WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE 2023

To Mitigate Related Risks, CBN Sets Limits for Contactless Payment Transactions

At Sallah, Tinubu Greets Muslims, Promises Security, Economic Reforms Buhari seeks support for president as Atiku, govs, others canvass love, sacrifice IG orders tight security nationwide

By Our Correspondents

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Nigerian Muslims as they join other faithful around the world to

celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Also, yesterday, former President Muhammadu Buhari, seized the advantage of the Eid period to call on Nigerians to support the

7.1 million more to join if subsidy removal is not properly managed Seeks new social compact to protect poor and most vulnerable Savings from subsidy removal to surpass N11tn by 2025

Explains fresh $500m for Nigeria

Otti, Makinde, Imoukhuede proffer perspectives on sustainable post-subsidy mgt Edun: Govt, stakeholders working on palliatives

administration of his successor, Tinubu, with a view to succeeding.

At the same time, former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, and governors of the federation among

other prominent leaders, have also congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

This, nonetheless, the Acting

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital

Six Months of 2023

TINUBU RETURNS TO LAGOS FOR SALLAH CELEBRATION...

L-R: National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to the country at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos…yesterday

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene

EU PRESENTS FINAL REPORT ON 2023 GENERAL ELECTION...

ICAN President: We Will Not Remain Silent in Face of Nigeria’s Mounting Challenges

To establish think-tank to take charge of institute’s position papers on national issues

Dike Onwuamaeze

The new President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, has pledged that the institute would not remain silent in the face of socio-economic challenges threatening the country’s national existence and cohesion.

Okwuoa stated clearly that in spite of its apolitical nature, ICAN would begin to let its voice to be more audible and clear in its intensity,

depth and breadth as it pursues its public interest mandate with greater vigour and determination.

He made this pledge yesterday, in Lagos, during his investiture ceremony as the 59th President of ICAN, where he declared that he would use his tenure to chart a deserving future for ICAN that its members and other stakeholders desired.

He was elected the president of ICAN on May 31, 2023, by the members of the governing council

of the institute.

Okwuosa said: “Our voice as an institute will be more audible and clear in its intensity, depth and breadth. We will pursue our public interest mandate with greater vigour and determination. We will advocate for and promote accountability, transparency and good governance within public and private institutions given our belief in the building of strong institutions.

“As we are aware, social, political, and economic indices in the country

are worrisome, with the high rate of unemployment and inflation rate, insecurity, rising poverty, debt burden, brain drain, scarcity of foreign currency, oil theft, infrastructural deficit, high cost of governance and so on. Above all clean energy transition has become a burning issue impacting locally.

“The challenges are myriads, but we believe they can be solved with appropriate policies, programmes, and effective and efficient deployment of human and material resources.

Korea, Nigeria Parley on Fourth Industrial Revolution

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Republic of Korea and Nigeria yesterday in Abuja had bilateral talks on the prospects of Nigeria becoming part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Special Envoy of the President of Republic of Korea, Mr. Jang Sungmin, led a seven-man delegation, which included the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Kim Young-chae, to the talks with officers of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Speaking with reporters, Jang said the Korean government is seeking to cooperate with Nigeria which is the gateway to Africa and the continent’s most populous country.

The envoy said Nigeria boasts of

the biggest natural resources in Africa as well as the largest arable land which are the criteria for economic power in Africa.

He stressed that Korea feels it could collaborate with Nigeria to achieve those objectives given that the West African country has a new leadership that has opened up the country for business.

Jang said apart from natural resources, Nigeria has a younger generation workforce to drive its aspiration to lead the world in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while Korea has the technology and human capacity for technological transfer in agriculture, cyber space, security, bio-technology, oil refinery among others.

“Korea is already leading the Fourth industrial revolution and so President Yoon Suk Yeol feels that by combining forces and expanding avenues for cooperation will lead to prosperity for Nigeria and probably catalyst much faster economic development for it than Korea has experienced,” Jang said.

He added that his country was optimistic to cooperate with a new cabinet to be constituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that Korea was also keen to share with the new Nigerian government its common values of liberty, peace and prosperity that underline the foundation of its foreign policy.

“As professionals, we will not volunteer silence in the face of these seeming threats to our national existence and cohesion. ICAN is apolitical, but our strategic management and technical skills can help rebuild the socio-economic fortune of the nation.”

in volunteering sustainability and financial information for investors which will help unlock capital in the Nigerian capital market,” he said.

The president of ICAN also said with the experiences of the other 29 wise men in council of ICAN, “we will chart a deserving future for ICAN – a future that members and other stakeholders’ desire. We will not bask in the euphoria of our past achievements and forget the task ahead of us – the task of decisively reshaping the future of the profession, through purposeful leadership, well-thought-out decisions, and conscientious actions.”

UBA Pioneers Financial Inclusivity for Visually Impaired, Introduces Braille Account Opening Form

Nume Ekeghe

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has launched the UBA Braille Account Opening Form, a first of its kind initiative in the Nigerian and African market, designed specifically to cater to the financial needs of the visually impaired.

Until now, this unique and special section of the society had been disadvantaged, but with this initiative, UBA has provided an excellent user experience for all its customers, regardless of their individual abilities or disabilities.

The new UBA Braille Account Opening Form was launched at the UBA Head Office in Lagos, yesterday, at an event that had in attendance key executive members of the bank

and guests including Multi-Award Winner, Nigerian Musician, Producer, and Songwriter, Cobhams Asuquo, General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dare Dairo; Former Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Persons Living with Disability, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, as well as students from the Pacelli School of the Blind.

While endorsing the laudable initiative, Award winning Music Producer, Cobhams Asuquo, described the Braille account as an innovative initiative that presents UBA as a bank with a heart that pays keen attention to the needs of the blind and disabled.

Asuquo said, “Before now, we have always been at the mercy of the reader when we want to do things

“We believe Nigeria, especially the new government led by President like open accounts for ourselves, but this account opening form has come to solve the problem of access which has previously been a huge limiting factor for people like me who are blind.

“With this initiative, UBA has promoted our ideal of inclusivity and has helped to put back freedom in our hands while opening us up to the variety of opportunities and options available to us.

Continuing he said, “UBA has blazed the trail, I am beyond elated, as this new initiative will send a strong note to others to replicate the same feat and make people realise that banking services can and should be done with humanity in mind.

Tinubu is the government that we can share this common value and as much more enhanced cooperation with. Korea is a country that used to receive development assistance from international community. Now as the 10th largest economy in the world Korea is in a unique position to give back to the international community what it has received in the past and so we look forward to our cooperation with Nigeria,” he said. Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Secretary to the Korean President on for Future Policy, Yoo Chang-ho, the Vice President of SK, Guillame Barthe-Dejean, Chief Financial Officer, LG Electronics Nigeria, Kim Inkyu, Economic Attache Korean Embassy, Choi Jungwon and Miss Park Hyesong of Korea International Development Agency (KOICA).

He stated boldly that ICAN has made its mark in the country in terms of its intelligent and professional contributions to national discourse, budgeting, financial planning, and policy formulation, saying, “we will raise the bar this presidential year by making more significant contributions on relevant accounting, finance, and economic issues. A think-tank of the institute will promote thought leadership and take charge of the production of the institute’s position papers on national issues.”

Okwuosa added that ICAN’s Accountability Index that was developed to promote high quality public finance management would be expanded to include the coverage of the private sector of the Nigerian economy.

“Whereas our previous accountability and transparency has focused on public sector through the ICAN’s AI, this year, we will expand on this to private sector.

“We will partner with the NGX Regulation Ltd to introduce corporate reporting award among listed companies in Nigeria.

“This will further promote the adoption of integrated thinking in corporate reporting whereby corporations imbibe best practices

He added: “Your Excellences, professional colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen, I, therefore stand before you today to declare that I, Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, humbly accept my election as the 59th president of the ICAN.

“I do this with all sense of responsibility and full appreciation of the demands of the office. With God and your support, this presidential year will witness unprecedented achievements.”

Okwuosa said the leadership of the ICAN under his watch had chosen to place ICAN on a new trajectory after a painstaking analysis of the state of the nation and the profession.

He said: “Surely ICAN will be on a new trajectory this presidential year. There will be better communication and relationship among all stakeholders within ICAN. This will provide a solid foundation for ICAN to be on a new trajectory.”

Obaseki Congratulates Edo-born Stephen Aguele for

Emerging Second Best JAMB Candidate

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Stephen Aguele for emerging the second-best candidate in the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with a score of 358.

In a statement, the governor hailed Aguele’s brilliance and exceptional performance, noting that his feat demonstrated the indomitable Edo spirit.

Aguele, completed his secondary education at the University Preparatory Secondary School, in Benin City, Edo State.

According to him, “I congratulate

Stephen Aguele on his impressive performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with a score of 358. The feat is remarkable and praiseworthy as it advertises the superior education obtainable in our dear state.

“Aguele has shown what is possible when one commits to their studies and works hard to attain excellence. I applaud his drive and commitment to his studies, which has paid off.

“The feat is reflective of the reforms that we have undertaken in Edo State in the last six years, which are aimed to entrench a

robust foundation for excellence in education through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) 2.0.”

He noted that the state government’s reforms were paying off, as students in the state can now compete favourably with their peers within Nigeria and across the world.

“We are proud of Aguele’s sterling record as he has become an ambassador of the reforms in the state’s education sector. I urge youths in Edo State to emulate his feat, even as I wish him more resounding success in his future endeavours,” the governor added.

L-R: Deputy Chief Observer, European Union Election Observation Mission Nigeria General Elections 2023, Deputy Observer Thomas Boserup; Chief Observer, Barry Andrews and Press Officer, Agnes Doxa at the presentation of the Mission's final report on the 2023 General Elections held in Abuja.... yesterday

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

A SOUVENIR FOR MBAH...

Shettima: FG to Fastrack Access to Single-digit Loans for MSMEs

Obaseki hails small business operators, pledges better policies, support to drive growth

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has announced the federal government’s plan to urgently ensure quick access to single-digit loans for small businesses in the country.

This, he said, was in recognition of the role of MSMEs in growing the nation’s economy, Shettima, made the disclosure yesterday, in a message to mark the 2023 World MSME) Day.

The vice president in the message stated inter alia:

“On this World MSME Day, the government of President Tinubu recognises the vital role that MSMEs play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting innovation.

"We remain committed to providing support, fostering an enabling environment, and improving access to finance for MSMEs, especially in these unprecedented times.

"We urge all stakeholders to come together to champion the growth and success of MSMEs to achieve sustainable development for all, while we also recognise the plethora of issues that face MSMEs as a result of the subsidy removal, however the government is working urgently to ensure quick access to single digit loans for Nigerian small businesses within the shortest time possible.

"Please note that Mr. President is

your partner and here to make life easier for your businesses. Happy MSMES Day.”

In a related development, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the contributions of MSMEs in the socio-economic growth and development of the State, reassuring that his government would continue to sustain policies to support the growth and sustainability of businesses amid the current economic realities.

The governor said this in commemoration of the MSMEs Day.

He said, “Today, we acknowledge the role of MSMEs in the growth and development of our State. Micro, small and medium businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic diversification.

“It is the relentless spirit and resilience of our entrepreneurs that have transformed ideas into thriving businesses, uplifting communities, and propelling our state toward economic progress and prosperity.

“This year's celebration presents us with another opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by our small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the unprecedented disruptions caused by the current economic realities. Despite the obstacles, they have displayed unwavering determination, resilience, and creativity in navigating through turbulent times.”

Obaseki further noted, “As a government, we understand that access to finance, infrastructure, technology, and market linkages are crucial for the growth of our MSMEs and are committed to supporting and empowering them, ensuring the implementation of policies and reforms to guarantee an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

“We have through the State’s skills development agency, Edojobs, provided training and business advisory services to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

“We are providing the needed infrastructure including steady electricity and good roads to enhance the ease of doing business for MSMEs, connecting all

our local government areas with internet connectivity to ensure that businesses tap into the opportunities of a 21-st century technology-driven economy and attracting local and foreign investments to bolster the MSME ecosystem through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO).”

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, Obaseki said, “This

year’s theme highlights the crucial role played by women and youth entrepreneurs in our MSME sector and emphasises the importance of building resilient supply chains. “We recognise the immense potential of our youths and tremendous potential of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, and will continue to support them to realise their fullest potential.”

Delta Oil Producing Communities Back Clark, Ask Okowa to Account for 13% Derivation

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Leaders of the various oil producing communities in Delta State have asked the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to account for the 13 per cent oil derivation which accrued to his eight-year administration.

The leaders made the call in a statement they jointly signed and made available to THISDAY in Abuja, yesterday.

The statement was signed the National Chairman of Oil Producing Areas Association of Nigeria (OPAAN), Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini and Pioneer National Secretary of Traditional Ruler of Oil

Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and Vice Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) Delta State, Markpobi Okareme.

They also included Sir Matthew Itsekure (Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality); Chief Sheriff Mulade (Ijaw Ethnic Nationality); Chief Etenero John (Member Isoko Ethnic Nationality) and Hon. Mark Ikpuri (Urhobo Ethnic Nationality), for and on behalf of the Oil Producing Communities in Delta State. They faulted the alleged claims by Okowa that Clark was being used by people to attack him and described such insinuation as ridiculous and, insulting to say the least.

Part of the statement read, "Former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has been labouring in the past few days to justify his expenditure of the 13 per cent derivation accrued to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) in his tenure in office.

"Pa Clark did not accuse former governor Okowa of not doing anything with the monies he received from FAAC, Ecological fund, IGR, Paris Club refunds, grants and other funds during his tenure in office.

"He was asked to account for how he spent/squandered the 13% derivation fund due to DESOPADEC during his tenure in office.

"The question is, did Okowa give

FG Issues Health Advisory Over Possible Outbreak of Anthrax in Nigeria

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have issued health caution against possible outbreak of anthrax in the country.

The two agencies said they were aware of a confirmed outbreak of anthrax both in human and animal (involving cattle and mostly sheep) by Ghana Health Service since June 1, 2023.

Anthrax is a severe disease caused by the bacteria - Bacillus anthracis. It can affect both humans and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, etc.

A statement jointly signed by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Columba Vakuru, the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said there was currently no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax in Nigeria.

However, it stated that due to Nigeria’s close relationship with Ghana through border movement of humans and animals, and strong trade relations, there was a high risk of importation of the disease.

"Therefore, government has put in place certain measures including, establishment of a National Anthrax Technical Working Group (TWG), dissemination of information to notify veterinarians, cattle rearers and the public of the outbreak in the northern region of Ghana.”

It listed other measures being taken to include the development of an Incident Action Plan i.e., an initial response plan in the situation where there was an imported case(s) of anthrax in animals, continuous sensitisation programs on Anthrax, and conduction of a risk assessment to ascertain the likelihood of the introduction of the disease into the country and the severity of the impact of the disease in the event of an outbreak.

The federal government also stated that it was conducting surveillance

in high-risk areas following findings from the risk assessment conducted.

In addition, the government said a ring vaccination of at-risk animals in frontline states was being undertaken.

The statement added: "The FMARD-led national anthrax TWG is a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary group with stakeholders from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors, as well as partners, charged with the responsibility to coordinate response and preventive actions across the country."

to DESOPADEC what is due to it according to the state law establishing DESOPADEC as amended by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa?

"He made sure he inaugurated the new DESOPADEC board three days before he left office. That means there is something about DESOPADEC to Okowa; was he trying to put his men there to protect him?

"To Okowa, he seems to have developed the Oil Producing Areas of Delta State and listed a number of projects in each Oil Producing Areas.

"He claimed that he established three new Universities in Delta State which is a record according to him in Nigeria. The three Universities established by Okowa are: Denis Osadebe University, Delta State University, Ozoro, University of Delta, Agbor

"The University of Delta, Agbor is an upgrade of the former College of Education, Agbor. So, the Agbor people were happy that a university is coming to their town, and whereas, Agbor is in Ika South.

"When the University was established, the people thought all the faculties were in Agbor, and that was why they were jubilating. As a shocker to them, four Faculties were taken to Owa in Ika North-East, the Local Government Area and Kingdom of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

"The Faculties are: Engineering, Environmental Science, Law and Management and Social Science.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah (left) being presented with a souvenir by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery during a courtesy call at the Government House, Enugu... yesterday

INVESTITURE OF 59TH ICAN PRESIDENT...

Insurance Sector’s Annual Turnover Hits N726.2bn

Ebere Nwoji

Insurance sector in 2022 posted total annual premium income of N726.2 billion, showing significant growth of 33.9 per cent from the N569.1 billion recorded in 2021. This represented the total volume of businesses written by all the insurance underwriting companies in the country in 2022.

With this, the insurance sector has made a major leap towards meeting its long walk to trillion-naira market, a target it had set for itself for over a decade now.

The Chairman, Nigeria Insurers’ Association (NIA), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, disclosed this yesterday, at the Annual General Meeting of the association held in Lagos.

Omosehin, declaring the

scorecards of member companies of the association at the meeting said notwithstanding challenges which bedeviled the global economy, Nigeria’s economy, inclusive of insurance companies, continued to discharge their obligations as financial intermediaries and restorers of businesses in line with their mandate.

“It is also worthy of note that as

a subset of the National financial system, the insurance industry also had a fair dose of the general economic and socio-political problems bedeviling the country in the past one year.

“Perennial power outages, internecine conflicts between herders and farmers, menace of kidnappers and bandits , insurgency in the northeast especially around the lake

Fiscal Reforms Needed to Tackle Mounting Debt, Safeguard Social Spending, Says One Campaign

Ugo Aliogo

An advocacy organisation, ONE Campaign has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently implement fiscal reforms to tackle Nigeria’s rising debt and unlock resources for important sectors that would benefit millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

A new report published by the organisation, titled: “Fiscal Reform in Nigeria: Navigating Nigeria’s Debt Burden Whilst Protecting Social Spending,” revealed Nigeria's complex financial hurdles.

The report noted that excessive borrowings over the past decade had resulted in a threefold surge in the country's public debt stock.

The report further explained that Nigeria faced a worrisome debt service-to-revenue ratio of 91 per cent as of 2021, marking a significant increase from 29 per cent in 2014.

The statement noted that with projected external debt service reaching approximately $4 billion by 2025, up from $3 billion in 2023 and $2.5 billion in 2024, the country may encounter further challenges in debt repayment.

The report averred that Nigeria's economy also suffers from insufficient revenue generation due to its heavy dependence on oil exports and failure to diversify, exposing the country to fluctuations in global

oil prices and disruptions in local oil production.

The report asserted that the government's inability to enhance revenue generation has adversely affected investments in crucial sectors that could drive economic growth and yield positive outcomes, impeding progress in reducing extreme poverty and multidimensional poverty among its population.

The report hinted that failure to act quickly could push 23 million additional Nigerians into poverty and leave 80 million working-age citizens without a full-time job by 2030.

The Country Director at ONE Campaign, Stanley Achonu, said: “As Nigeria grapples with rising debt and dwindling revenue, vulnerable citizens are disproportionately impacted due to a lack of government support in crucial areas that affect their well-being.

“Tackling these issues requires the government to take decisive actions that will ensure fiscal discipline and sustainable debt management and free up funds to invest in critical areas such as social protection, healthcare, agriculture, and education, among others. The challenges are not insurmountable, but only if the leaders are willing to act quickly before it is too late.”

The report recommended that the President Tinubu-led administration deploy both domestic and

international solutions to surmount the debt and revenue challenges.

According to the report: “There is need to increase debt sustainability by committing to use concessional sources for all debt, refinancing where possible to reduce the amount of service paid. There is also need to increase debt transparency, particularly for terms agreed on collateralised debt, domestic subnational debt, and State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) debt. “Federal government should utilise innovations to refinance and reduce debt such as disaster

clauses, debt swaps and other future opportunities to reduce debt and smooth payments. It is important to free up resources for investment in social sectors by blocking leakages in public finance, including the haphazard use of tax incentives.

“It is important to prioritise government spending to maximise better outcomes that deliver on developmental goals. Divert funds to be saved from the fuel subsidy removal to better-targeted programmes like infrastructural development and direct cash transfers to the most vulnerable.”

chad basin, poor infrastructural facilities, galloping inflation , rising unemployment, flooding and other natural catastrophes , increasing poverty levels and geometric rise in exchange rate of the naira to the US dollar continue to be a major challenge to business resulting in high cost of operation” Omosehin noted.

He said despite these, the association was working closely with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other stake holders within the financial services and technology segments to promote the business of insurance and increase its contributions to the national GDP.

He said the sector had lined up a number of initiatives to achieve its purpose.He said there were expectations that these initiatives would lead to increase in insurance penetration and density.

He listed the initiatives as Consolidated Insurance Bill 2020, on which he said the association made spirited efforts to ensure that it was signed into law during the lifetime of the 9th National Assembly but that it was unfortunate it was not achieved.

He said the insurers would review the process that led them thus far and would take the next

steps in the coming months after due consultation with all relevant stake holders.

Other initiatives according to the NIA Chairman included new premium rates for motor insurance, ECOWAS Brown Card scheme in which he said there had been ongoing discussion in the sub-region about the issue of domestication of ECOWAS Brown Card in the Nigerian market.

“I am delighted to report that this had finally come to fruition with the increase in premium rates for motor vehicle insurance as contained in NAICOM circular of December 22,2022 as it is now mandatory that all third-party policies must be issued with Brown Card Cover”.

According to the NIA Chairman, the Brown Card Cover would serve as a hedge against ECOWAS risks for travelers and businessmen within the ECOWAS sub-region. Omosehin, listed other initiatives targeted at increasing insurance penetration in the country which the insurers in collaboration with their regulator have embarked on as NIA, Moroccan Insurers’ Technical Agreement, which is partnership deal between the NIA members and Moroccan Federation of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies in exchange of market information.

Entrepreneur Unveils RocSpace Luxury Fashion Line

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The CEO of Twitter and SpaceX, Elon Musk and former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama have inspired a young Nigerian entrepreneur to unveil RocSpace luxury fashion line in Nigeria. The CEO of RocSpace. Anuoluwapo Olumide Wole-Madariola popularly known as Kruzz Mille, stated this at the unveiling of her clothing line in Abuja, yesterday. She noted that the brand in Nigeria which has the potential to make a significant impact on the economy of the country, would expand to

other states, thereby creating job opportunities for several youths.

“My inspiration stems from admiration for role models such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Elon Musk, and Barack Obama. These icons have played a significant role in shaping RocSpace's unique identity and vision.

“I appreciate every individual that helped in one way or the other to make my dream come true with the RocSpace brand. It has not been easy but we give God the glory that the future is obviously very bright for our brand.

“We are committed to creating a community through shared interests

and fashion preferences, RocSpace is poised to redefine luxury fashion. Nigerians love quality things and this is what we are in the market to do.

“By offering premium quality lifestyle wear and accessories, the brand is positioning itself to attract a loyal customer base that values quality and style which would in turn stimulate the nation’s economic growth.

“We create jobs, generate revenue, contribute to the country's GDP as we promote the country's culture and style on the global stage,” she added.

Speaking on the challenges of

doing fashion business in Nigeria, Mille said the fashion industry in Nigeria was highly competitive, with many established brands already vying for the attention of consumers.

“Breaking into this market can be difficult, especially for a new business. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks and invest in the potential of the fashion industry in Nigeria.

“With a growing population of young and fashion-conscious consumers, there is a significant market for innovative and stylish fashion brands” he said.

L-R; Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Ahmed Kumshe; 59th ICAN President, Mr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa; and the Immediate Past President, Mr. Tijani Musa Isa at the investiture of the 59th ICAN President, held in Lagos…. yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

BRF @ 60: A Medley of Ingenuity and Renewed Vigour

Ayoola Ajanaku

Ihave no reservations whatsoever in joining many others at home and abroad to celebrate the birthday of a rare breed that bestrode the Nigeria polity like a colossus. First as Governor of Nigeria’s most populous state, Lagos with a splendid performance, which earned him the moniker “Action Governor”. It is therefore apt and most appropriate to serenade Babajide Raji Fashola, CFR, SAN on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Born on June 28, 1963, he will be sixty on Wednesday, 28 January 2023 and he truly deserves to be serenaded.

Fresh from his two-term stint as a Federal Minister where he distinguished himself as a quintessential ‘Poster Boy’ of success in the Muhammadu Buhari administration. The learned silk surmounted challenges as a key fulcrum for eight years and some of his modest achievements, include cracking the hurdles and advancing the delivery of the country’s most difficult projects like the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, the Abuja- Kano Road and installing a 1.5 mega watt solar power system, the first and the biggest in any public building in Africa, in the headquarters of the Works and Housing Ministry

As the curtains rise on a milestone birthday celebration, it’s time to commemorate the life and accomplishments of an exceptional statesman and egghead like BRF. With three scores of remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to public service and governance, Fashola’s journey serves as a testament to the power of ingenuity and renewed vigour in transforming societies and inspiring generations to come.

His early years and formative experiences came to fruition in Lagos where he was born at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital into the family of Alhaji Ademola Fashola, a former journalist from the stable of Daily Times of Nigeria, and Olufunke Agunbiade, a nurse. Born into modest beginnings, Babatunde Raji Fashola’s early years were marked by a thirst for knowledge and a profound sense of purpose. His pursuit of education led him to excel academically and laid the foundation for his future successes. These formative experiences shaped his values of diligence, integrity, and a relentless drive to make a difference in his beloved nation.

BRF’s trailblazing political career witnessed a political journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary. From serving as the Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR who’s now Nigeria’s president and C-in-C then to being the Executive Governor of Lagos State for two consecutive terms to his last position as the former Minister of Works and Housing, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. His visionary policies and innovative initiatives have revolutionized the infrastructure landscape and improved the quality of life for millions with projects that dot the federation.

In the ecosystem of infrastructure development, BRF has been a catalyst for change. Under Fashola’s stewardship, infrastructure development has taken centre stage as a catalyst for socio-economic progress. His emphasis on strategic planning, efficient execution, and public-private partnerships has yielded tangible results, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, power plants, and affordable

housing projects. Let’s cast our minds back to the cocktail of chaos in Oshodi during his early days as the helmsman of Lagos State. He engineered quick fire plans that morphed Oshodi from a cacophony of disarray to an oasis of prosperity devoid of trading on the roads, crime and the eyesore of huge refuse dumps that dotted the scenery therein. The delivery of the Lekki/Ikoyi link bridge by construction giants, Julius Berger during the second term of BRF to stem the perennial traffic situation on the Island, after securing permits and concessions from the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua led FGN administration and Nigeria Inland Waterways (NIWA). These transformative initiatives have not only spurred economic growth, but have also enhanced the daily lives of Nigerians, while fostering a sense of pride and optimism for the future.

BRF was also involved in the realm of championing sustainable development via Sukuk Bonds that delivered results in the infrastructure space that has never been done before. Beyond his role in infrastructure, Fashola has been a vocal advocate for sustainable development and environmental conservation. Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on the nation, he has spearheaded policies promoting renewable energy, waste management, and environmental preservation. His holistic approach to development is a testament

to his commitment to leaving a legacy of a greener and more sustainable Nigeria for future generations.

BRF is also a beacon of leadership and inspiration; Fashola is ingrained with a leadership style that is characterized by his accessibility, pragmatism, and unwavering dedication to public service. He has inspired countless young Nigerians to pursue excellence, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to the nation’s progress. His astute decision-making, ability to galvanize teams, and genuine empathy for the people he serves have endeared him to citizens across the nation, transcending political boundaries. During his tenure it was a delight to see submissions and memos sent to his quarter as the number one citizen of Lagos, as this author was opportuned to witness the manner he addressed these relevant correspondences with his minutes on documents to approve or disapprove initiatives in bureaucratic terms. BRF also engineered a bandwidth of project(s) monitoring and evaluation across board where he would physically visit sites to assess work-in-progress via visual documentation to be abreast with development therein. How he mustered such strength is beyond beggars belief and stranger than fiction.

The practice of addressing memos via bureaucratic channels was a space where BRF reigned supreme and he didn’t stop while he was in motion with files and

books that dot his official vehicle then that looked like a library or sorts laden with leadership books of Lee Kwuan Yew, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington amongst others. Fashola is a leader who dwells in the currency of ideas where he fosters seminal and intellectual articulation amongst human capital in the public sector ecosystem. He’s a cake that’s well baked that’s craved by all and sundry – That’s in metaphorical terms before naysayers and fifth columnists seek to cut his personage with a knife. As a vision for the future with BRF’s celebration of six scores of a life well lived, his vision for Nigeria remains steadfast. He envisions a nation where equitable opportunities abound, where infrastructure serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic progress, and where sustainable development is at the forefront of the national agenda. Fashola’s unwavering dedication and renewed vigour serve as an inspiration for all Nigerians to collectively strive towards a brighter rewarding future laden with prosperity. On the day of his 60th birthday, it’s welcome for merriment to wine and drink on this milestone with his dear wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola, his kids, siblings and teeming well wishers to a proud son of Lagos and citizen of Nigeria who has paid his dues.

Ayoola Ajanaku is a Communications and Advocacy Specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Fashola

POLITICS

As Atiku, Obi Close Case against Tinubu at Tribunal...

Except for 2015 when then President Goodluck Jonathan admitted defeat at the presidential election, all other presidential elections since 2003 unfortunately, have ended up in the court, making the judiciary the decider of Nigeria’s president rather than the electorates.

Also since the 2008 minority judgment of Justice George Oguntade (rtd), which held that General Muhammadu Buhari indeed established his allegations of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2007 and subsequently nullified the election of late President Umaru Yar Adua, cases of electoral fraud are increasingly becoming a herculean task to prove in court, hence, the popularity of the phrase, “go to court” among Nigerian politicians.

It is no longer news that the judiciary is again in the eye of the storm following the 2023 presidential election that has landed once again at its doorstep for adjudication. What would be news in the next few weeks is the decision of the five-member panel of justices led by Justice Haruna Tssamani, hearing petitions against the February 25, 2023 presidential poll.

In line with the directive of the panel, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi on June 23, 2023, closed their respective cases at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) after calling a total of 40 witnesses and tendering a plethora of exhibits to prove their petition against the election of President Tinubu. While Atiku in his petition marked: CA/PEPC/05/2023 called 27 witnesses to establish his allegations, Obi in his petition marked: CA/PEPC/03/2023, called 13 witnesses. The witnesses on both sides included willing and subpoenaed; party agents; adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission who participated in the February 25 presidential election as well as experts.

The petitioners are anchoring their grievances mainly on alleged irregularities, substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws, corrupt practices and Tinubu not being qualified to contest the election.

According to Atiku, “the non-compliance substantially affected the result of the election, in that Tinubu ought not to have been declared or returned as the winner of the Election”.

On the first issue of alleged irregularities and non-compliance, witnesses on both sides testified to the alleged manipulation of the process through the failure of the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS). Among their grouse was that the results of the presidential poll could not be uploaded from the BVAS to the INEC’s Results Viewing (IReV) Portal in real-time, in line with the Electoral Act.

INEC’s Adhoc staff who testified claimed to have experienced “technical glitches” at the point of uploading the captured presidential results to the IReV portal, adding that the said technical glitches were related only to the presidential results as other results like

the Senatorial and House of Representatives polls were electronically transmitted to the portal seamlessly.

Similarly, Collation Agents in their own evidence corroborated the claim of the alleged failure of INEC to transmit results from polling units directly to the IReV.

In his evidence in Chief, one Alhaji Mohammed Madaki, who is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chairman of the PDP, said “it was not the polling units’ results captured on the picture by the BVAS machine that was uploaded to IReV”, adding that, “uploading did not take place at the polling units”.

Similarly, another witness from the FCT, Mr. Abraham David, who acted as the petitioners’ Collation Agent in the FCT, told the court that “transmission failed” at the polling units.

The witness stated that a similar scenario played out in some other polling units he visited.

Another witness alleged that party agents in some areas were given copies of Form EC8A after results were imputed by INEC officials. “We signed the results under duress to enable us to obtain a copy. Signing the result sheet was made a condition for getting a copy of the results of the election in the state”, the witness stated.

However, the petitioners pointed out that the inability or failure to upload the presidential results in real-time was deliberate contrary to the allusion to technical glitches.

A Digital Forensic Expert, Hitler Nwuala, who was summoned to testify on behalf of Atiku, stated that INEC deliberately deleted the presidential election results of February 25 from the BVAS machines used in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He argued that it was unnecessary for INEC to delete the data contained in the BVAS used for the FCT since no governorship or state legislative election was conducted in the FCT. The witness told the court he examined

110 BVAS machines to arrive at that conclusion.

Recall that shortly after the presidential election, INEC had approached the Court of Appeal for an order permitting it to reconfigure the BVAS used for the presidential election for deployment for the governorship election.

Although the petitioners had objected to the granting of the request, following assurances that the information contained in the BVAS is already stored in the commission’s backend server and can be easily retrieved at any time, the court then permitted INEC to reconfigure the machines.

Similarly, another subpoenaed witness of the Labour Party, Mrs. Mpeh Clarita Ogar, told the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) that there was no “technical glitch” across all the six continents housing Amazon Web Services (AWS) on February 25, when the presidential and National Assembly elections held.

Ogar, who claimed to be a Cloud Engineer and working with AWS, based her evidence on her report of the health status of the AWS cloud service in the region under which the election was held. She tendered six volumes of reports of the 33 regions where Amazon Web Services host their servers as exhibits.

Besides the testimonies of the witnesses, the petitioners presented before the court bundles of evidence such as polling units’ results, wards’ results, local government areas’ results, states’ results as well as the final result, which they said INEC manipulated to make Tinubu president. However, many of these results were blurred. According to Professor Eric Ofoedu, a Mathematics Professor and witness of Obi, over 18,000 result sheets uploaded to the IReV portal were blurred. He claimed the above fact was discovered at the end of his investigation and analysis of the February 25 presidential results uploaded on the IReV portal. Among the states he claimed his investigation and analysis were centered on are; Rivers and Benue.

To prove further the allegation of non-compliance, both petitioners brought in video clips of the INEC chairman and a commissioner, Mr. Festus Okoye, assuring Nigerians of real-time transmission of results of the general election. The INEC boss could be heard in the video clip saying there is no going back on the use of BVAS machines and on real-time transmission

of the results from the polling booths to the INEC Server.

As if corroborating Mahmood, the Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye, in his own interview also confirmed the two forms of collation of election results to include transmission from polling units, which would be taken physically to the Ward collation center. Okoye had said “If there is a dispute, you refer back to the electronically transmitted results”.

The electoral umpire had declared Tinubu and his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the presidential election having scored 8,794,726 lawful majority votes, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was said to have scored 6,984,520 to come second and the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, third with a total vote of 6,101,533.

However, among the allegations in their separate petitions against the election and subsequent declaration of Tinubu as winner of the presidential poll, was that INEC failed to transmit election results in real-time as promised by its Chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood.

On the second issue bordering on nonqualification, the petitioners told the tribunal that Tinubu ought not to be on the ballot over alleged perjury, discrepancies in his academic records in addition to alleged criminal forfeiture.

Both Atiku and Obi called in witnesses who gave evidence and tendered evidence regarding the allegations. Atiku had through one Mike Enahoro-Ebah tendered Tinubu’s Chicago University Certificate, Certificate of the National Youth Services Corps (NYSC), a copy of South West College transcript, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card.

However, while the name on Tinubu’s NYSC certificate bears Tinubu Bola Adekunle; on his South West College transcript, the column for gender stated the bearer as “female”.

The documents were tendered alongside Tinubu’s Form EC9 the petitioners obtained from INEC.

Others tendered and also admitted as exhibits by the court are; a notarized judgment of a United States of America court for criminal forfeiture of asset said to belong to Tinubu; a certificate of Service from Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, and a printout of his alleged Guinean passport.

Obi had at the commencement of hearing through his first witness, Mr Lawrence Uchechukwu Nwakaeti, gave evidence of how Tinubu allegedly forfeited the sum of $460, 000, over alleged complicity in drug deals. After adopting his statement, the witness then tendered a United States of America (USA) District Court judgment which allegedly indicted Tinubu on drug related offences and ordered his forfeiture of the total sum of $460,000 to the US.

Nigerians however, are eagerly waiting to see what the five-member panel makes of the evidence brought by Atiku and Obi.

As Atiku and Obi closed their case at Presidential Election Petition Court, the question on the mind of many is whether the testimonies and the plethora of exhibits are strong enough to persuade the court to hold that indeed there were electoral infractions and strong enough to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu, writes Alex Enumah .

Tinubu

It is no longer news that the judiciary is again in the eye of the storm following the 2023 presidential election that has landed once again at its doorstep for adjudication. What would be news in the next few weeks is the decision of the five-member panel of justices led by Justice Haruna Tssamani, hearing petitions against the February 25, 2023 presidential poll

Atiku

Obi

Intrigues as Udeze Emerges Anambra Assembly Speaker

David-Chyddy Eleke writes about intrigues that trailed the recent election of Hon Somtoochukwu Udeze, as Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly.

The 2023 election can be described as one of the toughest for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, especially in the election of State House of Assembly members. This was because of the massive support which the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, got from his followers in OBIdient movement.

Obi himself was a former governor in Anambra State, and because of the level of popularity he enjoyed in the state, it was not unlikely that he was bound to cause an upstage in the election, especially as his supporters cut across all political parties, including members of APGA, where Governor Chukwuma Soludo is the leader.

But after a huge fight, in which the state governor stamped his feet on the ground, APGA was able to produce 17 out of the 30-man assembly in the state.

On the other hand, the challenging party, LP was able to rival it with eight seats, Young Progressive Party (YPP) won three seats while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won two seats, making APGA to win the highest number of seats in the Assembly.

The struggle for the speakership position proved even a tough one for APGA, especially as most of those the party banked on for the position were blown away by the Obi wave. First was the former speaker of the assembly, Hon Uchenna Okafor. Okafor had been touted to be preparing to vie for a seat in the House of Representatives, but was later pressured by his people from Ayamelum to bury the thought, with the hope that if he vied for a seat in the House of Assembly, he will retain his position as the speaker.

This was because while the governorship seat had gone to Anambra South, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, who hails from Anambra Central was now occupying the seat for Anambra Central, leaving the third highest position in the state to be reserved for Anambra North, where Okafor hails from.

On the other hand, Okafor was cocksure of victory at the polls, to the level that he only considered his election as speaker

of the eighth assembly a bigger battle than his reelection to the assembly.

A source who spoke to THISDAY said: “The speaker caused his own downfall. Governor Soludo was desperate to see that the OBIdient wave which was threatening the occupation of APGA members in the assembly was subdued. He made funds available for the delivery of all APGA assembly candidates, but the speaker kept back his own fund, simply because those contesting against him were considered as greenhorns. He only realised his mistake much later on Saturday after voting, when it became clear that his opponent from PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), Bernard Abuchi Udemezue, was already leading. When he released funds, there was nothing that could be done at that stage.”

What was considered more humiliating was the fact that the former speaker, Okafor was

defeated by someone who was described as a peasant farmer, and had no experience in politics, but was only urged to run because it was the turn of his community to produce a lawmaker for the constituency, after Okafor had had two terms.

Also, another casualty to the disruption caused by Obi’s popularity in Anambra State was Hon Emeka Aforka. Aforka, a two term member of the assembly represented Orumba North State constituency.

He was warming up greatly to succeed Okafor as speaker, despite hailing from same senatorial zone as the governor. His argument was that Okafor also sat as speaker of the assembly, when former governor, Chief Willie Obiano, was in charge. Obiano is from the Northern senatorial zone, just like the former speaker, Okafor, and Aforka leveraged on that to believe that since a precedent existed, he could also be speaker, despite coming from same zone as Soludo.

Like Former speaker Okafor, Aforka never thought that reelection was a problem to him. He was a ranking member of the assembly, and was quite popular among the people of his constituency. He functioned prominently in the seventh

The speaker caused his own downfall. Governor Soludo was desperate to see that the OBIdient wave which was threatening the occupation of APGA members in the assembly was subdued. He made funds available for the delivery of all APGA assembly candidates, but the speaker kept back his own fund, simply because those contesting against him were considered as greenhorns. He only realised his mistake much later on Saturday after voting, when it became clear that his opponent from PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), Bernard Abuchi Udemezue, was already leading. When he released funds, there was nothing that could be done at that stage.

assembly as the deputy majority leader, and a top member of APGA, so, his focus was more on being elected speaker of the assembly, than gaining reelection, which he thought was a forgone conclusion. He however lost his reelection bid in the March election, dashing the hope of his becoming speaker. He lost to the LP candidate of the zone, Hon Paul Chukwuka.

With some of the APGA party’s hope for speakership dashed, the party resorted to a fresh search for a choice candidate for the position.

Unfortunately for the party, some of the returning members of the assembly from the party were from the wrong zone, while some others who were considered good choices were not considered to be enlightened enough to lead the assembly, hence the scout for a fresh speaker, a source disclosed to THISDAY.

It was however a huge surprise on June 12, when Soludo inaugurated the eighth assembly, and Hon Somtoochukwu Udeze, the member representing Ogbaru II State Constituency, was elected the speaker. Ogbaru where Udeze hails from is under Anambra North, and that balances the power sharing in the state, but what was surprising was that Udeze had been elected during the election under the PDP.

Udeze was elected the speaker of the assembly by 30 members of the assembly after he was nominated for the position by the member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme, and seconded by his Awka North counterpart, Hon Chimezie Ikwunne. The member representing Awka South II Constituency, Hon Chukwuma Okoye was also elected the deputy speaker. Both officers were sworn-in by the acting clerk of the House, Esther Aneto.

The Speaker was however found to have defected from his party of election, PDP, to APGA, just days back, before he was elected the speaker.

A political analyst, Mr Christian Ofor, said Udeze was approached by some top APGA members to move to the party to facilitate his emergence as speaker, and he quickly accepted.

Udeze

Soludo

Promoting Sustainable Policing the Sahara Group Foundation Way

Since 2019, Sahara Group Foundation has been promoting sustainable policing through police station renovations, solar systems upgrade, and building of infrastructure with equipment. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that so far, they have overhauled seven police stations in Lagos, Rivers and Delta States, with many more in the pipeline

At Sahara Group Foundation, they believe in walking the talk and this they have continuously lived out through hundreds of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects they carry out.

From academic, environmental and health interventions to building and equipping the Nigeria Police Force, the foundation always aims to drive impact.

Promoting Sustainable Development

The vision of Sahara Foundation, which drives Sahara Group’s Personal and Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) initiatives, is to promote activities targeting sustained (impact driven) societal wellbeing and touching lives through transformative partnerships.

At the foundation, its key commitment pillars for all interventions, include – Increase Access to Energy and Sustainable environments.

Overhaul of Police Stations

Since 2019, the foundation has been promoting sustainable policing through police station renovations, solar systems upgrade, and building of infrastructure with equipment.

So far, they have overhauled seven police stations in Lagos, Rivers and Delta States, with many more in the pipeline. The police stations include MMA1 (Beesam) Police Station Lagos, Ijora Police Station Lagos, Trinity Police Station Lagos, Onne Police Station Rivers, Ijede Police Station Lagos, Koko Police Station Delta, and Ipaja Police Station Lagos.

Why police stations one may ask? According to the Board, they had in 2021 identified the need to support police stations in a bid to boost operations and promote better policing. Walking the talk, they kicked off one police station at a time.

Ijede's Renovation

On January 30, 2023, the foundation in collaboration with Egbin Power commissioned the newly revamped Ijede Police Station in Ijede community, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

According to the duo, the project is in keeping with commitment to enhancing infrastructure development, socio-economic growth, and effective policing to promote safety and security in the company’s host communities.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour said the company, through Sahara Foundation, has further demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by making impact in the lives of people and adding value to communities where the organisation operates.

He said the initiative, which is part of their strategy at Egbin Power Plc to be closer to the communities where they operate, understands that the police are a vital part of the stakeholders in the society, thus their effort needs to be appreciated to support them in discharging their duties and make a difference.

Ejiro Gray, the Director, Sustainability and Governance, Sahara Group noted that the project reinforces the foundation's commitment to improving lives and promoting sustainable societies.

“We cannot talk about making impact without providing adequate security of lives and property which is a core component of the wellbeing of every society and communities."

While acknowledging the efforts of the benefactors, the Lagos State Deputy Commissioner of Police (Admin) DCP Ewah Bassey, pledged adequate maintenance, as well as continue to render better security to the communities.

Similarly, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, one of the host communities, applauded Egbin Power and Sahara Foundation for enhancing security in the communities through this intervention.

Promoting Efficiency at Ipaja

At Ipaja Police Division, Nigeria’s leading Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), through the foundation, built and commissioned a brand-new travelers lodge for police officers in transit.

The project is in line with IE’s commitment to impacting the environment where she operates

through sustainable interventions that helps to make a positive difference in the society.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Folake Soetan, the Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric said the new traveler’s lodge would help to boost the morale of the police officers in the station. Therefore, promoting efficiency, as well as an enabling environment for them.

The Ipaja Police Station travelers’ lodge features a range of facilities and amenities, including a two- room hostel block with lavatory and kitchen fittings, overhead tank for water supply, wardrobes, reading tables and chairs.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, DCP Ewah Bassey, also endorsed the message of collaboration, stating that “achieving effective policing is a collective responsibility.”

Also speaking at the event, was the Oba of Ipaja, Oba Kolawole Ajani Egundupe, who commended IE and Sahara Group Foundation for this laudable project, stating that it would go a long way to promoting safety in the community.

He also thanked the officers of the Ipaja Police Divisional Headquarters for their commitment towards safeguarding lives and properties in the community.

Enhancing Security at MMA1

As part of its measures to boost security and promote sustainable policing nationwide in 2022, Asharami Synergy, a Sahara Group Downstream company, renovated and upgraded

the Police Station on Murtala Muhammed Airport Road, Ikeja.

According to them, the move was to enhance security and sustainable community policing. Managed by Sahara Foundation, the corporate citizenship vehicle of energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, the project is one of Asharami Synergy’s corporate citizenship initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable development goals in communities where the company operates.

Essentially, the MMIA Police station received a complete building makeover. The project which was kickstarted in June 2022 required a comprehensive structural overhaul on the main building including internal and external upgrades, as well as introduction of an inverter and solar panels to ensure the station has uninterrupted power for seamless operations.

The renovation also included electrical wiring, replacement of the entire roof, windows, and doors, painting, and overhaul of the facility’s toilet systems.

While Programs Manager, Sahara Foundation, Chisomebi Okoroafor, said the MMIA Police station renovation is one out of several renovation projects currently ongoing across the country, Yemi Odutola, Chief Operating Officer, Asharami Synergy, said the inclusion of solar power is in line with Asharami and Sahara Foundation’s unwavering commitment to promoting access to energy and building sustainable environments.

On why they do what they do, the COO said at the heart of Sahara’s business objectives, lies an unwavering commitment to promoting good corporate citizenship across the globe, which is achieved through the foundation.

Clean Energy at Trinity

Also in December 2021, Sahara Foundation, provided access to clean energy and improved power supply at the Trinity Police Command, Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos.

The project is expected to enhance efforts aimed at securing lives and property in the neighborhood. Sahara Foundation’s intervention includes a hybrid solar power system solution which supplies power to sections of the police station including the communications center, administrative offices, common areas and control room. In addition, civil, structural and renovation works were conducted at the facility to give it a 21st century and more modern ambience.

This initiative was part of the foundation's efforts to highlight its new focus areas- Access to Clean Energy and Promoting Sustainable Environments.

Speaking at the hand over event, Pearl Uzokwe said Sahara Group remained committed to providing platforms for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals working through Sahara Foundation and regional and global stakeholders.

“Effective policing is essential for sustainable development, and we are delighted to work with the Nigeria Police to boost security of lives and property in Nigeria,” she said.

What we do at Sahara Foundation is to ensure that through initiatives like this, we are transforming and impacting lives and livelihood of people in our host communities. And we cannot talk about making impact without providing adequate security of lives and property which is a core component of the wellbeing of every society and communities

At the inauguration of the MMA1 renovated station

When Trinity police division was inaugurated after the overhaulAt the inauguration of the constructed traveler's lodge in Ipaja

Gossy Ukanwoke: Unlocking New Customer Demographics for

BetKing,

brand, recently unveiled

BetKing

Tobi Bakre and Broda Shaggi as its new

for its upcoming

products. Gossy Ukanwoke,

sports,

the Managing Director of the parent company, KingMakers, Nigeria, in this interview with Mary Nnah, explains that the target is to capture the attention of young customers who are interested in

gaming and other forms of entertainment

BetKing recently unveiled two new influencers. Can you speak more about this partnership?

As a brand that has been operating within Nigeria for over five years, we have achieved immense success and become one of the most recognised sports betting platforms in Nigeria. However, as we continue to develop and include new products in our portfolio, we believe it is time to onboard new representatives that would allow us to unlock new customer demographics for our upcoming products.

Jay Jay Okocha represents football in the country, and we have done well by identifying with him and targeting our football customers, but the generation that can identify with Jay Jay is the older demographic, and it's time for us to target young customers interested in sports, gaming and other forms of entertainment. This is imperative because, as a sports entertainment brand, we actively engage in activities beyond sports betting, and it's time for us to unlock new sets of customers, and that is what our partnership with these amazing influencers will help us achieve.

How long will this partnership last, and what factors influenced the selection of Tobi Bakre and Broda Shaggi?

We hope the partnership will be a long-lasting one because we try to build a synonymous representation of our brand with the personalities we work with. For instance, when people say BetKing, they usually refer to the brand as the one Jay Jay works with, so we hope to replicate that lengthy and memorable relationship with the new influencers. Furthermore, regarding our choice of influencers, Broda Shaggi will help us target customers who are at the grassroots because he is very relatable to that audience demographic. In contrast, Tobi Bakre would help us break into the entertainment industry and target young people interested in entertainment and gaming. Together, we aim to tap into the excitement and relatability of these personalities for our brand.

Amidst the growing unemployment

rate in the country, do you see the sports entertainment industry creating more jobs for Nigerians?

Concerning our socio-economic impact as a business in Nigeria, we take great pride in our significant contributions to the local economy. We have directly employed over 250 individuals within our company; also, through our extensive network of shops, we have created employment opportunities for more than 80,000 persons nationwide. Our commitment to job creation and empowerment is a testament to fostering economic growth and supporting local communities.

Furthermore, we are honoured to be recognised as one of the most significant contributors of taxes to both the State and Federal Governments. Our consistent and substantial tax contributions have earned us prestigious awards from the government, highlighting our significant role in supporting public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential services that benefit the nation.

Sports betting may receive less

brand attention and industry exposure than other industries, but it significantly contributes to the economy. For instance, football unites people across different works of life, and in Nigeria, we have abundant talent in various fields, including technology, entertainment, and healthcare. However, one area where Nigerian talent truly shines is in sports. It helps us showcase our remarkable abilities to the world, and this consistent production of exceptional talent across the nation is a testament to the importance of sports to us as a country.

While some may argue that sports betting be separated from sports, it is important to recognise that they are intertwined and go hand in hand because one cannot exist without the other. So, if you look at the impact of sports betting and sports, the outcome remains consistent because it generates employment opportunities and contributes to tax revenues. Also, BetKing is highly patronised because we are committed to responsible gaming and ensuring people have a healthy experience when using our platform.

BetKing has been operating for five years. Can you provide an overview of your operations and presence in the country?

BetKing began operations in Nigeria in 2018. When we launched, we were the 20th in the market, but currently, we are one of the top two brands in Nigeria. This has won us significant investments from leading companies like MultiChoice Group. We also recently introduced "Superpicks" and "Super Sports Bets" in South Africa.

Reflecting upon our growth trajectory, we have transformed from a modest team of five individuals to a colossal workforce exceeding 600,000 people worldwide. We have also expanded our operations nationwide, securing state and federal licences. In the span of a mere five years, we have transitioned from a small-scale enterprise to a highly recognisable and respected brand.

You have a shirt sponsorship deal with a Lagos - based football club, Ikorodu

FC. Do you have plans to also support any of the national teams?

We became the shirt sponsor for Ikorodu FC about a month ago. This decision was driven by our strong commitment to bolster grassroots football in Nigeria. Currently competing in the NNL, Ikorodu FC has displayed remarkable potential and is on track to ascend to the esteemed first division. Our collaboration with Ikorodu FC also aligns seamlessly with our goal of fostering football development in rural areas, alongside our sponsorship of various teams at the Youth Academy level, such as KidSports. This reflects our unwavering dedication to nurturing football at all levels. We also sponsor the Footballing Leagues in other countries. For instance, we have sponsored the Ethiopian League and the Kenyan League. Ultimately we are looking to invest in football and sports development where it matters. We are currently building a stadium in Ifako Ijaiye in Lagos, and that's the level we are at in Nigeria regarding investing in grassroots sports development. This is even more prevalent in our initiatives because sports development is the key to our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework at BetKing.

The Premier League ended last week, and other European competitions are ending. What initiatives or offerings do you have for your customers as the football season ends?

Lastly, how do you plan to incorporate the influencers in these activities? It's interesting how the football season coincides with the announcement of the influencers and the launch of our non-football and sports products into the market. Similar to our previous approach, we are leveraging our virtual product as a catalyst for our post-football season events and activities.

Also, while the football season ends, other popular sports like Basketball and Tennis are readily accessible on the BetKing platform. With our new products being launched, we hope our brand influencers will plug into that and take good entertainment to our customers.

Right Approach to Credit Will Grow, Not Harm, Your Business

Kevwe Onokerhoraye

Imagine this: Mr. Okeke runs a small grocery store in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria. He has been in business for several years, and his shop is an integral part of the local community. Yet, like many small business owners in the informal sector, Mr. Okeke faces a significant hurdle: accessing credit to grow his business. For many, credit can seem like a double-edged sword, promising growth on one hand, but harboring the risk of debt on the other. However, with the right approach, credit can be a powerful tool that propels a business forward without causing financial harm.

The first step towards a healthy relationship with credit is understanding its role. Credit is not just a financial instrument; it's a growth enabler. It can help businesses invest in new equipment, expand product lines, and even open new locations. Credit can also help businesses manage their cash flow more effectively, ensuring they can meet their obligations even during quieter periods.

However, the key to leveraging credit effectively lies in accessing it responsibly. This means understanding your business's financial situation and borrowing within your means. Responsible borrowing involves being aware of the interest rates, repayment terms, and potential penalties associated with a credit facility. It also means making sure that the credit is used for productive purposes that will generate returns and enable the business

to repay the borrowed funds.

In Nigeria, a significant barrier to accessing credit is a lack of a formal financial track record, especially for small businesses operating in the informal sector. Traditional financial institutions often require a history of financial transactions and collateral, which many small business owners cannot provide.

Fortunately, the financial landscape in Nigeria is evolving. A new generation of financial technology firms is developing solutions designed to increase the accessibility of credit. These solutions leverage technology

to assess creditworthiness in innovative ways, such as analyzing transaction data from mobile money platforms or using alternative forms of collateral.

This evolution in the financial sector represents a significant opportunity for small businesses. By leveraging these new sources of credit, businesses can overcome traditional barriers to finance and unlock new growth opportunities. However, it's crucial that businesses approach this opportunity with a clear understanding of their financial capacity and a plan for how they will use and repay the borrowed funds.

Another critical aspect of a healthy approach to credit is financial education. Small business owners must understand the terms and conditions associated with the credit they access. This understanding allows them to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. Financial education can also help businesses understand the wider financial landscape, including the range of credit options available to them and how to compare these options effectively.

Credit can also be a tool for resilience. In times of uncertainty, such as during a pandemic or economic downturn, access to credit can help businesses weather the storm. It can provide the necessary funds to keep operations running, pay employees, and even pivot the business model to adapt to changing market conditions. This kind of flexibility can be crucial for survival in challenging times.

In conclusion, credit is a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can drive growth and resilience for small businesses. The key lies

in approaching credit with understanding, responsibility, and a clear plan for how it will be used to generate growth. As the financial landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, businesses like Mr. Okeke's grocery store has an unprecedented opportunity to leverage credit as a catalyst for their growth journey.

However, the right approach to credit is not just about individual businesses; it's about building a more inclusive and resilient financial system that benefits everyone. By democratizing access to credit and promoting responsible borrowing, we can empower businesses to grow, innovate, and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria. This Evolution brings us closer to a future where every business, no matter how small, has the financial tools it needs to thrive. Thus, adopting the right approach to credit is not just about enhancing the growth of an individual business, it's about contributing to the growth and resilience of the entire economy.

For Mr. Okeke and countless other small business owners in Nigeria, the right approach to credit could be a transformative force. It could help them turn their business aspirations into reality, bring prosperity to their communities, and contribute to Nigeria's economic development. The journey towards financial inclusion and empowerment is a challenging one, but with the right tools and approaches, businesses can navigate it successfully and reap the rewards.

-Onokerhoraye is Head, Product Strategy, OnePipe.

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Onokerhoraye

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ARTIFICIAL

INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF SDGS

SONNY

ARAGBA-AKPORE writes that AI can support SDGs in combatting climate crisis and in humanitarian response

opinion@thisdaylive.com

CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU urges the Tinubu administration to learn from the mishandling of insecurity in the recent past

URBAN LEGEND AND DURABLE INSECURITY IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

On 17 July 2012, Peter Obi, then governor of One of them was Chike Okoli, whom he assigned Somewhere in Agulu, not far from Nanka, of N16 million met, Chike has not been seen or

See page 25

A NEW CHALLENGE?

One string binds all within the south-east, argues FREDRICK NWABUFO

Representatives to hold an urgent debate at the alarm at and asking for urgent measures

See page 25

EDITORIAL HAPPY EID-EL-KABIR

some features that have been lost as the situation

analyses and boil down a resilient problem problem, putting the group on the same footing

have not merited the attentions of the NSA even

Assassinations in Nigeria, Shehu Sani, the former Senator from Kaduna State, details over

liquidation that appeared to bear the hallmarks At the beginning of a pattern that would

national headquarters of the Movement for the released a list of 2,020 of its members allegedly

brutally killing both around 1 September later, the former Governor of Anambra State,

SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE writes that AI can support SDGs in combatting climate crisis and in humanitarian response

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF SDGS

narrative for growth of global economies? knowledge and acceptance remain elusive? There are nearly 15,000 AI memberships platforms globally but how much education do these platforms provide to society? Too many questions are left unanswered.

And with less than 10 years left to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development

robotics technologies could do the magic.

“AI holds great promise to advance many of sustainable development goals and targets,” a document by ITU said last week.

This is the focus of “AI for Good” summit due next week. AI is more than a movement because “AI for Good is presented as a year round digital platform where AI innovators and problem owners learn, build and connect to help identify practical AI solutions to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” ITU documents say.

“It’s in our collective interest that we can shape AI faster than it is shaping us,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “This summit, as the UN’s primary platform for AI, will bring to the table leading voices representing a diversity of interests to ensure that AI can be a powerful catalyst for progress in our race to rescue the SDGs.”

The upcoming AI for Good Global Summit 2023 from July 6-7 in Geneva, Switzerland, combines 2,500+ participants and online participation from the over 15,000 members of the AI-powered community platform, the AI for Good Neural Network, making it the world’s largest and most inclusive AI solutions and matchmaking event.

The two-day AI for Good Global Summit hosted by the International Telecommunication UN agencies, will demonstrate how new technologies can support the UN Sustainable combatting the climate crisis and bolstering humanitarian response.

Generative AI and human-machine collaboration will be key themes amid the release of tools that are beginning to change the way we think about creativity and productivity.

The AI for Good Global Summit will feature eight humanoid social robots and over 50 specialized robots, being brought together robots will showcase capabilities ranging from healthcare and farming sustainably.

AI for Good is where human and robots meet. These robots include: Ameca - the most advanced lifelike robot in the world world’s most realistic humanoid social robot Innovation Ambassador for the United

one of the world’s most advanced cognitive humanoid robots designed to collaborate

Desdemona – the rockstar robot of the Jam Galaxy Band.

the AI for Good Innovation Factory where

start-ups from around the world will pitch their AI solutions to advance the SDGs. innovators—and their high-tech creations— will join humanitarian leaders in Geneva July,6-7, for the latest edition of the global summit advancing AI to drive sustainable development.

Two high-level roundtables – featuring policymakers, diplomats, industry executives, academics, and UN partners – will host crucial discussions on the guardrails needed for safe and responsible AI and the potential development of global AI governance frameworks.

The AI for Good Global Summit, established in 2017, returns to Geneva

Good transformed into a year-round online engagement platform bringing together a diverse range of participants from 183 countries.

This year’s summit combines the best of the physical and virtual worlds, with the potential to welcome over 3,000 participants alongside online participation from the over 20,000 members of ITU’s fast-growing AI-powered community platform, the AI for Good Neural Network.

The event will emphasize networking to build new projects, calls to action, and partnerships. AI for Good’s dynamic performances and artwork.

AI for Good is being hosted by ITU, the UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies, together with convened by the government of Switzerland. Member States and – uniquely in the UN and international and regional organizations. Member States at ITU’s governing Plenipotentiary Conference in 2022 adopted a resolution supporting the tech agency’s work

AI for sustainable development.

The two-day AI for Good Global Summit at The International Conference Centre Geneva is preceded by nine machine learning workshops on July 5, to be led by experts from the AI of Good Discovery series. revolutionized information technology. The new economy of information technology has shaped the way we are living. Recently, AI algorithms have attracted close attention of researchers and have also been applied successfully to solve problems in engineering. Nevertheless, for large and complex problems, AI algorithms consume considerable computation time due to stochastic feature of the search approaches. Therefore, there is resources, time, and money in real-world application.

One string binds all within the southeast, argues FREDRICK NWABUFO

A NEW CHALLENGE?

The philosophy of trueborn, illegitimates, and vagabonds poisons the umbilicus of society; gnawing at the core gradually until it is vanquished by its own internal contradictions. No society makes genuine progress through classism, casteism, native ordering, and social isolation.

The Igbo phylum is a variegated one as it is with other ethnic species. Homogeneity does not exist in the true sense of the word east, there are subgroups and splinter groups within the entity. There are also many varying derivative dialects across communities and towns, some of which native Igbo speakers may not understand.

The variant of Igbo spoken in my native towns within the same state. There is also no homogeneity in religion. And there have been cases of clashes among communities over other contentions. In fact, my native town and a neighbouring town do not agree. There is still

reached depressing proportions in recent years with the birth of the terrorist group – IPOB. The group has put a dagger to that which holds us together; turning brother against brother; clan against clan, and community against community.

This group has played on the sentiments to keep the people in its thrall. According to this group, ‘’authentic Igbos’’ are those who support Biafra, and ‘’fake Igbos’’ are those who are against it. This is the propaganda deployed by the proscribed group to divide the people. IPOB has been decimated, but its dissentious philosophy prevails.

It is concerning that an element of this divisive philosophy has been adopted by some to determine who is true-born Igbo and who is not.

The revulsion to the appointment of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Igbo-Eze in Enugu, by people of the same

a disputation over land till date.

But one string binds all within the south-east and parts of the south-south ecosystem – all are Igbo. Nature bubbles in divergence and eclecticism. The beauty and wonders of our world are by the fashioning of heterogenous intelligence. Man was not made to be culturally, socially, morphologically, and linguistically unipolar.

It is the reason I have always argued that Nigeria’s multiformity is not the dominating factor for its seeming ungovernability. Rather, it is the abuse and exploitation of understanding of citizenship, refusal to submit to the collective interest, native nationalism, and the absence of a rallying identity and cause, that are the denominators of Nigeria’s quandary.

Those who say Nigeria needs to splinter according to ethnic ordering to achieve unity, peace and progress are ignorant of the complexities of natural design. “Presumed homogeneity” does not guarantee unity, peace, or progress among a people.

In fact, a good number of the world’s most successful countries are so endowed by the nourishment and talents of their diverse population. There is wealth in diversity.

So, essentially, the argument that a Nigeria carved up along sectional contours will become united and prosperous is a slothful one. It shows a vacancy of thought and reason. Nigeria’s challenge is not its diversity, but the unwillingness of its people to be deliberate citizens.

The antagonism, prejudice, hate and bias among the Igbo taxonomic category have

stock is embarrassing. Those opposing his appointment says he is not Igbo enough – that he is from Igala speaking part of Enugu. This is mortifying. This revulsion plays into the prevailing philosophy of the proscribed group.

Does this imply being ‘’Igbo enough’’ means one must be seen as an ethnic crusader; hold corrosive views of division; show prejudices and biases against other citizens? Does it imply one must be seen as representing the clan instead of the country? This is an abhorrent philosophy.

Going by the proclivities of these for appointment is one who represents their biases. How tragic.

I believe Igbo elders led by Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo should take an interest in the declension of Igbo society and in this disharmonious concept of ‘’fake and authentic Igbo’’. Why should a Nigerian of Igbo origin from Delta State, Rivers, Benue, Kogi deny his origins? It is a question we need to address. The reason is partially implicit in this schismatic philosophy.

There are aboriginal Igbo populations indigenous to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, and other countries. But why is there no plan or programme to make them a part of the larger Igbo fold, recognising and giving them a sense of family-hood? No society makes real progress through casteism, native ordering, and social isolation.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

HAPPY EID-EL-KABIR

We should all imbibe the virtues of obedience, sacrifice and love

What makes the ‘Eid al-Adha’, (better known as ‘Eid-elKabir)’ being celebrated today all over the world particularly the scriptural accounts of both Islam and Christianity. It revolves around the story of how Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), in obedience intervention that brought a ram instead. Thus, the true meaning and essence of this occasion is submission, obedience, and love--virtues that are in short supply in our country today. Therefore, beyond the merriment, Eid-el-Kabir is a season that calls on all Nigerians to appreciate the gift of life and to imbibe the virtues of tolerance, understanding and good neighbourliness.

Following an acrimonious general election, this year’s celebration is coming at and trying time for many Nigerians. And the challenge is not only on the political front. With the removal of subsidy in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians are going through harrowing times. The convergence of the exchange rates has also created temporary challenges. But by far the most worrying are the across the country. While we therefore expect friends and families to join in merriment, as the occasion of today demands, it is also important not to lose represents.

The Eid-el-Kabir, according to a scholar, is meant “to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims, by helping and supporting the poor and needy, and by getting involved in pastimes that emphasize the strong and serious Islamic character.” What that suggests is that the socio-economic conditions of the country

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R S

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Letters to the Editor

as well as the security challenges that we grapple with make it compelling for adherents of Islam and indeed all Nigerians to look beyond themselves and their immediate environment.

Whatever the faith we profess, the festival of Eid ul Adha has a message for all of us. It is a season that reminds us to promote greater good of societyespecially its vulnerable and poor segments. We therefore hope that by the time we celebrate this holiday next year, Nigerians can look back to this season and say that we came through it stronger as a nation.

The occasion of today should serve as a timely reminder of the beauty of peace as we visit family and friends and share in the joy of this festival. No period in our history to share and to make are simple: by paying attention to the plight of the poor, we invariably place the welfare of our neighbours as important as ours; by allowing others to partake of our wealth or material possessions, we honour the One who made at the heart of all religions, but a virtue that is at the heart of this festival.

Beyond the slaughtering of rams, Nigerians must share love and material possessions not only with relatives or acquaintances, but also with the displaced, the elderly, the orphans, and other people at the margins of the society. It is also important that Nigerians begin to embrace and support charitable causes and there is no better occasion than today to make such resolve.

As we celebrate this special festival, Nigerians and humility for the promotion of harmonious relationship in our country. We also need to take this opportunity to reach out to everyone in promoting love, peace, and unity.

We wish our Muslim readers Eid Mubarak.

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

LETTERS

SALLAH: CELEBRATING THE ISLAMIC FESTIVAL

Coined from the Yoruba word meaning, “time to go home”, Ileya or Sallah, is a prominent Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world regardless offulness and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). In Nigeria, Ileya is celebrated by Muslims and some Christians, as well as the adherents of the African Traditional Religion. This corroborates the Yoruba adage that: ‘’Eni T’Odún bá ba’laiye, O ye ko s’ope’’ which connotatively means, “Whoever witnesses a season should celebrate.”

The Yoruba also use the assertion to justify their love for festivities. Many Nigerians celebrate festivals not minding the religion they practice. Ileya has therefore become every Nigerian’s festival!

The festival which symbolizes faith, worship, patience, obedience, love, and the relevance of promise in Islam spurs happiness accompanied with anxiety. Only few people ponder the pristine relevance of the celebration. Many consider it a season of dressing: a season to show the world how luxurious you are; a season to uncover your achievements from the city to those villagers you

meet annually; a season for ram slaughter; a season to desertion from the village. These, among others, are the burden that come with Ileya festival. Ileya has become a festival of oppression to many. A Nigerian woman must plait the trending hairstyle, wear the owambe clothes and jewelry, and be driven in the latest cars. The “burden bearers”—men—have to work harder to meet these demands to enable them secure their “burden.” What an expensive season!

As a solution to the self-imposed burden, I appeal to readers to appreciate the relevance of pristine knowledge in human endeavors. The festival should be an avenue to obey God’s ordainment by following the strict recommendations of the festival: the will to obey God; to happiness; and to show love. It is high time we ceased

economic life is

contradictory. As a matter of fact, the

celebrate the festival is another self-imposed burden that Nigerians should avoid as the Islamic religion places emphasis on the plaiting of natural hair rather than adding-

animal to the less privileged. It should not be based on, “they give us, so we must give” which is a prevalent act in Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba.

I also suggest that celebrants of Ileya travel to their have no responsibilities to attend to in their workplaces. This will help prevent the hold-ups on the roads which often cause accidents. Unnecessary carnivals should be avoided.

My wish to all Muslims is to celebrate in peace, love, and joy.

Abdulkabir Muhammed,

Lagos State University, abdulkabirm87@gmail.com

While we expect friends and families to join in merriment, as the occasion of today demands, it is also important not to lose sight of its true meaning and the spirit of sacrifice it represents

Shareholders Kick as AMCON, NDIC Expenses Cut 11 Banks’ Profit

Kayode Tokede

Shareholders have expressed dissatisfaction over Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) expenses that reduced profit before tax of 11 banks to N1.28 trillion in 2022 financial year from N1.16 trillion reported in 2021.

Over the years, shareholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the creation of AMCON, stressing that the charges discourage investing in bank stocks with dwindling dividend payout.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Chairman, Progressive Shareholders

Nume Ekeghe

Money and Credit Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for May, 2023 has revealed that currency outside the banks has risen for the fifth consecutive month to N2.18 trillion, which is about 86.22 per cent of the total currency in circulation (CIC), put at N2.53 trillion.

Analysis of the data showed that currency in circulation rose

Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Boniface Okezie said AMCON has over stayed its function in the banking sector, calling on its banks management to suspend funding AMCON as it is affecting shareholders’ profit.

According to him, “AMCON is lobbying the federal government to extend its operations. If the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wanted to sustain AMCON, fine but not banks funding the corporation. AMCON has overstayed its functions in the banking sector. AMCON is reporting losses despite collecting levy from banks and having challenges in selling recovered assets from debtors.

“The banking institution must

continue to fund AMCON because it is not the bankers’ committee that form their board but the government. If the federal government wanted to keep the board of AMCON, they must think of funding it not collecting from banks. What was AMCON doing when some banks were having challenges recently? AMCON has not helped our banking sector and it has not posted any profit.

“I still do not understand why the Senate requested AMCON to continue to exist. AMCON’s 10 years has ended, according to the law but they continued to stay, playing games with shareholders’ funds. AMCON is killing the industry and not helping the banks when

they are in financial crisis.”

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oderinde disclosed to THISDAY that some shareholder associations are making move to sue AMCON. He said the establishment of AMCON was through a fraudulent motive to reap from shareholders who invested in some of these DMBs. According to him, “AMCON expenses has affected shareholders return on investment and it is a national fraud. We call on the new government to shutdown AMCON operations. NDIC levy is also affecting banks compared to what is happening in other countries.

The new government has to look at it because shareholders have suffered a lot from AMCON and NDIC expenses.”

Meanwhile, THISDAY analysis of the banks’ 2022 results showed that if it wasn’t for the AMCON and NDIC expenses, the likes of Zenith Bank Plc, 10 others Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in Nigeria could have reported N1.7 trillion profit before tax in 2022 financial year as against N1.52 trillion in 2021, according to THISDAY investigations.

The 11 DMBs paid a total of N414.99billion AMCON and Deposit insurance premium expenses in 2022, an increase of 17.68 per cent from N352.64billion in 2021.

Analysis of the banks’ results revealed that AMCON expenses closed 2022 at N270.32 billion, an increase of nearly 8 per cent from N250.33billin in 2021, while Deposit insurance premium expenses stood at N144.7billion in 2022, an increase of 41 per cent from N102.3 billion in 2021.

The AMCON, which was introduced in 2011 to recover the bad loans in the banking system charges 0.5 per cent of every banks’ total assets, including off-balance sheet assets, even so it started at 0.35 per cent levy.

by 5.8 per cent from N2.38 trillion in April to N2.53 trillion in May.

THISDAY checks disclosed that the rise is slowly sprinting to the prehistoric peek of N2.73 trillion of currency outside banks as of September 2022, which was 85 per cent of N3.2 trillion of CIC.

A 10-month breakdown that prompted the naira redesign policy showed a N3.23 trillion currency in circulation in September 2022, N3.29 trillion in October 2022, November

2022, N3.16trillion and December 2022, N3.01 trillion.

Further analysis showed that in January 2023, currency in circulation was N3.29trillion, February 2023, N982billion, March 2023, N1.68trillion, April 2023, N2,38trillion, and N2.53 trillion in May.

Also, the 10-month breakdown of currency outside the banks revealed that the month of September was N2.72 trillion, October N2.83 trillion,

November N2.65 trillion and December N2.57; while January recorded its lowest at N792 billion, February N843 billion, March N1.45 trillion, April N2.07 trillion and N2.18 trillion for the month of May.

According to experts, the significant increase is primarily attributed to the spill over effect of the cash crunch. They suggested that average Nigerians are hoarding the new notes and refraining from depositing them in banks due to a

lack of trust in electronic banking systems.

Head of Financial Institutions

Ratings at Agusto & Co, Mr. Ayokunle Olubunmi, explained that the surge in currency held outside the banking system is a predictable outcome of the implementation of the naira redesign policy.

He said: “The memories of the difficulties encountered during the initial phase of the policy are still fresh in the minds of

average Nigerians. As the policy was temporarily suspended until December, many individuals are proactively preparing for the anticipated developments during that period. Consequently, a significant number of people have chosen to hoard the new notes in anticipation of the upcoming changes.”

Energy Mix: How Levene Energy Holdings’ Choices Impact Future Sustainability

Peper Uzoho

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the role of energy companies in shaping a sustainable future has come under increased scrutiny. Now, more than ever, an increasing number of energy companies are adopting cutting-edge solutions to address the issues of climate change.

Levene Energy Holdings, a major player in the energy industry in Nigeria, has continued to make significant adjustments to its energy mix to ensure that it aligns with the energy sustainability prospects of the National Renewable Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP).

By 2030, Nigeria hopes to increase power generation to 30 gigawatts, to meet the energy needs of over 200 million people. It partly aims to achieve this through the NREEEP, a policy conceived by the Federal Ministry of Power.

The national policy tagged ‘Vision 30:30:30’ is engineered to prioritise the sustainability of energy sources. It is a proactive measure to review Nigeria’s energy mix to focus on ramping up renewable energy sources that include but are not limited to solar, wind, and hydroelectricity, which would make up 30% of the generated 30 gigawatts and signify a gradual energy transition away from dependency on fossil fuels.

As an indigenous company that is founded on the vision of creating a sustainable future through responsible practices, Levene Energy Holdings strives to achieve the aforementioned goals through its subsidiaries that are fine-tuned to evaluate every aspect of the value chain to ensure that it has a direct impact on energy and sustainability in the highly competitive energy market. Component entities within the Levene Energy Holdings group of companies include Levene Hydro-Carbon, LPV Technologies, Levene Trading, and Levene Energy Development and more.

Guided by professionalism, Levene Energy Holdings understands the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental concerns to create a future that will benefit all. With Levene Hydro-Carbon, it ensures that the exploration and production of oil and gas derivatives are

implemented sustainably and responsibly by optimising each process in the value chain.

One approach it employs to minimise the environmental impact of hydrocarbon discovery, extraction, and production is to adopt technologies and practices such as carbon capture, storage, and methane reduction. In addition, it has implemented best practices in its operations to ensure employee safety.

Taking proactive measures, Levene HydroCarbon has keyed into the gas commercialisation policy of the federal government, capturing natural gas that could have otherwise been flared in the upstream sector and transforming it into fuel that is used in industrial processes to generate low-carbon energy.

Yearly, over 35 billion barrels of oil are used for power generation globally. This fossil fuel dependence has been proven to be unsustainable in the long term. Already, the global oil reserves are depleting at a faster rate than expected. Experts reveal that about 40% of all known oil reserves have been depleted.

Data published by Worldometer reveals that

at the current rate of consumption, global oil reserves will be depleted in the next 47 years.

Coupled with the consequential climate change, this staggering revelation only suggests a need to source renewable energy. To this effect, the Nigerian Climate Change Act was passed into law. The policy serves as a guide for the energy sector to revise its approach to generating energy sustainably.

Being compliant with laws regulating the oil and gas sector, Levene Energy Holdings, through LPV Technologies, the renewable energy arm of the business, is committed to driving sustainability through renewables. The subsidiary specialises in developing, manufacturing, and installing innovative energy technologies, such as solar panels, that help reduce carbon emissions, thereby acting as a bridge to transition to a low-carbon economy.

LPV Energies retrofitted a 17-storey building with state-of-the-art building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). While improving the aesthetics of the building, it converted it into a smart one. The retrofitted building can

generate 995 KWp with a 2.0MWh storage unit, enough to supply all of its energy requirements.

Being a first-of-its-kind project in Nigeria, it has drawn the attention of other firms to invest in renewable energy. From tech to banking, hospitality to healthcare, these various sectors quote electricity as the biggest hurdle that drives up the cost of their services. If they can fix this problem long-term, then there is bound to be healthy competition, which in turn benefits the consumers by boosting the value of their purchasing power.

In a similar vein, Levene Energy Holdings, through its special solar projects supported by the World Bank and Rural Electrification Agency, generates and distributes electricity to communities that aren’t linked to the national grid yet. The trading practices of an energy outfit have a significant impact on sustainability, and that is why Levene’s Trading arm focused on creating a sustainable supply chain for its products. They work with suppliers and customers to ensure that the products they sell meet the highest environmental and social standards.

Furthermore, it has also committed to reducing its carbon footprint by investing in sustainable infrastructure and practices. This includes utilising renewable energy sources for its operations and implementing sustainable waste management systems at all stages of the supply chain.

Finally, Levene Energy Development helps its clients with supply chain optimisation. They have amassed experience in sourcing and delivering high-quality materials and equipment and have good relationships with OEM’s and global suppliers. They also supply various items like seismic equipment, drill bits, and tubing and provide manpower and support services for different projects.

Levene Energy Holdings has proven its commitment to ensuring a sustainable future by prioritising renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and creating a sustainable supply chain for energy products. By demonstrating this strong commitment to sustainability, the company serves as a leading example for other energy companies to follow in the quest for providing a more sustainable, net-zero future.

Insurers: Seeking Redemption Via Credit Ratings

One of the issues currently giving serious concern to insurers in Nigeria and across the African insurance market is how to use credit rating to develop and reposition themselves for global competitiveness. This has been a serious concern because the insurers have continued to loose substantial part of their market share to their counterparts in the Western markets in reinsurance, brokerage and in underwriting big ticket accounts.

The Nigerian insurers are as worried as other insurers across Africa; so they have agreed to seek credit rating of the Western rating agencies.

In seeking for the credit ratings, their aspiration is to be rated by renowned rating agencies like the Fitch, Moody’s, Standard&Poor’s, and of recent AmBest.

In their view, positive endorsement by any of the aforementioned rating agencies to a large extent determines their acceptance for business deals by owners of big ticket business, especially in some hi tech businesses and their competitiveness in the global market arena.

This explains why at the recent West African Insurance Companies Education Conference (WAICA) held in Lagos, discussions on how the regional insurers can use rating reports to secure the confidence of owners of big ticket accounts like those of aviation industry, oil and gas and construction contracts took centre stage.

The insurers lamented that value of African currencies continues to depreciate because most African countries consume a lot of foreign goods.

They cited example of what happens in insurance market, regretting that while big ticket businesses freely find their ways in overseas market, even the crumbs that fall under the table of Western insurers which African underwriters pick up still find their ways indirectly to the Western market because owners of such business would prefer reinsurance backing from global players like Lloyd’s of London, Munich Reinsurance, SwissRe,Aon among others, before they can give the business to indigenous insurers.

CREDIT RATING CHOICES

The insurers lamented that one of the features these big business owners look out for is credit rating status of companies they want to give their businesses to. This

has prompted insurers in Nigeria to strive to meet rating agencies for certification, recommendation and commendations.

But at the WAICA conference, the African insurers lamented that though rating by world renowned credit rating agencies is fast becoming a parameter for choosing who to give out big businesses to, exorbitant charges, unfair and biased rating of African firms calls to question thier motive.

Chief Finance Officer, Unique Insurance Company Limited, Accra-North, Ghana, Mohammed Adamu, who spoke to THISDAY at the conference, said; “What we are all crying about is the unfairness of the rating agencies; whether they have been able to rate us fairly without any biases. It all boils down to the need for Africans to produce our own home grown solutions, even our own rating agencies. We don’t need anybody out there to endorse us, which comes with their own biases because if they don’t rate us low we won’t go back to their own companies and that is what they use to grow their own economies. So they do these things with their own undertone.We should try to internalise our problems.I had expected this conference to say that we are gathering momentum

to find our own rating agencies within the subregion to be able to rate ourselves.”

EXPERTS’ OPINION

But a management staff of FMDQ and a chartered Accountant, Mr Ebenezer Nwakamma said that Nigerian or even regional insurers need not bother about being rated by global rating agencies, except if they were going global in their business outlook.

Their business and customers, he argued, come from within the region, adding that, “there were approved regional rating agencies whose report was trusted and recommended by regulators like Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).”

He mentioned such home grown rating agency as Augusta and co, Data Pro who were approved by SEC, NAICOM among other regulators.

He questioned why Nigerian insurers should be aspiring to be rated by Fitch or Standard &Poors when they are not undertaking global investment exploration like Euro bond.

Insurance buyers, he said, need not use the rating of local firms by the global agencies as benchmark for their patronage, “after all, there

were global firms these world renowned credit rating agencies rated highly but they collapsed after few years of that high rating.”

He also noted that in accounting, which is one of the instruments used in rating, what professionals use is historical records which could not tell the present state of an organisation.

Nwakamma cited a typical example of a company in Nigeria rated highly but which collapsed after a short while, saying that Consolidated Discount House was rated AAA for three consecutive years but that shortly after, the CBN withdrew its license and it collapsed. He remarked that rating is good but not the best indicator of a healthy company to some extent, adding that, “this was why some reputable rating agencies would rate a company and keep close monitoring of the company and once they see any act of failure they would withdraw their rating.”

He explained that the reason banks like Access, UBA, Ecobank and Stanbic IBTC were going for the global rating was because they were going to get Eurobonds. “So they needed it. But that insurance firms need not waste their hard earned resource in paying charges of global rating agencies, “he said.

UNDERWRITERS’ ASSESSMENT

Speaking, former Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) and Managing Director Cornerstone Insurance, Mr Ganiyu Musa, said the fulcrum of insurance rating from the perspective of the buyers is promise keeping.

According to him, insurance sells promise and the whole value of insurance resides on promise to pay potentially large benefit at the occurrence of future negatives.

He said this was because a lot was agitating the minds of insurance buyers regarding the ability and willingness of the insurance firm to pay. He said this had thrown up questions like, “Will they have enough assets? Will the firm continue to retain the assets?”

He said since an average consumer did not have answers to these questions, potential clients would not be assured of the reliability of cash flow in an insurance firm and its continuity as an ongoing concern will be deemed healthy enough to discharge its responsibility to the public.

Nigerian insurers and their counterparts in Africa are seeking to recover lost market share from their Western counterparts by meeting recommended standard practices. Ebere Nwoji writes that credit ratings is at the heart of their crusade

Agric Stakeholders’ Expectations from Tinubu

Pesident Bola Ahmed Tinubu hit the ground running. In his inaugural speech, Tinubu stated his administration’s resolve to establish agricultural hubs throughout the nation and prioritise value addition and food processing to increase food the country’s food production.

He assured that through these actions, food would be made more abundant and less costly as farmers would earn more while the average Nigerian would pay less for food products.

The president’s views were in line with those already expressed by stakeholders in the agricultural industry who had stressed the need to develop the nation’s agricultural value chain to boost food production and create wealth and job opportunities for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths.

According to Tinubu, rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products, maintaining that a nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste would be undertaken.

The move is expected to checkmate post-harvest losses currently put at N3.5 trillion annually.

The president also added that the livestock sector would be exposed to the best modern practices, stressing that steps would be taken to minimise the perennial conflict over land and water resources in the sector.

For now, the president has sounded brilliantly. But the crux of the matter is effective implementation. Otherwise, like successive governments before him, he will feed Nigerians empty stomachs with empty promises.

Without further ado, agro sector’s stakeholders are seeking an aggressive approach by the federal government to revolutionise the nation’s agriculture.

ADDRESSING RISING FOOD PRICES

They therefor urged the present administration to prioritise the food sector by creating a level playing field that would encourage farmers to produce more. It has been over flogged that the major reason responsible

for the skyrocketing food prices is the inability of Nigerian farmers to produce more than the nation’s demand.

According to the law of demand and supply, the higher the supply the lower the price. For Nigeria to achieve this, farmers need to be supported and encouraged to produce more so that they could supply more to the market. Therefore efforts must be made to reverse the trend for farmers who still depend on hoes and cutlasses; farmers who have fled their farms over fear of being kidnapped by bandits; farmers with no access to modernised farm inputs and seedlings; farmers with little or no access to funds and farmers who struggle to get their produce from the farm gate to the markets as a result of poor access road networks.

AILING AGRIC RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

Many agro research institutions across the country are more like grave yards. Despite several calls from stakeholders seeking to revamp these institutions for improved service delivery, they have remained either unfunded or underfunded as budgetary allocations to them have remained inadequate.

Juxtaposing Nigeria’s annual spend on its agric research institutes with other advanced economies of the world that have invested intentionally into their food sectors, showed that that Nigeria is yet to take the bull by the horn. The N291.4 billion allocated to the agricultural sector out of a budget of N16.9 trillion in 2022 showed that managers of the Nigerian economy are yet to tackle the

age-long bottlenecks that have crippled the nation’s agric sector over the decades.

IMPROVED COLLABORATIONS WITH KEY AGRIC STAKEHOLDERS

One thing the Tinubu’s administration must prioritise is to appoint pro-business personnel that would help him to achieve his renewed hope agenda. Agric stakeholders have over the years lamented over the wide gap that exist between key agric stakeholders and the government.

There is need to always carry key agric stakeholders along especially during formulating and implementing agric policies that would shape the future of the nation. Increasing agric stakeholders’ engagement would no doubt give the present administration the opportunity to identify genuine agric gladiators and channel funds to the real actors in the sector. This would also block all the loop holes that have been created by successive governments who siphoned funds meant for agric development for their personal gains. The move would also ensure that most brilliant initiatives and programmes aimed at revamping the sector comes to fusion rather than remaining on the shelves.

INVESTMENT IN AGRI-TECH

Many young and enterprising agripreneurs are making the nation proud with their innovative solutions targeted at attaining food security. All that these ‘agripreneurs’ needed is just a little push from the federal government to improve their technologies to reach a wider audience. There must be a political will to support ‘agripreneurs’ in the country by way of funding and policies to attract both local and foreign investors into the agri-tech space. Agri-tech would also go a long way to combat drudgery in agriculture. Many youths today are migrating to the urban areas in search of white-collar jobs. A country like Nigeria where the farming population is ageing, there is an urgent need to create the right environment for youths to be attracted into agriculture and only agri-tech can help to achieve this feat.

Ensuring Sustainable Milk Production in Nigeria

Milk production in Nigeria has been challenged with myriads of issues ranging from low milk output, poor grass quality and lack of storage and processing equipment. Gilbert Ekugbe examines the role Arla Foods’ state-of-the-art dairy farm in kaduna would play in helping to revolutionise Nigeria’s dairy sector.

Although milk production has witnessed a significant leap from 229,000 tonnes in 1972 to 531,587 tonnes in 2021 representing a growth rate of 1.89 per cent. According to reports, Nigeria’s milk market is projected to grow by 6.56 per cent in the next five years resulting in a market volume of $27 billion in 2028.

With the annual demand for fresh milk production in Nigeria hovering around 560,000 to 570,000 tonnes of milk, Nigeria’s demand for milk is estimated to be about 1.7 million tonnes per year hence, the need for both local and foreign investment to bridge the demand gap cannot be overemphasised.

Arla foods is a dairy company with around 8400 farmer owners in seven northern European countries. with a philosophy of producing natural, healthy, and high-quality dairy products which dates back to the 1880s when dairy farmers in Denmark and Sweden joined forces with one common goal to create and provide the best dairy products, Arla Foods, also maker of Dano milk inaugurated its state-of-the-art dairy farm in kaduna as part of the company’s efforts to ensure sustainable milk production in Nigeria. Located in Damau village, Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State, the farm is a state-of the-art Danish designed dairy farm and the first of its kind in Nigeria and with it, Arla is creating the future of dairy in Nigeria. Designed to ensure optimum animal welfare and productivity, the farm will be a showcase for sustainable milk production in Nigeria. it covers 400 hectares of land, with the capacity to house 400 milking cows and 1000 animals in total. Currently, the farm is home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which arrived in may 2023 and are settling well into their new environment.

STATE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT

Commissioned last month by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who described the dairy farm as a

significant milestone and game-changer for the dairy sector in nigeria, also extolled the management of Arla foods for having faith and confidence in nigeria and the kaduna state government especially at a time when the nation is experiencing harsh economic times.

El-rufai explained that the Arla dairy farm is another testament to the commitment of the kaduna state government to collaborating with private organisations and providing the enabling environment for businesses to set up and thrive in the state. he urged the incoming governor of the state, Senator Sani Uba, to continue to support Arla and other companies with investments in the state for economic prosperity.

The executive vice president, Arla foods international, Simon Stevens, described the completion of the farm as a massive achievement for Arla foods in its journey in Nigeria and globally, noting that this success exemplifies the significance of solid partnership and the vast potential available in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the project was conceived in line with the quest to achieve a number of united nations’ sustainable development goals, including 2, 8, 12 and 17.

“This milestone symbolises what can be achieved with strong partnerships. we can see how the contribution of the kaduna state government, the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development, NGOs, the farming community, and many more have helped to deliver a big project. I’m happy that many of my colleagues are celebrating this joyous occasion in Lagos and at the global headquarters in Denmark. and when you look around at these facilities, i hope you are filled with pride as i am. besides, this achievement symbolises the massive potential we see in Nigeria and the exciting journey this country is on. we have been part of this journey for quite some

time, and we are extremely committed to continuing to play a part and contribute to the development of the dairy industry,” Stevens said.

He added that the farm, delivered at an investment cost of over 10 million euros, would serve as a place of milk production and an epicentre of dairy farming knowledge.

In his remarks, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sune Krogstrup, noted that the project demonstrates Arla foods’ commitment to boosting the local dairy segment of the agricultural value chain that would positively impact the economy of kaduna state and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

On her part, the Head of Arla Foods West Africa, Mrs. Anna Månsson, noted that the commissioning of the project is a culmination of a series of events that began with the signing of a lease agreement with the Kaduna state government in 2021, resulting in the securing of farmland and followed by construction work. Månsson also noted that the state-of-the-art dairy farm is the first of its kind in Nigeria, poised to define the future of dairy in Nigeria.

Månsson noted that over 40 people would be directly employed at the farm, as this would serve as a means of livelihood to Nigerians, especially those within the Damau community of kaduna state. she explained that the farm is expected to produce 1.6 million kg of milk in 2024, with a target of 4 million kg of milk annual production.

Also speaking, Vice president of Finance for the International Zone, Arla Foods, Steen Futtrup, stated that the official opening of the farm is a clear example of the company’s commitment to Nigeria, saying that the company is optimistic that the farm would make a significant impact on the local dairy

industry.

Speaking on the features of the farm, the Managing Director, Arla Nigeria, Peder Pedersen, stated that the project, which covers 400 hectares of land with the capacity to house 400 milking cows and 1,000 animals, is designed to ensure optimum animal welfare and productivity.

Pedersen noted that the farm is home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which arrived a few days ago and are settling well into their new environment. according to him, the Holstein breed, known to have a higher yield per cow than local breeds, is expected to produce 5 million kg of milk per year at the farm’s full capacity. He stated that the farm has state-of-the-art technology that offers comfort for animals and helps a great deal in producing high-yielding milking cows.

STAKEHOLDERS’ COMMENDATION

In his goodwill message, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, noted that he is proud to be associated with such a massive investment as this would bring about economic transformation to the people of kaduna state and beyond.

“I am happy to have witnessed many strategic investments in my domain over the last few years. This kind of investment – Arla farm, can only be found in other climes, but I am glad I am witnessing such in my reign on this basis, I would like to say a big thank you to Arla foods, and kaduna state government’s management and staff for this investment,” Bamalli said.

The Managing Director of Kaduna Markets Management and Development Company, Tamar Nandul, stated that the agency is proud to be associated with Arla foods and the value addition to kaduna state investment.

Nandul acknowledged that the farm is unarguably the most advanced single farm in Nigeria and noted that this project would go a long way to improve profitability for herders, revolutionise the state’s dairy value chain and bring about permanent solutions to the herderfarmer crisis.

As the country ushers in a new administration into office, Gilbert Ekugbe , spotlights agric stakeholders’ expectations from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration

Emelah: How Bayelsa Was Removed from Educationally-Disadvantaged States

In this interview, Hon. Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, highlighted the challenges facing education in the state and the successes recorded by Governor Douye Diri over three years ago, removing the state from the educationally disadvantaged category. Uchechukwu Nnaike presents excerpts:

What was your first impression of the ministry on your assumption of office?

I would not see it as first impression because already I was in the system before I was appointed as the Commissioner for Education. While I was in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, I was the House Committee Chairman on Education. Therefore, the issues of education in the state were not alien to me. Remember, as a lawmaker, one of my roles and responsibilities was oversight. Alongside my colleagues in the house, we played oversight roles in the ministry of education and the parasatals under it. That was why it was a bit easy for me to hit the ground running. In other words, I came into a system where I was a bit familiar with the terrain. All I needed to do was to start from what I knew already.

What challenges did you face in the education ministry?

Basically, one of the major challenges is that of funds. This is due to the fact that funds will not always be enough. This reason is that education is very broad. When you talk about education, you are talking about different tiers or levels of education from kindergarten to primary schools, to secondary schools, to tertiary schools and then the MDAs that are under the ministry and of course you know that if you get to the tertiary level, each school is an institution on its own. Therefore, managing education is not always as simple as it seems because it is a very vast area. However, on my assumption of office what I did was not to assume that I know the terrain. I still went ahead to ensure that I visit every single school in the state because I needed a first-hand information about the state of our schools and of course, I used to tell people when they confront me with issues of “some of your schools are dilapidated, the houses are not in good shape”. The thing is, education has been there for quite a very long time right from the colonial era. Some communities got approval for the establishment of secondary schools from the colonial era in the twenties and at that time, some communities were privileged to have school buildings, so there were school buildings in the twenties and in the thirties. Almost every decade, new schools are established, new buildings are erected. Then you want the present administration to touch all these schools within one administrative circle? It is basically an uphill task.

As a government, you have to plan strategically how you can address these issues. This is because if you want to take it headlong, then it has to get to the point where the whole budget or resources that come to the state every month has to be given to education before you can achieve that. As you are doing that, other areas will be begging for attention. There is no way the entire government will only look at your sector, so it becomes a bit difficult. That was why I was saying that the issue of funding has been a problem.

If I have all the funds, I will like to renovate and build more schools across board in a single year. But because the resources are not there, we have to be very strategic and focus on what we need to do to ensure that every community, every school feels the impact of government.

My visit to the schools was very impactful and we were able to know which school needs immediate attention and what we need to do in particular. We were on the visit with a full squad including the media. We have the records. We have the data. Once you want to look at a particular school, all you need to do is to call for the file containing the information about that school and you will see everything. The data include the enrolment, number of teachers, facilities, the states of the facilities and so on. With that, it gave me a clear vision of what I want to do basically at the level of primary, secondary, and tertiary. When we came on board, we had issues with some schools where the courses that they were running lacked accreditations. A

good case in point was the Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education where we had issues of accreditation. Its graduates had challenge of furthering their education because the certificates issued to them were not recognized due to the absence of accreditation. Our College of Health Technology also had the same issue. As a lover of education, the governor directed that all higher institutions in the state should be accredited. It was a marching order that was given to my ministry and we swung into action and at the end of 2021, we were so happy that our efforts really yielded so much fruits. For the first time, our premier tertiary institution, the Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area had over 70 courses and all the courses had full accreditation. Similarly, we were able to accredit all the courses at the Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education and successfully affiliated it to Niger Delta University. In the School of Health Technology, we got their courses accredited. Our medical universities as well as the University of Africa, Sagbama was in the news for good reasons. Everybody was happy and so it has been from one good story to another in Bayelsa State in terms of education.

In what specific ways did you address some challenges you met on the ground?

At the tertiary level, we decided to see what we can do because I noticed that we had so many issues that were confronting the educational system. So as a government, we organised an education summit where we were able to pulled most of the best brains across the country, put them under one roof in Bayelsa State. The essence of the one-week summit was to come up with a 15 years educational plan. The summit was successful. We were able to come up with some good findings. The summit looked at education as a whole namely, kindergarten, nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary. The summit gave us an opportunity to sit down and dissect each of these levels of education, identify the problems and proffer possible solutions. I think it was the outcome of that summit that brought about the issue of establishing technical colleges. We are diversifying our educational system. Before now, our educational system was geared towards the production of graduates for white-collar jobs. Today, we have come up with a policy where we have

to shift from this white-collar education to more practical education. Under this policy, every local government area in the state must have at least one technical college. Hitherto, we have just one technical college in the whole state. But today as a matter of deliberate government policy, we have introduced technical education and given a very serious attention to it to the extent that we have earmarked one technical college for every council. As we speak, we have finished building the one in Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas. Besides, we have added another one in Yenagoa Local Government Area, making it two in the state capital. These schools are heavily populated. We have also commenced building in Ogbia, Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas. The only one left is Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. We are finalising everything about the one situated at Swali, Yenagoa Local Government Area. Already, we are equipping the ones at Sampor, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area and Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area. In the next two weeks, these schools will be ready for commissioning by the governor. By the next academic session, these schools will start to admit students. This is a very laudable achievement of this government. A visit to these schools will show the kind of passion the governor has for technical education.

There is also a searchlight on the primary school level. Before now, teachers try to evade their roles and responsibilities as they were not regular in school. Arising from the summit, we have introduced some reforms at the primary school level. To this end, we are bringing in technology into the teaching and learning situation at the primary school level. Today, we have successfully trained teachers in the use of this technology in four local government areas, namely Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ekeremor and Sagbama. In these four LGAs, we have trained all the primary school teachers and today they use tablets to teach in classes. This is a very laudable innovation with improved lesson notes and high-technology devices. I can assure you that the issue of absenteeism among teachers has drastically reduced. We have been able to achieve about 85 per cent punctuality on the part of the teachers.

How were you able to achieve this in the administration of schools in the state?

This is how the system works. As the teachers use their tablets to teach, the headmasters are given Android handsets. As a teacher goes to school, the first point of call is the headmaster’s office, where he or she is required to clock in. As the teacher clocks in, at the backend, we are seeing him. I do not need to be physically there. So it is mandatory for every headmaster to be in school early. Today, our teachers go to school as early as 7:30 am. The device helps us to even monitor what the teacher is teaching. So if a teacher is expected to start his class at 8 o’clock, if I pick that particular school, I can know all the teachers that are in school at that particular moment because they have all clocked in. The ones that did not clock in are assumed to be absent from school. I can access a class and see what the teacher is doing. For instance, if he is teaching English, I will also be able to ascertain the topic he is supposed to teach. As I watch from the back end, I can see if he’s still teaching and when the class is supposed to end. By so doing, I will know whether he is teaching the wrong topic or he stopped the teaching halfway. I can also call him or the headmaster to find out why he did not complete his teaching period for that day.

With this innovation, teachers have been put on their toes. Initially, they found it difficult but most of them have adjusted and every two days, supervisors from our technical partners are visiting these schools in case there is any need for troubleshooting any of the devices. They can always put them through on how to do it on their own. These innovations are very welcome developments. Through that system, you can

equally check the attendance of the children because all the children’s names in a class are entered into the device. From our backend, I can go to a class and find out the total number of pupils that are supposed to be in that particular class. If I want to probe further, I will click that child’s name and his or her details will pop up. These details include father’s name, mother’s name or guardian’s name, as well as telephone numbers. There are also little details about his or her date of birth, residential address and so on. With these details, I can call the parents or the guardian to find out why the child is not in school. Imagine a parent or guardian receiving a call from the commissioner or the governor on why a child is not in school.

These are the kinds of innovations we have brought into our school system and I can tell you there is an increase in our enrollment as more children are coming back to public schools than in the past. Schools are more productive and we are hopeful that in the next few months, we will bring in the other four LGAs into the programme. We also have what is called Bayelsa PRIME in the state. PRIME is an acronym for Promoting Reforms to Improve and Modernise Education. So when we are talking about Bayelsa PRIME, we are talking about the reforms in the primary school level where we use technology to address the teaching-learning situation in the state. It is the same thing we are working on in the secondary school level. We are partnering with Microsoft to attain these goals. Microsoft has been able to provide some level of training to our teachers and to our administrators. As of now, Microsoft is bringing in HP to partner with us so that we can provide our teachers with laptops. We are doing this based on what happened in 2020 when there was COVID-19. Schools were not only shut down, everyone was compelled to maintain social distance, among other stringent restrictions. At that time, there were no way pupils and students can gather together in the classrooms to learn.

The Diri administration put its thinking cap to ask questions and provide answers proactively. For instance, we asked ourselves, what do we do should that kind of situation that arose during the pandemic arise again? That is why we are thinking ahead and we are trying to see how we can bring technology at the level of secondary schools so that should anything happens, our children can still learn. So those are some of the reforms we have brought into the education system in the state.

Furthermore, we are running boarding facilities in our state. Every LGA has one boarding school. We call it model schools where everything is provided. All the students need to do is to come to school, eat and learn. We also ensure that you do not need to tip anybody to gain admission into these schools. By this time next month, we will be conducting entrance examinations into these schools. We will write to the headmaster of every public primary school to give us their best five pupils in primary six. As part of measures put in place to ensure the success of the exercise, headmasters are mandated to bring these best five pupils to the venue of the entrance examinations. These pupils are subjected to an aptitude test. Immediately the test is over, the scripts are marked and the results announced on the spot. With this kind of arrangement, there is no room to be in suspense or beg anybody to know your fate in the examination. While those who succeeded are admitted into the model secondary schools, those who failed will go to some other schools. This is why in these model schools you can see that children from all the villages are there, because it is free. What we require from you is only when your child is going to school they give him or her prospectus. Maybe the parent may need to buy buckets, plates, stockings, cutleries for their personal use. Those are the things you buy and come to the hostel and stay and learn.

Emelah

Sterling Bank Seeks Investment in Education to Boost Skilled Labour Output

Funmi

Ogundare

The Divisional Head for Growth, Sterling Bank, Obinna Ukachukwu, has called for massive investment in the education sector to ensure that the productivity output of skilled labour being trained for specific education programmes can exceed the funding input over time.

Ukachukwu made the call recently in Lagos while briefing journalists on the importance of creating value that will attract large-scale investments in Nigeria’s education sector.

He explained that when the sector meant to drive skill acquisition that impacts economic productivity, and development is underfunded, the outcome will be sub-optimal skill development.

“As a result, this would lead to a productivity deficit that will have a ripple effect across every other sector,” stated Ukachukwu. “If you want to guarantee the future of a community and nation at large, you have to educate your population in courses that lead to specific acquisition of skills that drive productivity and geared to endeavours that solve actual problems in the society, and not just the issuance of certificates.”

Ukachukwu noted that

SKLD Boss Seeks Strict Sanctions against Peddlers of Fake Educational Products

Funmi Ogundare

the bank’s model focuses on innovation, partnerships, and investments in projects that generate sustainable value for the educated individual, the community and the nation, stressing that “Sterling’s ongoing partnership with Decagon has successfully financed the training of over 600 market-ready software engineers in less than 24 months.”

The divisional head cited instances of active innovations with Job Skillers, Nexford.

Ukachukwu said, “We have students working at Sterling, schooling in the university, and paying for their education from their work allowances. We have also created a banker’s certificate course that trains applicants on banking as a skill to create industry-ready applicants.”

According to him, Sterling has the largest lending portfolio to students in Nigeria, with financing in excess of N 15 billion to the education value chain, anchored with its novel students’ loan propositions and training to upskill educators to ensure that as many of the needs of the industry are met across the board.

Fielding questions during the session, Ukachukwu stated that the outcome of this model is a starting point for the bank to prepare to expand investment in the sector.

The Managing Director of SKLD Integrated Services Limited, Mrs. Temilola Adepetun, has called for sanctions against peddlers of fake products especially fake calculators and educational products imported into the country.

Adepetun, who said this in Lagos recently at a conference designed to showcase CASIO’s dedicated efforts in

advancing education within Nigeria, expressed concern that the country has become a dumping ground.

“I am not sure how far the Standard Organization of Nigeria ( SON) are enforcing the laws. How much of quality assurance are they doing? How many parastatals do they have that are controlling the quality of things that are brought in or imported into Nigeria? What are the customs doing? Do they have

quality control department?” stated Adepetun. “In the case of examination bodies, what are they doing? Are they adopting the authentic calculator? Are they allowing the students to use just any calculator?”

The managing director expressed concern that the fake calculators give wrong answers, adding that it’s time the country begins to sanitise the education materials from the top.

The Education Specialist at Casio in Japan, Koichi Danjo, explained that his organisation proposed a new way of studying mathematics with a scientific calculator uncommon in Nigeria.

He disclosed that last year, his organisation did a pilot project on six schools in Lagos, where they found out that the results of students using scientific calculators in the same subject, compared to non-users, were higher.

CBN

Takes eNaira Sensitisation Drive to Women in UNILAG

Mary

Nnah

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken the sensitisation drive of eNaira to women during the Law Ladies Day programme at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The initiative was to further promote the adoption of eNaira, the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) to women, students, law students and other Nigerians who gathered for the 2023 Law Ladies’ Day programme.

In line with the Law Ladies’ Day programme themed ‘Defying Stereotypes: Celebrating the Different Shades of Femininity’, CBN used the occasion to reach out to students and others within the university campus to sensitise them on the benefits and importance of eNaira transactions and why they should use the channel.

The Special Adviser Payment Systems to the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mary Fasheitan, who took women through the importance of the eNaira, the advantages and opportunities the digital currency offers to the financial community and women, stated that it was high time women embraced eNaira for transactions.

According to her, eNaira offers financial freedom and women inclusivity which other financial instruments do not provide. It offers fast transaction time, and cross-board payment options and gives women financial

Parents Urged to Promote Self-awareness in Children

inclusion.

“eNaira provides a unique form of money denominated in Naira. eNaira serves as both a medium of exchange and a store of value, offering better payment prospects in retail transactions when compared to cash payments. It has an exclusive operational structure that is remarkable and nothing like other forms of central bank money,” she said.

Fasheitan observed that the whole world was going digital, hence the CBN was responding appropriately to the innovation by introducing a lot of cashless policies, of which the eNaira is one, noting that the Central Bank in Nigeria is the first to introduce e-Naira in Africa and only the second in the world.

She encouraged female law students to embrace eNaira and transact with it because it is safe, secure and fully digitalised. “You have nothing to be afraid of because it is one of the most secured channels from the apex bank for transactions.”

The Managing Partner of Hilton Top Solicitors, Deborah Oni described eNaira as an excellent innovation of CBN that should be lauded.

“eNaira offers various advantages and opportunities to its users. Its blockchain technology feature also enables users to make cross-border transactions easily”. She reiterated that the eNaira would foster women’s financial and economic empowerment

A child counselling expert, Mrs. Lauretta Ani, has advised parents to encourage selfawareness in their children as it is an essential skill to cope in school and beyond.

The experienced counsellor gave the advice at a parents’ forum recently held at Greensprings School, Lekki campus.

Ani urged parents to teach their children how to name their emotions and respond to them, pointing out that “this knowledge will help children open up appropriately to

school staff on challenges they have in school and be provided with adequate help.”

She noted that many children have busy parents who do not have time to listen to them. So, the children go to school with the mindset that nobody will listen to them because everyone is busy. Thus, such children suppress whatever challenges they experience until things get out of control.

She urged parents to listen to their children and validate their emotions by teaching

them how to know what they are feeling and how to respond adequately.

“For instance, when angry, children should know what to do. They can take deep breaths or engage in art or writing therapy to help deal with the anger they feel. They can only know about these responses if their emotions are validated at home.”

Ani added that schools also have a role to play in helping children to be self-aware by complementing the efforts of parents.

“While parents do their part to make their children self-aware, schools must also design programmes that will reinforce their children’s self-awareness. For instance, at Greensprings School, we teach our students about self-assessment, goal-setting, character development, and emotional intelligence – and all these help them to become responsible individuals. We also organise frequent forums aimed at discussing proper ways of raising children,” she said.

Chevron, Agbami Parties Donate Classroom to Special Needs School in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Agbami parties, comprising Star Deepwater Petroleum Ltd (A Chevron Company), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services Ltd (NUIMS), Famfa Oil Ltd; Equinor Nigeria Energy Ltd, and Prime 127 Nigeria Ltd, have donated a model classroom block to Special Education Centre, Agbor, Delta State.

The director of Star Deepwater Petroleum Ltd, Michelle Pflueger, while inaugurating the facility, commended the Delta government and the people of Agbor for their support and partnership, underscoring the social investment initiatives of the partners across Nigeria.

“Beyond our core business, the improvement of the quality of life of the people is an important value to the Agbami parties. From Lagos to Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Kaduna, Maiduguri to Port Harcourt, the Agbami parties have continued to add value through our social investment initiatives,” she said.

Pflueger disclosed that several other projects in education, health and economic development were either ongoing or completed across the country, stressing that these include science laboratories, model classroom blocks and chest clinics, among others.

“Today, the parties are adding even more with this

model classroom Block that we are donating to the special needs school. Please join me in applauding the Agbami parties”, she said.

In addition to some of the infrastructural projects being executed, Pflueger said the Agbami Parties have also instituted specialised educational scholarship programmes in support of manpower development in Nigeria through targeted support for medical, nursing, laboratory sciences and engineering students, stressing that many students in Delta State have benefitted from the scholarship scheme.

Principal of the school, Francisca Ezehi, while expressing her appreciation to the donors,

disclosed that the facility has six well-furnished classrooms, a science laboratory, a library, a sickbay, toilets, and a wellspaced walkway, as well as a big, sound-proof generating set, a borehole, a water system and ceiling fans, among others.

Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Bala Wunti, and the representative of the state government, Augustine Oghoro, who’s the permanent secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, urged the school management to make judicious use of the facility while Oghoro appealed to other stakeholders in the private sector to support the development of their host communities.

L-R: Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Sir David Sunmoni, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu and Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello at the 26th convocation ceremony of the university

From Wine to Whisky: Nigeria's Spirited Journey of Tastes and Traditions

Clifford Egbomeade

Nigeria, a country known for its vibrant and diverse culture, has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its alcoholic beverage preferences. From the classic allure of gin to the sophistication of filtered spirits, cognac, and now whisky, Nigeria's journey in alcohol consumption reflects a fascinating tale of changing trends and evolving palates.

For centuries, Nigeria has been home to traditional alcoholic beverages deeply rooted in its cultural fabric. Palm wine, a sweet and refreshing natural drink derived from the sap of palm trees, holds a significant place in Nigerian tradition. Palm wine is often consumed during celebratory occasions and cultural ceremonies. The beverage's natural fermentation process and unique flavours make it a beloved choice among locals. However, as the country's alcohol landscape has expanded, Nigerians have shown an increasing interest in exploring a wider range of spirits - from gin to cognac and whisky.

The gradual shift in taste preferences can be attributed to various factors, including globalisation, exposure to international cuisines, and the influence of the digital age. With increased connectivity and access to information, Nigerians have become more aware of global trends, including the different ranges of alcoholic beverages available worldwide. This newfound exposure has piqued the curiosity of alcoholic beverage consumers and ignited a desire to explore different tastes and experiences.

One trend that has gained traction in Nigeria is the growing popularity of wine. Traditionally associated with European cultures, palm wine has found a special place in the hearts of Nigerian consumers. With a plethora of options now available, ranging from elegant reds to crisp whites and fruity rosés, Nigerians have embraced the sophistication and versatility of wine. Wine bars and festivals have emerged across the country, providing a platform for

enthusiasts to discover and savour a diverse selection of wines from around the world.

Additionally, the rise of Nigerianowned wineries has contributed to the growth of the local wine industry. These wineries not only produce highquality wines but also showcase the unique characteristics of Nigerian terroir. Beyond wine, ‘spirits’ have also witnessed a transformation in Nigeria. Whisky has also gained popularity among Nigeria’s elites.

The allure of spirits lies in their intricate production process, diverse flavour profiles, and the aura of sophistication and luxury associated with their consumption, among others. Whisky bars, clubs, and tasting events have become social hotspots, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts who appreciate the depth

and complexity of this renowned beverage. Evidently, the popularity of whisky can be linked to the growing purchasing power of upper-class consumers and the aspirational spending habits of the growing middle class, laced with a strong desire for luxury brands and premium experiences.

Currently, the Nigerian whisky market is projected to reach 83.85 million USD in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 11.80% for the period 2019-2024. In global comparison, most revenue is generated in the United States, with a market value of US$18.57 billion in 2023. Estimates also suggest that, in the Nigerian whisky market, volume is expected to amount to 9.89 million litres by 2027.

Among the leading trends in the global whisky category are the premiumisation and expansion of the whisky segment. Although price remains the key purchase criterion, the global whiskey market has witnessed a very strong trend of premiumisation, supported by

consumers’ immense openness to innovation and the increasing popularity of mixology. The desire for premium experiences and drinks of a niche variety explains the rising trend among wealthier consumers.

Amidst the changing consumption habits of consumers, The Macallan, one of the world’s most premium single malt scotch whiskies, has emerged as a symbol of excellence and craftsmanship. Recognising the discerning taste buds and growing luxury market in Nigeria, it has become a preferred choice among whisky enthusiasts and also established its presence as an ultra-premium single-malt Scotch whisky brand. Its exceptional range of expressions caters to the refined preferences of Nigerian consumers, offering a sensory journey of flavours and an unparalleled whisky experience.

The extensive range of expressions, from smooth and rich to complex and sophisticated, caters to the diverse palates of Nigerian consumers. Whether one seeks the richness of sherry casks, the complexity of smoky notes, or the smoothness of carefully aged whiskies, The Macallan delivers an array of expressions to satisfy whisky enthusiasts. Rooted in Scotland, it has perfected the art of whisky production by drawing upon its six pillars, exceptional spirit and craftsmanship, and almost two hundred years of mastery.

The journey from wine to whisky in Nigeria is a testament to the changing tastes and preferences of its people. The evolving whisky market reflects a desire for exploration, sophistication, and a celebration of diversity. With the market expanding and consumer preferences evolving, the whisky market in Nigeria is poised for growth and innovation.

As the nation continues on this spirited journey, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing international trends and preserving traditional beverages. By doing so, Nigeria can create a whisky market that is both culturally rich and globally relevant.

-Egbomeade is a Public Relations and Comms Adviser in Nigeria.

How the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Has Served as a Career Booster

The Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) has become the most anticipated annual awards ceremony that recognises outstanding achievements in the African film and television industry. Since the inaugural edition held on March 9, 2013, the organisers – Africa Magic and MultiChoice – have remained committed to spotlighting the best in the industry across the various fields that make the African film and TV industry successful.

Until the COVID-induced hiatus in 2021, the awards held annually, allowing African creators to submit their best projects for the year for critiquing and approval from a technical community and the viewers. Since it’s grand return in 2022, with an eight-day spectacle of celebration and its recently held 3-day celebration, the awards have redesigned and redefined what it truly means to be a content creator and an entertainer. The organisers have expanded the scope to cover digital, hosting, and even the fashion industry, highlighting the importance of these categories and paying credence to the hard work behind each project.

As a viewer’s choice award, the audience chooses out of the obvious talents they see and crown categories like Best Actor/Actress, Best Films, and Best Social content creator. A clear example is Bimbo Ademoye, who won the award for best actress in a Comedy in May this year. Bimbo, who had slowly grown her fanbase with social media content creation and transited on to the big screen in leading blockbuster projects in the year under review – a testament to her widening acting range. When she received her nomination this year alongside 5-time winner Funke Akindele, it was evident that the fans were rooting for her. The announcement that she broke the latter’s streak created much hurrah from the audience, mostly her industry peers.

The viewers’ ability to vote automatically outlines which stars have the most fans or eyeballs to the directors and producers. Usually, the more fans or viewers a talent can attract, the

more work they can secure. It means that the actors can convert their talent to eyeballs and then to money in ticket or subscription sales. According to the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI), the industry generates $5 billion in annual revenue out of a potential $20 billion.

Winning an AMVCA or even receiving a nomination brings significant recognition and prestige to actors, directors, producers, and other industry professionals. The awards are highly regarded and widely covered by the media continentally and internationally. This recognition opens doors to new opportunities and increases industry visibility. For example, after winning the 2021 ‘Best Social Content Creator’ award, Sabinus has headlined live shows in London, Port Harcourt and Enugu and has another slated for Abuja in July. He also appeared in the TV series - ‘Sisi Eko’ and ‘Chronicles of Mr Sabi’.

The AMVCA ceremony brings together industry professionals, including actors, filmmakers, producers, and executives. Attending the event provides a platform for networking and establishing connections with influential individuals in the African film and television industry. These connections can lead to collaborations on future projects and provide valuable mentorship opportunities.

Winning or being recognised at the AMVCA enhances an individual’s marketability within the African entertainment industry. It often leads to increased demand for their talent, resulting in higher-profile roles, endorsements, brand partnerships, and appearances in other projects. The award is a testament to their skills and can significantly elevate their career trajectory. The recipients of the ‘Trailblazer’ awards are examples.

Since winning, actors like Bisola Aiyeola, Teniola Aladese, Swanky JKA, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Kemi Lala-Akindoju, Ivie Okujaiye have taken on lead roles in some of the most successful projects from the industry. Bisola Aiyeola has appeared in over seven of Nigeria’s top 100 highest-grossing films since her 2018 win. She was one of the major acts on ‘Sugar Rush’, which gathered 287 million at the box office in 2020. Other projects include ‘Dwindle’, ‘Bling Lagosians’, ‘Breaded Life’, ‘Introducing The Kujus’, ‘A Simple Lie’, and more.

The AMVCA has helped raise the international profile of African cinema and television. With streaming platforms like Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon Prime playing heavily in the African film space, winning an AMVCA exposes talents to much recognition and allows the platforms to get excited about working with them. When Adesua Etomi beat Genevieve Nnaji, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Belinda Effah, Fulu Mugovhani and Mary Lazarus in 2016 to clinch the ‘Best Actress’ award, she solidified her place as an A-lister and a force to reckon with.

Kunle Afolayan won the ‘Overall Best Movie’ award in 2015 on ‘October 1’, and has received other nominations since. He was one of the first directors Netflix courted while trying to solidify the ‘Naija’ market. James Omokwe received a nomination for Best Movie in 2014 for his thriller film, ‘The Awakening’ in 2013. When Showmax was looking to produce their first original Nigerian Thriller, ‘Diiche’, in 2022, they called on him to direct. Interestingly, both directors took home awards at the 2023 edition for projects on the aforementioned platforms. Afolayan’s ‘Anikulapo’ was the night's biggest winner with five awards. While Omokwe’s ‘Diiche’ won him the ‘Best Television Series’ award. Afolayan shared his excitement over his recent win, “All thanks to Olodumare - 5 Awards. Congratulations to the winning team. Thanks to Netflix for the partnership to make the film and Africa Magic for the recognition.

Thanks to the #kunlesfolayanfans and soldiers, Maami, all my well-wishers for the prayers and

thanks to families and friends for the support.”

Beyond the established names, the AMVCA has provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and gain exposure. The awards have served as a launchpad for many up-and-coming actors, directors, and filmmakers, helping them gain recognition and kick-start their careers. With categories like the ‘Best Short Film’, ‘Trailblazer’, and ‘Best MTF Film’, they continue to spotlight fast-rising talents and create a path for them.

At the 2023 AMVCAs, 17-year-old Angel Unigwe joined the cohort of prestigious Trailblazer Award winners. Also, MTF alumni received nominations in multiple categories away from the MTF one in ‘Best Movie East Africa’, ‘Best Indigenous Language: Swahili’, ‘Best Short Film/ Online Video category’, and ‘Best Movie Southern Africa’. MTF West Africa also recorded a win with ‘Leaked’ at the Awards.

MTF Academy West Africa Director Atinuke Babatunde said, “We are proud to see our people making waves at the AMVCAs. It’s more proof of how their work contributes to the creative space and helps to grow the economy of their countries.” By spotlighting new talents, the AMVCA has contributed to the growth and diversification of the African entertainment industry.

It's important to note that the impact of the AMVCAs on an individual's career can vary depending on various factors, including the talent's existing body of work, industry connections, and overall talent and dedication to their craft. The AMVCAs have had positive effects on the African film and television industries, both economically and creatively. The awards have encouraged investment in local productions and have contributed to the growth of infrastructure, talent development, and job creation within the industry. Additionally, the recognition and success garnered by award-winning films and TV shows have helped to attract investments, both domestically and internationally, further fueling the growth of the African entertainment sector.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Ramsey Nouah; Creative Photographer and Publisher of Mania Magazine, Kelechi Amadi-Obi; Relationship Counsellor and Artiste, Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun and Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi at The Art Hotel, Lagos, recently

Caverton Seeks Fresh Capital Injection, to Diversify Business

Nume Ekeghe

Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, has unveiled plans to further boost its business through diversification within the aviation and marine sectors while exploring other more profitable areas for investments and business development.

Chairman of Caverton Group, Aderemi Makanjuola, who made the disclosure during the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, noted that the operational year ended December 31, 2022, marked the coming to fruition of a key component of the company’s diversification strategy with its training arm becoming operational.

“A total of 22 personnel of the Nigeria Air Force were trained on various aviation enrichment courses at the Caverton Training Centre

being the first of many planned short courses which will continue, “he said. Besides the training business, Makanjuola disclosed that the company is increasing its operation in the marine sector with the construction of 40-seater waterbuses, which will improve revenue and profit in the years ahead. The waterbus business is expected to come into operation by the end of the ongoing financial year.

He informed shareholders that the boats are locally made and are wholly-financed internally without securing debt. Speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Caverton Plc, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, disclosed that the board of directors are working towards attracting foreign investments into the company.

He noted that it’s Cameroon partner, COTCO, signed a new contract with Caverton in

May 2023.

Also speaking, the company’s shareholder, Mr. Nona Awoh, expressed displeasure about the rising indebtedness of the company to banks. “We paid N12billion debt this year and about N32billion is still pending. I want to know the other funding models that our company seeks to adopt?,”Awoh had inquired.

Another shareholder, Sir Sunny Nwosu, was not pleased that shareholders did not receive dividend in the last two financial years and asked if the trend will change in the new financial year ongoing.

Responding, the CEO of Caverton assures that the dividend draught being experienced by the shareholders will soon end. He disclosed that 2023 is expected to produce a more impressive result than the preceding two years.

Stakeholders Harp On MfB Sustainable Finance to Drive Growth

Kayode Tokede

As the world increasingly recognizes the need to transit to a more sustainable economy, stakeholders in the Microfinance Bank (MfB) are championing the sector’s sustainable finance targeted at driving growth and raising capital.

The 2023 theme was, “Sustainable Finance: the next big thing for Microfinance Institutions in Nigeria.”

The Chief Operating Officer MLDC & Coordinator, Nigeria Microfinance Platform (NMP), Mr. Adetunji Afolabi

in its opening remarks at 8th Annual Symposium in Lagos recently explained that sustainable finance is a new approach to investing that considers the environmental and social impact of investments.

He noted that the 2023 theme is timely, as the world increasingly recognizes the need to transition to a more sustainable economy.

According to him, sustainable finance seeks to generate financial returns while also having a positive impact on the environment

and society,stressing that it can be a powerful tool for microfinance institutions as it can help them to raise capital, reduce their costs, and improve their impact.

“This symposium is an important opportunity for us to come together and share our knowledge and expertise on Sustainable Finance. We are facing a number of challenges in this area, and I believe that by working together as stakeholders in the inclusive finance sector of the economy, we can make progress towards finding solutions, “he said.

Mutual Benefit Assurance Grows Profit by 88.24%

Ebere Nwoji

Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc has announced that it recorded increase in its underwriting profit to 88.24 per cent from N4.45 billion in 2021 to N8.37 billion in 2022.

The management said it achieved this despite increases witnessed in its claims and underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31,2022.

Addressing the shareholders at the 27th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos, Chairman Mutual Benefit Assurance, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, said during the year

under review, implementation of various investment strategies resulted in an increase in the Group’s investment income by 60.60 percent from N1.46billion in 2021 to N2.34billion in 2022.

He said these investment strategies resulted in the group’s operating profit of N3.49 billion in 2022 as against the loss of N5.54 billion in 2021 caused by the negative impact of the economic variables on the investment outlook of fairvalued financial instruments.

According to him, the Mutual Benefit group recorded a 14.27 percent growth in Gross Premium Written (GPW) from N29.30billion in 2021

to N33.48billion in 2022.

He said this was driven by a 17.29 percent growth in Gross Premium Written in Life insurance business, from N12.01billion in 2021 to N14.09billion in 2022 and a 12.17 percent increase in nonlife business from N17.28billion in 2021 to N19.39billion in 2022.

Ogunbiyi also said the group recorded a 28.08 percent increase in Net Premium income from N22.46billion in 2021 to N28.76billion in 2022.

According to him, adverse claims experience and underwriting expenses resulted in increases of 9.31 percent and 25.36 percent respectively.

NAFDAC Report Endorses Indomie Safe for Consumption

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has declared the scientific testing the agency conducted proved Indomie Instant Noodles is safe for consumption at a press conference on Thursday.

According to a statement, Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye was quoted to have emphasized the safety of locally-produced Indomie noodles in Nigeria.

The statement, issued bu Dufil Prima Foods Limited, the owners of Indomie said she assured consumers that the recalled ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ variant in Taiwan and Malaysia is not present

anywhere in the Nigerian market.

The NAFDAC DG was quoted to have said, “A total of 114 samples of instant noodles and additives were tested for ethylene oxide and heavy metal (ions). We got 58 samples from various factories, 24 samples from Lagos markets, 16 samples from Abuja, and 16 samples from Kano. Two methodologies were used to test the various samples collected, namely: Gas Chromatography - an analytical technique used to separate and detect the chemical components, and Mass Spectrometry Detector - an analytic technique by which chemical substances

are identified by the sorting of gaseous ions in electric and magnetic fields.”

Explaining the delay in releasing the test result, Adeyeye stated that it was due to the fact that some of the reagent and technology used had to be imported into the country and also that the process had to be scientific and thoroughly done by NAFDAC.

Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Temitope Ashiwaju highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards both nationally and internationally and supporting the local economy.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 16 JUNE, 2023

L-R: Manager, Information Technology and Support Services, Bridge Clinic, Oladimeji Ajayi; Managing Director, Mr.Sunny Ekhalume; Head of Nursing Services, Omowunmi Ajay and Embryologist, Idris Ganiyu, at the 9th Nigeria Health care Excellence Award ceremony where Bridge Clinic was awarded with IVF Service provider of the year in Lagos... recently

GTCO Crosses N1trn Mark In Market Cap

Kayode Tokede

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) gained N5.20 per cent or N1.70 per share to cross the N1trillion in market capitalisation yesterday as investors sustained interest in fundamentals stock on the on The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The lender hits N1.01trillion in market cap yesterday when

its stock price closed at N34.40 per share from N32.70 per share.

Just in two-day, the stock price of GTCO added 9.4per cent or N2.95 per share from N31.45 per share it opened for trading this week.

However, the stock market of the NGX yesterday sustained its upswing as the overall capitalisation rose by N421 billion following price uptick

in Seplat Energy and 50 others.

Accordingly, the NGX All Share Index (ASI) gained by 772.98 basis points or 1.30 per cent to close at 60,108.86 basis points. Also, market capitalisation gained N421 billion to close at N32.730 trillion.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 51 stocks gained relative to 13 losers. Afromedia, Courteville Business Solutions,

Ikeja Hotel and Omatek Ventures recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at 22 kobo, 66 kobo, N3.63 and 33 kobo respectively, per share.

Transcorp Hotel followed with a gain of 9.97 per cent to close at N21.29, while Ellah Lakes appreciated by 9.88 per cent to close at N3.56, per share.

On the other hand, Red Star Express led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N3.15,

per share. C&I Leasing followed with a decline of 9.79 per cent to close at N3.50, while Morison Industries declined by 9.22 per cent to close at N1.97, per share.

Sovereign Trust Insurance depreciated by 7.41 per cent to close at 50 kobo, while May & Baker Nigeria declined by 6.42 per cent to close at N5.10, per share.

The total volume traded increased by 38.18 per cent

to 763.696 million units, valued at N12.534 billion, and exchanged in 9,463 deals. Transactions in the shares of Access Holdings topped the activity chart with 111.668 million shares valued at N1.741 billion. GTCO followed with 78.986 million shares worth N2.693 billion, while United Bank of Africa (UBA) traded 72.292 million shares valued at N878.219 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/27/23

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 26June-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Sierra Leonean President, Bio Wins Re-election

Jonathan, Osinbajo sue for peace

From Olusegun Adeniyi in Freetown

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone was yesterday re-elected for another term of five years, according to the results declared by the country’s electoral commission.

According to the Chairman of Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, Bio of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), secured 1,566,932 votes representing 56.17 per cent of the total votes cast in last Saturday’s general election.

He defeated 12 other candidates, including Dr Samura Kamara of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC), who secured 1,148,262 votes, representing 41.16 per cent of total votes cast.

According to Konneh, 11,712 polling station results were entered into the result database, representing 98.98 per cent of all polling stations across the country.

With 2,800,691 voters representing 83 per cent national turnout, the total number of valid votes cast was put at 2,789,808 while the total number of invalid votes was 10,883.

“A total number 120 polling stations were not entered into the result database due to either being tampered with and therefore quarantined at regional tally centres; or unavailability of result form caused by violence at identified polling stations,” Konneh stated while reaffirming that the invalid votes were not enough to materially affect the outcome.

But the main opposition candidate,

Kamara, has rejected the outcome.

Kamara, who Monday described the electoral process as “daylight robbery” said yesterday that he would not accept the declaration of Bio as winner.

“It is a sad day for our beloved country,” Kamara tweeted after the announcement, saying, “It is a frontal attack on our fledgling democracy. These results are not credible, and I categorically reject the outcome so announced by the electoral commission. I will rise above this travesty, and I commit myself to continue the fight for a better Sierra Leone.”

The presidential hopeful, however, echoed the position of his party, APC, whose officials had Monday vowed not to accept the result.

“In view of these grave infractions,

abuse of the democratic process and unprecedented lack of inclusivity, transparency and accountability, the APC cannot in anyway accept these results. We totally reject the chief electoral commissioner’s announcement of such cooked-up figures,” the party stated.

Meanwhile, immediately the result was announced, yesterday, Bio was sworn in at the State House for a second term. But amid concerns over a possible breakdown of law and order.

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, and immediate past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, had joined other heads of international election observation missions in appealing to the people of the country “to continue exercising patience and restraint.”

In a statement by Jonathan for West African Elders Forum, Osinbajo for the Commonwealth, Mr Hailemariam Boshe for the African Union and Mr Mohammed Ibn Chambas for ECOWAS, they urged “all Sierra Leoneans within and outside the country to refrain from any inflammatory language that could lead to violence, loss of lives and the destruction of the country.”

Shortly before the result was declared, yesterday, the National Election Watch (NEW), a coalition of local and international organisations that monitored the general election thanked the ECSL for providing them a comprehensive data regarding the “partial election results from 60% of polling stations across the country” released on Monday.

WORLD BANK: FOUR MILLION MORE NIGERIANS PUSHED INTO POVERTY IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2023

manage the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

According to Washington-based institution, "compensating transfers will be essential in helping to shield Nigerian households from the initial price impacts of the petrol subsidy reform."

The multilateral development institution which made the disclosure in Abuja, yesterday, during the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU), also stated that the recent removal of petrol subsidy and the foreign exchange (FX) reforms were critical steps towards addressing long-standing macroeconomic imbalances.

The reforms, it noted, have the potential to establish a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Dissecting the NDU, the World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria and co-author of the report, Alex Sienaert, said four million more Nigerians were pushed into poverty in the first half of 2023.

Sienaert, who stressed the need for a new social compact to protect poor

and most vulnerable Nigerians in the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal, noted that about 7.1 million more Nigerians would further slip into the poverty quagmire at the end of the year if the right incentives were not properly channeled to help poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

Commenting on the headwinds of the forex reforms, he observed a number of adverse consequences, including rising inflation and the increase of debt-to-GDP to about 46 per cent.

The June 2023 edition of the World NDU titled, ‘Seizing the Opportunity,’ acknowledged the recent major reforms initiated by the new administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, such as the elimination of the petrol subsidy and reforms in the FX market.

The report observed that the reforms were crucial to begin to rebuild fiscal space and restore macroeconomic stability, adding that they would lift Nigeria’s growth potential, with the economy expected to grow at 3.3 per cent in 2023, 3.7 per cent in 2024, and 4.1 per cent

in 2025.

"While inflation will be higher in 2023, it will be lower in 2024 and 2025 if the right policy mix is sustained. Compensating transfers will be essential in helping to shield Nigerian households from the initial price impacts of the subsidy reform.

"Without compensation, many households could be pushed into poverty by higher petrol prices and forced to resort to coping mechanisms with long-term adverse consequences, such as not sending children to school, or not going to health facilities to seek preventative healthcare.

"To build on the immediate, major reforms, and seize the opportunity to rise to its potential, Nigeria still has other urgent choices to make," the report said.

It stated: "In the first part of 2023, Nigeria’s economic growth weakened, and real gross domestic product (GDP) growth fell from 3.3 per cent in 2022 to 2.4 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q1 2023.

"The challenging global economic context has put pressure on Nigeria’s economy. However, domestic policies

play the major role in determining Nigeria’s economic performance and resilience to further external shocks.

"The previous mix of fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies, including the naira redesign program, did not deliver the desired improvements in growth, inflation and economic resilience.

"The new government has recognised the need to chart a new course and has already made a start on critical reforms, such as the elimination of the petrol subsidy and reforms in the FX market.

"With the petrol subsidy removal, the government is projected to achieve fiscal savings of approximately N2 trillion in 2023, equivalent to 0.9 per cent of GDP.

"These savings are expected to reach over N11 trillion by the end of 2025. However, compensating transfers will be essential to help shield the most vulnerable Nigerian households from the initial price impacts of the subsidy reform, as without compensation, many households could be pushed into poverty by higher petrol prices and have to

AT SALLAH, TINUBU GREETS MUSLIMS, PROMISES SECURITY, ECONOMIC REFORMS

Tinubu, in a statement titled, "We Must Multiply Our Good Deeds", and personally signed, described Eid-el-Kabir as a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.

Urging Muslim faithful to multiply good deeds with kindness to their fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable, he noted that he was aware of the security and economic challenges being faced by the country.

The president, however, assured the people that the problems of the nation were not insurmountable, and that he was working day and night with his team, fleshing out solutions, to reform the economy and remove all impediments to growth.

"I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir. We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid. As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those, who may not be as fortunate like us. Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.

"There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as sacrifice to Allah. The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim's life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.

"At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I

want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions.

“We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth. As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter. I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration."

Buhari Seeks Support for Tinubu, Says It’s Tough Leading Nigeria

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, has called on Nigerians to support the administration of Bola Tinubu, with a view to succeeding.

Buhari, in a Sallah message by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, described governing a country like Nigeria as the hardest challenge in life.

The ex-president stated: "In his Sallah message, former President Muhammadu Buhari wishes Nigerian Muslims a happy Eid and to those on pilgrimage, Hajj Mabrur and a safe return home.

"He said leading a country like Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life and urged Nigerians to fully support the Tinubu administration to succeed and that leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens."

Atiku Charges Muslims on Love, Sacrifice

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

A press release by his Media Office yesterday enjoined Muslims in Nigeria to take a lesson of forbearance from the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

According to him, “The significance of the festival that we

are celebrating today (Wednesday) is about the profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims.”

He went further to remind Muslims of the obligation to follow the noble examples of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Mohammed (SAW) by being kind and generous to the people around them, saying, “The scriptures on all prophets of Allah are replete with good examples of how they related with everyone during their lifetimes.

“We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Mohammed, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families, but the communities where we find ourselves.”

Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians

to Imbibe Prophet’s Sacrifice Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Nigerians, especially Muslims, urging them to imbibe the lessons in the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.

He also encouraged the Muslim faithful to work with other faith for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, in his Eid-el-Kabir message by his Media Adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, congratulated Muslims in Lagos and advised them to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.

He also advised the Muslim faithful to draw lessons from the Prophet’s examples by eschewing tendencies that could severe the unity and stability in Nigeria.

Speaking on the significance of the Eid al-Adha, Governor SanwoOlu said the celebration became a symbolic event in the history of mankind, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith

in God despite being afflicted.

“On behalf of my family and the government of Lagos State, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state and Nigeria a happy Eid-el-Kabir, which comes with significant lessons for mankind,” he said.

Abiodun Calls for Sacrifice, Patriotism

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

Abiodun, in his message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said what Nigeria needed at this critical stage of her development were sacrifices, love and unity.

According to the governor, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of obedience to God's command was the greatest act of obeisance, which all Nigerians must imbibe to ensure national unity and economic growth.

He said Nigeria entered a new era on May 29, with the swearing in of a new government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the new government was faced with critical issues of national importance.

“The significance of this celebration should not be lost on every Nigerian. The new government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has introduced measures to launch the country on the path to development.”

Mutfwang Urges Muslims to Imbibe Virtue of Sacrifice

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration, urging them to imbibe the virtues of love, selflessness, and sacrifice that the festival represents.

The coalition claimed to have trained and deployed 6,000 observers across the country covering every polling centre.

“Of these observers, 750 were specially trained and deployed to a statisticallyrepresentative sample of polling stations across all the five regions and 16 districts in Sierra Leone, using the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology.”

The coalition then declared: “Based on our PRVT findings and the ECSL data announced thus far, we are confident that once all votes are counted with integrity, voter turnout will be 77.3% +/- 1.7% (between 75.4% and 79%); and no candidate will reach the constitutional threshold of 55% of votes cast in the first round.”

resort to coping mechanisms with long-term adverse consequences.”

It added: "Similarly, the move to harmonise the FX windows will help to improve the efficiency of the FX market, unlock private investment, and reduce inflationary pressures, but it is crucial to complete this important reform by removing FX restrictions, clearly communicating how the new FX regime will operate, and implementing supportive monetary and fiscal policies.

“The current move by the government to implement long-anticipated reforms such as the removal of costly and opaque petrol subsidy, and efforts to harmonise the multiple FX windows, are timely and crucial to set Nigeria on the path of economic growth.”

"Persistently high inflation and low fiscal revenues continue to hinder economic growth. It remains imperative to change course, as sluggish economic growth risks becoming deeply entrenched through low investment due to weak macroeconomic conditions, escalating poverty, and fragility.

"The removal of the petrol subsidy and the FX reforms have opened a window of opportunity that, if effectively seized by sustaining and building on these reforms, could have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians and establish a solid foundation for sustained growth," the World Bank report stated.

The report recommended specific, critical measures to build on the government’s 'bold start' in implementing critical reforms, to ensure that Nigeria rises to its full potential.

roeconomic stability by increasing non-oil revenue, reducing inflation through a sequenced and coordinated mix of trade, monetary and fiscal policies, and completing the FX reform.

Others are expanding social protection to protect the poor and most vulnerable, and developing and communicating how, as fiscal space recovers, resources will be redirected over time to meet urgent development challenges.

The World Bank report observed that Nigeria could seize this window of opportunity to further implement a comprehensive reform package that encompasses a range of complementary fiscal, monetary, trade, and structural policy measures to maximise the collective impact on growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

To shield the poor and most vulnerable from increases in living costs, temporary and targeted cash transfers should be considered, as part of a new social compact to sustainably redirect resources towards addressing Nigeria’s most urgent development priorities, it stated

In a panel discussion on the report, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde; Special Adviser to the President on Monetary Policy, Mr. Wale Edu; the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, D. Chaudhuri Shubham and the Chairman of Coronation Capital, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede provided different perspectives on how to sustain the reforms and cushion the impact on poor and vulnerable Nigerians. For Shubham, the reforms should

These included restoring mac- Continued on page 44

TO MITIGATE RELATED RISKS, CBN SETS LIMITS FOR CONTACTLESS PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS

the daily cumulative limit was set at N50,000.

The apex bank disclosed this in a circular dated June 27, 2023, which was signed by CBN Director, Payment System Management Department, Mr. Musa Jimoh, that was addressed to banks and Other Financial Institutions and Payment Service Providers.

The CBN further disclosed that higher-value contactless payments – transactions that exceeded the stipulated limits – would require verification and authorisation to complete.

The bank added that for such transactions exceeding the limits, existing KYC requirements and limits on electronics payment channels shall apply.

It stated that limits above the stipulated daily cumulation shall be conducted through contact-based technology.

Also, the CBN said the guidelines was in furtherance of its efforts to standardise operations in the payment system while encouraging the deployment of innovative products and sustaining financial system stability.

Essentially, contactless payment involves the consummation of financial transactions without physical contact between the payer and the acquiring devices and had

been identified as an innovative payment option for the safe and efficient conduct of low-value and large-volume payments.

The innovation enables an alternative payment method whereby payment instruments were used without physical contact with devices.

The technology provides easy, convenient, and efficient cashless options for users.

The central bank also listed examples of contactless payment instruments including pre-paid, debit and credit cards, stickers, fobs, wearable devices, tokens, and mobile electronic devices.

According to the bank, the framework was conceived to ensure that participants in contactless payments implement appropriate risk management processes and measures while keeping to the best relevant standards.

Contactless-enabled payment terminals interact with contactless payment devices to facilitate payments.

The framework, however, mandated stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the guidelines and relevant regulations of the bank.

The CBN, among other things, warned that non-adherence to these provisions shall attract appropriate sanctions and penalties as may be determined by the bank.

FULLY EQUIPPED LIBRARY DONATED BY ONASANYA...

EU Presents Final Report on Nigeria’s General Election

Offers 23 recommendations for improvement

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has presented its final report on Nigeria’s 2023 general election and offered 23 recommendations for future improvement.

The elections were held mainly on February 25 and March 11, 2023, with run off few days later.

Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) of the highly disputed election with both defeated candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presently at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to win back what they described as their, “stolen mandate.”

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja, the Chief Observer, EU EOM, Barry Andrews, noted that his team carried out its work between January 11 and April 11, on the invitation of the INEC.

He added that a delegation of the European Parliament joined the EU EOM for the observation of the

Presidential and National Assembly elections, and that the mission accredited a total of 110 observers from 25 EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Canada.

Andrews, also in its presentation, stated that in the lead up to the 2023 general election, Nigerian citizens demonstrated a clear commitment to the democratic process.

He, however noted that, "the election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signal a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability.”

The EU EOM noted that shortcomings in law and electoral administration hindered the conduct of well-run and inclusive elections and damaged trust in INEC.

The EU EOM offered 23 recommendations for consideration by the Nigerian authorities that would contribute to improvement of future elections, Andrews said: “We are particularly concerned about the need for reform in six areas which we have identified as priority recommendations, and we believe,

Owen Omogiafo Purchases

N47.7m Worth of Transcorp Shares

Kayode Tokede

The President of Transnational Corporation Plc, Dr. Owen Omogiafo has purchased N47.7 million worth of shares of the conglomerate which has investments in the hospitality, power and oil and gas sectors.

Omogiafo, on June 23, 2023 purchased 2,782,318 at N3.14; 9,574,349 at N3.15 and 2,827,016 at N3.13 of the Corporation, equivalent to N47.7million in value.

The acting Company Secretary, Transcorp, Funmi Olofintuyi in a signed notice on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), disclosed that Omogiafo acquired a total of aggregate volume worth 15,183,683 of the group.

The acquisition of 15,183,683 million shares represented 0.04per cent of the company’s total outstanding shares of the company.

With the acquisition, Omogiafo has increased her number of shares from 12,634,188 units as of December 31, 2022, to 27,817,871 units.

As of June 27, the company stock closed on the NGX at N3.46 per share.

The diversified conglomerate in Power, Oil & gas, Hospitality in

2022 financial year paid a dividend of N2.03 billion as against N812.96 million in 2021, being five kobo per share on the outstanding ordinary shares of 40,647,990,293 shares of 50 kobo each.

The growth in dividend pay-out was on the back of impressive performance across all its subsidiaries, most especially the power sector which contributed about 77 per cent or N103.3 billion out of N134.72billion of total revenue reported in 2022.

Other sectors, hospitality contributed 23.3 per cent or N31.44 billion in revenue, while corporate centre hit N10.32 billion in revenue from the N5.13 billion reported in 2021.

Overall, the Group closed 2022 with N134.72 billion revenue, which was an increase of 21 per cent from N111.22 billion in 2021, while profit before tax rose to N30.28 billion in 2022, representing an increase of 8.1 per cent from N28billion reported in 2021.

Amid impressive performance in 2022 financial year, the group in first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2023, with sustained growth in revenue, among other key financial parameters in the period under review.

if implemented, could contribute to improvements for the conduct of elections.”

The six priority recommendations pointed to the need to: Remove ambiguities in the law; establish a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members; ensure real-time publication of and access to election results; provide greater protection for media practitioners; address discrimination against women in political life, and; impunity regarding electoral offenses.

He added: “Importantly, there is a need for political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria,” insisting that inclusive

dialogue between all stakeholders on electoral reform remains crucial.

He said the European Union was ready to support Nigerian stakeholders in the implementation of the recommendations.

Reacting, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who spoke to journalists after the presentation, said significant improvements on the 2023 elections had been reported thus far by international observers.

He said: "We are going to harmonise all the reports by international observers that have been presented and we are going

to look at the reports holistically.”

He added that: “From the report presented, the EU made mention of the fact that there have been significant improvements in our electoral process and there have been so many positives to this particular election.

"One of the positives is that we registered over 93 million Nigerians during this election. Not only that if you look at the reports submitted by international observers, in terms of voters’ accreditation, the BVAS performed optimally."

Okoye, however admitted that there were challenges, promising that recommendations from

international observers would be worked on and implemented.

He said: "But there were also few challenges and looking at those challenges, one must look at the context and the environment of the election.

"Insecurity was in some parts of the country which we cannot dispute. Secondly, violence was targeted towards our staff and some Nigerians. Fuel scarcity and naira re-design also were challenges.”

He however said: “Recommendations have been made on administrative and legal issues and we are going to harvest them and implement them."

FG Introduces Annual Vehicle Ownership Verification Fee of N1000

Segun James

Lagos State government in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has commenced the issuance of Certificate of Ownership to vehicle owners in the state.

The initiative was announced yesterday, at a media briefing at Alausa, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, According to him, the new Poof of Ownership Certificate (POC)

does not replace all existing vehicle documents such as the driver's licence, road worthiness, among others, but would help to create a database of the number of vehicles that come into and operate in the state as well as ensure safety and security of Lagosians.

He added that the initiative would also be implemented in other states so as to have harmonised data of all vehicles, both commercial and private for easy tracking of vehicles and their owners in case of any criminal

offense.

He further said the POC was obtainable at any nearest licencing office at the point of renewal of other vehicle papers at an annual fee of N1000.

"I am pleased to announce the implementation of a new initiative that aims to streamline and enhance the process of vehicle ownership verification which is the annual Proof of Ownership Certificate, in line with compliance with legal requirement fundamental to transparency, security and ac-

UNICEF Advises on Consumption of Local Meals to Boost Healthcare

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Enugu office of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has advised mothers in Anambra State on the need to eat and also serve their children healthy and nutritious meals.

The organisation also said many local food found in rural communities were far more nutritious than the fast food and other inorganic food that many prefer today.

Various speakers at the flag off the ceremony of the first round of optimised maternal newborn and child health week, held at Umueri Civic Centre, Anambra East Local Government Area, called on mothers to choose exclusive breast feeding and also learn to eat healthy food, especially local

meals that are nutritious.

Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, who spoke with journalists at the event said: "Yes, local food is good, and our call is for people to ensure the dietical requirements for pregnant mothers as well as children. Most local meals are nutritious. We are here to sensitise them on healthy diet."

Also, the Director of Programme Operations - Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, said the need for the programme was to ensure that UNICEF support mothers in their role as mothers and as parents, and also recognise the importance of children and their health.

"We remain committed to supporting government and delivering solutions, especially in the area

of nutrition. Your governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has a mantra which says 'Solution is here', but we hope that the next word the governor will adopt is 'solution is nutrition'."

The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, who represented Soludo, thanked UNICEF for their various assistance to the state in many areas.

The event featured health talks, provision of Vitamin A supplementation, deworming all routine immunisation and birth registration for children of various ages.

For pregnant/nursing mothers, other children, adults, the programme provided Iron folate, family planning advice, treatment of minor ailment and COVID-19 vaccination.

countability within transportation network," Toriola said.

He added: "This certificate will serve as official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owners upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures.

“The POC will contain vital information including the vehicle’s registration details such as licence number plate, model, year of manufacture in addition to owner’s name and address," he added.

On the importance of the POC to stem crime perpetrated through the use of vehicles, Toriola said the state after reviewing the challenges encountered in ensuring promotion of safety and security of lives and property adopted the initiative with the Joint Tax Board.

According to him, it also aims “at tracking the real time status and guarantees the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.”

The PS, however, debunked the insinuation that the initiative was aimed at generating revenue for the government.

On his part, the Sector Command, FRSC, Lagos, who was represented by Tajudeen Mafe, at the briefing assured of the support of the agency in ensuring vehicle owners comply with the initiative.

"We would come out to ensure its implementation. It is within our vision to regulate traffic management. The initiative will enhance our national security and for planning. It will also help easy verification of vehicles irrespective of any part of the state a vehicle is coming from," he said.

L-R: Olori Yetunde Ogunsanwo; The Alara of llora Kingdom. Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo; Chairman/Founder, The Address Homes Ltd, Dr. Bisi Onasanya; District Governor, 2022-2023, Omorunde Lawson; President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Joseph O. Akhigbe, and students of Dowen College during the inauguration of a block of six classrooms with fully equipped library donated by Onasanya for Ilara Model Primary School, Along Igbonla Road, Igboku-Kekere llara, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division, Lagos State…recently

LAUNCH OF BRAILLE ACCOUNT OPENING FORM FOR VIRTUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE...

L-R: Past-Chairman, Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind(ANWAB), Ogie Eboigbe; Tutor, Pacelli School of the Blind, Sister Christiana Ekechukwu; Board Member, ANWAB, David Okon; Chairman, ANWAB, Ms Barbara Wey; Official, Ministry of Education, Grace Abimbola; Former, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Persons Living with Disability, Adenike OyetundeLawal; Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh; Nigerian Musician and Producer, Cobhams Asuquo; and Executive Director, Group Operations, UBA, Alex Alozie, during the launch of Braille Account Opening Form for virtually impaired people, held in Lagos ... yesterday

Northern APC Senators Intensify Lobby, Demand for Senate Majority Leadership

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Northern senators, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 10th Senate have made a fresh demand for the position of the Majority Leader.

Some of them, who spoke at different fora, on the conditions of anonymity in Abuja, yesterday, said, "The move by some South West lawmakers to produce a Yoruba Majority Leader could further divide

the red chamber."

THISDAY had reported that two ranking senators, Messrs Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), were in the race for the position of the Senate Majority Leader from the South West geopolitical zone.

But one of the northern senators wondered why the campaign coordinator of the President of the Senate, was not appointed as Majority Leader, based on the already

established precedents.

He urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC to address the alleged imbalance in the Senate, insisting that senators from the North were currently feeling marginalised.

“We know the Director of Akpabio’s campaign and we know his deputy. When Ahmad Lawan campaigned and he got the Senate President, it was the Director General of his campaign organisation, Abdullahi Yahaya that

became the Senate Leader.

“When Senator Ali Ndume was the campaign director for Senator Bukola Saraki, he became the Senate Leader. When Ndoma Egba was made the campaign coordinator for David Mark, he became the Senate Leader.

“I wonder why the deputy campaign coordinator of Senator Godswill Akpabio should be made the Senate Leader as against the coordinator."

UK to Partner Enugu Government for Mutual Economic Benefits

Mbah makes case for restoration of visa centre to Enugu

The governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and Enugu State would partner for the mutual economic benefits of the UK and the state, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, and the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, have stated.

This was even as Mbah has sought the technical assistance of the UK government as well as the restoration of UK visa facilitation center to Enugu to boost trade, business, and other relationships between the UK and Enugu State.

Both men made this known during a visit by the UK High Commissioner to Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit,Montgomery, who expressed his support for the investment and economic growth drive of the new administration in the state, recalled that the UK had partnered with Enugu State for over 20 years on issues like public health sector reforms, education, power sector reforms, among others.

“So, we are interested in continuing that partnership. I have been reading the press and the ways you have been seeking to already put your stamp on reforms and your ambitions for the state.

“I am here to listen, learn, and understand more about your priority and that of your new government to explore areas of further collaboration.

“I understand that very important reforms are currently being made in Nigeria, trying to put the economy back on track and on a higher growth path.

“We really hope that the South East and Enugu State will see more opportunities coming from the economy in the coming years.

“There might be some shortterm pressures and volatility to manage, but we can see the prospects for a higher growth path for Nigeria.

“The UK is very interested in exploring partnerships on trade and investment and I have come to Enugu to understand your agenda and to explore those areas of potential partnership going forward”, he stated.

Speaking, Mbah, who went down the memory lane on what he described as Enugu’s consequential roles and place in the history of Nigeria, said the state was eager to take back its preeminent place.

“We have also shared an ambitious vision to the people of Enugu State on where we could get to in terms of our economy. One of the things we said to them is our ambition to transform Enugu to become a premier destination for investment, business, living and tourism. And we also have plans to eradicate poverty in the state, which is currently higher than the national average.

“This is why your visit to us today is quite remarkable because we believe it is not a journey we can go alone. We need partnerships. We need collaborations in order to achieve that. Interestingly, we have a history of partnership with the UK, just as you have alluded to”.

On the need to restore the British Council and the UK visa facilitation centre to Enugu, Mbah emphasised: “I have told you some of the historic roles Enugu had

played in the history of the South and there could be no better place to site a visa facilitation centre than Enugu. So, we are looking forward to that to boost trade, investment, and cooperation between the UK and our state”.

Mbah also explained that the state would host the Investment and Economic Growth Stakeholder Roundtable scheduled for September to herald the Enugu State Diaspora and Investment Forum planned for April 2024 to showcase the investment potentials of the state and therefore solicited support towards developing those potentials.

The governor equally sought the technical assistance of the UK government in the areas of power to develop and build

the Enugu electricity market and the consequent regulatory commission, as power had been devolved to the Concurrent List in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). He further solicited the support of the UK government in developing Enugu State as a special agro-allied processing zone in line with the administration’s manifesto and the state’s listing by the FG for the purpose

“We are also interested in the private-sector-led green economic transformation where we obviously believe that we can participate in renewable energy so that most of our catchment power requirements can actually be attended to. So, the emphasis is on technical assistance and support", Mbah stressed.

Another ranking senator from the North, who spoke along the line, explained that the leadership of the Senate and the party's NWC should handle the issue with care to avoid a possible crisis in the 10th Senate.

He said, "If not because of some of us, Akpabio would have lost. Despite the fight that we put on, we escaped with only 17 votes because Senator Abdulaziz Yari needed only nine votes to win.

"He (Yari) got 46 votes. More than 20 senators in the Akpabio’s camp are there because of some of us from the North, not because of Akpabio. These are facts.

“The senators they are pushing for from the South West have never

been in the leadership. Ndume was a Minority Leader. He was a Senate Leader. He led the campaign for Akpabio and he’s a ranking Senator,” he said.

In the meantime, some senators had also faulted Akpabio's appointment of two southern Christians as his Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

They alleged that the development would make Akpabio inaccessible to his colleagues from the northern part of the Country.

Akpabio, had on Monday, appointed Chief Sylvester Okonkwo as his Chief of Staff and Saviour Enyiekere, as his Deputy Chief of Staff.

Akpabio: FG, Govs Tackling Effects of Subsidy Removal

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid el Kabir celebration, and reminded them about the very tenets of the season, which are love, obedience and perseverance.

Akpabio, in a statement from the Media Unit of his office, urged Nigerians to eschew bitterness, hatred and imbibe the spirit of love, unity and faith during the celebration.

“It is only in a state of peace and tranquility that governments at all levels would be able to get the country out of the current economic situation," the statement read.

Akpabio assured Nigerians that government at all levels were working round the clock to reduce

the economic hardship currently being faced by the masses with the removal of fuel subsidy.

"The President Bola Tinubu-led administration is working with the relevant agencies with a view to returning the country to the path of greatness and prosperity."

While charging Nigerians to continue to use the period to pray for the leadership of the country, he said, "The leadership of this country needs prayers and support from everyone, without any regard for political, religious or ethnic leanings.

"This is because economic hardship does not recognise politics, religion nor ethnic divides. This is time all hands must be on deck to salvage the situation for the benefit of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora."

Herders’Attack: We Are Under Siege, Ohaji Community Cries Out

Farmers in Obosa Assa community in the Ohaji/ Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have sent a distress call to relevant authorities in the state on the continued occupation and destruction of their farmlands and crops by Fulani herdsmen.

The community members in separate interviews by their representatives, urged Governor Hope Uzodimma, and the Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammed Berde, to come to their rescue.

They lamented that the herdsmen had been occupying their farmlands and destroying their crops since March this year, causing them untold hardship and hunger.

One of the representatives, a retired police officer, Mr. Egwuo

Oparaji, said the herders' occupation of their farmland had increased tension in the community.

He called on the government to order the herders to vacate their farmlands and stop harassing their wives and daughters.

"We call on the state government to avert bloodshed in our community by directing the herdsmen to vacate our farmlands. We are restraining our youths from confronting them to chase them out. Our wives and daughters no longer go to farm freely for fear of being molested or raped", he lamented.

Another resident, Mr. Reuben Opara, said the herders had been acting with so much impunity and scaring the people away with their

guns and other weapons.

He said, "We are calling on the state government and security agencies to come to our rescue. Our people are predominantly farmers but the ugly thing is that we no longer go to our farms because of the annoying occupation of our farmlands and the destruction of our crops by the rampaging Fulani herdsmen.

"Since March, the herdsmen have been occupying our farmlands, harassing and maiming people. They have also been raping our women and daughters. They have been feeding their cattle with our crops. As a result, hunger has come upon us because we are farmers. Nobody is ready to go to the farms because of the fear of the activities

of the herders who have taken over our farmlands."

Another indigene, Chief Luke Obiarije, alleged that the locals were living at the mercy of the herders who had launched all manner of onslaughts on them.

He said the herders acted in such a brazen way as if they owned the farmlands and the crops planted on them.

Obiarije, therefore, called on the government to immediately order the herders to vacate their farmlands.

The police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the command had zero tolerance for unlawful activities. He asked the locals to maintain peace while channelling their grievances to the appropriate quarters.

CELEBRATING 247TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE US INDEPENDENCE...

L-R: General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr Abiona Babarinde; United States Embassy Charge d’ Affaires for Nigeria, Mr. David Greene; Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Mr. Josiah Samuel; Abuja Branch Manager, Coscharis Group, Mr. Joseph Omokhaphe, at the 247th Anniversary of the US Independence held at the American Embassy, Abuja, ahead of global celebration on July 4. The event was supported by Coscharis/Ford… recently

AT SALLAH, TINUBU GREETS MUSLIMS, PROMISES SECURITY, ECONOMIC REFORMS

In a goodwill message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor reassured the people of the state that his administration would protect the interest of all.

"I bring you warm greetings and best wishes from the government and peace-loving citizens of Plateau State as our Muslim ummah celebrate the Eid-el Kabir festival. I heartily rejoice with the Muslim Ummah on this unique occasion which is supposed to remind us of the virtues of sacrifice and total submission to the will of God Almighty.

“As we celebrate this event, I encourage all of us to devote time to reflect on the values of love, charity, and selflessness; and work towards building a more united and peaceful Plateau State. The 2023 Eid-el-Kabir celebration is of particularly great significance to us as a people, because it affords us the opportunity to invoke God's blessings on our leaders as they strive to provide us with the qualitative leadership we desire.”

Makinde Felicitates Muslims, Seeks More Prayers for Nigeria

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his felicitations towards the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the country on the occasion of the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.

The governor congratulated all residents of the state on witnessing the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 A.H., marking the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir, and prayed Allah (SWT) to accept the worship and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah across the country.

Makinde, who appreciated the Muslims for their support and prayers during the four years of Omituntun 1.0, called on them to continue to pray for his administration, the state and Nigeria.

According to him, the continued peace and prosperity of Oyo State and the success of his government were hinged on the prayers and support of the people.

“I use this occasion to congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and, indeed, all residents of the state on witnessing the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir. I appreciate their prayers and support over the years and call for more prayers and support as we work round the clock to improve the lives of our people and deliver sustainable development as promised during the electioneering,” he said.

Kwara Gov, Saraki Urge Nigerians to Join Hands with Govt at All Levels

Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria's Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has urged everyone to join hands with the government at all levels to keep the communal values of being one another’s brothers and to develop the state and the country for the benefit of all.

Also, yesterday, a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki urged Nigerians to continue to intensify prayers for the country.

AbdulRazaq, who stated this in

Ilorin, congratulated the Muslim community on the Eid-ul-Adha festivities, saying the feast symbolised faith and total reliance on God.

He however, felicitated the pilgrims, who gathered at Mount Arafah in Saudi Arabia yesterday, a major pillar of their Hajj rites.

On his part, Saraki, who urged Nigerians to continue to intensify prayers for Nigeria, also prayed for Allah’s protection of security agents, who were on the frontlines in the defence of their country and prayed that Allah should give them victory over the negative forces arrayed against the country.

In a Sallah message from his media office, Saraki noted the significance of the Eid-El-Kabir festival as it symbolised the test of the faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who is the origin of the world’s biggest religions and urged all Muslims to borrow some of the attributes of the man known as the father of faith.

Obaseki Urges All to Rededicate to Their Creator

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslim faithful as the world mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities today, urging everyone to rededicate to their creator.

“On the occasion of this auspicious celebration, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of this season. We should all endeavour to seek to have a deeper and greater responsibility to God and to humanity as we reflect on the lessons of the season.

“I enjoin everyone to rededicate ourselves to our Creator, working assiduously to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and love. We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress.

“We are working closely with security authorities to ensure our Muslim faithful have a peaceful celebration,” he said.

Folarin Urges Prayer for Tinubu

A former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, yesterday, extended his goodwill message to Muslims in Oyo State and the country as they celebrate this year's Eid-l-Adha, urging them to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the birth of Nigeria.

Folarin, in a message by his Media Aide, Comrade YSO Olaniyi, said Eid-l-Adha is a festival of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

He enjoined Muslims to use the occasion to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of charity, friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to Almighty God as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed

“Eid-l-Adha presents opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as others in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer

the affairs of the country,” he said.

Oyetola Seeks Support, Prayer for Tinubu/Shettima Govt

Former governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has rejoiced with Muslims across the globe on the occasion of this year's 2023 Eid-al-Adha celebration, urging prayers and support for the Bola Tinubu administration.

Oyetola, in a goodwill message personally signed by him, congratulated adherents of the Islamic faith for witnessing another Eid festival.

He implored Muslims to seize the opportunities embedded in the glorious period to intensify prayers for the success of the new administration of President Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Oyetola extolled the rare virtues displayed by Nigerian Muslims and adherents of other faiths in the last general election, which culminated into the emergence and continuity of the progressive government led by Tinubu.

NSCDC Deploys 40,000

Personnel for Eid Celebration

Forty thousand (40,000) personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed nationwide to allow for a hitch-free Eid-el-kabir celebration.

A statement by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, stated that the deployment was ordered by the Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi.

According to him, Audi directed the deployment of 40,000 personnel nationwide, including those deployed for protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and joint operations.

He said the CG charged all heads of formation to leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective security coverage of the country.

Odumosu also said the CG urged his men to increase their level of vigilance and be highly sensitive to their environment especially during this festive period to avoid unpleasant surprises from the enemies of the country.

“You must be on top of your game, be very vigilant and highly sensitive to your environment because we are not going to take chances," the CG was quoted assaying, charging various Commands to be proactive to achieve greater results.

Senators Greet Muslims, Canvass Support for Tinubu

Senators across party lines and from different geopolitical zones, have felicitated with Muslim faithful in the country on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and prayed to the Almighty Allah to accept their sacrifices.

They also urged them to support the President Bola Tinubu administration in its determination to address the social and economic crisis confronting the nation.

Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Opeyemi Bamidele, (Ekiti Central), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa

North), Ali Ndume, (Borno South), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Jimoh Ibrahim, (Ondo South) authored a statement to this effect.

The federal lawmakers admonished privileged Muslims to remember the less-privileged members of the society by extending hands of friendship to them on this occasion.

Musa specifically remembered victims of bandit attacks in his senatorial district and commiserated with them once again.

Bamidele charged Nigerians to shed the toga of religious intolerance and extremism and unite solidly behind the administration of President Tinubu to actualise Nigeria's greatness.

Other senators expressed confidence and hope that the nation would witness drastic change with the new administration led by Tinubu.

Nasarawa Speaker Urges

Prayers for Tinubu's Success

Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, yesterday, advocated fervent prayers for the success of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Jibrin Gwamna, the speaker urged citizens of the state to pray and support Governor Abdullahi Sule and other leaders at all levels to succeed on the task ahead of them.

The speaker, who is the African representative at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), underscored the significance of the festival of sacrifice the world over, hence the need for the period to be used for sober reflections through love, understanding and sacrifice. He therefore, urged believers to use the period to strengthen their relationship with God and fellow humaneness, especially the need for the well to do to support the less privileged in the society to give them a sense of belonging.

Governor Bago Promises New Niger State

Governor Mohammed Umar

Bago of Niger State has promised the people a new state in reverence to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Bago in a message assured the people of the state that his administration would work assiduously to achieve "A New Niger State, where peace, unity, growth and development will be the order of the day as captured in his administration's policy thrust."

He therefore, urged the residents of the state to continue to support his administration's policy thrust which covered "security, education, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Commerce, Tourism, Infrastructure, Women and Youth development among others"

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor appealed to the people of the state to, despite the economic difficulties partly caused by the

removal of fuel subsidy, show understanding and confidence in the present administration at all levels because efforts were being made to roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

Radda Advocate Interreligious Harmony

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has advocated the need for inter-religious harmony and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor said inter-religious harmony would foster peace, love and true brotherhood among Nigerians.

The governor averred that the festival should reawaken Nigerians’ brotherhood spirit irrespective of their religious and ideological creeds.

He admonished Muslims in Katsina and other parts of the country to steadfastly pray for national unity, peace and integration, saying, “We must see each other as one.”

Abbas, Kalu Greet Muslims, Seek Prayers, Patriotism

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, have congratulated Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging Nigerians to pray for the unity, peace and progress of the country.

The duo in separate Sallah message urged the citizens to particularly use the occasion to pray for the success of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while calling for their spiritual and moral support for all elected and appointed leaders nationwide.

Abass, in his statement, enjoined citizens to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to the Almighty Allah, by making sacrifices towards the development and growth of Nigeria. He noted that the prosperity of the country was a joint task, and called on all citizens to remain united in the face of challenges.

Kalu, on his part, stressed the need for the citizens of the country to show more love, patriotism, respect for each other, and as well as engage in fervent prayers, saying the citizens should remain patriotic and peace-loving while praying for the tranquility and prosperity of Nigeria.

Yahaya: Imbibe Spirit of Sacrifice, Obedience

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the world on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, with a call on them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, obedience and tolerance.

The governor, in his Sallah message, stressed the need to continue to supplicate to the will of Allah in all situations, and enjoined Muslims to sustain their prayers for the peace, security and prosperity of the state as well as the nation at large, especially

the new dispensation.

Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum, urged the Muslim ummah to use the occasion to extend hands of support and show love and good neighbourliness as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and upheld by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

SGF Fetes Ummahs, Prays for Successful Eid celebration

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has felicitated with Nigerians, particularly, the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ElKabir celebration.

The SGF, in a statement by the Director Information Office of the Secretary General of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey, urged Muslims to use the period of the celebration to reflect on the purpose and lessons of the Eid-El-kabir which include sacrifice, love, charity and piety among others for peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship with one another.

He also enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as he works to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the unity and sustainable national growth and development.

IG Orders Tight Security Nationwide

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure adequate deployment of personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The IG assured the general public of sustained efforts by the force to tackle crimes and criminalities as well as improve public safety and security across the country.

A statement by Force Headquarters said the IG gave the assurance while charging Commissioners of Police in all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), to configure the security architecture in their Areas of Responsibility (AoR) for robust and responsive policing ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which starts today to ensure adequate security for the citizenry throughout the festivities and beyond.

"The IGP particularly directed the Zonal AIGs and state command CPs to deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidence building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, residential and industrial areas, vulnerable points, places of worship, other places of public resort and around all critical national infrastructure devoid of harassment and extortion," it said.

The IG also warned that personnel deployed must be disciplined, professional, respect the fundamental rights of the citizens, and fulfill their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.

COMMEMORATING INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING...

L-R: Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen.

Nigeria Army Celebrates 160 Years Anniversary

The Nigeria Army has lined up activities for the commemoration of the 160th anniversary of its establishment.

At a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Abiodun Lagbaja, said this year's celebration better known as Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) would be hosted in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Represented by Chief of Special Services and Programme, (Army), Major General Emeka Onumajuru,

the army chief noted that NADCEL offers the Nigerian Army an opportunity to take stock, assess its performances, interface with the public and set goals for continued professional growth.

This, he said, would enable the military to better perform its constitutional roles and also compete favourably with other armies around the globe

"It will also showcase the army's operational activities as well as its transformational strides in innovation, research and develop-

ment, civil-military relations, and technological advancement," he said.

Going down memory lane, he said: "The Nigeria Army, as an enviable national institution saddled with the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria's territorial integrity, has evolved over 160 years.

“This rich history of the service dates back to 1863 when Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy formed a local force known as the Glover Hausas.

"This local force eventually became part of a larger body established by Lord Fredrick Lugard in 1889 as the West African Frontier Force (WAFF).

“Since then, the force underwent several transformations with consequent changes in nomenclature viz the Nigerian Regiment, Queen's Own Nigerian Regiment, and Nigerian Military Force before its current name, the Nigerian Army", he said. He stated that the transformation continued through different phases

APC Holds NEC, National Caucus Meeting July 10, 11

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has scheduled the National Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of the party for 10th and 11th of July, respectively.

National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in a notice of meeting issued yesterday, said the National caucus meeting would take place at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, while the NEC would take place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

"APC National Caucus, National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings are fixed for 10th and 11th of July, respectively," he said.

Omisore said while the notice of the national caucus meeting was issued in pursuant to Article 12.5

of APC constitution, that of NEC was issued in pursuant of 25.2(I) of the party's constitution.

Those expected at the national caucus meeting are the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), National Secretary, National Legal Adviser, National Treasurer, National Organising Committee, National Woman Leader, National Youth Leader, National Leader of Persons with Disabilities.

Others are Past and Present Presidents and vice Presidents who are members of the party, Senate President, Present and Past Speakers of the House of Representatives, among others.

Those expected at the NEC meeting are members of the NWC, past and present presidents and vice-presidents, who are members

Agada, N’Assembly Spokesperson, Appointed Deputy Clerk for House

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Director of Information for the National Assembly Management, Mr. Emmanuel Agada, has been appointed as the acting Deputy Clerk in charge of administration in the House of Representatives. His letter of appointment, sighted by THISDAY yesterday was signed by the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, with reference number NASCISSIPF/208 and dated 20th June, 2023.

Part of the letter read: "I write to inform you that the Commission at its 577 Meeting held on Monday

19th June 2023, approved your appointment as Acting Deputy Clerk (Administration), House of Representatives in the National Assembly with effect from 19/06/2023.

"The appointment is in recognition of your hard work and administrative competence is therefore expected that you will continue to uphold the confidence reposed in you.”

Similarly, the NASC has also appointed Dr. Victor Aboluwade, as Secretary, Special Duties. Aboluwade is expected to lead the National Assembly's Special Duties Directorate.

of the party, Senate President, present and past Speakers of the House of Representatives, among others.

NEC had on April 20, 2022 transferred power to the Abdul-

lahi Adamu-led National Working Committee until July 2022 for 90 days. But following the expiration of the three months, the party's NWC refused to convene the NEC meeting.

of growth and development until the Nigerian Army witnessed an astronomical increase in strength from 10,500 to 250,000 all ranks during the unfortunate Nigerian civil war".

The war, he said ended with the slogan "No victor, no vanquished," reuniting the country in 1970.

He, however, recalled that the Army downsized into a compact army with a four division structure of 1 Division, 2 Division, 3 Division, and 82 Division.

He also disclosed that 2 Division, one of the army's foremost divisions, would host this year's NADCEL in the ancient city of Ibadan.

NADCEL, he added, was held annually on July 6 to commemorate the day the Nigerian civil war broke out.

"It also marks the day the very first shot of the war was fired at Garkem in the present- day Cross

River State.

"The date is set aside by the Nigerian Army to remind us about our past and the need to address our problems peacefully rather than resorting to arms. It also reminds us of the slogan, 'no victor, no vanquished', the slogan that emphasises our unity in diversity, the love we share in diversity, and brotherhood in diversity," he said.

Noting that NADCEL was first celebrated in 1978 in Lagos, the COAS, said that this year's celebration marks the 160th year of the Nigerian Army's existence since its formation.

Lagbaja concluded that to the week-long NADCEL was an important event due to its significance to national security peace, and unity.

He said the theme of the NADCEL 2023 is "Sound Administration as a Panacea for Effective Military Operations".

On his part, Otti observed that, "the reforms should have happened yesterday," lamenting that a situation where the country used over 100 per cent of its revenue to service debt was intolerable.

The Abia State Governor who applauded the FX reforms as well as the subsidy removal, said they would come with pains.

Otti called for a collective effort from governors, leaders at all levels and other stakeholders to work assiduously to mitigate the negative impact of the reforms on the poorest of the poor.

"What do we do with multidimensional poor? That's where policy makers, the governors should focus on to ensure that the poorest of the poor benefit by making sustainable policies," he said.

However, he warned that care must be taken to ensure that fuel subsidy does not resurface in the

near or distant future, adding that it was time to actually transit form regulation to real deregulation.

Also speaking at the panel discussion, Edun disclosed that there was an ongoing discussion on how to cushion the impact of subsidy removal between the Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and relevant stakeholders.

Noting that the $800 million secured from the World Bank was already handy, he disclosed several other windows of palliatives were being considered.

He said: "On the interventions, government is planning on the inflationary effect on the removal of subsidy,

"The subsidy removal decision actually caught many by surprise and I think that is the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"If you think back, in his action plan, he had committed to removing the fuel subsidy in order to correct the fiscal imbalances and improve the environmental investment which in his ultimate aim is to grow the economy, to give way to private investment as a means of creating jobs and reducing poverty which is his ultimate goal.

"When the subsidy was removed, clearly, there was a need for communication and with all stakeholders and currently under the Chief of Staff

to the President, there is a gathering of stakeholders including the unions, which is discussing the intervention measures that will ameliorate and help particularly the poor and the most vulnerable to get through what we all believe and we are all sure that with the right measures, will be a temporary spike in inflation.

WORLD BANK: FOUR MILLION MORE NIGERIANS PUSHED INTO POVERTY IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2023 be accompanied by compensatory actions to mitigate the short-term impact on the poor, adding that, “Nigeria should now seize the opportunity to implement a robust, large-scale cash transfer programme to provide quick relief to the poor, near-poor, as well as low-income households which are most directly affected by higher petrol prices, as part of a broader compact to redirect scarce fiscal resources towards development priorities.”

"So therefore, there's a discussion on the cost of governance, and there's are discussion on using CNG to have a cheaper fuel that can be used. There's one group that is looking at mass transit, they're looking at housing, and ultimately, there's a group looking at the social sectors, housing and education; all within the context of discussing the response to the fact that fuel subsidy has been removed," Edun said.

Acknowledging the spike in inflation, he also noted that there was also fiscal dividend derivable from the reform.

Responding to a question on whether Tinubu would violate Section 38 of the CBN Act on the Ways & Means window of the apex bank to lend to the government, Edun explained that as far as there was a threshold, Tinubu would not violate the limit.

"As far as Ways and Means is concerned, there is a law. He (Tinubu) intends to stick to it. He will stick to the spirit and letters of the CBN regulations," the presidential aide said

Meanwhile, the World Bank Group (WBG) has approved an additional $500 million loan for Nigeria to help improve the livelihood of women in Nigeria.

Announcing the latest loan in a statement, the World Bank stated:

“The World Bank has approved $500 million for Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up (NFWP-SU). The scale-up financing will further support the government of Nigeria to invest in improving the livelihoods of women in Nigeria.

“The NFWP-SU will help to ensure better economic opportunities for women which is essential for addressing gender inequality; guaranteeing better education, health, and nutrition outcomes for families; and building women’s and communities’ resilience to climate change.”

The World Bank noted that women’s empowerment was vital to their ability to build resilience to climate change, and by extension their households and communities.

According to the bank, by building assets, women could better respond to family needs and mitigate risks and the effects of climate and other shocks on livelihoods, adding that gender disparities in earnings hold back the Nigerian economy.

The statement quoted Chaudhuri, as saying: “We have seen promising outcomes from the parent NFWP which has helped to create economic

Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) welcomes Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (m) who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu to the event commemorating International Day Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja ... on Monday

CAVERTON

OFFSHORE HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING…

Despite Curfew, Gunmen Kill Seven in Plateau Community

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Despite the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, no fewer than seven persons have been killed after gunmen attacked Kerang community of the local government.

Government had last week imposed a curfew on the LGA to curb incessant attacks given the trend in the past months.

A resident of Kerang community, Mr. Kabir said, among the persons killed was a couple, adding that the victims have been given a mass burial yesterday morning.

Kabir said: “I can confirm to you that five people, including a man and his wife, were killed by the terrorists between 5pm and 8pm on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Kerang Community of Kerang District on Mangu Local

Government.

“We had thought that with the imposition of curfew on the LGA security agents would be able to

stop attacks on innocent residents. But unfortunately, the gunmen came to the community by 5:00 pm, firing gunshots which led to

the killing of the victims.”

He said that the assailants immediately escaped into the surrounding hills after the attack,

adding that “It was this morning that the corpses of the victims were discovered by residents who had been thrown into mourning”

Fintiri Inaugurates 454 Houses to Accommodate 2,700 IDPs in Adamawa

Daji Sani inYola

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, yesterday inaugurated 454 houses with the capacity to accommodate about 2,700 Internally Displaced

Persons(IDPs) conveniently. The pilot project sponsored majorly by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is situated at Labondo town in Girei Local Government Area of the state for IDPs displaced

by the Boko Haram and other crisis.

Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri expressed appreciation to both local and international partners of the housing scheme. The governor said: “I wish to

commend and thank the UNHRC, the Central Emergency Fund (CERF) and Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF) for their commitment, resilience and diligence to ensuring that the Labondo Project is executed and implemented successfully.”

Police

Parade

15 Suspected Criminals in Enugu

Gideon Arinze inEnugu

The Enugu Police Command have arrested a total of fifteen male suspects for their involvement in various criminal activities including conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, unlawful possession of firearms and fraudulent acts between May and June 2023 across the state.

Parading the suspects yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, (PPRO), Mr. Daniel Ndukwe, that the arrests led to the rescue of seven kidnapped

Group Condemns Edo State Pension for Governor, Deputy

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

victims and the recovery of seven firearms, two motor vehicles, one motorcycle, one dagger and a cash sum of N701,000.

“Police operatives of the command, serving in Igbo-Eze North Division, with active assistance from forest guard and neighbourhood watch group, on June 25 at about 1p.m., rescued four kidnapped victims (two males and two females, names withheld), after an intense gun fight with the kidnappers in a forest at Aishi-Ette in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area,” he said.

Group Calls for Inclusion in President Tinubu’s Govt

George Okoh inMakurdi

Idoma National Elite Forum led by Hon Inalegwu Adaje yesterday in Makurdi, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the Idoma tribe from Benue for ministerial position.

Adaje while addressing a press conference in Makurdi hailed the president for his magnanimity in considering Benue state for the position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)

He went further to state that while the appointment is well

appreciated the president should look towards the Idoma ethnicity group for the appointment of minister.

Adaje said it was important to stress that the SGF his Excellency GeorgeAkume, the present governor of Benue state, Speaker of the state assembly, the chief judge of the state are all from the TIV speaking tribe and it is only proper if the president looks towards the Idoma ethnicity for the position of a minister.

Adaje said the president doing so will give a sense of belonging to other ethnicity in the state.

Rida Nigeria Upgrades App Features

Rida Nigeria, the set-your-price ride-hailing service, has announced a significant update to its Rida app for passengers and RIDA driver app for drivers. The new upgrade, now available on both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store, aims to provide customers with a seamless and enjoyable ride experience while empowering drivers with enhanced features and safety measures.

Announcing the new update at a press conference in Lagos, a City Lead for Rida, James Arewa, said:”The

Rida app update is designed to give drivers a seamless, stress-free, and cost-efficient way to earn an income. For riders, it is designed to provide a faster, more reliable, and enjoyable ride experience without breaking the bank, as they can negotiate their fares.”

Commenting,Chief Executive Officer of Rida Nigeria, Osi Oguah said: “We are committed to listening to our stakeholders, including customers and drivers, to consistently improve our product and exceed their expectations.”

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has condemned the recently amended Edo State pension law for governors and deputy governors by the immediate-past

state House of Assembly which now includes the Speakers and Deputy Speakers, describing it as anti-people and unprogressive.

Speaking to journalists in Benincity yesterday, the Chairman of CRPP, Dr. Samson Isibor, described the state seventh Assembly as

‘colourless’, and accused it of not making laws for the benefit of the people but for their personal interests and that of their cronies.

Although the bill has not been signed into law, Isibor said he would mobilise the people for protest if the governor signs the

bill into law.

According to him, “It is uncalled for. It is unimaginable that at this material time where people are suffering and lamenting, the governor and his cohorts are now allocating pension to themselves.”

‘Damaged Rail Track Caused the Suspension of Ileya Free Train Ride’

The Osun State Government has blamed a damaged train track as the reason behind its decision to suspend the free train ride for indigenes coming for the Ileya

festival from Lagos and its environs. The government had put in place proper machinery to offer the Imole Train Services but was forced to suspend the service after the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) informed it of a train accident

on Abeokuta-Lagos old gauge line.

Announcing the suspension of the free train ride, the Osun State Ministry of Commerce expressed regret at the inability of the state government to facilitate the free ride for indigenes during the Ileya

festive period.

The state government explained that all rail lines are under the purview of the federal government, and as such, the issue of the damaged lines was totally out of the control of the state government.

Ekiti Speaker Unveils Oyebanji’s Commissioner Nominees

Gbenga Sodeinde inAdoEkiti

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, yesterday unveiled the list of nominees for the position of commissioners

forwarded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for screening and confirmation.

Speaking at the plenary of the House, the first to be held since the Seventh Assembly was inaugurated on June 6, the speaker disclosed that

the screening would commence on Monday, July 3 when the nominees’ are expected to begin appearing before the legislators.

Reading the communication from the Governor dated June 26, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye directed

the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate each of the nominees to furnish the House 30 copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) not later than Friday, June 30 in readiness for the screening which kicks off on Monday, July 3.

Gunmen Activities: Anambra LGA Chairman Runs Council Affairs Under Trees

David-Chyddy

The Transition Committee Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State, Hon. Kingsley Obi, has revealed that he runs the activities of the council under trees inside the secretariat complex.

He stated that this was as a result of the destruction of 14 buildings in the secretariat by gunmen in January this year.

Ihiala is among the local government areas in Anambra State that have suffered serious attacks from hoodlums, who are

now widely referred to as ‘unknown gunmen’. Some security operatives, including members of vigilance group, lost their lives during the attack.

The council chairman, who spoke to journalists in Awka yesterday, said the council was totally destroyed

by the invading gunmen, and that there were suggestions for him to move to a nearby secretariat in Ekwusigo Local Government Area to continue the running of the council activities, but he rejected it, insisting on doing so under trees in the council secretariat.

Monarch Prays for Blessings ahead of Ojude Oba Celebration in Ogun

Ahead of this year’s celebration of the renowned Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, the paramount ruler Awujale of Ijebuland, Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Adetona, has affirmed the importance of flagging off the

celebration with an appropriate traditional rite and prayers that assures blessings for indigenes and visitors to the kingdom.

This affirmation was made while hosting the staff and management of Seaman’s

Aromatic Schnapps at his palace. The monarch, alongside his chief prayed for continued blessings upon the land and its subjects and for a successful celebration.

The paramount ruler extols Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps,

renowned as Nigeria’s number 1 original prayer drink and an enabler of blessings, for its efforts in preservation of culture, heritage, and importantly continued support of the annual celebration.

Concerned Citizens Call for the Arrest of Instigators of Violence in Kogi

IbrahimOyewaleinLokoja

Worried by the spate of violence in Kogi State recently, the indigenes of the three main ethnic groups in the

state have called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and other security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, invite those publicly instigating violence in

the state through hate campaign and unfounded allegations, for questioning.

Thousands of concerned indigenes who arose from an emergency

meeting in Ab uja, called on all genuine Kogites, both at home and abroad, to rise up against the “merchants of disharmony” in the state.

Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

ElekeinAwka

L-R: Non-Executive Directors, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc (COSG), Chief Raymond lhyembe; Mr. Bashiru Bakare; Chairman, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola; Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, and Company Secretary, Ms. Amaka Pamela Obiora, during COSG annual general meeting in Lagos…yesterday

How the Police and the Public Sustain Bandits and Kidnappers

Joe

Keshi

Revered Father Michael Ifeanyi Asomugha, a priest of the catholic diocese of Okigwe, in lmo state was kidnapped on the evening of Saturday, April 15,2023. Father Ifeanyi from childhood, wanted to be a priest and was overwhelmed when he was ordained on September 18,2021 and posted as assistant priest of St Paul’s parish, Osu, lsiala, Mbane local government area of Imo state. But as fate would have it, he was kidnapped along Ofriagu-Obodo road while on his way back from a Diocesan Diaconate ordination. He was kidnapped while trying to remove a huge stone right in the middle of the road, an innocent act of a good citizen that could have cost him his life. His brother priest who was in the driver’s seat managed to escape and reported to his superiors and later to the police. It took some time to find the appropriate police unit to report to and of course in his words, l spent money.

The Nigeria police reaction to the incident, was not like its counterparts any were in the world. There was no sense of urgency. Rather than activate the system, first alert other police formations in the state, appoint an investigator or hand over the case to a team of experience crime busters like police in advanced countries would do, to begin to track the kidnappers, the Catholic Church was advised to ‘start putting money together’. Nothing more was done.

BRF: TESTED AND TRUSTED AT 60

here by those who may wonder why the Lagos-Ibadan highway is not being commissioned also today. There is a critical section in the 4km last mile to Lagos; and though it’s technical, what has really delayed is that we found black cotton soil under the pavement and we have decided that we would remove it and we would replace it, so that we would do a proper job instead of a hurried commissioning. So that would be deferred till the next Administration and the expected completion date would be 30th June.”

Overall, the economic impact of the exertions of BRF and other ministers responsible for infrastructure under the former administration is that the stock of our nation’s infrastructure to GDP has doubled from 20 percent in 2015 to 40 percent in 2023.

However, while this is commendable, Fashola believes that infrastructure is a means to a bigger end in terms of its multiplier effect and impact in creating prosperity among the citizenry. “… During the period, the people I interacted with, the workers, the artisans, the people asphalting our roads, the food vendors, the suppliers, painters, people who roof houses those are the people for whom those things are initiated. But people don’t see them, I saw them. I have data on many of them in terms of the numbers we impacted, how many small businesses got to supply sands, roofing sheets, paints, cables, asphalt, and all of that, because that is really what infrastructure is all about; driving the economy, creating jobs, creating livelihoods for families. So, for me that was the big thrill.”

As one who never let fear gets in the way of pushing the frontiers in the art of making things better, BRF is one who would also not shy away from issues of the day which requires elevated discourse. Hence, from issues around national security, restructuring and its variegated connotations, rights and duties across generations, the import of voting at elections, but most importantly questions of law and order and the place of the nation’s constitution, BRF’s clarity of thoughts are well documented.

Indeed, being an unapologetic patriot and firm believer in his country, BRF has consistently been advocating that his fellow compatriots familiarize themselves with Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution which spells out the duties of citizens.

He took this campaign to the convocation of the Lagos State University on 22 June, while rendering his brief appreciation to the institution, where he was once a Visitor, for conferring on him a honorary doctorate, which he had earlier written to say would be accepted only after completing his tour of duty.

“… The matter for today is just to say that from Professor Olumide to Professor Olatunji-Bello, from Governor Lateef Jakande to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the dream to create and keep LASU alive has been a matter, not only of personal sacrifice but also a lot of service and public duty. And my central message today is that from here, we must rise and cease to be a nation of rights and become a nation of duties because we all seem to know our rights, but how many of us know our duties. For those who have search engines on their phones, please just Google and read Section 24 of the Nigerian constitution.

“It imposes duties on each and every one of us. As a new Government settles in at State and Federal levels, I implore us to familiarize ourselves with our duties and to do our duties. This is particularly with reference to Section 24(b), and I am not quoting law here, but I am just stating that our most important duty at this time is to positively project the good name, the image and the prestige of our country. And that for me is a duty we must all own….”

As the administration of former President Buhari wound down, BRF intensified his focused activities towards fulfilling his ministerial mandates and also making important clarifications.

On the last but one working day of the Administration,

As the church broke the news to the family of the kidnapped priest who had given his life to serve God through the church, it advised the family to start looking for money as the church of Christ, as a policy do not pay ransom. This perhaps is the marked difference between the Catholic Church and the Baptist whose Primate was rescued from captivity at the pricey sum of a hundred million Naira. Unlike governments around the world which occasionally pay ransom but denied

BRF was at work in Akure to carry out his duty and push forward the frontiers of public discourse while flagging of the Akure–Ado Ekiti Road’s expansion and reconstruction having finally overcome the “procurement” hurdles of source of funding and redesigning of the vital road to the people of Ondo and Ekiti States. He prefaced his remarks with an apology that he would take some time having been subject of a malicious campaign by those who misunderstood the huge effort going on to get the project to a solid and sustainable course and then dwelt on the paradox of infrastructural development like the road being flagged off, governance and public debt.

He also spoke on the then ongoing debate over whether the then outgoing Administration should have continued “working” or should have drawn the line and waited patiently for 29 May to hand over. Again “breaking it down,” that the projects being commissioned or coming to fruition are the end products of proposals and Council memos which procurement processes started much earlier, he then added the poser on whether vital infrastructure delivery, like the one being flagged off, and governance should cease on account of a mandate that was then yet to extinguish.

As a ringside observer and participant since our first meeting sometime in 2006, I have often wondered about the driving force(s) behind this unrelenting hard worker who is also ever unyielding in his principled stand on law and order, rectitude and uprightness, preparation and planning among other leadership qualities. Some of these I have discovered are the products of parental upbringing, training as a lawyer and, most importantly, an unsparing self-discipline and self-development that activated itself upon finding himself as a “free” undergraduate at the University of Benin after being a “handful” in his childhood and teenage years.

Of course, from loathing public service as a young adult and passing through the tutelage of the one who eventually drafted him into it - Governor Bola Tinubu - he has come to appreciate the importance of public service as he recently told Niyi Babade, a former CNN correspondent and film maker, who sought him out for his views on the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential Election in relation to the 2023 Elections.

“My best days in government are those days when people walk away from my office with a smile. Those are my best days – a problem solved….”

Also having become somewhat of a veteran in the challenging task of Election Planning and Monitoring, he has come to the personal conviction that power is only meaningful when deployed to serve the people. “For me, the purpose of power, the purpose of winning elections is to express the fullness of the superiority of thoughts into a developmental agenda. Power means nothing if it does not improve the quality of human life, of our environment, of our people. And that is why as public servants, we take our work very, very seriously. We do it with everything that we have and we hold nothing back.”

Resisting every attempt to get him to speak on the acclaimed accomplishments of his administration in Lagos and downplaying the feedback to the effect that he is being celebrated among a cross section of the citizenry, BRF insists that the aspiration of every leader should be to improve on what they met and then move on. “We must all ensure that the standard is not lowered,” he told Mr Babade who had quipped about not all his colleague public servants believed in his concept of the essence of power.

Back to the matter of driving force, I found my nearest answer recently in yet another end-of-tenure interview for the programme, “Conversations with History” on NTA. The probing anchor of the personality programme, Thecla Wilkie, had towards the end, and seemingly out of the blues, opted to revisit his 2015 screening by the National Assembly and the famous statement, “May your loyalty not be tested…” thinking that it had

paying, the Baptist church action in reveling the ransom paid to rescue its leader did not escape the attention of bandits and kidnappers operating almost throughout the country. They couldn’t believe they have been so stupid over time asking for peanuts when they could make the big bucks and retire to live of luxury like our governors some of whom as state governors could not pay salaries to state civil servants but in retirement could donate N250 million at a book launch. No sooner thereafter, the Abuja- Kaduna train was attacked, captives taken and ramson of a hundred million demanded for each head in captivity.

Families scrambled to pay to recue their loved ones, and so when the news of father Ifeanyi began to spread, the family practically got the same message from everybody including retired and serving police and intelligence officers, army generals, friends, and coworkers, with an additional information that everyone pays. Even the lmo state governor’s office was not left out in encouraging them to ‘get money ready’.

Indeed, when the kidnappers called, they asked for hundred million Naira. When the family made it clear that it was in no position to meet their request and pleaded for the life of their son whose parents were retired civil servants, they were declared unserious.

Father Asomogha was in captivity for a little over two weeks. But for a period of four days that the kidnappers did not call, they engaged the family in telephone negotiations over how much would eventually be acceptable to them. In all these negotiations, the

to do with bending the rules for some personalities for the sake of “loyalty.” Rather than getting upset, BRF used the opportunity to offer his most profound understanding of “loyalty” and why he has chosen to live “loyally” to any chosen rather than pledge it. He declared: “I don’t pledge loyalty, because you don’t know how that loyalty will actually be tested. So, I am loyal to you as my sister or my brother, will I take a bullet for you? So don’t even pledge it, do it when it comes because you don’t know how it will come. And that was the context in which I said what I was quoted to have said.”

BRF then exemplifies his stance with a most touching experience he witnessed on his tour of duty as Governor.

“I have seen, and this is a very humbling story of life for me. There was a family who had a parent who needed medical help. First, they struggled to get the financial means. Having now got the financial means, it was now who among the children would donate a kidney to save their mother’s life. And they fought to the bitterest end. ‘She’s your mother, No she’s your mother too.’ That was their test of loyalty to their mother, but they loved their mother. I saw that first hand as Governor. I went back and asked myself what’s happening here. That was their loyalty call, they failed to the mother that gave them life. It was something I reflected on and I look back again at all of the stories of loyalty and all I see really is that life is a story of betrayals. But it’s a story for another day.”

Having done so much in your 60 years, another decade, indeed decades of wonderful memories and accomplishments beckon from today to a man who is Almighty God’s gift to humanity, nation, family and friends. Sixty hearty cheers to a man who is tested and trusted, not by mouthing loyalty but by living loyally to his chosen noble causes.

For me and the b.diRect Team , we say thank you for being an impactful part of our lives, and Happy Birthday Sir!

police was no where to be found. On the night of his release, to evade the police who were fast asleep, the kidnappers did what they do best, took the family on a merry go round until they were sure the police was not tailing the family before they finally named a spot where the ransom was deposited and father Ifeanyi released, battered, bruised and traumatized. If the police knew of his release, they probably read about it from the media and no police investigator had called to talk to the priest.

The sad reality of today’s Nigeria is that because of the weakness of the Nigeria police force and other related agencies especially the Directorate of State Security, Nigeria’s equivalent of the American Federal Bureau of Investigation we have encouraged, sustained, and made banditry and kidnapping a very lucrative business. It is almost impossible to believe the police has no nationwide tracking system to listen to the chats or negotiations between family members and criminals and to be able to locate their hide outs. Even worse is the growing police ineptitude or sheer lethargy in the discharge of their core mandate which is essentially to prevent crimes and maintain law and order. The truth we must admit to ourselves is that the Nigeria police has lost it soul, it’s bearing and needs to be recalibrated for the good of all of us.

Thanks to our leaders and elites, we have watched the police loss it’s bearing. It’ is estimated that the strength of the Nigeria police is close to or a little more than 400,000 police officers of which almost half work as personal security details for politicians and all kinds of businessmen and women. The few that are left to do real police work spend more time devising means of making money either from harassing motorists, Keke riders or from cases brought to them.

You only have to visit police stations or barracks in Nigeria to appreciate the myriad of problems confronting the police, the least of which is money or funding. The Nigeria police like most agencies in the country suffer from poor leadership, corruption and mismanagement of resources, poor training, indiscipline , lack of accountability and poor recruitment. It is slow like most government agencies in embracing technology and where it had acquired some equipment to aid its work, lack of adequate training and commitment continue to affect officers’ sense of responsibility. These ills have become so ingrained that police personnel cannot even recognize when they are accomplice to crime like we saw during the last general elections where they contributed to the credibility problems of the elections. If you doubt it, take time off to read the reports of both domestic and international observers that monitored the election. I cannot recall which of them did not roundly condemn the police and other security agencies for the role they played in scuttling the people’s will. And this is what makes reforming the police difficult. Those that should be expected to reform the police are praising the police for helping them win power.

There have been some reforms since 1999, funds raised for the police, vehicles donated in hundreds by state governments, companies and public-spirited rich Nigerians (most of which have either been destroyed or cannot be accounted for) not to talk of almost annual promotion of police officers. All these plus constant public outcry against police behavior and brutality including the ENDSRS# protect which the Buhari and the Lagos state government suppressed at the cost of young innocent lives have in no way affected the police or convinced it’s leadership of the need for self-introspection and reform. This simply means either the police is incapable of reforming itself or it is reading the body language of its political masters whom they serve more than the general public

Continues online

TINUBU AND THE TASK OF REBUILDING A FAILED STATE

and will to undertake and attain noble goals. The team will be a national structure of key elites forming a new national political platform, working to help government fill the vacuum of quality ideas in politics, governance, administration, economy, and strategic national vision and planning to give hope to the people and substantially weaken the national fault-lines.

On the economic aspect, the president must find ways and means of decentralizing economic opportunities and national resources in such a way as to bridge the current unacceptable wide gap between the rich and the poor amongst our citizens. He must as a matter of urgency immediately ameliorate the economic hardship currently being faced by the Nigerian masses. Whatever economic policies to be pursued by government, they must be geared towards urgently reducing the cost of living and increasing the earning powers of ordinary citizens. This is important to avoid social revolt.

On the social side, government must strengthen public authorities in all spears of life by enforcing all laws, rules and regulations. No person or authority must circumvent any law or regulation, micro or macro; thus engraining public obedience and enhancing societal orderliness. Applying these measures would invariably help prevent system breakdown.

To attain this change, the president must act on the following values and principles:-

i. He must incentivize character and talent and build an ethical and merit-based society;

ii. He must consider everyone on his or her merit;

iii. He must look out for and find character, skill and

commitment wherever they may be from among our diverse peoples - at home and abroad - making our heterogeneity our source of strength and advantage;

iv. He must recognize, engage and reward all men and women of excellence in the service of our country and society;

v. He must look beyond the surface of family, ethnic, religious backgrounds, social status and the patina of appearance;

vi. He must look real hard for people with real virtues, knowledge, commitment and talent;

vii. He must shun off deceit and injustice in governance;

viii. He must aim at the greater goal of effective management of our resources and directing state priorities for the good of all our people; and

ix. All these he must do with the singular aim of rebuilding and developing our country, people and society to the highest standard possible.

This is what enlightened and effective leadership entails; and this is what we expect of an envisioned Tinubu government to strive and bring to our country to achieve practical, demonstrable positive change for our people and society. This is what he must do to be able to restore the foundational ideals, values and norms upon which Independent Nigeria emerged. This is the task before President Tinubu if he is to succeed in rebuilding the failed state of Nigeria and get the country rise again, flourish and compete favourably among the comity of nations. And this is a scheme that only the president himself can initiate and implement.

Acting IGP, Kayode Egbetokun

Koulibaly Warns Osimhen Not to Dump Napoli Now

Femi Solaja with agency report

As Victor Osimhen’s speculative transfer news continue to trend on all platforms in the on-going summer window, his former Napoli teammate and Teranga Lions of Senegal Captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, has reached out to the Nigerian to remain and retain his cult-hero status at Naples.

In a heartfelt message, to the Super Eagles’ forward yesterday, Koulibaly urged Osimhen to stay back in a bid to avoid similar problem he (Koulibaly) is facing after his celebrated move from Napoli to

TRANSFER

Chelsea last summer.

The duo had enjoyed formidable relationship that saw Napoli qualified to play in the UEFA Champions League but the Senegalese strong man in the heart of defence jumped ship with a move to Chelsea last season. Sadly, it turned out a wrong move for the Senegalese as he struggled amid the club’s forgettable campaign.

Having bid his farewells after just a year, Koulibaly is now set to embark on a new adventure in

Obioma Wins Eunisell Boot as 2022/23 NPFL Top Scorer

Eunisell Limited, sponsor of the prestigious Eunisell Boot for the highest goal scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has announced Enyimba's Chukwuemeka Obioma as winner of the award.

Obioma scored 16 goals to emerge as highest goal scorer in the just concluded 2022/23 Nigeria Premier League season and will receive N3.2million as well as the imposing Eunisell Boot.

Eunisell, West Africa’s largest independent chemical as well as oil and gas engineering solutions company, conceived the Eunisell Boot Award to instill greatness in players in the domestic top flight and celebrate their success story.

Obioma becomes the eighth player to win the imposing Eunisell Boot as a confirmation of his goal scoring prowess.

Eunisell placed a premium value

of N200,000 for each goal scored by the top scorer.

Group Managing Director of Eunisell, Chika Ikenga, applauded Obioma for his form during the season.

"Our passion for Nigerian football and players’ advancement is evident with our sponsorship of the Eunisell Boot. We are excited that players look forward to winning this award.

“Obioma’s story is worthy of celebration as he has made goal scoring look like an easy task with two or more goals in a game. Two years ago (2021), he was unable to win the award despite scoring double digits.

It is no surprise that his goals also contributed to the success of Enyimba”, he said.

Clearly the poster boy of the last season, Obioma will be decorated at a date and venue to be announced by Eunisell.

TRANSFER NEWS...TRANSFER NEWS...

KOVACIC

Manchester City have signed Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for an initial £25million. The deal for the 29-year-old is also worth a possible £5m in add-ons and he has signed a four-year contract.

Kovacic is City's first signing of the summer after they won the Treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles last season.

"This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City," said Kovacic.

His arrival follows the club announcing Ilkay Gundogan's free transfer to Barcelona, while City have had a £90m bid - thought to have included an £80m initial payment - for England midfielder Declan Rice rejected by West Ham.

VICARIO

Tottenham have signed Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli on a five-year contract.

He is the second signing under new manager Ange Postecoglou, after Sweden midfielder Dejan Kulusevski turned his loan spell into a permanent move.

Vicario, 26, impressed in his two years at Empoli, earning a first international call-up last season. Spurs captain and current number one Hugo Lloris has 12 months left on his contract.

Vicario is described by the north London club as a "commanding goalkeeper with the ability to play out from the back".

He started his career at Udinese and had spells at Cagliari, Perugia and Venezia before joining Empoli in July 2021 following their promotion to Serie A.

Empoli were expected to be battling against relegation but the 6ft 4in keeper has helped them to consecutive 14th-place finishes.

LOFTUS-CHEEK

Chelsea midfielder, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, is close to joining Italian giants AC Milan. The 27-year-old, who has 10 England caps, has been at Stamford Bridge since he was a youth player and has also had loans at Crystal Palace and Fulham.

In his time at Chelsea he has won two Premier League titles, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super CUP

A handful of players have left Chelsea this summer as the west London club look to balance the books.

Kalidou Koulibaly's move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal was completed on Sunday. N'Golo Kante has signed for Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, while team-mate Edouard Mendy is close to joining Al-Ahli.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has been linked with a move to Manchester United, who have had several bids turned down for him, while midfielder Kai Havertz is close to joining Arsenal.

Saudi Arabia.

However, Osimhen who played a pivotal role in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years after Koulibaly’s departure, is now the target of four top clubs in the English Premier League. Among them is Chelsea, the same club Koulibaly had a nightmarish experience before heading to Saudi Arabia now.

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport (via Tutto Napoli), Koulibaly conveyed his belief in

Napoli’s bright future, emphasizing the club’s historical significance and potential for success in both the domestic and Champions League arenas.

Koulibaly hopes that the current players, who have already etched their names in Napoli’s history books, will remain committed to the club and not hastily depart. He implored them to recognize the significance of their achievements and the immense potential for future success, urging them to stay and contribute to another Scudetto triumph.

“Napoli won with many points clear and favourites, but everyone will be waiting for it, and everyone will strengthen a lot,” Koulibaly said. “Serie A is making a great comeback as confirmed by the three finalists in Europe, and I’m glad.

“Among other things, when you change coach, it always takes time, but Garcia knows the Italian championship very well. It will be a great challenge for him, but he can do excellent things even if it all depends on who stays.

“Napoli deserves a great future in Italy and the Champions League:

these players have written history, but if they win another Scudetto, it will be a real feat.

“They have to get it into their heads: everyone chooses their own career and life, but in Naples they made history and they can’t leave like this. I hope they stay, that they don’t all go away.”

As Chelsea and other suitors circle around Osimhen, Napoli and their loyal fans will undoubtedly hope that Koulibaly’s words resonate and convince the talented striker to continue his journey with the Neapolitans.

Bendel Insurance’s Ini-Obong Gets Plaudits for ‘Wonder Goal’

Flykite Productions, organisers of Naija Super 8, have adjudged Okon Ini-Obong’s stunner for Bendel Insurance against Rivers United as the best goal of the play-offs. This was announced in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement also announced that Ini-Obong will get a cash reward of N100,000 and an all-expense paid ticket to Lagos State to participate in

the live unveiling of the two wildcard clubs that will join the six zonal qualifiers at the main tournament.

The midfielder, who came in as a substitute, hit a spectacular strike to draw the score level for Bendel Insurance in the 70th minute against Rivers United on Sunday at

the Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

However, his goal was not enough to secure qualification for his team as Rivers United went ahead to win the clash 3-2. They joined the five already qualified clubs namely Lobi Stars, Remo Stars, Yobe Desert Stars, Enyimba International and Katsina United.

The main tournament will be held

at Lagos' Mobolaji Johnson Arena from July 7-16. The games, which will feature musical performances by top Afrobeats acts, will broadcast live on SuperSport.

Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.

Bayelsa to Open Defence of Milo Schools Basketball Championship against FCT

Defending champions of the Boys Category of the Milo Schools Basketball Championships, Bishop Dimieari Grammar School from Ovom, Bayelsa State will Open the defence of their title against FCT’s Government Science Secondary School.

In the draw ceremony yesterday at the corporate headquarters of Nestle Nigeria Limited in Ilupeju, Lagos, Bayelsa State’s female team, St Jude’s Secondary School were also drawn to open their 2023 edition of the premier school basketball championship in the country against Delta State team.

Host Lagos State, represented by Topmost Secondary School will battle FCT girls in their opening game while Lagos boys will play Niger State team in the opening

weekend of the the 23rd Nestlé MILO Secondary Schools’ Basketball Championship.

Speaking earlier at the ceremony, Managing Director & Chief Executive, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mr. Wassim El-Husseini, reiterated why the company has kept faith, sponsoring the championship for the growth of Nigerian youths.

“It has been 23 years of promoting grassroots sports development in Nigeria. 23 years of creating a platform for aspiring basketball players to attain their dreams.

“Our greatest motivation has been the success stories of previous participants in the championship, like Uju Ugoka and Christopher Ewaoche Obekpa, who play in Nigeria’s national teams and in prestigious clubs around the world

today. Several older participants like Adeola Ajayi and Charles Okwandu are now coaches, giving back to their communities,” observed the Nestle CEO.

El-Husseini confirmed that this year holds even greater significance as it is the first time that special needs children will participate in the MILO Basketball Championship.

“At Nestlé, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We believe that everyone has great potential that can be maximized if they are given the right opportunities. We are therefore delighted that in collaboration with our partners, Nestlé is creating a viable platform for differently abled children to demonstrate their basketball talent,” he observed.

He said that the company was

very proud of the progress it has made “with our partners over these past 23 years, and will keep promoting discipline, determination, teamwork, friendship and respect through sports in our youth.

Since its inception, the MILO Basketball Championship has provided an avenue for helping children imbibe the right values for success in life. The values including perseverance through hardship, courage to overcome fear, ability to work in a team, self-belief, respect and leadership set the foundation for a productive future.

Officials of the Nigerian Schools Sports Federation (NSSF), the National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF) present at the draw poured encomiums on Nestle for sustaining the sponsorship for 25 years.

Victor Osimhen (left) and Kalidou Koulibaly when they were teammate at Napoli. Now, the Senegalese is asking Osimhen to learn from his mistakes

Discos to Electricity Consumers

“EffectiveJuly1,2023,pleasebeinformedthattherewillbeanupwardreview totheelectricitytariffinfluencedbythefluctuatingexchangerate.Under theMYTO2022guidelines,thepreviouslysetexchangerateofN441/$1may nowberevisedtoapproximatelyN750/$1whichwillhaveanimpactonthe tariffsassociatedwithyourelectricityconsumption...”---ElectricityDistribution Companies(Discos),alertingcustomersto40%tariffincreasefromJuly1.

UMAR ARDO

GUEST COLUMNIST

Tinubu and the Task of Rebuilding a Failed State

The key index of a failed state anywhere in the world is the collapse of state authority. Clearly, the 8-year Buhari administration has grounded Nigeria and left behind a failed state. Nigeria is today a failed state as there is ample failure of state authority across all facets of our national life. From the simple disobedience of traffic rules on our streets, the compromising of regulations in public service, to the rising of standard of armed revolts against the fatherland, state authority is everywhere challenged across Nigeria. And with the collapse of authority, public property and public funds have concomitantly become free-for-all to loot by public servants. The Buhari-led regime, by its acts of commission and/or omission, further gave rise to ominous politics of venality, ill-will and resentment, literarily fomenting into a poisoned chalice flawing in the streams of the Nigerian society. The situation has overtly polarized the country. As a result of high level of corruption, nepotism and dishonesty of public functionaries, Nigerians have lost confidence in public leadership. Hence, within the last decade, national fault-lines have both widened and sharpened more than ever before, creating in the process deadly terrorist organizations, and equally deadly ethnic bandits and separatist groups and warlords across all regions, with increasing number of ungoverned spaces all over the country. In addition, huge national debts

and poor exchange rates; collapse of infrastructure with no power, no water, no functional public education and healthcare facilities; poverty, hunger and high cost of living at an all-time high; society divided on ethnic, religious and sectional lines, and a mindset of “us and them” dangerously grown thick in the consciousness of citizens, including school children – North against South,

Christians against Muslims, ethnic nationalities with their sentiments against one another, etc., all combined to complete the failure cycle.

Consequently, citizens have become victims of governments’ misdemeanor policies and practices and are unable to feed, house, clothe and educate themselves or treat their ailments. Engendering in the populace a sense of hopelessness, helplessness and a devastating psychological feeling of loss of stake in a system that effectively alienates them, this naturally creates a class issue of “the elites and the masses”, with high volatility; thereby in turn creating the conditions for a tinderbox of social unrest, violence and insecurity. This level of decline unraveled the country’s core institutions and structures, revealing thorough decay of the Nigerian state, and if unchecked will ultimately lead to our losing the nation-state itself. This sorry state is caused principally by dismal failure of leadership at governmental levels.

This is the state of affairs President Bola Ahmed Timubu inherited. Nigerians expect him not only to halt and reverse the situation but also to rebuild the nation state in a new national rebirth. And this is not just about fighting corruption, rebuilding infrastructure, or even restructuring the system, important as they maybe, but restoring citizens’ confidence in the nation and its leadership. To this end, therefore, the Tinubu regime must be able to do the following:

i. Begin anew a determined drive of recovering

HAKEEM BELLO

GUEST COLUMNIST

diminishing national patriotic fervor to maintain and sustain the unity of the Nigerian State as an indivisible and indissoluble entity;

ii. Reflect and accommodate our diversity and heterogeneity as a nation-state in all aspects of governance;

iii. Set for the country authoritative higher laws over discords of politics;

iv. Transcend petty arguments and settle national disagreements;

v. Reduce azimuth of conflict and the rise and tide of ethnic and religious extremism and sectarian separatisms;

vi. Reorient the democratic political narrative and statehood;

vii. Create and enhance social and ethical order in our society;

viii. Evoke deeper sense of patriotism and purpose in our citizens and change negative orientations of the populace towards the country and its politics; and

ix. Reclaim the loss stance of our people’s economic, educational and scientific self-reliance.

There are three critical foundational elements to achieving this goal – i.e. political, economic and social!

The political element requires the president to compulsorily create a team of genuine patriots from all parts of the country with the requisite knowledge, vision, strength, capacity, courage, commitment, dedication

BRF: Tested and Trusted at 60

“One admirable thing about Fashola is that he executes every assignment as though his life depended on them. He is, to a considerable extent, the face of what the Catholic Church has in recent decades popularised as common good.” - Modestus Umenzekwe, President of Adem Commercial Complex Lagos, and a frequent road user, wrote in The Cable (8 September 2016). With yearly tributes over the past decade focusing on various attributes of Babatunde Raji Fashola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Commander of the Order of the Niger, it is almost tempting to ask: what is left to be said?

But, for a devoted public servant who, in over two decades, has left his imprimatur of dedication and single-minded pursuit of excellence as Chief of Staff and Commissioner in the administration of the current President as Governor of Lagos sufficiently to earn his support as aspirant, candidate and two-term Governor of the State and then capturing national attention as a Minister of the Federal Republic for two terms, the ink can never go dry on his essence.

But BRF, as he is commonly known, at the outset, did not find public service attractive. Indeed, before being literally conscripted to serve as Chief of Staff to now-President Bola Tinubu, he had put in 14 years of private legal practice with his career starting out in the law firm of Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe and Belgore, where he engaged productively in general litigation

in various areas such as company law, land, labour and commercial disputes, criminal law, matrimonial causes, chieftaincy matters, administrative law, and intellectual property.

He also had a stint as Managing Partner with his

friend, Wale Tinubu, in a new law chamber set up by both but retaining the name of the latter father’s chambers – K. O Tinubu - to meet the rising obligations of a young man who was then about to start raising a family with all the anxieties and sacrifices of running a private outfit.

If BRF left indelible marks in his eight-year tenure as Governor of Lagos State and offered leadership, in the truest sense of the word, for which he got recognition locally and internationally with the International Crisis Group (ICG) in October 2015 presenting him the Stephen J. Solarz Award for his “commitment to resolving social, economic and security challenges in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments,” in his two-term tenure as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he was no less a “torrent of activity.”

Taken from a tribute by Douglas Martin to the person after whom the ICG Award was named, Stephen J. Solarz, a former nine-term New York congressman, whose “torrent of activity” was then appropriately listed, Fashola’s activities and accomplishments as Federal Minister would fill pages.

Unpacked in numbers, it would include the completion of the construction and rehabilitation of 13,117km out of the over 19,000km of Roads and Bridge infrastructure as well as other Housing Sector activities being worked on in 1,712 contracts and 1,649 projects being supervised as at May 2023; presenting and receiving approval for 336 Federal Executive Council Memos; touring the country fully by road to conduct inspection on 206

projects; visiting the National Assembly for legislative accountability over 90 times; and the activation of the economy of quantities supplied by sub-contractors in bitumen,laterite,sand,diesel and other inputs for road construction and other building materials at an unprecedented level.

The outputs include cracking the most difficult road projects in our nation’s history and the initiation of a season of completion, commissioning and impact across the country. This was climaxed by the virtual commissioning by his former principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, of seven projects on Tuesday, 7 May 2023, a historic day when according to Fashola, “the Federal Government in collaboration with all Nigerians, have come together to open the Second Niger Bridge in Delta and Anambra States, the Ikom Bridge in Cross River State and the Loko-Oweto Bridge in Nasarawa/Benue States and completed section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway as well as the Federal Secretariats in Awka, Anambra State, Yenagoa, in Bayelsa State and Gusau, Zamfara State.”

The occasion provided an opportunity for BRF to explain why another major project which should have been delivered on the same day - the expanded and reconstructed Lagos–Ibadan Expressway - was not ready for commissioning.

“…We have delivered 114km of the 127km LagosIbadan highway. Mr President, please permit me to pause

Fashola

President Bola Tinubu