justice Muhammad are still on board, there is an imbalance in regional representation on the apex court bench.

Currently, South-west has three slots on the bench; South-south, two; and South-east, one. While the North-central has one, the North-west and the North-east have three each.

However, this will change by the time Justice Augie and Justice Muhammad leave in September and October, respectively.

The implication is that without any addition to the bench, by the end of October, the North-central will have no representative on the Supreme Court bench, while the North-west’s slots will drop to two.

In his latest letter, the NBA president restated his previous call on lawyers who are qualified

and interested in the Supreme Court appointment to submit their applications at the NBA secretariat in Abuja on 26 June.

The call is to draw in lawyers to compete with Justices of the Court of Appeal for whom the Supreme Court bench is traditionally reserved as their only opportunity of career progression.

In the history of Nigeria, only Teslim Elias and Augustine Nnamani have had the opportunity to rise directly from the bar to the Supreme Court bench.

The NBA tried to re-enact this feat, the most publicised of such efforts, in 2017, but the plan failed to sail through.

Under the current Nigerian constitution, lawyers with at least 15 years of call to the Nigerian bar are eligible to be appointed directly from the bar to the Supreme Court bench. The provision also makes them eligible for appointment directly to the office of the CJN.

APC STRATEGISTS MOBILISE AGAINST PDP OVER SENATE MINORITY LEADERSHIP

in their last meeting. Attempts to foist a one-party dictatorship would be resisted and would fail.

“We call on all members of the minority political parties to work together in unity to defend the democratic institution of the Senate and Nigeria,” the statement added.

N’Assembly will Back Tinubu to Drive Development, Says Akpabio

Meanwhile, Senate President, Senator Akpabio, yesterday said that the 10th National Assembly would partner the President Tinubu-led administration to change policies inhibiting the progress and development of the country.

He thanked the president, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC and his colleagues in the Senate for supporting him to emerge Senate President.

Akpabio spoke at the thanksgiving service in his honour at the Regina Pacis Auditorium, St Anne Cathedral Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

According to a statement by his media office, Akpabio said: “The current National Assembly will rally round and support the programmes of the current

administration by eliminating all inhibiting policies affecting the progress and development of the country. We would be partners in progress for the sole benefit of Nigerians.”

Speaking further, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who arrived the Victor Attah International Airport to a rousing welcome by indigenes across party lines led by Governor Umoh Eno, assured the people of his District of quality representation as their Senator and President of the Senate.

“I am humbled by this show of love. Humility is all that matters in life. You will see the difference. What I want you to take back home is the fact that Nigerians have elected an uncommon Senate President. We will run an uncommon Senate for the benefit of the uncommon people. That is why I am here today to thank God for what he has done for me,” he said.

I his homily, Most Rev Camillus Umoh, charged the 10th Senate to work for Nigerians and right the wrongs of the past to show that they are different through legislations. According to him: “We pray for collaboration and unity from your colleagues in both Senate and House of Representatives to make laws that would be just and for the good of Nigerians.”

L-R: General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; United States Embassy Charge d’ Affaires for Nigeria, Mr. David Greene; Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Mr. Josiah Samuel; and Abuja Branch Manager, Coscharis Group, Mr. Joseph Omokhaphe, at the 247th anniversary of US Independence at the American Embassy supported by Coscharis/Ford in Abuja… recently

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING…

L-R: Immediate past President, Institute of Directors

Attacks on Okowa Fuelled by Failed Politicians, Says Aniagwu

Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Immediate past Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said the smear campaigns against the former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa were being sponsored by individuals who have busied themselves with the struggle for the control of the resources of the state and have failed to perpetuate themselves in power.

At a news conference in Asaba at the weekend, Aniagwu said that the campaigns of calumny against the former governor commenced during the build-up to the 2023 governorship election in the state.

He said people castigating Okowa were those who lost out in

the gubernatorial contest and were using every means to malign and impugn his reputation because he deployed the resources of the state to develop every sector of the state.

He explained the genesis of what has now become a smear campaign against the immediate past governor by individuals who have busied themselves with the struggle for the control of the resources of the state.

"You will recall very well that ahead of the 2023 general elections, there were individuals that had their own candidates in the PDP. They tried as much as possible to see how they can sell their candidates which we consider as their democratic rights.

"We also reason that the management of the resources of

Ayu Has Right to Appeal Judgment of Benue Court Sacking Him, Says PDP

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said its suspended National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu has the right to appeal his sack by a Benue State High Court.

The party further said the appeal would determine once and for all the incessant issues of ward executives sacking national chairmen and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) members.

So far, two national chairmen of the party were sacked by their ward executives.

The first was Prince Uche Secondus and the second was Ayu.

Speaking in an interview with THISDAY, the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the party, Okechukwu Osuoha, said the National Working Committee (NWC) was aware of the confirmation of Ayu's suspension by the court, but there was nothing the party could do till the embattled national chairman has exhausted his rights of appeal.

According to Osuoha, "Like any other Nigerian, Ayu has a right of appeal until the highest court of the land.

"PDP has to be patient till the apex court takes a final decision on Ayu's suspension before it could do otherwise, else, the party could be accused of infringing on his fundamental rights.

"We are particularly interested in the pronouncements of the court on the sack of the national chairman by the ward executives.

"We are interested because it is contrary to the constitution of the party that no member of the National

Executive Committee (NEC) would be sacked by the ward executive. This is another way of trying to instill discipline in the party", the PDP deputy national adviser stated.

A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi had confirmed the sack of Ayu as the National Chairman of PDP.

The presiding judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, also nullified Ayu’s membership in the party.

In his verdict, Ikpambese said by Article 8(9) of the PDP’s constitution, Ayu ceased to be a member of the PDP due to his failure to pay his membership fees.

He ruled that Ayu’s membership of the PDP elapsed with his failure to pay his membership subscription fee.

Ikpambese added that Article 46(1) of the PDP empowers the ward to discipline a member of the party’s NEC.

Ayu had also argued that the ward lacked the power to suspend a member of the NEC.

But in his verdict, the judge said: “The plaintiff has proven his case. All the questions for determination have been resolved in favour of the plaintiff. He is entitled to all the reliefs sought.”

The executive members of Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, had passed a vote of no confidence in Ayu over alleged anti-party activities in March 2023.

The executives also alleged Ayu did not vote in the March 18 governorship and the House of Assembly elections in the state and also worked against the success of the PDP in his ward during the elections.

the state and the sustenance of the accountability, which Okowa introduced as part of his governance principle is paramount so that at the end of the day, the great people of Delta State will have value for the resources that God has blessed us with beneath the soil of our dear state.

"In the course of the build-up to the 2023 elections, Deltans converged particularly with members of the PDP at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, they elected a candidate of their choice and at the end of the day overwhelmingly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori won to become the candidate of the PDP and we all saw what followed.

"Individuals who are involved in this struggle who want to have a grasp of the resources of the state proceeded to the law court, went to the media invoking lots of campaign of calumny against the then governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and cast aspersions against the candidate of the party (PDP), which is the present governor but Deltans knew where they are coming from just like they said, "The Egyptians you see today, you will see them no more."

He said the PDP transversed the length and breadth of the 25 local government areas of the state and Deltans put a seal on that nomination by the members of the PDP and an overwhelming against 24 out of

25 LGAs voted in acceptance of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori even as he received appreciable votes from the other marginally won by the APC candidate.

"These individuals while they were members of the PDP proceeded to pitch tents with the APC, the opposition party in the state, that didn't work out they went to the extent if you recall in the course of the election even trying to ambush the results and some of the electoral officers in some of their local governments and that did not also give them the victory they are looking for because the victory is not in their direction.

"Now the election is won and lost the government is being formed, they have continued with the bitterness of losing that election rather than waiting for the next election which comes up in 2027 they have gone to court though it is within their democratic rights but rather than staying in the court, they went to the media to begin to tell lies which is totally at variance with the reality," he added.

The former commissioner said the Okowa administration expended over N2.6 trillion on capital projects across the 25 local government areas and the payment of salaries and running of government within

eight years.

"Out of this amount, N1.4 trillion was spent on recurrent expenditure for salaries, overhead expenses, and day-to-day running of government while N989 billion was spent on capital projects including over N50 billion so far spent on the UghelliAsaba dualisation project.

"During our administration, we embarked on adjustment of salaries to what we call the living wage and that of course meant that we had consequential adjustments which affected those on pensions taking our wage bill to as much as N10bn every month.

"If you calculate the wage bill alone for 96 months that we held sway, we spent close to 900 Billion on the issue of salaries alone not to talk about overhead expenses as well as other costs of running the government," he said.

He further remarked that the Okowa administration restructured DESOPADEC to become more responsive to the people of oilbearing communities because of the introduction of good corporate governance in the interventionist agency.

"These individuals who during their time in the past were not able to bring commensurate development to their brothers and sisters in the

oil-bearing communities are now the ones alleging that we have shortchanged the oil-bearing communities.

"The Okowa administration constructed a multi-billion-naira floating market at Ogheye-Dimigun in Warri North, as well as the construction of the multi-billion Trans Warri Road and bridges; paved all the internal roads in Burutu town.

"Others include reconstruction of Utonlila and Oboghoro communities; internal roads in Burutu; Construction of Beneku bridge; Orere bridge; Agbarho-Orherhe bridge; bridge across River Ethiope at Obiaruku; construction of 20.29 km Obotobo 1 - Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou–Yokri Road in Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu LGA as well as the main axial road at Okerenkoko among others.

"So, let them come and tell us which money they are looking for and we will show them the projects, which have contributed to the improvement of the lives of our people.

"Okowa came and gave a good account of himself and by the grace of God, we have had a seamless transition with the emergence of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, a man who will continue with the same steps and of course do more to advance Delta.

JAMB: 557,626 Candidates Admitted in 2022 Admission Process

Considers

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that 557,626 candidates from 1.8 million applications were admitted into tertiary institutions across the country in its 2022 admission processes.

In the same vein, the board has considered 140 benchmarks and above as the cut-off mark for 2023 admission into universities across the country, while 100 have been advised for polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The Registrar of the board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this during a presentation at the 2023 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions and Awards yesterday in Abuja.

Oloyede said the 2022 admission process is still ongoing due to opportunities given to some key players in the sector to conduct admissions. The registrar, who discredited notions from the public that JAMB gave admissions, said

admission depended on the availability of candidates’ five O’Level requirements as UTME was only meant for admission ranking.

“As of June 19, tertiary institutions have admitted 557,626 candidates but as we speak today, the admission is up to 600,000 as we target about 700,000. This is because admission is still ongoing.

“We hear about cut-off marks by JAMB but the truth is that not the best candidate who scored the highest mark in UTME is the best candidate.

“Admission is based on the five O’Level results that a candidate possesses because we only make use of UTME for admission ranking. JAMB has not initiated admissions since 2016,” he said. Speaking on gaps in admission vacancies and why candidates were not admitted, Oloyede said rigidity of programme choice and mismatch of demand and supply were responsible.

He also listed a lack of interest in existing vacancies and trail candidates (number of O’Level results or awaiting

results) as responsible for admission gaps in the tertiary institutions.

He, therefore, said that the onus lay with institutions to determine the national minimum tolerable UTME score, often called the ‘Cut-off marks’.

Oloyede also said JAMB is contemplating a new policy to allow the UTME candidates to write the examinations with their phones and other devices.

He said this proposed policy was based on the rising cost of logistics in taking the UTME nationwide.

According to him, it cost the JAMB over N1.2 billion to equip a Computer Based Test (CBT) centre in Kaduna State, particularly in procuring computers, which candidates use to take the examination.

“The policy which falls under the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ may require candidates wishing to take UTME in the future to bring their own devices to the examination hall,” he said.

At the policy meeting, the registrar expressed concern over the craving for university education among

candidates to the detriment of polytechnics and colleges of education.

While condemning the wide disparity in admission quotas in the country, he advised aspiring candidates to explore other options within the tertiary education sector for admission.

The Permanent Secretary, of the Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, urged the stakeholders to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the admission processes, which determined the fate of millions of students.

Adejo called on admission stakeholders to ensure credibility in the process so that no candidate would be denied admission and no undeserving candidate was given admission.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has resolved that the fundamental principle of the ministry is openness and this has been provided by JAMB through inclusiveness in the UTME.

Continued online

Nigeria (IoD Nigeria), Dr. Ije Jidenma; First Vice President, Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji; President, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo; Second Vice President, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola; and Past President, Chief Chris Okunowo, at the institute's 39th Annual General Meeting in Lagos…recently ETOP UKUTT

Stakeholders Count Gains of Airtel, MTN’s 5G Rollout

Telecoms industry stakeholders believe that the last week’s roll-out of Airtel’s 5G network in four states, which came nine months after MTN launched its version in six states, will guarantee an incredibly high speed of connectivity needed for the day-to-day technologically driven society like ours, writes

Emma Okonji

Withtheissuanceof5G licence to successful bidders of the 3.5GHz spectrum by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the 5G licensed telecoms operators have continued to roll out their 5G networks across the country, with lots of promises to the

Airtel, last week, joined other telecoms operators to roll out its 5G network in four states, with a promise to cover the entire states in Nigeria by the end of the year.

MTN had in September last year rolled out its 5G network in six states, with a promise to also cover the entire country with its 5G network, based on its network expansion plan.

Another telecoms operator that has also launched its 5G network in Nigeria, is Mafab Communication Limited, even though it has no distinct rollout plan, because it has no telecoms network of its own, but intends to ride on the telecoms network of an existing operator to roll out its 5G services to Nigerians.

Nigerian telecoms subscribers are full of excitement and renewed hopes about the new online experiences they will get from 5G network that is characterised with high speed data connectivity for video downloads and uploads, clear voice and image qualities, and low latency in terms of the time it will take the 5G network to complete a given task. Telecoms subscribers are optimistic that the development will impact positively on their social media engagement, especially with technology solution developers, for mobile devices, who strongly believe that 5G will be the game changer for them.

Airtel 5G Rollout

Airtel Nigeria last week rolled out its 5G network in four states in Nigeria, with plans to cover the entire country by the end of the year. The four states include Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Abuja.

According to Airtel, the 5G Launch is a non-standalone version that is better in service delivery.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive revolution opens a new vista of opportunities and it is a quantum leap from the existing 4G network.

smooth but in 5G, end-to-end video creation possible. 5G is a completely new experience that supercharges cloud computing, telemedicine, self-driving cars, cloud gaming, Augmented by the limits of our imagination.”

He said with 5G, there would be more collaboration among stakeholders in the telecoms space Cities, among others.

Cruz appreciated the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for enabling telecoms operators in Nigeria to join other countries that have rolled out the 5G service, through the issuance of 5G spectrum licence.

with 5G technology, not just in Africa but all over the world, thanks to the commitment of

the Nigerian government. 5G became a reality early in Nigeria when only about 60 countries frequency spectrum band allocated to 5G will make the experience wore worthwhile for consumers. Our goal as Airtel Nigeria, therefore, is to make 5G accessible and widespread in the country,” Cruz further said.

Femi Oshinlaja, said to ensure more Nigerians have access to the 5G technology, Airtel would partnered Samsung to deliver the Galaxy A14

He said though the 5G was positioned to consume more data because it enables more speed and latency, he however said the rate and prices of data would remain the same.

MTN 5G Plan

MTN Nigeria in September last year, launched its commercial 5G network in Lagos, with a promise to carry out 5G commercial launch

launch a commercial 5G network in Nigeria. The Lagos 5G commercial launch came on the heels of its 5G pilot launch three weeks before the commercial launch.

During the pilot launch, MTN had promised to carry out a 5G commercial launch in six cities, beginning from Lagos.

Speaking during the commercial launch Toriola, said the Lagos 5G commercial launch to begin the 5G commercial launch in cities, within one month of the 5G rollout.

The advanced 5G technology promises to

extend the reach and capacity of MTN Nigeria’s data network in Nigeria and enable much faster speeds and lower latency, giving customers near-instant access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.

According to MTN, to access the 5Gers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace. The pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers at designated locations.

Nigerians the best of service with 5G telecom operator to roll out 5G technology services on its network on August 24, 2022. in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.

Consumers’ Experience with 5G

A few subscribers who shared their were excited at the incredible connectivity speed with zero latency to complete each task, coupled with the clear voice quality and picture quality of downloaded online materials. They however said the data consumption rate appeared much higher than the 3G and 4G networks.

MTN subscribers with a 5 G-enabled smartphone who experienced the 5G

technology on the MTN network from Lagos, described it as mind-blowing. its incredible high speed of connectivity, but my challenge with it is that the rate of consumption is on the high side. What it means is that subscribers must have enough data to experience cannot use 5G for now, except the operator work will be a thing of concern to many subscribers.

Mrs. Grace Babajide, who experienced the Airtel 5G launch last week, said the 5G experience was wonderful because of its high download speed.

of two gigabytes and three gigabytes. Though it consumes data faster, the experience cannot be compared with the data consumption because the download speed is extremely fast and saves a lot of time,” Babajide said.

She, however, said the majority of Nigerians do not have 5G-enabled devices to connect to the 5G network, and raised concern about the likely high cost of 5G devices, by the time they become available.

As more operators roll out their 5G network, consumer behavior is likely to change, based on consumer engagement on social media platforms. With 5G, software developers, Fintech solution developers, including content creators for mobile devices, will engage more with their because 5G will allow for easy and faster navigation online.

Telecom masts

Tim Akano : Wale Adeniyi That I Know

There is a popular quote that goes something like this: “Be careful what you wish for; for it could well come to pass”. Sometime in 2019, Tim Akano, Managing Director of New Horizon’s System Solution, had invited some of his friends to Protea Hotel in Ikeja to celebrate Wale Adeniyi, his friend of about 36 years then who had just been promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). While the toast to Wale was on, one of the guests, another classmate of Wale at Ife had asked what appeared to be an innocuous question: “What would you bring to the table when (not if) you become the Comptroller General of the Customs?” Wale hesitated a bit before firing what appeared like a prepared speech on what he would do when (not if) he becomes the Comptroller General. We all laughed over it. A few days ago, the word became flesh. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu appointed Wale Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of the Customs Service. In the piece below, Tim Akano gives an insight into different sides of the new Comptroller General that may not be too obvious to many. Please enjoy.

Words can incite anger or invoke passion. They can bring people together or tear them apart. Words can uphold the truth or nurture a lie. We use words to encompass history, describe the natural universe, and even conjure realistic visions of things that exist only in fantasy. In fact, in some mythology, spoken words are thought to be so powerful that they can create worlds, creatures, and human beings - Esther Lombard

There is a popular quote that goes something like this: “Be careful what you wish for; for it could well come to pass”. Sometime in 2019, Tim Akano, Managing Director of New Horizon’s System Solution, had invited some of his friends to Protea Hotel in Ikeja to celebrate Wale Adeniyi, his friend of about 36 years then who had just been promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). While the toast to Wale was on, one of the guests, another classmate of Wale at Ife had asked what appeared to be an innocuous question: “What would you bring to the table when (not if) you become the Comptroller General of the Customs?” Wale hesitated a bit before firing what appeared like a prepared speech on what he would do when (not if) he becomes the Comptroller General. We all laughed over it. A few days ago, the word became flesh. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu appointed Wale Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of the Customs Service. In the piece below, Tim Akano gives an insight into different sides of the new Comptroller General that may not be too obvious to many. Please enjoy.

The Wale that I know is a dedicated family man. He is the centre of gravity, the super glue, if you like, the unbreakable bond to his family, friends and community.

Humour merchant, no dull moment, Wale has this unique way of looking for a modicum of positivity in every sea of challenges.

An extraordinary wordsmith. In our class tutorial in those days, the more logical reasoning you put behind your argument and the more sophisticated your grammar, the better your rating in the class. Wale excelled academically. He is an indisputable A student.

Little wonder why early in his career, he was appointed the Public Relations Officer of the NCS. And for the past 40 years I have known him, he has held one leadership position or the other everywhere he has been.

Very religious. Behind all his jocular self lies an ironclad commitment to the Almighty, his Maker, though he doesn’t wear religion as a badge, it shows in his work and relationship with people. He practises silent charity. Kind-

hearted, always lending a helping hand to people in genuine need and who are most likely not in a position to repay his generosity.

Wale is a specialist in cooking ‘Fish Head’. He enjoys cooking. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Wale became a regular cook. He usually shared his cooking pictures on our platform proudly. He is a B+ Chef, though.

The new CG is born master of ceremonies (MC) extraordinaire. If Wale had chosen the MC as a profession, he would still have ended up a first-class master of ceremonies, like the world’s best MCs, such as Alan Thicke and Stephen K. Amos. He cracks jokes effortlessly. And it takes a genius brain to get people to laugh, especially when they are in “sifia pains”. Wale is one such person who can make people in “sifia pains” laugh and forget the reasons they are hurting.

Wale taught at one village school long before he gained admission into the university. So, it is in order if I call Wale a once-upon-a-time village school teacher.

The new CG was very troublesome in class. Wale would silently cook all the trouble. It was his lot as the class captain to bring order to the perpetually chaotic international relations conversations. We argued ad infinitum on virtually everything without reaching a consensus: apartheid, multinationals, whether they are evils or agents of underdevelopment or employment creators, Cuba and the USSR, among others

Our class was extremely lively but volatile and noisy. Our lecturers sometimes would lose control of the class.

Once that happened, Professor Okolo, our lecturer, would jokingly give his verdict: everyone is right, and every argument is correct, even though we had five contradictory positions on the table.

But surprisingly, when results were released after the exams, Wale would always end up as one of the best in the class academically. How he managed to juggle the four contradictory roles: a troublemaker and a noise-maker catcher, class captainship, and academic excellence, is one of the unresolved equations about Wale.

Gunners for life. He is a B footballer but an A football fanatical supporter. His team was, is and will remain an Arsenal fan, even when Arsenal is sinking. Wale would rather sink with Arsenal than swim with any other reigning football team champion.

He played football in school, but he was not a fantastic footballer.

Wale scored against his own team a couple of times, but he would quickly joke about it and be the first to laugh at himself. He doesn’t allow setbacks to define or overwhelm him.

His commitment to Arsenal is as strong as his commitment to his friends. For Wale, there is no yesterday’s friend. We have been friends for almost 40 years and still remain close friends. And that is the same experience his friends in NIPR have with him.

Wale is an action man, conspicuous, and a doer, a go-getter. In 40 years, I have not seen Wale dropping the ball. No. Once Wale is behind the limo as the driver, be rest assured that Wale will deliver excellently. There is no excuse in Wale’s dictionary.

He can’t get lost in the crowd. He is always eager to add value selflessly in every gathering he belongs to.

Wale writes and speaks English, French and Yoruba fluently. He speaks Yoruba with wise proverbs to drive home his points. His multilingual ability is a big plus for him in the new office as Nigeria is surrounded by French-speaking countries.

When we formed the International Relations Alumni Association (IRAA), he wanted to excuse himself from taking an official position. I prevailed on him to serve as our first BoT Chairman for the whole 30 sets that had graduated from our department at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. And typical of Wale, he has done creditably. He piloted the association through the most difficult baby-step years, providing sundry supports: morally, intellectually, financially and humorously.

Wale’s early membership of Man-O-War probably

was the best thing, I believe, that prepared him for the several leadership roles which life has thrown at him, most importantly, the new job he would resume this week. From the Man-OWar training, Wale must have acquired, like a stoic, the three life’s most important disciplines: perception, action and details, and thirdly, the discipline of audacity, all of which, I believe, will become very critical in his new role as the new CG NCS.

Sometimes Wale would choose to go for Man-O-War leadership drilling around 5 am in the morning rather than attend the 7 am lectures. We called it “lecture stabbing”. Wale stabbed several lectures to acquire the leadership skills which the country is celebrating in him today. Wale paid wholesale, not retail price for his new prize!

And probably because he is so gifted academically that once he goes through the notebooks, his photogenic brain picked all the salient points. So, he didn’t suffer academically as a result of his prioritising the acquisition of life skills.

With Wale, what you see is what it is and what you get: no deceit, no forming, no embellishments and no showmanship. He is down to earth, authenticity is his middle name.

What else about Wale?

He is a drummer. He is skilful in beating the Yoruba traditional talking drum. He can use the talking drum to make complete statements and proverbs. At the same time, he is a good dancer.

All told, by Wale’s appointment as the new Comptroller General of Customs Service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is putting a round peg in a round hole. PBAT has appointed a versatile, academically sound and experienced professional with an impeccable character, visionary, tested and trusted, results-oriented turnaround leader as the new class captain of the Nigeria Customs Service. As Wale had done with all the past class captain roles he held, he will not fail to reposition the NCS to make it globally competitive.

I strongly believe Wale would make our generation proud. He owes Nigeria, he owes the Commander in Chief, and Wale owes our generation to raise the bar of quality public service delivery, that it is possible and it can be done!

Wale Adeniyi

Wale Adeniyi at the 2019 Protea event

“Words can incite anger or invoke passion. They can bring people together or tear them apart. Words can uphold the truth or nurture a lie. We use words to encompass history, describe the natural universe, and even conjure realistic visions of things that exist only in fantasy. In fact, in some mythology, spoken words are thought to be so powerful that they can create worlds, creatures, and human beings” - Esther Lombard

Akano

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

CARDINAL OKOGIE NWABUISI JOHNPAUL pays tribute to Anthony Cardinal Okogie at age 87

THE RAIN IN SPAIN IS NEVER IN VAIN

Goodbye to the age of innocence, writes

J. K. RANDLE

I am not about to dabble in weather forecast or climate change in Spain. Rather, I am more concerned about matters nearer home. At 29th May 2 023, two invitation cards were delivered to me in Lagos, one for an event at Eagle Square in Abuja and the other one at both events were actually scheduled for 9 it was raining heavily. The rain came down were further compounded by the deluge of the drainage system in Lagos.

At any rate, there I was battling with getting way to start a new regime or renew the old one. Nevertheless, we must remain hopeful and optimistic – regardless of the warning by the supper.”

(disgraceful) followed by the former Supreme Court (now the Federal Court of Appeal) and the iconic King’s College, Lagos.

“From tomorrow, don’t pity me. I applied for the job; I campaigned for it; and I got the job. No excuses. I must deliver.”

He will do well to heed the advice of the legendary President Nelson Mandela of South Africa (1918 – 2013):

“There are times when a leader must people the right way.” pouring rain. What comes to mind is a note of resignation to fate. In Latin, it comes with a sense of guilt:

“Tempus terrera in nihi agendo”

Character, values, and principles are the defining elements that shape the substance and essence of any man. This assertion resonates profoundly when we consider

of 87 years has been punctuated by God with uncommon love, good health, joy, peace, divine guidance, and providence. It by his numerous outstanding achievements in service to God, His Church, and humanity. With unwavering dedication and wherever he ministered, and even in retirement, his vibrant service and lifestyle continue to inspire, mirroring the passion he exhibited as the Archbishop of Lagos. During his tenure as the Archbishop of God’s spirit alive in the Archdiocese, fostering love, unity, discipline, and peace among the faithful. Through the collaboration of devoted priests, religious, and lay faithful, he built an admirable and formidable Archdiocese. Today, it stands tall, thriving with responsible, proactive, generous, and spiritual Catholics, a legacy that the current Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, continues to uphold and strengthen.

commitment to truth and openness on unadulterated truth, even when it may strain his relationships with those who need to hear it. Truth is an integral part of

time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a embodies this sentiment, particularly in his unapologetic criticism of government policies and his fight against injustices and the infringement of human rights. He fears no one and is willing to put his life on the line for the cause of truth, justice, and peace. Even in retirement, he remains vocal about deeply concerned about the plight of the

masses.

epitomizes generosity. He selflessly gives and wholeheartedly embraces Jesus’ command to give and love. Countless individuals and institutions owe an immeasurable debt of

bring smiles to the faces of the less fortunate with humility and discretion. I recall a poignant moment during one of his birthday celebrations when he humbly turned away a photographer who sought to capture the recipients of his charitable deeds. With profound empathy, he questioned, “If you were in their shoes, would you want people or showmanship.

mindful of money, wine, and women.” His intention is not to condemn these aspects, but rather to caution against the perils of excessive greed that can accompany the pursuit of earthly pleasures. As he eloquently puts it, “You can never have enough of anything.” Thus, he urges us all to temper our desires, safeguard our minds, and channel our pursuits towards nobler endeavors.

In conclusion, as we honor and celebrate the extraordinary patriarch of faith, His collectively express our heartfelt gratitude to God for the precious gift of his presence journey thus far and entrust the remaining years to God’s divine providence, praying for the grace of final perseverance for His Eminence. We extend our sincerest appreciation and prayers to all the generous benefactors and individuals,

God abundantly bless and reward each one of you. Happy 87th birthday, Your

Johnpaul is a Seminarian and student, melchi5801@gmail.com

day regardless of the hefty sums doled out to the rain doctors in order to ensure that the day would be radiant with hope and sunshine. It Alecs had gamed the government. They were rain doctors alright but they insisted that they had been shortchanged by those who collected money on their behalf. In any case, they only is raining all over again in our beloved Lagos on a day that should hold out much hope and brilliant sunshine.

Spain stays mainly in the plains.”

“Hoping your president fails is the same patriotism. Patriotism isb supporting your with him on everything.”

According to the front page of “The Guardian” newspaper of May 29, 2923: elect yesterday said that She would be of one the oldest First Ladies the country has everb produced. She said this during the presidential inauguration Interdenominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, “Nigeria’s wealth is the commonwealth of all. It belongs to everyone.

God has blessed my family. We don’t need the wealth of Nigeria to survive but to do the right thing. And I promise you on this altar, that with your help, with the help of God, we will set this nation on the right path.” My immediate challenge is how to navigate the right path out of the traffic chaos. It is still pouring with rain. It is When “Pygmalion” was published in highly entertaining study of Victorian class distinctions and social conventions. George

In the midst of all this, the powerful message that is trending on social media delivered on the same day the First Lady ceremony).

It translates as: “Wasting time doing nothing.” Rain has always played a powerful However, the role is interchangeable. Sometimes it’s a blessing; but other times it delivers a sinister warning of doom. My in the fourth form at King’s College, Lagos. Sergeant and from the rumour mill we got and parade alongside the Nigerian Army on that epochal occasion. It turned out to be

lowly rite of distributing programmes and acting as ushers in the VIP section of the Grand Stand. Fortunately, the venue was the Square) which was right opposite our college. It was with considerable excitement that on the appointed day we lined up to carry out our assignment. No sooner had we ventured out of the college compound than it started to rain cats and dogs: It was too late to return to the college to fetch our raincoats and umbrellas. We just had to soldier on.

As we approached the Grand Stand, we the names of the dignitaries as they arrived. There we were in our snow white college uniform topped with our blue blazers were splashed with the full dose of rainwater from a pool as a car screeched past. It was no consolation that our tormentor turned out to be the Minister of Education, Mr. Aja not the only victims. A fellow victim and when the name of the new arrival was announced as “Aja” which in Yoruba means dog. He proceeded to lament: “If the Minister’s dog would do this to us, what will the Minister himself do to us?”

Thereafter, we proceeded to the VIP section for our own bit of national duty. It was a truly memorable event. The crème de la crème of Nigerian society were all there.

Awolowo, the leader of the opposition and his wife were ushered to an obscure section. Even the Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

INSECURITY AND THE SERVICE CHIEFS

The new security chiefs have their jobs well cut out

The chilling report that no fewer than 201 people have been killed within in Mangu, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang

indeed a renewal of hope

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

Letters to the Editor LETTERS

NIGERIA AND THE CULTURE OF CORRUPTION

There is an urgent need for the security agencies to do more not only in terms of firepower but also strategy to arrest the situation

On the Road in Nigeria and Niger

Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, who visited Nigeria last week as part of his Foundation’s commitment to work closely with communities and leaders to support innovation that can help accelerate progress and improve lives across Africa, recounts with excitement the success of the trip

Have you ever visited a place you haven’t been in a while, and it somehow manages to feel both new and familiar? That’s how I feel every time I go back to Nigeria.

It was amazing to return to Lagos and Abuja this week. I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time in Nigeria over the last two-plus decades, but it’s been nearly five years since my last visit due to the pandemic. Nigeria—and especially Lagos—is one of the most dynamic, vibrant places in the world, and I am always blown away by how much it’s changed. At the same time, I loved getting to catch up with old friends and reconnect in person with longtime partners. (Remote meetings are great, but it’s nice to meet face-to-face on occasion.)

This week also marked my first-ever trip to Niger. Our foundation has been working with talented Nigeriens for years to help ensure children’s health and prevent the spread of polio, and it was exciting to see the country for myself and talk about the future of that work.

It was a great week. These were some of my favorite moments:

Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

Nigeria is one of the youngest, fastestgrowing countries in the world. The number of people between the ages of 20 and 40 is projected to double by 2050, from around 62 million today to 123 million. That’s a huge number of people who can use their passions and skills to help solve big problems—and I was excited to speak with some of them at the Youth Innovation Forum in Lagos. Students from the Lagos Business School and I talked about how you can make a difference while also turning a profit, how Africa can maximize the tremendous potential of its human capital, and why jollof rice is one of many good reasons to visit Nigeria.

An Inspiring Champion for Maternal Health

I met with Professor Bosede Afolabi at the Randle Maternity & Children’s Hospital, where I got to see firsthand her pioneering work on intravenous iron fusions. One of Dr. Afolabi’s patients had anemia—an often-dangerous condition created by low iron levels—after having an emergency C-section. She received a simple 15-minute treatment that was really going to help her recover. It was awesome to see such promising work up close. I’m hopeful IV iron could one day save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Catching up with Aliko Dangote

I’ve been lucky to call Aliko Dangote a friend for many years. We have a ton in common: Both of us started successful businesses and then, for our second acts in life, we chose to start foundations aimed at improving health and education. I got to spend lots of time with him this week, and it’s always super fun to catch up with him in person. He’s been an invaluable partner to our foundation over the years—especially in his native Nigeria—working together on issues like malnutrition, food fortification, and polio.

Checking out the Future of Agriculture in Lagos

Nigeria is home to some of the most interesting work being done in agriculture, and I had the opportunity to check out a few of the most promising innovations in the pipeline. I was especially excited to hear more about Aflasafe, a product that protects crops from a deadly compound called aflatoxin that is created by a fungal infection. (It’s estimated that nearly a third

of all liver cancer cases in Africa are due to aflatoxin exposure.) They have a novel approach to scaling up and supporting farmers, and I’m optimistic their product will save many lives.

Meetings with Leadership

I was honored to meet with President Mohamed Bazoum (left) in Niamey, Niger and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right) in Abuja, Nigeria, as well as with the Sultan of Sokoto and traditional leaders from across Nigeria (below). It was inspiring to hear all of them talk about their work to make progress on today’s biggest challenges. Sitting down with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Ebuka is probably best known as the host of Nigeria’s version of Big Brother, but I got to know him when he hosted our foundation’s Goalkeepers event last year. I loved getting the chance to catch up with him in Lagos, where we talked about the power of youth innovation, climate change, and more.

Making Solar Power More Accessible Nigeria faces serious energy challenges, including an unreliable grid that often leaves people without power for hours at a time. Many households and small businesses rely on loud, dirty diesel generators to make up for it—but a Breakthrough Energy Ventures–backed company called Arnergy is hoping to change that. It was super cool to see their hybrid solar power generator and lithium storage unit in person.

Improved Tools and Data to Help Babies Survive and Thrive

I’ve visited a number of neonatal care units at hospitals throughout my career. They’re always one of the most intense places to see in person. It’s a high stress environment, and a programme called NEST360 is working to ease some of the burden. NEST360 partners with hospitals in four countries across Africa to implement critical innovations for sick newborns, like warmers and CPAP machines. It also uses data to improve outcome for these babies. (NEST stands for Neonatal Essential Solutions and Technologies.) I got to see firsthand how access to these technologies is saving lives at the Massey Street Children’s Hospital in Lagos.

It was a busy but inspiring week in Nigeria and Niger. I left more convinced than ever that, with support, young people can develop innovative solutions to transform Africa’s future. I’m looking forward to continuing work with our foundation’s many outstanding partners across the region in the years ahead.

Setting Development Agenda for a New Nigeria: Technology Transfer and Foreign Policy as Instruments

etting Development Agenda for a New Nigeria: International Technology Transfer and Foreign Policy as Instruments”was the title of the First Public Lecture organised by the Lead City University’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, on Friday, 23rd June, 2023. It was held at the international Conference Centre of the university and chaired by Ambassador Chandramouli Kumar Kern, the Consul General of India, Lagos. The lecture was delivered by Professor Bola A. Akinterinwa, of the Political Science Department of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State. Engineer Dr. Babatunde S. Emmanuel, the Acting Dean, of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology played host to the event. The lecture was interesting from the perspective of how to use international technology transfer and foreign policy to build a new Nigeria. Amb. Chandramouli Kumar Kern gave an account of how technology transfer has been critical to the development of India, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, and how comparatively Nigeria can do same to remain a giant that she really is.

AsfurtherexplainedbyDr.BabatundeEmmanuel,theorganisation of the lecture is explained by three main considerations: generate innovative intellectual intervention for the purpose of national policy re-orientation,‘usher the newly inaugurated government of Nigeria both at the state and national levels to prepare them for the task of techno-economic development and good governance,’ and to invite a ‘deliberate intellectual engagement with respect to Nigeria’s foreign policy re-direction at the level of global diffusion of Technology from the advanced nations to the developing economies such as Nigeria.’

And perhaps more noteworthy, Dr. Emmanuel had it that ‘as part of the intellectual efforts towards national technology policy reorientation for relevant stakeholders in the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the public lecture will provide a platform for timely engagement of policy makers and set the development for the Nigeria of our dream, with particular focus on national policy on international technology transfer.’

Without doubt, the lecture raised a number of observations regarding the environmental conditionings of international technology transfer to Nigeria, as well as drew attention to the type of Nigeria of our dream that should be fostered. Perhaps what is more interesting is the participation of lecturers and students from Achievers University, Owo and Adekunle Ajasin, Akungba, who were led by Dr Olatunji Olateju at the lecture. Knowledge generation as a major instrument for national development is increasingly being given emphasis.

Observations and Thrusts of Lecture

It is first observed that Nigeria must ‘technologise’ in a special manner in order to be able to respond to international development challenges. The main reason here is that fighting re-colonisation can no longer be done in the old way which required carrying anti-colonial battles through violent protests to the door steps of the colonial masters. The current situational reality requires a priori that Nigeria engages in the acquisition of modern technology by whatever means, by self-made efforts or by invited transfer.

Secondly, no one wants to freely share technology and trade secrets. It has even been posited that development is far-fetched for non-manufacturing countries, and that manufacturing is a prerequisite for development. In other words, transfer of technology is more meaningful for countries that already have a modicum of technological know-how. And perhaps more interestingly, George Beekman and Ben Beekman have argued that the promise of the future lies not in technology but in all the students of the world. Besides, technology transfer is often fraught with dirty international politics. The management of technology business necessarily requires foreign policy intervention, especially in terms of needed assistance to protect foreign investments, avoidance of double taxation, guaranteed repatriation of business dividends, as well as application of relevant official diplomacy and citizen

diplomacy where necessary.

Thirdly, it may be difficult to set an agenda for a new Nigeria that we know very little about. Is there any clear idea of a Nigeria of our dream that is agreed to by majority or consensus? What really is the Nigeria of our dream? Should there be a national debate on which Nigeria to have and promote? And perhaps more interestingly, setting a development agenda for a new Nigeria cannot but be difficult unless the factor of newness is first re-defined in the context of changes-in-continuity and not necessarily in terms of continuity-and-change.

A new Nigeria can be interpreted to imply new mentality, new behavioural attitude at the level of citizens and new political party behaviour. In other words, New Nigeria may not mean a simple redefinition of Nigeria in terms of change of population, territorial size, and change of government. A New Nigeria must have a New Nigerian personality, with a new character and modern-day technology-driven attitudinal disposition towards a sociological nation-building.

Fourthly, there are Nigerians but there is no notion of Nigeria in them. It is a case of having Nigerians without Nigeria, no commitment to Nigeria but to ethnic communities. Consequently, setting a technology-driven development agenda for people on whose minds Nigeria and patriotism does not exist cannot but be futile, meaning that a serious homework must first be done on the minds of the so-called Nigerians.

As regards the thrusts of the lecture, it is posited that

Another top priority should be the Southeast-Southwest rail infrastructure development agenda. The route is a major economic business road connecting major manufacturing cities. Rail system facilitates the carriage of very heavy goods, fast movement of passengers, fast movement of exportable products and reduces road traffic congestions. Above all, the need for a 21st Century National Mega City for Technology and Scientific Research Development in Nigeria remains the mother of all technology development agenda setting that should begin under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and that should be continuously sustained by subsequent administrations until, at least, the next fifty years. Historical record of all scientific research findings should be stored, kept and updated nationally for posterity. Researches on new technologies should be centrally determined, conducted and managed. By so doing, a national culture of research and development will be evolved and applied in the building of a new Nigeria of our dream. In this regard, private universities in Nigeria, like the Lead City University and the Achievers University, should provide leadership and more critical thinking on the take-off of the new National Mega City for technology development in Nigeria

the garment of individual and institutional corruption, toga of irrationalities, dishonesty of purpose, and ethnic chauvinism must first be thrown into the garbage of history by all Nigerians; a new mentality must be evolved and an agenda setting must be collectively conceived, collectively designed, collectively negotiated, collectively implemented, and collectively evaluated without anyone having to lay claim to being superior to one another;

And based on the foregoing, the international technology to be acquired and the relevant foreign policy instrument to be adopted in the making of the New Nigeria must enable the making of grandeur du Nigéria, that is, the making of a greater Nigeria, the greatness of Nigeria. The New Nigeria must be a Nigeria with un-parallel military power, second to none in Africa and respected internationally even if it is by force of necessity. It must be a Nigeria of primus inter pares that is economically vibrant and that will be the leader of a re-defined Africa in which its citizens are not subject to xenophobic attacks. Please note at this juncture my own understanding of a re-defined Africa or my concept of new Africa: it is Africa without the north or Maghrebin Africa.

The New Nigeria must be one that will be nationally and internationally sustained as the world capital of the whole black people of the world. At the epicentre of any development agenda setting must be the establishment of a National Mega City for Technology and Scientific Research and Development in all ramifications, with an attendant foreign policy of a greater Nigeria. Without doubt, the intellectual challenge of the lecture is how to use international technology and foreign policy as instruments to set a development agenda for a new Nigeria. It is within the context of this mega city that technology development for self-reliant purposes should take place and that issues of national unity can also be meaningfully addressed;

Finally the lecture submits in conclusion that Nigeria must technologise in all ramifications as a counter-response to current global efforts to recolonize Africa through changing technology. The Federal Government of Nigeria must set aside, at least fifty square kilometres of land space for the establishment of the National Mega City for Technology and Scientific Research and Development (NMC-TSRD) as a pivotal basis for further global development of African and black dignity. In this regard, a foreign policy of a greater Nigeria that will be largely driven by modern-day technology cannot but be a desideratum. The National Mega City, structurally, should be a city divided into villages and research sectors. The villages should be for various disciplines: medical village, ICT Village, Engineering Village, Social Science Village, History Village, Sports Village, National language development Village, Africa Village, Nigeria Village, etc. The villages are to have research facilities for the various sub-disciplines.

The villages should not only be a depository for all doctoral theses in Nigeria and an intellectual clearing house for doctoral researchers and doctoral titles, but should also be a special centre for Nigerian academics at home and in the Diaspora to spend their sabbatical years for continuous research and development. A foreign policy of a Greater Nigeria that will be largely driven by modern-day technology must be part of a focused agenda setting and must represent all the constituent states of Nigeria.

The main responsibility of the National Technology Research Mega City, should be to harmonise the activities of the various institutes and colleges of technology, and departments of technology studies in the various universities in the country. This cannot but be the first mother of all technology development agenda setting in a New Nigeria. Indeed, technology development agenda setting is one thing, but what about the processes of technology acquisition and transfer? The Lead City has itself identified many challenges facing techno-economic development in the present-day Nigeria: inadequate intellectual engagements at the level of global politics of international technology transfer; alleged international conspiracy to keep African nations technologically under-developed; indiscriminate dumping of technology products in the developing societies as distinct from outright transfer of technology; and sustained inconsistency in the implementation of national policy for technoeconomic development of Nigeria. In other words, what is the situation with technology transfer in international practice?

Technology Transfer in International Practice

Technology transfer in international business practice is quite interesting because of its unstable environment and different operational levels. Technology transfer is an integral part of the process of technological innovation. It is defined as the process of transferring the results of scientific and technological research to the marketplace and to a larger segment of society. Technology transfer that occurs internationally and across international borders is referred to as international technology transfer. In this regard, technology transfer or transfer of technology is a relationship between the pioneer owner or holder of technology who intends to share or transfer its intellectual property and another person who wants to acquire the intellectual property for further purposes of transformation and invention. Explained differently, technology transfer is the act of transferring technology from one owner to an aspiring user for greater improvement and services to the larger society.

Tinubu

TAYLOR

WITH YORUBA CULTURE

Since his appointment as the Yoruba Culture Ambassador by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll., Oladotun Taylor, a historian, has been tirelessly spreading the gospel of Yoruba culture in the diaspora and reconnecting descendants of the tribe with their heritage. Vanessa Obioha’s recent encounter with him serves as an eye-opening experience of his work

There are More of West African Yoruba Descent in the Diaspora...

You can tell from his eyes that Oladotun Taylor needs rest. The past few days have been a whirlwind of activities: sightseeing and visits to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll., in his royal palace in Osun. Despite the apparent fatigue, the night was far from over for the historian. Seated across from him at Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos was a group of foreigners who were in Lagos to find out more about their roots.

It was last September that Taylor, who was appointed the Yoruba Culture Ambassador by the Ooni five years ago, set up the Ilé Koko outfit, a travel and lifestyle company that helps Afro-Diasporan descents to trace their genealogy. Through curating cultural events and travel experiences, Taylor assists them in discovering Africa, with a particular focus on Ile-Ife, which he believes is the birthplace of the world.

“The entire world started out of Ile-Ife,” he began. “I have seen Indian people claim that their ancestors told them that their people migrated from West Africa. I have seen Brazilians, and Cubans make similar claims and I know that the world started from one source and it’s not Israel because Israel is a desert.”

So far, Taylor has brought about 15 Afro-Diasporans to Nigeria to visit Ile-Ife and learn about Yoruba culture. On this particular trip, there were individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Afro-Americans and Mexicans.

“The Mexicans are more Yoruba than some of us here,” he pointed out. “They worship Sango, Obatala and all that. It’s not about skin colour; it’s about a growing number of black people seeking their genealogy, and even a few white individuals as well.”

With a degree in history from the University of Ilorin, Taylor has always been passionate about Yoruba culture and takes great pride in it. This is reflected in his confident tone as his deep knowledge of the dynamic nature of culture and the prevalence of Yoruba lineage among Afro-Diasporans comes into play.

“Culture is in transit. Culture will always change. I’m not one of those people that think that you’re a Yoruba girl, so you have to kneel down, or you are a Yoruba boy you have to prostrate. It’s in transit, it changes. So whatever you can salvage from it is just the best thing you have.”

He continued: “Yoruba culture is a transcontinental culture. It will surprise most Yorubas of West Africa that there are people of Yoruba descent in the diaspora way more than the number of Yorubas in West Africa. For instance, Yoruba is the second official language of Brazil. There are about 120 million people who are Yoruba descent in Brazil, and there are only about 65 million here in Nigeria. So this means a larger number, even in the diaspora. In Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Garifuna people of California.

“So I tend to actually realise that although this is the source where everything started, there are a lot of Yoruba people and culture, everywhere else in the world. But interestingly, a lot of us don’t even know each other. We don’t know because some of them have already been colonised by the Spanish people. They don’t know the ones that have been colonised by the English people. And the ones that have been colonised by the French don’t know the ones that have been colonised by the Portuguese. We’re larger than we really are.”

One of the fascinating discoveries

Taylor has made about Yoruba culture is that the Yoruba people are among the oldest in the world.

“The Yoruba people are found generally in the epicentre of the world. If we are to find the exact centre, it’s somewhere around Ile-Ife. And from scientific genetics, it is being found that the Yoruba people, if not the oldest, are part of the oldest people in the world. To

date, we turn out to express the finest of things. Apart from being a culture and a people, Yoruba is a study.”

As the Yoruba culture ambassador, Taylor primarily focuses on people of Afro-American descent. “The children of slaves or the people who are Yorubas that live in the diaspora after the world broke and divided.”

He estimated that there are about

over 500 million people of Yoruba descent in the world.

Taylor emphasised the significance of cultural identity for this population.

“An average Afro-American is concerned about his cultural identity. The question of who I am is on his mind because you probably can trace like six or four of your generations to your village. There’s a saying in the United States that you can trace the history of a horse more than that of a black man. Because the horse is recorded more as they give birth but they didn’t tell the black man even where their great grandparents were stolen as slaves. There is this need right now and science is available. When they know that of course, the natural thing is to look for how to get here.”

Taylor’s love for history stems from his passion for storytelling. Earlier on, he recognised his talent for storytelling and chose to study history to become a better storyteller. Throughout his university days, he discovered his unrivalled love for history and culture, a passion that has remained with him. However, his focus is solely on Yoruba culture-one that fascinates him the most.

As a storyteller, Taylor uses different mediums to tell his stories. He described his talent this way.

“As a creative personality, I try to hone my talent in any way I can use it to pass my message. It is the message first, then the medium of expression comes after. And the medium of expression I have chosen has been films and the microphone which transcends into broadcasting and these two things have to deal with the talent that I found myself with. I like to tell stories, mixed with pictures and interpret scripts. I also do voice-overs. But the message comes first since I have identified myself as a custodian of Yoruba culture, and remember the Yoruba people are colourful and we love to tell stories.”

During his time in Nigeria, Taylor hosted a radio show. Lately, films are one of his mediums of expression, his latest being ‘Take Me Home’ which features the Ooni of Ife.

The film which has already gulped thousands of dollars in production centres on the quest for originality and identity. It tells the story of an American girl who became possessed after wearing an African masquerade costume that was stolen during a tour in Ile-Ife. In a bid to save her life, her entire family, guided by the promises of two African immigrants, embarked on a journey that would land them in hot waters.

“It’s a story about the repatriation of African arts and as a Yoruba culture ambassador, immediately I was contacted to do the story, there was no hesitation.”

The film stars Nollywood actors Abdullateef Adedimeji and Bayo Bankole as well as Hollywood actors like Dave Sheridan, Amber Rivette, Felissa Rose and Meji Black.

Taylor also runs the Roots Heritage Foundation and in the past five years have been consistent in distributing eyeglasses to the older people in Ile-Ife each time he visits Nigeria because according to him “history is beautiful but if you cannot read, you will not see that beauty.”

Being the Yoruba culture ambassador to the Ooni has been a blessing to Taylor. He described the experience as beautiful, recognizing that the Ooni appointed him to share the message of Yoruba culture globally and interpret it from a global perspective while making an impact both at home and abroad.

“When he appointed me I instantly realised that he wanted me to take the message of the Yoruba culture global and interpret it from a global perspective and impact home and abroad.”

With passion and dedication, Taylor continues his work, spreading the richness of Yoruba culture and heritage to people of Yoruba descent around the world.

Taylor

HighLife

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Mixed Feelings Trail Impending 70th Birthday of

Gov. Akeredolu’s Wife

sensitivity considering the circumstances.

It is worth noting that none of the citizens criticising the First Lady’s birthday preparations is entirely certain about the governor’s health condition. Nevertheless, based on ongoing reports of his ill health, they advocate for a more sombre approach. Conversely, Lady Betty appears more relaxed and is even willing to entertain guests during the upcoming celebrations.

Ovations as New Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Celebrates 60th Birthday in Style

Governorship in Nigeria holds significant importance, as it offers not only monetary benefits but also the prestige of leading an entire state. The new governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has swiftly embraced his position.

Reaching the age of 60 is an occasion worth celebrating anywhere in the world. For Oborevwori, who enters this milestone with a gubernatorial crown on his head, there is no greater ca use for joy. Moreover, he is fortunate to be experiencing success early on, despite the challenges faced by some of his peers who are still adjusting to the current state of affairs in the country and reassuring their citizens that these are favourable times.

Undoubtedly, Oborevwori is among the most fortunate governors at present. Before assuming the role of governor, he held significant influence as both the representative of the Okpe Constituency and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. His achievements include entering the record books as the country’s longest-serving Speaker and being the first Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly to be sworn in as an elected Governor. These accomplishments are remarkable, especially considering Oborevwori’s previous statement expressing his lack of gubernatorial ambitions but a willingness to serve his people in whatever capacity they deemed him worthy of.

Therefore, Oborevwori finds himself in an enviable position, faring better than his counterparts who are grappling with the challenges of wielding power. Despite being elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his steadfastness will likely be welcomed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, particularly with the expected increase in the wisdom that comes with reaching the age of 60 and above.

Indeed, it is a favourable time to be Oborevwori, and reaching the age of 60 further adds to the significance of this momentous period in his life.

Public satisfaction is a key concern for government officials, and the pursuit of it is often paramount. However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the commitment to this pursuit between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, First Lady Betty AnyanwuAkeredolu, who is not the governor herself. Despite her husband’s poor health condition, Lady Betty has decided to celebrate her 70th birthday in an ostentatious manner, which has raised concerns among some members of the public.

Social media has become a hotbed of discussion, with Governor Akeredolu receiving the citizens’ prayers while his wife faces criticism for her decision to proceed with birthday celebrations. Those who oppose her actions argue that she should display more

Observers speculate that the difference in attitudes might be attributed to varying levels of information. Lady Betty potentially possesses more information about her husband’s health, which could explain her apparent lack of worry. On the other hand, the people urging her to exercise restraint may be largely uninformed. However, their genuine concern has given rise to speculation that Lady Betty may not be overly concerned about Governor Akeredolu’s wellbeing, at least in comparison to external observers.

Regardless of the underlying dynamics, mixed sentiments persist regarding Lady Betty’s upcoming birthday celebrations. If the event proceeds without the governor’s attendance, more individuals may join in criticising his wife for what they perceive as insensitivity.

Julius Rone Stages High-Octane Burial Ceremony for His Father-in-Law

Human life is a culmination of experiences and accomplishments that shape a person’s legacy. This is especially true for individuals who have amassed a wealth of experiences and achievements, as their portraits adorn the grand halls of memory. The late father-in-law of gas tycoon Julius Rone, Dr. Dan Ukpong, is currently enjoying this revered status, and it is conceivable that statues may one day be erected in his name to honour his memory.

In the wake of Dr. Ukpong’s passing, numerous dignitaries have gathered to support Julius Rone and his wife in their time of mourning. While grieving the loss of his father-in-law, Rone is also tasked with hosting esteemed members of society who have come to pay their respects and console the bereaved family. The magnitude of the occasion necessitates meticulous planning and preparation.

The late Dr. Ukpong, who reached the venerable age of 83, was given a commemorative funeral service that highlighted his notable accomplishments. The service took place in his hometown

of Ikot Mbonikono Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday, June 17, at the Amazon Church, where an overflowing crowd gathered to honour his memory.

Rone had the privilege of hosting influential figures from the state and beyond. Notable attendees included Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Deputy Governor Monday Onyema of Delta State, as well as representatives from the

Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the funeral became a remarkable gathering to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Ukpong. At 83, he left behind a legacy of fairness, and his association with Rone brought together individuals of high social standing, offering solace to the grieving family and friends.

All Set for the Biggest Radio Station Awards

The measure of success often hinges on perception. When individuals are recognised for their significant contributions, their success stories are expected to follow suit. In line with this, Women Radio 91.7 FM is gearing up to host its inaugural ReportHer Awards, honouring outstanding contributors in the field of gender-balanced news reporting. The landscape of national journalism in Nigeria has been intriguing. Despite the country’s physical, economic, and socio-cultural distance from the West, it has managed to achieve a degree of fairness in news coverage, as observed in the Western context. Women Radio, the largest radio station focused on family-themed content in Nigeria, is leaving

no stone unturned in inviting esteemed guests to its awards ceremony.

Based on reports gathered thus far, Women Radio aims to recognize some of the most influential voices and faces that are making an impact in the field of reporting in Nigeria. The ReportHer Awards, centred around gender balance in reportage, will acknowledge the work of various media organisations actively involved in journalistic efforts related to women.

Through this genderfocused reporting award, Women Radio offers journalists and media organisations the opportunity to stand out and be celebrated for portraying women in a positive light. The ReportHer

Awards will encompass five categories: Television, Radio, Print, Digital, and Journalist. Set to take place on Saturday, July 8, 2023, the Reporter Awards have garnered support from influential organisations such as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and UN Women. It is an event of significant magnitude that should not be overlooked or forgotten.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Women Radio was established by Dr. Babatunde Okewale and holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first radio station dedicated to women and family matters. Therefore, an award ceremony organised by the station is a significant undertaking that will undoubtedly attract notable dignitaries.

Akeredolu Yusuf

Iyiegbu a.k.a Obi Cubana.

Oborevwori

L-R: Julius Rone, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and Utibe Rone

Okewale

political and corporate spheres, exemplifying the magnitude of Dr. Ukpong’s impact.

Hadiza Bala Usman: Chip Off the Old Block on the Move Again

When an individual harbours a determination to make a difference in the world, opportunities tend to present themselves. Such is the case for Hadiza Bala Usman, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), who has secured a new position under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. For Usman, a new dawn has arrived, marking the end of a challenging period.

There is no denying the advantages that well-known individuals possess over their lesser-known counterparts. Usman, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has attained a new role accompanied by its inherent benefits. With her wealth of experience, she is expected to blaze a trail of success in her capacity as the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination.

President Tinubu carefully considered the demanding requirements of the position before appointing Usman. Alongside her, several others were appointed to positions with equal potential. Among them are Hannatu Musawa, appointed as the Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy, and Abdullahi

Gumel, appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate).

While numerous names were featured in the appointment dossier for Special Advisers, Usman stood out due to her track record and background. Her tenure at the NPA, as well as the circumstances surrounding her departure, particularly her clashes with former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, highlight her resilience and integrity as a strong woman.

Usman’s impressive portfolio is undoubtedly influenced by her family background. Her grandfather, the late Sarki (Emir) of Kano Abdullahi Bayero (1881–1953), and her father, Yusufu Bala Usman, a prominent scholar who significantly contributed to Nigerian historiography, have undoubtedly played a role in her success thus far.

Now that Usman has embarked on a new journey as the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Coordination, it is expected that she will continue to make significant waves, surpassing even the achievements she accomplished during her time at the NPA.

of the Kaduna Polo Club also signifies the club’s commitment to competing with its counterparts in other states and regions of Nigeria. To achieve this, Babangida will be supported by a team of accomplished individuals on the executive committee. This includes the newly elected First Vice President, Brigadier General Kapeh Kazir; the newly elected Second Vice President, Mohammed Askira; and the Tournament Manager, Atiku Saleh (Baraden Maru).

Before his presidency, Babangida served as the club’s First Vice President and a dedicated patron. Now entrusted to build upon the progress made by the outgoing President, Suleman Abubakar, Babangida is expected to bring about remarkable transformations that will captivate club members.

How Globacom Turns Ojude Oba into One of the Biggest Carnivals in Africa

Demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity is a commendable trait in leaders. Recognising the importance of this quality as a catalyst for progress and prosperity, the Kaduna Polo Club has elected Dr. Muhammed Babangida as its President and the head of the new management committee. His appointment is expected to invigorate the club, propelling it to unprecedented heights.

The selection of Babangida to lead the

Babangida’s

Timeless Vision of Oba Fredrick Akinruntan … The Man Who Sees Tomorrow

The recent weeks have been incredibly exciting as more people are becoming convinced that Bola Tinubu is a suitable choice for president. With the strength and effectiveness that Mr. President has displayed since assuming office, it seems highly likely that the next four years will be prosperous. Interestingly, there were Nigerians who foresaw this outcome and celebrated Tinubu for it.

The Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, has demonstrated his keen understanding of future events by recognising Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency. What’s even more remarkable is that Akinruntan se ems to have known the qualities that Tinubu possesses and the subsequent positive developments that would follow his leadership as the commander-inchief of the country’s armed forces.

During Tinubu’s camp aign, Akinruntan was among the few monarchs in the country who steadfastly supported the former Governor of Lagos State. In the

king’s view, Tinubu was the best candidate for president due to his track record and his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians by nurturing talented and dedicated individuals.

At that time, several other monarchs held contrasting views, influenced by negative reports circulated by online commentators. Consequently, they attempted to sway their people away from Tinubu’s camp. However, their efforts were largely unsuccessful, as the words of individuals like Akinruntan held far more truth than the naysayers could dismiss.

It is now evident that Akinruntan is a man of vision. Since Tinubu assumed the position of the country’s leader, the king has urged him to move the nation forward impartially and without bias. According to Akinruntan, Tinubu possesses all the necessary qualities to transform Nigeria into the promised land envisioned by the founding fathers of democracy.

Given Oba Akinruntan’s astute political and business acumen, his visions can be trusted. After all, he has already proven their validity by predicting that Tinubu would become president.

Babangida has already demonstrated his ability to turn dreams into reality through his involvement with El-Amin International School in Abuja. This educational institution was the vision of his late mother, former First Lady Maryam Babangida. Babangida played a pivotal role in establishing and operationalizing the school, thereby fulfilling his mother’s aspirations.

Similarly, the members of the Kaduna Polo Club are relying on Babangida to bring about positive changes. As he assumes office and begins his work, the anticipated transformations will come to fruition, fulfilling the club’s expectations.

There is an African proverb that states the rabbit may eat all the grass around it, but it will take care to only nurture the ones around its holes. This proverb reflects the care and support that influential businessmen like Dr. Mike Adenuga have shown towards Nigeria and their fellow Nigerians. Recently, Adenuga’s company, Globacom, has taken the initiative to support the Ojude Oba Festival in Nigeria, leaving people convinced that Adenuga and his counterparts will continue to provide opportunities for Nigerians.

The upcoming 2023 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival is already promising to be the most remarkable among all previous editions. With Globacom’s sponsorship, this cultural event will once again shine as something truly unique, standing alone and representing the distinctiveness of the Ijebu people. With the generous support from Globacom, the Ojude Oba Festival committee has every reason to go all out and impress both locals and visitors with the grandeur of the event.

In reality, this is not the first time that Globacom has extended a helping hand to enrich this cultural event. The company has been doing so since 2006, supporting the efforts of the Ijebu people to promote tourism and showcase their unique traditions. By offering ways to give the festival a global perspective, Globacom has consistently established it as an event worth anticipating.

Globacom’s sponsorship of the Ojude Oba cultural event demonstrates both Adenuga’s affection for the people of Ogun and his belief in the exceptional nature of their culture and traditions. It affirms his commitment to associate his name with the festival, highlighting its significance and deserving of attention.

Oba Akinruntan

Babangida

Kaduna Polo Club was a result of careful deliberation. The decision-making process began during the Annual General Meeting held on April 29. As the premier polo centre in Northern Nigeria, choosing the club’s executive leadership requires a thorough evaluation. After this rigorous process, Babangida emerged as the most qualified candidate for the position.

appointment as President

Adenuga Jnr

Bala-Usman.

LOUD WHISPERS

President Tinubu: We Need Equity in EFCC

ASARI DOKUBO’S REPENTANCE

One boy sent me that your video with a lot of expletives. The boy abuse you tire. No name he did not call you and I don’t blame him after saying that “if not because of the British ... You would still be selling Igbo people.”

My brother, I just tire for you. The boy abuse you sha. He did not hold back o, from your bele to your big mouth, to your near literate status, and he even query your ability in the other room from the way you sound tired when talking.

When he was through, I asked him if I should send the remarks’ to you or if I should put him on a three-way call so that he tells you all these directly. He dropped the phone and blocked me.

Well for me, I have taken courage from my egbon, the erudite Dr Rueben Abati who carried all of his PhD weight and dumped on you on his weekly column. He was very clinical and not like my friend as he did not use words like “oaf” and the likes but also

My people, the land is agog with joy o. Come and see videos of officers in the police, army, customs and everywhere jumping with joy at the appointments emanating from our Oga o. The last time we saw this kind of joy and jubilation and I am sorry to say, was when the news of our maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha’s passing broke. It was as if a huge national yoke had just been lifted. So far, President Tinubu has done so well and I must commend him for the strategic appointments that he has made. You will agree that the appointments mostly reflect national spread, balances out the issue of religion, but most importantly reflects quality as the appointees all display very strong qualifications and capacity for the assignment. This now brings me to the knotty issue of the EFCC. The

achieved the same purpose with much more finesse.

My brother, that video and in fact your messaging remains inimical to the continuous unity of the country. It looks like you want to elevate a garage fight with your perceived enemies to a national stage. As I watched you talking about “selling Igbos” and displaying a weapon, I just shook my head. Na this kind thing we dey see for Shomolu when two “alagbara” want to fight. This is not what we should see from someone who just had an audience with the president and was allowed to speak under the Coat of Arms. Finally, the t-shirt you even wore in the video don weak. Please send me your size, let me get my brother Mudi to sew you something more befitting but on one condition. You know Mudi no dey easy for this Tinubu economy, so for me to carry my house rent give Mudi to sew you cloth, you must renounce aggression, tender an apology to Igbo people for regretting not being able to

EFCC has moved to the centre of national survival especially if you look at the role corruption has played in our national psyche. Corruption has brought us to our knees with officials stealing with impunity and risking national economic security among others.

Since its establishment, almost all the chairmen and persons of this organisation have been kicked out in disgrace. Even this last one that one had thought would even sit up and do well, is presently explaining some things to the authorities.

The wahala with EFCC is in the process of appointing its leadership. The top position continues to be a “guguru and epa” kind of thing. The chairmen have often been appointed based on selfish and far from sterling reasons and that is why the place is looking like a joke. Did you see the long list of prominent Nigerians who have all been investigated since its establishment but have all ended either in the Senate or have become governors, making the whole process and the organisation begin to look like some comedic apparition. If President Tinubu is to sustain this momentum, he must, as a matter of national importance, look very critically at the issue of merit, seniority among others in reaching a decision on this matter. Already, dark clouds are beginning to hover as I hear that the person coordinating the institution in the absence of Bawa is a junior officer. Did you guys even know that Bawa was said to be 16th in hierarchy when he was catapulted to the number one seat and see where it got him and the nation. The inexperience was glaring. Kai.

Today, there are people in the system who have been grilled, trained and imbibe the experience needed to better position the organisation as a proper partner to the government of President Tinubu as he struggles to reposition the country.

Mr. President, in reaching your final decision you must continue with this winning streak. You must look at seniority, competence and follow very clearly the guidelines as stated in the act. Finally, and very importantly, you must look within the organisation.

The idea is to rebuild cohesion, streamline it and better position it so that we as a nation would get the best from the organisation not the “Jankara” EFCC that have been busy chasing yahoo boys and developing cold feet when whole warships are being stolen.

Mr. President, look very closely within the ranks of EFCC and you will see the very best staring at you, eagerly awaiting to be a “tiger”- apologies Acting IG. Kai!

continue trading in them and finally sign an undertaking that you will join General Abdulsalami, General Gowon’s national peace movement. My brother, abeg no vex, all that your positioning is just so lame abeg. Na peace and unity dey reign now no be all that agbero things. Repent.

GOODSWILL AKPABIO VS NYESOM WIKE –N200M A WIDOW

See as great men are pushing and tossing a whole N200 million. No be N20,000 o, but a whole N200 million. This Wike is looking like a loose mouth though. Some of the things he says, one wonders how others in his circle talk very freely or take him into confidence. Once Baba is in the spotlight, he would just open up and sing worse than a canary. Recently, at the thanksgiving organised to thank his God for his successful tenure as Rivers State Governor, a tenure that we all have agreed was the most colourful ever

with the last few months turning into a pantomime complete with costumes, band and stand-up comedy. In the ceremony, he was reported to have said that the newly printed Senate President, my town’s man, Chief Godswill Akpabio gave him N200 million to contest for elections at some point. Mbok, for a man who is still having an open file at the EFCC and not being sure if this new appointment has any immunity, it was like stealing hot akara and throwing it with all of its heat at someone. What do you think that person will do, he will throw it back na.

That is what Akpabio quickly did. He was also reported to have said that the money had nothing to do with my state o but was his savings or something along those lines. Now, to the best of our knowledge, brother Akpabio has been a career politician. Whether he was busy trading in “Igbos” like our brother Dokubo we do not know but his story on the source of the

Dokubo

Agba

L-R: Akpabio and Wike

Tinubu

money sent to brother Wike looks like those stories that the Baba used to tell our children in that popular NTA programme – Tales by Moonlight.

Anyway, it will blow over like most things do in this our clime. The Baba is now Senate President and all of that is in the past because the very tedious task of leading a beleaguered country is now the focus. For Bro Wike, let him know that with the immunity off, an unbridled tongue may lead to purgatory. My only advice to him at this point is the same advice my papa gave me when I give mama Alvin bele and I go beg am for advice on how to handle Duchess, he removed him glasses, look me and say “my son from now onwards, TALK LESS.” Bro Wike TALK LESS.

CLEM AGBA, HOW DO YOU FEEL?

You know one of the most annoying things in this life is finding yourself pushed to the corner and you cannot fight back. This is where Mr. Agba, the immediate past Minister of something, found himself recently.

It has been reported that he had gone on a visit to the highly revered Oba of Benin to ostensibly thank him for the role he played in making him a minister. In the report, he was quoted to have thanked the great Oba for personally intervening which led to the appointment of the very first person from Edo North into the cabinet.

However, in response, the Oba shocked him. He was said to have asked the minister how many times he had seen him since the appointment and to what benefit was the appointment to his people?

If it was possible, I would send the great Oba of Benin a big bowl of afang complete with snails and periwinkle but then we don’t know if the Oba eats that kind thing. I swear that clapback from his Majesty –they say one senior the other- was the best thing to happen to Nigerians in the area of evaluation.

So you become a Minister or Governor or Ambassador or First Lady or first side chick or whatever, the question we will need to ask you after it all, is exactly the question our Oba has asked this person- did you go and represent yourself or did you represent us?

Baba Agba, I am sure will just be on his knees looking like a Sesame Street muppet knowing that any attempt to say the wrong word, he will just turn into a very ugly frog there and then and he would be carried by one palace chief and thrown into the Benin moat.

Thank you so much the great Oba of Benin and may you live long for us and may your reign dwarf the reigns of your ancestors in greatness. God bless you Sir.

OBYEZEKWESILI, I BEGTO DISAGREE

Hiding under a faux intellectual pretension, Oby Ezekwesili used to sha jump on issues without having a robust knowledge. This makes her positions always one-sided and parochial. Yes, I don vex.

The Lagos State Government had given enough notice to 17 buildings that had failed the integrity test. The pictures of the houses had been sent out and even where I sit here in Shomolu on my couch, from the pictures it was clear that those buildings had to come down like yesterday.

Lagos is now facing an epidemic of collapsed and collapsing buildings with lives being lost and dislocated. The government obviously does not have enough capacity to tackle this matter in one fell swoop, so it has to go at it strategically one after the other.

AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE, MY FELLOW STOCKBROKER

Let me quickly say well-done and congratulations to my brother, the very influential Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. I have just heard that he was recently made a Fellow by my institute – The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

As a failed stockbroker, yes o. My number na CIS 456, I remain very much excited at this conferment for the simple reason that stockbrokers who form a critical part of the capital market ecosystem remain the “poor cousins.” They remain bereft of inspiration, mop around the market in a dour lethargic state, lacking the vigour to push and sell the market to a widening space which is increasingly showing lethargy

towards the market and all that it portends.

The other day the SEC sent for me. They wanted to have a session on ways they could better regulate the space and I agreed to the meeting. On the morning of the meeting, they called that their oga dey purge. I just laughed and continued with my life.

The CIS has scored a major victory pulling in someone of Aig’s calibre to their ranks. Aig comes with the weight of vision. He has shown from all of his doings that he is a leader with a deep penetrative vision and we know, he would bring these values and push to bear as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbroker. Welldone my Lord.

They have been demolishing buildings all over Lagos. I know that in Ebute Metta and Lagos Island a lot of buildings have gone down through demolition and when it now reached Alaba International Market, mummy is now trying to put ethnic sentiments on the matter.

This can be too annoying abeg. These are the kinds of things that give half-baked politicians like that Obasa person the fuel to try to push us back into the thick forest of ethnic classification with that his “yeye speech” the other day.

Mummy, those buildings had to come down no matter who owned them. The issue had nothing to do with anything other than the fact that they were a threat to public safety and I swear, no warning had to be given because if the building was going to collapse, it would not give any notice. Abi have you seen a building saying to its occupants that – hey, guys, I will collapse next week Sunday at 3pm, so guys be prepared?

Abeg mummy, you need to get better things to do.

ATIGER HAS ARRIVED IN KAYODE EGBETOKUN

When he made the remarks, I quickly went to see if he had those Yoruba tribal marks on his face. You know the ones that used to look like something scratched your face. But seriously I think the most beautiful people that I have seen have been people with those tribal marks. The thing used to give them a certain quality, a certain unique exotic mien that it is paining me that the beautiful tradition is dying.

Anyway, my lord said he was feeling like a tiger and cannot wait to devour our enemies. Just as I was about hailing him, he was reported to “clarify” the statement, that what he meant was that he could not wait to start work.

My brother abeg, no need to clarify anything. What we need is more than a tiger o. We need 1,000 tigers inside that police force to solve this wahala o. Ritual killings, insecurity, kidnapping, etc, na baba nla tiger we dey find o. No be timid tiger o like the last oga wey carry bele like wetin I no know. So Tiger Egbetokun oya roarrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Thank you sir.

AWWAL GAMBO IS MIGHTILY RELIEVED

This is the kind of thing we say in Shomolu that “fear for catch me.” The news wires were agog with news that the erstwhile Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awaal Gambo had refused to hand over until he finishes overseeing the signing of contracts and disbursement of funds to contractors. My people, you can imagine my relief when I saw another report refuting that and stating that a handover ceremony had been scheduled. I for fear o, I repeat. You know in Nigeria, there is no smoke without fire and as such one would be very hasty to dismiss this matter. I saw a lot of comments from very concerned Nigerians and the anxiety that this caused is understandable. A country where a snake is chopping money and someone’s daughter, just waking up, calls herself Iya oloja of the federation with full appurtenances of power, it will not now really be out of the ordinary if this baba decides to wait behind to ensure his people get their funds. But we thank God that this is not the situation. If not, I would have led 200 naked men and women to his office with only me fully clothed with brooms to literally sweep him out of the place. Na wa.

Aig-Imoukhuede

Ezekwesili Gambo

Aminu Suleiman: A Formidable Asset

King of Oil, Jubril Adewale Tinubu Counts Blessings at 56

Even if Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, chooses to put his mobile phone on silent mode from midnight, its screen will flash continuously and may rouse him from his beautiful sleep, as it will be bombarded with calls and text messages from family members, friends, business associates et al. Interestingly, the undisguised expressions of love by his loved ones from that dead of night have become like an annual ritual of sorts that they perform whenever the oil guru marks his birthday.

On his part, the University of Liverpooltrained lawyer has so much to thank God for, as he turns 56 tomorrow, Monday, June 26. A reliable source told Society Watch that Tinubu, who began his career with his family law firm, K.O. Tinubu and Co., in 1990 and later co-founded Ocean and Oil Group in 1994, would be organising a prayer to thank God for the rare grace to have lived an eventful life thus far.

Also, the occasion will afford

founder and National Coordinator of Tinubu Support Organisation (TSO), Hon. Aminu Suleiman, easily attest to his charming character and uncommon leadership quality. The Jagaban Gwandu and Atona Awe of Akure Kingdom came into the political arena with a garland of experience in Corporate and Public Service, coupled with years of political maturity that is second to none. His rare feats in private and public endeavour in the last three decades are seen as a formidable asset needed by any government that appreciates experience to drive its affairs to fruition and build a new and prosperous nation. The ebullient businessman has in his capacity as a reputable quantity surveyor, a seasoned administrator, a successful entrepreneur, a core technocrat, an oil and shipping magnate, a grassroots politician, a skills negotiator, a dedicated democrat, a man of honour and dignity, respected community leader and traditional title holder with a vast reservoir of knowledge.

His rare feats in private and public endeavours in the last 20 years are seen as a formidable asset badly needed in new and prosperous Nigeria. He is a leader that loves to lead from the front, little wonder he has succeeded in virtually everything he lays his hands on and is loved and admired by those that have met or worked with him in the past.

But if you think the outspoken man loves to make any noise about this, then you got everything wrong. He loves and enjoys opera ting behind the scene while his numerous achievements make the noise.

If the former top shot of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bayo Adelabu, had listened to wise counsel, maybe he would have had a rethink about venturing into the murky waters of Nigeria’s politics.

It was gathered that the respected banker did not heed the advice of his friends and family members who discouraged him from venturing into the dangerous waters of politics. But he now knows better, as the Oyo Stateborn banker’s dream of becoming the state’s governor evaporated before his very eyes.

Society Watch gathered that although a successful banker and deputy governor of CBN, Adelabu’s path was laced with roses in his banking career. But he dumped it for his ambition as the number one job of his state.

Adelabu got his finger burnt in 2019 when he contested under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite the backing of the then incumbent governor, the late Abiola

Tinubu, fondly called African King of Oil, another great opportunity to reflect on his earthly sojourn so far and pray for greater blessings in the coming years.

It was also gathered that he would use the occasion to put smiles on the faces of the needy around him in his characteristic magnanimity and sense of fellow feeling.

This may not be surprising to those who know him too well, as he had used the occasions of his birthday in the past to act as the Angel of Hope to the disadvantaged members of society.

Just like his name, Jubril, he has been an angel to many whose paths have crossed with him on many occasions. He has lent support and been a shoulder to lean on for numerous less-privileged and the poor. He is indeed a bellwether in the acts of generosity to others. He sees sharing love with them as a sacred devotion.

The man who today is Africa’s pride in oil and gas is usually driven by an abiding quest to change the lives of his people for the better.

Nigerian-American medical doctor, Dr. Rommel Asagwara, is still able to connect to his Nigerian roots despite having left the country about 20 years ago for his studies in French and medicine in France and travelling around the world. He remains passionate about healthcare in his motherland Nigeria.

Apart from being passionate about his job, the founder of Dream Weight Botox Clinic, is also full of ingenuity that has contributed immensely to the growth of healthcare.

As gathered by Society Watch, his passion for the healthcare of his fellow Nigerians has prompted him to expand his inventiveness to Nigeria as he set to open his aesthetic clinic on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos with the mission to bring world-class quality of care in aesthetic medicine to Nigeria, thereby eliminating the need to travel overseas to get such services.

“How one looks can also impact how one feels and their ultimate health. So, the brilliant doctor takes pride in making people better versions of themselves through aesthetic medicine with non-invasive treatment Ollie Botox, fillers, body sculpting, to improve their overall wellness,’’ a source said.

The experienced doctor, as revealed, lived on three continents: born in Africa, grew up in Europe and thrives in North America. No doubt, this has given him experiences and vast culture and plays a big role in the way he views the world.

Many Nigerians would want a piece of his intellect, his hands-on skills and anything he has to offer as a doctor. Asagwara has seen it all, even as a young doctor with two busy clinics in the US, Ridgeland Mississippi and Atlanta Georgia.

He preaches that Nigerians need to be made aware of how to prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and some cancers from ravaging them.

It was disclosed that one of his major aims is to spread his vast knowledge with easy steps, such as eating smaller portions of starchy foods, adding more fibre and protein to our diet, and incorporating healthier lifestyle changes to make people live a stress-free life.

He is a very strong advocate of not only feeling good from the inside but also looking good from the outside as a healthy balance for any individual.

Ajimobi. He received his baptism of fire after he was pummelled by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde.

Typical of ambitious and incurable politicians, he came back with high hopes for the 2023 election. He campaigned vigorously, but after realising that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for him to secure the ticket of APC, he left the party for Accord Party. Though many described his action as political suicide, the grand son of the late Adegoke Adelabu spent money on what our source likened to ‘a drunken sailor’. Unsurprisingly, he once again suffered a heavy defeat. He has since recoiled back into his cocoon.

Where is Bayo Adelabu? This seems to be the often-repeated question on the lips of many who have been watching the unfolding development in the nation’s political scene with keen interest.

Tinubu

Asagwara

Suleiman

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

An Artist’s Metaphor of Entwined Hairstyles An Artist’s Metaphor of Entwined Hairstyles

With a soon-to-be-held solo exhibition at the National Museum, Lagos, which is being organised by Alexis Gallery, Timi Kakandar hopes to stem the tide of westernisation. Okechukwu

Uwaezuoke writes

Returning to the industry’s limelight with another solo exhibition when the memories of his last solo exhibition at Ogirkan Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos, held about six months ago, are yet to fade, burnishes Prince Timi Kakandar’s credentials as a diligent artist who is intent on pushing the boundaries. The 1999 University of Port Harcourt graduate, who is no stranger to the exhibition circuit, seems intent on highlighting all the previously recognised elements of his creative ethos in the exhibition that has been scheduled to be held at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos.

Entwined, as the exhibition, which runs from July 1 to 8, is titled, looks to disentangle the mindset of the highly digitalised younger generation from the creepers of westernisation, a nod to a zeitgeist that roots for cultural renewal. “Westernisation,” he internet with a corresponding loss of interest in African culture, values, and symbols.This is one of the reasons, aside from the deep pursuit of creativity, that makes this exhibition expedient: to serve as a reminder of who we are as a people.”

As a title, Entwined reprises the artist’s familiar adulation of African women with threaded hairstyles, which he appropriates as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of the human race. This, however, does not negate the fact that each painting in this exhibition, which is being organised by the Victoria Island, Lagos-based Alexis Gallery, has its own hidden narrative, one that is based on the artist’s personal perceptions.

Drawn into a conceptual space swarming with cryptic messages, the viewer is compelled to scour for clues beneath the unique aesthetic the paintings. While one, for instance, evokes a fruit-bearing tree, as in the painting “We Have Become Low Hanging Fruits,” another suggests a hanger on which a mask rests, among other things, as a reminder of receding traditional values.

to dominate his paintings, a tendency, he explains, that hinges on what he perceives to be visually attractive nuances in the constitution of the fairer sex and which, therefore, explains the fact that he represents Africa “as a beautiful innocent maiden.”

Back to his likening the hairstyles to trees, further iterations of this are expressed in the painting “Queen of Spades”, in which he conjures a tree branch from a hairstyle with two birds (most likely parakeets) perching on it ostensibly to swap “gossips”, and yet another painting depicting leaves sprouting on a hairstyle to indicate the fecundity and the unsullied nature of a virgin girl who carries traditionally carved hair combs (hair picks) that have been associated with the traditional weaving of hairstyles for generations of African history. “In general, I have come to see the entwined hair as a placeholder, a symbol of instruction, of power, a communication tool, a sign of virginity, and a sign of naivety capable

Queen of Spades

of telling its own stories,” he says. Perhaps it helps at this point to remember that the images in most of the exhibition’s musings. His signature representational forms, which proclaim his love for the humancal commentary but also an expression of a

Another painting by the artist

nostalgic yearning for Africa’s past transcendental cultural treasures.

Besides the metaphor of the hairthe body of work that swirls around poetic love, a sense of community, encouragement, self-belief, and political and social awareness, the inevitable

colour blue threads its way through most, if not all, the paintings, albeit in varying shades and tones.

Of course, Kakandar’s palette also embraces other colours beside blue—mostly red and yellow—which he deftly manipulates to lift a corner of the veil on the surging emotions seething in and around the stationary 2-D forms. Somehow, it is as though he is exploring representations of human forms.

If, even while based in Lagos, he has garnered a large, devoted following both within and outside Nigeria, it is because he has earned his seat of honour among Nigerecent memory. Indeed, besides his four solo exhibitions so far, he has been featured in over 30 group exhibitions, which included appearances at the Portraits Exhibition at the Bricklane Gallery in London, United Kingdom, in September of last year, along with his inclusion at the Artankara Contemporary Art Fair in Ankara, Turkey, the Art Contact Contemporary Art Fair in Istanbul, Turkey, the InstaLive International Group Art Exhibition in Queensland, Australia, and the Salon Afrique: A Homecoming Reimagined Art Exhibition by Madlozi Art Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa, among others.

can look forward to this artist’s weeklong exhibition in anticipation of its cryptic and

Kakandar beside one his paintings

CICERO

Can Tinubu Tackle Insecurity?

On June 18, precisely three weeks after his inauguration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu carried out a comprehensive re-organisation in the country’s national defence and security services. The exercise culminated in the immediate retirement of the last set of service chiefs that served under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

With their retirement, the president immediately appointed Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff; AVM Hassan Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff and Mr. Kayode Egbetokun as Acting Inspector-General of Police.

The president also named a former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA). With this exercise, Tinubu has now fully constituted his national security team, which according to the National Security Strategy, 2019, has the sole mandate of transforming Nigeria from its current unstable status to a more stable federation.

But is their appointment sufficient to de-escalate diverse internal conflicts that now put Nigeria on the edge of precipice? Obviously, as military strategists recently observed, the exercise only raised hope for a stable Nigeria. However, they argued, restoring stability still demands a review of conflict response strategies to achieve a desirable outcome.

Now that the new service chiefs are in place, some questions critical to restoring stability to Nigeria still beg for answers. The first of such questions borders on understanding the dynamics of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity that has claimed no fewer than 43,110 lives between 2011 and April 2023, according to the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the US Council on Foreign Relations.

Insecurity worsened under Buhari’s administration due to what conflict analysts ascribed to error of judgement, endemic corruption, poor motivation of troops, prevalent nepotism that laced the appointment of security chiefs and the parochial execution of response strategies in the fight against insecurity.

Under Buhari, these factors explained why extremely violent non-state actors were able to unleash armed attacks on civilian populations and security personnel in the North-east on a

sustainable basis.

By 2017, the activities of the agents of instability escalated to nearly all states of the Northwest. While the North-east then faced extremist violence, the North-west was infested with banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, which conflict analysts claimed was rooted in the excruciating socio-economic conditions that afflicted Nigeria and its citizenry.

There is also a resource competition dimension to insecurity in the North-west. In its 2020 policy document, ENACT Africa revealed how gold exploitation had been fueling insecurity in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara. The document fingered Chinese corporations and their domestic allies in the country’s security complexity, which Senior Research Fellow, United State Institute of Peace, Matthew Page claimed, engulfed nearly all Northwest states.

Also, North-central, mainly Benue, Niger, Plateau and Taraba states, experienced its own darkest moment amid herdsmen’s ceaseless onslaught on farmers and Buhari’s reluctance to tame their activities. South-east too came under vicious attacks by gunmen.

Since Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency, the realities of intractable insecurity are recurrent

episodes nationwide whether in the North or in the South. This was attributed to what former Chief of Training Operations and Plans, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Ishola Williams described as the shadow of Buhari’s parochial conflict containment strategies.

The second question relates directly to what literally went wrong with Buhari’s conflict containment strategies. For most conflict analysts, Buhari accentuated military response to the country’s internal crises. As a result, he increased security spending significantly, which aimed at procuring basic military hardware required to fight bandits, extremists and terrorists.

For instance, as shown in annual appropriation laws, the expenditure of the Nigerian Army rose from N149.82 billion in 2015 to N665.12 billion in 2023, representing a 344 per cent increase. The Nigerian Air Force too recorded an increase of 157 per cent in its spending from N77.99 billion in 2015 to 200.42 billion in 2023.

In its own case, the spending of the Nigeria Police rose from N366.13 billion in 2019 to N409.39 in 2020; N455.13 in 2021; N787.86 billion in 2022 and N838.04 billion in 2023 in 2023. In aggregate, the office of the National Security Adviser received N941.61 billion within the timeframe.

POLITICAL NOTES

Yet, Nigeria was ranked among the world’s most terrorist-infested states in the 2023 Global Terrorism Index.

The third question probes into why the military response failed to guarantee a stable political environment. The approach, as its critics have always observed, often deemphasised non-military measures. The critics explained insecurity from the increasing economic pressures, which they believed, were more complicated due to policies and programmes the Buhari administration embraced.

Such decisions, as the records of the National Bureau of Statistics have shown, pushed the unemployment rate to 40.6 per cent; consumer price index to 22.22 per cent; out-of-school children to 18 million; poverty index to 63 per cent and crashed the GDP twice within eight years.

With these indicators, Chief Executive Office, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf argued that all means “are always justified by the victims of economic downturn.”

He implied that grievous economic conditions have pushed thousands of younger generations into banditry, kidnapping, ritual killing and even armed violence nationwide.

The last question revolves around the compromise of the political class to address insecurity, which Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani attributed to a lack of consensus on how to secure the geo-political zone. For him, former governors of the zone are winning and dining with bandits while compensating them and negotiating with them.

With these deeply rooted internal challenges, strategists now suggested the need for the new service chiefs to approach insecurity differently with emphasis on eclectic measures. They first proposed a comprehensive review of the national security strategy. As much as military response, most conflict analysts now emphasised the imperative of mainstreaming non-military approach into the conflict containment strategy that the new service chiefs might employ to effectively restore internal stability.

They largely canvassed the need to restructure the country’s national security architecture with a view to deepening its core values in the pursuit of national interests and objectives and ensuring compliance with global best practices in the prosecution of the war against extremely violent non-state actors.

What’s Uzodimma Always Looking for at the Villa?

What is Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State always looking for at the Presidential Villa? This is one question many analysts are asking. Since President Bola Tinubu assumed power, the governor is a regular face in the federal seat of power.

Not even Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State who manages the biggest economy in the country, and who is the closest to the president runs to the Villa the way Uzodimma does. This is why many are wondering what he is always looking for.

Since he became governor in January 2020,

his state has become the hotbed of insecurity in the South-east. Even though the security situation in the state has slightly improved, a lot still needs to be done.

The Imo State governor has been accused by his political opponents of not concentrating on governing the state. They alleged that he is always unavailable to solve the challenges facing the state.

It is surprising that the Imo State governor who will face the electorate in the November governorship election is busy gallivanting.

It is not in doubt that once in a while gover-

nors visit the president to brief him on issues concerning their states.

But Uzodimma’s trip to the Villa has allegedly become too frequent.

At the decoration of the new Acting Inspector General of Police and his assumption of office last week, the Imo State governor was the only state chief executive officer at the event.

The opposition political parties in the state have alleged that rather than use the achievements in the state, the governor is busy courting the high and mighty in Abuja in order to use the federal might to facilitate his re-election.

Uzodimma

With President Bola Tinubu’s recent shakeup of the national security architecture, the task of effectively restoring internal stability largely depends on military’s response and non-military measures adopted by Tinubu’s administration in line with the National Security Strategy, 2019, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

Tinubu

BRIEFING NOTES

Healing Time with New Security Chiefs

President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of security chiefs to reflect Nigeria’s geopolitical spread and religious diversity, in line with the Federal Character Principle, is a bold step that will not only facilitate the healing of national wounds but also address the insecurity nationwide, Ejiofor Alike reports

There were jubilations last Monday in different parts of the country from the southern Kaduna to the Middle Belt, South-west, South-east and some other parts of the country following the appointment of new security chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IG) by President Bola Tinubu.

Before President Tinubu appointed the six security chiefs and the IG, the composition of Nigeria’s security architecture was lopsided and heavily skewed in favour of a particular section of the country and a particular religion due to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s nepotism.

For eight years, former President Buhari had flagrantly flouted the Federal Character Principle with impunity.

With most of the security chiefs coming from one section of the country, the law enforcement agencies were believed to have treated the killer herdsmen in southern Kaduna, the Middle Belt, South-east and some parts of the South-west with kid gloves.

By reflecting the Federal Character in his appointments, Tinubu has commenced the process of healing the wounds inflicted on Nigerians by Buhari’s nepotism, which divided Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

Many Nigerians experienced a sigh of relief when the president sent the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo and the IG, Baba Alkali, to compulsory retirement.

Subsequently, Tinubu appointed Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.

Also appointed was Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA), while Deputy Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was named the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IG). Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye was appointed the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Many believe that the appointment of Musa as the new CDS will bring great relief to the people of southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt whose areas became killing fields during the eight years administration of Buhari.

Buhari’s eight years’ tenure was a nightmare to the people of southern Kaduna who were massacred daily by foreign herdsmen who were allegedly on a land-grabbing mission.

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai ‘s utterances did not help matters as they triggered suspicion that the killings were allegedly carried out to wipe out the predominantly Christian-dominated areas.

Musa is an indigene of Zangon Kataf LGA in southern Kaduna.

The events of the next few months will determine if Musa can effectively protect the endangered

people of southern Kaduna.

The new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lagbaja, who hails from Ilobu in Irepodun LGA of Osun State is known to be a fearless and courageous military commander who degraded the bandits, cattle rustlers, and terrorists that operated mostly in Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and other North-west states.

Being an indigene of the South-west zone where the atrocities committed by the armed herdsmen had forced the likes of Sunday Igboho to rise against the state and agitate for the Yoruba Nation, Lagbaja will have a onerous task of dealing decisively with the bandits that invaded his geopolitical zone and other parts of the country.

Tinubu’s appointment of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, erstwhile Director Lessons Learnt (DLL), Naval Headquarters, as the new Chief of Naval Staff was a sharp departure from Buhari’s presidency, which did not consider the South-east for any position as service chiefs or the IG for eight years.

Before his appointment, Ogalla, who hails from Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North LGA Enugu State, was responsible for collating and analysing previous the navy’s operations and activities with the objective of drawing lessons necessary for doctrinal and operational improvements.

He broke the record in the Nigerian Navy (NN) on many fronts. First, he is the first CNS from the Hydrography Department in the NN.

Second, he was never a Commanding Officer (CO) of any sea going ship.

Third, he was never a Flag Officer Commanding (FOC).

With his appointment, the South-east has been given a sense of belonging.

It remains to be seen whether or not his appointment will end the violent agitations in the region. Air Vice Marshal Abubakar, who hails from Shanono LGA in Kano State, was appointed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

His appointment was a reflection of the importance Tinubu attaches to Kano State and the North-west in general, which is being ravaged by bandits.

The new IG, Olukayode Egbetokun Adeolu, hails from Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking on his new appointment, Egbetokun said: “Now that I have just been decorated…I really can’t describe how I feel presently, but I feel like a tiger inside of me right now, ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria.”

Being from the South-west with the Chief of Army Staff, the new IG is expected to behave like

NOTES FOR FILE

a tiger and run bandits, killer herdsmen and other criminal elements not only out of the region but also the entire country.

Tinubu also appointed a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as the National Security Adviser (NSA).

This development was an indication that Tinubu is determined to reform the country’s security architecture by returning intelligence to the police, which are the first line of defence.

Ribadu hails from Adamawa State in the North-east ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency. While the police are in charge internal security globally, successive administrations had been appointing the NSA from the military since 1999. This is why with Ribadu’s appointment, Tinubu has corrected the anomaly.

Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye hails from Bedia in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. The inability of security agencies to tackle violent crimes across the country is due to poor intelligence gathering.

Undiandeye is expected to oversee and coordinate the intelligence activities in the Nigerian armed forces to end the violent activities of non-state actors.

RMAFC’s Insensitive Approval of 114% Increase in Salaries

The insensitivity of the Nigeria’s ruling class to the plight of the poor has again manifested with the recent approval of a 114 per cent increase in the salaries of elected politicians, including the president, vice president, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

At a trying moment when the administration of President BolaTinubu is calling on Nigerian workers and the poor masses to bear the economic hardship caused by the sudden removal of petrol subsidy, RMAFC embarked on an insensitive and senseless mission of increasing the salaries of the members of the legislature and other politicians who ordinarily should not even earn salaries but enjoy only allow-

ances and work on a part-time basis.

While some states have not been able to pay workersthe meagre30percentincreaseinminimum wage, RMAFC increased the salaries of politicians who also earn other bogus allowances by 114 per cent.

RMAFC Chairman, Muhammadu Shehu, represented by a federal commissioner, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, said the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages was effective from January 1, 2023.

Hemadetherevelationattherecentpresentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi.

He argued that the last remuneration review was conducted in 2007, claiming that: “Sixteen

years after the last review, it is imperative that the remuneration packages for the categories of the office holders mentioned in relevant sections of the 1999 constitution (as amended) should be reviewed,” he reportedly explained.

Healsourgedthe36states’HousesofAssembly toamendtherelevantlawstogiveroomforupward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial and public officers.

It is unfortunate that while the masses are made to make sacrifices and bear the brunt of harsh economic policies, the ruling class has continued to provide comfort for itself at the detriment of the people.

RMAFC’s action is insensitive and cruel, and should be resisted by all Nigerians.

Shehu

Still No Respite in Plateau

Plateau State that was known as the oasis of peace in Nigeria, has been desecrated with mindless bloodletting and raging insanity. Seriki Adinoyi writes that the events of the next few months will reveal if the present administration at the federal and state levels have the political will to confront the mindless killers who have been invading the state since 2000

It is common for all to see that for over two decades now, Plateau State has not known peace. For a state that prides itself as a Home of Peace and Tourism, this is an irony. Peace has long eluded it. It has repeatedly suffered from all shades of crisis - ethnic, religious, political, militia and herders’ attacks, conflicts, banditry and many more.

In the aftermath of each, lives have been lost in droves, properties worth billions of naira destroyed, hatred is bred, reprisal and counter-reprisal conceived and executed. This is the harrowing story of the state.

Successive governments have tried and failed to unravel the solution. Elder statesmen like former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); first civilian governor of the state, the late Chief Solomon Lar, and many other reputable sons of the state have also failed in their efforts to take back the state from the grip of violence because of the hydra-headed nature of the crisis.

When the first major crisis hit the state in the year 2000, many people blamed the then Governor Joshua Dariye. He was perceived as an unserious young man that could not carefully manage the delicate fabrics of the state. It was more of an indigenes/settlers’ crisis that snowballed into a religious one.

During his tenure, Jos North and YelwaShendam Local Government Areas were shattered into pieces as a people that had lived together for years in harmony suddenly turned around and dealt deadly blows to one another as if bewitched.

During the crisis, ‘Terminus,’ an international market that played host to traders from across the West Africa region was reduced to rubbles. Up until date, no one has been able to rebuild it. Jos, the state capital literally went up in flames with churches and mosques burnt. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had to take out time to personally visit the state to call for calm.

But it soon emerged that the problem was not Dariye. It was hoped that his successor, Jonah David Jang, a dedicated retired military officer that had successfully ruled two states of Benue and Adamawa, would use his wealth of military experience to tackle the problem.

But it didn’t work as the crisis festered and nearly consumed his administration too.

Jang was the first to identify that the protracted crisis was actually fanned from outside the state to weaken it for sinister motives.

According to him, the enemies of the state that were unable to use Jihad to conquer the people had not rested yet.

He accused the invaders of attempting to weaken the state from the villages by chasing the villagers away, and taking over their homes.

He further stated that their plan was that when they were done with that, they would close in on Jos, the state capital.

He succeeded in arresting some of the assailants, some of whom came from Niger Republic. Curiously, the assailants were soon taken to Abuja and allegedly freed.

During Jang’s tenure, Dogo Nahawa, a quiet community in his Jos South LGA was violated with over 200 persons killed in one night. At Kuru-Karama, another settlement in the same local government, over 150 persons were massacred and dumped in wells by unidentified persons. Several other killings were perpetrated, with the governor’s kinsmen, the Beroms, as the prime targets. He was blamed for being too rigid and unyielding as his tenure arguably witnessed the most turbulent moments in the history of the state.

Governor Simon Lalong’s administration, having understudied the situation from the sidelines, came in with a strategy that only paid off for a moment. He operated an ‘all-inclusive government’ by carrying along people that are believed to be perpetrating havoc. By his strategy, Lalong tried to appease the merchants of crisis in the state. To be fair to him, he achieved a tentative peace.

But after a while, the merchants of death soon realised that the gains in being part of the ‘inclusive government’ was far less than what they could achieve with the crisis. They soon parted ways with the government and returned to the trenches.

Lalong’s administration, which had witnessed a level of peace, became more turbulent than any other. In one attack in Barkin Ladi LGA, over 250 were massacred; pastors and

their families were killed and their churches burnt. Lands were grabbed. The attackers’ identities were more or less no longer unknown. After killing, maiming, raping and dislodging their victims, the attackers went ahead to occupy the homes and farmlands of their victims.

It is bizarre to note that known gunmen still occupy the homes and farms of their victims in Plateau State, yet they are referred to as “unknown”. Ironically, their victims have become refugees at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in their own ancestral state. The victims have repeatedly called on government to come to their rescue by providing security cover for them to return to their abodes, but no response yet. The ones that dared to return met death on their way. So, others retreated.

It is therefore generally believed that government has not yet shown enough political will to resolve the crisis in the state, and this has emboldened the assailants and encouraged more violence. The situation in Plateau State is indeed a pathetic one.

Killings in Bassa LGA became a daily episode as it is no longer news to hear that people were killed and burnt in their homes and farms. The security agents became overwhelmed and were tired of confirming death tolls to journalists.

In the twilight of Lalong’s administration, during election campaigns, on a Sunday morning, hundreds of bandits, in broad daylight, rode on motorbikes into a market in Wase and massacred over 100 persons. Villagers who survived the attacks simply packed their belongings and vacated the place. To them, it was better to be displaced and stay alive than to be dead. It was in that despondency that Lalong left the stage.

Then, came the new administration of the current Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang. His eloquent manifestoes on the strategies he planned to adopt to tackle insecurity in the state was

probably one of his selling points.

Mutfwang soon won the people’s hearts and was overwhelmingly voted for in the recent elections. With that, the people’s expectations were high.

As expected, the governor raised the hope of the mammoth crowd that besieged the Rwang Pam township stadium to receive him in a colourful inauguration ceremony.

One could see that he was determined to muster the political will to end the crisis at once. He vehemently declared that the era was gone when criminals held sway in the state.

But as if to send a warning signal to him, Mutfwang’s community was massively attacked before his inauguration, with no fewer than 85 persons killed. That became his first assignment after taking the oath of office. He went straight, after rising from his first security council meeting, to reassure his community that evil would not continue to thrive as he was determined to end bloodshed in the state.

But the adamant marauders won’t rest; they attacked adjourning communities the following week, and moved over to neighbouring Barkin Ladi to wreak more havoc, killing scores of persons almost on a daily basis.

That they have chosen to confront the governor right from his own community was an indication that certain foreign invaders were determined to take over the state. Perhaps, it was a strong message to tell him that they were also prepared. Since the first attack, the assailants have sustained the senseless killings in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs with the death toll estimated at about 300 persons since May 29.

Just recently, eleven members of the home of a community leader were burnt alive in their sleep in an overnight attack.

The question is: With Tinubu bringing the era of nepotism in the appointment of security chiefs to an end, can the new administration muster the political will to send back the invaders to where they came from?

The good news is that the governor has said that he is not ruffled as he is determined to see an end to bloodletting in the state.

Time will tell if he will match his encouraging words with actions.

GBENGA DANIEL:

I Faced Opposition Within Ogun APC for Supporting Tinubu’s Presidency

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has now joined the league of former governors representing their constituents in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. In this interview with Gboyega Akinsanmi,

on how the new government could take Nigeria out of poverty cycle and faults allegations of antiparty activities brought against him after the 2023 general election, among others

Twelveyearsafteryougoverned OgunState,youreturnedto activepolitics.Whatarethe

I did not start as a politician. In all modesty, I am a professional. In the course of my work, I stumbled on the need to serve my people. As a result, I left what I was doing then to participate in politics. As God would have it, I won the gubernatorial election in 2003.After eight back a little bit and concentrate on my profession. -

I will not call my state backward. However, people used to deride us as a civil service state the economy of Ogun State was limited to the income of civil servants. The whole economy of the state then was not more than the salaries of the civil servants and farming communities. If something goes wrong with the civil service, the whole economy will be in trouble. That was the Ogun State we met in 2003. That was also the Ogun State that challenged us when we decided to participate in politics. We then came with the theme of the state with sleeping giant that must be awakened

HowdidyoutransformOgunStatefromits infamouscivilservicestatetooneofNigeria’s

Honestly, we were able to lay the foundation for a greater Ogun State. We believe we have done a lot of work that repositioned the state. It rose from being a civil service state status to Nigeria’s foremost industrial state at the time Ogun as a great sports state. When we assumed In the process, we hosted the National Sports Festival christened Gateway Games in 2006. In the build-up to the games, we developed various stadia in the four geo-political zones of the state - Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro and, we modernised the one in Abeokuta. So, the facilities have been provided for our younger generations to continue to excel. We came second in the Gateway Games Gateway United FC was promoted into the Nigeria Professional Football League at that time. As far as sports development is concerned, we have opened it. Educationally, everybody knew that Ogun State was one of the leading states, if not the leader in education. We created various institutions, especially in the area of ICT, which we knew, was the future. We wanted to build our own Silicon Valley. Like what we did in the sports, we built about four ICT Institutes, again in each of the four geo-political zones of the state. We also activated the multi-campus policy of our founding fathers as far as the university was concerned. So, we created the University of Education. We also created the College of Science and Technology in Ibogun, which we planned to develop into a University of Science and Technology. We created the College of Agricultural Sciences in Aiyetoro, which was also planned to become a University of Agriculture. Of course, industrially, we saw the light early. We knew that we needed to turn around the economy of the state. So, we paid

Daniel

special attention to industrialising the state. In the course of our tenure, we were able to create Free Trade Zone, which we did collectively with Ondo State at that time. The zone was to have major projects including deep seaport, which was supposed to be deepest in Nigeria and Olokola LNG, which was supposed to be the biggest in the world. It was supposed to host was later moved to Lekki. That is the Ogun East initiative. In Ogun West, we created the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in partnership with China. Luckily, OGFTZ

country is located in OGFTZ, but people do not know. In Ogun Central, we created the Kajola Transportation Free Trade Zone. The essence was to move the existing Iddo terminus to Kajola within Ifo Local Government Area and build it former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated the third free trade zone we created during my tenure as the governor of Ogun State. In all the geo-political zones of the state, educationally, we have been repositioned. In terms of sports, we have been repositioned. Industrially, we have been repositioned.

various products. All the ceramics, which looked imported on our streets, are from OGFTZ. The only functioning glass industry we have in this

Therewasadisputebetweenyourimmediate successor,SenatorIbikunleAmosunandthe incumbentgovernor,PrinceDapoAbiodunon thelocationofthestate’scargoairportproject. Whatwasthestatusoftheprojectbeforeyou

In truth, we started the cargo airport project then, though we could not complete it. We also created a cluster of industries around it. The cargo airport was designed to take advantage of networking and creating access to all our agricultural produce. Along the line, people felt the location was more than the cargo airinternational airport there. That was why we could not complete the project before we left airport. But when the international investors came for assessment, they said it was bigger than the cargo airport. They suggested that it had to be cargo plus international airport. It was at this point we started modifying a lot of things in the airport. We thank God, Governor Dapo Abiodun is now working on it, even though my immediate successor abandoned it. In eight years, I felt we had successfully repositioned the state. Prior to my administration, people called

I’m Not Happy My Successors Abandoned Most of My Projects

Ogun State the land of sleeping giants. When we left, I remember I said in my valedictory speech that the giant “is awakened.” So, our mission was accomplished because we went there to awaken the giant. Despite political shenanigans here and there, I took my leave. I thought what was next for me was to fold my hands and see the seeds of development we planted germinate. For one reason or the other, I decided not to look back. Pa Obafemi Awolowo is popular for his wise saying: “Forward ever, backward never.”

Haveyoursuccessorsbeenabletobuildon theseprojectsyouradministrationpioneered between2003and2011?

Honestly, coming back a few years, one was not particularly happy about what happened to some of these projects. I can take them one by the fact that studies showed that Olokola FTZ

Because of one thing or the others, we lost it. My successors did their best. But their best was not enough. As somebody who governed Ogun State, maybe we lost, but luckily, as an Ijebu man and also as a Yoruba man, it is not really a loss because Lekki is in Ijebuland. So, that is the consolation we have that it is still within our axis. Aside, we have not moved fast enough with the administration left the project. Before I left, I had taken the approval from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Ports Authority to develop the deep seaport. It was supposed to be a joint project. Of course, NPA must have a stake in it. Ogun State and investors will also have stakes in it. Ogun State was not going to spend a lot of funds other than to provide lands. Unfortunately, that has not moved forward the way we envisaged it. For reasons I do not want to dwell on, my successors did not move fast enough the way we conceptualised it. By the time I was coming back, the airport project, which we started, was in comatose. Luckily, between then and now, Governor Dapo Abiodun has revisited it, and that is good enough. But there are still quite a number of things that have not happened, probably because successive administrations did not bother to ask some vital questions about the airport project. They never found out: What are the pitfalls about the project? What are the things to avoid and why the project has not moved fast enough? But the typical people around them feel they know it all and they keep making the same mistakes. So, they waste a lot of time. We are hoping all these will be put behind. A lot of these potentials are being lost in the labyrinth of politics. Let me tell you we had a serious team. It was eight years of work, unprecedented and unimaginable and not what people outside thought. For my team members to fold their hands and see their works crumble, it is not easy. Sometimes, they would ask me: are you going to fold your hands and allow our work to crumble? I told them I could not be governor again. They admitted, but pointed out that a lot of initiatives require federal interventions. They argued that I could decisions with respect to some of these projects.

Nowthatyouhavewonthesenatorialelection,whatarethevaluesyouintendtobring tothepeopleofOgunEast,OgunState,and Nigeriaatlarge?

Well, there is a whole lot. When you look at our country today, one of the problems we are facing is unemployment for our younger generations. If you understand and appreciate our values, part of what we thought should not happen is for our children not to be educated. We never envisaged a situation whereby our children would not be able to secure jobs after we spent all our resources; sold our houses and took loans to pay school fees because we wanted them to be educated. Nobody ever thought that we could have graduor six years after graduation. This problem is related to other challenges that we are facing in the country today. The challenges include drug from the extremist violence by Boko Haram, there is no challenge we are facing that is not linked to unemployment. We now see young people kill themselves just because somebody tells them they can turn human parts to money. We see young educated people take their girlfriends to a place and murder them just to do money rituals, which I do not believe in anyway. That relates to every challenge we have including the loss of the value system. People will tell you: “I am hungry.” As the saying goes, a hungry man

Daniel

is an angry man. And he is ready to do anything for survival. There has to be something for a man to eat. We always get annoyed with this kind of behaviour. But the root cause is what we have not addressed. How can we tackle the challenges? It is part of what I think we can begin to work out. That is what actually motivated me to contest the senatorial election.

HowdoyouintendtoaddressthesechallengesastheSenatoroftheFederalRepublic ofNigeria?

I will continue to refer to what we did in Ogun State between 2003 and 2011. People usually say

it has been treated successfully, we can use the model. So, I will go back to the Ogun State model we used. We knew we did not have enough money. We also knew part of the challenges method of doing our work in such a way that our resources remain largely in Ogun State, except where we do not have such competence. We found out that to a large extent, we have approximately 98 per cent of the competence we competence we needed in the state, we then went out of our state. Of course, without being a tribal our neighbouring states. Where that fails, we go to the outer ring, which is within Nigeria. When the outer ring fails, we now go international because money that is within our country is still okay for us. The opposite is what is happening today. I have proven it in Ogun State. We have the doctors who are performing miracles abroad. In Nigeria, however, our professionals have not been challenged. When you do not challenge people, you cannot see them prove their mettle. So, we challenged ourselves in Ogun State. We started constructing roads locally. That is what led to the Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (OGROMA) that we founded. If we continue with the slow rate we are moving as a federation, we will have all untarred roads in another 500 years. Look at what is happening on the LagosIbadan expressway. If I tell you the story of that road, you will be shocked. When we wanted OGROMA to construct the Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway, SenatorAdeseye Ogunlewe was the Minister of Works then. He said the road was the federal road. He even told us to leave and that the federal government would reconstruct.

When OGROMA eventually constructed the Sagamu-Abeokuta road, we told President Olusegun Obasanjo then that OGROMA had done it successfully. We constructed that road between 2004 and 2005. I am proud to say that it was only last year that the state government resurfaced it again. So, that local content lasted for 18 years before the state government felt the need to resurface the road again. What is the big deal? That happened after we submitted a bid that we wanted to take over the road.At that time, OGROMAsaid with about N8 billion, the road would be 40-kilometre Abeokuta-Sagamu at about N1.9 billion.

Canwetrustindigenouscompanies withtheconstructionofourhighways?

I disagree with you. Let us look at LagosIbadan expressway as an example. Julius Berger started the expressway many years ago and they are still battling with it. It is regarded as the best construction company in Nigeria. Something is fundamentally wrong with the process. We have to adopt a two-pronged approach. First, as much as possible, let our people do what they can do. Also, let big companies do their bit because there is other work that our engineers can do. In the process, they will get to where Julius Berger is. I go through the road all the time. Nigerians are the people constructing under the supervision of expatriates. If we have Nigerians under the supervision of the expatriates for 10 years, they should be able to do what the expatriates are doing on that road. We tried it in Ogun State, and it worked. What we also did was to use that opportunity to engage the area boys to mould paving stones and kerbs. Instead of channeling their energy to disrupt peace, we engaged them to mould paving stones and kerbs. There is already a market for it. We asked each of them: how many kerbs or paving stones can you produce?And we mobilised them. If we apply this model to construct 10 roads, there will not be area boys on the streets again. That is what we did with the welders’ association to construct all the electric poles along the Abeokuta-Sagamu road. Thousands of poles were required. We called the welders’ association. We

challenged them because we were not ready to import any pole. In fact, nothing was wrong with them until the state government now changed the poles 16 years later. If we put that energy in all parts of the federation, we will not have anybody wasting. That is just in one area. We tried something else in Ogun State with the farmhouses that Pa Obafemi Awolowo built and created additional farm estates. The model was to encourage our graduates who happened to be jobless then. We gave one hectare per graduate to plant whatever they wanted to plant. We also built more farmhouses. Unfortunately, many of them abandoned the locations because there was no internet connectivity at that time. So, they could now watch what they wanted to watch on their phones. Part of the ways and means people acquired landed property is through farmland. When the government gives land, they will say it is only for farming. But there are also farmhouses. one room and a six-bedroom apartment. It is still a farmhouse. Do not forget our former president lives in his farmhouse in Otta. One hectare in a bush today becomes something else 20 years later. We still need to go back to that.

With a population of over 200 million, we have to feed ourselves and not everyone will be in construction. That is the model we adopted for agriculture.

HowcanthenewgovernmentachievesustainabledevelopmentinanerawhenNigeria isheavilyindebted,povertyindexashighas 63percentandunemploymentnowover40 percent?

The key is very simple. I have explained some of these measures earlier. First, as a country, we must learn to consume what they can produce think. We simply need to domesticate our incomes as much as we can. We also need to engage our people as much as we can. If they stumble, help them to get up and become strong. Second, let us try very hard not to consume what we cannot produce. China did it successfully. They partially Now, they have factories all over the world. India also did it successfully. At a point in time, you can hardly see luxury cars in India? If you see their vehicles on the streets of Bombay, you will be surprised. At that time, you would see Mercedes cars on the streets of our major cities. But we are not producing anything. They have paid the world are headed by Indians. Various storages of data in the world are now in India. As some points, if you call help desks of Google, somebody, who is talking to you, is in India. With that, they have been able to create massive employment. They did the same thing in medicine. If you go to England, the doctor, who wants to treat you, may be an Indian or a Nigerian. Those are the kind of things we ought to begin to do by legislation, not necessarily by criminal legislation, but by civil legislation to encourage and discourage certain things.

Can you clarify allegations of anti-party activitiesbroughtbysomeloyalistsofOgun StateGovernor,PrinceDapoAbiodun?

This is not correct. As you know, we had two legislative elections. We won that election fair and square across the federation. In fact, I was also on the ballot. One of the reasons I defected to All Progressives Congress (APC) was because I knew from the inception that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would contest the 2023 presidential election. and courageous person for quite some time. I have a long-term relationship with him. I was also part of the people, who kept encouraging him to run for the presidential election. From the inception, I knew he was going to run for presidency. As a matter of fact, I asked my politiHow will I remain in the Peoples Democratic Party when I knew Asiwaju would run for the presidency? I was the Director-General of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council in 2019. That contest was between two northern presidential candidates. I was in the PDP then, and Alhaji Atiku asked to be his DG. I chose to work for him. I have no regrets about it. But we had a contest between Asiwaju, who is my long-time associate and Atiku, who was once my leader in the PDP. Who do you expect me to support? All politics is local, and that does not diminish my national outlook. What will I say if I do not campaign for Asiwaju?

Seeconcludingpartonwww.thisdaylive.com

SUPPORT FOR THE NEEDY…

Bala-Usman: Suffering in the Course of Governance Unavoidable

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman yesterday acknowledged the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal on the people, observing that people might have to suffer in the course of governance.

Bala-Usman, also a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority, however, said President Bola Tinubu had approved an increase in salaries and directed the National Economic Council (NEC) to work out mitigants to

cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

She made the remarks on ARISE NEWS Channel yesterday while fielding questions on the removal of fuel subsidy and the plan of the federal government to provide palliatives for the vulnerable.

]Tinubu had in his inaugural address announced the removal of fuel subsidy because the subsidy regime could no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources.

The subsidy removal was immediately supported by governors

Anambra Indigene Emerges

UTME Best with 360 Score

David-Chiddy Eleke in Awka

An indigene of Anambra State, Umeh Nkechinyere, has emerged top scorer in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with a cumulative mark of 360.

Registrar of JAMB, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this in a presentation he made at the ongoing 2023 policy meeting taking place in Abuja.

Heads of institutions at the policy meeting are expected to

peg the minimum cut – off marks for 2023 admissions.

They are also expected to set admission guidelines, among other policy decisions at the meeting.

Nkechinyere was followed by Aguele Stephen who scored 358; Ositade Oluwafemi, 358; Gbolahan Ayinde, 357; John Fulfilments, 356; Chimdubem Ugonna, 355, among others.

Oloyede also said the University of Ilorin (first) Nigeria and the University of Lagos (2nd) top were most sought after universities for the 2023 UTME.

Adeniji, Ex-Lagos AG, Emerges Isale

Eko Descendants’ Union Chairman

A former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (SAN) has been elected as the new Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU).

This was contained in a statement by the prestigious organisation yesterday.

The statement described Adeniji as the grandson of Oba Musendiku Adeniji-Adele II, the 19th monarch of Lagos between 1949 and 1964.

The statement said: “He was unanimously elected for a three-year term at the annual general meeting of the union held on June 23 at the secretariat of Isale-Eko Descendants’ Union located at Iga Idungaran Street, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island.

“He takes over from Mr. Yomi

Tokosi a distinguished Economist and Banker who held sway for the past three years.

“Also elected to handle the affairs of the IDU for a new term are Mr. Aderemi Bashua SAN (Vice Chairman), Prince Adewale Ojora (General Secretary), Omolola Adele-Oso (Financial Secretary), Lanre Shasore (Culture Secretary), Dale Ajayi-Bembe (Deputy General Secretary) and Yomi Suenu (Welfare Secretary).

“Isale Eko Descendants Union has over the years been a strong advocate for community based rights including protection of its cultural heritage, promotion of healthcare and advancement of educational rights for its members,” the union said in its statement.

of the 36 states of the federation, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, organised private sector, and international financial institutions, among others.

However, the removal ignited opposition among organised labour and civil society organisations citing implications for the people. The president pleaded for understanding, promising to provide mitigants for vulnerable people to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS

Channel yesterday, Bala-Usman observed that people might have to suffer initially due to the decision of the federal government to remove fuel subsidies.

The special adviser argued: “It is laughable to always think no policy that will make people suffer should be initiated. People have to suffer. People suffer in the course of governance.”

She, however, pointed out the resolve of the federal government to provide mitigants for people,

especially the vulnerable, to reduce the scathing effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Already, she observed that the president “has approved an increase in salaries. In the same way, people should be engaged in what NEC is doing. NEC is creating another cluster of mitigants with a focus on vulnerable people.

“We should look at when the NEC will work on it and bring it up. We need to be sure

that we are mitigant to prevent people’s suffering. I keep repeating it. When will the mitigants come?

We cannot keep it open-ended,” she explained.

Bala-Usman, also, canvassed the need for all Nigerians “to learn and adjust our lifestyle. The government is already adjusting its lifestyle by reducing the number of people parading everywhere. The government is not increasing its own cost of governance.

ABU, INEC, NECO Testify against Senator over Certificate Scandal

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, has presented six witnesses to challenge the victory and qualifications of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, Lawal Adamu (referred to as Mr. La).

The three-man panel, led by Justice HH Kereng, heard testimonies from witnesses sourced from the former schools of the PDP candidate and the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC).

The first witness, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU), was represented by a member of the university legal team and an Associate Professor Abubakar Is’haq from the Faculty of Law. The university was subpoenaed to provide records of files of Lawal Adamu while he was a student of the institution.

The second witness, National Examination Council (NECO), represented by the Director of Special Duties, Esther Bala-Wuyaa, presented certified result confirma-

tion to the court.

The third witness that testified against the senator was Demonstration Primary School through the Head Teacher of the School, Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf.

The school tendered to the court the school registration records from 1982 to 1986, which showed no record of Lawal Adamu Usman as student as he claimed in the documents he submitted to INEC prior to the 2023 general elections.

Also testifying, the Principal of Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Gwagwalada, Bello

Suleiman told the tribunal that based on available records at the school, there was no candidate with the name of Lawal Adamu Usman from the year 1986 to 1994 as claimed by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman as submitted to Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in form CF001 for the 2023 general election.

Two additional witnesses including INEC representative were called upon following the issuance of subpoenas by the court through the petitioner’s Counsel, Johnson Usman SAN.

Gunmen Kill One, Abduct Three, Demand N10m Ransom in Kwara

Hammed Shittu

Suspected kidnappers have abducted three persons and killed a community leader identified as Chief Raphael Adewuyi in Iwo, a community in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara state.

Findings also revealed that the kidnappers had already placed a ransom of N10million each on the abducted victims before they could be freed from their captivity.

The incident happened just three days after one Mrs. Rukayat Musa was kidnapped at Oniyangi area along Emir’s road, Ilorin, Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Her abductors, according to residents of the community, have demanded a sum of N50m before she can be released.

Friday’s incident, however, no fewer than 10 suspected kidnappers invaded Iwo in Isin Local Govern-

ment Area of the state at about 9:00 p.m.

Findings revealed that the gunmen were shooting repeatedly as part of strategy to scare the residents of the community before they embarked on their dastardly act.

During the incident, according to the findings, the suspected kidnappers attacked a filling station at Sabaja area of the two and abducted the station’s manager

and a security guard of the station as well as a Cleric of the Christ Apostolic Church.

Further finding revealed that stray bullets killed Chief Adewuyi in his room.

Chairman of the Transition implementation Committee (TIC) in Isin Local Government Area, Mr. Tunde Fadipe confirmed the incident yesterday, acknowledging that a chief of the town was killed by stray bullet during the incident.

Edo North Monarchs Back Shaibu for 2024 Guber Contest

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Traditional Rulers from Edo North yesterday declared that the state deputy governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu was their choice for the 2024 governorship election. The traditional rulers, also, disclosed that the state had already notified them of this ambition

They revealed their resolve when their counterparts from other senatorial districts met with them to support a candidate from the central area since both south and north have governed the state. In the quest of the Edo Central to produce the next governor of the state, consultations have been embarked on by well-meaning personalities, including traditional

rulers.

This strategic planning and mobilisation, with the hope of building alliances and gaining support for their cause, recently, led to visits by the traditional rulers from central to Edo South, with a call at the palace of the revered Oba of Benin Kingdom to support them.

The team led by Onogie of

Uromi, HRH Anslem Aidonojie, and other delegations of traditional rulers from Edo Central met with the traditional rulers from Edo North to discuss the upcoming governorship election and the candidates vying for the governorship position and to solicit their support for a governor of Esan (Edo Central) extraction.

Senator, Kaduna Central (2015 - 2019) and President, Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, Shehu Sani flanked by students with special needs during a visit to the Abuja School for the Deaf, Kuje… weekend

Tinubu’s Appointments Move Nigeria Closer to Ending Insecurity, Says Yobe Gov

MutfwangvowstoendPlateau’ssecuritychallengessoon

Michael Olugbode in Damaturu and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni yesterday said with the careful selection of new security chiefs by President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s security challenges would soon come to an end.

Likewise, Plateau State Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang assured the people of the state that the current security chal-

lenges rocking the state would soon be a thing of the past.

While Buni made the remarks in a statement by his spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, yesterday, Mutfwang gave the assurance at the 43rd annual general meeting of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) in Jos.

In his statement, Buni noted that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, would put his wealth of experience to use in the fight against

insecurity.

The governor said: “The security chiefs also have the wealth of experience and confidence of Nigerians to lead the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

“As people from the frontline states, we commend the federal government and the security agencies for the tremendous achievements recorded in the states.

“We are optimistic that as active players who played key roles in the relative peace enjoyed in the states, the new service chiefs would

Introduce Credible Palliatives to Cushion Effects of Subsidy Removal, ICAN Tells FG

Wale Igbintade

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called on the federal government to introduce credible palliatives to cushion the impact of subsidy removal on the most vulnerable population beyond the civil service. The institute stated this in a statement signed by its Registrar/ Chief Executive, Professor Ahmed Kumshe.

It also recommended an 11-point action plan to the federal government following the removal of fuel subsidy.

While commending the bold step taken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

following the recent removal of subsidy on petrol and the mixed reactions generated across the different sectors of the country, the Institute also called for effective consultation, and communication with all relevant stakeholders.

It stated that effective consultation and communication with all relevant stakeholders is critical for the introduction and implementation of any major policy, as it will facilitate buy-in broad support and ensure ease of implementation.

The statement noted that while it would have been ideal for this to happen prior to the removal of the fuel subsidy, the federal government should be commended for taking necessary steps to engage

and manage various stakeholders.

It added that stakeholders’ engagement would build trust and ensure that the process is inclusive.

“In this regard, the government should design and implement palliatives for low-income earners especially in cities and towns where the cost of living will rise much higher. It should introduce policies that will bring down the cost of transportation and food.

“Palliatives should be implemented at both the national and sub-national levels. Care should be taken to measure the cost of palliatives to be introduced to avoid re-introducing another form of subsidy”, the statement added.

add value to bring the insecurity challenge to a total halt.

“They have at different times proved their worth and competence in various national assignments.” Buni stressed.

He added that: “The president made the right choice and we will continue to support all security operations in our domain.

“Malam Nuhu Ribadu is an excellent team player who would work in synergy with the security chiefs to achieve the set goals.”

At the 43rd annual general

meeting, Mutfwang said the state government had been doing everything within its capacity to make sure that Plateau returned to its original state of peace and tourism which it is known for.

He said the state would cooperate with the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to promote economic development, security, educational advancement, health, food security, democratic stability and good governance both

in the state and the nation at large.

Mutfwang observed that the state had been in the media lately for the wrong reasons, saying the state “is much better than that such an ugly part is only a fraction of the state.

According to him, it still remains receptive to all and sundry irrespective of ethnoreligious background. It has the best weather in the nation, affordable standard of living, cheap food and other potentials.

NPA Raises the Alarm over Smear Campaign

Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has raised the alarm over what it called a campaign of calumny against the organisation, saying the public should be wary of the development.

It particularly called on the media to avoid being used by those it said are out to discredit some personnel of its management.

A statement by its General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Josephine Moltok, said findings showed that the logo and seal of NPA letterheads were being superimposed to deceive the unsuspecting public of contracts allegedly awarded

to some unknown companies and entities.

The statement read: “The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) wishes to alert the general public and security agencies to a calculated, well-funded, and oiled campaign of calumny, blackmail, and disinformation against the authority and some of its officials.

“Over the past few days, some nebulous, shadowy, and penny-for-hire groups without due registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) hiding under the toga of civil society groups have embarked on issuing distorted press statements, arranging press briefings in dingy motels and inducing phony online outlets

to publish outright lies, absolute falsehoods and defamatory articles against the NPA and its management.

“These groups and individuals are also regurgitating dubious petitions and sending them to various government agencies and posting same on social media to discredit some personnel of the NPA management.

“Our latest finding shows that these desperate individuals have also added forgery to their devious act by superimposing the logo and seal of the NPA on letterheads to deceive the unsuspecting public of contracts allegedly awarded to some unknown companies and entities.

Rivers APC to Wike

“We wish to unequivocally dismiss any such rumour or sponsored story planted in any medium that Rivers State APC had at any forum invited Wike to join our party none the least calling on Wike to take over leadership of a party he never campaigned for” – The leadership of the Rivers State chapter of APC describing former Governor Wike as an enemy and unfit to lead the party in the state.

A Love Note to Would-be Appointees

Nigerians are on the march again. Looking for political appointments. Some of them like vultures lusting for carcasses. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, thousands of Nigerians have, predictably, been positioning themselves for appointments. A friend complained weeks ago that hotels in Abuja were fully booked. This was worsened by the National Assembly inauguration. With Tinubu dissolving the boards of federal agencies, he has instantly created thousands of vacancies. The executive managements will also be replaced (sooner or later). To be sure, this is routine. Every president does it. Appointees often exit with their principals and new ones come in.

Although Nigerians always focus their energies on Abuja, the same scenario plays out in the states. Thousands upon thousands of vacancies have also opened up across the states of the federation. When you add the federal government and states together, vacancies for political appointments run into huge numbers, both full-time and part-time. There will be ministers, board members, ambassadors, commissioners and advisers. There will be chiefs of staff, chiefs of protocol, SA this, SA that, press secretaries, personal assistants, and so forth. It is a big seasonal market that peaks every four years. It is what many fast and pray for, what they live and kill for. It is their utmost heart desire.

Dear appointees-in-waiting, I hope this finds you well. It has been my wish to communicate these few lines to you before you are officially appointed. Please be assured that I have nothing against political appointments or your determination to be the beneficiaries. The vacancies are meant to be filled. And it is human beings, not goats, that will fill them. So, you have not done anything wrong by submitting your CVs and begging the godfathers, both imagined and real, to put in a word for you. You have not committed any crime by putting in relentless efforts and vigils to serve your country.

Did I just say “serve your country”? Well, let’s discuss that. Are you putting in these extra-ordinary lobbying efforts because you sincerely want to serve your country? Are you pushing to be minister of works and housing, for instance, so that you can work your head off to help fix our road infrastructure and help tackle the housing deficit from your own corner? Are you wishing to be minister of health so that you can work day and night — and night and day — to turn our federal hospitals into centres of excellence where every patient would like to be attended to, where every doctor would like to work and where you yourself would gladly go for treatment or even surgery?

Are you lobbying to be attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice so that you can provide selfless and patriotic legal opinions to the federation and lead a reform process that will deliver justice to all Nigerians, no matter their standing? Or are you fantasising about being AGF because you want to collude with scammers and judges to secure decisions against your fatherland and share from the judgment debt payments? Are you desperate to be AGF so that you can be selling your legal opinions for a mess of pottage, thereby making your country vulnerable to legal proceedings all over the world and creating a huge slush market for your lawyer friends?

Are you angling to be commissioner for education because you are broken-hearted about the number of out-of-school children and you want to do everything within your power to address this issue? Are you so downcast about the quality of teaching and classroom infrastructure that you have been fasting and praying that God should let you get into government so that you can lead the sector to the promised land? Are you lobbying to be appointed as a board member of an agency so that you can deploy your experience and resources to help with giving policy direction

And Four Other Things…

rhetorical questions — the real intention is to make a point. My intention is to prick your consciences. I have seen the excitement with which some of you are jumping on planes to Abuja in preparation for appointments. Something keeps telling me the motives of many are not pure. Some just want to be at a vantage position to tamper with public funds. Some of you are searching for an opportunity to amass Prados and Pradas. Some of you are only dreaming of siren-led convoys. You crave to have police orderlies carrying your bags and lowly Nigerians eating from your palm.

In Nigeria, we often blame the principals for all our failings. We spend much time holding our presidents, and sometimes governors, wholly responsible for the state of the nation. Has the time come to start sharing the blame with their appointees as well? I agree 100 percent that the presidents and the governors are responsible for the appointments they make. They deserve every blame they get. But maybe it would also help if the appointees purpose in their hearts to give their utmost best in the quest for a greater Nigeria. If your principal appoints you for the wrong reasons and with the wrong expectations, what stops you from using the opportunity to be different?

Tinubu

and demanding accountability of the management team? Or are you interested mainly in the sharing of money?

Dear appointees-in-waiting, if the dominant thought in your minds is the peace and progress of Nigeria, congratulations! May your tribe continue to expand. May we unearth more of your ilk. We need more of you in critical and strategic public positions as the quest for a greater Nigeria continues. However, if your heart desire is to secure a licence to loot or to be called “government official” so that you can feather your nest, you may find this love note a bit uncomfortable but do not be offended. I mean no harm. My intention is to tell you as subtly as possible that appointments should not be about enjoying all the free comfort and impunity that public office can offer.

I am absolutely aware that not everyone who gets appointed into public office lobbied for it. I know that some are practically cajoled or persuaded to accept such appointments because of their expertise or profile. Some have to forgo their own comfort, even taking a pay cut, to serve their country. They are not in government because of the perks of office. I know as well that some appointees put in a decent shift despite the very difficult environment, full of wolves and buccaneers. This love note is not for this category. I am talking to those of you (yes, you know yourselves) who are obviously motivated by the wrong values as you lobby intensely for political appointments.

May I, this day, invite you to have a quiet conversation with your conscience. Are you really, really desperate to serve Nigeria for our good? Are you going to great lengths to lobby for appointments for the love of God and country? Are you a proven problem solver and you are wishing that you would get a chance to prove your mettle in public office, to prove that things can be better done? Have you taken time to analyse the problems and prospects of the position you are targeting? Do you want to create a legacy that will make us celebrate you forever as someone who came, saw and conquered? Are you irrevocably resolute to build a nation “where peace and justice shall reign”?

I am asking these questions not because I am in search of answers. That is why they are called

Dear appointees-in-waiting, it is very easy to blame the principals for all the rot in the system. It is very convenient. But if you are appointed commissioner of finance or accountant general and your principal wants you to tamper with the books as he launches an assault on the treasury, you have a choice to say no. If you do not say no, it is most likely because you too hope to benefit from the raid. Let’s be honest with ourselves. Okay, you are an ordinary appointee and you will be fired if you disobey your principal. So what? If indeed your motive is service to fatherland, must you serve your country by force? In any case, you are not going to be commissioner or minister forever. Fact.

Let us imagine that the principal wants you to do something that is unpatriotic and criminal and he fires you because you refuse to carry out the instruction. Let us further imagine that the appointee that replaces you also refuses to carry out the instruction. He too is fired. And let us imagine the next appointee also refuses to do the dirty job and gets fired. I can assure you that Nigeria will become a better place. It will be clear to the principal that the loyalty of an appointee is first and foremost to the nation and its laws, not to an individual. But the moment appointees see their positions as a meal ticket, it is so easy to say “I was only carrying out instructions”. You can resign. It is allowed.

Dear appointees-in-waiting, before you accuse me of preaching Utopianism, I want to assure you that I have had one or two friends who served this country and didn’t soil their hands. I can defend them even with a loaded gun pointed to my nose. I can testify that they never took more than they were entitled to and even gave up some of their entitlements. I know they came out of government poorer than they went in and some people laughed them to scorn, but they have their integrity intact and are forever proud of their service. I am proud of them too. And I know there are thousands of Nigerians who would serve their fatherland with equal passion and patriotism.

By the way, I am not asking that saints should be appointed into government. There are no saints in this business. I am asking you a simple question: why are you lobbying for that appointment? To help us eradicate poverty and disease? To help us banish infant and maternal mortality? To help reduce accidents and deaths on our roads? To contribute to making Nigeria a land of delight? Or are you just salivating for the perks of office, to raid the treasury like vultures? It is not too late to have a rethink. You don’t have to be a saint in government, but you can decide to do things differently and leave a legacy of patriotism and commitment to the greater good. You can choose to love your country.

HARD TIMES

While Nigerians are still trying to adjust to the new petrol pricing regime, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) floated the naira and the currency depreciated rapidly. While we are at it, electricity tariffs are set to go up again. In truth, Nigerians had been protected from these hardships for years despite changing economic realities across the world. We protected ourselves by piling up ruinous debts. Something had to give. Unfortunately, it is ordinary Nigerians that will bear the harshest part of the brunt. The fat cats in government will only get fatter. Asking Nigerians to endure the hardship is a message that will be best preached if public officers would also share from the pains. Sacrifice.

OGALLA AND IGALA

One complex thing about Nigeria is the ethnic game. President Bola Tinubu has just appointed Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the chief of naval staff but, according to what I read on Twitter, he is an Igala, not Igbo, from Enugu state. I never knew Enugu had Igalas until now. I don’t know if Ogalla is Igbo or not (his other name is Ikechukwu), but those making the Igala point may be trying to prepare a case of marginalisation. This would be an irony. Are Enugu Igalas fully integrated or are they being marginalised? It is sad that we are not discussing the Ogalla who had A1 in all but one of his subjects in the military school and the Ogalla that is celebrated as a thoroughbred professional. Politics.

DEMOLITION MAN

Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Kano state, has spent the early days of his tenure demolishing structures built by his predecessor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. It got so ridiculous he said one of the structures was pulled down because there was a cross design on it. Since he hates the cross — the symbol of Christianity — so much, why not just paint over it? Why bomb a car because of one cockroach under the seat? It is estimated that property destroyed so far is worth close to N200 billion. What these guys don’t know is that it is the society that suffers the losses. Although he appears intoxicated with power, he will be governor for maximum eight years, not eternity. Vicious.

TIGER BY THE TAIL

I usually don’t like it when your first duty is to clarify your pronouncement. Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector-general of police (IGP), just did exactly that. After he was decorated with his new rank by VicePresident Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, Egbetokun said he felt like a tiger ready to “devour Nigeria’s internal enemies”. He went to “shalaye” the following day, saying he was only conveying a message to the public about his knowledge of insecurity in Nigeria. The task before him is massive. It would be better if he rolls up his sleeves and talks less so that he does not end up as a paper tiger. He will be judged by his actions and not his metaphors. I wish him success. Tough.