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Shames detractors
The governor, who also clarified that he was not fighting anybody, claimed that he was only defending the state against predators, and
protecting supporters of the interest of Rivers against those whom he said felt they owned the life of others. He however, shamed his detractors, just as Kalu,
Says FX inflows hit $24bn in Q1 Declares recapitalisation will boost banks' resilience, support for economy Voids price verification system for import and export transactions effective July 1
Emmanuel Addeh and James Emejo in Abuja
Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has said the country currently does not need any concessionary funding intervention from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as it has "access to enough exposures from different areas that should be able to see us through".
Cardoso, in a 20-minute interview with Bloomberg, also disclosed that the country’s total foreign exchange (FX) inflow hit $24 billion in the first quarter of the year. He said the problems with Nigeria were only temporary, adding that
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Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State; and Vice President Kashim
during President Tinubu's delegation's condolence visit to the Vice President on the passing of his mother-in-law in Kano .... yesterday
Managing Director, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju (L) and Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam, when the NESG boss led other management staff of the Group on a courtesy visit to Keystone at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos…recently
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Chief of Naval Staff have been ordered to release a seized Vessel, MV Blue Shark, to its Nigerian owners. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, made the order sequel to a peaceful resolution of all issues that led to the seizure of the vessel belonging to Streamflow Global Services and Jerusalem Obokeno. The vessel was arrested and
detained alongside its crew on May 6 while returning from Gabon to Warri in Delta State to carry out repair works.
The crews detained alongside the vessel were John Oyadonga, Foxy Bakpar Afoke, David Owolo, Otugo Solomon, Ugbogure Idolor, Joseph Eke, Eric Ebiodench, Obiku Felix, Emmanuel Akpomudjere, Franklin Anyanwu, and Eric Ovwidi.
The seizure later led to the filing of a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/639/2024, by a Senior Advocate
of Nigeria (SAN), Reuben Okpanachi Atabo, on behalf of the vessel owners.
Apart from their prayers for the release of the vessel, the owners also asked for a sum of N500 million as damages to be paid to them for the unlawful arrest and detention of the vessel.
However, at the proceedings yesterday, Atabor informed Nwite that parties in the matter had amicably settled during a round table discussion and that terms of settlement hag been drawn for
execution.
The senior lawyer also said parties agreed that pending the execution of the terms of settlement, the vessel should be released to the owners.
Atabor’s submission was corroborated by Mr. T. M. Ozioko, who represented a Cameroonian lawyer, Mr. Eugene Thomas Ndong Amaazee, at the proceedings, at whose instance the vessel was seized.
Following the consensus, Nwite granted the oral application of the senior lawyer and ordered that the
seized vessel to be handed over to the owner.
Nwite subsequently fixed July 15 for the adoption of the terms of settlement as the judgement of the court.
Streamflow Global Services and Jerusalem Obokeno had on May 17 secured an order of interim injunction, which restrained the AGF, naval chief, and a Cameroonian lawyer, Eugene Thomas Ndong Amaazee, from moving the vessel, known as MV Blue Shark, from the
Navy Dockyard in Port Harcourt to Cameroon, Gabon, or any place outside Nigeria. Nwite had issued the restraining order while ruling in an ex-parte application argued by Atabo on behalf of the owners of the vessel. The judge had also barred the AGF and Chief of Naval Staff from acting or giving effect to any order or judgement that might have emanated outside the country until the case of the vessel owner had been effectively disposed of.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Independent Association of Nigeria has deplored the continued delay in posting ambassadors to most of the country's foreign missions.
Apart from stalling key functions of the embassies, the association said the non-designation of ambassadors is adversely affecting the image and fortunes of Nigeria.
A statement signed by the association's Secretary General, Kayode Abdulkareem, called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately appoint and post ambassadors to countries across the world to help give the needed push to our representation in world affairs.
He said that posting of ambassadors will promote foreign investment, exports and prevent or minimize the challenges being faced by Nigerians
traveling to other countries.
According to the association, the issue of paucity of funds being canvassed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot justify the non-appointment and posting of Nigerian ambassadors one full year into the present administration.
"We don't know with what words to describe this except sheer incompetence. Are we saying that Nigeria's foreign policy with all its attendant importance and benefits is not a priority deserving adequate funding? One may ask, how much does it cost to finance an ambassador to operate in an embassy, since all the embassy staff are operating.
Abdulkareem further urged President Tinubu not to allow some elements to kill the country's strong foreign policy advocacy which has been the pride of the nation.
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Abia State Government has said the loan deal with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Bank (IsDB) initiated by the immediate past administration has not been concluded.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Mike Akpara, made this known yesterday, at a news conference following claims that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has been drawing from the inherited loans.
The past government was in discussions with the AfDB for a $115 million loan and $125 million from the IsDB, but claimed that the loan deal had been sealed before they left office.
But Akpara said no loan was made ready for the present administration
to spend, adding that the government was still processing the money, "because they were not concluded by the previous administration."
"All of them (the loans) are still in the pipe line. None has dropped," he said.
On the lingering issue of unpaid salaries of agencies and parastatals inherited by the present government, the Finance Commissioner assured the concerned workers that Otti was determined to clear N16.5 billion arrears.
But he urged the affected workers to exercise patience with the government as, "machinery has been set in motion to offset the salary arrears," adding that the huge amount would not be paid in one fell swoop.
The affected agencies and parastatals are the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba,
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, yesterday, stressed that it was morally wrong to deny any child the basic right to learning.
A statement signed by the Minister's Special Adviser (Media), Emameh Gabriel, quoted the Minister as having stated this during a formal presentation of the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) 2022 survey on force labour in Nigeria by a team comprising of the National Steering Committee, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, ILO's country representatives, National
Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Education and Federal Ministry of Education in her office.
This came on the heels of a recent report released by the ILO which showed an increase in child and forced labour in Nigeria.
The report revealed that over 62.9 million children aged 5 to 17 in Nigeria, are trapped in various forms of child labour.
This translates to a staggering 39.2 per cent of Nigerian children being forced to work, with the agricultural sector being a significant contributor to this trend.
Mrs. Abiola Victoria Arosanyin from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
one of the team leaders at the meeting, presented a detailed breakdown of the child labour statistics, highlighting the most affected regions and demographics.
She emphasised the urgent need for advocacy support from the minister on rural education, the implementation of National and State Action Plans to combat child labour, stressing that a grassroots approach focused on poverty alleviation would be most effective.
She also sought the support of the Labour Ministry and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in driving this initiative forward.
In her response, the Minister stressed that education was a fundamental
right that should not be denied any child, regardless of their background or circumstances, highlighting the importance of education in shaping the future of individuals and society as a whole.
The Minister stressed that eradication of child labour must be prioritised by all, including parents, and that education is the vital key to breaking this harmful cycle.
She said: "By prioritising education, we can empower our youth to reach their full potential and create a better tomorrow for themselves and our nation. Let's make every day a reminder to prioritise our children's education and well-being.
with 33 months salary arrears; Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, 22 months, and Abia State University Uturu, 11 months.
Others include workers of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba owed 21 months arrears; Abia State Universal Education Board (ASUBEB), State Secondary Education Board, and the Health Management Board(HMB) with varying months of unpaid salaries.
The finance commissioner said government decided to be paying arrears in instalments with the intention to clear everything on or before December 2024.
"We will pay. But it is going to be paid in batches," Akpara insisted, adding that the Otti’s administration "believes that a worker deserves his wages."
However, he warned workers in the affected agencies and parastatals to
desist from mounting undue pressure and blackmailing the Otti administration over the salary arrears that were accumulated by the immediate past administration.
He explained that other sectors of the Abia economy would suffer should government pay the huge salary arrears at once, pointing out that, "it is not only salaries that this government is going to be paying," and neglect development projects. Akpara said government was not happy over the claims of the leadership of the academic union of ABSU that workers of the institution had not been paid their recent salaries.
He stated that ABSU staff have been paid their April and May salaries, adding that those yet to receive their salaries were either having issues with their bank account particulars or have not passed through the verification exercse.
Tinubu Commiserates With Ex-Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki On Mother's Demise
President
his
In a release issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President mourned the deceased matriarch, stating that she lived a
long and fruitful life as a servant of her community, a servant of God, and a beloved guardian and mother to many.
President Tinubu also commiserated with the entire Saraki family - Mama's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and everyone mourning this loss. The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed matriarch and grace to her family.
segun James
The current cholera crisis in the country would have spiralled out of control if the Lagos State government had not been proactive in controlling the spread of the water borne epidemic, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
Sanwo-Olu said but for the quick activation of the state’s incident command mechanism and surveillance system to control the contagious disease, the country would have been grappling with the
“catastrophic consequence” that could have resulted from the reoccurrence of the epidemic. Lagos remains the most burdened state as the epidemic spikes in 31 states, with fatality rate put at 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year. According to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, who is Special Adviser to the Governor on Media And Publicity, Sanwo-Olu linked the spread of cholera to the drop in sanitation at the community level and the intake of contaminated water.
The country's vulnerability to
waterborne diseases, the governor said, had reinforced the need for collaboration between the government and development partners to resolve issues surrounding provision of clean water.
The governor spoke at the 2024 Lagos International Water Conference held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island.
The event, with the theme, “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” was organised by Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO).
At the large gathering comprising stakeholders, regulators and funding partners, Sanwo-Olu said discussions must be focused on actions and strategies that would ensure resources were allocated to the area they were most needed.
He said the conference could end up as another talk shop if decisive action was not taken to address inadequacies in the provision of safe drinking water to promote hygiene and sanitation in the country.
Sanwo-Olu stated, “Today, we are talking about cholera outbreak and
we have seen the disease spread in the last couple of weeks with not too serious fatalities like we had during COVID-19.
“We have seen a better containment strategy because of the proactive nature of this government. With all sense of humility, it was the level of how well we were able to take proactive steps and transparently have a surveillance engagement, that we were able to stem the tide and reduce an effect of the disease that would not only be local, but will be very catastrophic for the nation.
“This cholera response has again demonstrated that water is a critical conversation in our movement to address this problem. We have been reminded by Fela Anikulapo Kuti that water does not have enemy. But, we are all not sincere and serious. It is not about lip service; it is about ensuring that we can put our resources where it is most needed.
He said, “The best news I want to hear from this gathering is the fact that, when we come back next year for this yet another conference, Adiyan Scheme II, which will require tens of billions of Naira, should have been completed.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has announced the start-ups to participate in the second phase of the accelerator stage (physical bootcamp) of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0).
The week-long physical bootcamp will culminate in a mini demo day where the start-ups will pitch their solutions before a panel of judges drawn from the technology and the business eco system for a chance to proceed to the Demo Day and vie for a total combined prize value of $220,000 with an all-expense paid five-week training at Draper University, Silicon Valley, USA.
Managing Director/Chief Executive, NSIA, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq noted said the authority remained
focused on leveraging the prize to propel socio-economic development especially by catalysing the technology ecosystem, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, advancing innovative solutions to everyday challenges and positioning Nigerian tech talents for global relevance.
The two-part accelerator phase initially had 100 start-ups selected after rigorous evaluation and due diligence carried out on over 7,000 early-stage businesses that registered for the competition. Out of these, and following additional screening, the following start-ups from multiple sectors have been shortlisted to proceed to the physical bootcamp.
Umar-Sadiq further explained that the NPI was the authority’s multi-year commitment to identify and nurture early-stage businesses
with potential for transformative impact in the country.
Currently in its second edition, NPI has garnered significant attention as high-quality applications from interested businesses grew from 2,000 in the maiden edition to over 7,000 in 2024.
The initiative aligns with the authority’s ongoing commitment to catalyse the technology ecosystem by identifying and rewarding Nigerian innovators, equipping them with the right tools to scale product – market fit, connecting start-ups with potential investors and delivering a robust community of technology innovators and entrepreneurs.
It is a phased competition broken into the pre-selection stage, where innovators submit their application through the application portal; the
accelerator stage, where the top finalists participate in a virtual and in-person training bootcamp and demo day, where the top 10 finalists pitch their solutions to a panel of technology and business leaders.
The post demo day stage has the top 10 finalists participate in an all-expense paid training programme in Draper University, Silicon Valley, USA.
The start-ups selected for the bootcamp include Magic Carpet, Materials Pro, Jump n Pass, Awacash, VPay, Betalife, Centio Healthcare, Yalo, Pocket Lawyers, Doktorconnect and Trashcoin.
Others are One Health, Redease, VPD, Kunda Kids, Agroxchange Technology, Sycamore, Passcoder, Earlybean, Powerfull, Adashe, Cash Africa, TownHall, Sakula, Pave, Tribapay.
“We need to move from lip service to actions that will help resolve the issues. Aside investing resources, we also need to identify the skills that are required.”
Sanwo-Olu said his administration considered provision of clean water as human rights, stressing that his government has raised spending to water and sanitation sector in the last four years.
The governor stressed the need to build physical partnership that would turn around operational efficiency and service in the state-owned water corporation.
He rallied stakeholders to support the state with technical expertise and infrastructure financing in order to complete the ongoing Adiyan Scheme II water project, which will produce 70 million gallons daily for Lagosians.
“Whatever it is going to take; whatever resources that will require for us to be able to complete a 70 million gallons water treatment plant that will enhance access and availability of water is our commitment. We need infrastructure on the ground and people who are committed.” Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev, observed that rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure were part of the key factors contributing to water shortages in Lagos. Utsev urged government agencies to leverage private sector investment in trying to enhancing public water supply. Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the pressure on the existing water supply infrastructure had made it imperative for the state government to find sustainable innovative ways to finance and manage water supplies.
LASWARCO Executive Secretary, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, said the conference was the fifth to be hosted in the last five years by the regulatory agency to address governance concerns in water and sanitation sector.
“The expected outcomes from all the sessions at this conference are actionable strategies that will contribute to the broader goals of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Lagos and in the water sector,” Adepoju said.
emmanuel addeh in Abuja Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday said that the federal government will not accept substandard jobs in the ongoing Renewed Hope Estates being constructed by the Bola Tinubu administration nationwide.
Dangiwa issued the warning in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state during the groundbreaking of 250 housing units in the state under the programme, charging developers handling the project to adhere to standards and specifications to deliver quality houses.
He maintained that contractors must build in line with the terms and approved standards for the benefits of Nigerians, according to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Badamasi Haiba. The flag-off in Ebonyi state marked the first of eight states in the second leg of groundbreaking to be performed for the programme launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2024. The exercise will cover six Southern states and two in the North-central region of the country.
The first leg of the exercise began
with the groundbreaking of 1,500 housing units in the northern part of Nigeria, comprising 250 housing units Renewed Hope Estates, in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe and Sokoto and a 500-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Kano.
Dangiwa stated: “Work is currently ongoing at each of these sites, and our plan is to have them all completed within the next couple of months and made available to Nigerians in line with Mr. President’s desire to provide quality housing for all Nigerians."
The project to be developed by Jephthah Global Investments Ltd,
Proportion Construction Works Nigeria Limited, Ideal Shelters Limited and KLYN Construction Works Ltd, will have 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of threebedroom semi-detached bungalows.
The minister said: “We have designed these housing units in a way that makes it easy and affordable for people to offtake by using organic designs to allow for future expansion as the income of beneficiaries increases.
“What this means is that onebedroom can be expanded to two
bedrooms and two-bedrooms can also be expanded to three bedrooms as the owner’s financial situation improves or his family grows.”
The minister, while urging the developers to work within the stipulated time frame of three months, emphasised the economic component of housing construction and its potential to develop the economy.
“Statistics show that construction of one housing unit creates an average of 25 direct and indirect jobs. So, for these 250 housing units that we are building here in Ebonyi, we aim to create jobs for over 6,500
people in various trades.
“From professionals like architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers to masons, plumbers, tilers, electricians etc. This is besides the economic activities involving persons selling food, supplying blocks, building materials and the likes. The value chain effect of construction work on this site is big and creates positive economic impact,” he said. The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, described the project as a remarkable journey by the federal government to provide affordable housing for Nigerians.
The Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has backed Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited on its recent allegation that Nigerian oil producers, especially the International Oil Companies (IOCs) were actively obstructing the refinery’s operations by refusing to guarantee crude supply.
Reacting to the report, the Chairman of CORAN, Momoh Oyarekhua, said that Dangote Refineries, as a member of CORAN, expressed exactly the concerns of many other members who had been faced similar bottlenecks had observed.
A statement from the organisation said Oyarekhua spoke on Channels Television, stressing that the problem had caused serious operational dilemmas due to the hurdles of obtaining crude oil locally for operations.
“I will take it from the angle of producers of crude rather than focusing on the IOCs alone. What we usually call IOCs are the international producers, but I do not think it is just about the international producers and operators in Nigeria.
“I think it’s more about the producers of crude in Nigeria that are perhaps frustrating the refineries in Nigeria from getting crude.
“In fact, we have been on this journey. I, particularly have been on this journey of advocating for crude sales to local refineries and also where necessary for the modular refineries for crude to be sold to
them in naira.
“This is because most of our products are produced into the local market and income is actually in naira and it is just common sense that if you sell products in naira you should be able to get your feedstock in naira.
"This is mostly when that feedstock is produced in Nigeria, so that you don’t put pressure on the US dollar that is already scarce in the country,” it quoted him as saying.
Oyarekhua said there had been several engagements with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), stressing that the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) should be adhered to.
“I think that law was specifically put there by legislators not to starve the refineries. But what we have seen is a huge and still resistance by the producers of crude in Nigeria. They will rather prefer to export crude abroad to selling to local refineries,” he pointed out.
He insisted that the cost of finished products would reduce drastically if local refining is encouraged, instead of importation of finished refined products that do not even meet quality standards.
“We all saw that when Dangote came on stream, diesel dropped from NGN1,600 to about NGN1,200, and as we speak today, from our refineries, we are even selling less that NGN1,100. This is to tell you how far producing crude locally can support the economy and can support the people of Nigeria,” he
argued.
He emphasised that if there are functional refineries in the country, it is difficult to understand why the refineries cannot be supported, urging the government to play its role to ensure that the laws are implemented.
Oyarekhua stated that the association was deeply saddened by the lack of support for its members
over the past three to four years.
“As it stands today, with Dangote's production and production from the modular refineries, we are currently self-sufficient in the production of the primary products which are diesel, fuel oil, naphtha and kerosene.
“Dangote is producing aviation fuel, so there is really no reason for the importation of products into the country,” he added.
He further expressed dismay that marketers were doing everything to frustrate refineries, stressing that he hoped that the difficulties will be removed as soon as possible so that members can go into full production to meet installed capacity.
Earlier this week, Vice President, Oil and Gas at DIL, Devakumar Edwin, had accused the IOCs of
inflating prices of local crude oil, and making it prohibitively expensive for the refinery to purchase in Nigeria. CORAN also joined the Dangote Refineries to call on the National Assembly and the executive arm of government to intervene in the oil & gas sector to avert further unwholesome experiences faced by its members.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has advised Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) to be innovative in their activities so as to remain relevant.
Abbas spoke in Abuja at the 3rd national Organisational Development (OD) summit themed: "Driving Change and Innovation for Organisational Resilience and Performance for Nigerian CSOs and BMOs."
Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on CSOs, Victor Obuzor, the speaker noted that this is considering the increasing operational challenges of CSOs and BMOs due to donor fatigue, bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor organisational capacity, low public trust and hostile government policies.
Abass stressed that the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the vital role of the two groups as architects of positive change, advocates for inclusive growth, and voices for the voiceless in the society.
“Civil society organisations serve as the lifeblood of our democracy, acting as crucial bridges between the government and the people. They are essential in fostering citizen participation, promoting human rights, and advancing social justice.
“By amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, monitoring government performances, and ensuring transparency and accountability, civil society organisations strengthen the democratic fabric of our nation. BMOs are drivers of economic growth, an engine of innovation,” he added.
As engines of innovation, Abass
stated that they also foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development by encouraging collaborative partnerships among businesses, governments, and communities.
“This year's theme is not only timely but relevant, considering the increasing operational challenges of CSOs and BMOs in our society, due to donor fatigue, bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor organisational capacity, low public trust, hostile government policies, and many more.
“In the light of these challenges, it is more important now than ever for CSOs and BMOs to embrace innovation and build resilience to continue to function,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the acting Director, Peace and Democratic Governance Office USAID, Nigeria, Halimah Abubakar, said that non-governmental organisations form a cornerstone of
the Nigerian democracy, promoting rights and wellbeing of communities as well as pushing for reform and inclusive development, and serving as a watchdog against corruption and public abuse.
“Your activism is crucial for environment and health in society. Your partnership is also essential to USAID's work in Nigeria. Whether promoting political electoral reform, care for HIV-affected people, or basic education, USAID relies on civil society to reach millions of Nigerians across the country,” she said. USAID, Abubakar said, is committed to supporting organisational development of Nigerian civil society organisations and has for more than four years, through Palladium, empowered over 170 CSOs across Nigeria.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria's Governors’ Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said that the government has targeted over 600,000 beneficiaries under the fourth phase of agricultural and infrastructural assets of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in the state.
AbdulRazaq stated this in Ilorin, Wednesday, during the distribution of the agricultural inputs to the affected beneficiaries in the state.
According to him, "The state government is today taking another giant step forward towards supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs with high-value assets such as fishing and passenger boats, hand tillers, grinding machines, and so on".
He further said that, "This is in addition to the donation of various categories of hospital equipment to support vulnerable communities in health delivery and add to the stock of beneficiaries already recorded."
Represented at the event by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, the governor stated that, "Today’s
No fewer than eleven communities benefited from the distributed hospital equipment support. They included Alanamu, AtikuApata, Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda; and Baba Dudu communities.
ceremony therefore, attests to the commitment of the state government to full implementation of NG-CARES. This is geared towards improving the welfare of the people."
AbdulRazaq said no less than two million citizens across the state have benefitted from the various programmes and interventions under the NG-CARES, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour intensive public workforce, and social development agency.
According to the governor, "The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on the 14th of December 2021. NG-CARES, being the first attempt to use the Programme for Result (P for R) approach to deliver goods and services to the
most vulnerable in the state has been very successful as it is making an impact in the lives of the citizens since its take-off.
"This is made possible by the continuous and constant support of the state government to ensure that poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by economic crisis are supported through different initiatives.
"Our gathering this afternoon is another phase in our continuous efforts to bring ease to the people through multifaceted interventions. At every stage of our journey so far, our administration has a record of deploying all available resources to make life easy for the people."
AbdulRazaq urged the beneficiaries
of these high-valued assets and equipment to consider these assets as their own and optimize the benefits.
The ceremony was well attended by some cabinet members and other officials of government, including Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Communication, Hon. Bola Olukoju; Chief Press Secretary to Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde; and dozens of beneficiaries, among others. Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru
In her remarks, Executive Director Spaces for Change (S4C), Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said the summit presented an unparalleled platform for donors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic positioning and operational capabilities of CSOs in executing impactful activities that advance societal welfare.
“A critical issue facing many donors is the availability of substantial financial resources without a clear framework for deploying these funds towards objectives that generate meaningful societal benefits.
“This often results in the misallocation of resources, where funds are directed towards initiatives that do not align with the core needs of the community or fail to achieve the intended philanthropic outcomes,” she said.
In her remarks, Country Director, Palladium, Oiza Nicholson, said during the two-day event , participants will engage in rich discussions on vital themes that are pivotal to the sustainability and the impact of CSOs.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
President Bola Tinubu has sent a presidential delegation to Kano State to commiserate with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the recent loss of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Maryam Albishir.
On arrival in Kano yesterday, the delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, was received by Governor Abba Yusuf.
According to a statement issued by Media Assistant to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, members of the delegation included Ministers for Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Transport, Senator Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali; Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo;
Product (GDP).
He emphasised that Nigeria was looking to double diaspora remittances.
Separately, Cardoso, yesterday, said the apex bank would continue to collaborate with relevant financial institutions, the fiscal authorities, and the National Assembly to ensure a successful recapitalisation of the banking industry.
Speaking on “The Impact of the Recapitalisation of Nigerian Banks,” at the UK-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce forum in London, he said the CBN would ensure adequate protection of property rights and interests of minority shareholders.
On whether the country would need to resort to IMF for cheaper funding to bridge existing liquidity challenges, Cardoso said, "Well, as at now, as far as I can see, we have what it takes from existing sources to close the gap and move the country forward."
He added, "I think as at now, we have access to enough exposures from different areas that should be able to see us through.
"The problem Nigeria has from our perspective is temporary – they are just temporary issues. And I believe that as some of the things (policies) are kicking in, for example, efforts from the fiscal side will increase revenue and tax to GDP will go up.
"So, as these things begin to kickin and some of the focuses we are having, like the IMTOs (International Money Transfer Operators), I think those gaps will be eliminated."
The central bank governor said, “In terms of liquidity, we have a
approaches towards a collaborative model that leverages the strengths of all stakeholders.
His speech was themed: “Entrenching Accelerated Development of Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPL) Assets and Heavy Crude Reserves Through Strategic Partnerships with Technology Drivers and Industry Service Providers.”
“Heavy crude oil certainly is part of our valued hydrocarbon resources but yet to be effectively valorised. Heavy crude oil, often characterised by its high density and viscosity, presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria’s energy sector.
“Available records reveal that as of January 1, 2024, Nigeria’s heavy crude reserves stood at about 1.67 billion barrels. 62 per cent of this volume is proven while 38 per cent is unproven. 71 per cent of the total reserves are domiciled in acreages operated by NEPL, 12 per cent in IOC-owned acreages, and 17 per cent are found in other operating companies' acreages.
“In terms of terrain, we have 78 per cent onshore, 3 per cent at swamp, and 19 per cent offshore. Despite this huge volume, the quantum of heavy crude oil reserves developed in Nigeria is just about 5 per cent. As a result, there is a need for a concerted effort to improve value delivery from this segment of the petroleum spectrum, which will
Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Moddibo; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Yakasai.
Delivering the president's condolence message to the vice president, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu felt saddened about the passing of Shettima's mother-in-law and sent his deepest sympathy and prayers.
According to the chief of staff, "The president has sent us to commiserate with you and your family. He sends his best wishes, his prayers, his thoughts to you and your wife and the entire family of the deceased.
"Mr. President has asked that we convey to you his deepest sympathy and his prayers that the Almighty Allah grant our mother Aljannah Firdaus and forgive her sins.
situation, especially on the foreign exchange side, which is also very critical, where we’ve seen an increase.
“The first quarter of this year has resulted in, through using a number of these measures, a total inflow of about $24 billion. Now, this is almost about, I would say about 40 per cent to 50 per cent more than the quarters up to about 2021.
“So clearly, it’s having a positive impact. And we believe that continuing on this trajectory, we’ll see liquidity continue to increase."
He stated that Nigeria was looking to exploring multiple FX sources, including from the diaspora as well as Eurobond, to bolster its FX earnings.
According to him, “And even talking about things like how to attract more foreign exchange flows, we’ve had a recognition of the huge role that the diaspora, the Nigerian diaspora plays.
“They remit a tremendous amount of money into the system over a period of time.
“And we set up a committee, which reports directly to me with the goal of doubling the amount of inflows coming from International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to more or less service that segment of the autonomous players.
“And already, it’s beginning to bring about results. And again, we’re confident that with these kinds of measures, liquidity will improve in our country."
He explained that capital inflows remained very important to improving the economy, stressing that in the case of Nigeria, the pass-through from the foreign exchange rate into inflation
ultimately lead to energy security, job creation, and economic growth,” he stated.
According to Komolafe, the development of heavy crude is not without challenges, with the high viscosity of heavy crude requiring sophisticated extraction and processing techniques.
Additionally, he disclosed that the high sulphur content of heavy crude results in higher greenhouse gas emissions during production, which raises environmental concerns.
Despite these challenges, he explained that with the right strategies, Nigeria can effectively develop its heavy crude resources by investing in research and development to develop and adopt innovative extraction and processing technologies that focus on reducing the environmental impact and improving the efficiency of heavy crude production.
Stressing that the upstream sector remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, he stated that the sector faces numerous challenges, including aging infrastructure, declining production, and the ever-present need to adapt to evolving global energy demands.
For the commission, the NUPRC chief executive explained that collaboration was not merely a buzzword, but a key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s oil fields.
“By working together, oil field
“It's, indeed, saddening that she died. We commiserate with you on behalf of Mr President, on behalf of the government and on behalf of his cabinet and the whole Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Responding, Shettima expressed his deep gratitude, saying, "I want to register my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for sending such a high-level delegation to condole with us over the sad demise of our mother. That portrays the purity of heart and empathy of the president."
The vice president reiterated the president's genuine leadership, maintaining that Tinubu means well for the country.
He said, "I wish to call on all of us to rally round him and see to it that we salvage this nation together. It's not a game of apportioning blame.
is quite significant.
The CBN governor stated that Nigeria should have a diversity of FX inflow sources, not just Eurobond market or foreign portfolio investors, explaining that the problems that the country currently has are temporary.
He stated that when he took over as head of the apex bank about 10 months ago, there were a lot of distortions in the FX market, stating that he and his team have tried to fix the problems gradually in the last few months.
Cardoso said, “There were backlogs of foreign exchange that needed to be settled and there was so much, an incredible amount of uncertainty. And we basically had to look at this and say, well, what are the things we need to do to restore confidence and even for local people not to panic and to have the confidence in their own currency.
"And a number of things were
This was as the immediate former publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Darlington Nwauju, condemned what he described as the reintroduction of guerilla warfare to the politics of the state.
According to him, the failed attempt by the protesters demanding an extension of the tenure of former local government chairmen, to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential, a five star hotel in Port Harcourt, was a deliberate ploy to strengthen the call for a state of emergency by haters who
owners, service providers, and the regulator can optimise resource utilisation, enhance operational efficiency, accelerate technological adoption, and improve regulatory compliance,” he explained.
Komolafe said that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 has implemented transformative changes in Nigeria's upstream oil and gas industry, establishing new licensing regimes and introducing PPL Awardees into the landscape.
To ensure that the PIA's objectives and the federal government's aspirations for the upstream oil and gas sector are met, he stated that stakeholders must develop progressive and efficient relationships.
“We're here today to answer some critical questions: what should PPL awardees do to efficiently develop their assets? How can service providers, particularly rig owners, ensure that specific timelines are met? How can the regulator ensure that we successfully address the many challenges that might hinder success? And most importantly, how can we work together to unlock the full potential of our national resources?
“We all have a role in ensuring sustainable value creation from Nigerian petroleum resources. As stakeholders, oil field owners must provide clear and consistent project objectives, facilitate open communication and data sharing,
It's a game of making this country work and if Nigeria works, Africa works.
"No matter how long the night is; it must give way to the light of dawn. Granted, we are facing security challenges across this country, but the president is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership and determined to address the problem of insecurity facing the entire nation."
Shettima expressed gratitude to the government and people of Kano State for hosting him and members of his family for the past three days. He added, "Everyone that has come here is welcomed by the governor. We have gone beyond politics. We are now in the phase of governance and what binds us together triumphs whatever that divides us."
done, which included appreciating the fact that there were a lot of distortions within the foreign exchange system that did not give people the confidence to want to invest and to want to keep their money in Naira.
“Everybody exchanged into dollars and held dollars. And we addressed those, including a flurry of different circulars, addressing some to the banks and addressing some to the system, the operations of the system itself.
“And we feel that a number of things have happened, one of which is the fact that more confidence has come back into the market."
Cardoso added, “A lot of inflows have come back because there was very little liquidity at the time. And potential players within the market, both on the buy and the sell side, are more confident in the future. And when I talk about even the buy side, bear in mind the fact that in the past
wanted to undermine the state to achieve their evil plans.
Fubara said the protesters and their sponsors were aware that the National Assembly members were guests at the Hotel Presidential, yet, attempted to detonate an explosive device near the facility in order to give reason to support the call for state of emergency.
He, however, said the detractors failed in their plan for the call.
"As a matter of fact, let me tell you, I know of everything that is happening. Yesterday (Tuesday), they (the protesters) were aware
and champion innovation and technological advancements.
“Service providers must be ready to provide innovative solutions and technologies as well as offer technical expertise and support to oil field owners while also collaborating with them and the regulator,” he observed.
Komolafe pointed out that as a regulator, the commission will continually foster a favourable regulatory environment, leverage technology and support Research and Development (R&D) initiatives.
As part of the highlights of the two-day event, he said that the commission was focused on optimising Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources in the midst of energy transition onslaught and momentum.
He stressed the need for capacity building in the oil and gas industry to effectively handle the complexities of heavy crude development.
“ Effective collaboration between the government, industry players, and academic institutions is crucial for the successful development of heavy crude. This will encourage knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and policy development,” he stated.
At the end of the meeting, the chief executive of the NUPRC said the agreed-upon best practices aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability within the sector will be released.
Those who came to sympathise with the vice president and his family included the Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda; Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali; Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi; and former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema.
Others included some members of the National Assembly; Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Askira; a delegation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) headed by Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori; Borno State APC Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo; and Executive Directors of the Niger Delta
what used to happen was people were panicking and front-loading their requests.
“Now a lot of that has also calmed down. And there's no inclination to do that because liquidity has come back into the market. So, we're relatively pleased with how far we've got up to now.
“In the past two or three weeks, after a period of volatility, we've seen a lot of stability within the market. There's hardly been any movement in the currency. The rates have merged in the past few."
According to him, the two different FX rates have more or less collapsed into one rate, which allows companies to plan.
He stated, “We don't believe that we've gotten to the position we want to stay at. This is continuous work in progress. And we will do everything possible to ensure that we continue to manage the fundamentals that
that you are in the state. So, there was an attempt to create serious problem.
"In fact, there was a plan to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential because you people were there. But this God that we serve, it happened that the man who was trying to do it, detonated it but just few seconds after, it blew his hands off.
"The idea was that as you hear state of emergency, it will be so that by the time they finish, when you return to have your sitting tomorrow (Thursday), the debate will be from somebody from this state who called you people to tell you not to come.
“He will now raise issue of state of emergency, and say after all, distinguished colleagues saw it happen while you were in Rivers State, that you saw what happened.
"But you see, when you are with God, even your own child who is planning evil, will go and tell somebody that, God is with this man because he is clean. This is what my father is planning. That is what is keeping us in this State."
The governor wondered why it seemed that the law was silent or inactive to take its course over offenders because somebody appeared to be bigger than the law on the agitation, because there was nowhere in the country were tenure elongation for former local government chairmen has been an issue.
He pointed out that there was no governor in Nigeria, who could take 10 per cent of the abuse rained on him by former local government council chairmen.
But Fubara said he had taken those insults and attacks in his strides without going hard at the purveyors because their plan was to distract him, stressing that he remained focused on delivering good governance and democratic dividends to Rivers people.
"Where on earth can tenure of local government chairmen be elongated? You were a governor, was it tried in your time?Even those of you that are senators here, even in your own
affect the market in such a way that it will continue to improve."
Represented in London by CBN Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Mr. Phillip Ikeazor, Cardoso emphasised the significance of the UK-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce forum. He restated CBN’s commitment to fostering stronger, healthier, and more resilient banks capable of withstanding economic shocks and supporting the federal government’s goal of achieving a GDP of $1 trillion by 2030. He said the anticipated impact of the recapitalisation programme would include an increase in banks' lending capacity, a boost in the volume of foreign direct investment (FDI), and an increase in foreign exchange liquidity. The CBN governor said the banking sector consolidation would also
Continued on page 44
states, has anyone tried this before?
"Is it that the Constitution that governs Nigeria is different from the one that operates in Rivers State? These are the very pertinent questions we should ask. Why should it be that when it comes to the case of Rivers State, the law is always silent? Is it that there is somebody bigger than Nigeria? That is the question I want you to go back with.
"I am not fighting anybody. If I am fighting, people will know that I am fighting. My pattern will change. What we are doing is to defend ourselves. We can't just fold our hands. Only a tree will be standing and somebody will come and cut it off."
He told members of the committee to factor in the interest of the state as they recommended the privatisation and commercialisation of public companies, saying, when the state buys stakes in such companies, it could be protected and supervised to be viable.
Kalu, who said they were in the state to carry out oversight duties on some projects, commended Fubara for his love for peace, determination to offer quality governance and keep pace with providing the right climate to engender economic growth to all residents in the State.
He also urged Wike to sheath the sword, and call his supporters to order as a commitment to fostering peace and putting the interest of the State above all considerations.
"I want to admire Your Excellency, your Deputy and your team for the good things you are doing in the State, but it is good to have peace.
“I want to thank you because you look like a very peaceful man. Your face shows a peaceful man. Your laughter shows a peaceful man. So, I want you to continue in that manner of peace.
"Leadership is a very big burden. It is not a sweet potato. It is not anywhere where you can see rice and beans. On the street of Rivers, everyone is saying that the governor and the former governor are quarreling.
segun awofadeji in Bauchi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has declared that it is only in a peaceful atmosphere that the economy of any country could thrive, hence the need for all to embrace peace.
This is as he urged Nigerians who have taken up arms against the country to drop their arms, seek dialogue and other reasonable means to address grievances.
parade of retired Senior Armoured Officers.
The Army Chief stated this in Bauchi yesterday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Headquarters complex, reunion and pulling out
Blessing ibunge inPortharcourt
Hundreds of youths in Rivers State on Tuesday took to the streets in support of the State Police Command for occupying the 23 local government secretariats in the state.
Local government secretariats in the State have been occupied by police personnel for about a week, following the activities of some youths protesting the refusal of the council chairmen to vacate office upon expiration of their tenures.
The youths led by the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Rivers state chapter, under the leadership
of Nwisabari Bani, said the barricading of the secretariats by the police has prevented hoodlums from vandalising the facilities.
Speaking during the solidarity march to the Police Command Headquarters, on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Bani urged the police to remain in the local government secretariats pending the decision of the Appeal Court the state political matters before it.
“I want to say that the Nigerian youths and Rivers youths are grateful for you coming to takeover our secretariats thereby stopping invaders.
sunday Ehigiator
Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of one of Nigeria’s e-commerce giants, Konga, Nick Imudia, has died by suicide.
Imudia, who until his death, was the CEO of D.light, a leading innovator in residential solar energy solutions, reportedly took his life in his apartment. He reportedly killed himself on the night of Tuesday, June 25, by jumping from the balcony of his Lekki, Lagos apartment.
Before making the jump, he was said to have called his United States-based brother to give instructions on how to
distribute his wealth should anything happen to him.
He also reached out to his young daughter from a previous relationship, telling her he would always be there for her and that she only needed to look in the sky to see him.
His friends, family, and associates are in shock as to why he would take his own life.
Imudia, who hails from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, was previously married to the mother of his young daughter, who was also from the same local government.
The marriage ended due to irreconcilable differences.
According to him, “It is only in a peaceful atmosphere that the economy of any country could
thrive, hence the need for all to embrace peace.
“My appeal to Nigerians who have taken up arms against the states is that they see the reason
that it is only an atmosphere of peace that people can experience progress and all those things that they deserve from the government, the states, can be
realised.
“I appeal to them to drop their arms, seek dialogue and other means through which grievances can be addressed.”
KuniTyessi inabuja
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye,has filed a suit against the Chairman, Women Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara,as well as ARISE News over alleged defamation of character to the tune of N1 billion.
Speaking to the media in her
office in Abuja yesterday , she stated that the writ of summons followed wrong allegations made by Ogbara against her, while answering questions thrown at her during a programme on ARISE News Channel on June 5, 2024 Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that during the programme, Ogbara disclosed that she was already under investigation by the Committee on Public Procurement, and that she was also being invited to appear before the House Committee on Women Affairs over various offences
The minister, who disclosed that she was being wrongly accused for transactions that transpired before her assumption of office as the Minister of Women Affairs, informed that the wrong accusations have exposed her to odium and ridicule, especially before right-thinking members of the society, including friends, associates, lawyers, relatives, among others.
Kennedy-Ohanenye explained further that she had expressed her disdain towards the false allegation and till date, they had not made any effort to retract it
segun James
The former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, yesterday described his last 12 and half years of ordeal over alleged money laundering case as harrowing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as harrowing, saying he was persecuted wrongfully.
Ikuforiji, however, said that he may consider opening a case against the anti-graft agency, lamenting that he suffered unnecessarily during the period the case lasted following a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from an unanimous entity.
He wondered how he was made to face the law over a decade for a makeup story that he collected
N500m for 14 months to the tune of about N7billion.
Sharing his experience at a media briefing in Ikeja, Ikuforiji said that he has considered pressing a charge against the EFCC yet, even as he said that the judgment of June 24 was a day of his independence.
According to him, he got a call from the then EFCC Director of Operations, Mohammed, on his way to Saudi Arabia for Umrah but was honoured to report immediately he returned to the country which he did.
Ikuforiji noted that he spent the weekend on the floor of EFCC cell in Abuja over petition with no name, known address and telephone number, even though the EFCC later concluded that the books of the state Assembly was the cleanest among those they have investigated for years.
adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has faulted the non-accreditation of surveying and geoinformatics programmes in the Nigerian universities and polytechnics across the federation, thereby resulting in acute shortages of surveyors in the country.
The National President of NIS, Matthew Olomolatan Ibitoye, expressed this displeasure at the 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference held in Benin-city, Edo State.
He said in Nigeria, there are approximately 33 universities
We’ve Changed the Narrative in Ekiti with Our Welfare Packages, Oyebanji Declares
Gbenga sodeinde in ado ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said his government had been able to change the narrative in the state by being strong on welfare issues and creating economic opportunities for the citizens.
and 34 polytechnics but only few of them have the manpower to train surveyors, which has negatively impacted the profession. According to him, “Furthermore, I wish to highlight the urgent need
for investment in our educational institutions to train surveying and geo-informatics professionals.
“Currently, these institutions suffer from shortage of qualified and adequate lecturers, resulting in a poor lecturer-student ratio.
“This along with other factors such as lack of adequate modern equipment and a poor teaching environment, often contributes to the nonaccreditation of surveying and geo-informatics programmes in most institutions.
This, he said, had impacted positively on the standard of living of the residents as well as improve on economic development programmes of his predecessors.
the fear of God and principle of transparency and accountability .
Oyebanji, who stated these during an engagement with Ekiti Stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday, said his administration in the last one and a half years has led the state with a deep sense of responsibility, guided by
He added that every money that came into the state’s coffers had been spent transparently and prudently, adding that his government had paid over 17 billion naira as pension, gratuity, car, and housing loans to Ekiti public servants since he took over.
The Nigerian Actuarial Society is holding its 2024 Industrial Conference. The conference started yesterday and will end today at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. According to the President of the Society in a statement, this year conference, titled: ‘Actuaries and Artificial Intelligence: Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats’, has several speakers, which include Yeside Kazeem, past President of the Nigerian Actuarial Society, John Robinson, past President and Chair, SOA, Tega Williams, Research Team member, Department of Finance, Redeemers University, David Cummings; President, Casualty Actuarial Society, Femi Osinubi,
‘Yoruba
Partner and Advisory Leader, PWC West Market and other industrial experts.
The president encouraged every member to endeavour to be present for this two days conference as it is going to be insightful, because the conference title has been narrowed to the current technological milestones.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, has hinged the survival of the Yoruba language and culture on the preservation and promotion of traditional religion. He made the assertion while delivering a lecture titled: ‘Yoruba Language and Culture, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’, at the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,
during the 2024 Annual Cultural Festival organised by Egbe Akomolede Ati Asa Yoruba, Nigeria, Ekun Ife (Association of Teachers of Yoruba Language and Culture, Nigeria, Ife Zone).
The ICIR president in a call on South-west governors of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos States to immediately commence process of changing the language of all textbooks used in primary and secondary schools to indigenous Yoruba language, emphasised that
without traditional religious practices, the language, and its rich cultural heritage might face imminent extinction.
He hinted that the time has come for the people to stop calling Yoruba language vernacular and make communication with the language a must at home, work and schools, as researches have shown that students taught any subject with mother tongue perform better than the one taught with foreign languages.
National Vice Chairman, South-east, of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu in this interview speaks on a number of issues concerning the nation, the South-east region and his party, the APC. He said if the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party decide to enter into an alliance ahead of the 2027 poll, it will not be a threat to the second term ambition of President Bola Tinubu. David-Chyddy Eleke brings excerpts
What is your assessment of the current political landscape in the Southeast region, and how does the APC plan to maintain its members in the zone and even win more states?
You see, NdiIgbo are an enlightened people, we are politically sophisticated and our republican nature makes us politically conscious naturally. Coupled with our entrepreneurial drive and business savvy nature, it is okay to say that the landscape is indeed competitive. Today we have three or four political parties that are dominant in the region, this is different from other regions where we have one or two political parties dominating such regions, compare this with the South-east where we have four.
So, you can see that the political landscape is competitive and that is why it is important to note that what now counts to our people is good governance and accountability which our party, the All Progressives Congress in the South-east has emphasized and if you check the APC administrations in Imo and Ebonyi States you would see a perfect demonstration of such and that is how we are not only going to maintain our stronghold but we also intend to win more states by 2025 and 2027.
Like I said earlier, we in the South-east APC understanding the competitive nature of the politics in the region have resorted to ideas that will enhance governance and the quality of life of our people. We are also engaging with the people, stakeholders, traditional rulers, clerics, academia, business gurus, traders, etc.
We as true democrats are talking with these people, we do not just come only when it is election period, we have departed from such antics, we are seriously engaging these people and convincing them with facts that the All Progressives Congress is indeed the ideal party for NdiIgbo. If you recall we recently organized a colloquium in Nnewi where we discussed issues pertaining to this question, this shows that we are taking the voting public seriously and we will continue to engage them.
We are also showcasing our achievements, look at the developmental strides in Imo and Ebonyi, look at the performance of our legislators in the National Assembly, we use this to tell people why we need to support the ruling party so that we as a region could benefit more from it. There are other strategies in the cooler but I will not disclose them, we will deploy them soon.
There have been cries of marginalization in the south east, starting from when PDP was in power at the centre, to this period where your party is in charge. Do you think the APC is truly neglecting the South-east region in terms of federal appointments and infrastructural development?
This is hilarious, as journalists how do you feel comfortable with such jaundiced assertions? You have answers to such question, look at the motley of projects carried out by the past APC administration in the region, the former ruling party, the PDP played politics with infrastructure in the region, despite the support the region gave to its fold.
Now, the APC comes to power and carries out these projects, finishing them in record time, this is despite the poor level of support our people gave to it in the past, thankfully they have begun to see the light and yet the APC is still carrying out projects within the region.
The insecurity in the South-east has persisted, and one can say it is crippling the zone. Is APC in the South-east worried about this, and what plans are you and your leaders in the zone making to address it, especially as it has to do with secessionists?
We are not taking it lightly, we are seriously disturbed as a party and feel the pains of the people. We understand that there are pockets of grievances within the region, however we do not support the pattern some of these persons have taken; the resort to criminality and what have you. However we understand these challenges and we are engaging daily with the stakeholders within the region, we are optimistic about these approaches and hopefully, we will restore peace back to the region. Some of what we are doing in that regard is not something we can begin to disclose in the media now, but you will see the fruit soon.
Are leaders of your party in the South-east thinking along the line of helping to integrate the zone in the party’s national agenda, and how does
it plan to promote regional development?
As a fair party, as a party which sees every Nigerian as equal no matter where you come from, be it South-east, South-west, North-west or North-central, North-east or South-south, we see each and every Nigerian as one. So the agenda that the party has for the South-east is what is needed for the South-west. That is why the National Chairman considers the zone important to the party’s future, that is the reason why President Tinubu has approved a plan for the party’s penetration into the region.
The South-east is important to the party as the Igbo are an important part of the Nigerian tripod and we thus need to take our place within the APC. The region is important and the APC at the national level is keen on ensuring that we register much more political victories in the region.
To the talk of regional development, the APC is also concerned. Now we have passed the South East Development Commission bill in the Senate and I know that the present administration has slated a number of projects for the zone which can also help foster development. You will also notice that the administration is also focused on completing a number of projects started by
the past administration, we are talking about roads, power and water projects, educational interventions, healthcare and what have you. The president is also in good terms with the governors from the region and is committed to fostering cooperation between the Federal Government and these states.
Recently, Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 poll, Mr Peter Obi visited his People’s Democratic Party counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and there are rumours that they may be planning an alliance that will upstage the APC. Does that make your party jittery?
No, we are not jittery, we will only be jittery if the APC were not performing as a party in power, we would be jittery if the reforms of President Tinubu is not directed at economic growth and development. If the administration was sleeping on matters of security and terrorism, then we would be jittery, but one year into his tenure as the seventh democratically elected president, Nigerians are beginning to see that this administration means business and like I have always said that in four years Nigerians will ask Tinubu to do another term because of the giant strides this administration will have attained at that time. So the Obi/Atiku plot is no threat. It is a bridge too far, and it is dead on arrival.
President Tinubu just marked one year in
We would be jittery if the reforms of President Tinubu is not directed at economic growth and development. If the administration was sleeping on matters of security and terrorism, then we would be jittery, but one year into his tenure as the seventh democratically elected president, Nigerians are beginning to see that this administration means business and like I have always said that in four years, Nigerians will ask Tinubu to do another term because of the giant strides this administration will have attained at that time. So the Obi/Atiku plot is no threat. It is a bridge too far, and it is dead on arrival.
office, how would you describe his policies and administration within this period, especially as it impacts the Southeast region?
Excellent, fantastic policies. They may be challenging but we have seen a presidency that is responsive to these set of challenges as they arise. For example, look at the issue of fuel subsidy, there was no way the country could go on subsidizing petroleum products, while a few persons lined their pockets with such resources, which could have gone to other areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.
We were getting to the point where our government could not finance payments and meet up its obligations and so we were heading towards what happened to Argentina, Greece and Zimbabwe?
No reasonable leader would sit and fold his arms while such a threatening situation was likely to occur and cast the economy and the nation in the shadows, so what the president did was commendable and deserved the support of millions of Nigerians.
Now, we can see a commitment to ensuring that the refineries are working and coupled with the emergence of private refineries, Nigeria would be able to produce fuel that is affordable and all this challenges would be a thing of the past.
We have an administration that has respect for the rule of law and the rights of its citizens. We have a government that is responsive to issues bothering on corruption, we have an administration that is responsive to workers and the academia and even for poor students who can now access student loans to study, a first of its kind. We have loans and grants for businesses whether they are Nano, small and manufacturers.
We have a government keen on improving the nation’s power conundrum, a government worried about our unemployment woes and putting up several policies to fix such. The Tinubu administration has been proactive in all these areas and so it is kudos to him and his team, we here are immensely proud of him.
In all these, what do you think is President Tinubu’s greatest strength as a leader, and how has he demonstrated this in his policies and actions?
The first has been his boldness in tackling the nation’s problems. The approach to the numerous challenges he met at the inception of his administration has been bold and courageous as well as exemplary.
Another of his strength has been in his ability to pick technocrats and place them strategically in his cabinet. Another great strength of his has been his pursuit of inclusivity in his administration, what I mean is that the president has always consulted on a number of issues before taking such decisions.
He has not presented himself as an all knowing leader, he understands that a few heads are better than one, and lastly his demonstration of the fact that he runs a responsive government, one that is open to the yearnings of the public. Look at how he reversed the N8,000 palliatives for poor households, same with the recently introduced cyber security tax or levy following the outcry of Nigerians. These are his greatest strengths and we can see this as evidenced in the policies and the direction the country is presently taking.
The Tinubu administration is one year in office, do you honestly think the administration has lived up to it’s billing
The answer is yes and I will give you reasons. This administration has had to take some bold measures to ensure that we still have a nation running, to ensure that we can still meet the expectations of the people from an administration that promised to hit the ground running.
President Tinubu had the choice of continuing to run a government on deficit or to rescue Nigeria from such a conundrum like situation. So I give it to him, his economic and foreign affairs policies are also brilliant and deserve all the support that our citizens can give. Look at the level of crude oil production you can see that it has gone a notch higher, and so the country can earn more from such a resource in addition to the numerous investments that critical sector is attracting on a daily basis. Look at the power situation, one will agree that there is some improvement, look at what the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology has been able to achieve, look at the achievements in security, which are too numerous to enumerate here. You will agree that we are indeed moving forward despite the gloomy outlook a few pessimists are presenting. Nigeria under President Tinubu is moving forward.
Thursday June 27, 2024
www.thisdaylive.com
AND IT CAME TO PASS
ANIETIE USEN’S new book is a hybrid between a biography and autobiography, writes UDEME NANA
See page 21
RE: DOES CENSORING OR BANNING A MOVIE REALLY WORK?
OGBONNA ONWUMERE contends that the NFVCB will continue to prioritise responsible filmmaking rather than censorship
See page 21
EDITORIAL
opinion@thisdaylive.com
We need to prioritise the reengineering of governance at the grass roots, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE
A potentially ground-breaking suit is now pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The federal government has taken the 36 states there with prayers that border on giving local governments enough space to breathe. Principally, that the nation’s monetary allocations belonging to all the 774 local government councils be directly credited to them; that the state governors be restrained from receiving and spending the said funds; and to halt the present practice whereby most governors randomly constitute caretaker committees to run the councils. Put simply, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is seeking freedom for the third tier of government from the stranglehold of the second tier.
The choice of judicial redress is hinged on the assumption, a widely-held view it must be stated, that the non or under-performance of the councils is mainly a product of the overbearing, gross meddling and, in many instances, outright capture by governors. We shouldn’t forget that the latest move to galvanise or reposition the local government leg of the federation is not particularly new. It actually dates way back to the military era.
Local councils were removed from the items under the control of traditional rulers. Like the higher tiers, provisions were made for elected officials addressed as chairpersons and councillors. That way, representation which is a prime principle of democracy was incorporated into grassroots administration. Councils across the country started having uniform administrative structures statutorily. Revenues from the federation account were allocated to them. And to further demonstrate the permanence of local governments, all their names and capitals were well documented in the constitution. How more iron-cast can their recognition get? So, issues surrounding the autonomy and functionality of the tier of government that’s “closest to the people” have featured one way or the other alongside others in the course of our national development.
Sadly, local councils are being looked on as the sick babies of the Nigerian federation. While the federal and state governments have been struggling to actualise the fine concepts of inclusivity, transparency, productivity and beneficial outputs for as long as ever, the local governments have even been written off in the minds of many people as hopelessly helpless. An article written by Matthew T. Page and Abdul H. Wando in 2022 for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace gives a fair view of the condition of our local governments. It reads partly: “Frequently overlooked, Nigeria’s local governments are disproportionately important; if they functioned well, they would be best positioned to meet people’s basic needs and to build their resilience to cope with everyday challenges. In reality, however, ‘no local government (in Nigeria) works for the people.’ Instead, ‘every household is its own local government,’ sourcing its basic needs - water, electricity, education, and healthcare - however it can.
“Exhausted by local government kleptocracya system in which those who govern steal from
the governed - Nigerians understand that they must fend for themselves. While local government corruption is a global problem not unique to Nigeria, it is nevertheless crucial to address. It fuels democratic backsliding, communal conflict, and poverty. By hurting governance outcomes at the subnational level, local government corruption is quietly hobbling Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation.” Well, Nigeria’s growing depravity which has a strong base at the lower rung of governance is doing more than just “hobbling” it. With some other predatory coconspirators, corruption is actually pushing the country down menacingly on the path of doom.
A key dilemma of the local government system in Nigeria is its categorisation in the constitution alongside federal and state, the two levels of government recognised in most countries that practice federalism. Many of the loopholes now begging to be filled have resulted from the improper definition of the relevant details. There’s a relatively clear division of roles and responsibilities between the first and second tiers of government. For the third, however, even its constitutional duties are easily subsumed under those of the state overlords.
Most nations that operate federalism mainly distribute powers between the government at the centre referred to as federal or national and the subnational components called state or province. The inability to deliver real time benefits of democracy to the people creates the need for another layer that’s more accessible, hence the councils which are variously named municipalities, counties, local government councils, boroughs, among others.
Nomenclature is clearly not our problem here. But the responsibilities they’re designed and strategically positioned to shoulder are everpresent. No doubt, amenities and services like primary health care, elementary education, feeder and internal roads of rural areas, sanitation, basic security and local markets are best handled at the grassroots. Time and energy should, therefore, not be spared in injecting our councils with life. As critical as this matter is, it is usually drowned out by the noise that constantly characterises the Nigerian polity. Agitations for restructuring, for instance, keep falling flat because, to start with, the very idea is numb on clear characterisations. But we can’t afford to ignore or shabbily treat the quest to properly place our local governments. We must come to terms fast with the fact that
resolving these ambiguities would require more than seeking legal interpretations. Efforts should be channelled into amending the constitution to put the local councils in a position that’s in tandem with current realities. And that has to be drastic and purposeful enough to signal a marked departure from our old, self-sabotaging ways. Identifying the local government as a tier in the constitution for decades hasn’t helped in recording sustainable achievements. We must then tinker with the structure. Let states create them to serve primarily as administrative centres. Even that status has to be reconfigured to include re-booting them for mobilising the populace towards achieving the much-needed socio-political and economic engineering which is lacking at the moment. Nigerians have been so serially disappointed by the ruling class that the trust deficit between officials and the people is now arguably at its highest in our political history. One way to correct that is for the local populations to practically take ownership of the official machineries that superintend their regular needs and activities. Deliberate participation then becomes inevitable. A 2022 piece by Robert Longley in ThoughtCo. titled, “What Is a Grassroots Movement? Definition and Examples” puts the desirability of this phenomenon thus: “Grassroots movements are self-organised locallevel efforts to encourage other members of the community to participate in activities, such as fundraising and voter registration drives, in support of a given social, economic, or political caus
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“The power of grassroots movements comes from their ability to harness the effort of ordinary people whose shared sense of justice and knowledge about a given issue can be used to influence policymakers. In growing the seeds of an idea into a flourishing cause through increased participation in the political process, grassroots movements are often said to create democracygovernment by the people. Drawing their power from ordinary people, grassroots movements need large numbers of participants.… Grassroots organisations increase their size and power by recruiting and training new volunteer leaders and activists. The leaders of grassroots campaigns must master a wide variety of skills....”
This mirrors a thriving democracy, one in which the citizens do not assume a laid-back posture where those who are supposed to lead turn on their hapless compatriots instead. Even if the major focus of our local governments in the next decade or two is to develop a participatory and responsive democratic culture, so be it. That would require instituting and enabling redesigned local governments in the form of administrative units across Nigeria.
Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board
ANIETIE USEN’S new book is a hybrid between a biography and autobiography, writes UDEME NANA
article is based on "AND IT CAME TO PASS" , the third book written by Anietie Usen and published by Parresia Publishers, Lagos, this year. It tells the story of how a Qua Iboe / United Evangelical Church Deacon turned an Apostolic Church Pastor / All Nations Christian Ministries International Founder, Eket , into a State Governor. It is also the story of how a hospitality industry self - styled 'Governor' became an Executive Governor of a State in Nigeria. In that respect, Ken Caleb Olumese , Governor of Nite shift Coliseum must be green with envy !
Looking at it from the perspective of a journalism teacher, this book seems to be the longest feature story ever written by a Nigerian Journalist. AND IT CAME TO PASS could be described as an experiential Autobiography / Biography because the writer comes away as an active witness to the unfolding history. The author, at a point , became an active participant - a participant - observer who was embedded in some of the scenes in the unfolding drama.Autobiographies and biographies have the power to reveal someone's life in raw form. From the struggles they witnessed to the hurdles they overcame - this genre covers it all.
AND IT CAME TO PASS reminds me of another great journalistic tour de force written by two outstanding American Journalists - Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward titled 'ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN'.
Anietie Usen's book is delivered in simple, down to earth, clear, concise, captivating prose. It is detailed, well researched, racy, gripping. Anietie Usen has , through this book defended his best -in - class status among Journalists of his generation in West Africa.
AND IT CAME TO PASS is the first ever blow - by - blow account of an electoral contest from the search, selection, 'anointing' , presentation, endorsement, nomination, litigations, campaigns, victory, assumption of office and strides of an elected Governor in the first year in office. This reviewer has followed politics in Nigeria since 1979 and that submission is from one's observatory. What is more, this book is written and published in record timewithin four months ; February and May, 2024 !
LESSONS : A curious reader gets to know that the former Governor, Udom Emmanuel is a man of courage and strong convictions ; a man , who, once he sets his sights on a goal, goes all out to pursue and achieve that goal. There's a lesson in focus, determination, self confidence, self belief, strategic planning and a display of unapologetic mastery and control of his environment. On page 270 of the book, Emmanuel Enoidem, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP ) is quoted as describing Udom Emmanuel in the following words 'he may not look intimidating and threatening, but he is not only courageous but a great Strategist. If you underated Udom Emmanuel's strength in strategic planning, it is at your own peril'
As submitted by Assam Assam, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Nigeria's former
Ambassador to Russia "Even for daring to bring a Pastor as a successor, a man without political sophistication... and declare that this Eket Pastor will perform 100 times better than him, an international banker... that is a mark of uncommon courage..."
The second lesson shows the former Governor as one with a 'God complex'. Someone possessing a God complex is a "God centred" person who has 100% belief and trust in God and so in the infallibility of his plans. On page 272 of the book, the Dean of Commissioners, Sir Monday Uko alluded to that "I think he got that strength from his strong belief in God. Udom Emmanuel is very deep spiritually... That man does not miss his daily prayer hours, no matter what happens. He does not play with anything that has to do with God.You can say every other thing you want to say against him but he believes so much in God"
Monday Uko, himself a Knight of John Wesley concluded his testimonial in these words '...Udom Emmanuel is one man who is very deep when it comes to the things of God...he is very solid when it comes to God' ( Page 274 ).
The third lesson is from the life of the principal subject of the book as a contented person. On page xxxi, Governor Umo Eno says 'my father also had this belief that what he does not have cannot bother him. He was very contented with what he had, and I think that is one of the graces God has given to me. I don't disturb myself over what people have, and at every point in my life , I have been content with what God has done for me '
The fourth lesson speaks to industry, being selfdriven, seeing opportunities and embracing them ( See page xxxii lines 18 - 32 ) .
The next lesson is that there's a sense of joy and fulfillment in self - help. "We were six of us...so my mother would help. She would buy soft drinks, and we had to go round the streets of Ikeja and hawk them. We helped joyfully. It wasn't embarrassing at all. In the Barracks, it was like a competition amongst us children. My friends would call on me when they were leaving for the streets. It was fun. ( Page xxxiv ) .
There's a lesson on being an Church - centred ethical person, on following a path that doesn't conflict with one's internal reactions. Pastor Umo Eno shut down a Night CLUB even after borrowing money to set it up 'on getting called into the Ministry '. In his own words "When I left the Church that day, the Club came to an end. People couldn't believe it. Yeah, it was painful - a great pain.
The book showcases the public speaking skills, breadth of knowledge, eloquence and power of articulation of Pastor Umo Eno. It presents someone who was prepared for his present status and station in life. There is a lesson that documents filed in the Court of Justice must be defended verbally as such Documents cannot speak for themselves, especially in criminal cases.
There are two lessons on page 99 . One teaches that anyone can make a way from the lowest estate in life to the highest rung in the society 'if I could crawl my way up from the abyss of hopelessness, and a few years later, became the second largest employer of labour in the State, after the Government, with a monthly wage bill of over N25 million, you, too, can, he declares. That conviction is again repeated on page 238 "people who heard my voice reading my Inaugural address knew this was not completely me. That God can bring me this far... from the basest of backgrounds, and all of a sudden, I just found out that tomorrow morning, by noon, I will be the Governor. Ah ! It was unbelievable. Unbelievable ! I think God specializes in things that seem impossible '
Dr Nana is the Founder, Uyo Book Club
OGBONNA
ONWUMERE contends
that the NFVCB will continue to prioritise responsible filmmaking rather than censorship
RE: DOES CENSORING OR BANNING A MOVIE REALLY WORK?
The National Film and Video Censors Board, (NFVCB), wishes to respond to a publication in the THISDAY of June 19, 2024, entitled, “Does Censoring or Banning a Movie Really Work? by Samuel Samiai Andrews.
The NFVCB typically does not engage in public debates, but the inaccuracies in the article necessitated a response. At a point, the Board was bothered whether there was another version of Regulations 2024. Andrews in the said publication stated that, “the government through the National Film and Video Censors Board, (NFVCB), issued a directive to censor and ban certain categories of creative content and expressions of cinematographic works made in Nigeria or made by Nigerian filmmakers (Nollywood)”.
Without any equivocation, the Board never gave any directive to censor and ban certain categories of creative content and expressions. Rather, what the Board did through its Regulations 2024 and agreed to by all the major stakeholders at the stakeholders engagement that held in Enugu was the need for filmmakers to take responsibility for their actions. The Board and the filmmakers present agreed there was need for them to curtail the use of tobacco, ritual killing, money ritual, nicotine product promotion, glamorization, display in movies, musical videos and skits as contained in Regulations 2024. No fewer than 150 filmmakers at the stakeholders' meeting endorsed the document.
The main reason for this endorsement was due to a combination of factors. Firstly, when the Executive Director, Shaibu Hussieni assumed office in March 2024, he immediately commenced discussions with the various stakeholders in the entertainment ecosystem. This was very easy for him, considering he has been a well-known journalist covering the sector, performing artist and cultural administrator.
This made the stakeholders regard him as one of their own who would not propose any legislation that would stifle creativity.
Secondly, he passed to the stakeholders the most important message they have been clamoring for: “To move the Board away from Censorship to Classification”. Stakeholders have consistently criticized the NFVCB for its insistence on censorship rather than classification.
It was therefore surprising to the Board when Andrews alleged that the NFVCB issued a directive to censor and ban certain categories of creative content and expressions.
Regulations 2024, as the stakeholders testified, is a product of extensive engagements dating back to 2019 when the National Tobacco Control Act was passed into law. The regulation is never self-serving, nor does it suppress creativity. It reflects growing world policy towards tobacco promotion and glamorization. Similar regulations are in place in the US, India, Canada, and some Western nations.
On the cardinal issue of whether the NFVCB can ban smoking, I wish to state clearly that the Board had never contemplated that. Rather, the Board has been in conversation with the filmmakers to buy into the global campaign for a smoke-free society. The NFVCB is particularly concerned about the promotion and glamorization of tobacco in movies. This is consequent upon the realization that tobacco
companies have exploited the ban on tobacco advertising to see Nollywood as a soft target to advertise their trade.
Andrews can bear me witness that in the United States of America where he wrote in from, there is advocacy for addressing tobacco-smoking scenes in films for teens. The Board is saying, going forward, with the new regulations, 2024, every filmmaker that has a necessary smoking scene in a movie, the filmmaker will take responsibility by putting a health warning as advocated by the Federal Ministry of Health. The warning has to be on the tobacco smoking scene as well as the beginning and ending of the film. Andrews can bear me witness here again that Hollywood films insert on-screen warning signs throughout the duration of the film. They even go further to insert warnings such as: violence, nudity, and strong language permanently on the screen.
It is therefore very regrettable that rather than commend the efforts of the Board, some commentators joined the category of headline readers to allege that the Regulations 2024 might lead to outright ban or censorship of films that depict our indigenous language and culture. This is very far from the truth because the Board knows the contributions of our traditional customs to the growth of Nollywood. It is common knowledge that the first request made by the Executive Director to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa on assumption in office was to seek approval to move the Board from a regime of censorship to classification. The Minister expressly granted this request. One thing the Board has assured stakeholders is that it will never implement any policy that will muzzle creativity.
Finally, the NFVCB is continuing the conversation with filmmakers. Engagements aimed at promoting safe and healthy screen is expected to berth in other cities soon. The NFVCB, in line with its mandate, will continue to prioritize responsible filmmaking, classification, rather than censorship. The Board will also continue to maintain an open dialogue with industry stakeholders to ensure a thriving creative sector.
Onwumere is Director, Corporate Affairs
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
The Trademore tragedy is another failure of regulation
About this time last year, a devastating flood ravaged Trademore Estate and submerged more than 100 houses. One person died due to the flash floods. Earlier this week, a downpour once again triggered another flood in the popular estate located in the Lugbe axis of Abuja, along the airport road. Like the first, many buildings were also submerged, including some structures marked for demolition in 2023. Apart from material losses, a video on the social media said that two people were swept away by the floods, an allegation dismissed by the FCT Emergency Department (FEMD) as untrue. But the Trademore Estate tragedy has again called to question the criteria for authorising the construction of estates and other large settlements in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). From Lokogoma to Lugbe, Nyanyan and even some highbrow areas within the city centre have remained glaringly hazardous places to live in or do business during the rainy season. While incidents of flooding have become a yearly occurrence in the country, Abuja stands out because it is a city where planning and compliance were reasonably expected.
It would be recalled that the immediate past Minister of the Federation Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello, was stopped by the courts from continuing with the demolition of estates and structures deemed to have violated certain environmental laws. The issues at stake then are still unresolved, but the development of physical structures in other parts of Abuja has continued, notwithstanding allegations of environmental dangers. But there is also the question as to how the permit to erect these buildings was obtained in the first place.
We are all diminished when repeated cases of flooding and sundry environmental challenges are encountered here as an annual event
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
Some of the critical elements of professional urban planning and development are knowledge of the physical geography of the environment, close attention to unusual topographical peculiarities, deliberate efforts not to encroach on existing waterways, dry valleys and flood plains. It also includes the study of soil types, via professional soil tests, to determine the types of structures that are appropriate for different parts of the projected plan area. These facts stand out as major Indices of credibility for the development of cities and other human settlements. They also stand out as issues about which the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA) has several questions to answer.
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
T
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
In a nation where the citizens have sustained, and are still living with strong negative economic pressures, it is most distressing to witness events like the recent Trademore Estate flooding. And the losses are colossal. Perhaps the mooted and confirmed allegations of lapses on the part of urban planning, and other regulatory authorities, have led to the routinely replicated crises of flooding that affront us on a regular basis, all over the country.
This flood incident is a metaphor for the failure of regulatory agencies to be at their duty posts. To the extent that our national capital should showcase the best in us as people living in a 21st century world, we are all diminished when repeated cases of flooding and sundry environmental challenges are encountered here as an annual event.
The federal government should, as a matter urgency, take immediate steps to determine the immediate and remote causes of the regular flooding of Trademore Estate, among others. Regulatory lapses and disregard for environmental considerations should be identified, where they exist. The extent to which hapless citizens and developers were also misled into property investments in places that were probably inappropriate for such should be considered. Appropriate penalties should be meted out wherever culpability is established.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
“A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.”
- Frank A. Clark
Father's Day is “celebrated on the third Sunday in June each year.” The Day, which began as a largely religious observance and recognized in some way dating back to the Middle Ages, is now celebrated in more than 111 countries, with the first of its kind on June 19, 1910.
Father’s Day is a traditional Roman Catholic holiday to celebrate fatherhood. Fairly clearly, the day is meant to recall and recognize the endless efforts, initiatives and contributions of all the fathers around us. It is a mark of the kinship, affection, guidance and patience between fathers on the one hand and their families on the other.
Fathers are the heads of, and the role models for the(ir) families. Even in psychological explanations, it is the father figures who set the moral tones of households. Whenever irritants attempt to test the loyalty of the household, it is the father who risks everything with truly solidified violations to display manly attributes. Etymologically, ‘husband’ also arose from the word ‘cultivate’, ‘tend’, or ‘nurture’. Therefore, the concept of husband refers to the
‘male head of a household’, the ‘manager’ and the ‘steward’. He is the ‘master of a house’, ‘occupier and tiller of the soil’. Thus, a husband is one who nurtures the wife with pious love, cultivates the wife and family, and tills the soil of the family.
Fathers are no little men. Of course, they are too big to be small. They have muscles in their places with which they not only perform feats of impressiveness but also create new, bigger and stronger foundations for their children. So, it’s only a marginalized group of men that can actually be referred to as irresponsible as most men are struggling. But we know that they can do better!
For quite some time, there has been a lot of negative portrayal of fathers and husbands. But what does an ideal father or husband look like? To begin with, the concept of father actually arises from the Almighty God as Creator. So, every human father is only a derivative, a copy and a limited expression of the ‘Olódùmarè’ (the Creator, Cause and Origin of all Things), ‘Baba wa tí mbe lí òrun’ (Our Father, who art in heaven), the One who’s so compassionate that He gave His only begotten Son to die for us.
In an article, ‘Appreciating a responsible father’, I described a father as “an important source of a child’s genetic makeup” and “his or her first teacher” and that “a father loves his child and provides
for him or her as a precious jewel.” Since “children are a heritage from the Lord”, I wrote that “a good father prays for his children and engages them in deep, heart-to-heart conversations that impart more than facts, but teach wisdom.” Fathers are “expected to study and teach God’s Word to their children.” What’s more? “God blesses the children through their fathers.”
According to Wade Boggs, “anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad”. It is interesting to note that many people do have fond memories of their fathers - how their fathers loved, taught, even corrected identified misdemeanors so that they might live well. In remembering my father, Sunday Alaba Komolafe, who died on August 11, 2020 and was buried on September 11, 2020, comparisons are obvious. On a day like this, I remember my father as the one who “gave us (his children) partnership and protection” and as “a peacemaker whose life depicted concrete evidence of an organized future.” Close to 4 years after, I still find it difficult to accept that I have lost ‘Baba Kayode’, as my dad was fondly called, to the wild, wicked hands of death at 92! Well, it is well!
Abiodun Komolafe, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 25June-2024, unless otherwise stated.
Emma Okonji
The latest statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has showed a steady growth in active internet subscriptions in one year, from April 2023 to March 2024.
According to the statistics, the total number of active internet subscription as at April 2023 was 158.2 million, but reached 164.4 million in March 2024.
The statistics also showed an increase in broadband penetration
in six consecutive months from 41.01 per cent in October 2023 to 43.53 per cent in March 2024, after it had dropped from 48.28 per cent in May last year to as low as 40.85 per cent in September last year.
From the statistics, the total number of active internet subscription in April 2023 was 158.2 million, but the figure increased to 159.6 million in May 2023, before dropping slightly to 159.5 million in June 2023 and maintained same figure in July 2023. In August
2023, the figure dropped again to 159.1 million, but increased to 160.1 million in September 2023. In October 2023, active internet subscriptions increased again to 161.1 million, with a further increase to 162 million and 163.8 million in November and December 2023 respectively.
Active internet subscriptions however dropped again to 161.9 million in January 2024, but increased again to 163.3 million in February 2024, before reaching 164.4 million in March 2024.
According to the NCC statistics, the accumulation of Mobile GSM, Mobile Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Fixed Wired, Wired and Wireless, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscriptions, formed the total number of active internet subscriptions for the period under review.
The NCC data also revealed an increase in broadband penetration from November 2023 to March 2024. In November 2023, broadband penetration level was 41.87 per cent,
and it increased to 43.71 per cent in December 2023, before dropping slightly to 42.53 per cent in January 2024. It however increased to 43.08 per cent in February 2024, before reaching 43.53 per cent in March 2024.
Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who had initially blamed the federal government for the drop in broadband penetration across networks, said the ban on SIM activation last year, largely affected broadband penetration.
Adebayo however commended the regulatory role of the NCC, which he said, contributed largely to the gradual rise in broadband penetration as seen in the latest release of the industry statistics by the NCC.
Adebayo commended the management of NCC for its regulatory roles, but stressed the need for government to grant the NCC full regulatory independence to enable it address the key issues currently affecting telecoms operations in Nigeria.
Emma Okonji
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has stressed the need for robust national cybersecurity intelligence initiatives and strategies that will enable Nigeria achieve a successful digital transformation and safe cyberspace.
Ribadu said this at the fourth edition of the Cybersecurity Forum and Workshop, organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in Abuja, with the theme: “The Intelligent Initiatives and Strategies for National Cybersecurity Management.”
Represented by the Director of Communications, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Samad Akinsode, Ribadu said cybersecurity challenges had become a central pillar of
Nigeria’s national security strategies, and must be addressed as such.
According to him, cybersecurity threats are rapidly evolving, posing risks to national security, economic stability and public safety, adding that Nigeria faces a myriad of threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks and infrastructure disruptions.
Ribadu outlined some of the intelligence initiatives and strategies that are pivotal in strengthening the Nigerian cyber security landscape, to include the revised 2014 National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Document, and the creation of a comprehensive version in 2021. According to him, the document presents a national roadmap and implementation plan for addressing the emerging threat in the cyber domain to enhance progressive use
of Nigerian cyberspace.
“The revised National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Document focuses on eight pillars, designed to significantly enhance the Nigerian cybersecurity culture, which include: Strengthening cybersecurity governance and coordination; Protecting critical national information infrastructure; Enhancing cybersecurity incidence management; Strengthening legal and regulatory framework; Enhancing cyber defense capability; Promoting thriving digital economy; Ensuring monitoring and evaluation; and Stimulate international corporation.
In recognition of the need to improve national cybersecurity strategy and intelligence initiatives, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, was established and recently operationalised to address issues
of cybersecurity in the country,”
Ribadu said.
He however said the issues with cybersecurity would require collective responsibility of all Nigerians and the entire government agencies, adding that the priority of the ONSA is about capacity building since investment in technology alone will not be sufficient to address the challenges of cybersecurity.
“ONSA is therefore involved in training and certification programmes to equip skilled professionals for effective cybersecurity measures, and will continue to conduct sensitisation and awareness programmes in this regard,” Ribadu further said.
He challenged NCS to harness the enormous potential of Nigerian skilled youths, particular those on the streets, using necessary mechanisms.
Ribadu explained that the recently
amended Cybercrime Act of 2015, would provide legal backing for institutional and regulatory frameworks for the coordination as well as implementation of the roadmap for cybersecurity and cybercrime in Nigeria.
During the workshop and technical session, Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), who was represented by the Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, spoke on the sub-theme: ‘Emerging Cyberthreats and Counter Strategies in Nigeria’, and highlighted the dangers of cybersecurity and the need to keep Nigeria’s cyberspace safe.
Partner, Leader of Deloitte West Africa’s Risk Advisory Business, Mr. Tope Aladenusi, spoke on the sub-theme: “Nigeria Cybersecurity
Outlook: Learning From International Perspectives,” while Commissioner of Police, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Imam, spoke on the subtheme: “Combating Emerging Crimes Through Intelligence Policing.” Earlier in his opening speech, NCS President, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, said the forum would serve as a platform for experts to share their knowledge and discuss best practices and develop strategies to enhance cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. He raised concern about the alarming rise in mobile channel fraud, which has increased to 19 per cent according to the first quarter report of the Nigeria Interbank Settlement Scheme (NIBSS).
Eromosele Abiodun
The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Nigerian investment bank, Chapel Hill Denham yesterday in Lagos, hosted a conference, “Powering Nigeria: Mobilising Private Capital,” to encourage private investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Attendees included domestic investors and private sector companies who wield over N20 trillion in institutional capital and investment expertise in power, renewable energy, agriculture, and water, sanitation and hygiene; all of which are essential for boosting economic growth. With over 85 million citizens lacking access to electricity, Nigeria has the highest number of people
Agnes Ekebuike
Enugu State Government has partnered the Federal Government of Nigeria, Microsoft, and Tech4Dev to train civil servants in the
living without electrical power in the world. This lack of access directly impacts Nigeria’s ability to achieve meaningful growth as a lack of reliable electricity limits productivity and restricts economic expansion. USAID—through the Power Africa and Prosper Africa Initiatives—and Chapel Hill Denham are tackling these challenges by mobilising investment in Nigeria’s electricity supply
industry. To date, the partnership has mobilized N245 billion of institutional capital into priority infrastructure projects across Nigeria, including N33 billion for renewable energy projects to provide reliable clean energy to low-income consumers.
Speaking at today’s conference, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria Melissa Jones emphasised how investing in infrastructure supports
development goals, drives innovation, creates jobs, and ensures long- term profitability for businesses and investors alike. She continued, “The government, private sector, academia, and investors must work together to create an enabling environment for the power sector’s growth and the adoption of renewable energy while ensuring reasonable returns and protections for private investors.”
Chief Executive Officer of
Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun commented, “We are pleased to partner with the US government to advance Prosper Africa and Power Africa Initiative goals. Investing in infrastructure is pivotal to Nigeria’s development, accelerating the attainment of the sustainable development goals, enabling sustainable prosperity, and creating jobs and opportunities for Nigerians.”
states on digital skills that will enhance proficiency of its workforce.
The state is currently implementing the Digital Skills Nigeria (DSN) Programme for Civil Servants
to foster digital literacy within the civil service, aimed at driving improved efficiency and productivity in meeting the state’s developmental targets.
Speaking about the training,
the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said: “The modernisation of the public service is key to our administration. We are embarking on training and retraining of public and
civil servants to optimize productivity and imbibe the right work culture necessary for the achievements we plan for Enugu State.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy
and MSMEs and DG, Enugu SME Centre, Mr. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, emphasised the importance of the programme in driving Enugu State’s digital transformation and economic growth.
The organisers of the inaugural Entrepreneurs Lounge event held in Lagos recently have described it as a successful venture by all standards, considering the number of startups founders and established entrepreneurs in Nigeria present at the event. The entrepreneurs lounge was powered by GEN Nigeria in collaboration with Bluerock Accelerate.
The inaugural entrepreneurs lounge, which also featured Nigeria national finals of Entrepreneurship World Cup, was held at Artisan Lounge, Victoria Island Lagos at the weekend.
The evening provided opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and gain valuable insights.
The keynote speaker, Founder/CEO of Promoprint Ventures Ltd, Mrs. Patricia Ojora, inspired the guests by sharing her experiences
and encouraging them in their entrepreneurial journeys.
GEN Entrepreneurs Lounge is an event that will be held across various cities in Nigeria. Stay tuned for updates on our next Entrepreneurs Lounge event in your city. The Entrepreneur’s Lounge was facilitated in
partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre and Bluerock Accelerate, ensuring a high-quality experience for all attendees.
According to the Managing Director, GEN Nigeria Dr. Olawale Anifowose, “The top 100 finalists globally will advance to pitch live for a share of USD 1 million in cash prizes at the EWC Global Finals held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in Fall 2024. Global finalists also gain automatic entry into the GEN Starters Club, an invitation-only community of talented founders from around the world.”
Kirk Leigh
Rumours can wreak havoc. Deadly whispers and baseless news have toppled strong Banks in advanced countries like United Kingdom, United State of America, Germany among others causing systemic crises in their financial systems. Alarmingly, similar rumours are now swirling around Nigeria’s financial sector. These dangerous falsehoods must be immediately dismissed and condemned by well-meaning Nigerians to safeguard the stability of our banking system.
Given the harmful effects of such rumours on the financial system, we should all be worried that on the heels of the unfortunate incident of withdrawal of the banking licence of Heritage Bank, peddlers of fake news and rumour mongers dusted up an old directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dated January 10, 2024, that mandated a change in the boards of Union Bank, Keystone and Polaris Bank. In re-purposing an old story, the mischief makers twisted it to suggest that the operating licenses of these banks are going to be revoked by the CBN. They even urged Nigerians to make haste and withdraw their funds from these banks to ‘save’ their money from being trapped.
But sensing the ominous signs and overall threat of the dastardly hearsay on the financial system that it has carefully nurtured and safeguarded over the years, the CBN was quick to debunk the rumours for what they were - fake news.
Through its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank affirmed that it has no plan to revoke the licences of any other banks and that the rumours should be disregarded.
She pointedly noted that a circular issued by CBN on January 10, 2024, notifying the public about the dissolution of the boards of Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks, was being re-circulated by individuals with untoward and shady agenda, as though it was issued on June 10, 2024. She blamed unscrupulous people for the development aimed at creating panic in the banking system.
She assured that the withdrawal of Heritage Bank’s licence which triggered the vile tongues, was an isolated case, adding
that allegations of further revocation of licences before the completion of the banking recapitalisation exercise, were mere fabrications of those who do not wish the banking sector well.
The CBN further reassured the banking public of the safety of their deposits stressing that the banking system is resilient. The CBN, therefore, urged the public to continue their regular banking activities without concern, dismissing any false reports regarding the health of specific Deposit Money Banks. Indeed, the CBN realizes that without these Banks, there would be a systemic failure that would have far-reaching effects on the economy; how catastrophic would that be in an economy characterized by weak growth, low purchasing power and spiralling inflation? The results would be nothing short of seismic. It will amount to the system losing a cumulative of over N9 trillion in assets, and more than N7 trillion in customer deposits; a very big loss that will most definitely shake up the system given the interconnections of the financial system.
Among the Deposit Money Banks targeted in the campaign of Calumny is Polaris Bank which, despite macroeconomic challenges, has consistently demonstrated resilience. At the latest audit, Polaris Bank, for instance, was literally on fire in terms of deposit mobilization, which it pumped from N1.14 trillion to N1.76 trillion, a 54 percent improvement over the previous year. If anything, it is a testament to the Bank’s attractiveness to the banking public. It was a year that the bank also jerked up gross earnings to N121 billion from N197 billion, up by 62 per cent and sustained profitability year on year since its emergence in 2018. Why would anyone wish anything untoward for such a bank? Why would a faceless interest hide in the shadows to pull strings against such a stellar performer? It does beat the imagination.
In a continuous demonstration of its contributions to economic growth, the bank has grown its loan book by 138 percent i.e. from N261 billion in
2019 to N622 billion in 2023. One of the key areas is the micro small and medium enterprises (MSME). It is an established fact that access to capital is a major inhibitor to economic growth in Nigeria. This underscored the importance of Polaris Bank’s intervention in providing cheap capital for the MSME sector. The Bank’s intervention didn’t take long to be noticed as Polaris Bank was declared ‘MSME Bank of the Year’ consecutively in 2021 and 2022 in what the organisers described as the bank’s expansive impact on MSME operators across Nigeria. Polaris Bank had in May 2022 launched an N1 billion fund for MSMEs in partnership with Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in what was aimed at providing the much-needed funding to create wealth and empower entrepreneurs and players within the MSME space in Nigeria, starting with Lagos. Before the launch of the N1 billion MSME Fund, Polaris Bank had committed, and indeed, continued to provide multi-billion financing to MSME operators across sectors, health inclusive among other incentives. But the BusinessDay and other Financial Institutions Award (BAFI) s not the only recognition that the Bank has won. The Bank’s digital prowess was recognised by three awards; the Nigeria Fintech Award where it was awarded the Best Digital Bank: VULTe; Business Day Awards as the Best Digital Bank of the Year and the African Digital Bank of the Year by the African Leadership Award. These awards, in quick succession, cemented the place of Polaris Bank as a futuristic Bank. Then there was also the Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Awrds (NHEA) for Outstanding Healthcare Financial Institution of the Year for a truly outstanding Bank.
Here is a Bank that is truly in tune with the community as it has engaged in various social responsibility activities, particularly focusing on education and empowerment such as girl-child education; empowerment projects; and sustainability interventions.
On girl-child education, Polaris Bank has partnered with Evolve Charity to
support the education of underprivileged girls. This initiative involves providing essential school supplies such as uniforms, bags, pens, sandals, and books to schools in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kogi, Rivers, and the Imo states. The goal is to keep girls in school and reduce early marriages by empowering them through education.
In the aspect of empowerment projects, the bank’s support extends to training and development programmes aimed at enhancing skills and providing opportunities for young girls. These projects are part of the broader commitment to advocate for girls’ rights and provide them with the tools needed for personal and academic success.
On sustainable education interventions, Polaris Bank, in collaboration with Evolve Charity, in the past four years has adopted several schools across the country, ensuring continuous support by providing educational supplies and teaching value-based education to promote good manners among students. These initiatives reflect Polaris Bank’s dedication to contributing positively to society, focusing on long-term impacts through education and empowerment.
It becomes foolhardy to base one’s dealings with Polaris Bank and indeed the other three banks on mere hearsay and misinformation in the banking sector. As witnessed in global financial crises, baseless speculations can incite panic and trigger catastrophic runs on otherwise stable institutions. The CBN’s prompt response to dispel these fabrications reaffirms the importance of transparency and vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the financial system. Amidst these challenges, institutions like Polaris Bank stand as beacons of resilience and commitment to societal progress, exemplified through their robust financial performance, dynamic and reliable digital technology platform and impactful initiatives in empowering communities, particularly in education and entrepreneurship. Moving forward, collective efforts to combat misinformation and uphold trust are imperative to ensure the stability and prosperity of Nigeria’s financial landscape.
• Kirk Leigh, a Financial and Economic Analyst, Policy commentator and Publisher, AbujaPolitico wrote from Abuja.
Raheem Akingbolu
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, a public financial institution that implements the policy defined by the French Government, has stated that it has facilitated about 4.1 billion Euros investments in Nigeria in the last 15 years.
In a press statement to announce its proposed 15th anniversary event in Nigeria, AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Xavier Muron,
said from inception, AFD has continued to assert itself as a major technical and financial partner of Nigeria, investing 3.3 billion euros in over 57 projects, including 800 million euros through its private-sector subsidiary Proparco.
He said to commemorate this milestone, AFD will hold an event this week in Abuja, bringing together senior representatives of the Government of Nigeria, Mr. Jean-François Hasperue, Charge d’Affaires ai., Embassy of France to Nigeria, Mr. Xavier
Muron, AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, and partners from across the country.
According to Muron, this is a demonstration of the strong ties between France and Nigeria, this event will provide an opportunity to highlight AFD’s impact over the past 15 years and to engage with partners in directing future interventions.
“Under the patronage of the French Embassy, the partnership between AFD and Nigeria, is
aimed to promote a sustainable and inclusive development model that generates employment, improves infrastructure, and supports education and skills development.
“By working in partnership, AFD and Nigeria have co-produced and implemented projects to achieve the greatest impact for Nigerians. Every single project financed by AFD is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Paris Agreement for
Climate; a demonstration of France’s commitment to sustainability and development,” Muron added. He said in the last 15 years, 23 states have benefited from AFD’s financing which have tangible impacts for Nigerians that 2.2 million people benefitted from permanent access to basic services and resilient infrastructure, one million people benefited from improved access to drinking water, 300 000 jobs have been created or supported, and 500 000 tons of CO² emissions have
been saved every year through AFD-funded projects. According to Muron, AFD’s activities have grown significantly in recent years, mostly across the energy, urban mobility and education sectors, while the number of partners has also increased. As well as the Federal and State Governments, AFD also collaborates with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), public development banks and NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs).
Sovereign Trust Insurance
Plc has said it recorded a total of N19.3 billion premium in 2023 as against N15.7 billion recorded in 2022.
This represents 23 per cent growth rate for the year.
The company said its total assets also grew by 33 percent to N22.7 billion in 2023 as against N17.1 billion in 2022.
It further said its total equity increased by 30 percent from N10.4 billion
in 2022 to N13.5 billion in 2023. The return on investment of the company also grew by 49 percent from N548.7 million in 2022 to N819.4 million in 2023. The company equally recorded a Profit Before Tax of N1.4 billion just as it did in 2022. These are contained in the 2023 audited financial statement of the company recently released to the public.
Managing Director of Sovereign Trust Mr.
Olaotan Soyinka said the report was prepared in line with the new reporting format of IFRS17 to the general public and had gotten the requisite approval from the industry’s regulatory authority, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). He said the result was achieved inspite of the challenging operating environment that characterised operations of most businesses in
the country in 2023. He added that despite these, the underwriting firm maintained its growth trajectory remarkably in the period under review when compared with the performance of year 2022.
Soyinka said the performance of the company in 2023 was quite encouraging considering the various business challenges that the insurance industry had to deal with in the past year. He said there was definitely room
for improvement in the days ahead and that the underwriting firm was poised to take advantage of the opportunities that were inherent in the insurance marketplace.
Soyinka, while briefing newsmen in Lagos said the Management of the company was committed to meeting and surpassing the expectations and aspirations of its shareholders and stakeholders alike.
“These performance
levels are a confirmation of the management’s determination to effectively and strategically position the company as one of the leading and vibrant insurance companies in the country while also making conscious efforts at propelling the company to a profitable height for shareholders’ delight” in the years ahead.” He said the underwriting firm would be paying dividends to its shareholders this year.
With the completion of the Distell Nigeria acquisition by Nigerian Breweries Plc, stakeholders in the food and drinks industry expect a boost to the economy and another opportunity for the brewery giant to further consolidate its market leadership
Perhaps the major news in the marketplace now is how the recent acquisition of a majority stake of 80 percent in Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Limited by Nigerian Breweries would strengthen the economy and impact the company’s overall business.
Of course, the development has also thrown up critical questions because of the strategic importance of acquisition to businesses. To this end, a section of the market is wondering if the decision was taken to improve the struggling business of the brewery giant. “There is no gainsaying the fact that many businesses are going through their underperforming phases and acquisition may be a solution for Nigerian Breweries,” a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mustapha Chonoko said.
Another perspective is whether the acquisition is an important way to help the business thrive, as the ‘conquest’ may allow NB to join forces to obtain more funds for development.
But findings have since revealed that the two major reasons behind the acquisition are; business diversification and passion for consumers. It is also an incontrovertible fact that the current brand extension and increase in portfolio will help the company’s already established brand equity to help it push the new products on the stable.
Considering these factors, one may not be wrong to conclude that the new step was taken to strengthen its market dominance and demonstrate a remarkable migration from its known mainstay, beer products, to making a bold entry into wines, spirits, and alcoholic flavored drinks.
Nigerian Breweries Plc, on its successful completion of Distell Nigeria acquisition on June 1, 2024, has officially completed its market expansion drive to reposition for a better grab of the drinks market in the largest black nation in the world.
The company acquired a majority stake of 80 percent in Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Limited (Distell Nigeria), following the approval of the South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB) for the acquisition by Nigerian Breweries Plc of the shares of the South African entity, Distell International Limited (now known as Heineken Beverages Holdings Limited) in Distell Nigeria, as well as the import business of Distell International Limited in Nigeria.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi, noted that the acquisition and subsequent commencement of business
operations aligned with the strategic objective of the brewery company to expand its current product offerings beyond beer to include wines, spirits, and flavored alcoholic beverages.
Essaadi stated that the company remained unwavering in its commitment to cater to the diverse needs of consumers, adding that “This acquisition is part of efforts to provide access to a complementary multi-category portfolio of fast-growing brands of wines and spirits market segment and capture significant growth opportunities in the wines and spirits segment of the brewing industry. We are excited to have the process completed and can’t wait to see how this transforms our business”.
Managing Director, Distell Nigeria, Mr. Steve Ighorimoto, in a glaring show of excitement on the development, stated that the acquisition was an exciting new chapter for the company as it would help increase the capacity necessary to achieve improved business performance.
He said, “We are excited to be a part of Nigerian Breweries, as we share in the solid track record of growth, including a highly engaged, dynamic, experienced, and diverse team. These changes will strengthen the organization’s manufacturing, marketing, and distribution capabilities while ensuring sustainable growth and maximum value creation for all stakeholders.”
Distell Nigeria is reputed for the local production of wines and ciders under license from Heineken Beverages.
With the acquisition, however, Nigerian Breweries would have access to both the local production and the importation of wines, spirits, and flavored alcoholic beverages brands from South Africa, including Amarula Crèam Liquor, Nederburg, Drostdy-Hof, 4th Street, Bain’s Whiskey, Knight Whiskey, Scottish Leader Whiskey, Chamdor wine ranges, Hunters, and Savanna.
Nigerian Breweries Plc’s shareholders, on December 20, 2023, approved 80 percent stake in the acquisition of Distell Nigeria Lagos, the move that signaled an overwhelming approval of a takeover in Distell Wines and
Spirits Nigeria Limited (Distell Nigeria) and the import business of Heineken Beverages (Holdings) Limited (Heineken Beverages).
The approval, which was given at the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on December 20, 2023, the Board proceeded to conclude the transaction that gave Nigerian Breweries Plc the majority stake in Distell Nigeria and the exclusive right to import, market, and distribute in Nigeria, Heineken Beverages’ wines, spirits, and ciders brands from South Africa, including the right to produce any of the imported brands locally.
Speaking during the EGM, Board Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Asue Ighodalo, explained that the acquisition aligned with the company’s vision to become a Total Beverage Company, by adding wines and spirits to the product portfolio to cater to its diverse consumer needs.
Ighodalo said: “This acquisition is part of efforts to provide access to a complementary multi-category portfolio of fast-growing brands of wines and spirits market segment and capture significant growth opportunities in the wines and spirits segment of the brewing industry.”
National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, lauded the board and management for taking a decisive step to expand the business amid the complex and challenging business environment.
Speaking on the development, Company Secretary and Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uaboi Agbebaku, added that the consideration for the acquisition approved by the shareholders was about N7 billion and that the company had earlier received a confirmation from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission that the transaction would be treated as internal restructuring, meaning that no further regulatory approval process would be required.
Uaboi stated that “the parties to the transaction will now proceed to agree on the final terms and conditions of the sale and purchase agreement to conclude the transaction in the first
quarter of 2024.”
Nigerian Breweries Plc, a member of the Heineken Group, is Nigeria’s pioneer and largest brewing company.
No doubt, the announcement by Nigerian Breweries of its acquisition of Distell Wines and Spirits generated controversies especially in the FCMG section of the industry, given the competition in the market and the state of the economy.
With a projection of a market share growth of 16.79 percent by 2024-2028, resulting in a market volume of $12.3 billion in 2028, Nigeria’s beer market has been rated one of the 10 fastest-growing markets in the world.
Things are happening fast in the country’s beer market as each of the players looks for an opportunity to have a competitive advantage over the other.
Until 2011, the duel between Nigerian Breweries Plc and Guinness Nigeria was pronounced, but with the entry of AB InBev, one of the world’s top brewers, which acquired a majority share in the International Breweries Ilesa, manufacturers of Trophy Lager and also took control of the ownership of Hero, a popular brand in the Eastern market, the game has been drastically altered.
As it were today, almost all the players have extended their frontiers through acquisition and brand extension into the spirits and wines portfolio.
Nigerian Breweries, in a declared loss in 2023 battled the headwinds of the foreign exchange instability in the financial year that occasioned an unprecedented loss of N106 billion.
The brewery firm, in its determination to meet the variant needs of its teeming consumers has left not a few tongues wagging about what plans the company has for a bold comeback.
Nigerian Breweries Plc did not waste time to unveil a roadmap to refloat the business and return to market vibrancy.
Apart from approval obtained from its shareholders to raise N600 billion through rights issues, the company also announced plans to diversify its portfolio with the acquisition of Distell Wine and Spirits, a South Africa-based company whose global footprints in the wines and spirits business is remarkable.
Kayode Tokede
Coronation Merchant Bank Limited in its 2023 financial year results declared N3.47 billion profit before tax, marking a significant recovery from a N8.28 billion loss in 2022 financial year as the management reflected on a year of remarkable financial recovery and strategic advancements.
The Bank at its 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos reported robust financial performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, showcasing significant
growth in key metrics despite a challenging economic environment.
The Merchant Bank reported N61.6 billion gross earnings in 2023, about 62 per cent increase from N37.92 billion as Shareholders’ Funds stood at N37.33 billion in 2023, about 16.5 per cent growth from N31.99billion reported in 2022.
Coronation Merchant Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio improved to 12.6per cent from 10.2per cent in 2022 as Liquidity ratio closed 2023 at 64.4per cent from 55.6per cent in 2022. Notably, its Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Ratio was sustained at 0% for the eighth consecutive year,
underscoring our commitment to high asset quality and effective credit risk management.
Speaking at the AGM, Chairman, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Babatunde Folawiyo said “While 2023 presented significant challenges due to macroeconomic headwinds that impacted our financial performance, we have remained steadfast in our conviction that the invaluable lessons from the past two years will propel us towards improved performance and returns for our stakeholders.
“We have not only weathered the storm but have truly harnessed
its winds. Our initiatives in 2023 yielded positive outcomes, demonstrating our unwavering resolve and commitment to continuous value creation.
“The confidence of our clients is the vital force propelling our enterprise, and we remain fiercely committed to nurturing it. We are optimistic about the future trajectory of our Bank and are committed to delivering value to our customers.”
The MD/CEO, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Banjo Adegbohungbe stated, “Our financial performance in 2023 underscores the resilience
of our strategic vision and the dedication of our team. Despite formidable headwinds, we achieved gross earnings of N61.6 billion, a 62per cent increase over 2022.
“Profit Before Tax rose to N3.47 billion, a remarkable recovery from the previous year’s loss.
This performance highlights our commitment to sustainable growth and value creation for our stakeholders.”
“Our vision to become the preeminent institution in trade finance, investment banking, corporate banking, and treasury drives us forward,” said Deputy
Managing Director, Paul Abiagam. “The recognition from World Finance and our sustained top 10 ranking on the FMDQ Treasury league table for the sixth consecutive year validate our relentless pursuit of excellence,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Bank anticipated a period of modest GDP growth, persistent inflationary pressures, and improved foreign exchange liquidity driven by ongoing reforms and increased foreign investments. Despite challenges, the Bank remains poised to harness economic headwinds and explore new growth avenues.
Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has launched Education Endowment insurance Plan, an offering that empowers parents and guardians to secure the academic future of their children or wards.
Targeting young adults, the underwriting firm said the Education Endowment Plan encouraged parents and guardians to adopt a long-term strategy for investing in the educational future of their children Through the launch.
The company aims to raise awareness about the importance of investing in education.
It said by opting for the Stanbic
IBTC Education Endowment Plan, parents could benefit from a comprehensive investment solution that safeguards their children’s academic journey.
At the media launch of the product in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer Stanbic IBTC Insurance, Akinjide Orimolade, explained that the Education Endowment Plan offered families a strong financial safety net.
“This product ensures the protection of their children’s education, regardless of life’s uncertainties; providing reassurance and confidence. By making strategic investments today, parents can secure access to education for their children, enabling them to realise their full potential and pursue their aspirations.
“We are proud to launch the Education Endowment Plan campaign, an insurance product that aligns with our commitment to empowering parents in Nigeria to attain financial security for the education of their children.”, he stated.
According to him,as a leading insurance provider, the underwriting firm recognises the profound impact education has on a nation and its populace, and is dedicated to supporting parents in their quest to provide quality education for their children by insuring the future.
He further emphasised that the loss of a parent or guardian was profoundly devastating and could greatly affect a child’s educational journey, adding that bearing this
in mind, Stanbic IBTC Insurance had created a product to reassure parents and guardians.
“It ensures that their children and wards’ education will remain secure and uninterrupted regardless of life’s uncertainties.”
He said The Stanbic IBTC Education Endowment Plan offered numerous benefits such as providing financial support for dependents in case of death; guarantees the child’s or ward’s education; and gives parents and guardians peace of mind.
He said the plan could also be used as collateral to secure a loan, where urgent needs arise.
“At the plan’s maturity, the targeted amount is payable, plus a bonus enhancing the benefits,
making it an effective vehicle for saving”.
“The plan features include minimum and maximum entry ages of 18 and 65, respectively, with a maximum exit age of 70. The plan terms range from 5 to 20 years, and premium payments can be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or through lump sum payments. Coverage is provided against death from any source, with a minimum benefit of N1,000,000.00.
The STANBIC IBTC boss said the guaranteed sum assured was specified in advance by the policyholder, and an annual reversionary bonus currently guaranteed at 2 percent of the sum assured begins to accrue
at the end of each year”, he explained.
Stanbic IBTC Insurance is backed by a strong and reputable history. With over two decades of service, the Stanbic IBTC Group has a proven track record of excellent service delivery. Orimolade urged parents and guardians to take charge of their children’s future today by securing the Stanbic IBTC Education Endowment Plan. “We can empower the next generation to achieve greatness and build a brighter future for Nigeria just by the investments we make today. Your decision today can significantly impact your child’s or ward’s future; making you feel empowered and responsible for their success.”
In a landmark initiative, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) have joined forces, aimed at strengthening collaboration on ICT infrastructure mapping across West Africa.
The partnership is set to drive significant improvements in connectivity and socio-economic development throughout the region.
Both organisations emphasised the importance of comprehensive ICT infrastructure data and mapping in shaping effective infrastructure strategies.
Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aliyu Aboki, said: “WATRA is excited to partner with ITU on this vital initiative. Our collective efforts will not only enhance the quality of infrastructure mapping but also support our member
states in making evidence-based decisions that will bridge the connectivity gap and foster economic growth.”
A foremost personal care brand focused on bringing everyday wellness to consumers through bath and other skincare products, Dr Teal’s has reiterated its commitment to quality as it continues to push back counterfeiting in Nigeria’s multibillion beauty and wellness market.
Speaking to newsmen, the International Director, PDC Brands, owners of the brand David Schneider said the brand’s need to re-launch in Nigeria is a move of reassurance to its audience, and a strong statement on its part to protect consumers interest following the wave of counterfeiting in the personal care brand industry.
“We have been investing and we have been taking actions,” he said, adding: “We have been going after counterfeiters and we are in the first phase of this fight and it is a big fight. We have just started the journey and we are uncovering the scale of counterfeit problems here.”
Also speaking on the efficacy of Dr Teal’s brand, the Strategic Manager, Dr Teal’s, Vivienne Odonfi- Daniel said: “At Dr Teal’s we have always believed wellness should play a part in everybody’s every day. We have dedicated ourselves to bringing out the best in everybody naturally.”
Global technology company, Huawei, hosted the Global Launch of 5G-A Pioneers Programme at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024) in Shanghai, China. The Mobile World Congress 2024, which opened yesterday, will close tomorrow, June 28, 2024.
The event, themed: “Driving Shared Success with 5G-A,” brought
together pioneering 5G operators from around the world to discuss how to drive the high-quality development of 5G-A networks and how to seize opportunities from the upcoming intelligent world to create new market space for growth.
Huawei’s Executive Director of the Board and Chairman of the ICT Infrastructure Managing Board, David Wang, who delivered
a keynote speech at the event titled: “5G-A: Paving the Way for Shared Success,” said: “5G-A will be the path forward. It will protect vested investment, while creating new business opportunities by expanding business boundaries. As we look towards 2030, the industry as a whole will need to ramp up efforts to reinforce 5G-A technologies and support the healthy development of 5G.”
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has launched an innovative MSME Equipment Leasing Initiative aimed at strengthening financing options for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Operating Officer, Development Bank of Nigeria, Bonaventure Okhaimo, described the programme as a game-changer for alternative financing options for MSMEs who are the
bedrock of Nigeria's economic growth.
“This initiative that we have successfully launched today is expected to have a profound impact on the MSME ecosystem, which is a critical driver of economic growth, job and wealth creation in our country,” Okhaimo said.
Head of Programme, GIZ Nigeria/ SEDIN, Markus Wauschkuhn, while speaking at the launch, said MSMEs in Nigeria constitute a significant portion of the economy, and their importance to the economy cannot
be overstated.
“In Nigeria MSMEs play a pivotal role in propelling economic growth, contributing to job creation, innovation, and sustainable development, and they serve as the backbone of the Nigerian economy with huge contributions to her GDP,” Wauschkuhn said.
Executive Secretary/CEO, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria, Andrew Emonuwa, lauded DBN and GIZ for creating such an initiative at a critical time where small businesses are struggling to stay afloat in the face of current economic realities.
Anata.ng, the Pan-African e-commerce platform that was launched in Nigeria in April 2023 is set to deepen Africa’s e-commerce business with affordable goods.
The online platform aims to revolutionise the way Nigerians shop for affordable products, offering a wide range of items, from electronics and computers to household essentials.
With a primary focus of providing the most affordable products in the market, Anata. ng is dedicated to catering to the needs and preferences of Nigerian consumers. By sourcing from reputable local and international suppliers, the company ensures that its customers have access to high-quality products at unbeatable prices.
Understanding that accessibility plays a crucial role in a successful e-commerce platform, Anata.ng has made it a priority to deliver its products throughout Nigeria. Using advanced logistics solutions. The company guarantees that customers in every corner of the country will enjoy the convenience of purchasing affordable items online.
Giving details about its unique offerings, Founder and CEO of Anata.ng., Victory Chukwuebuka
Johnson, said: “At Anata.ng, we acknowledge the challenges faced by Nigerians in finding affordable products without compromising on quality. Our mission is to
address this issue by providing a wide selection of competitively priced items, bringing convenience and affordability to the fingertips of every Nigerian.”
In a bid to boost food production and improve pest resistance, Nigeria has embraced Tela maize, a genetically modified crop hailed by its proponents as a revolutionary solution to the country’s food security challenges. However, the adoption of this crop has sparked intense controversy, with many questioning its safety, environmental impact, and potential effects on the country’s sovereignty, food security and economy. s unday Ehigiator reports
The Federal Government’s decision to introduce Tela maize to Nigerian farmers has sparked intense controversy, outweighing the touted benefits of enhanced yields and pest tolerance, as concerns about the genetically modified crop’s impact on human health, environmental sustainability, and the nation’s agricultural future continue to mount.
The Tela maize was released along with 22 other new varieties said to be aimed at achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria.
The crop varieties were released at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the 33rd meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries
However, Tela maize has drawn fierce criticism for its potential to jeopardize public health, environmental stability, and the very foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with experts warning of a range of devastating consequences, including unpredictable health hazards, ecological contamination, the erosion of traditional farming methods, and the destabilization of delicate agricultural ecosystems, just as they expressed worry over the influence of foreign interests on Nigeria’s agricultural policy.
Many are asking whether the adoption of Tela maize is truly in the best interests of the Nigerian people, or if it serves the interests of powerful corporations and philanthropic organizations.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the fate of Tela maize in Nigeria will have far-reaching implications for the country’s food security, environment, and economy. Will Nigeria’s embrace of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) prove to be a revolutionary step forward, or a dangerous gamble with the country’s future?
DaNgErs Of gMOs
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) pose a multitude of potential dangers to human health and the environment, including unknown longterm health effects, environmental impact, gene transfer, increased pesticide use, contamination of organic crops, ethical concerns, and lack of labelling, all of which necessitate extreme caution and further research to fully comprehend their risks and benefits, as some studies have raised alarming concerns about health risks.
These risks include organ damage, allergic reactions, and gene mutations, and while some GMOs may offer benefits, like increased crop yields and drought resistance, the uncertainty and unpredictability of their effects warrant a precautionary approach to their adoption and consumption
The absence of clear labelling and transparency in GMO products makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices about what they eat, and the risk of genetic contamination of non-GMO crops and wild relatives raises significant concerns about the integrity of the food supply, potentially leading to irreversible harm to ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and long-term consequences for human health and the environment, making it essential to address these concerns through rigorous testing, labelling, and regulation to ensure public trust and safety.
HEalTH cONcErNs
The potential health risks associated with Tela maize have sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, as the crop’s exposure to toxic pesticides has been linked to a myriad of serious health problems, including cancer, kidney damage, birth defects, neurological disorders, and immune system suppression.
This has prompted calls for caution and demands for safer alternatives, as a Nigerian maize farmer like Mrs Nkechi Okoro, emphasises the need to prioritize health and wellbeing while speaking with THISDAY.
According to her, “The harmful pesticides used on Tela maize have been classified as potential
carcinogens, posing a risk of cancer development, and have also been linked to kidney damage and chronic kidney disease, birth defects and developmental issues, neurological problems including memory loss and cognitive impairment, and immune system suppression, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.”
For concerned citizens like Mrs Nkechi Okoro, the potential health risks are a stark reminder of the need for caution. “I won’t risk Nigeria’s or my family’s health for anything,” she emphasizes. We need to be careful about what we eat and demand safer alternatives.”
TraNsparENcy cONcErNs
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, has come under fire for its perceived failure to conduct comprehensive risk assessments before approving the release of Tela maize into the market.
This lack of transparency has raised concerns among stakeholders, who are demanding greater accountability and openness from the agency.
According to a Popular Environmental Activist, Dr Oladipo, Folorunsho, “The lack of transparency is alarming. We need to know what we’re dealing with. What are the potential risks associated with Tela maize?
“What measures have been put in place to mitigate them? The NBMA must be more forthcoming with information if they expect us to trust their decisions.”
Similarly, an X identified as Shegs, accused a NBMA of blocking him on the social media platform for asking questions related to the safety of the Tela maize for human consumption.
While tagging the NBMA X handle, and its Director, he wrote, “Dear @YemisiAsagbra, Greetings. I asked you and your agency questions about GMO and NBMA’s response was to block me.
“I have sent emails to your office asking for the papers you reviewed that guaranteed Tela Maize’s safety, but no reply.
“I have spoken to your head of communications, and requested we have a live debate on GMO, where we can ascertain its safety with a panel of experts on live TV, no feedback.
“I invited you to our symposiums and engaged your staff, but you didn’t invite us to your Biotech Conferences. Why?
“Madam Yemisi, rubber stamping GMO maize under the instruction of foreign imperialists is an institutional method of enslaving Nigeria. History will remember you for being a conspirator in a heist to impoverish and destroy your people, as long as you keep playing deaf to the right reasoning on GMOs.
“I look forward to you being different from
others puppeted by those NGOs and fancy organisations that are wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
Not rightly labelling GMO products before they made their way to Nigeria shelves forms part of transparency issues, and critics argue that the NBMA’s lack of transparency has made it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions.
Without access to detailed information about the risk assessments and approval processes, the public is left in the dark about the potential impacts of GMOs like Tela maize on human health and the environment.
This lack of transparency has eroded trust in the regulatory agency, with many calling for greater accountability and openness in the decision-making process.
ENvirONMENTal cONcErNs
Experts believe that the large-scale cultivation of Tela maize poses significant environmental risks, threatening to contaminate soil and water resources and exacerbate Nigeria’s existing environmental challenges.
The intensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in Tela maize farming could lead to soil pollution because chemical residues can accumulate in the soil, reducing fertility and affecting beneficial microorganisms.
It is believed that it can also lead to water pollution, as runoff from farms can contaminate nearby water sources, harming aquatic life and human consumption.
It can also lead to Loss of biodiversity, as monoculture farming practices can lead to the displacement of traditional crop varieties and threaten local ecosystems. It can also increase greenhouse gas emissions, as the production and transportation of Tela maize could contribute to climate change.
Dr. Folorunsho emphasises the urgency of addressing these concerns. According to him, “We can’t afford to compromise our environment. The long-term effects could be disastrous, leaving us with a legacy of pollution and degradation. We need sustainable agricultural practices that prioritise environmental stewardship and the well-being of future generations.”
The potential environmental impacts of Tela maize have sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, who are calling for more sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to agriculture.
cONcErNs ON fOOD sEcuriTy
While Tela maize may promise higher yields in the short term, its potential impact on long-term soil health and fertility is a pressing concern for farmers like Mr.
John Okeke.
The unknown effects of Tela maize on soil quality and ecosystem balance could have far-reaching consequences for food security, undermining the very foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
According to him, “We can’t compromise our food security. We need sustainable solutions, not quick fixes. We must prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services to ensure a resilient food system that benefits future generations, not just a short-term gain.”
He said the focus on short-term gains could lead to “soil degradation, reduced crop diversity, increased reliance on external inputs, and decreased agricultural resilience.”
Mr Okeke’s concerns resonate with many farmers who recognise the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in maintaining food security and protecting the environment. As the debate surrounding Tela maize continues, it is clear that any solution must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
THrEaT TO NigEria’s sOvErEigNTy
Nigerians are concerned that the adoption of Tela maize could compromise the country’s ability to make decisions about its food system, potentially eroding its sovereignty.
They fear that the country may become reliant on foreign entities for its food supply, potentially leading to a loss of control over food production and distribution, dependence on international corporations for seeds and agricultural inputs, exploitation and manipulation by foreign interests, undermining of local agricultural traditions and knowledge, and threats to national food security and self-sufficiency, thereby compromising Nigeria’s ability to make decisions about its food system and eroding its sovereignty.
This concern is compounded by the lack of transparency and accountability in the approval process, which has fueled suspicions of external influence and ulterior motives.
In a separate post on X, Shegs wrote, “Since January, I have organised and spoken at 3 symposiums to raise awareness in Lagos and Abuja, organised street awareness, granted scores of interviews, spoken and on live TVs and radio, engaged directly those responsible for GMO in Nigeria, and I am only just getting warmed up because we cannot allow this evil thrive in this country.
“We must go beyond talking online to crush this evil called GMO in this country. This is not Politics, I repeat, it is not politics. This is about life and health.
“Scroll your phone book, look for all the politicians and government persons, call them and remind them that they will equally suffer cancer, accelerated diabetes, collapsed economy, food scarcity and monopoly if they don’t join us and kick Bill Gates and his satanic Tela Maize out of Nigeria.
“Our farmers will lose their farms. We will lose our sovereignty. We will lose our health and freedom.”
fg’s assuraNcE
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) on Monday, June 24, 2024, assured Nigerians of their safety when consuming TELA maize.
In a statement signed by NBMA’s spokeswoman Gloria Ogbaki, the agency said it has been alerted to Nigerians’ concerns about the approval and launch of TELA maize in the country.
“NBMA wishes to state that the safety and health of Nigerians are of topmost importance, we will not compromise on this. We take into serious cognisance the concerns of Nigerians because maize is a staple crop which is of great importance to the country.
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko has stated that policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has been applauded globally, will make the maritime sector Nigeria’s economic mainstay soon. He said the policies are responsible for the transformation of the maritime industry and massive improvement in revenue generation by the Authority.
Koko who stated who made this assertion during an unscheduled visit to the Lagos ports access roads whose decade-long traffic gridlock was recently cleared by the NPA, praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola’s leadership and hands on approach to driving the industry.
As part of president Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said the sanity that has since returned
to the ports access roads will be sustained to promote ease of doing business and drive exports to enhance Nigeria’s balance of trade.
He added that despite global economic headwinds that characterized the year 2023, the Nigerian Ports Authority, succeeded in maintaining momentum to surpass its sterling performance of the year 2022.
According to him, “The implementation of continuous performance improvement measures resulted in unprecedented revenue generation and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federation, with revenues steadily growing from N361 billion in 2022 to N501 billion as at December 2023; and remittances increasing from N93.4 billion in 2022 to N131.2 billion by year end 2023”.
The NPA helmsman who was recently named by Mr. President on the implementation committee of the National
Single Window Project added that, “taxes paid the Government of the Federation also grew at various times in the period under review up to $77.7 million and N17.6 billion respectively.”
The foregoing, he said, added to strategic forecasts set to be actualised in 2024 such as the $1 billion worth reconstruction of Tincan Island Port Complex and the comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri and Calabar Port Complexes, New Ports Developments viz; Badagry Deep Seaport, Snake Island, Burutu and Ondo Deep Seaports, the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window amongst other initiatives for port competitiveness being aggressively implemented, it is evident that the Nigerian Ports Authority has been positioned to not only create but sustain superior performance necessary to maximize the comparative advantages that Nigeria’s maritime endowments confer.
Co Founder, Comercio Partners Limited, a Lagos based investment bank, Mr. Nnamdi Nwizu, has stated that a surge in Nigeria’s foreign trade surplus in the first quarter of this year will booster investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy.
Data from the National Bureau Statistics showed that the country recorded 602 per cent, year-on-year, YoY, increase in Foreign Trade Balance to N6.52 trillion in Q1’24, up from N928 billion in Q1’23.
Exports, which accounted for 60.25% of the total trade rose to N19.17 trillion in Q1’24, representing a 195.47% year-onyear increase from Q1 2023. The rise in exports was driven by 200 per cent YoY increase in crude oil exports stood to N15.47
trillion from 5.15 trillion in Q1’23.
“The increase in the trade surplus exceeded market expectations significantly”, Nwizu said in a Comercio Partners report reviewing the trade data, adding that the surge in the trade surplus indicates an improvement in the country’s ability to earn foreign currency and enhances its overall economic outlook.
Nwizu however, stated that, “investors will be keenly awaiting a more detailed report on financial inflows and outflows, which will be provided in the Balance of Payments. This report includes not only current account transactions but also activities in the Capital and Financial accounts.”
Speaking on impact on the
on the economy especially the local financial market, Nwizu said: this positive trade data is expected to boost investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“The Nigerian financial market tends to be less responsive to data of this nature. Nevertheless, the positive trade data might stimulate activity in the Eurobond market, potentially leading to increased bids for Nigeria’s Eurodollar bonds and pushing yields lower.
“A more significant market reaction could occur if this positive trade data and other favourable economic developments prompt one of the three major credit rating agencies (S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s) to improve Nigeria’s credit outlook.”
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has assured residents of Lalupon Community and its environ of restoration of power supply within three weeks.
This is just as it assured that consumers under its jurisdiction can get their houses metered within 10 days after completing their process of application.
The Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju, who led a management team of the distribution company, while
speaking with journalists in Ibadan, gave the assurances and update on challenges of power supply in Lalupon and the efforts to improve supply.
It would be recalled that there was a peaceful protest last Monday by residents of Lalupon and its environ against what they described as the continuous disconnection by IBEDC.
The protesters from communities, including Adewumi, Trailer Park, Adeleye, Erunmu, Fatumo, Atari, Lalupon, Ejioku, Ile-Igbon and Iyana-Ofa, among others, claimed that they have been disconnected for more
than five years with no hope of reconnection.
Olanrewaju who tendered an unreserved apology to the aggrieved residents, restated the commitment of the electricity distribution company to enhancing electricity supply to its customers.
According to her, “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by these challenges. We are using this medium to assure our customers that every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the 33kV substation project and restore full power supply.”
Society for Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SOTLAN) has urged the government to conduct comprehensive water quality testing in areas affected by cholera outbreak in Lagos and Ogun States.
President SOTLAN, Professor Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, in a statement disclosed said, “under IPAN Act CAP 116 LFN formerly Decree No 100 of 1992 certified Public analysts are the only professionals authorized to carry out water and food testing and to confirm their wholesome for public consumption or otherwise.”
Ogunmoyela added that “ to
address the urgent and growing public anxiety due to outbreak of cholera disease, Government should mobilize public analysts to conduct thorough testing of water sources, including wells, boreholes, and municipal supplies in all the affected areas”.
In his words “certified public analysts in both public and private sectors possess the skills and expertise required to identify and mitigate such contamination or other pre-disposing factors responsible for cholera outbreak, whether food or water, in all affected areas.”
The involvement of certified
public analysts is therefore crucial in guiding the ongoing discourse and implementation of remedial measures, including disinfection, provision of safe drinking water and public sensitization to the predisposing factors after analysis.”
In her contribution, Chogwu Akoh, Chief Executive Alfa Laboratories Limited who is also the Publicity Secretary of SoTLAN, stated that. “residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves against cholera by ensuring that all drinking water is boiled or treated before consumption.”
The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00
Kayode Tokede
As banks commence capital raising exercise on the back of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Exchange Group have championed innovative digital solutions for the capital raising process with a focus on public offers and rights issues. Subject to the Commission approval, the innovative plat-
form represents a significant advancement in digitising the capital raising process for Issuers.
Stakeholders are expected to benefit from enhanced efficiency, streamlined due diligence capabilities, ease of use and accessibility, faster information dissemination, and seamless compliance with regulatory requirements, among other features.
At a stakeholder engagement and press briefing held at Nigerian Exchange Group, yesterday in
Lagos, The Director-General, SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama stated that, “I would like to commend NGX Group and all partners on this development.
“This digital transformation initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering an innovative, efficient, and reliable capital market, embedded in the Capital Market Masterplan.
“By leveraging technology, we can attract the younger generation of investors, enhance regulatory
oversight and create a world-class market.
“This digitisation will play a crucial role in setting a new standard for capital raising in Nigeria and enable the capital market to support the achievement of the $1 trillion economy target of the current administration.”
In his opening remarks, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga stated that the current strategy for the Group is to improve and
deepened digital infrastructure, stressing on the need to maintain its position as a World Class organization in terms of staff quality, welfare, technology and customer service.
“With respect to all these objectives, we recently launched a digital platform for primary market offers which can be easily and seamlessly accessed from the handsets and tablets of millions of new and existing investors. This is coming at a time when
the CBN has directed banks to increase their capitalization, which will broaden the reach of our market and introduce millions of younger Nigerians to the capital market,” he said.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Mr Temi Popoola emphasised the platform’s significance, stating, “This platform marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Nigerian capital market.
In a monumental achievement, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Viche Resources have bridged the deadly divide between six Ibeno communities, replacing treacherous river crossings with a sturdy 600-metre bridge and 7.4-kilometre road, bringing safety, unity, and new opportunities to a region once plagued by tragedy and isolation. MARY NNAH tells the story of this transformative project
In a heartwarming display of progress and development, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Viche Resources Limited recently linked six communities in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, with a 7.4-kilometer road and a 600-meter bridge. The project, which was commissioned and flagged off on May 28, is a testament to the commitment of the Federal Government to improve the lives of Nigerians in the region.In the heart of Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, a small community was once divided by the Qua Iboe River and mangrove. For years, the people of Iwuochang and surrounding villages struggled to access necessities like healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. The treacherous terrain made it difficult for residents to connect with the rest of the world, leaving them feeling isolated and forgotten.
But on a fateful day in May, the tide of fate changed. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Viche Resources Limited joined forces to commission a 7.4-kilometer road and a 600-meter bridge, connecting six communities and transforming the lives of thousands.
The community was abuzz with activity, as residents from all walks of life gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.
To underscore the great significance of the project, President Bola Tinubu scheduled a visit to Ibeno on Tuesday, May 28 as part of his official duties.
He wanted to perform these assignments in person as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of the Niger Delta region in general and Akwa Ibom State in particular. However, the entire week was loaded with very many equally valuable appearances for him all over the country. The following day, May 29 marked the momentous event of transiting power back to a civilian administration.
Iwuochang community was in a festive mood; highlighting all the sounds and colours of the Ibeno people. A full display of their cultural heritage; presenting a mix-match of indigenous masquerades and troupes from other ethnic groups like Ijaw, Igbo and Annang residing in Ibeno was on showcase.
While the event lasted, a contemporary band of musicians entertained the audience with stimulating sounds of music ranging from
gospel, and highlife to afro beats.
Loading the event with a variety of entertainment content turned out to be a good decision as the patience of the crowd was tasked due to the late arrival of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio who stood in for President Tinubu.
A former Governor of the state and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio is familiar with the terrain and the issues at hand.
As the Number Three Citizen, it was a busy day for Akpabio, who earlier presided over a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, nonetheless, the honour of representing Mr. President at the commissioning and flag-off these major projects anchored by
Viche Resources Limited, a subsidiary of Roudo Nigeria Limited was too much to turn down.
The Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-OpolomOkotoutip-Iwuochang Road/Bridge is a showpiece of the NDDC. Since its establishment in 2001, this is the biggest road/bridge it has undertaken. At the commissioning/flag-off, it would not have been wrong to assume that the NDDC had temporarily relocated its headquarters to Iwuochang as the leadership of the intervention agency, led by Mr. Samuel Ogbuku moved its entire senior, middle and junior management staff from Port Harcourt to join their counterparts in Akwa Ibom State for
the commissioning/flag-off.
Another proud stakeholder who came with a retinue of his team was Chief Tony Chukwu, the Chairman/CEO of Roudo, the parent company of Viche Resources Nigeria Limited, the contractor that built the 7.4 km Road and the 600-metre bridge across the Qua Iboe River and mangrove.
In his entourage was Chief Longers Anyanwu, a longstanding associate in business and politics. Explaining why the Viche team was particularly excited, the Managing Director of Viche, Mr Chukwuma Nwachukwu recalls the challenging prospects in the beginning, "This was not supposed to be achievable. It looked impossible, particularly for a Nigerian company.”
So Energy Ghana, a petroleum downstream company of the energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has held its inaugural sanitary hygiene awareness campaign dubbed “M.A.D Flow 2024” with an event for young girls at Rev. Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist School and Abundant Grace Academy, in Accra.
M.A.D Flow is an initiative of So Energy that has been designed to help young girls in Ghana take the driver’s seat when it comes to their monthly sanitary care and reproductive health awareness. It is also an expression of So Energy’s commitment to promoting Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) which targets the attainment of healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages.
Armed with the M.A.D Flow Sanitary Care Kit and Ms. Faustina Boamah, a professional health worker from the Ghana Health Service, So Energy employees went all out to make a difference in the lives of the students at the beneficiary schools with practical conversations and guidance on girls’ sanitary hygiene.
According to Yaa Serwa Alifo, Head, Sahara Downstream, Ghana, the activity reinforces the commitment of the organization to bringing energy to life responsibly through sustainable social impact interventions. “We are delighted at the opportunity to make a difference in
the lives of young girls in Ghana through the So Energy M.A.D Flow campaign. We believe such engagements will help girls take charge of their sanitary hygiene, whilst also enlisting the support of boys and men,” she said.
Beginning with the genesis of adolescence and ovulation through to the exodus of
monthly blood flow, Ms. Boamah educated the students on the gospels of proper menstrual hygiene, encouraging on basic hygiene including bathing at least twice a day during menstruation; changing sanitary pads at least every five hours; using cotton fabric underwear which is a more breathable option; as well as practicing proper hand
wash especially before and after changing sanitary pads.
In an interactive session, she also cleared misconceptions about menstrual flow, shedding a light of revelation to these young minds whilst advising young boys to desist from ridiculing girls who stain themselves or experience discomfort during such times.
Amidst squeals of glee, the students eagerly opened their M.A.D Flow Sanitary Care Kits to find two packs of sanitary pads, a pocket-sized hand sanitizer, a pack of pocket tissue and an educational brochure on menstruation. The kit also featured a word search puzzle and a business profile of Sahara Group, a leading energy conglomerate with operations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. “Many girls do not have complete and accurate understanding of menstruation as a normal biological process. Educating girls before their first period -- and, importantly, boys -- on menstruation, builds their confidence, contributes to social solidarity, and encourages healthy habits,” Ms. Faustina Boamah said.
Beyond providing exceptional fuelling solutions, as a foremost retail station brand in Ghana that ensures seamless, convenient, transparent and reliable flow of top-quality petroleum products, So Energy is committed to social impact interventions in Ghana, working in collaboration with the Sahara
Ojiako
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a philanthropic organisation committed to improving the lives of Africans through public service transformation and quality healthcare, has partnered the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for the 2024 Nigeria Civil Service Week, which held between 14th to 23rd June 2024.
Key highlights of this year’s events were the award of cash prizes to top performing civil servants through the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Endowment Fund and the launch of the eagerly awaited Civil Service Culture Handbook, supported by the Foundation.
The theme of this year’s Civil Service Week, "Educating 21st Century Africans: Strengthening Education Systems for Enhanced Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa," underscored the vital role a strong civil service plays in national development.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation recognises the importance of a highly motivated and professional civil service workforce to achieving this objective.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation's involvement in the Civil Service week is part of its work supporting the OHCSF to implement a Civil Service Culture Change initiative, aimed at fostering a culture change within the civil service.
A previous culture diagnostic conducted by the OHCSF revealed a critical challenge,: many civil servants lacked a sense of purpose and do not believe that their work significantly impacts citizens' well-being. This mindset has contributed to a decline in work ethic and
L-R: Paulinarh
at the
Aig-Imoukhuede (CFR); Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation; Josephine Enovwo Utake, 2024 Recipient, Excellence in Public Service Award; Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan (CFR), Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and Dr Ishak Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management during the award ceremony of the 2024 Civil Service Week in Abuja recently
hindered innovation in service delivery.
The Civil Service Culture Change initiative seeks to address this challenge directly. By promoting core values such as accountability, professionalism, and efficiency, the initiative aims to create a civil service workforce that is passionate, dedicated, and committed to delivering exceptional public service.
A key component of the Culture Change initiative is the recognition of top performing civil servants through the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Endowment Fund, established by the Foundation in honour of the late Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, a champion for
public service, The Fund enables the recognition and reward of outstanding Federal civil servants.
These civil servants receive certificates of excellence and cash gifts of ₦500,000.00 each in recognition of their dedication to public service excellence. Since 2022, the award has been presented to 72 civil servants who have demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication in their roles.
This recognition serves as a powerful motivator, inspiring other civil servants to embrace excellence in their work.
The 2024 Civil Service Week also witnessed the launch of the Civil Service
Culture Handbook.
The Foundation supported the OHCSF with the design and dissemination of the handbook, which serves as a key tool for fostering culture change within the civil service.
The handbook outlines the core values and principles expected of civil servants, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation's support of the Nigeria Civil Service Week demonstrates its commitment to working alongside the OHCSF to cultivate a culture of excellence within the civil service by fostering a sense of purpose, recognising outstanding contributions, and providing clear guidelines for ethical and efficient service delivery.
This engagement with the OHCSF is part of the Foundation’s multi-year, multi-billion Naira commitment to facilitating the transformation of the Nigerian public sector for improved public service delivery and for the benefit of all Nigerians. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded by Aigboje and Ofowve Aig-Imoukhuede to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and access to quality primary healthcare.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation accomplishes its mission by supporting the reform initiatives of public sector entities, providing financing, consulting support, and capacity-building programmes and resources for the public sector workforce.
The Foundation provides funding and strategic support to drive the work of affiliate organisations such as ABC Health, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), and others.
Dr. Ajibola Obafemi
In 2018, the world's attention was drawn to an audacious climate change campaign by a concerned individual in Sweden. Undaunting in her desire for a safer world for the future, Gretha Thunberg began to push for stronger commitment towards climate-friendly actions from her country's leaders.
Thunberg often skipped classes and, outside the Swedish parliament as the country prepared for an important election year, constantly called for a strike in her school in support of the climate agenda. First, her actions convinced her peers and other students in the country to join her daring activism and later, several others around the world. She didn't stop there.
By the time the world took notice and stopped to listen, Thunberg, unflinching in her commitment to the cause and ever willing to be a shining example for the ideal climate efforts she sought, began to avoid leaving a high carbon emission imprint during her travels. She intentionally employed carbon-free transportation options as she attended climate action summits across the globe.
Thunberg was only 15. And, since then, she has grown to become one of the world's global icons in climate change advocacy.
Six years since the climate activist first dominated front pages for her bravery, the United Nations’ mandate to its member nations to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts has intensified. Per the UN's 13th action plan of its Sustainable Development Goals, global temperature rise is expected to reduce significantly to as low as 1.5 degrees Celsius. The ambitious goal that was first documented in the Paris Agreement signed at the COP21 in Paris in 2015, is expected to be achieved in 2030 — barely six years from now.
While many nations such as Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, India, and Chile have been recording notable progress, developing nations like Nigeria, with peculiar socio-economic and environmental issues, have their work cut out if they are to come remotely close to achieving the goal of reducing emissions and building climate resilience. The country, which, among many other climate-friendly actions, has pledged to eliminate gas flaring in oil-producing regions and utilise natural gas as a transition fuel in its efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, has stated its commitment to achieving
net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Nigeria's fight against climate and environmental crisis, however, goes deeper than just seeking a reduction in greenhouse gas emission. Among the country's environmental challenges that threaten to exacerbate its climate situation, beyond indiscriminate gas flaring and oil spills, are deforestation, soil degradation, erosion, and flood. In recent years, the latter, in particular, has become a menace that leads to the death and displacement of millions of citizens every year.
Findings attribute the yearly flood crisis in urban and rural areas to man-made issues including poor planning, land encroachment, construction of illegal structures on or across drainage channels, insufficient drainage channels, and canal and drain blockages. The drainage channel and canal blockages, for instance, are mostly due to the careless dumping of dirt, plastics, and non-biodegradable items by citizens. The country also ranks among the top 20 nations responsible for a staggering 83 percent of the global depositors of land-based plastic waste into the oceans.
However, for a country reported to churn out more than 32 million tonnes of waste each year, with plastics constituting a hefty 2.5 million tonnes, the situation presents a golden opportunity for economic development and sustainability for Nigeria. With effective recycling of its wastes, the country can reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills or incinerators and lower disposal costs, conserve energy resources and reduce greenhouse gasses.
While there is a need for intensifying efforts towards creating a solid waste policy landscape, building infrastructure, and establishing a robust legislative framework to regulate unsustainable
waste management practices, the country also needs to harness the power of its youth in achieving desired change. The populous nation, which boasts the largest youth demographic in Africa, has the capacity to inspire its young, just like Thunberg, to champion climate-friendly actions.
Globally, public and private investments in areas linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing nations fall short of funding on average by USD 2.5 trillion a year (UN Sustainable Development Group). Although many African businesses contribute greatly to society, not all of them adequately address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. Companies must all embrace SDG-aligned processes to meet societal expectations for social and governance in order to achieve maximum impact and scalability.
Youth-led community initiatives can particularly play a vital role in promoting climate resilience and sustainability at the grassroots level, as they can initiate community cleanup drives, tree planting campaigns, and recycling programs to foster environmental stewardship and build climate-resilient communities. With their energy, creativity, and determination, young people can drive meaningful change and contribute to building a sustainable future for the nation. In Nigeria, a handful of businesses are actively taking the charge, encouraging positive actions towards climate change and championing initiatives and conversations aimed at raising awareness. Sustainability in businesses should be viewed beyond an altruistic lens—by adopting sustainable practices, organisations can promote sustainable consumer behaviour.
Telecommunications services provider, Airtel has recorded meritorious strides in its sustainability efforts, with the company promoting sustainability education through strategic partnerships and focusing on long-term impact. One of such partnerships is its recent construction of a sustainability learning facility to Green Fingers Initiative as part of its corporate philanthropy
program. The donation underscores the telco’s commitment to promoting sustainability by nurturing and enlightening the youth to drive positive change and foster a sustainable future. By donating a learning facility, young minds are equipped with accurate information and knowledge needed to address environmental challenges whilst generating economic opportunities.
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has also recorded laudable strides in its commitment to sustainability over the past decade. The bank, since 2015, has partnered with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to celebrate World Environment Day (WED). But it is the impact of its #BeatPlasticPollution campaign in 2023 that has perhaps been the most indicative of its efforts and resolute dedication to a healthier climate for citizens. Through the campaign, FCMB has raised invaluable awareness about climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning of its perils.
In demonstration of its understanding of the impact youth engagement can have in rapidly achieving a sustainable climate-friendly society, the financial institution went on to provide jumbo recycling bins to Government-owned secondary schools while teaching over 5000 students the importance of recycling plastic to guard against the menace plastic creates in their communities.
The bank seems to be cultivating environmental consciousness among young people and also nurturing a generation of proactive changemakers to lead Nigeria towards a more sustainable future. Another noteworthy entity fostering meaningful youth engagement for a sustainable future is Guinness Nigeria, with the company demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development by training over 30,000 youths on entrepreneurship and employability across various geo-political zones across the country.
In furtherance of its commitment to responsible sustainability practices, the company has championed initiatives geared towards water preservation, including its recently commissioned Water Recovery Plant (WRP), a facility that uses cutting-edge technology to further purify treated wastewater from its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to potable water standards.
•Dr. Obafemi is the Head Researcher for QL Intelligence
Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
Davidson Abraham writes one aspect of the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament that has surprised many is the high number of own goals scored. Bettors have been able to capitalize on this, earning over $20 million from betting on own goals
The 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany has gotten off
to a mixed start so far. The tournament has seen a high number of longrange goals, with 11 goals scored from outside the
penalty box in the first 12 matches. This goes against the recent trend in club football towards more intricate, possession-based
play. Experts suggest the emotion of representing one’s country and the less structured nature of international football may
be factors behind this.
However, the tournament’s organisation and logistics have faced some challenges. In Munich and Gelsenkirchen, there have been issues with crowd control, poor fan conditions, and transportation problems, which go against Germany’s reputation for efficiency and functionality.
The opening match in Munich saw Germany get off to a strong start with a 5-0 win over Scotland. Spain also impressed with a 1-0 victory over Croatia. However, other pre-tournament favourites, like France, England, and Portugal, struggled in their opening games.
One aspect of the tournament that has surprised many is the high number of own goals scored. Bettors have been able to capitalise on this, earning over $20 million from betting on own goals. This is an unusually high number for a major international tournament, and it speaks to the unpredictable nature of the matches.
Bookmakers have reported that own goals have accounted for a significant portion of their turnover during the Euros so far. Punters have identified patterns and trends around their goals, allowing them to make profitable wagers. One bettor reportedly won over $100,000 by correctly predicting a spate of own goals in the group stage.
The high number of own goals can be attributed to a few factors. The intense pressure of representing
one’s country, combined with the fast-paced nature of international football, has led to more defensive mistakes than usual. Additionally, the artificial turf used in some of the German stadiums may be contributing to the issue, as players sometimes struggle to control the ball.
Despite these challenges, the 2024 UEFA European Championship has the potential to be one of the greatest editions of the tournament in recent memory. The emergence of young talent has been a particular highlight, with players like Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Arda Güler making a significant impact.
At just 16 years and 338 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to feature at a European Championship when he started Spain’s opener against Croatia. Musiala, the Bayern Munich midfielder, has been a standout performer for Germany, showcasing his technical ability and creativity. Wirtz and Güler, both 19 years old, have also impressed with their performances for Germany and Turkey, respectively.
The combination of exciting young talent, unexpected results, and high-scoring matches has created a sense of unpredictability and anticipation around the tournament. If the organisers can address the logistical issues and the football continues to be of high quality, the 2024 UEFA European Championship could go down as one of the most memorable in the competition’s history.
their all to make electoral victory
The victory of Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential contest in the country was made possible by so many heroes of that resounding victory, and today, we want to bring to the fore the contributions of Dr Bello Maigari, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund to make that victory possible.
Before President Tinubu made public his intention to contest the office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he was its national leader, Dr. Bello Maigari was one of the apostles of Tinubu’s political school who staked his office by publicly calling on him to declare for the office of
the president. Maigari believed Tinubu was the best man to achieve Nigeria’s greatness, peace, unity, progress, and development.
It is a fact that when other political figures choose to sit on the fence by keeping their supporters guessing on whom among the plethora of speculated candidates and on which platforms they would contest for the seat of the president of Nigeria, Maigari publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Maigari matched his talk by going ahead to make big billboards displayed publicly in all the capitals and major cities of the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, seeking the support and endorsement
of Tinubu when he finally decided to declare for the presidency.
To many who are conversant with Maigari’s political philosophies, he is not a man who seeks to support a candidate for the sake of political rent-seeking. As a patriot and leader, he believes that in history, no nation has been able to achieve any substantial leap without a leader with vision, strategic plans, and the credentials to give it quality leadership.
Maigari believes that as citizens, we have a patriotic duty in our own little way to contribute to the recruitment of quality leaders for our country. Maigari walked his talk by forming and sponsoring many support groups as patron, which he used to galvanise citizens for the
Kindred’s steadfast commitment to player safety – through our ‘Journey Towards Zero’ initiative - is underpinned by a robust strategy that leverages technology, data and expertise to drive progress in reducing gambling harm. Our approach is multifaceted, using advanced tools to identify at-risk behaviours and deploying timely interventions. These interventions continue to improve, with our latest Journey Towards Zero release reporting an 87.4 per cent improvement effect post-intervention, indicating a significant.
With Euro 2024 well underway, the excitement surrounding this major sporting event has been building for several months. The anticipation of a fantastic festival of football is truly electrifying.
Kindred’s steadfast commitment to player safety – through our ‘Journey Towards Zero’ initiative - is underpinned by a robust strategy that leverages technology, data and expertise to drive progress in reducing gambling harm. Our approach is multifaceted, using advanced tools to identify at-risk behaviours and deploying timely interventions. These interventions continue to improve, with our latest Journey Towards Zero release reporting an 87.4 per cent improvement effect post-intervention, indicating a significant shift towards safer, healthier behaviour among our customers.
Major tournaments like Euro 2024 are an opportunity for us to put all that work to the test on a major scale. Players will visit our platforms in large numbers to place their bets on everything from England’s Harry Kane to score the most goals in the tournament, an ambitious Bet Builder that includes Scotland beating
Germany, or simply to back France to go all the way and win the tournament. And we know that from past experience of these tournaments, the overwhelming majority of players engage with our products safely.
To highlight this, it is worth looking at data from our UK market in the last major international tournament. During the World Cup in 2022, we saw an increase in the proportion of players utilising voluntary safer gambling tools on their accounts. Just before the World Cup kicked off in 2022, around 45 per cent of our UK customer base had at least one voluntary control tool on their account. By the time the World Cup ended, it had increased to 57 per cent. For comparison against Euro 2020, around 20 per cent were using RG tools during that tournament. That represents an increase of 185 per cent on Euro 2020.
The results for under-25s were similarly promising. Ahead of the World Cup, 40 per cent were using at least one voluntary tool. After the World Cup, voluntary tool use was up to 58 per cent. Compared to Euro 2020, where around 14 per cent of U25s were using safer gambling tools during that tournament, the 58 per cent usage represented an increase of 346 per cent in Euro 2020.
We are proud that our focus and investment in innovative technology are having a meaningful impact on customer behaviour. This has been made possible because of the huge advancements in technology, which allowed us to develop our Player Safety Early Detection System (PS-EDS). We devote significant resources and effort to improving our tools for identifying and helping potential problem gamblers.
This sort of approach has not always been the case, of course. Technology has advanced rapidly across the world in several industries. Gambling is no different—with the sophisticated data held by gambling companies about their customers, meaning that we can forge sophisticated solutions to tackling harm. We can, for example, analyse harm in a way that many other industries - such as the alcohol sector - simply can’t. This allows us to be incredibly targeted in our interventions—ensuring that the focus always remains on those who need help while not hindering the overwhelming majority who gamble safely and responsibly on our platforms.
This risk-based approach is critical in our focus on reducing gambling-related harm. Over-simplifying the debate can be challenging at times—this is a complicated issue requiring complex solutions. For example, the debate about spending is often littered with problems. It can, of course, be a part of harm in some cases, but it is usually never the only factor. Harm can occur at low levels of spend—making blanket and blunt approaches to these issues ineffective. Instead, a risk-based approach should be our collective focus. We can take decisive action where necessary by identifying financial distress and limiting it immediately. Then, everything else in a customer’s profile can be judged on merit and crucially backed by data and science.
So, as Euro 2024 ignites excitement among football fans, Kindred is well-placed to offer a safe and enjoyable betting experience by deploying our technology and resources to ensure that betting remains a form of entertainment without compromise.
candidature of Tinubu when he finally bowed to pressure from people like him to come out and declare for the president of Nigeria. He also ensured that as an ambassador of this support group for the president’s victory, the group had a national spread. His support for the president was total, as he believed that when the president finally became victorious, the country was going to experience many positives. Based on data and evidence from his past political endeavours, Tinubu was not a leader who over-relied on unbridled optimism, hedonistic fatalism and political gimmickry in his dealing with matters of great importance like the development of our country.
His campaign as the president’s political ambassador focused on spreading messages derived from the president’s victory. He said these would be accentuated by his deliberate leadership style, which entails a departure from the usual political sloganeering of the past, which never translated into any positives for the country.
He believes the overarching vision of the president, his significant development strategies, his key performance indicators as former governor of Lagos State and his past actionable plans and experience as a political leader are the major credentials that would help him overcome the present challenge in Nigeria, which is to make life better for all.
As executive secretary of the NLTF, an interventionist agency that uses the proceeds from gaming to intervene in many areas of needs of our country and an avid believer of the renewed hope programmes of the president, he is using his office to help the president achieve its mandate.
Photo Editor
Speaker/Chief Executive Officer, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Olabode
surrounded by the management staff and Graduating Class of 2024, Adesoye
alma mater to deliver a valedictory message to the graduands of Class of 2024 in Offa…recently
Group Managing Director, Bonnylight Energy & Offshore Limited, Mr. Toyin Banjo; Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and National Head of Sales, First City Monument Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Comla, during the Ojude-Oba festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on June 18, 2024. FCMB has been a major sponsor of the festival for over 20 years.
Trust
Vivienne Odonfi-Daniel; Beauty Category
Director, PDC Brands, David Schneider; and
the
Lagos...recently
Defence Attachée of Cote D’Ivoire, Colonel Major Goué Magloire; Defence Attachée of Niger Republic, Colonel Soumana Kalakoye; Chief Executive Officer, Vivajets, Chukwuerika Achum; and Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Vivajets, Jeane-Claude Kouyo, at the third African Airforce Forum in Abuja...recently
Board
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr.
Centre for Commonwealth
Agriculture and Horticulture Development
of
and
L- R Managing Director/CEO, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Haruna Jalo – Waziri; Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama; Group Managing Director/CEO, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola; Ag. CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka and CEO, NGX Regulation, Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo during the E-Offering Platform Market Engagement and Press Briefing at the Exchange Group House in Lagos .. yesterday
Kenyan President, William Ruto, yesterday withdrew planned tax hikes, bowing to pressure from protesters who had stormed parliament, launched demonstrations across the country and threatened more action this week.
The move will be seen as a major victory for a week-old, youth-led protest movement that grew from online condemnations of tax rises into mass rallies demanding a political overhaul, in the most serious crisis of Ruto's two-year-old presidency, Reuters reported.
Ruto announced he would not sign a finance bill including the tax increases, a day after violent clashes between police and protesters at the assembly and nationwide left at least 23 people dead and scores wounded, according to medics.
"Listening keenly to the people of
Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this finance bill 2024, I concede. And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn," he said in a televised address with lawmakers, some clapping, seated behind him.
Ruto said he would now start a dialogue with Kenyan youth, without going into details, and work on austerity measures - beginning with cuts to the budget of the presidency - to make up the difference in the country's finances.
He said the loss of life on Tuesday was "very unfortunate". Kenyan police have not responded to requests for comment about the violence.
Even if Ruto's concession manages to see off the immediate threat of more unrest, it still leaves him caught between the competing demands of his hard-pressed citizens and of
lenders such as the IMF - which is urging the government to cut deficits to obtain more financing.
On Tuesday, police opened fire on crowds who massed around parliament and later broke into the senate chamber and national assembly, minutes after lawmakers had voted through the tax measures and sent them on to the president.
The Nation newspaper, Kenya, documented protests in at least 35 of Kenya's 47 counties, from big cities to rural areas - even in Ruto's hometown of Eldoret in his ethnic Kalenjin heartland.
At least 23 people were killed across the East African country and another 30 were being treated for bullet wounds, the Kenya Medical Association said yesterday. Medical officials in Nairobi said scores had been injured.
Heavily armed police patrolled the streets of the capital Nairobi,
which were quieter than usual on Wednesday.
The protests began as an online outpouring of anger by young, techsavvy Kenyans at proposed taxes on bread and diapers and evolved into a nationwide movement calling for the scrapping of the entire finance bill including the taxes.
Thousands took to the streets of Nairobi and several other cities during two days of protests last week as an online movement gathered momentum.
While the young Kenyans in the current demonstrations have no official leader and have loudly urged the political opposition figures that have typically organised protests to stay away, some of Ruto's main rivals could not hide their delight with the president's climb-down.
"Self-preservation has kicked in," opposition senator Edwin Sifuna posted on X.
Experts yesterday, expressed divergent views over the desirability of establishing a state police system in Nigeria.
The experts expressed their positions at a “Roundtable National Dialogue on the Clamour for State Police System in Nigeria,” organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in Abuja.
The session was attended by political scientists, economists, sociologists, psychologists, lawyers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other professionals.
Professor Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, and Professor Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, served as moderators respectively during the two sessions, while Professor Josephine Agbonika, SAN, and Professor Etennibi Alemika were the keynote speakers.
The panelists included Professor Tijjani Mohammad-Bande, Professor Nuhu Yaqub, Professor Zubairu Dagona, Dr. Asimiyu Abiola, Professor Shola Omotola and Dr. Doris Aaron.
Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, and Dr. Adewale Aderemi, facilitated the session.
Some of the Civil Society Organisations at the session included the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria and CLEEN Foundation.
Some of the panelists supported the establishment of state police while others kicked against it.
The Director General of NILDS,
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, in his opening remarks, noted that the clamour for a state police system has become a subject matter of immense significance in the nation's security landscape.
Abubakar said: “This dialogue is not only timely but crucial for the future of our nation's police system.
“As we convene today, we are at a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history where the need to re-examine and reform the structure of our police system has become overdue.
“To put it plainly, the challenges we face in maintaining law and order across the country necessitates a reevaluation of our current centralized policing structure to determine whether or not it is fit for purpose.
“Historically, Nigeria has relied heavily on a centralized policing structure. However, the dynamics of our diverse states, each with unique socio-cultural and security challenges, seem to demand a more tailored and responsive approach to law enforcement.
“It has been argued that the establishment of state police may empower local authorities to address these challenges more effectively, ensuring quicker response and better understanding of local security dynamics.
“However, the path to operationalizing a state police system is fraught with complexities that demand careful consideration.
“We must ensure that reforms in
the direction of decentralizing the current centralised police system, if that is the preferred course, are underpinned by a robust legal framework, adequate resources, and stringent oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of police power and to uphold the rule of law.
“This dialogue is expected to evaluate these issues with a view to suggesting the appropriate way forward.
“On the part of the Institute, and as the think-tank organ of the
legislature and other democratic institutions across the country, we shall internalise the outcome of the dialogue in providing robust input into the effort to reform the police system, in order to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in law enforcement.”
The first session, moderated by Professor Ojukwu, Professor Bande and Dr. Aaron supported a reformed centralized police system, while Professor Omotola supported the establishment of state police.
Lawmakers had already removed some tax hikes from the final version of the finance bill on Tuesday, including ones on bread and cooking oil, but inserted others in an effort to avoid a budget gap.
Vice President Rigathi Gachagua asked young people to call off the protests to avoid any further loss of life and destruction of property, and blamed the intelligence services for giving the government poor advice. "There would have been no mayhem, but they slept on the job," Gachagua said in a speech, calling on the head of the National Intelligence Service to resign. Protesters were defiant, repeating calls for Ruto to step down and vowing further action in the streets.
Widows Day: SIL Foundation Empowers 46 in FCT
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
SIL Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering positive change and sustainable development in Nigeria, Tuesday, doled out grants assistance to 46 widows living in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.
Speaking to THISDAY on the significance of the event, Chief Executive Officer of SIL Foundation, Mrs. Ubile Charity Lawson, said the organisation decided to observe the International Widows Day which came up last Sunday and to use the opportunity to empower some widows in the FCT.
She explained that over the years, SIL Foundation has provided support to about 2,800 individuals, offering them capacity building, counselling, peer support, livelihood grants and skills development programmes.
According to her, the Foundation holds the empowerment outreach biannually and sometimes three times yearly.
She said the event provides opportunity to assist widows in dire need of funds to start small businesses that will make their
lives better.
Lawson said that SIL Foundation usually provides grants ranging from N50,000 to N300,000 to the widows based on assessment of individual needs.
Her words: "We usually look at the individuals, assess them. Some of them may not give the true picture of things, some may have children that cares for them but we seek for are those who are really in need of assistance.
"This year, we are reaching out to about 46 widows mostly from the Gwagwalada Area Council in the FCT. About 36 of the widows are from the Gwagwalada area while 10 were drawn from Area Councils in Abuja metropolis."
In addition to those that received the grants yesterday, Lawson said there were other widows who were assisted to obtain loans for their businesses as well.
Lawson who hails from Abonema, a Kalabari community in Rivers State, said that she and her husband started the organisation by reaching out to widows and the less privileged in their town.
Sylvester idowu in Warri
The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, His Majesty, King Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie I, has lauded the activities of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, restoring aquatic life and reducing piracy in its operational areas.
He therefore urged President Bola Tinubu to expand the company’s surveillance contract in the region, noting that it would not only support the gradual restoration of the natural habitat but also help Nigeria
meet the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.
Udurhie I, during a media parley, Tuesday, praised President Tinubu for renewing Tantita’s contract and highlighted that there has been no record of oil theft or pipeline vandalism in areas covered by the private maritime security outfit.
He also commended the firm's proprietor, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, for significantly reducing crude oil theft in the region.
His words: “From every available fact, Tantita Security Services has not only shown that they have the capacity, but they have also
demonstrated beyond every reasonable doubt that they are committed to helping to grow our oil and gas production. If we must move forward, there’s a serious need for more federal government encouragement.
“I commend President Bola Tinubu for the renewal of the contract for Tantita. I am advocating and pleading with Mr. President to expand the scope of the contract to cover more grounds where oil theft is still being recorded.
“It’s not only Tantita, a contract of this nature was given to. The job was also awarded to a lot of other contractors, but it’s only in the area
where Tantita is working that we are seeing this huge improvement in crude oil production."
On clean waters in parts of the region, the journalist-turned-monarch declared: "There is improvement as far as our environment is concerned. For more than one year now, we have started seeing even clean water in our creeks and rivers due to the stoppage of crude oil theft. “Government should look at the possibility of expanding the scope of that job so that by so doing we can have an increasing level of cleaner environment because the environment within area of Tantita operation is regenerating.”
L-R: Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab; Mission Director, USAID Nigeria, Melissa Jones; Minister for Water Resources & Sanitation, Prof.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs. Funke Adepoju; member of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Rasheed Shabi and the Consul-General of Denmark in Lagos, Mrs. Jette
a Greater Lagos”, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island ... yesterday
Agency’s drug test kits a necessity for every home, schools, offices, says Marwa Reveals 52,901 arrests, 9,000 convictions secured in three years Declares agency has destroyed 1,057 hectares of cannabis farms
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, expressed support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) in its fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, as well as its ramped-up efforts to prevent the Nigerian populace from falling prey to the drug scourge.
Tinubu spoke at an event in Abuja to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, otherwise known as World Drug Day.
NDLEA chairman, Brigadier-general Buba Marwa (rtd), revealed that it had effected the arrest of 52,901 alleged drug traffickers, including 48 barons, and obtained over 9,000 convictions of suspects in the last three years.
Speaking on the theme of the day, "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention," Tinubu, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said, "I enjoin all and sundry to support the War Against Drug Abuse initiative, otherwise known as the WADA campaign, launched by NDLEA three years ago. I commend and urge everyone to redouble their efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
“On this score, I wish to reassure you of this administration's support. The Renewed Hope Agenda places the youth at the centre of its focus. Therefore, we ensure that our young people are protected from anything that could derail their future or destroy their potential.”
While noting that illicit drugs and substances had wreaked havoc on individuals, families, communities and countries worldwide, the
president said, “In the face of such a formidable challenge, prevention is the most potent weapon that we can deploy. Prevention not only saves lives; it also saves resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation. It empowers individuals to make informed choices, promotes healthy lifestyles and creates resilient communities capable of withstanding the pressures of drug abuse.
“Investing in prevention is not merely a moral imperative, a prudent way of safeguarding our future. By allocating resources towards evidencebased prevention programmes, we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and protect our youth from falling prey to the menace."
The president further stated, "The assignment before us as a country requires that we prioritise evidence-based prevention strategies, allocate adequate resources and foster partnerships for greater impact.”
He assured, "This government will support NDLEA to build on the success recorded in the past few years. We shall work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that we have positive statistics from the next national drug use survey that will be conducted in the country."
Tinubu urged all Nigerians to join hands in this noble cause.
He said, "This is an assignment for all patriotic citizens of this country, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, educational institutions, opinion leaders, and civil society organisations.
“NDLEA has created a formidable platform for cooperation vis-à-vis its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative.”
In his welcome remarks, Marwa said the “Save Our Families” social advocacy campaign launched at the ceremony by the president was designed to prevent and tackle drug use through early detection and intervention by making the agency’s newly produced special drug test kits a necessity in every home, schools, and workplaces.
Marwa stated, “The magnitude of our effort is reflected in the statistics of our drug supply reduction activities. We have arrested 52, 901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, in three and a half years.
“Over 9, 000 of the suspects have been convicted in court. We have also seized over the same period 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances.”
According to him, “The agency has introduced the Drug Integrity Test initiative anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug culture for every Nigerian. The test is intended for
secondary school students, students seeking admission into tertiary institutions and returning students, workers in government and private offices and individuals seeking political offices as well as prospective couples before taking their marriage vows.
“The drug test will serve as a tool for the prevention of drug use and early detection of the individual's status of drug use for the purpose of appropriate intervention, including treatment and rehabilitation.”
Marwa said, “Let me also add that our drug integrity test, which has been adopted by some government institutions and tertiary institutions in the country, is a preventive mechanism.
“As a result, we have produced tens of thousands of special test kits capable of detecting 15 different substances, now available in all our commands across the country. This is for use in homes, schools, workplaces and others.
“Apart from helping in early
detection of drug abuse especially by our youths so that we can get them help in form of treatment, this will also create some deterrence effects."
Speaking on the theme for this year’s World Drug Day, Marwa said drug use prevention was at the heart of NDLEA’s strategy in addressing the drug problem because it was far more effective and cost-efficient to prevent drug abuse than to deal with its consequences.
He stated, “In this regard, we have used our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative to campaign vigorously at the grassroots and create awareness for our people to shun illicit substances.
“WADA is a sensitisation and advocacy initiative that employs the whole of society approach to engage all stakeholders, including the government sectors, institutions, and non-governmental organisations with emphasis on youths in and out of school, community gatekeepers,
including traditional and community leaders, as well as religious leaders, among others.
“I am proud to state that the programme has been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness driven vehicle for public engagement and collaboration against the drug scourge.
“For instance, between 2021 and 2024, the agency embarked on 6,423 sensitisation and education programmes targeting young people in school and 987 programmes for Out of School youths in order to create awareness on the dangers associated with drug use.
“This is in addition to the millions of homes reached with our antisubstance abuse messages through our aggressive and impactful media campaigns using various traditional and new media platforms.”
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
To boost agriculture and food security, Israeli investors have expressed the commitment to establish a multimillion solar powered farm in Rivers and other states in the South-South zone of Nigeria.
The project, which is to be sited in Eleme and Kalabari communities, will provide jobs for no fewer than two thousand persons when completed.
The project partner and entrepreneur, Prince Tonye Princewill, revealed this during a meeting with journalists
Rivers State in Niger Delta suffers food shortages with high prices despite its agricultural potentials as a result of climate change impacts ranging from flooding, erosion and low crop yield.
Lawyers in Abuja have cried out to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to intervene and end what they claim is police’s unlawful activities against legal practitioners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and by extension the country in general.
in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Princewill, a former gubernatorial candidate in the state, revealed that there is already available land for the project. He said part of the project will also include a low-cost housing estate that will solve housing problems for thousands of residents of the state.
He noted the need for peace in the state, pointing out that the negative narrative about the state was affecting investment opportunities.
His words: "We are killing two birds with one stone with the solar farm.
even provide power to the low-cost housing. So, it's an all-integrated, allencompassing project which I think is going to be a revolution.
"Apart from the fact that we don't need national grid to power the farms, we are talking about employment; we are talking about empowerment; we are talking about reducing food prices.
“Israel has moved from desert to farming. So, we are working with people who are experts in making the best and becoming crop producers."
Narrating how the issue started, Opara said a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mrs. Asabe Waziri, who bought a multi-million-naira property in the Maitama District of Abuja, led to series of litigations. According to the lawyer, Waziri was alleged to be instigating the police to carry out unlawful acts in respect of cases pending before courts of competent jurisdictions.
The purchase of the multi-million-
Lawyers under the aegis of Lawyers of Conscience, who made the appeal, Wednesday, while sharing their plight with journalists in Abuja, specifically condemned the alleged harassment of one of their members and human rights activist, Mr. Victor Giwa, by police in Abuja. Coordinator of the group, Barrister Maxwell Opara, while speaking with journalists, threatened to sue the IGP in his personal capacity as Kayode Egbetokun, if he fails to act accordingly.
naira property by Waziri was said to have attracted several court cases before the FCT High Court, during which an order was issued for her eviction due to her alleged faceoff with other property owners in the apartment as well as financial infraction in the purchase transaction.
Upon the order of the court, Waziri was evicted from the property, but was however, said to be bitter with the eviction carried out by bailiffs of the Abuja High Court.
Although, she was said to have challenged her eviction in court, and the suit still pending, Opara accused Mrs. Waziri of resorting to self-help with the unlawful use of police to achieve what she could not achieve
in the open court.
Opara specifically said the police have no business dabbling into a purely civil transaction of property purchase.
The lawyer added that the police as a law-abiding institution should allow the matter to be fully determined by the court instead of acting as a court of its own.
He insisted it was wrong of Mrs. Waziri to use the police to harass Victor Giwa, who is counsel to the property developer, Abbey Signatures Ltd. Opara warned the IGP and his officers to stop taking laws into their hands with unlawful and illegal support to Waziri to intimidate and harass Victor Giwa.
One is that we are taking advantage of the land to create farms that are sustainable. We are going to bring in huge investments.
"The plan is that after 15 years, the investments are going to be handed over to local partners and the investment is obviously going to be quite huge. It is coming in from Israel and the land is already in place.
All we want is for government to ensure that the place is secure.
"We want to use some of the land for low-cost housing. We are prepared to give it to the government because we are aware government is interested in low-cost housing; so, there's a low-cost housing aspect to it and there is a farm aspect to it.
“We believe that the solar farm will
On the political crisis in the state, Princewill stated that, "The most important thing now is peace and security. Convincing people here that these investments is valid in an area where what they read in the paper is crisis, crisis, crisis is our biggest challenge.
“But if we have the government on board and we get the government to ensure that security and integrity of the project is guaranteed this is fantastic".
He said: "We are talking about employing over 2,000 people in the farm alone, not to talk about the empowerment that will come from other parts. I think that the opportunities are huge, it just requires the right thing to deliver and I think on our own side, we are prepared".
Ahead of today's National Economic Council (NEC)meeting, governors, last night, agreed to adopt a common agenda on some of the issues currently bothering the nation.
The President is however scheduled to attend the NEC meeting tomorrow.
This was disclosed by his Chief of Staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila. He made public the plan for the President to make an unusual call at the NEC, a meeting statutorily chaired by the Vice President with membership including the state governors, Minister of the Federal
Capital Territory, Finance Minister and other relevant top government officials.
According to the agenda of the meeting of the governors held last night, and made available to newsmen, they would discuss the minimum wage, and council autonomy amongst others.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting stepped down discussions on the minimum wage to enable further discussions.
The tripartite committee set up by the president recommended a minimum wage of N62,000, but the organised labour insisted on
a N250,000.
Though the governors, a fortnight ago, had insisted that they could not pay more than N60,000, some of them alluded to their inability and economic viability to pay Other issues considered at their meeting yesterday were the local government autonomy and the petroleum profit tax.
The Supreme Court had last week reserved judgement in a suit filed by the federal government against the governors to enforce the autonomy of administration of local government areas as stipulated in the Nigerian constitution.
Garba Lawal, who led a
seven-member panel of Justices of the Supreme Court, reserved judgement after all parties adopted their various written addresses.
Also on the agenda on the excess crude account and the Royalties Accounts and its Reconciliation and Debt matters.
In their agenda, the governors said they would review and take a position on all the issues last night at NEC.
Though the meeting was slated for 7pm yesterday, they were yet to commence as of press time.
THISDAY, however, gathered they were holding separate meetings elsewhere on partisan level
The federal government, yesterday, reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to a free press and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
It however, urged Nigerians to be weary and cautious of fake news and misinformation, stating that if left unchecked, they could lead to instability.
Speaking at the launch and public presentation of a book written Mr. Azu Ishekwene of the Leadership
newspapers titled: "Writing for Media and Monitoring It", the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the administration would always stand for free press
According to him, "As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the Tinubu administration to a free and responsible journalism.
"We understand that a society can only flourish when its media organs are free to report the truth without fear of retribution and to equally
hold those in authority accountable.
"The President Tinubu administration is therefore, dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can work freely, without intimidation, and with the assurance that their rights will be acknowledged and protected."
However, he said, "freedom comes with responsibility. As we champion the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise this freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.
"It is crucial that the informa-
tion disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.”
Commending the author of the book, the minister said, "Through your words, you have not only informed the public but have also inspired generations of journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.”
One of the panelists at the book launch, Ahmed Kadaria, called for the media practitioners to be accountable and speak truth to government without being compromised
onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja
Crisis is brewing in the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) between the incumbent president, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi and another faction led by Dr. Uche Odionyenna.
THISDAY gathered that the Odionyenna group had stormed the headquarters of the association in Durumi District in Abuja on Tuesday, claiming to have taken over the leadership of the body. He cited a court judgement delivered in 2023, during the tenure of the immediate past president of the association, Prof. James Garba Damen.
The aggrieved faction based their claim on judgement of National Industrial Court in 2023, which sacked the then National President of AMLSN), Prof. James Garba Damen, shortly before the expiration of his tenure and ordered the recognition of Odionyenna as President.
However, Ifeanyi dismissed the claim of the faction, insisting that the new national executive which he leads emerged through a legally conducted election held on 18th November 2023.
Ifeanyi who addressed a Press Conference in Abuja, yesterday, said he and the present national executive were duly elected at
the expiration of the tenure of the former Damen-led executive.
He said he was responding to the alleged brazen illegality that took place yesterday (Tuesday) in order to set the records straight.
Ifeanyi said: "First is that I was elected on November 18, 2023 as the 15th national president of AMLSN and that my election was not subject to any ligation in any court of law in Nigeria till date.
“We have continued to work harmoniously amongst the national executive and the teaming members of the association.
"So anybody who is parading himself as having been sworn in yesterday is an imposter.
"It's illegal, because it is not backed by the order of court. There cannot be two presidents until my tenure elapses, I remain the president, and my tenure will be elapsing in 2026.”
Ifeanyi, further stated that in line with the constitution of AMLSN, as amended (2023), he remained the head of the association.
He appealed to all members of the association both at home and diaspora, to remain calm, adding that a Special General meeting of the association would be convened at the weekend at the headquarters in Abuja, where a position would be articulated on how to move the body forward.
to agreed on a common position to be taken at their main meeting.
Tinubu to attend NEC, to consult Governors on minimum wage
Gbajabiamila spoke in Kano yesterday while leading a highpowered presidential delegation to commiserate with Vice President Kashim Shettima over the demise of his mother-in-law.
Delivering the President’s condolence message to Shettima, Gbajabiamila disclosed that President Tinubu would be attending the scheduled NEC meeting holding on Thursday, describing the plan as unusual.
According to him: "He is indeed saddened and he wished he was here with you know our President is very ubiquitous, he can be in a million places at the same time, but unfortunately, this bill, as you well know, calls for him to be at
the seat of power.
“Indeed he will be joining you tomorrow and that’s how important his presence in Abuja is right now. He will be joining you tomorrow at the NEC meeting, which he ever hardly attends, this might even be his first meeting”.
Recall that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had at it's meeting on Tuesday stepped down presidential decision on the report of the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage down, citing the need for President Tinubu to make further consultations with other stakeholders on the important national matter.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had while addressing journalists at the State House after FEC meeting on Tuesday disclosed the decision of Council to step minimum wage discussion down until needed consultations have been made.
Suspected bandits have reportedly started to enforce tax and levy collections from the residents of Torough and neighbouring communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
A resident of the community, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked, said the bandits introduced a levy of N20 million as monthly tax to be paid by the community.
He explained that no one, including the village heads, dared challenge the authority of the armed gangs or report the matter to security agencies.
“We are more or less in bondage here. There is no complete freedom of movement, association or expression. These militia boys are very deadly and powerful here in our Sankera axis.
“The whole of the three LGAs in Sankera made up of Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala are affected by this madness. These boys have a very strong communication network for their business. They monitor everything.
“So, when the news about the N20 million came to us, nobody dared
report to the security agencies. You and your family will be eliminated in broad daylight.
“We are paying the N50,000 levied each household. Some traditional compounds that have many households are levied N1million,” he said.
But the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr Victor Iorzaa, confirmed the development to the newsmen in the state.
“It is true that bandits are taxing the people and are demanding N20 million. I have reported the matter to the police and also the State Security Council.
“The person behind is a bandit known as ‘Full Fire’. He was the person that connived with armed herdsmen recently to attack Tiv people. He has been working with armed herdsmen.
“The people are living in fear. That community is the most troubled place in the LGA. He started this shortly after he lost the attack on the community.
“And the place he stays is a community bordering Taraba State. If you remember two weeks ago, the military launched an attack on his house.
L-R: Country Representative, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Angaramai Ignattus; Country Director, OXFAM in Nigeria, John Makina and National Nutrition and Food System Expert, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Mr. Isiaka Ibrahim, during OXFAM roundtable meeting with Humanitarian Actors and others relevant stakeholders in Seed System in Abuja ... yesterday
John Shiklam in Kaduna
After weeks of being in the news for alleged corruption while in office, a former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a suit against the State House of Assembly over allegations that his eight years administration embezzled N432 billion.
El-Rufai, who has taken a conscious move to sane his name and reputation already being tossed publicly in the mud, alleged a breach of his fundamental human rights by the state assembly, which indicted him.
His spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, said in a statement posted on his X handle, that the former governor was personally at the court to sign the affidavit supporting his fundamental rights enforcement against the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the Kaduna State Government.
The former governor also asked the court to declare that by the
contribute to GDP growth, better risk management, improved credit ratings, a diversified ownership base, better governance and strategic decisions, and increased market volume and value, leading to a more vibrant equity market.
He said, “With the recapitalisation programme, our goal is to trigger the emergence of stronger, healthier and more resilient banks."
He stressed that several factors influenced the new minimum capital requirements, including macroeconomic conditions, stress test outcomes, and the need for improved risk management.
Cardoso said, “We will rigorously enforce our 'fit and proper criteria' for prospective new shareholders, senior management and board members of banks, and proactively monitor the integrity of financial statements, adequacy of financial resources, and fair valuation of banks' post-merger balance sheets."
He noted the significant opportunity the exercise presented to engage investors, policymakers, and technocrats on the critical issue of bank recapitalisation in the country.
The central bank governor explained that since his assumption of office in October 2023, his priorities at the CBN had included
provisions of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Investigation of Loans, Financial Transactions, Contractual Liabilities and Other Related Matters of the Government of Kaduna State from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2023, as ratified by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, was unconstitutional and therefore null and void for violating his right to fair hearing as guaranteed under the Constitution.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Abubakar Mustapha, SAN, said his client approached the court as a Nigerian citizen, entitled to be given a fair hearing before his rights could be determined by a quasi-judicial or investigative body or courts in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
Adekeye, however, wrote: "Malam Nasir @elrufai was at the
achieving monetary and price stability, maintaining a stable exchange rate, controlling inflation, and creating an enabling environment for businesses.
He clarified that the recapitalisation directive excluded retained earnings from the minimum capital requirement to simplify capital calculations and enhance transparency.
He said the decision, rooted in the BOFIA Act 2020, aligned with international standards, like Basel III, and emphasised core capital elements to improve financial stability.
Reflecting on the successful 2004/5 Banking Sector Reforms, which consolidated the industry, increased capital bases, and boosted resilience against the global financial crisis, the apex bank boss assured that the current recapitalisation drive also aimed to build on these achievements.
CBN Voids Price Verification System for Import and Export Transactions Effective July 1
Meanwhile, citing recent developments in the FX market, CBN yesterday announced the discontinuation of the Price Verification System (PVS) it earlier introduced as part of the documentations required for all import and export transactions.
Federal High Court, Kaduna, today to sign the affidavit supporting his fundamental rights enforcement case against the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the Kaduna State Government.
"His lawyer, AU Mustapha SAN, said El-Rufai approached the court as a Nigerian citizen, who is entitled to be given a fair hearing before his rights can be determined by
a quasi-judicial or investigative body or courts in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
"El-Rufai also asked the court to declare that by the provisions of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
1999, the Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Investigation of Loans, Financial Transactions, Contractual Liabilities and Other Related Matters of the Government of Kaduna State from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2023, as ratified by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, is unconstitutional and therefore null and void for violating his right to fair hearing as guaranteed under
the Constitution."
A report by the Kaduna Assembly ad-hoc committee probing the financial dealings under the eight years of El-Rufai’s government, had indicted him and some key members of his cabinet for alleged corruption in the awards of contracts and management of both domestic and foreign loans obtained by his government.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned the action of the Sokoto State Assembly for passing the Emirate Council Amendment Bill, which seeks to strip the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubukar III, of certain powers.
The "Go-live Price Verification System Portal", which was introduced in 2022 and 2023, was intended to end manual documentation processes with a view to curtailing alleged underhand dealings by some operators.
However, the apex bank declared that effective July 01, 2024, all applications for Form 'M' shall be validated without the PVS report generated from the system.
The bank disclosed the discontinuation in a circular dated June 26, 2024, which was signed by CBN acting Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. W.J. Him, and addressed to all Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs), and the public.
"For the avoidance of doubt, by this circular the Price Verification Report is no longer a requirement for the completion of a Form 'M'," the apex bank stated.
CBN had in January 2022 announced that effective February 1, 2022, all import and export operations would require the submission of an electronic invoice (e-invoice) authenticated by Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) on the Nigeria Single Window portal – Trade Monitoring System (TRMS).
The apex bank stated that the introduction of the e-valuator and eInvoice would replace hard copy final
The bill, which passed its second reading yesterday, aims to amend the Emirate Council Law to require the Sultan to obtain government approval before appointing kingmakers and district heads.
The bill has since sparked fears of a potential showdown between the state government and the Sultanate
invoice as part of the documentation required for all import and export transactions going forward.
CBN disclosed that in a circular, titled, "Guidelines on the Introduction of E-Evaluator, E-Invoicing for Import and Export in Nigeria."
The apex bank pointed out that the new regulation aimed to achieve accurate value from import and export items in and out of the country, adding that the new system will operate on a Global Price Verification Mechanism guided by a benchmark price.
The benchmark price is the actual spot market price obtainable at the time of consummation of invoicing in that market where the goods are traded.
Imports and exports with unit prices more than 2.5 per cent of the verified global checkmate prices would be queried and will not be allowed for successful completion of either Form M or Form NXP, as the case might be, the CBN had explained.
The guidelines, however, provided exemptions from compliance with the new regulation for all individual invoices with a value of less than $10, 000 (or its equivalent in another currency), except where suppliers had an annual cumulative invoicing
Council, akin to the current situation in the troubled Kano Emirate.
According to the bill, the Sultan would need to obtain approval from the state government before appointing kingmakers and district heads, a move that has drawn criticism from MURIC and other Muslim groups.
The state government has however
value equal to or above $500, 000 (or its equivalent in another currency).
Such would be required to submit their invoices, regardless of the individual value of an invoice.
Exemptions were also granted to import and export transactions made by all security agencies in the country.
CBN said supplies to diplomatic and consular missions as well as international agencies dependent on the United Nations were further exempted from the regulation, including donations made to foreign governments or international organisations to foundations, charities and recognised humanitarian organisations – and goods directly supplied by a foreign government.
The circular added that fees, where relevant, shall be advised from time to time as the system progressed. Essentially, the guidelines stipulated that an importer/exporter of goods into Nigeria shall ensure that the purchase/sales contract with a foreign supplier/buyer stipulated compliance with the obligations set out in the regulation and that the supplier's/ seller's invoice must be submitted in electronic format and authenticated by ADB as part of the documentation for payment.
defended the move, saying it was aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the administration of the emirate.
But MURIC, in a statement by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, accused the government of attempting to weaken the Sultanate Council and undermine the traditional institution.
“The bill is outrageous, nauseating, and anachronistic. It is a direct attack on the traditional institution of Sokoto State. Instead of entrenching the powers of the Sultan, it is an undisguised attempt at weakening his powers and making him less relevant in the scheme of traditional settings.
“The governor is preparing the ground for dismantling the Sultanate Council and setting up his own personal Sultanate Council, a council that will be totally controlled from Government House. That is the only logical explanation for his removal of 15 traditional rulers in a single day.
“Ahmed Aliyu is exhibiting the symptoms of fascism, totalitarianism, and prebendalism. Nigerian Muslims are already asking, ‘Why the rush?’ Why are they rushing the bill if there is no hidden agenda? The whole exercise is suggestive of political motivation.
“Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely. We appeal to lawmakers in the Sokoto State House of Assembly to halt the progress of the current bill.
“Instead, they should turn to the section of the state’s chieftaincy law which empowers the governor to remove the Sultan with a view to amending it in such a way that will exempt the Sultan from dethronement.”
L-R: Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake and first Civilian Governor of
Adebayo; at the Ekiti Stakeholders meeting with the Governor in Abuja...on Tuesday
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), has disclosed that 90 per cent of tramadol seized globally in the past five years occurred in Africa, predominantly in the West African sub-region.
This disclosure was made by the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Oliver Stolpe who spoke yesterday at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme, "Invest in Prevention".
The event was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the UNODC and the MTN Foundation, in Abuja.
Stolpe stated that the African continent remains a major transit point, urging Nigeria to invest more on prevention and make healthcare more accessible.
Speaking on UNODC's 2024 drug report, he said: "More than 90 per cent of tramadol seizures over the past five years worldwide was seized in Africa, predominantly West Africa.
"To reduce the incidences here; Nigeria needs to invest more in prevention with some concentration in youths and women".
He advised the government
to include all public and private secondary schools in its programmes against drug abuse.
"The programme should be for all government and private secondary schools and out of school children. We need to sensitise people on the ability to recognise drug use sufferers and help them. And the health sector needs response, require fundamental upgrade because access remains a major challenge,
"UNODC 2024 drug report published today shows that 292 million or 5.6 per cent of the world population aged between 15 and 64 used drugs in the past year. That's 20 per cent increase over the past 10 years. While cannabis remains the main drug used and trafficked in Africa, with West Africa as one of the major entry point in Africa.
"The continent continues to be used as a transit area for drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Drugs trafficked to Africa continue to penetrate the local market, and is adding to the health challenges already faced by the nations where cannabis is used.
"Tramadol used medically is illicitly manufactured and it's being used illicitly more than the one medically manufactured," he said.
Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd ), in his remarks said the agency's passion for prevention was due to
evidence-based results.
“The imperative to invest in prevention is dictated by evidencebased results that have shown that prevention is far more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of drug use disorder, because, after all, prevention is better than cure.
“At NDLEA, drug use prevention lies at the heart of our strategy in addressing the drug problem as it is far more effective and cost-efficient to prevent drug abuse than to deal with its consequences.
" As part of the reforms being undertaken in the agency in the last three years, with the support of the
federal government and various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention programmes.
“The magnitude of our effort is reflected in the statistics of our drug supply reduction activities. We have arrested 52, 901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, in three and half years.
"Over 9, 000 of the suspects have been convicted in court. We have also seized over the same periods, 7.6 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances," Marwa said.
Chairman, MTN Foundation, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said MTN had been assisting the government
in different areas of development across the country.
"In the past 20 years, the foundation has expended N30 billion in different programmes and projects.
"MTN Foundation is 20 years this year and right from the start, we made up our mind that Nigeria as a government cannot satisfy needs of all Nigerians and therefore well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies should get to see how they can assist.
“In view of that, the MTN has made tremendous impact in areas of education, health, economic empowerment, and some other
special projects.
"We did our research and found out that as long as the younger generation does not have something to do , something to love, and something to hope for, they will be subject to negative distraction. And one of these distractions we identified as substance abuse.
"That is why we started Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP). In the area of advocacy we've done a programme in schools across the nation for 6,400 students and over 1,400 teachers in 140 public schools. And the programme was done in twelve states," he said.
A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATTK), yesterday said that those who do not want the owner of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote to succeed were behind the fire incident that occurred on a part of the refinery in Lagos.
The group which described such persons as ‘enemies of Nigeria’, added that they were also out to
frustrate President Bola Tinubu's government from succeeding in making socioeconomic life better for the citizenry.
In a statement by the Chief Convener of the group, Muhammad Yakubu, the think tank urged Aliko Dangote not to be disturbed by the incident.
"Enemies of Nigeria are at work,
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, have unveiled their manifesto.
The manifesto which was made available to journalists in Benin City, capital of the state was tagged: "Pathway to Prosperity For All."
The PDP candidate promised a pathway to security, women and youth development, education, agriculture and food security, rural and community development and other strategies to uplift the standard of living in Edo State. Other key issues highlighted in the document include: Care for the elderly, respect for the traditional and religious institutions; industrialisation, care for the children and vulnerable
in the society and harnessing the importance of the diaspora for better working relationship that would foster development in all parts of the state.
Ighodalo said he was poised to engender an environment of collaboration and mutual respect that would take the state to higher heights.
To the youths in particular, the campaign organisation said: "You are the leaders of today, not the future. We will actively support and invest in your potential. We commit to enhancing educational opportunities, paying a bursary to qualifying students, expanding job training programmes, and fostering an environment where your innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit can thrive.
"We will champion your rights, respect your voices, and ensure
your equal participation in all aspects of society. We commit to creating policies that safeguard your health, advance your education, and promote your economic wellbeing," the document stated.
The governorship candidate promised to respect and uphold the crucial role of the religious, traditional institutions, the elderly and other crucial stakeholders in nurturing the spiritual and moral wellbeing of the state by constantly engaging them in meaningful dialogue and partnerships that will foster peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding among faiths.
He further promised to provide a supportive role by creating an environment with access to healthcare, social services , including free public transportation, especially for the elderly and other community programmes tailored to their needs.
In the manifesto, Ighodalo declared his willingness to cultivate an environment that would support growth and sustainability, develop policies that would enhance economic stability, provide incentives, and streamline regulatory processes to make Edo State the easiest state to do business in.
Above all, he said it he was committed to working hard to improve rural infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and social services, to enhance quality of life and ensure equal access to essential services for all.
"And to the media, we will continue to uphold and protect your essential role in fostering an informed and engaged public. We commit to ensuring transparency and access to information, enabling you to report freely and accurately on matters of public interest," he said.
those who don't want Dangote and Tinubu to succeed, Nigeria and Nigerians will eventually triumph. The fire is happening a few days after the owner of the refinery, Aliko Dangote explained how International Oil Companies (IOC) are trying to frustrate him.
"We want to urge Aliko Dangote not to be disturbed because the journey to success is full of challenges, and it is our belief that despite the fire gutted part of the refinery, it will bounce back to function soon.
"Saboteurs and enemies of progress will definitely be put to shame because that section of the refinery is still under construction aiming at easing the problem of fuel crisis in the country.
"It is unfortunate that some dubious persons wanted to destroy the refinery which is the world’s largest single-train refinery owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote who has been contributing to economic development of our dear country, Nigeria,” the group alleged.
The group expressed happiness that the fire which occurred at its effluent treatment plant was swiftly contained, and there was no recorded injury or body harm to all staff on duty.
"Nigerians should be grateful as a people that Aliko Dangote decided to create employment by citing the refinery in the country instead of taking it to neighbouring countries at the detriments of our own country.
"So we should be grateful to him for being patriotic by citing the refinery in Lagos which is situated on a 6,180 acres (2,500 hectares) at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lekki, Lagos state. It is supplied with crude oil by the largest sub-sea pipeline infrastructure of the world (1,100 km long). When fully operational it will provide 135,000 permanent jobs in the region.
"We still remember that sometimes in April this year, President Tinubu commended Dangote refinery for reducing the price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel when Dangote announced a reduction in the price of diesel from N1,200 to N1,000 per litre.
"It is our belief that the significant reduction in the price of diesel is expected to positively affect all the spheres of the economy and ultimately reduce the high inflation rate in the country,” the group added.
It quoted Tinubu as also acknowledging the importance of the federal government’s 20 per cent stake in Dangote refinery and why such partnerships between public and private entities are essential to advancing the overall well-being of the country.
“So, for us at Arewa Think Tank, it is a big sabotage for unscrupulous elements to set the refinery ablaze at a time President Tinubu is determined to take Nigeria to the next level of socioeconomic advancement," the statement said.
L-R: Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi; Commissioner for Finance and Chairman State NG-CARES Steering Committee, Dr Hauwa Nuru, and one of the beneficiaries, during the distribution of agricultural inputs, boats, and infrastructural assets to farmers by the state government in Ilorin…yesterday
Gbenga Sodeinde in ado ekiti
The Ekiti State Police Command yesterday paraded 21 suspects in connection with various crimes, including armed robbery, murder, conspiracy, and cultism. Parading the suspects at the State Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abutu Sunday, said the suspects were arrested at different locations within and outside the state through intelligence-led operations and credible information from the public.
and stealing the Command Rapid Response Squad, raided Wonderking Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, and arrested three suspects, one
One of the notable cases include the arrest of a gang of armed robbers who attacked the Oshodi Community in Ado-Ekiti, suspected to have killed two people and robbing residents of their belongings. In a case of conspiracy
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Six students of Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna state, have reportedly died in a river.
The students were said to have drowned in the river while returning home after writing their Junior WAEC on Tuesday at about 5:30 p.m.
Simon Chinge, Public Relations Officer of Ribang Development Association, while confirming the unfortunate incident, said the corpses of three of the students had been
recovered from the river and buried.
Chinge identified who said the students are aged between 15 to 19, identified them as Manasseh Monday, Musa John, Pius David, Monday Ayuba, David Danlami and Yahuza Audu.
He said the remains of three other students were yet to recover from the river.
“The Mbang River has been a death trapped on our people over the years, noting before the community can access any school or any hospital facility they have to travel for about 8 kilometers,” he said.
BetKing, a sports betting and entertainment platform, has announced the successful conclusion of its employee-led campaign, “BetKing Cares,” tagged “Month of Good” held throughout the month of June. The campaign, which impacted over 5,000 households across 10 communities, reflected BetKing’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of its stakeholders.
The campaign spearheaded outreach programmee addressing critical social and health-related issues. This year’s initiative focused on healthcare, nutrition, and hygiene, aligning with BetKing’s impact pillars. Targeting five states—Ogun, Abia, Abuja, Akwa
Mr. Oluyemi Amokeodo has passed on at the age of 86.
A community leader and successful businessman, the late Oluyemi Amokeodo died in Lagos on Monday, June 24, 2024 after a brief illness. His demise was announced in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Ore Amokeodo and Mr Tony Amokeodo on behalf of the family yesterday.
The statement added that the
Ibom, and Lagos—impacting over 15 communities. In Abia State, the team was present in the Ndagbo Afara Community, Umuahia North Local Government. In Abuja, they were at the Kaita Plaza in Gwagwalada. In Ogun State, the team operated in the Iyana Mortuary Axis in Abeokuta. In Akwa Ibom, the team was active in Ikot Ekpene. In Lagos, the team set up at the Opeyemi Plaza, Moshalashi Egbeda/Idimu axis.
The “Month of Good” campaign included medical outreaches offering health education, free health screenings for malaria, blood pressure, and eye tests, along with the provision of basic drugs at selected agents’ shops.”
burial date and the funeral rites will be communicated in due course.
The late Oluyemi Amokeodo is survived by children including: Mr and Mrs Tony Amokeodo; Mr. and Mrs Victor Amokeodo: Pastor Tayo and Pastor Mrs. Lolade Ogunbenro; Mr and Mrs. Gbenga Amokeodo; Funmi Amokeodo; sons- in-law, daughters -in- law, grand children, great grand children, uncles, cousins and relatives.
Ezekelechi, Godfrey Israel and Eze Orji. Abutu said: “During interrogation, two among the
arrested suspected armed robbers, one Timnan Limmyel Moses John and Poyi Nambet Boka, indicted the three arrested suspects to be
members of a syndicate that specializes in stealing motorcycles from where they are parked within Ado-Ekiti.”
Laleye DipoinMinna
Officials of the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources have raided several illegal mining sites in Minna the state capital during which seven male illegal miners and “ several women” were arrested.
The seven men apprehended were handed over to the police
for prosecution while the women were released “considering their vulnerability especially those who were nursing mothers or elderly.”
Information Officer of the Ministry Mrs. Maureen Debbie, said in a statement made available to newsmen, that several equipment used for illegal mining were also seized from the illegal miners.
She disclosed that it was discovered that “majority of these miners hailed from Sokoto and other states”, adding that “only a few were locals.”
“This underscores the need for stringent measures to be taken to prevent outsiders from exploiting the region’s mineral resources illegally, which can have detrimental
effects on the environment and the local economy,” she said in the statement. She submitted that the “Ministry with the support of the state authorities, remains determined to uphold the law and clamp down on illegal mining operations in Niger State by targeting these illegal activities.”
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday expressed confidence that the Nigerian Army is well- equipped and determined to defend Nigeria and Nigerians against all forms of insecurity with
the modernisation of its operations for excellence.
Speaking at the unveiling of the new headquarters of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Complex and the opening ceremony of the Armour Reunion Celebration held at Obienu Barracks in Bauchi, the
governor, however, emphasised the need for strengthening the country’s security architecture by boosting the morale of troops, and improve the welfare of military personnel for efficient service delivery.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau,
Governor Mohammed believed that the Obienu Barracks new complex with its state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure would undoubtedly serve as a hub for the training and deployment of personnel and coordination of the operations of the Armoured Corps.
James Sowole in abeokuta
A bill for establishment of Southwest Development Commission, has passed the first reading in the Senate.
The Senator Representing Ogun East in the upper chamber
of the National Assembly, who is the initiator of the bill, Gbenga Daniel, said this in Abeokuta, while featuring on a programme organised by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The programme with the
theme: “Dialogue with Journalists to Mark One Year in Office of National Assembly Members from Ogun State”, was held at the multipurpose hall of the union christened “Iwe Iroyin” and was attended by journalists from all chapels in the state.
Daniel said the bill, was one of 11 of such he presented on the floor of the Senate, within one year at the Senate. According to him, said he has presented 11 bills and move several motions even as a first timer in the National Assembly.
Ekiti Born First African Professor of Forestry, Kolade Adeyoju, dies at 88
Yinka Olatunbosun and Gbenga Sodeinde in ado ekiti
One of Nigeria’s first generation filmmakers, documentary photographer, art curator and writer, Tam Fiofori has died at 82. Famed for chronicling Nigeria’s history, Fiofori was
born in Okrika, Rivers State in 1942 and spent his childhood years in Benin City. His father was a teacher at Edo College. Similarly, Ekiti state born first Professor of Forestry in Africa, Samuel Kolade Adeyoju,has died.
Fiofori completed his
secondary school education at the King’s College, Lagos and then proceeded to the King’s College, London.
As a school teacher, Fiofori taught the likes of Ola Balogun and J.K Randle.
As a globetrotting journalist who lived in Detroit and later
Harlem, New York in the 60s, he was a friend and manager to the legendary American jazz composer, Sun Ra. Fiofori would later invite the jazz artist to Lagos for the iconic FESTAC ‘77 and the Kalakuta Republic where Fela thrilled festival visitors with massive nightlife experience.
A civil Society organisation, Centre for Good Governance and Probity, has expressed deep concern over reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been travelling in a chartered plane rather than using the presidential aircraft for official engagements.
The group, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Coordinator, Gabriel Uwosu, said it is indeed a disgrace to Nigeria’s image in the comity of nations that her President attends state functions
within and outside the country in chartered aircraft.
The group expressed worry about the security implications of the president’s lack of official aircraft, noting that it is laughable that Nigeria as rich as it is, have moribund planes
in the presidential fleet. “While we understand the need for flexibility and security considerations, the use of chartered plane raises significant questions about national security and the integrity of the presidency.”
David-Chyddy Eleke in awka
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it has arrested a total of 360 suspects in connection with various drug related offences and illicit trafficking of drugs in Anambra State.
The state Commander of NDLEA, Onyeishi Daniel, disclosed this during the 2024 United Nation’s Day Against Drug Abuse at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Onyeishi said the essence of the lecture and awareness campaign was due to prevalence of drug trafficking and abuse among young people especially students, adding that the Command had within a period of one year seized over 2.885 tons of illicit drugs, including cannabis and other dangerous substances.
He said: “The Command is unwavering in combating drug menace because we believe that the best prevention is to ensure that illicit drugs are not available.
Kunle Adewale
New Napoli Coach, Antonio Conte, has confirmed that he has accepted that Victor Osimhen will quit the Serie A club this summer.
“I’m aware of his situation, I know there’s an agreement with the club so it’s a different case compared to others”, Top Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano quoted the former Chelsea boss on social media on Wednesday.
“There’s a pact between Victor and Napoli on his future and I accepted that”.
That may well explain why Conte has been rumoured to now be interested in bringing Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku to Napoli.
Osimhen has a release clause of about 130 Million Euros after he signed a new contract with Napoli that has a terminal date of June 2026.
Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli tabled a life-changing offer to the African Player of the Year in January, but he eventually turned it down.
PSG and Chelsea were reportedly front runners to sign Osimhen this summer.
However, transfer speculations surrounding the 25-year-old striker have cooled lately leading to a recent report that Napoli are now willing to listen to a reduced fee for the Nigerian striker.
However, Napoli President, Aurelio De Luarentiis, has insisted that two other key players, Khvicha Kavaratskhelia and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, will not be leaving this summer.
Meanwhile, Osimhen who is on vacation in the country was one of the A-list guests at the
high-profile wedding of music star, David Adeleke (aka Davido). The Super Eagles star was in company
with another ex international
Austin Jay Jay Okocha and FIFA Council Member and immediate past President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, at the ceremony.
Former Nigerian President,
Obasanjo, several state Governors, politicians as well as top businessmen and traditional
girlfriend, Chioma.
Belgium reached the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group runners-up - but Ukraine exited the competition following their goalless draw in Stuttgart.
All four teams in Group E started the evening level on points and with a chance of progression.
But an inferior goal difference meant Ukraine knew their fate also depended on the outcome of Slovakia's tie with Romania, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
They were unable to make an impact in Stuttgart - limiting Belgium to few chances but lacking
a consistent attacking threat of their own until late on.
Leicester City's Wout Faes was a standout performer in Belgium's defence, making two crucial blocks late on to stop Artem Dovbyk testing goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Roman Yaremchuk was also a sporadic outlet for Ukraine in the absence of injured Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk, while Ruslan Malinovskyi almost curled a corner past Casteels and inside the near
post.
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne provided a sprinkling of muchneeded quality as he curled a free-kick just wide in the first half.
Slovakia 1-1 Romania
Ukraine 0-0 Belgium
Czech 1-2 Turkey
Georgia 2-0 Portugal
LAST 16 FIXTURES
England v Slovakia
France v Belgium
Germany v Denmark
Switzerland v Italy
Spain v Georgia
Portugal v Slovenia
Romania v Netherlands
Austria v Turkey
Belgium, though, came closest to scoring when Romelu Lukaku scuffed a shot straight at goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin from close range, before substitute Yannick Carrasco tested Trubin too.
In the end, Domenico Tedesco's side progressed having lost one, drawn one and won one of their three group matches. But they will need to improve with World Cup finalists France up next in the last 16.
"We go to win," said the Belgium boss. "We will face a top team and this is the reason why we qualified - otherwise we could have stayed at home.
"These are the games we are looking for, we can challenge everybody. I think we are ready, we are really ready."
The result was a disappointing blow for Ukraine, who became the first team to win as many as four points yet finish bottom of their group at the Euros.
Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua may reclaim the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title in September following the stepping down of Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk on Tuesday.
Joshua will face fellow Briton Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium on 21 September.
Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belton Tuesday and interim champion Dubois, 26, was elevated to champion status as a result.
Two-time world champion Joshua, 34, is on a four-fight winning streak and has three stoppages in his past three bouts. Dubois has won his past two fights, stopping Jarrell Miller in December and Filip Hrgovic this month to become interim champion. Ukrainian Usyk initially requested that he not be stripped of the IBF belt so the undisputed title could remain on the line when he faces Britain's Tyson Fury in a rematch on 21 December, but then changed
his mind.
"Anthony and Daniel, I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on 21 September," Usyk said in a video message on X. Dubois lost in controversial fashion to Usyk in August in his first bid to win a world title. Dubois floored Usyk in the fifth round with what the referee deemed a low blow, before losing by stoppage in the ninth. Dubois has won 21 of his 23 fights, while Joshua has 28 victories and three losses. They have a combined 45 knockouts.
It will be be the first time since Fury's win over Dillian Whytein December 2022 that Wembley will host boxing. Joshua will be making his fourth appearance there - and third as a headliner - while Dubois will fight in a main event at a 60,000-plus venue for the first time.
The winner will put themselves in prime position to fight the winner of Usyk-Fury.
Ambitious Abia Warriors became the first of the four finalists in the 2024 President Federation Cup grand finale to arrive in Lagos and Coach Bethel Orji has no doubt that his Umuahia giants will come good on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
“We are here and we’re highly motivated. We are all elated. I thank God for the turn around in the fortunes of the team, and I am delighted to be playing my first Cup final as a coach,” Orji said on arrivalin Lagos on Wednesday.
A great player and former Cup winner himself, Bethel Orji will be banking on the precision of forwards Samson Obi and Sunday Megwo when Abia Warriors confront the two-time champions by the Lagos Waterfront on Saturday evening.
“We are prepared for the game, physically, mentally and psychologically. The players are in high spirits; they are raring to go.”
Abia Warriors reached the men’s final of the President Federation Cup four days after ensuring they will play in the Nigeria Premier Football League for the 12th consecutive season, come next season.
Meanwhile, Technical Adviser of El Kanemi, Aliyu Zubairu has credited hard work for his team’s progress into the men’s final of this year’s President Federation Cup, and believes the same
virtue will see the Maiduguri landlords pick up their third Nigeria Cup title in Lagos on Saturday.
“Hard work has been our mainstay. Everyone works for the other, including the players on the pitch. It was a tough league season, and our real objective at the beginning of the season was to gain promotion back to the NPFL. However, after the Round of 16, we suddenly realized that with more hard work, we could go all the way to the final.
“I commend the players for not only ensuring promotion back to the top flight, but also reaching the President Federation Cup final. Yet, it is not over until it is over. We are here and we are determined to wrest the title. We have had some days to rest and we are going to work hard to deliver the trophy to our number one supporter, Governor Babagana Umaru Zulum.”
Founded in the late mid-1980s, by the football-passionate then military governor of Borno State, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (who would later serve as Chairman of then NFA between 1996 and 1999), El-Kanemi Warriors won their first Nigeria Cup in 1991, when they defeated Kano Pillars 3-2 in the first-ever all-northern final at the National Stadium, Surulere. The following year, the Warriors successfully defended their title when they pipped Stationery Stores 1-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.
Georgia made history and reached their first major tournament knockout stage with 2-0 victory over Portugal at Euro 2024.
Portugal had already won the group, but were shocked in their final group stage game before the clock struck two minutes as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled a low shot past Diogo Costa. That goal came as Georgia hit Portugal on the break after overturning possession and set
the tone for how much of the rest of the night would play out.
The underdogs did not require dominance and made their chances count as Georges Mikautadze delivered from the spot when they were handed a second-half penalty to further propel Georgia to their shock success.
Georgia were content with letting Portugal control possession - as they were steely in defence and closing down space to limit
Portugal's chances - and waited for the opportunity to threaten on the counter.
Few opportunities came Georgia's way, but few of any real danger were handed to Portugal; the underdogs held their shape to perfection and caused the Group F winners to become increasingly frustrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo lacked the service to make the difference in the final third, Portugal's midfielders
struggled to pass the ball in a way that did anything more than merely boost their possession statistics, and Georgia finished their group stage in fine fashion. By beating Portugal, Georgia completed the biggest Euros upset in history, based on FIFA rankings, and created a night to remember in their debut major tournament. They will now play Spain in the last 16, while Portugal take on Slovenia.
“I hear the representative of the Speaker saying he’s going to declare open a public hearing on CSR (corporate social responsibility). The House wants to legislate on CSR to make it compulsory. It is corporate social responsibility, for God’s sake. It’s the prerogative of the business to say, ‘this is what I want to do’. So, you don’t legislate it”
—NigeriaEmployersConsultativeAssociation(NECA)DirectorGeneral,onthe multiplewaysgovernmentismakinglifedifficultforbusinesses
Nnamdi Kanu was apprehended in Kenya in June 2021 by security agencies and brought home to face trial. First arraigned on 14th October 2015 before eventually securing bail and fleeing the country, the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader was slammed with an 11-count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods. Kanu was also accused of inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, paramilitary, police forces as well as the destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authority in the Southeast.
Following his arraignment, I wrote a column, ‘The Tricky Trial of Nnamdi Kanu’ where I drew parallels between his travail and that of his friend-now-turned-foe, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari who was charged with similar offences under President Olusegun Obasanjo. “Because some people cannot differentiate between Biafra and the Igbos, Kanu has been able to create a ‘We’ versus ‘Them’ narrative on what remains an emotional injury in the Igbo collective psyche,” I wrote before reaffirming the point I made in my 1st October 2017 ‘Platform Nigeria’ presentation, ‘A Nation on the Edge: Which Way Nigeria?’, where I spoke about the danger Kanu posed to ethnic relations in Nigeria. “By his conduct and utterances, Kanu has succeeded in alienating many open-minded Nigerians (outside the Southeast) who appreciate the legitimate demand of Igbo people for fairness, equity, and justice in an inclusive nation they can call their own,” I pointed out while referencing a number of his reckless diatribes, especially against Yoruba people. Egged on by a mob, with online support from several of his kinsmen in the Diaspora, “Kanu was allowed to take hate speech to an unprecedented level. Even when he was presented a golden opportunity to champion the genuine grievances of his people with civility, following an illadvised treason trial that catapulted him into national limelight and prominence, Kanu could not rise beyond the mediocrity of the adulation of some street urchins,” I had said at my 2017 ‘Platform Nigeria’ presentation. “Kanu felt that by making incendiary statements to offend, insult, intimidate and threaten people from other ethnic groups, he was helping whatever his cause was. At the end, he made a strategic miscalculation.”
Given the foregoing and other interventions, I cannot by any stretch of imagination be described as a fan of Kanu. In fact, in my first column in November 2015, ‘The Man from Biafra’, I made that very clear. But I also cannot deny that Kanu is a huge factor in Nigerian politics today or pretend that his continued detention is helpful in the circumstance in which we find ourselves. I am delighted that many critical stakeholders are gradually waking up to that reality. Last week, no fewer than 46 House of Representatives members under the
aegis of ‘Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the Southeast’ wrote President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to release Kanu from detention. The membership of those who signed the letter cut across major political parties: the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). And the signatories represent all the six geopolitical zones in the country and from 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
It is significant that the federal lawmakers who advocate Kanu’s release have chosen the civil approach of a letter to the president rather than the political option of a motion in the House of Representatives. “We collectively believe this is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms,” the House members wrote in their letter. “We resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances. This, we believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating
tension from all sides.”
After reminding the president that a similar gesture led to the release of Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, the members concluded their letter with what the administration stands to gain by Kanu’s release: “…the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold. It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the Southeast. It would also enhance your administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national unity, peace, and progress. We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria.”
Incidentally, just a week earlier, Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, had made a similar appeal, also in a letter to the president, where he stated that “…the political freedom of Nnamdi Kanu will no doubt complete the reconciliation of Nigeria and bring an end to the needless Monday sit-at-home order, which has disturbed businesses and civil activities in the South-East.”
One point I have consistently made over several years is that ours is a fragile polity where many of our citizens are yet to imbibe the values of group living or how to compete without resorting to primordial hate when they do not prevail. But given the numerous appeals made by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, now joined by members of the House of Representatives, President Tinubu must consider the political option on the Kanu issue. While it may be difficult to conclude that his release would put ‘unknown gunmen’ out of business in the Southeast, there is no doubt that it would aid the process of finding a solution to the security challenge that plagues the region.
I subscribe to the sentiment expressed by the House members. Despite the challenges we face today, not even the most implacable enemies of Nigeria will deny its socio-economic potential and the enormous capacity of its people. Yes, we cannot dispute the fragility of the Nigerian state. But there is a country in our consciousness that many indeed want to see—a Nigeria that works for citizens and would take her rightful place as the leader in Africa. That dream is also shared by many of our Diasporans despite the toxicity of a few on social media.
I returned to Abuja yesterday after two weeks visiting Canada and the United States. Perhaps because I attended more social events in the two countries—graduation ceremonies, birthdays, church services etc.— than at any point in the past, I encountered several young Nigerians. I could hear the longing for home, even by those who are doing very well for themselves and their families. My conclusion: What we need to do is put our act together to reverse the ‘Japa’ syndrome to our advantage. But we are not going to do that if we cannot rise above certain prejudices. That is why I join in the plea that Kanu be released. We need all stakeholders onboard to rebuild our country for peace and prosperity. In any case, three years of incarceration is enough punishment, even if we discount
the September 2017 military ‘Operation python dance’ that wreaked havoc at his family compound in Abia State.
In the famous 26th August 2000 speech delivered by then visiting American President Bill Clinton to the Joint Session of our National Assembly which I once referenced on this page, he raised certain critical issues about our country. “I know that decades of misrule and deprivation have made your religious and ethnic divisions deeper. Nobody can wave a hand and make the problems go away. But that is no reason to let the idea of one united Nigeria slip away,” Clinton admonished while speaking to those who delight in magnifying artificial differences. “After all, if we started trying to redraw the map of Africa, we would simply be piling new grievances on old. Even if we could separate all the people of Africa by ethnicity and faith, would we really rid this continent of strife? Think of all the things that would be broken up and all the mountains of progress that have been built up that would be taken down if that were the case.”
Where there is much deprivation and too little tolerance, according to Clinton, “differences among people will always seem greater and will always be like open sores waiting to be turned into arrows of hatred by those who will be advantaged by doing so.” President Clinton then reiterated the point many have also made about our national potential and the global expectation of Nigeria as the most populous black country. “The world needs Nigeria to succeed. Every great nation must become more than the sum of its parts. If we are torn by our differences, then we become less than the sum of our parts. Nigeria has within it the seeds of every great development going on in the world today, and it has a future worth fighting for.”
The ultimate responsibility now lies with President Tinubu. But there are growing concerns. Having caught the Buhari disease, most critical appointments are going to Lagos and in the process, he has created for his administration the impression of an excessive Yorubaness or what a friend from the Southwest has dubbed ‘Lagosification’ in the distribution of opportunities. Therefore, releasing Kanu may relieve the president of some of the ethnic burdens he has unwittingly placed on himself. He may also need to be reminded that he cannot build a restorative presidency by positioning only his Lagos loyalists in the front row of national ‘renewed hope’! That, of course, is an issue for another day.
I don’t know whether Kanu still sees Nigeria as a ‘zoo’ rather than a country, but it really doesn’t matter. What is important is that his continued incarceration is now pointless. And for those who peddle the nonsensical ‘let the law take its course’ line, the Australian deal with the United States that saw Tuesday’s release of Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange is proof positive that even the most powerful of countries can be pragmatic in dealing with such matters. Therefore, all factors considered; President Tinubu should take the high road on the Kanu matter. The IPOB leader should be allowed to go home.