ATMs: CBN Reads Riot Act to Banks over Alleged Inhibition of Cash Circulation
in Abuja
New UK Prime Minister, Starmer Announces Cabinet Hours after Assuming Power
Pledges
to reset Britain Tinubu describes UK as real model of democracy, Nigeria's long-standing partner
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Following the Thursday’s Appeal Court ruling on the jurisdiction of Rivers State High Court to hear the matter on suit number PHC/1512/ CS/2024, the State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, yesterday, said there was no cause for alarm, insisting that the development would not affect his commitment to good governance.
The governor stated this while speaking with journalists after he inspected the extent of reconstruction work done at the Zonal Hospital project at Bori Town, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area. Fubara made the remarks same
day Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to him, Victor Oko-Jumbo, filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the judgement of the Appeal Court on the jurisdiction of Rivers State High Court to hear the matter on suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024.
Speaking further on the court pronouncement on the State House of Assembly crisis, Fubara said there was no cause to worry, stressing that God has prepared him a table of blessings in the presence of his enemies.
He said: "I know that a lot of you
DISCUSSION ON NIGERIA’S INFORMAL SECTOR…
Olofin; Minister of Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Director Gneral, SMEDAN, Charles Odor, at a discussion on understanding the dynamics of Nigeria’s informal economy and its role in shaping more inclusive and sustainable economic future held in Abuja…recently JULIUS ATOI
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and David-Chyddy Eleke with agency report
WE GRIEVE WITH YOU...
L-R: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; former Deputy Speakers, Hon. Austin Opara and Emeke ihedioha; former Senate Presidents, Adolphus Wabara, Pius Anyim, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Ken Nnamani; former Speaker, Aminu Masari; former Senate President, Ameh Ebute, and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, when former presiding officers of the National Assembly at different times, paid a condolence visit to the Saraki family over the death of their mother in Abuja... yesterday
RIVERS ASSEMBLY CRISIS: FUBARA SAYS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM DESPITE APPEAL COURT JUDGEMENT
will be wondering what is going on and all that. Government has its own challenges. If you go to the book of Psalm 23 verse 5, in the Bible, it said that God prepares a table before you; it can be before anybody.
“But there is an underlined word that should be noted there: it said 'in the presence of your enemies'. So, it means that nothing comes easy.
"I want to assure every one of you and the good people of Rivers State, that we are not deterred. We have made our promises, we will continue to give you good governance, no matter how difficult it is.
"But, like I said before, the worst is over. We are moving on to ensure that we continue to provide what is needed for the development of our State."
The governor reassured people of the State that his administration would not waver in its commitment to providing critical infrastructure required for the speedy development of the State.
The Governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Victor Kii, others.
Commenting on the project, Fubara pointed to sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture as top priority areas that his administration would not compromise attention, and would do everything possible to ensure optimal services can be accessed by the people.
Fubara explained that his administration did not meet any functional Zonal Hospital, stressing that because it wanted quality healthcare facilities for the people, funds were released about a month ago for the reconstruction and expansion of four zonal hospitals.
The Governor assured that when completed and put to use, the facilities would meet the healthcare needs of the people within the catchment areas, and
address key issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy objectives of his administration.
Meanwhile, Oko-Jumbo, has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the judgement of the Appeal Court on the jurisdiction of Rivers State High Court to hear the matter on suit number PHC/1512/ CS/2024.
Oko-Jumbo who confirmed this yesterday, at the sitting of the Assembly in Port Harcourt, described the ruling as a miscarriage of justice.
He expressed belief that "the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the Jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO. PHC/1512/ CS/2024."
Oko-Jumbo confirmed that the House has directed its legal team to urgently proceed to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling by the Appeal Court.
The Speaker also averred that contrary to speculations, the Court of Appeal did not make declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 others did not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Oko-Jumbo explained that neither did the Appeal Court also declare them as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He declared that he remains the authentic Speaker, defending that there cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State.
The Speaker reiterated that the seats of Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule and 24 other former lawmakers remain vacant as declared by the then Speaker, Edison Ehie, on December 13, 2023, following their defection from the PDP to the APC) on December 11, 2023.
"There cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State or indeed any State in Nigeria. This House of Assembly, with me as the Speaker, is the only House of Assembly in Rivers State.
"As the whole world knows, on December 11, 2023, Martin Amaewhule and his 24 friends defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress.
"On December 13, 2023, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, declared the seats of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others vacant. That declaration by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie has not been set aside by any court in Nigeria."
Oko-Jumbo further explained that the legitimate members of the Assembly secured restraining order against Martin Amaewhule and the 24 others when they continued to parade as members of the RSHA despite their defection from the PDP to the APC and their seats declared vacant.
Reacting on the Appeal Court decision on CA/PH/198/2024, Oko-Jumbo stated: "Yesterday, July 4, 2024, the Court of Appeal, in its lead Judgement, allowed the Appeal by Martin Amaewhule and 24 others on the ground that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.
"Accordingly, the Court of Appeal struck out Suit No. PHC/1512/ CS/2024 and nothing more. The Court of Appeal did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 others did not defect from the PDP to APC.
"The Court of Appeal also did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 others are still members of the RSHA.
"Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on July 4, 2024.”
The Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seats in the RSHA.
ATMS: CBN READS RIOT ACT TO BANKS OVER ALLEGED INHIBITION OF CASH CIRCULATION
has consistently made cash available to banks based on their request for withdrawals at any of the apex bank's 37 locations nationwide.
This, the central bank noted, was evidenced by the significant increase in currency-in-circulation between the last quarter of 2023 and end-June 2024.
The CBN further acknowledged that bank officials that own PoS terminals give priority to the operators to support their business.
It added that spot checks had also revealed that PoS operators conducting business around ATMs often times take advantage of stranded customers.
The CBN further disclosed that these operators corner/purchase cash from high cash generating entities including petrol stations and supermarkets at a premium to fund their operations, thereby disrupting flow of cash to banks for processing and redistribution
In response to this development,
the central bank said it had issued circulars to direct deposit money banks to immediately put appropriate measures in place to address these observations.
"CBN will not hesitate to apply dissuasive sanctions on erring institutions for failure to comply with any of its regulations or where any of its official is found guilty of sabotaging the system,” the central bank told THISDAY.
The CBN also directed banks to activate closer monitoring of all agents attached to their institutions and ensure they comply with provisions of the extant guidelines.
This was as the apex banking industry regulatory institution also said it was currently reviewing the guidelines on the operations of agency banking in the country with a view to ensuring agent banking operations are focused in the rural and remote communities to serve the
unbanked population, as intended and prescribed, rather than concentrating their operations in the urban centres.
However, this is not the first time the CBN had identified cases of collusion between banks and PoS operators.
In December 2023, the CBN warned Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators against acts that undermine the availability and flow of cash across the country.
The central bank also said it was investigating reported cases capable of defeating the smooth running of the economy.
The bank in a statement issued by acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Sidi-Ali Hakama, had alluded to alleged cases of collusion between banks PoS operators which had reportedly affected the availability of cash as well as disruption of the circulation of the Naira.
CONDOLENCE VISIT…
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (left), with former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, during the Minister's condolence visit to Saraki over the demise of his mother in Abuja…yesterday
NEW UK PRIME MINISTER, STARMER ANNOUNCES CABINET HOURS AFTER ASSUMING POWER
the victory of his party during the recent general election.
This was as Nigeria’s Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called on the new UK Prime Minister to help in deepening democracy in Nigeria.
Starmer, 61, begins his term with what is one of the biggest parliamentary majorities in British history and is expected to introduce a programme of far-reaching reforms.
Addressing the nation from outside 10 Downing Street for the first time as prime minister, Starmer had one overarching message: Change starts now.
In appointing his new cabinet, Starmer chose David Lammy for British Foreign Secretary. Lammy has been representing Tottenham, where he grew up, since 2000 when he won a by-election caused by the death of Labour's Bernie Grant. Under New Labour, he was minister of higher education and culture. He was the first black Briton to attend Harvard Law School, where he met and befriended Barack Obama.
Also, Angela Rayner would serve as Deputy Prime Minister. She served as Sir Keir Starmer's deputy since he was elected Labour leader in 2020 and will take on the role of leveling up secretary, which she previously held. Rachel Reeves would serve as Chancellor, and Yvette Cooper will serve as Home Secretary.
Pat Mcfadden was selected as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shabana Mahmood was selected as Justice Secretary. In addition, Wes Streeting would serve as Health Secretary, and Bridget Phillipson is to serve as Education Secretary.
The Energy Secretary is Ed Miliband, who has had a central role in Labour politics, serving as MP for Doncaster North since 2005.
In addition, Peter Kyle would
serve as Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary, while Louise Haig will serve as Transport Secretary. Also, Liz Kendall is to become Work and Pensions Secretary, and Jonathan Reynolds to become Business Secretary. Also included in the cabinet is Darren Jones serving as Chief Secretary to the Treasury while John Healey is to become Defense Secretary.
However, Starmer pledged to "rebuild Britain" as he assumed office yesterday.
"Now, our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal, and the return of politics to public service," he stated in his inaugural speech.
Starmer detailed that "the work of change begins immediately, but have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain.
“It is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are,” he said, cautioning that the national renewal he was promising would take time.
“Changing a country is not like flipping a switch, the world is now a more volatile place,” he said.
The Conservative Party recorded the worst result in its history, prompting some commentators to observe that the overall election result was as much about British voters booting out the Conservatives as voting in Labour.
The party lost more than 250 of the seats it had held in the 650-seat Parliament since 2019. There were high-profile casualties, with the short-lived former Prime Minister Liz Truss and several cabinet ministers being booted out by voters.
Conservative leader and, as of yesterday morning, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took responsibility for the electoral wipeout, apologizing to voters in his farewell address.
“I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change; and yours is the only judgement that matters,” he said on the doorstep of the famous 10 Downing Street residence.
Sunak announced he would resign as the leader of the Conservative Party as soon as arrangements were made to find his successor.
Meanwhile, Tinubu has congratulated Starmer on his victory. As a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, the President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, specially noted the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.
Tinubu stated that the party's ability to reform, mobilise, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirmed Starmer’s leadership qualities.
The President also congratulated the citizens and the government of the UK, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria's long-standing partner. Obi wrote on his X handle yesterday, stating: “I sincerely congratulate @Keir_Starmer, and the Labour Party UK on the landslide victory they recorded in Thursday’s election. May the victory translate to a better and new chapter for all the UK residents as you remain committed to your electoral promises.
“I also hope that your government will promote stronger ties between the UK and Nigeria, and help in deepening our own democracy, especially during the challenging times that our nation is going through."
COURTESY VISIT…
Certified True Copy Shows Court
Didn’t Invalidate Edo PDP Primary
Ighodalo’s supporters vow to intensify mobiliation Oshiomhole confident of APC’s victory in poll
Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City
The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Judgement of Justice Inyang Ekwo of Federal High Court in Abuja, has revealed that the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not invalidated by the court. Besides, the judgement did not make any pronouncement on the validity or otherwise of the candidature of Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.
Owing to the development, some residents of Ighodalo’s Ewohimi community in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State have vowed to deliver block votes for their son in the September 21 governorship poll.
However, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, expressed confidence in its chances of winning the 2024 governorship election in the State, attributing it to the seeming disarray among the ranks of the ruling PDP. Speaking to newsmen at the State
House, Abuja, yesterday, leader of the APC in Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, cited various reasons why the election in the State was up for their party to grab. The CTC document put to rest the confusion that had emanated from the judgement; clearing all misinterpretations of the ruling.
Delivering judgement in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, justice Ekwo who faulted the exclusion of the plaintiffs and 378 other delegates in the February 22 primary election for the selection of the PDP’s candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, only ordered their inclusion in the poll.
Three aggrieved ad-hoc delegates, kelvin Mohammed, Gabriel Okoduwa and Ederaho Osagie had sued the PDP on behalf of themselves and 378 other delegates over their exclusion in the February 22 primary election that produced Ighodalo as flag bearer of the PDP in the forthcoming election in Edo State.
Akpabio, Abbas, Wike, 37 Others to Receive NEAPS 2024 Awards
Bennett Oghifo
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Taajudeen Abbas and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are on the list of 40 eminent Nigerians that will receive the 2024 Nigerian Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) at a ceremony scheduled for Abuja today.
The NEAPS 2024 is a collaboration involving a private firm, The Best Strategic PR (TBS), and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
In a statement announcing the awards yesterday, the Communications Officer of TBS, Mrs Caroline Yovchevska, said: “President Bola Tinubu will present NEAPS awards to 40 Nigerians in categories that include excellence in infrastructure service delivery, urban renewal, financial innovation, healthcare delivery, digital innovation, outstanding reform initiative, security management, transparency and open governance.” Seven state governors are on the list of award recipients. They are Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State; Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Ahmadu
Fintiri of Adamawa State; Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Mohammed Bago of Niger State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
The other award recipients are the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi; Governor of the CBN, Yemi Cardoso; Executive Chairman, FIRS, Zach Adedeji; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; former SGF, Boss Mustapha; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; GCEO of NNPC, Mele Kyari; Chair, EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede; the Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; James Faleke and Aliyu Betara, both members of the House of Representatives; and Senator Musa Sanni.
Others are the CDS, General Christopher Musa; the CDI, Major General Epa Undiandeye; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; the DG, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri; and a Commissioner from Borno State, Zuwaira Gambo.
Besides the PDP other respondents included the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP’s National Secretary and the Vice Chairman, South south. They had asked the court to determine amongst others whether their exclusion from the said primary was not in breach of the party’s Constitution.
Besides, they had urged the court to order the PDP to allow
their participation in the poll if the questions raised for determination were in their favour.
Delivering judgement in the suit on Thursday, the court observed that the primary failed to comply with Sections 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022; the guidelines for the conduct of the poll and Article 50(3) of the party’s constitution.
Citing judicial authorities, Justice Ekwo said “it is mandatory for
a political party such as the 2nd defendant (PDP) to comply with its constitution.”
While stressing that parties are bound by the Constitution of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and their own constitution and guidelines, Ekwo held that where they act contrary to the provisions of the law and the guidelines which they have enacted for themselves, such actions will be declared invalid.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Ekwo answered the number four question posed by the plaintiffs in affirmative.
“Consequently, I find that the case of the plaintiffs succeeds on the merit upon preponderance of evidence as required by law.
“Before I answer the questions formulated by the Plaintiffs, there is need to say that question 1 did not adduce evidence on it.
Afenifere Calls for Review of Nigeria’s Security Architecture
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called for a review of the country’s security architecture. Its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in a statement issued yesterday expressed serious concern over the resurgence of kidnapping, banditry, attacks on security officers and continuous herders/farmers clashes.
He said the fact that kidnapping and related banditry have resurfaced in recent months is a testament that the government needs to take urgent steps to enforce the said law” Ajayi
submitted.
He noted that there was no doubt that the federal government appreciates the need to prevent terrorism as exemplified by the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended by the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 (TPAA).
Afenifere noted that the Act makes it an offence to commit a terrorist act, be a member of a terrorist group or provide support to such a group.
“Unfortunately, going by how terrorism activities grew between 2011 when the law was first passed and up till 2023, it cannot be said
that the Act was made to achieve its objective,” it said. Afenifere lamented that instances of how the state has failed to implement the said law included its failure to prosecute five Nigerians mentioned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) around 2022 as sponsors of terrorism.
The group recalled that last Sunday, three Indian nationals and a Nigerian were abducted on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway; Dr. Tiri Gyan David, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State was, last Tuesday killed in his residence
and his two children abducted; penultimate Tuesday.
He added that the army, in a counter-terrorism operation, repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Isheke Police Station in Ebonyi State; herders attacks around communities in Benue, Plateau, Niger and Oyo states; just as kidnappings also occur in Sokoto, Katsina, Nasarawa and parts of Oke-ogun in Oyo State, among others.
The group pointed out that on May 21, this year, 40 people were reportedly kidnapped at Zurak Village in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
Don't Grant My Daughter's Custody to Davido, He is Absentee Father, Sophia Momodu Tells Court
Funke Olaode
Sophia Momodu, mother of David Adeleke’s daughter, has told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, not to grant the child’s custody to the musician.
Momodu told the court yesterday that the applicant was not fit to be granted custody of their daughter because he is always not available
and does not possess the ability to dutifully care for her.
She stated this in a counter-affidavit she filed in opposition to Davido’s suit seeking custody.
Contrary to Davido’s claim that he had consistently fulfilled his financial obligations toward his daughter, Momodu told the court that the child was almost sent away from school because the artiste refused
to pay her tuition fees.
According to her, while their relationship lasted, Davido never showed true commitment or love toward their daughter.
“He always used the condition of my making myself available for his sexual pleasures, as a pre-condition to visit our daughter or show some fatherly love to her.
“The applicant apart from his
cravings for sex only comes around to spend time with our daughter when he wants to use our daughter for his media stunts or promotions.
“The applicant has always been known to go away and stop communicating with our daughter, to stop making payment for school fees and/or payment of maintenance for our daughter, whenever I refused his sexual advances,” she stated.
Oil Refiners Back Senate’s Probe of Dirty Fuels Import, Want End to Unfair Trade
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) yesterday backed the decision of the Senate to institute a probe into the importation of alleged substandard and harmful diesel and other petroleum products
into Nigeria.
Reacting to the deliberation by the federal lawmakers during the week, Chairman of CORAN, Mr. Momoh Oyarekhua, said it was a welcome development that calls for commendation.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong during the week had called the
Senate's attention to the continued importation of substandard petroleum products and dumping of hazardous diesel into Nigeria.
He observed that on June 16, 2024, 12 diesel cargos containing a total of 660KT of diesel were exported by foreign refineries to offshore Lome, Togo, for further
distribution in West Africa, the main target being Nigeria. Ekpenyong argued that the quality of the diesel was below the Nigerian standard in terms of sulphur levels and that despite the substandard nature of the diesel, it still found its way into the Nigerian market.
L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre, Mr. Ezekiel Egboye; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. 'Bosun Tijani and Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson, during the courtesy visit of the Rack Centre's Leadership Team to the Minister in Abuja…recently
AWARD PRESENTATION…
L – R: Director Examinations, British Council Nigeria, Deep Adhikari; Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Hon. Tolani Alli Balogun; Regional Director Sub-Sahara Africa, Cambridge Education Juan Visser, and Group Head, Emerging Businesses Access Bank, Chioma Ogwo, during the presentation of awards at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learners Awards held in Lagos …yesterday
Tinubu Launches Resettlement Scheme for Conflict Victims
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, in Kaduna, launched the National Resettlement Scheme for conflict victims.
Speaking at the event which was held at Tudun Biri community, a village which was accidentally bombed by military drones in December 2023, the President said the safety of Nigerians remains a priority of his administration.
Represented at the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu called on Nigerians to unite against the security threats undermining the nation’s collective well-being.
He said Nigerians have for so long been held hostage by the fear of themselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes.
“Today, we gather to say, "Enough is enough", the President declared.
He said his administration is committed to bolstering the nation’s security infrastructure and promoting peace.
According to Tinubu, the resettlement scheme which is targeted at the communities affected by conflicts in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi, is a testament to the courage of the survivors and signals an end to their pessimism.
He said the scheme is a collective
will of Nigerians to heal as a nation which has endured too much, stressing that, “it is an opportunity for each of us to come together and rebuild."
"We are here to assure that the safety of each Nigerian shall be a priority, and we cannot claim to have achieved this until we restore dignity and security to those whose lives have been upended by conflict.
“Our journey to this point has been long and arduous. Today,
FG Gives Abia 100-Bed Multipurpose Hospital to Promote SDGs
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
The federal government has built a 100-bed multipurpose hospital in Abia State as part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
The hospital located at Obeaja in Ugwunagbo Local Government was inaugurated by the Governor of Abia, Alex Otti, who lauded President Bola Tinubu for completing the project inherited from the administration of Muhammad Buhari . At the inauguration ceremony
it was made known that the health facility which was initially conceived as SDG Mother and Child Hospital has now been renamed SDG Multipurpose Hospital as it would provide health services to all. Otti commended Tinubu for his commitment to improving the health sector of the nation which informed the completion of the hospital project. He assured FG that the state government would take over the management of the hospital and run the health facility efficiently. The governor promised to
provide 24-hour security, additional land for the building of doctors' quarters, and the establishment of a facility management team to maintain high standards.
He noted that just like the FG, his administration in Abia has equally placed a high premium on healthcare which is included in the strategic agenda being implemented in the state.
Otti said that the goal of his administration for the health sector is in alignment with the federal government's Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to
70 per 1,000 live births by 2030.
While referencing the 2001 Abuja Declaration, in which Nigeria and other African countries pledged to allocate at least 15 per cent of their budgets to healthcare, Otti stated that Abia State's 2024 budget met the target.
He said: "The jury is still out as to how many of those countries that adopted that resolution have complied. I'm happy to report that current 2024 budget of the Abia State government which we are half way in implementing, allocated 15 percent of the budget to healthcare."
Cleanergy Innovation Ltd (CIL), a company providing turnkey tailor-made Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solutions for the autogas and power generation segments in Nigeria, alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has said it is set to launch three more stations next week.
we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity and build a future where each person and community sees the other as a friend, and where peace and opportunity are the birth-right of every citizen," Tinubu said.
He said the scheme is a timely intervention not only to construct residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities for victims of conflicts, but also to offer the victims a dignified environment to live and to dream.
“The conflict we are forced to endure has not only torn communities apart in the past but
also political leaders who ought to be unifying models for the people.
"This history should inspire us to be different, and my optimism thrives on the assurance by our state governors to treat our humanitarian crises as points of unity instead of divisions," he said. Tinubu noted that Governor Uba Sani has been an inspiration for unity in Kaduna State, emphasising his approach for peace is a template for the nation at large.
"The non-kinetic interventions we have explored since taking office are best demonstrated by our state governors, and Kaduna is a light of hope in this aspect.
Oluchi Chibuzor
Analysts at Proshare, a research and investment information provider, have advised banks in the country to ensure that the higher capital levels they would achieve post-recapitalisation to improve shareholders’ returns.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of six CNG filling stations in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of CIL, Shettima Imam, said the milestone represented a significant step forward in Nigeria's journey towards affordable, sustainable, locally sourced and environmentally friendly fuel solutions.
CNG initiative.
The six CNG filling stations launched in collaboration with the national oil company were designed, engineered, installed and inaugurated by CIL. Imam stated that the launch was just the beginning of the company and NNPC Retail’s commitment to diversify their energy offerings and promote President Bola Tinubu’s
According to him, the new facilities were designed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service to all customers, aligning with global best practices, thus setting a new benchmark for CNG infrastructure in the region.
He pointed out that the partnership with NNPC Retail exemplified the company’s shared vision for a bright and sustainable energy future in the autogas segment.
In addition to the retail CNG stations, CIL stated that there will
be large mega stations for trucks and buses along major highways, Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) for quick deployment and CNG logistics and storage solutions.
As its commitment to NRL's integrated CNG autogas project, CIL said it was setting up two mega CNG conversion kits installation centres in Abuja and Lagos, a CNG conversion kits assembly plant in Abuja, a CNG cylinder cascade assembly plant in Lagos and a CNG conversion kits installation technicians training school in Lagos.
Minister: Tinubu Has Roadmap to Address
Nigeria’s High Out-of-School Children
The groundbreaking foundation laying ceremony which was held in Lafia was also simultaneously held in six other states including: Rivers, Sokoto, Abia Jigawa, Lagos and Taraba. Addressing the stakeholders who graced the occasion, the Minister of State said President Tinubu has granted an approval to the Federal Ministry of Education for a project aimed at improving the quality of education in Nigeria. He said that Nigeria, like other
African countries, has validatory issues that are surrounded with data, as a result the Ministry of Education has decided to conduct a census that will give all data that is reliable and accurate.
According to him, "The data will include all the data of schools we have in Nigeria right from kindergarten to tertiary institutions, both private and public. We will generate data on our students' rights also from kindergarten to tertiary level.
Sununu, therefore, noted that President Tinubu's administration was committed to ensuring that every child in Nigeria was educated. In his welcome remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was represented by the Permanently Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammad Sani Bala, assured the federal government of his administration's commitment towards quality education to citizens of the state.
Speaking at the launch of the Proshare Bank Strength Index (PBSI), which evaluated banks using a pool of financial metrics, the Chief Economist/Managing Editor, Proshare Nigeria, Teslim Shitta-bey, noted that with an ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria-inspired banking sector recapitalisation programme, investment in financial technology, customer service scalability, and digital asset engineering would take a fresh turn between 2024 and 2026.
"With higher capital levels, banks must use the larger amounts of cash available to improve shareholder returns and customer service experiences.
“Many banks will get cut at the knees by lacking a deliberate strategy to transition from cash flow to value creation,” he added. As lenders expand in size and scale to meet the demand of a $I trillion economy, analysts at Proshare called for attention to macro and microeconomic risks, as seen in the United States of America (US).
The PBSI listed Access Holdings, Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and GTCO as Tier 1 banks in the country. The classification, according to Proshare, underscored their robust performance across various financial metrics based on audited statements for the financial year 2023. Shitta-bey stressed that raising Nigerian banks' equity base was no guarantee for economic growth and development.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has commiserated with former President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, over the death of his mother, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki. Wike, in a condolence visit to the residence of the former Senate President in Abuja yesterday, urged him to take solace in the fact that his mother had played her role in life and had gone to be with God. He also prayed that God Almighty would fortify Senator Saraki, whom he described as a good and dependable friend, and grant him and other
members of his family the courage to carry on with their lives.
“As a believer of God, we all know that there will be a day that we will all leave. She has come, she has played her role, she has left and I know she will be with the Almighty God.
“Our prayer is that God should fortify you and your siblings and the entire family, give you that courage to live and go ahead with doing things,” Wike said.
On the delegation of the FCT Minister during the visit were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudum Nwuche and Senator Philip Aduda, among others.
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia
The Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, yesterday said President Bola Tinubu has initiated an agenda to remove about 20 million out-of-school children on the streets and prioritise education in Nigeria. The minister made the disclosure at the groundbreaking foundation laying ceremony of the National Examination Council (NECO) offices held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
BOOK LAUNCH…
L-R: Director, Proshare LLC, Dr. Funke Medun; Founder/Chairman, Board of Directors, Proshare, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi; Company Secretary, Jennifer Aburime, and Director, Mr. Teslim Shitta-Bey, at the unveiling of the book "Beyond Profit: How a Nigerian Company Built a Culture of Credibility," in Lagos…recently
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, discovered and deactivated no fewer than 49 illegal refining sites 58 cooking ovens, 20 dugout pits, 32 boats, 32 storage tanks, 17 vehicles, one pumping machine, and five mobile phones, during anti oil theft operations in Niger Delta region.
The DHQ also disclosed that troops deployed to the JTF Operation Hadin Kai, in the North-east, killed 177 terrorists, apprehended 263, during the week under review.
In his regular update on military operations across the federation, the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, also noted that troops of Operations Delta Safe, also arrested 41 perpetrators of oil theft
and rescued 158 kidnapped hostages.
This was as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) equally said that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, discovered and destroyed Improvised Explosive Devices factory and storage facility at Mandara Mountains in Borno State.
Gen. Buba said troops in the Niger Delta recovered 1,007,115 litres of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally
refined AGO.
He also said troops are taking the fight to the terrorists and making significant strides each passing day, adding the military is focussed on doing much more to address the security situation and safeguard citizens.
The military, he said, is combating terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the operational theatres in
Nigerian Army Donates Projects to Plateau Communities, Reaffirms Commitment to Promoting Peace
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and development in Plateau State through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
This commitment was emphasised during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, where several community-oriented projects were unveiled, such as solar-powered boreholes and newly constructed school facilities.
During the inauguration of a solar-
powered borehole at the Primary Health Care Centre in Jebbu-Bassa, Bassa Local Government Area, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.A. Lagbaja who was represented by Major General G.O. Adesina, highlighted the significance of the project saying, “The Nigerian Army will continue with its operations, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure a secure environment for peaceful coexistence in Plateau State. These quick impact projects and other initiatives are part of our non-kinetic efforts to address the
challenges faced by host communities in areas where military operations are ongoing."
He said the strategic selection of Jebbu Bassa was on the ground that it houses 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and numerous veterans, noting that the borehole project is a step towards enhancing the quality of life in the community in alignment with the efforts of federal and state governments, and other organisations.
“This project represents one of the Nigerian Army's modest contributions towards enhancing
the well-being of the people in this community.”
He reiterated the Army's readiness to reciprocate the support of local communities and urged for continued cooperation during military operations, saying, “Under my leadership, the Nigerian Army is fully prepared to reciprocate the cooperation extended to us as per our constitutional mandate. I encourage you to continue offering your support to our troops for successful operations in Plateau State and neighbouring regions.”
£2.6bn Fraud: Petro Union Directors Lose Bid to Stop Trial
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed a nocase-submission application filed by three Directors of an oil firm, Petro Union Oil and Gas Limited, who are currently standing trial over an alleged £2.6bn fraud.
the country, stressing that its role in the ongoing war is clear and it is increasingly making progress. 500
According to him, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of five hundred and one million, eighty nine thousand four hundred naira.
Buba said: "Troops recovered 170 assorted weapons and 4,692 assorted ammunition. The breakdown are as follows: six PKT guns, 63 AK47 rifles, three FN rifles, one SMG rifle, 29 locally fabricated gun, 37 dane guns, 20 pump action guns, one short double barrel gun, two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel, six locally fabricated pistols, four bandoliers, RPG bombs, RPG charger, two primed IEDs and materials".
Meanwhile, a statement by Director
of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, disclosed that several terrorists were killed during the airstrike at Mandara Mountains. He said: "Aerial bombardments carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of 3 July 2024, near Degbewa and Chinene, two known terrorists hideouts tucked in the Mandara Mountains, have led to the elimination of several terrorists and their structures. The air strikes became expedient after several days of aerial surveillance over Chinene and Degbewa, which revealed a consistent gathering of a large number of terrorists in the area also suspected to be sites for manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices and storage area."
FCTA Distributes 50 Operational Vehicles to Police, Army, Others to Fight Banditry, Crimes
the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,
The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Liman, held in his ruling over the application that the federal government had made out a prima facie case against the company and its directors, which requires them to enter a defence. Justice Liman, however, ruled that the company’s Financial Consultant, Abayomi Kukoyi, has no case to answer as his involvement in the series of incidents leading to the alleged crime was in a professional capacity.
attempt to steal and forgery.
The company’s directors on trial are Prince Kingsley Okpala, Prince Chidi Okpalaeze and Prince Emmanuel Okpalaeze. They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants before the court on allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences,
While challenging the no-casesubmission application, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had maintained that the prosecution had, through its witnesses, established a prima facie case of fraud against the defendants.
The anti-graft agency's lawyer argued that all investigations by Union Bank, Central Bank, Bankers' Committee and the EFCC confirmed that the defendants were engaged in clearly fraudulent activities.
He stated, "We have proved the ingredients of those offences beyond any reasonable doubt, and each defendant should be invited to present their defence to the charge if they have any.
Rivers Community Laments Fresh Oil Spill
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Indigenes of Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have lamented a fresh oil spill in their land, saying that the incident affected their farmlands and some of their residential houses.
THISDAY learnt that the fresh oil spill occured at about 12:45a.m. on Thursday, in the Sugi area of Bodo community, not far from where multiple oil spills have occurred in recent times on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) operated by Shell Petroleum Development Cigeria (SPDC) Ltd.
A resident of the village who disclosed her name as Mrs. Monica told journalists at the site of the spill, that at the time of incident they heard a loud sound and at dawn when they went to check the cause of the sound they noticed spilled all over the area. She said: "A loud sound was
heard like that of last year's at about 12 45a.m."
Meanwhile, a community-based environmental advocacy group under the aegis of Eco Defence Alliance has condemned the incessant oil spill in the Bodo community, calling for investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has distributed 50 operational vehicles fitted with communication gadgets to security agencies in the territory to confront bandits and other criminals operating in and outside the nation’s capital.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike presented the vehicles yesterday in Abuja.
He said if they didn't make the gesture it would be impossible for the residents of the territory to sleep with their two eyes closed and to carry out their human activities.
“For us as a government it is not the responsibility of Mr. President to go and identify criminal hideouts, nor it is not my responsibility or the Minister of State to go and engage criminals. But it is our responsibility to provide the tools for the security agencies to confront these criminals and make sure we sleep with our two eyes closed. If we do not make the route it would be difficult for our security agencies to be effective in carrying out their function of securing lives and properties,” Wike said.
From the breakdown, the Police FCT Command received 24 vehicles,
Seek Counsel from Past Senate Presidents on Public Conduct, Group
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD) has advised the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to seek advice from past holders of the office on public conduct.
The CPD argued that the
mannerism currently displayed by Akpabio while presiding in the chamber allegedly showed an alarming lack of expected decorum, carriage and knowledge on parliamentary practices and procedures.
The group noted that Senate Presidents that preceded Akpabio
in office like Ahmad Lawan, Bukola Saraki, David Mark conducted the affairs of the institution in reverence and respect which the office demands, expressing concerns that Senator Akpabio’s actions and utterances as Senate President are ridiculing the
institution.
CPD’s National Coordinator, Dr. Menike Johnson, in a statement issued in Abuja, frowned at what he termed the pettiness of Akpabio in dragging his personal animosity to the floor of the Senate using the privilege of the Chair, the symbol
of the parliament authority.
“If he (Akpabio) sought the advice of his predecessors in that office, he would have been counselled that the Chair of the Senate President in the chamber is not designed for personal scuffles."It is not a seat for personal aggrandizement or peddling of cheap
Immigration Service, one; NDLEA, one and Advance Party- Security Monitoring FCTA, six. Wike said Nigerians would continue to pray for the lives of security agents if they realised the role they play in securing the country.
“We act as if security agencies are not doing anything. Every day I get security report and I know the efforts of security agencies. If I avail you of what the security agencies do every day, you will be surprised at the kind of crimes they have foiled, the kind of criminals they have arrested to ensure that we leave our lives without hindrance. We need to pray for them. They are also human and they have families. Sometimes they lose their lives when sent to engage criminals. The only way we can support our security agencies is not to condemn but to continue to support them. Even in the US or UK, you have major security issues leading to the death of so many people.”
rumours and lies. "The expectations of Nigerians is that Akpabio as the Senate President will provide for legislative instruments that will help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to solve economic challenges confronting the nation," the statement stated.
OIawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
eight; Department of State Services (DSS) five; Nigeria Army Guards Brigade, three; Nigeria Air Force 053 NAF Camp Abuja, one; Naval Unit Abuja, one; Nigeria
Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
PARTNERSHIP FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT…
Anambra Govt Discovers 321 Ghost Workers in LGAs’ Payroll
Tamuno: AICL Encourages Diplomatic Engagement with Ambassadors
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Maureen Tamuno, has highlighted efforts aimed at fostering diplomatic ties with heads of mission at the Abuja Business and Investment Summit.
During the pre-cocktail briefing of the Abuja Business and Investment Summit, Tamuno highlighted AICL's commitment to positioning Abuja as a leading investment hub.
According to a statement, she emphasised the pivotal role of diplomatic missions in promoting AICL's initiatives and investment opportunities in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Abuja is a place to invest in. We are ready to collaborate with missions
and partner with organisations, our environment is conducive and favorable enough with business opportunities,’’ Tamuno stated.
The pre-summit event served as a platform for ambassadors to explore collaborative opportunities with AICL and contribute to Abuja's economic advancement through strategic partnerships.
She lauded efforts of President Bola Tinubu as well as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in enhancing Abuja's infrastructure, thereby creating an optimal environment for business prosperity and announced the upcoming Abuja Business and Investment Summit scheduled to hold on the 16th-18th of October 2024, with the theme, 'Optimising Investment Through Partnership'.
House on The Rock to Hold 2024 Night of African Praise July 26
The House on The Rock Church has announced that the 2024 edition of The African Praise Experience (TAPE) has been scheduled for Friday, July 26th. A statement yesterday, explained that the night of extravagant praise would be hosted by the renowned Metropolitan Senior Pastor of all House on The Rock, Paul Adefarasin.
It explained that the event promises to be a spiritually lifting experience, “that celebrates the unity in our diversity as Nigerians, as different tribes, tongues, and cultures come together under one roof to pour
lavish praise on the Creator of the universe.”
It added: “Starting at 8p.m. and continuing until dawn, The African Praise Experience (TAPE) will feature life-changing ministrations from a plethora of worship leaders such as Moses Bliss, Sinach, Prinx Emmanuel, Beejay Sax, Onos Ariyo, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Eben, Mr. M & Revelation, Mercy Chinwo, Frank Edwards, Bidemi Olaoba, Ebuka Songs, Minister GUC and the very dynamic Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir (LMGC).
Akpabio's Spokesman, Eyiboh Loses Mum
The spokesperson to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, on Thursday lost his mother, Mrs. Grace Sunday Eyiboh. She died three days to her 90th birthday. In a letter informing the Senate President of his mother's demise, Eyiboh stated: "Your Lordship, I woke up in the early hours of today, Thursday July 04, to the affirmation of the disruptive and inevitable presence of death in our common humanity.
"Tears are sometimes an inappropriate response to death when a life has been lived in complete honesty, service and in the fear of God.
"The correct response to death's punctuation mark is courage. Today, it is sufficiently manifest that, to die when a name is still well spoken is never death but a transfiguration.
"I pray to God to bless the spirit of my late mother - Deaconess Grace Sunday Eyiboh with the compass of His course."
during an interview in his office, saying that these people have been drawing salaries from various local government areas in Anambra State without coming to work.
Ezeaka, a legal practitioner, had recently been under attack by workers in the local government system who accused him of unduly victimising workers since he was appointed.
He said: "The governor gave us a mandate to clear the local government system of ghost workers, so we brought biometric attendance register and after the first three months, we got a print out and discovered 320 persons in all the 21 local governments who never attended work even one day in three months.
"We wrote to JAAC to put them off salary, some reacted and said the machine was not working perfectly, so we gave them another chance.
"Out of that 320, only 110 since February this year have been able to come out to prove themselves as workers and we have restored their pay and till today, 220 have not shown up."
He said the commission was still worried that the wage bill was high, compared to the number of people that were coming to work, so it did a physical audit of workers.
"We set up a committee to verify the workers. The heads of personnel management in all the local government brought in their workers list, they also
attached their schedule of duty, and we went to JAAC and got salary printout.
"Then we started verifying, anyone whose name was on the salary printout and was not captured in the schedule of duty was fished out.
"After six weeks, the committee found out that some were retired, some have relocated abroad, some have found jobs elsewhere, some have also died, but were still earning salaries from this government."
He further added: "We found 59 dead workers, 40 retirees, 222 unidentified workers, some have relocated out of Nigeria but were still earning salaries, while some have found more lucrative jobs, yet their accounts were still being
credited with monthly salaries.
"We found the case of a lady (name withheld), who retired from the local government system and got a job in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She was still receiving salaries, and also receiving pension at the same time, yet receiving salary as a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
"We have written to the university, and they have confirmed that she is their staff. Another is in Nwafor Orizu College of Education, and she was still receiving salaries from this government. We have the case of people who absconded from work for years, and their salaries were still being paid. One was traced to be living abroad, yet collecting salary here."
Gov Eno Assures FG of Cooperation on Lagos-Calabar Highway Project
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has assured the President Bola Tinubu-led government of maximum cooperation towards the actualisation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Governor Eno who made the declaration during a stakeholders' engagement ceremony on the alignment of Sections 3B and 4 of the project at Ibom Hall, Uyo, reaffirmed his appreciation for the administration of President
Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for drawing development to the state.
The stakeholders' engagement is sequel to the approval of the President for the commencement of the construction of the road simultaneously from all the affected states which make up the trade and agricultural corridors of Nigeria in keeping with the Renewed Hope economic recovery plans.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal
Highway is a 700km road that will link Lagos State with Cross River State, through the shoreline states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Ogun and Ondo.
The governor assured that the state government would liaise with groups, communities and stakeholders towards the smooth implementation of the Akwa Ibom portion of the coastal highway.
"Let me assure you that we will
cooperate with you at any time and in whichever way you want so that we can actualise the vision of Mr. President on this costal road. "Whatever you think we need to do to show support or talk to our young people, whether it is security, just call our attention and we will be willing to give that support. It is a commitment that I make consciously, and as you begin, we will work with you," he assured.
PSN Hails Tinubu on Executive Order
Removing Tariff, VAT on Pharma Imports
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the pragmatic approach to turning around the nation’s ailing health sector with the signing of the Executive Order granting zero tariffs, excise duties and VAT specified pharmaceuticals, machineries, equipment and raw materials.
The President of PSN, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, expressed optimism that the Order will bring down the skyrocketing prices of drugs in Nigeria and boost sustainable high-quality healthcare in the country.
According to him, it is a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal
Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The Order which focuses on pharmaceutical diagnostics, medical equipment, Prof. Usifoh said, will encourage local manufacturing of essential healthcare products, enhance the healthcare value chain; as well as promote investment in the sector and ultimately reduce costs of medical consumables.
He said,"I find it extremely
delightful to convey the appreciation of the entire membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and other prominent stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry/sector to President Tinubu and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare on the signing of an Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical devices.
Misha Travels Refutes Allegation of Financial Wrongdoing By Kaduna State Assembly
Misha Travels Limited has described as false the allegation of financial misdealing levelled against it by the Kaduna State Assembly ad-hoc committee investigating activities of the previous administration in the state.
The company stated this in a
statement signed by its Director, A. O. Abubakar, obtained yesterday. The statement read: “It has come to our attention that Misha Travels Ltd. has been mentioned in recent news reports regarding the Kaduna State Assembly ad-hoc committee investigation into the
previous administration. Specifically, these reports cite our company in relation to alleged financial misdealing involving the Kaduna State Government.
“We categorically state that these reports are entirely false. Misha Travels Ltd. has not engaged in
any misdealings with any entity, including the previous Kaduna State administration. The reports erroneously reference our company. This would have been easily resolved had the State Assembly reached out to us for clarification before making such false claims public.”
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State Local Government Service Commission has revealed the
discovery of 321 ghost workers in the 21 local government areas of the state. The Chairman of the commission, Mr. Vincent Ezeaka, revealed this yesterday
L-R: Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences University of Lagos, Prof. Adeola Sulaimon; Future X Unilever Campus Ambassador, Irewole Solomon Faturoti; Deputy Vice Chancellor Development Services, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa; HR People Partner, Unilever Nigeria, Zainab Ajadi; Programme Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria (GEN-U 9JA), Bharat Kundra; Head, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business, Unilever Nigeria, Godfrey Adejumoh, during the FUTURE X Unilever Campus Ambassador Programme Career seminar in Collaboration with UNICEF at University of Lagos (UNILAG)… yesterday
Which way out?
Nigeria as a Country of Survivors
AIn the face of these daily encounter with the macabre, Nigerians are forced to cling on to dear life every day. Just getting out of bed in Nigeria has become an act of survival. By the time one navigates the hassles of the day and gets back home in one piece, one can be said to have heroically tallied many acts of survival. In this wise, Nigeria is a country of survivors.
Billionaire former CEO of Konga, Nick Imudia is said to have taken his life on June 25, 2024 by jumping from the balcony of his Lekki apartment. Before the fatal jump, he was said to have instructed his younger brother on how to distribute his vast wealth while leaving a heartbreaking message for his daughter and only child.
His death by suicide has made the rounds on social media where Nigerians have reacted different. In a country where suicide is still largely considered a taboo topic, this death, like many others have provoked questions about mental health at a time of unbearable pressure.
Why would anyone want to take their life? Since self-preservation is man’s earliest and strongest instinct, what could make one bypass this instinct and harm themselves so irreparably and irreversibly? The answer to this question that pulses at that thinnest of lines between life and death is never straightforward. In his seminal book The Savage God, author Alvarez writes that:The psychoanalytic theories of suicide, prove, perhaps, only what was already obvious: that the processes which lead a man to take his life are at least as complex as those by which he continues to live.” He further writes that “Suicide is a closed world with its own irresistible logic.”
While there is no clear-cut singular answer as to why suicide is an option, mental illness supplies the premise for such an answer. By its unrivalled ability to conjure up darkness within and spin all sorts of demons into such a stygian darkness, mental illness can disrupt life and turn it against itself.
Human beings are wired to seek a way out of uncomfortable situations. When people find themselves in situations they deem unideal or undesirable, they devise their escape. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But there is mostly that attempt, even if it is merely ideastic. This instinct to escape dicey and potentially dangerous situations is a nod to self-preservation.
Suicide is like that, an attempt to escape the chokehold of life, albeit one that survives on deception and depression. Whenever people think that death by their hands can provide a hand out of the terrifying pit that life can sometimes be, suicide answers a call that often comes from suffocating darkness.
Indeed, Nigerians have been praised for their fortitude and resilience in the face of impossible challenges. In a 2018 piece titled Life-saving optimism:what the west can learn from Africa for the Guardian UK, celebrated Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma who is on the verge of making the Booker Prize shortlist for the third time praised Nigerians for their resilience and called on the west to learn life-saving optimism from Africans. While that optimism remains, like Nigeria’s oil, it is fast drying up, confirming the fact that there is only so much a people can survive.
Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com
Illegal Arrest in Kwande
Ohis men during their annual meeting and -
Thereafter, the DPO’s alleged that the arrested blacksmiths were cultists. A district head in the area, Chief Gumji EU visited the DPO to testify that they were not cultists but he refused to release them. After much pressure from other quarters, the DPO in question was left with no other choice than to release them on bail after paying some money.But the DPO denied the collection of money from victims as bail. But he later visited the district head of Ishangev-Ya, Chief Gumji EU and returned N15,000 and ordered that the money be shared among the three victims who were tortured while in the police custody. The ongoing hardship in the country is enough to stop all forms of extortion.
Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja
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For those who follow a religious approach to getting their wishes met, churches also have tap and go for donations. It’s now a toss of a coin as to whether your wishes will be met. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394
Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Ahomeless woman relies on the kindness of a stranger to survive. When her lifeline mysteriously disappears, she is forced to ensure her own survival in a perilous city with devastating consequences. The which was premiered recently.
At the exclusive premiere in Lagos, the mixed the story which explores various themes as mental health, homelessness and mob justice.
mental stability in the face of extreme hardship.
The themes are interwoven to bring to life the stark portrayal of the struggles and vulner abilities faced by those living on the margins of society, without a shelter. It also portrayed the often swift descent to violence that exists in a city rife with frustration and the inevitable crime that comes from a society where people struggle to get their basic needs met.
solitary world at the top of a bridge, above the busiest, most dangerous bus stop in Lagos. She clings to a fragile lifeline: a stranger’s empathy.
of the streets. In spite of that, her empathy and
appreciation for the world around her remains present. Consequently, it is her humanity that becomes her undoing.
Written and directed by Dolapo Marinho, environment of Ojota. The director’s statement way home, I would drive past a pedestrian bridge and see a woman sitting at a bus stop, by the foot of the bridge.
“She looked on the fringes of life, and every time I saw her, I wondered what her story might be. One day, I drove past the bridge, and she was no longer there. I never saw her again. and couldn’t stop wondering what happens to the marginalised.
“Those living on the periphery of a perilous, as a way to ask questions of ourselves and bring visibility to the most vulnerable people that we exist amongst. The most important element was to show Lagos as she truly is.
“A gritty, faded, bustling beast of city that is simultaneously exhilarating and deeply danger ous. There could be no short cuts, because the be realised against a backdrop of authenticity.
“Telling a story as bold as this required daring, dedication, and a tenacious attention to detail.
characters survive in we were able to keep the location, tempo, colour and score as true to life as possible.
“The cast and crew, some of whom were actual people from the street, were a privilege to work with. I remain grateful for their professionalism; shared vision and dedication to task all of which helped bring this unique project to life.”
a storyteller and creative at Red Sand Studios. At Red Sand Studios, her mission is to elevate African storytelling through movies that not only entertain but also stir the conscience. Ekezie’s vision is to set new standards for quality storytelling and professionalism in Nollywood.
She said in an interview that she doesn’t regret leaving her more than two decades’ career in the corporate world to join the movie industry in Nigeria.
Ekezie, who came back from the US more than 20 years ago, armed with two bachelors degree in Journalism and Criminology started her journey in the corporate world in Nigeria as a brand manager at ARM Investment Manag
Keys The Prince: Mental Health, Homelessness, Mob Justice Explored in New Film, Wèrè
It’s Beautiful Seeing Nigerian Artistes on Global Stage
Witty, talented and confident encapsulate fast-rising music star, Keys the Prince, a Nigerian artiste whose real name is Oladotun Olubi. ‘Omo London’ as he fondly calls himself, at a recent session with newshounds, including Ferdinand Ekechukwu, talks about his music career, growing up, and family connection to the afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. The 5K Records artiste, an imprint of Sony Music UK, also talks about his unique incorporation of percussion and samples from classic songs. Excerpts
I think with sample it’s familiar with everyone so it’s a nice way to introduce something new but something that is also familiar. It’s never really intentional.
Me I’m just a ‘Cele’ (Celestial Church of Christ) boy, so songs like Yinka Ayefele, things like that in my house was such a big part growing up. I think with the sampling it’s just experience...
What’s the inspiration behind your song Folashadesinceitseemsyouareappealingto the several Folashades in town?
(Laughs…) Probably my love for Yoruba women but the same way they can break your heart you have to be careful as well. It’s a song that came naturally in the studio yeah. Yoruba women, that’s my weakness. So I said let me make a song for them. Yeah that was the inspiration behind that one. YouarecomingintotheNigerianmusicindustry, whatareyoubringingandshouldwebescared?
just really because I know with Nigerians it’s more difficult the standards are high when it comes to music. It’s difficult to just come and be like ‘I’m coming; I’m making music’. It’s really to come and connect; good connection, good relationships and really be on the grind. Should you be scared? Yes o…!
I was introduced to music by playing the keys, that’s why my name “Keys”. So I start playing the keys. I wanted to play drums but my dad said in our family we only play guitars or keys pick one. I picked keys and I just fell in love with it from production standpoint. So, even ‘Left Right’ (sample of Ayefele’s song) I’m the one that produced it. So most of my music catalogue I produced it myself. And before I just wanted to be behind the scene and make music and play keyboards for people.
the people I’m playing for’ (laughs) let me try and releasing music once every year or once every two years. And then in 2020 I just said let me try and release more than one song in a year. And from then that’s when I could say I properly started doing music and pushed it from there.
Canyoumentionsomeofthesongsyouhave doneinthepast?
I have got a song called ‘Oya na’ that’s the biggest streaming one at the moment. It was just talking drum freestyle, again, just tapping into things that I’m familiar with and are here with the time. So ‘Oya na’… There’s a song called ‘Owner’ there’s a few of us on that song but it did quite well in the UK as well. I did ‘Oshey’. And there’s a song called ‘Ese Part 2’ with the choir, that’s probably one of my favourite songs, that’s a beautiful song.
How does your ‘Cele’ background impact yourmusic?
I think it impacts my music in a good way, in a positive way. So things like talking drum I like to incorporate a lot of in my music. It just influences the sound, some of the sayings as well and the church I go to they are very supportive, loving the music and the movement as well.
DoyoustillgotoCele?
It’s funny because there’s a point where I stopped going to church and then I think maybe two years ago I just started going again.
Sonowyouwentbackbecauseyoufeltlike thisindustryyouaregoingtoyouneedprayers? (Laughs)…of course na you need prayers for and I feel like ever since I went back I’m more connected and more aligned with my purpose. Collaboration is key when you come into the industry. You have done a song with Mayorkun, anyone with any female artiste and if you are looking to working with a female artiste in Nigeria who would that be and why?
Keys the Prince Tems is amazing. I’m a big fan of Tems; just her sound and how she uses her voice; it’s just like an instrument to me. So Tems would be amazing. That probably would be the top on my list. Ayra Starr is amazing as well.
WhataboutTopeAlabi?
Ah! Tope Alabi I will work with Tope Alabi of course na. That’s another of my icon. You could bring Tope Alabi we can make a serious record for sure.
Why I think I’m different is that I feel like I’m trying to marry the two worlds as I’m very much London, I’m very much Nigerian. And I feel like that hasn’t necessarily been married well and put in the forefront. So, I feel like that’s one of my unique selling points. Also maybe the use of talking drums and stuff like that I feel like I’m trying to put that in the forefront of my music
and make myself different as well and of course tapping into my life experiences and things that are true to me…so yea. Hopefully I can provide something different. Even me I had never seen a UK rapper anywhere rap with talking drum before. That’s how I’m going to show I’m different so you know, just incorporating things that people haven’t necessarily seen before.
It’s amazing. They are the biggest artistes in the world right now. They can come to London and do the 02 three times in a row. They sell out shows. There’s a big demand for Nigerian artistes and it’s beautiful to see on a global stage and it’s something that I’m really looking to be a part of as well and Nigeria is so big as well. So, for me in London I’m almost like I don’t completely feel this is where I’m meant to be’. I’m inspired by my people around. It’s amazing to see all the artistes right now killing it.
So I was born in Euston, a place in North West London which in London standard is quite a rough area. In Nigerian standards it might just be normal. Just growing up with my parents in a primitive church but also growing up in London there was a lot of live crime and stuff like that you are kind of exposed to that live crime, gun crime just seeing that. Even in some of my music I touched on that seeing and observing those kinds of things but also trying to escape. And then yea it was just growing up, growing up, I didn’t want to go to university but I didn’t know what to do. So, I was like let me just go to University and make my parents happy. And then now we are here. It’s interesting my journey my dad always tells me ‘ah you know Fela Kuti is your cousin, this house, this house, this house’. I feel like he was embedding that into me that music is something that is part of the family.
Ogochukwu Ekezie
When he disappears, a betrayal forces her to descend to street level.
Between Olu Jacobs and Fake Death Reports
Tosin Clegg
Eighty-one-year-old veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs would be 82 on July 11, 2024, which is few days away. He drew media attention a few days the airwaves again and caused a little social media frenzy.
Fortunately, the rumor was debunked before it could hold weight on the minds and hearts of many who have come to love and reverence the outstandingly achieved veteran actor.
The big question now is this, who felt it right to spread a false news that he died?
social media or to drive a reaction from him since he has been a little bit under the radar lately? These questions might probably be left unanswered but the video after it brought up its ugly head.
In the video we could see Olu Jacob having an hair trimming and the voice of an interviewer behind the camera bringing his notice to the rumor which he debunked courteously.
Kate Henshaw, Betty Irabor, Soji Jacobs; his son and others also took out to time to clear the air and further assure the public that he was very much alive and doing well. Although the rumors didn’t start today but this recent one really did trigger emotions of many. It is public knowledge that he has been battling with Dementia with lewy bodies for a while as revealed
by his adorable wife, Joke Silva a few years ago hence the surfacing of these rumors over time.
As Olu Jacobs turns 82 next week we can recount that his career has been decorated with multiple awards and achievements; starring in several British Television Series, numerous Nollywood Productions and notable stage plays in his early days. His life is a testament of possibilities and an attestation that a lot can be achieved if one commits his mind, soul and body to work.
Olu Jacobs can also be regarded as one of the godfathers of Nollywood who showed that colour or race isn’t a limitation. From trainings at the The Royal Academy of Dramatic Acts in London to the TV screens we all grew up to know him from he has truly changed the narratives and earned his place as a true veteran.
Greatman Takit Set to Release New Album, Plans International Tours
Gospel Minister, songwriter and singer, Greatman Ademola Takit popularly known as Greatman Takit has evolved over the years as a powerhouse of musical artistry, mastery and excellence. His sound is exceptionally clothed with a vocal delivery that is matchless and beautifully crafted for the ears and hearts of many to be blessed with. One thing that stands the music minister out is that his expressions are versatile when it comes to
way of switching in between worship to Afrobeats into Rap balancing these genres with a mastery like no other.
A man devoted to his call in music desiring to bless millions with it continues to steer his sound to the ears of many as he is set to drop a body of work this July. Sequel to this, Greatman released a worship album called ‘WORSHIP SZN’ on the 26th of January 2024. Accompanying this was the release of two singles, ‘Shapally’ with Gospelondebeatz which was released on the 1st of May and ‘Togun Togun’ on the 3rd of June.
This July, the music minister and renowned producer, Gospelondebeatz have come together to release an 8 track project titled, ‘Ghetto 26th of July.
He further expressed that, “This album is an amazing fusion of amapiano and afrobeats with thought provoking lyrics. One thing I can guarantee everyone is that it would be both edifying and entertaining.”
As regards his planned UK tour he unveils event outside the shores of Nigeria so there’s a high level of expectation. I’m bring all of the expressions that people know about Greatman Takit.”
As Adesola Odeyeyiwa Turns 50
Goke Ilesanmi
The date, June 25 is a symbolically remarkable one that is permanently committed to memory and regularly marked on the calendar for constant visual reminders every year, by thousands of well-wishers for many years now. Why? This is because and dignity, Adesola Mutiat Odeyeyiwa was born on that day.
In fact, June 25 this year is a more symbolic and unique one because this amiable woman endowed with a rare heart of gold turned 50, necessitating her induction into the Global Golden Hall of Fame and Age.
Her attainment of this golden-jubilee age of 50 on Tuesday, June 25, calls for special celebration.
The willingness of her teeming well-wishers, family members, friends and business associates across the world to celebrate the milestone with her, stems from the enormous positive impacts this corporate executive has made on humanity as well as her outstanding corporate accomplishments.
Odeyeyiwa, is by all standards a philanthropic celebrity endowed with multiplicity of laudable trademarks. Despite working all her life to make great societal impacts, this great Humanitarian persistently wears invisible dark glasses of humility to avoid being recognised and applauded.
What is more, Odeyeyiwa is a highlyindustrious, cerebral and versatile entrepreneur with exceptional passion for corporate
success. Through her entrepreneurial acumen,ship skills, innovative ideas, wide networking and resilience, she has been able to jointly manage the Repton Group, where she is currently an Executive Director, to attain outstanding corporate success.
For instance, Kazab Heritage Limited, the subsidiary of the Group that deals in cement and iron rod distribution emerged as the 2023 National Largest Distributor of Dangote Cement in Nigeria after having come second consecutively for three years.
Earlier in 2020, the subsidiary achieved the double feat of respectively emerging as the National Largest Distributor of Lafarge Cement and National Second Largest Distributor of Dangote Cement in Nigeria. It had earlier emerged as the National Largest Distributor of Lafarge Cement in 2017. All these achievements are partly due to the exceptional intelligence and resilience of the industrious Odeyeyiwa.
It is noteworthy that Repton Group, a globally-focused Nigeria-based conglomerate also has other vibrant subsidiaries such as Defrost Ventures Limited, Continental Vision, Kazab Homes and Properties, Ibile Farm and Kazab Oil and Gas.
Odeyeyiwa, a perfect blend of excellence, temperance and diligence has equally singlehandedly established and successfully managed A&T Ventures, a thriving business empire reputable for being the major distributor of Coca-Cola and Seven Up beverages in the South Western part of Nigeria.
Odeyeyiwa, a woman of exceptional sartorial elegance, is undoubtedly a rare
model of towering glamour apart from being impressively compassionate. What a double combination of great qualities! It is 100 per cent certain that Ayi Kwei Armah, the legendary Ghanaian novelist and author of the celebrated satirical novel “The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born,” would not have written the book if he had seen exemplary people of impeccable character like Odeyeyiwa around then.
Why? This is because the beauty that Armah refers to in his novel is not physical, but moral and compassion.
“The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born”
African society and reveals moral decadence in every segment of the society.
In the book, Armah especially beams his analytical searchlight of condemnation on as entrepreneurs, housewives, civil servants and others who equally indulge in wicked and corrupt practices.
Given the pervasive nature of corruption, the author concludes that the credible people regarded as “morally beautiful” ones are not yet born. But such people are now physically born with the existence of people like Odeyeyiwa.
A woman of great thirst for formal education, knowledge and persistent selfdevelopment, Odeyeyiwa who has attended numerous advanced corporate management programmes, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State and an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Universal College of Technology, also in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
As this excellent and rare model of integrity, sociability, humility, morality and compassion has successfully climbed the prayer is that God Almighty will spare her life to celebrate diamond jubilee, platinum jubilee, centenary, etc.
Happy birthday Ma, our amiable Odeyeyiwa.
Jacobs
Taki
Tosin Clegg
Odeyeyiwa
Russia as Nigeria’s Neighbour by Geo-political Propinquity: The Challenge of the ASS
Bola A. Akinterinwa
Until the making of the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), France has been recognised as another neighbour of Nigeria by geo-political propinquity. Republic of Benin, Republic of Niger, Republic of Chad, and Republic of Cameroon are generally considered as Nigeria’s immediate neighbours by geographical territorial contiguity. Professor Rafiu Ayo Akindele, former Acting Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), and Professor Bola A. Akinterinwa have argued that France is also a territorial neighbour of Nigeria by geo-political propinquity, meaning that France and Nigeria have several shared values in global politics. The shared values necessarily bring them closer together beyond the rule of territorial contiguity. They posited that the commonality of interests is such that it influences the focus of policy-making in the four contiguous neighbours of Nigeria. For instance, France’s policy attitude towards Nigeria at the politico-strategic level is to prevent Nigeria from influencing the Francophone neighbours against French interests in Francophone Africa, particularly in Nigeria’s immediate neighbourhood which is Francophone. In the same vein, Nigeria’s attitudinal disposition towards France is to prevent France from undermining her interests in her sphere of influence. This raises the extent of validity of ‘there are no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interests,’ which is not applicable to Franco-Nigerian relations in West Africa. Put differently, the immediate territorial neighbours of Nigeria are Francophone and will remain permanently so until there is fundamental change of circumstance. If we admit that Nigeria cannot change her Francophone neighbours where France has privileged influence, and if admittedly Nigeria will continue to have qualms with French presence in the ECOWAS region, this means that both countries cannot but remain friendly enemies. By implication, there can be permanent enemies and friends. It is the permanency of an interest that actually determines whether there will be permanent friends or enemies.
Issues in Russia as Nigeria’s Neighbour
It is against the foregoing background that we consider Nigeria’s interests, permanent or otherwise, within the framework of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES or ASS). Many are the issues raised since the withdrawal of the three Member States of the ASS (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) from the ECOWAS. For instance, how do we understand the roles of the people in coup-making? In Mali and Niger, in particular, the people gave active support to the military junta who, in the eyes of the ECOWAS, all came to power by unconstitutional means? Should people-supported coups be considered unconstitutional in the light of the people’s protest against a legitimate government, accused of bad governance and institutional corruption?
Explained differently, in Kenya, President Williams Ruto is not only seen by Kenyans as anti-people by coming out with a ‘Financial Bill Kenya 2024’ which seeks to tax the daily needs of the people (sanitary pads, bread, etc.) but also as a puppet of the United States. Consequently, the people are insisting that President Ruto should either resign or be forced out. Should or shouldn’t the people be considered as coupists? If the people are considered as coupists, what about the source or sources of coup? Should an elected president who has bastardised democracy be left alone under the pretext that people should wait to vote him out? If the people are to wait and their votes would not count at the end of voting, what is the option left to capitalise on?
In this regard, how does the African Union or the ECOWAS interpret the role of the people? Should the ECOWAS act against the wishes of the people? Whose interests are being protected if the people are protesting against democracy or against a democraticallyelected president who is seen as working against the interest of the nation by being a puppet? And perhaps most disturbingly, has the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) administration contemplated on the possibility of another mass protest in the mania of the 2020 #End SARS in light of the groaning complaints of the people? What will PBAT do in the event of a popular revolt? The question is raised because one other reason for the revolt in Kenya, apart from taxation, is the issue of unending borrowing. The people are embittered, especially that the borrowing is believed to be fraught with corruption. PBAT must learn lessons from elsewhere as Nigeria and Kenya share common situational reality in terms of foreign borrowings. PBAT must begin to be all ears first, as leader of Nigeria, before being the primus inter pares at the level of the ECOWAS.
True enough, PBAT was elected but the people are complaining about some of his policies that are making life difficult for survival in Nigeria in the same way Burkinabe, Malians and Nigeriens complained to no avail. Many Nigerians are leaving Nigeria to seek greener pastures in Russia, and particularly going there to join the Russian war effort on Ukraine. Will Russia’s fast growing influence in Sahel not encourage more Nigerians to go to Russia or to join the Wagner Group in West Africa? If the people of Nigeria rise up to demand PBAT’s resignation, how will the people’s demand for resignation be interpreted? Treasonable felony? Coup d’état? Attempt at unconstitutional change of government?
As PBAT is also the Chairman of ECOWAS authority, has it
not become a desideratum for the ECOWAS to reflect further on how to reconcile the objectives of constitutional changes of government and the survivalist interests of the people? It makes little sense promoting democracy to the detriment of the interest and survival of the people.
Additionally, should Nigeria consider Russia as an alternative to France? Can Russia be a new regional influential and another neighbour of Nigeria by geo-political propinquity, thanks to the ASS that has opened its doors widely to Russia? Can Nigeria manage any Russo-American or Franco-Russian misunderstanding in the West Africa or ECOWAS region? ECOWAS, as a regional body is generally believed not to have the military capacity to unseat the military junta for various reasons, especially because of the strong political will of the peoples in the ASS that are supporting the junta. All these questions cannot but compel PBAT to place greater emphasis on integration of people, on the Community citizens, rather than on integration of Heads of States and of Government. It should not be quickly forgotten that, it was thanks to Nigeria’s initiative, and in collaboration with the Republic of Togo that the ECOWAS was established in 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria. And most unfortunately too, it is under a Nigerian president and ECOWAS under the chairmanship of a Nigerian president, PBAT, that threats of use of force pointing to disintegration of the ECOWAS are deepening. As it is today, the fear of ECOWAS threats is what is serving as a catalyst in the efforts at confederation and federation of the ASS. In other words, the ASS appears to have become a fait accompli, implying that the likelihood of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger accepting to withdraw their notices of non-membership is remote.
It cannot be in the interest of Russia to have the ASS countries return to the ECOWAS where Russian influence has the potential to be challenged. West Africa is a very good region for Russia to challenge its arch competitor and to engage in a proxy war with the NATO allies. The implication is that the ECOWAS, believed to be the most advanced in terms of regional integration efforts, cannot but be the first to have a sub-region as provided for under Article 1(e) of the 1991 Abuja Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community.
It is in the interest of PBAT, and particularly PBAT’s Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs to address the main complaints raised by the ASS countries against the ECOWAS and then respond to them. The approach should not be to emphasise their return to the ECOWAS. The ASS, as noted earlier, is a fait accompli. ASS confederation is already given and cannot be easily negotiated away bearing in mind the financial expenses incurred. The peoples of the three countries now see themselves differently as self-liberated. Consequently, the challenge for PBAT is how to coordinate the regional and sub-regional bodies within the framework of competing foreign interests.
France is most likely to make use of the yet-to-become hostile countries to sustain her influence in West Africa. Doing this also has the potential to create divided interests amongst Francophone Africa. Even if the French are purporting to have other sources of uranium, they must acknowledge or tell the whole world how much they are buying it from Niger compared to other countries, like Canada. It is on record that France normally buys one kilogram of uranium at a rate of €0.80 euro from Niger but paid €200 per kilogram for the same quantity from Canada in 2023.
As noted by Faizan Ali, in his “Niger-France uranium: African country increases uranium price to €200/kg” posted by samaa. tv on September 10, 2023, Niger is rated by the World Nuclear Association as the world’s seventh biggest producer of uranium and Niger was the second largest supplier of natural uranium to the European Union in 2022. And perhaps more interestingly, Faizan Ali has it that ‘France, historically Niger’s primary uranium buyer, bought uranium from Niger at the rate of €0.80 per kilogram.
Ironically, on the other hand, France bought similar uranium from Canada at a price of €200/kg. Many observers see this as a broad daylight robbery.
Nigeria and the ASS Challenge
The first challenge is this notion of broad daylight robbery. The robbery is synonymous with foreign exploitation of the ASS countries against which the people are protesting. It is useful to note that Nigeria has been in the forefront in the campaigns against the exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources exclusively for the development of Europe. This was a major thrust of Nigeria’s foreign policy under General Yakubu Gowon. Dr Okoi Arikpo was then the Commissioner for External Affairs. He made it clear that Nigeria would never accept such an exploitation. It was a policy that was not taken lightly by the developed countries. The policy was like Dr. Jaja Wachukwu’s policy of ‘No Compromise with Apartheid,’ in 1963.
When Dr Arikpo raised the issue of exploitation of Africa’s resources to the detriment of African people, one answer given by France was that she was in Africa on the kind invitation of countries that are similarly sovereign like Nigeria. France was referring to Francophone African countries. This same answer was also the template often given by France when Nigeria was opposing foreign military bases and interventions in Africa. In this regard, can Nigeria, as a sovereign state prevent another sovereign state from advancing its own national interest? In other words, if other sovereign states accept to be exploited or do not see it as exploitation, why should Nigeria become another supra-national policeman? If Nigeria has to be the policeman of Africa, there is nothing wrong with it but it must be properly acknowledged as a special challenge. This isa major challenge for the PBAT government.
Article 4(2) of the ECOWAS Treaty is another question. It stipulates that ‘the institutions of the Community shall perform the functions and act within the limits of the powers conferred upon them by or under this Treaty and by Protocols thereto.’ The institutions of the ECOWAS are articulated under Article 4(1) as follows: the Authority, Council of Ministers, Defence Council, Executive Secretariat, Tribunal of the Community, and the Technical and Specialised Commissions.
In this regard, the ASS countries are saying that there is no clear provision in the ECOWAS Treaty, even under Article 4 that the ECOWAS is empowered to declare the use of force against any Member State. They therefore see the ECOWAS threats of use of force against Niger as an exaggeration. And true enough, even in the Protocol A/SP.3/5/81 Relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence, Article 2 under objectives, says ‘Member States declare and accept that any armed threat or aggression directed against any Member shall constitute a threat or aggression against the entire Community.’
The intendment of this article is about threats from a third country and not about intra- or inter-member threats. This is why Article 3 of the Treaty has it that ‘Member States resolve to give mutual aid and assistance for defence against any armed threat to aggression.’ In other words, not even the Authority of Heads of State and of Governments is empowered to declare war on a Member State. What Article 4(b) says is that ‘in case of internal armed conflict within any Member State engineered and supported actively from outside likely to endanger the security and peace in the entire community. In this case the Authority shall appreciate and decide on this situation in full collaboration with the Authority of the Member State or States concerned. From the foregoing, the concerns of the Treaty are about external threats and possible aggression from non-Member States.
In the same vein, the ASS countries are arguing that the ECOWAS Treaty does not provide for closure of borders. They do not border much about suspension of their membership. They see this as consistent with the treaty. They are particularly embittered about closure of borders, particularly bearing in mind that Niger is a landlocked country. The closure of borders is seen as a deliberate attempt to punish the people and not even the military junta. This is why, for instance, the ASS has decided to now use their own resources to ensure their own security without any dependency on anyone. It is interesting to note that Mali claimed to have drawn the attention of the UN Security Council to a Malian case but no attention was given by anyone. This simply means that Mali and others have been pushed to the wall and have been compelled to search for other means of survival as sovereign nations.
In terms of challenges for the PBAT, the ASS members are accusing the ECOWAS of violating the ECOWAS Treaty and its Protocols by acting on the basis of powers that are not delegated to the Authority. As Chairman of the regional body, Nigeria as the most powerful regional influential in the ECOWAS region, Nigeria must ensure that the ECOWAS Treaty is not violated whatever is the circumstance. Nigeria must not allow the organisation to be seen as a tool to be used to sustain the policies of divide and rule. In the eyes of the ASS, ECOWAS has lost its raison d’être. This is another major challenge for PBAT ECOWAS had 16 original members. Mauritania disengaged in December 2000 but sought an associate membership in 2017. This is to suggest that the ECOWAS still has its essence to have warranted Mauritania to seek associate membership.
Tinubu
Kyari Records Another Win for NNPCL with €500m Investments in Ubeta Field Project
To say that the Nigerian energy sector has seen significant progress since the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 would be stating the obvious.
The signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in August 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari was a game changer for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the management team led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari as it opened the door for more significant changes in the national oil giant.
It is noteworthy that Kyari had worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of the PIA, an initiative which is aimed at overhauling the country’s energy laws and creating a deregulated environment, freeing the oil sector from government control and unbundling the oil company. The passage of the PIA gave birth to a rejuvenated NNPCL in 2021, which empowered NNPCL to operate like every private company in Nigeria with exemption from the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public Procurement Act and TSA in order to ensure there are no excuses for failure.
Following this milestone, Kyari, initiated new investment benchmarks to further rejuvenate the once ineffective company. One of the success of some of these initiatives was seen recently, when, in a major step towards boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production, the NNPC-TotalEnergies Joint Venture officially announced a $550m Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project.
This milestone is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential Executive Order on Oil and Gas Reforms aimed largely at improving the investment climate and positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the Oil and Gas sector in Africa.
The three Executive Orders, which became effective 28th February 2024, are the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024; Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024; and Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024.
Nigeria is endowed with large oil and gas resources and under Kyari’s transformative leadership, the NNPCL had conceived the idea of monetising Nigeria’s huge gas resources through various gas projects.
For a man who has transformed the NNPCL within the last four years despite the mounting opposition to some of his reforms initiatives, it is gratifying to know that the President believes in Kyari’s capacity to implement energy
policies that will enable the federal government to monetize all available oil and gas resources of today while paving the way for the total exploitation of new and cleaner energy sources of tomorrow.
Since the issuance of the Presidential Executive Orders, the NNPC Ltd. has redoubled its efforts to drive energy security by utilising Nigeria’s abundant gas resources.
In demonstration of this initiative by the President, the NNPC-TotalEnergies Joint Venture officially announced a $550 million Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project.
This investment by the NNPC and Total Energies under a JV arrangement is significant for Nigeria as the country seeks to unlock the huge potential of gas resources in its energy transition drive. The Ubeta field was discovered in 1964 and it is North-West of Port Harcourt in the eastern part of the Niger Delta.
The investment would enable the field to produce about 350MMScf/day of gas and 10,000 BBLS/day of associated liquids. It would be taping into the vast gas reserves and contributing towards securing gas supply to the Nigeria Liquiefied Natural Gas (NLNG). The FID would not have been possible without the enabling fiscal environment provided by President Tinubu through the signing of the Executive Orders.
Kyari gave credence to this when he said at the well-attended signing ceremony that the continuous support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in facilitating a conducive operational environment as a major enabler in achieving this success.
“We appreciate Mr. President for supporting us with the appropriate fiscal environment. The Presidential Executive Order is instrumental to us getting to this significant milestone and we are now seeing the impact of the policy,” Kyari added.
Under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPC has invested heavily in domestic gas footprint expansion projects through the delivery of the trans-Nigerian gas pipeline projects which includes the escravos project, the Lagos pipelines system, and the AjaokutaKano Gas Pipelines.
As a national oil company, the NNPC is cooperating with its partners to solve the energy challenges facing the country. The Ubeta field is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West. It is instructive to state that the FID on the gas project may not have been possible without the government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments. Ubeta fits perfectly with the NNPC Ltd’s strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports.
Tinubu has significantly rekindled investor confidence in the Oil and Gas Industry and this is responsible for the renewed hopes from Nigerians that more investments are on the way for
the energy sector.
With Nigeria boasting substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and a potential to reach 600 Tcf, it is pertinent Nigeria leverages the gas resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation.
Located in OML58, the Ubeta gas condensate field would be developed with a new 6-well cluster connected to the existing Obite facilities through an 11km buried pipeline.
Production start-up is expected in 2027, with a plateau of 300 million cubic feet per day (about 70,000barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates). Gas from Ubeta would be supplied to NLNG, a liquefaction plant located in Bonny Island with an on-going capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which NNPC Limited holds a 49 per cent interest.
Ubeta is a low-emission and low-cost development, leveraging on OML58 existing gas processing facilities. The carbon intensity of the project will be further reduced through a 5 MW solar plant currently under construction at the Obite site and the electrification of the drilling rig.As partners, TotalEnergies is working closely with NNPC Limited to enhance local content, with more than 90 per cent of manhours which will be worked locally. The Ubeta FID justifies the effort invested by NNPC Limited, with unyielding Executive support, into tackling the underlying reasons that have plagued the attractiveness of the Nigerian oil and gas industry to foreign investors in recent years.
The Ubeta project has a robust Nigerian Content plan and is poised to stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and create significant value for stakeholders.
Goodnight Mama
Renowned Nigerian-British
actor, filmmaker, Wale
Ojo pays tribute to his dearly beloved mother Princess Teresa Otieyeke Ojo (Nee Anao) who passed on recently, aged 85
Ihave said goodnight Mama many times; many times indeed. However, I never imagined that I would be saying goodnight for the last time to my mother when she called to see how I was doing. Forever caring, forever loving that was our mother. There are three of us, my eldest sister June, my brother Niyi and I was the last born.
Mama was born Princess Teresa Otieyeke Anao to the Royal family of Ewohimi, in Edo State. She had three sisters and three brothers. My aunties who were all adorable and so loving were Aunty Maureen, Aunty Dora and Aunty Kyss. Her big brothers were Uncle Richard, Uncle Eguabor and Uncle Christopher. Her father was the Odionwele of Oghagbo who was highly respected and admired in Opoji. Her mother was our most adorable and caring grandmother, popularly known to everyone as Mama Flamingo was born Christiana Onaiwu.
We all grew up at the delightful Flamingo Hotel which was a regular entertainment spot in Ekpoma, Edo State, owned by my grandmother and was the first hotel to host Victor Uwaifo and his brother. My mother it was who ignited my interest in travelling and seeing other countries.
In 1976 she started a travel and tourism company called Tess Travels and Tours. This company became one of the largest and most successful tourism companies in the country. Tess Travels was the first travel agent to be automated in airline reservations system in Nigeria. Tess Travels was essentially a corporate oriented travel agent that serviced companies like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria Wire and Cables Ibadan, Exide batteries Ibadan, the American Embassy Lagos, Triplex Glass Ibadan, Ferodo Brake Company Ibadan, Leyland Motors and the University of Ibadan to name just a few.
Mama earned many awards and titles for her hard work and dedication to travel and tourism in Nigeria. She became the first female president of NANTA – National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents from 1993 to 1995, and was bestowed with a Life Time Achievement Award for her services to travel and tourism in 2022.
She attended travel conferences all over the globe as an IATA-approved agent and as Nigeria’s representative. I took advantage of that once by representing her in Cartagena, Colombia, when she could not make it. Other conferences happened in Egypt, United Kingdom to name a few.
To date, my mother is the only Nigerian with a travel and tourism company to open an office inside the United States embassy. Many times people will queue up round Mama’s office block in Tafawa Balewa square under the erroneous impression that she was responsible for issuing American visas.
She promptly reminded them that she was not. She simply facilitated very successfully Nigerian and American tourists visiting the two countries. Mama was responsible for bringing in many tourist groups to tour the sites of Nigeria. She successfully installed a mini stadium at the Emir of Kano’s palace in Kano so foreign guests could enjoy the annual Durbar that took place there. She introduced me to the royalty and history of the Northern empires. I remember being in awe when I entered the palace of the Emir of Kano in the early 90s. She also introduced me to the Emir of Argungu with whom friendship was formed.
My mother used to organise tourists from far afield as Japan, Russia and the United States. Under the umbrella of Tess Travels and Tours she took them to the waterfalls across Yoruba land, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the Osun Osogbo Festival, the historic town of Badagry and so much more.
Mama was also president of the cycling association and regularly organised cycling marathons across the country. She sponsored many youth groups including the young Footballers Association of Amuwo Odofin. She was responsible for setting up the Ekpoma Okpa Association in London to help residents of Edo state who lived in London.
My mother took me to countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Morocco among others. I have very vivid memories of travelling to Las Palmas in Spain and watching the bullfights in all their splendor and ferocity. Later Mama acquired a property in Rocas Del Mar in Marbeya, Spain. I think out of all my siblings I was the one who enjoyed that villa the most.
It was located in splendid Spanish countryside, with a luxury swimming
pool and a vibrant nightlife. I would go horse-riding in the day, swim in the evening and enjoy the Spanish nightlife. My friends and I would grill barbecue chicken and sip Spanish margaritas.
Occasionally, my mum would call to make sure I was keeping the villa clean and behaving myself. ‘Yes mum’ I would reply, ‘everything is fine’ while gesturing to my friends to keep their voices down so my mum would not hear that we were having a party.
Later Mama acquired a beautiful four-bedroom mansion in Saltdean, West Sussex in England. I stayed there many times commuting between there and London. Christmas time was spent in a traditional English setting with my elder brother and I sorting out presents under a huge Christmas tree. Mama always made sure the family was together with my brother’s wife Barbara and my niece Adesua joining us from their cottage home in Hove, Brighton. Niyi’s Irish wife Barbara was amazing at cooking Nigerian food as she was taught expertly by Mama. Even Niyi’s friends were so impressed by Barbara’s cooking of Nigerian food. She always proudly told them that she was taught by her mother in law. Mama was very encouraging of my career choice. She made a bold move in 1995 when I ran afoul of Abacha’s military junta after protesting the hanging of Ken Saro Wiwa and nine Ogoni activists. In the midst of all the fear, confusion and chaos of that troubled time, Mama sponsored myself and a group of eight actors to put on a stage play at the Muson Centre on Lagos Island. The entire group was flown over from the United Kingdom and Mama sponsored the entire production. She even helped to decorate the venue with flowers and so on to create the perfect setting for a stage play. I remember my good friend, Jahman Anikulapo helped to compere the show and introduce the actors. The stage play was titled ‘What the Butler Saw,’ by Joe Orton.
There is not enough space in this short letter to really say all that my mother meant to me. Suffice it to say that she was indeed my world. I will always remember how my mother came back from permanent retirement in the United Kingdom and for over five years looked after and cared for our father who was very ill and frail. She was there day and night tending to his every need and showing all the love and care she would muster. Whenever my father and I were alone he would always request that I should keep thanking my mother for all she was doing for him.
The cruel hand of death dealt a wicked blow on that fateful day of May 23 2024. My mother’s passing made me realise that the dead are not truly dead. They live within and around us. As I escorted my mother’s body to the morgue, I played on my music speaker Ave Maria, which is one of her favourite Catholic Hymns. I could distinctly hear her scolding me as usual and telling me the music was too loud and I sould soften it. I take comfort in the fact that she was there at the premiere of the Breath of Life and also saw me pick up the award for the AMVCA award for BEST Actor.
Always scolding again, she called me in the morning after the award night to exclaim as to how ridiculous my hairstyle was and she didn’t like it. She ended by saying I should never attempt such again. A day later she was beaming with pride and sent me a Whatsapp message to say so. I felt happy because my mother is my strongest critic…Wale you are speaking too fast… Slow down… Work on your diction... What most people don’t know is that my mother was an amazing actress. She was an active member of the Ibadan Players which included theatrical luminaries like Tunji Oyelana, Zulu Sofola and Wole Soyinka. Zulu Sofola, one of Africa’s most formidable female writers was my mother’s best friend. The writer of such classical pieces like ‘The Wizard of Law, King Emene- Tragedy of a Rebellion,’ and most famously ‘Wedlock of the Gods.’ When Aunt Zulu would visit my mother, Mama would complain that I am always playing around and drawing caricatures. Aunt Zulu would reprimand her and collect my caricature drawings and tell my Mum...my dear this boy is an artiste!
As a famous poet once said ‘all that lives must die…passing through nature to eternity…mama lived a glorious, successful and fulfilling life. We thank God for her life. She is mother to three children, June, Niyi and Wale, grandmother to six children and great grandmother to nine children.
NESREA Shuts Down 46 Facilities in 10 States for Environmental Violations
Death is nothing at all
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away to the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we still are
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you
For an interval
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
To all who have lost their loved ones my deepest condolences. To my mother, rest in eternal peace and joy. Till we meet again. Just around the corner. Goodnight Mama. Love you forever.
Wale Ojo is an award winning actor, filmmaker and critic.
Two Bishops to Preach at Christ Church Anglican Nonagenarian Celebration
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 46 facilities in 10 States over various forms of environmental violations.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja to develop and implement an Environmental Management Plan. Some facilities were also sanctioned for not installing an Effluent Treatment Plant, non-availability of the necessary permits relevant to their operations, and poor housekeeping, among others.
The enforcement exercise was carried out in Borno, Gombe, Ogun, Enugu, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the agency, Amaka Ejiofor, yesterday, the facilities were shut down for refusing to comply with the provisions of the National Environmental Regulations. Their offences include Violation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, lack of Environmental Audit Report, and failure
The Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, while expressing displeasure over the non-compliance status of many facilities, warned that the trend was unhealthy for the health of the citizens and the environment.
He said: “It is disheartening these errant facilities carried on their operations in a manner that endangered the environment despite Notices of Compliance Concerns served on them as required by law.
At least two Bishops would deliver messages to the congregants of Christ Church Anglican, Agege, Lagos, as the Church celebrates its nonagenarian.
They are the Rt. Rev’d James Olusola Odedeji, the host Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, and Rt Rev’d (Prof) Dapo Asaju of Ilesa Diocese.
According to a statement yesterday, activi- ties marking the nonagenarian celebration of Christ Church Anglican, Agege, would prophetic ministration led by Ven Israel Owoyele, the Vicar of the Church.
A statement by the Chairman of the 90th Anniversary Committee, Chief Tony
celebration would also include a Bible Study quiz competition, a three-day crusade with charity donations, and a health talk on cancer.
Asaju would give an exhortation on the theme of the celebration theme: “Faith of Our Fathers” from Hebrews 11:1 & 6 on
service to be presided over by the host Bishop, Rt. Rev’d Olusola Odedeji, who will also lay the foundation for some landmark projects to commemorate the 90th anniversary.
Wale Ojo and his deceased mum, Otieyeke Ojo
I take comfort in the following excerpts from a poem by Henry Scott Holland as she is laid to rest on Thursday 11th July, 2024…
Late Princess Teresa Otieyeke Ojo
Mr. IBU :
His Death, Dream of Nollywood City in Enugu
News and social media feed of music superstar, Davido’s wedding to his longtime lover, Chioma, on 25th June, 2024, was huge, such that it dominated social space and online news outlets days after, making events to trend or noticed in the week that was.
One of such that went almost unnoticed was the burial of legendary Nollywood star, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu. As rites and part of activities for the late actor commenced a day before the much talked about wedding.
Mr. Ibu was buried on Friday, June 28, 2024, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The late comic actor passed away on March 2, 2024, after battling ill health for a period of time. In October 2023, Mr. Ibu had revealed his struggle with diabetes.
Sadly, a month later, his leg was amputated after enduring seven surgeries, according to reports. His family members later took to social media to solicit funds to settle his medical expenses. This was responded to by several Nigerians and organisations, who contributed
However, controversy later erupted when members of the comic actor’s family, mostly his wife and his adopted daughter, Jasmine, accused one another of embezzling the funds days. Despite his ability to make others laugh, John Okafor ironically did not enjoy domestic happiness.
most of which ended in bitter divorces. He even less happy than his previous ones. He was said to be survived by 13 children which was also seen as a cause for concern.
Amarachi, teary, spoke at his burial and recounted that she had no prior relationship with her father. According to Amarachi, the hospital, on his dying moment.
She noted that the memories of him she would carry along were those at the hospital, which Amarachi revealed that people who knew her father well spoke of him as a great actor and a caring man loved by many.
The late actor’s daughter also confessed that she had always lived with her mother and was sad that things got to happen as they did.
A host of Nollywood stars, his close friends and personalities were among dignitaries that honoured the late jolly good actor. Celebrities, politicians and captains of industry came in large numbers. Nollywood veteran, Patience Ozokwo, and the arrival of Labour
Party 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi pulled a spectacle seen in a viral video during the burial ceremony.
Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, declared during a novelty match for his delightful comedy career that even in death, the state government was proud of the late Nollywood actor. Many others spoke glowingly about the late Ibu.
“Mr. Ibu was a great and unique actor. That was what brought all those people out to honour him, and Enugu State Government is proud of him,” he said.
Nigeria’s Culture Minister, Hannatu Musawa described him as a household name who had made families smile throughout his career.
Such was the comic genius of the actor John Okafor that he often didn’t even need to open his mouth to make people laugh. His facial expressions and his body were his biggest selling points.
His death at the age of 62 left family, friends across Africa in mourning. He left a vacuum Nollywood observers pointing at Charles Inojie characterisation.
John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu burst onto the scene in 2004 with the movie Mr. Ibu, which tells the story of the eponymous single father and his son as they journey through life, getting into a series of tricky, and hilarious, predicaments. This reporter once had an encounter with the Nollywood legend sometime in 2017, on set of a movie somewhere in Lagos.
A report followed after titled “John ‘Mr. Ibu’ Okafor: His Political Ambition and Dream of a Nollywood City”, part of which will be shared here.
On this very day, his bulky frame looms
larger than ordinary as he was cast for the role of a gateman.
his personality that people think of or described him derogatorily. In the real sense, he described himself as “Highly tactical person,” while placing his harmonica on his right thigh. He would explain what he meant by “highly tactical”, some form of assistance.
He had also called on the production manager to help him – while he undresses as it was a wrap for that day. “I see myself of humanity to my community”, he said. “I settle so many cases from people near my town, near my community; people around my
But all that does not portray him as such, not even when with “his humorous acting was often characterised by stupidity, hilarious imbecility, and a sharp disconnection from reality”. The unimportant image his make belief characters cast on him beggars belief.
Mr. Ibu had a dream; a noble one for the industry that made him. A lover of music, it appeared the interest of his state, Enugu, lies much at his heart that he had conceived a project and through which to contribute his quota in entertainment, had written to the government for permit to build a Nollywood City in Enugu.
He said the state has the highest percentage (86%) in movie making locations amongst all the states of the federation, according to him.
As he spoke, the serious disposition of him evinces, the type not regularly seen of him in movies. He wore this unfunny look and eases of sign of displeasure.
“Enugu state obliged. And then a whole lot of preparation was done. Somewhere along the line, we heard that some group of people
assembled themselves to meet the government to tell them to stop me from doing it alone that group like them should be involved.”
Meanwhile, the opposing group he alleged were major Nollywood practitioners who were at the same time soliciting for land from the government for a project to be called ˜Actors’s Village”, which he believes is far below what he’s looking at.
He continued, “What I was trying to do is for everybody and not for one person alone. It’s going to be a town . . . a city on its own. And then government of Enugu state will
of tourism. We going to develop a school there.
“I created the opportunity, I registered the name of ‘Nollywood City’, then I paid lawyer, then I invited developers from South Africa and investors from few other countries that are which were given to the government and then they gave it a nod that it should be built. I then chose some areas which didn’t go down with the government.
well with you guys you people can now give me a place of your choice. It’s been since last year (2016) and I have waited I don’t know what have been delaying them. So we are waiting for the government to just point a immediately. I have waited for so long and I don’t know . . . it’s all about government thing so it has taken time.”
On his timeline then was a movie on xenophobia. The production made him visit countries like Ethiopia, Botswana (Gaborone), Zimbabwe, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. “All I which I have gotten”, he claimed. “And they have given me support because I attended the meeting of African Diaspora Forum (ADF) in South Africa.”
At the meeting there were a great number of African countries together and high com missioners who attended. “They hosted me and asked me how do I feel about today’s meeting? I told them it’s something that’s happening in Africa that’s not supposed to happen. There and then they asked me what are those things that this is African Diaspora Forum that anything can be repaired.
“I said that I’m pleading that since you people have given me right to shoot xeno phobia, through a peaceful introduction of because I’m not going to bring out the real cause of that problem. But I’m going to act from the settlement level so that I broker peace between each country, and South African who are the bone of contention.
“The movie is being scripted right now. So I employed a writer who is now writing and within a space of six months it should be done because the writer is also travelling around Expectedly by May, 2018, he will be ready with the script.”
WFD Advocates Women Participation in Politics
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has called for the removal of the barriers hindering the inclusion and ef fective participation of women in politics and governance in Nigeria at elective and appointive positions.
The WFD made the call at the end of its of 19 registered political parties as part of the foundation’s Nigeria Open Political Party (NOPP) project with the theme “Strengthening the Capacity of National Women Leaders of Political Parties to Advocate for Inclusion, Participation and Representation of Women,” which was held in Lagos between July 3 and July 4.
A press statement from the WFD said that
it “hosted the national women leaders of all retreat to transform the existing platform of national women leaders to be more organised, functional and sustainable, and serve the purpose of increasing the inclusion, participation, and representation of women in the political process.
“The retreat will enable individual women leaders to advocate for reforms within their parties towards promoting internal party democracy, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity processes.”
The NOPP project, which is funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development ties in Nigeria to improve representation of underrepresented groups, by identifying and adopting inclusive practices to enable access to underrepresented groups.”
The Country Director of WFD, Mr. Adebowale
Olorunmola, said that women inclusion in politics is paramount because a democracy that “does not include a segment that represents 50 per cent of its population is not a true democracy.
“We need to promote practices that create that is interested in participating in the process.”
The National Women Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Amina Darasimi Bryhm, said that the retreat would help to strengthen the democratic institution in Nigeria.
Brylim, who is also the president of the Forum for National Women Leaders of All Registered Political Parties (NWLARPP), said: “We will go back from this retreat more strengthened in getting the women involved in political activities so that in the next elections in 2027 we will have more women in the National Assembly and appointive positions.
“We are asking for 35 per cent inclusion in politics and we want to get to that percentage.
Every party has a policy on women that we want to see implemented,” Brylim said. Also, the National Women Leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mrs. Elizabeth Nwokeocha, who is also the publicity secretary of the NWLARPP, said that bringing the women out from their shelves is very important in country.
A Policy Development Expert, Dr. Mur tala Mohammed, said that the retreat was to strengthen the capacity of women and come out with operational guideline that would give them a sense of direction on how to strategically plan and implement their programmes in the next three years.
Also, a Development Strategist and Social said that the challenge of underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics is alarming and embarrassing.
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Mr. Ibu
Dike Onwuamaeze
FEATURES
From Amazons to Floating Village, Benin Republic Offers More Than Voodooism
Agroup of tour operators and journalists embarked on road trip recently from Nigeria to Ghana to attend the Accra Weizo West Africa travel expo, visiting tourist attractions in Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana. Chinedu Eze who was part of the team writes that Benin Republic has unexplored cultural trends that the world will be interested in. Excerpts:
When the world talks about the Amazons they may be referring to the female warriors in Greek mythology, who dwelt in the region of modern-day Ukraine, led by Penthesilea and Hippolyta, who according to the mythi- cal tales, took part in the Trojan War.
The word is also loosely used to refer to the female warriors of Dahomey, beyond the myths of the Trojan War to history of slavery in West Africa and colonialism.
The Benin Republic may be the miniature of what remains of the Kingdom of Dahomey that existed from about 1600 until 1904.
There dwelt the Fon people who in the 18th Century became a regional power by expanding south to conquer key cities like Whydah located at the Atlantic coast and ventured into the Oyo empire at the wee hours to the peak of the slave trade.
The Amazons of West Africa which refers to the female warriors of Dahomey who held sway during certain epoch in the history of the Kingdom, contributed significantly in sustaining the existence of Dahomey until it gave in to the French conquest.
This history is captured in one of the highest statues in Africa of a female warrior near the Marina Palace in Cotonou City.
According to Benin Republic-based Tour Guide, Alex Amoussouei, who recaptured the history of the female warriors to us, the leader of the female warriors was Tassi Hangbe.
Amoussouei, told us that Queen Tassi Hangbe was denied her right of recognition for centuries by the various Beninois governments based on her gender, but in 2021, the present government led by Patrice Talon, recognised the courage, resilience, bravery and determination of the warrior and the only female King in the Dahomey Kingdom.
The emergence of Hangbe to the throne of Dahomey Empire was unplanned, Amoussouei narrated; but like a brave woman that she was, she was able to liberate the entire kingdom from invaders from the old Oyo Empire, the French and other empires who sought to take over and dominate the kingdom in their expansionist drive.
In the course of defending the Dahomey Empire, Queen Hangbe also empowered the women, trained them as warriors who guided the kingdom and fought bravely the many attackers who attempted to dominate the kingdom, while their male counterparts took care of home chores.That is a reversal of duties in the well-known chauvinistic African soil.
Hangbe was born a twin with her twin brother, King Akaba, ascending the throne of Dohomey, but in one of the wars with the old Oyo Empire, King Akaba was wounded and later died in his palace, a sad incident that gave Hangbe the unexpected rise to the throne of Dahomey Kingdom, though with massive rejection and internal resistance from her own people.
Hangbe ascended the throne because the oldest son of his twin brother, King Akaba, Agbo Sassa, was not of age to take over from his late father. “Though her reign was short-lived, having ruled the empire for just three years, she made a memorable impression on the minds of the people of the Kingdom, especially their women, which still makes them the warriors they are till date. A Dohomey lady is as energetic as her male counterpart with massive freedom. “Though Hangbe, the Queen from Dahomey Kingdom was denied recognition and accolades by the previous governments in Benin Republic due to discrimination against women for more than 300 years, she finally got her deserved recognition for her impact, despite being a woman,” Amoussouei intoned.
The Floating Village of Benin
What is remarkable about life is that almost same thing could be happening in different part of the world, unrelated and with different origins. That could be said of Maroko and the Floating Village of Benin. In Maroko, Nigeria, low income people evicted from their hitherto homes, made up of Ilaje, Ijaw and Yoruba people decided to build their home on water. But in Benin Republic, during the peak of slave trade in 1700, a people decided to run away from known areas invaded by slave hunters in the territory known today as Benin Republic. The people decided to build their home on water, which had low ebb and tide, which later expanded to a community. That was the genesis of Ganvie, otherwise known as Benin’s floating village.
Ganvie is an example of the dynamism of man to adapt to reality of survival. The community on water is accessed on the road to Nokoué Lake. The people have so attuned their lives to living in water that living on land has become unnatural
and an aberration. The guide who doubled as our boatman who took us to the inner recesses of the village on water told us with the aid of interpreter that Genvie is a home with hospital, school, market, churches and mosques and burial ground.
Many of the activities, including the market are conducted in boats: the woman who is selling clothes, the woman selling vegetables, the young girl who queued her boat to fetch water from a borehole provided by government to two middle-aged women who chose to use the mid-morning to gossip. Each woman was sitting on her boat and the two brought their boats to embrace each other and sat in their comfortable ‘home’ to gossip away the day.
In his undulating voice interspersed by interruptions from his colleague, the boat man rendered his tale interpreted by the delectable polyglot, Mrs. Olamma Ojukwu, a tour operator and co-owner of Gota International Group.
“Nokoué Lake, a natural wonder, is the lifeblood of Ganvié, a village established in 1717 after a historic conflict between the Ajatado and Abomey Kingdoms. Spanning an impressive 115 square kilometers, Ganvié is home to about 35,000 people, creating a unique community that thrives on water.
“At the lake’s edge, a diverse crowd gathers daily, each person with their own purpose. Tourists, eager to explore the famed floating village, mingle with locals, market vendors, and even beggars, all converging for their daily activities,” she explained.
The men who seemingly idled away that morning had spent the night fishing. The women and children who were so active, seem to dictate the diurnal activities and rhythm of the community. A woman plaiting her hair, two young girls working in a hair salon, probably waiting for customers in a wood contraption that stood on stilts. Life seemed so precarious but to know that this is the life a people know all their lives, from their birth to their grave, brings moments of sobriety to most of the visitors.
Our guide continued with his tale. He told us that the lake itself undergoes a fascinating transformation throughout the year. During the rainy season, the water is fresh and reaches depths of 3 to 4 meters. In the dry months, the lake becomes
salty and shallow, only about 1.5 meters deep. For nine months, the water remains salty, and for three months, it turns fresh and inviting.
There are different sections of the community on water, which tourists who visit cannot recognize. In the water and amidst the structures are rendezvous for lovers; parties and where the young ogle and frolic when the sun hides its rays beyond the lake. These wooden homes require maintenance, with the wood being replaced every decade.
The markets, vibrant and bustling, resemble those on land, with hawkers and food vendors seeking patronage; as they paddle their canoes from street to street, meandering through the seemingly perilous contraptions from diverse elements including woods, tyres, irons and reeds.
“The residents of Ganvié are known for their hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms. However, they hold a shared memory of past ridicule from those on land who mocked their distinctive walking style. Accustomed to moving in canoes and swimming, the villagers’ walk, akin to a crab’s, seemed unusual to outsiders.
Children in Ganvié are taught to swim from birth, earning them the nickname “fish” due to their exceptional swimming skills. But they find it difficult to walk on land and when they do, they walk like crabs in a swashbuckling manner. Sometimes the indigenes of the water community travel to live on land, but their nostalgia always take the greater of them and often return to their home to breathe the air of their birth and frolic with their peers.
Benin Royal Hotel
No one could imagine that such beautiful facility could be found in Cotonou, the Benin Royal Hotel. A Nigerian can travel the world, go to different continents, only to discover that few minutes’ drive from Seme border lies a haven of peace and tranquility.
It was at Benin Royal Hotel we had our dinner on the first day of the trip, where Hon. Dine Bouraima, the owner of the hotel was inducted as Patron of Africa Sports Tourism Awards (ASTA) and the organiser of Accra Weizo, Ikechi Uko, spoke about West Africa becoming a domestic market. While appreciating Bouraima, Uko observed that seamless travel could bring everyone together in the sub-region, saying, “To connect West Africans, to see themselves as brothers. We are the first in Africa to start traveling without a visa and passport protocol. We embraced free movement.
“West Africa started it before every other part of Africa. But today, we are way behind. They have moved further ahead of us. They travel with their ID cards. They are linked to their telephone. So, if I need to make a call from Ghana, it’s broken; even from the border.
“So, we need a SIM card from Benin, a SIM card from Togo, and probably a SIM card from Ghana. So, we have not made progress.
“Even in aviation, West Africa ought to be a domestic market. Like, we are paying airport tax for Ghana, airport tax for Nigeria, airport tax for Togo. So, if you are flying by air within West Africa, it is more expensive because of the taxes.”
So much yet unexplored lie in the bosom of West Africa defined by the Atlantic Ocean and remarkable flora and fauna; a culture with vales running across different ethnicities of a people largely divided by different colonial experience.
House On Water
Ojo-Lanre: Ekiti Will Unveil Its Tourism Master Plan Before October
The Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, in this interview reveals that the state’s tourism master plan would be unveiled by Governor Biodun Oyebanji before October. Ojo-Lanre also enumerates the tourism potential that abound in the State, among others. Charles Ajunwa brings the excerpts:
Access Holdings’ environmental co There have been efforts, especially on your part, since you became the DG of the tourism bureau to create awareness on tourism in Ekiti State. How are you working to translate this into tourism traffic for the State and a source of wealth creation for the people of Ekiti?
For any State in Nigeria to enhance its tourism potential to the fullest, that state must first of all develop a tourism master plan. Anything less, the state is just walking in the dark. Right now, Ekiti has no tourism master plan. If you bring an idea, maybe we float it, and dies. Lagos has experienced it. A tourism master plan is a necessity for any State that wants to develop, and the governor of this State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, emphasised that the first thing that we have to do is to develop a Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti, which we have started working on. The first thing we focused on, was the tourism policy, the tourism policy must be well planned and it must be a strategic policy. We have started drafting our tourism policy and we have identified the consultants to work on our tourism master plan. We are going to deliver our tourism master plan by August to October this year and we are working on it.
You seem to have a firm grasp on tourism development in Ekiti (cuts in)?
You see, I’m a journalist, a teacher, an arbitrator, and a barrister at Law, and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. I’m a tourism journalist, and Associate Editor with the Nigerian Tribune but I’m on leave of absence presently. In 1996, when Ekiti State was created, I was the only journalist who accompanied the then late Lieutenant Col. Power the administrator of Ekiti State, to this particular place (Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort). I still have the report. My passion is about tourism. Ekiti is a landlocked State. We don’t have the luxury of having the Atlantic on the right, and the Lagoon on the left, like Lagos. Ekiti is by birth a tourism State. Okiti Hills, that is where they got the name Ekiti. Ekiti is a mud, people live on the hills. But when the Europeans came, they said, oh, no, you can’t call this Okiti, it’s Ekiti. So, literally by birth, Ekiti is a paragon of tourism. By system we live on the hills. That’s why there’s no town in Ekiti that doesn’t have one hill or the other. By virtue of my interaction in the tourism world today I’m sold into tourism. Most of these people here have been in the trenches. We have been to Mambilla Plateau, fighting on the way. You know, we always beat ourselves on the way. We have been to Germany, fighting and all those things because we believe in tourism as an alternate revenue for this country.
In this state, I was once chief press secretary. After being chief press secretary, I went back to Nigerian Tribune. They called me back to become their Director, Art and Culture, and later SSA to the Governor on Tourism. This time around, the governor now realised that tourism can flourish better if it is sequestered from the Ministry of Art and Culture. So, the Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Olubanji, now sequestered tourism from the Ministry of Art and Culture. So, I work directly with the governor and I have an agency which I administer. If you observe, there has been an accelerated improvement in tourism in Ekiti State because tourism is business. Ekiti is the only state in Nigeria that is enveloped by hills. You can hike Ekiti in four days.
How?
Going through all the hills, not walking through. The hill is enveloping, all circling. If you are coming from Itawore, by the time you are getting to Ijebu Ijesha or Ilesha, you’ll be seeing all the hills circling. That is telling you that you are approaching Ekiti State. If you are coming through Efaleye, it has over 14 tourism sites. That town has religious tourism of CAC Church. Those of you who are Christians... When you are coming to Ekiti through Efaleye there is a place where the hills and the cloud kiss. You can easily walk in the clouds at Efa. You climb up and walk in the clouds. I’m serious, just like in Obudu Cattle Ranch. Just 15 minutes’ drive from there, is the Arinta Waterfall. From Arinta, just a seven minutes’ drive, you are at Ikogosi Resort where you have the warm and cold water. The next town is where you can play with thousands of fishes in a stream, untouched. These fishes, they don’t like pounded yam, they don’t like local food, they eat biscuit, cake and bread only. They will play with you. So that is a unique experience. And if you stop your car and look back, you see the serene and scenic environment, it’s astounding. Unlike Lagos, from Redeem Camp to Lekki you wouldn’t see a single hill, not one rock. Yeah, but from here to anywhere, you see rocks, very scenic. From IIaro Ekiti, there is what we
call delicate balancing of rocks. We don’t know people who managed it together. Just like Zuma Rocks. In Ado Ekiti, it has a lot to offer in the area of medical tourism and educational tourism. Ado Ekiti has the best private medical centre in Nigeria, which is Afe Babalola Medical Centre. It is a replica of John Hopkins in Maryland. It’s the best. It is paperless. You don’t need any paper to do anything. They don’t need to carry your blood samples from one place to another. From there, you can go to Okutagbo, Okutalori where you will see another rock formation. Then from there, you can go to Fajuyi. All of you know the story of Fajuyi, there is a park there. There is nothing much to do than to meet the dead people. I mean dead person talking to you and all that. The memorials are there. The effigies are there. So you talk to the dead items there. From there you go to Iyo Ekiti, where you have Agbanijorin - rock mountains. Agbanijorin is the only rock mountain in Nigeria that houses in its belly an amphitheater that we can call an event centre which can accommodate 450 people. You see the seats arranged there and it has seven caves. It has a rock tunnel. When you are going there, you are going to pass through the under rock tunnel. That is about geo-tourism.
When it comes to spiritual tourism, it will shock you that the source of Osun River is here in Egede Ekiti. Before any Osun festival, they first of all come here, offer all these dances there. And if you are fortunate to be at that site in Egede Ekiti when they are celebrating Osun festival, you will feel that something is going on somewhere - The bushes, the river, you will feel it. I felt it when I was there. In Ilogbo Ekiti, it is the only town in the world that harbours a palm tree that has 42 heads. When you go there just ask for anything - money, husband, etc. From IIogbo you just move to Eron Dam, which is the third largest man-made dam in Nigeria. Ekiti has 16 local governments, Eron Dam covers nine local governments. We have a stretch of 16 kilometres of beach. When you travel to Ogun, people like us worship Ogun. Ogun was a person who later performed extraordinary things by killing a lot of people. So Ogun place is here. In 2009, I took five priests, two pastors to celebrate my birthday there in the presence of Ogun, God of fire. So it was exciting. We have Eshu, not the devil but Satan. Satan is a very good man. His house is here in Ijelu Ekiti. I can take you there, you can see him. Seriously! Do you know Eshu has over 2.2 million worshippers, I mean 2.2 million adherents that worship Eshu. Yes, we have it. In Ekiti now, we have Osun, Ogun, Eshu, and then Ifa. Some of us have been to Brazil. You know what they do. All of those people, they always come here. Even Tuface Idibia came here to learn Ifa. He was ordained an Ifa priest at Osun Egede. So in Ekiti we have hope.
Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort has been concessioned. From the government perspective, what informed that decision?
Government has no business in business. It’s a fact. You know, tourism is private sector driven. Any State that predicates its tourism drive on government, will fail. This place was an endorado but after the government officials took over, it collapsed. I came here, and I wept. I took the picture and sent it to former Governor Kayode Fayemi, and he decided to concession it and you can see it’s better off. When this place was messed up, before I passed through here, I had to lie down to pass through. It was worse. So the concession is one of the best things that has ever happened here and you have to praise those people here, although they have not done much, you can’t blame them. They have not done much sincerely speaking but the little they have done, you have to praise them.
So how is the government supporting to make the place effective?
Oh, the government is supporting. One, you see the roads from here to Ado, there is no pothole.
There are two roads that lead to Ikogosi. It’s now left for you to take either the good one or the bad one.
So, where is the second one and which do you recommend?
The second one is Efon. It’s even shorter. And when there are two roads, one is bad, one is good. I’ll take the one that is good. The one that is good that he is supposed to have taken you is very short. And that’s what we did last December. Last December, we took advertisements in major newspapers and radio stations telling them, if you are going to Ekiti, this is the situation on ground. This road is not good. This road is good, pass this road. And I think that is what we should do as a government. Government cannot fix all roads at once. The road that leads from Ado to Igbaroke is good and it was fixed by the state government. The other one is the federal government road, which is under construction. They can’t do it at once. The government cannot do everything at once. It is very simple. That is why we are making noise that, please, there are two roads that lead to Ikogosi, the state road is good and the federal government’s road is not good. Although the federal government says the road has been put in the budget, those patches there were done by the state government.
How safe is Ekiti?
Ekiti is very safe. But I must be quick to point out that the security situation in Nigeria is bad. From Abuja to Lagos. Many kidnappings take place in Lagos but you people don’t know. Or you try to bury it. Ekiti is a sensitive area. If there is any kidnapping in the northern side, because that’s the area where this happens, although at times it’s over sensationalised. That is how we almost killed tourism in Nigeria.
Are you then saying there is no kidnapping in Ekiti? There were kidnappings but this has been contained for the past six months. There were kidnappings in the northern part of Ekiti. That is where we share boundaries with Kogi. Kogi is the home of kidnappers. You can walk from Omo to Kogi. We share about three borders with Kogi. We share another border with Ondo. So those people, when there is heat, they come here. It is on these fringes. I mean the northern fringes. Not in our tourism zone. I’m sure for the past seven months, there has never been a report of kidnapping.
But has there been deliberate effort on the part of the Ekiti State government to tackle issues of insecurity?
There are many efforts by the Ekiti State government to make the entire state safe to both citizens and visitors. We are the only state that has homeland security. Honestly, the Ekiti State government is doing a lot in terms of security.
What guarantee are you giving to Nigerians and foreigners coming to Ikogosi?
It is only God that can guarantee anything. The only thing you can do, is to try. Ekiti safe to all.
Earlier, you talked about how this place has gone through some sort of transformation because of the concessions that happened. So what does the current Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort illustrate in the context of concessions in Nigeria?
It exemplifies the fact that concessions to private sector is the way state governments should run their tourism sites.
Bennett
07052343083
Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com
Belta, Rumion Launched at Maiden Toyota Motor Show
Two new models of Toyota, Belta been launched into the nation’s auto market.
Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) launched the two models in Lagos on June 28 as one of the highlights of the maiden edition of TNL’s exclusive Toyota Motor Show.
Also, TNL plans to unveil three new electric vehicles into the country in the next three years as part of its plans to support the government’s green deal initiative.
According to the Managing Director of TNL, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, “By the end of this year, vehicle, the Cross. Next year, we’ll introduce the RAV4 hybrid. And late next year or early 2026, we would be bringing in the Land Cruiser Prado hybrid.”
He said TNL would be lending its big network of workshops to support the Federal Government’s campaign for the use of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles through conversion.
“We are almost concluding arrangements of workshops for the vehicles’ conversion to CNG-powered,” he said.
Present at the launch of the Toyota Belta and Rumion on the second day of the three-day event, were leaders of corporate organisations, captains
Kunle Ade-Ojo, performed the unveiling assisted by Rear Admiral Yusuf, who represented Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Apart from the launch, the motor show, which
was loaded with a number of activities delighted Toyota brand’s individual, corporate and government customers, as well as prospective customers that visited with vehicle displays, special after-sale packages, test drives and engaging interactions.
The three-day event (June 27-29) held at The Podium, Lekki, under a setting and ambience
akin to international auto shows in Europe and America, showed a novel way to engage customers and to reassure them of top-notch services.
The cozy roomy space also accommodated the Body and Paint Section, the Spare Parts section and the Service area.
Outside the hall but within the event centre fully decorated for the Toyota show was an international test-drive arena for customers willing to have a feel of any of the cars.
Apart from the TNL MD Ade-Ojo, other executives of TNL were on ground giving details of each of the vehicles displayed as well as after-sales advisory.
Kunle Ade-Ojo personally took corporate
sections of their services at the Showground.
Speaking with journalists earlier, he said, “This show is for all Toyota customers and other Nigerians interested in buying Toyota vehicles.
“While we’re still participating in other Fairs, this exclusive Toyota Motor Show will enable us to concentrate on our customers’ needs, giving them a view of our range of vehicles and letting them to know other services that the company availability and body and paint as well as other value-adding services.”
opportunity to “have a one-on-one interaction with our customers without any distraction; free diagnosis on customers’ vehicles and a test drive, all taking place in a quiet and comfortable environment.”
Ade-Ojo who also had a parley with the CEOs, expressed satisfaction with the attendance and the outcome of the event.
He said, “It was a wonderful outing. Everybody enjoyed the ability to come and have a one-on-one interaction with our team.
“The after-sale area is one sector that has been of major interest to customers who have been coming. The free diagnosis has been well received.”
The TNL MD recalled that Nigeria sold about 10,000 new vehicles last year, with Toyota recording about 1,500 units.
He said that about 15,000 new vehicles were projected to be sold in Nigeria this year, adding that Toyota was on course to double its last year’s performance.
Onajide: Automotive Sector Worst Hit by Nigeria’s Faltering Economy
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of R.T. Briscoe, Seyi Onajide, has said that the automotive industry in Nigeria is adversely affected by the nation’s economic downturn.
Onajide, who said the sector was rosier in the 1970s and 1980s, called on the Nigerian political elites, technocrats, and other leaders of thought “to have a deep philosophical retrospection of how the country’s economy has dipped, especially after the 1970s and 1980s.”
Addressing journalists at the R.T. Briscoe Plc headquarters in Lagos, Onajide blamed the disabled state of the economy in the past 40 years on the failure of successive political actors, policymakers, and other public office holders.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in trying to change the narrative, he lamented the unfavorable current exchange rate. He is certain that a collective effort is needed to rebuild the economy.
According to Onajide, “part of the decline in today’s economy is not unconnected to the weak strength of the naira which a few days ago was at N1,456 to a dollar, N1,904 to one pound, and
Mercedes-Benz consistently embraces an all-electric future, providing customers with a seamless charging and payment experience through its charging service, Mercedes me Charge. In January, a significant milestone was achieved: the Mercedes me Charge network now bundles more than 1.5 million charging points worldwide from over 1,300 charge point operators. Mercedes me Charge is currently one of the largest public charging networks globally, consistently operated under the same product name worldwide.
Mercedes-Benz offers customers in 31 countries a comprehensive charging service thanks to a close-knit, cross-border charging network. Approximately 600,000 charging points are located in Europe, more than 800,000 in Asia and around 100,000 in North America. The charging stations in the Mercedes me Charge charging network are strategically situated at key locations, including
N1,885 to one euro.” He recalled that in the past “the exchange rate was 80 kobo to $1. We were more productive in 1980 than we are currently.”
He stated that 40 years ago, the key reasons for economic growth were that Nigeria was a net exporter of refined petroleum products, but that today, the country imports all refined petroleum products.
According to him, the automobile industry, where the company has remained a huge and very strong player with an enviable track record in the past decades, is one of the most affected.
“Nigerians rode in locally assembled vehicles. Peugeot cars were assembled in Kaduna. SCOA Assembly plant, a division of SCOA Nig Plc, assembled Peugeot 404 and 504 pickups at that time. The headlamps, wiper accessories, exhaust pipes, alternators, and kick-starters were assembled/ produced at the Kirikiri plant of SCOA for PAN Nigeria, for most Peugeot vehicles assembled in Kaduna. Volkswagen cars were manufactured in Lagos, Leyland and ANAMMCO produced trucks/buses in Ibadan and Enugu, respectively.”
He also recalled the glorious days of Steyr Trucks in Bauchi which assembled agricultural tractors and produced many of the components,
city centers, shopping malls, hotels and along highways. In Germany, for example, the Mercedes me Charge network has more than 100,000 charging points, integrating more than 90 per cent of all charging points in the country. Of the total of 1.5 million charging points, 170,000 are fast charging points delivering 150 kW of power or more.
“Mercedes me Charge is one of the fastestgrowing charging networks. In 2023, an average of 40,000 charging points were integrated every month. By doing so, we provide our customers a comprehensive network featuring transparent prices and easy access. Mercedes me Charge fulfils essential customer needs for public charging.”
Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility
AG Mercedes-Benz is actively advancing electric mobility and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and customer-focused mobility with Mercedes me Charge. In Europe, the US and Canada, Mercedes-Benz ensures that an equivalent amount of electricity from renewable energy sources is fed into the power grid for
like the vehicle seats in Lagos, and Exide batteries produced in Ibadan and exported to West Africa.
IsoGlass and TSG in Ibadan produced windshields, and Ferrodo in Ibadan produced brake pads and discs.
Dunlop and Michelin tyres were produced in Lagos and Port Harcourt. These tyres were produced at the rubber plantations located in Ogun, Rivers and the old Bendel states.
Travelers were mainly flying the Nigeria Airways across the world, and it was about the biggest in Africa at the time.
In his submission, he recalled how Nigerians listened to radio stations and watched programmes on television sets assembled in Ibadan by Sanyo and only purchased refrigerators, freezers, and air-conditioners produced by Thermocool and Debo.
Nigerians were patriotic and proud to wear clothes produced by UNTL Textile Mills, Kaduna, and Chellarams, Lagos from cotton grown in Nigeria.
He implored all Nigerians to have sober reflections, look inward, return to our patriotic nature, and think of what we can do to improve Nigeria.
charging processes in Mercedes me Charge, if no electricity from renewable energy sources is provided.
Easy charging initiation and automated billing
Thanks to the seamless integration of Mercedes me Charge into the MBUX multimedia system, public charging is effortlessly manageable. The navigation with Electric Intelligence feature calculates a comfortable and time-efficient route, including charging stops. Authentication at the charging station is done through the MBUX multimedia display, the Mercedes me app, the Mercedes me Charge RFID card, or directly through Plug & Charge at cooperating charge point operators. Customers benefit from their charging contract via Mercedes me Charge, which makes them independent of contracts with the respective charging station operator. Each charging process is automatically debited through Mercedes me Charge. All charging transactions are automatically billed monthly. Maximum cost transparency and attractive fixed prices
Mercedes-Benz ensures transparent pricing for public charging stations. Users can view the specific cost per kilowatt-hour or per minute, along with an estimate of the total cost to fully charge on the MBUX display or in the Mercedes me app before starting the charging process. Customers pay the standard rate set by the operator of the charging station they use. In Europe, customers have the option to charge at an attractive fixed price, independent of the operator. They can select between three Mercedes me Charge smart charging tariffs[3] (S, M, L) and thus adjust the costs optimally to their personal driving profile and individual charging needs.
Mercedes me Charge will be expanded consistently: The 10,000 charging points of the globally planned Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, set to be established by the end of the decade, as well as the existing European joint venture IONITY and the ongoing collaborations to establish a charging infrastructure in North America and China, will also be fully integrated into Mercedes me Charge.
Onajide
L-R: Representative of the Comptroller General of Customs, Asst. Comptroller General, S.A. Yusuf; and the Managing Director Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo during the launch of Toyota Rumion at the maiden Toyota Motor Show in Lagos… recently
Speak Volumes, Not ‘Volume’
YOU are welcome to the second half of the year: “Customs deputy comptroller slumps, dies at Reps (Reps’) investigative hearing”
“We (a comma) the members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), (otiose comma) caucus of the House of Representatives (another comma) felicitate with our….” Delete ‘with’!
“…on his emergence as the vice chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors (Governors’) Forum.”
“…speak volume (volumes) of your capabilities.” This error-ridden advertorial was signed by five lawmakers!
“…despite the fact that our party performed creditably well.” Yank away ‘well’—it is an overkill. You either use ‘creditably’ or ‘well’ as both cannot co-function.
“…the financial institutions, especially those listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (another comma) are positioning to….”
“This emerged as the SEC yesterday, released its framework to….” Either a comma before ‘yesterday’ or none at all to avoid a disruption of the subject and the verb—there must be a joint relationship.
“…as listed commercial banks give investors opportunity (an opportunity or opportunities) to own a….”
“…is renowned for her electric music genre, comprising of soul….” Electrocute ‘of’!
DAILY INDEPENDENT online of June 30 signs off the month: “There are times necessity breed (breeds) invention….”
“…uncontrolled contract awards and flagrant disobedience to (of) financial regulations….”
Lastly from the above edition: “Proffer solution to Boko Haram menance first” Spell-check: menace.
Vanguard of June 26 indulged in malapropism: “Gbagi itches (inches) closer to becoming first African in Rotary’s Arch Klumph Society”
“We wish to announce the sudden death of our friend…which sad event took place on…in a ghastly motor accident.” (THE GUARDIAN, June 23) When an accident results in death, it is fatal (not ghastly).
A recurrent blunder: “4 arrested over 62-yr-old man’s death” (Vanguard, June 23) No tiresomeness from error regularity: ‘arrest’ takes ‘for’ (not ‘over’).
“Why we’re promoting artistes of yesteryears” Nigeria’s weekly magazine: yesteryear. The same thing applies to ‘heyday’.
“Our grouse against NHIS, by community pharmacists” (THE GUARDIAN, June 10) My grouse about (not against) media language abuse….
“Before it used to be between 40 to 60.” (THE GUARDIAN, June 17) Even The Flagship? Either from 40 to 60 or between 40 and 60. No muddle, gentlemen.
“Explosions in the African continent” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: Explosions on the African continent.
“In the presidential polls (a comma) President…failed to score the mandatory 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outrightly elected” ‘Outrightly’ is perverse American English. The standard version is ‘outright’ which functions both as an adverb and an adjective. We cannot continue agonizing over semantics.
“On December 29, the governor added another feather to his cap when….” (Daily Trust, June 15) Stock
expression: added (no need for another) a feather in (not to) one’s (his) cap.
“Solutions that create more social trauma and dislocations than is (are) currently the case will not be preferred over (to) solutions that minimize the same.” I prefer compere to (not over) master of ceremonies.
“The three parties that demanded for the restructuring of the electoral body are….” (Daily Independent, June 16) As a verb, ‘demand’ does not take ‘for’ except in a noun form.
“Given the robust profiles of majority (a majority) of the INEC commissioners, there is every hope that the commission may get its acts together in the next elections.” A review: a majority of…and the fixed expression: get its act (not acts) together.
The following blunders are from Leadership of June16: “Hong Kong, as a colony, is made up of the harbour that is reputed to be one of the busiest in the world comprising of some outlying settlements, ceded to Britain by China in 1842.” This can’t be a challenge: ‘comprising’ does not require ‘of’.
“I feel the permanent solution is not in importing fuel from abroad….” (Vanguard, June 16) The importation couldn’t have been from within these shores!
“Their roles and participation in the furtherance of dictatorship has (have) seriously.…” (Source: as above)
“Issues bothering on meeting employers’ obligations to employees in form of salary….”
There is a sharp distinction between ‘bothering’ and ‘bordering’, which applies here.
“While contesting the alleged sale of the bakery and its ultra-modern equipments….”
‘Equipment’ is uncountable.
“The frequency with which administrations are changed at the grassroot level makes it difficult for any sustainable development to be accomplished.” Immutable: grassroots makes.
Of Obituaries and Hoaxes
The latest rumour swirled wildly and remorselessly through the Social Media last Sunday - on the last day of June 2024. Someone with a dark talent for mischief and morbid fancy must have spurned the tale just eleven days before the 82nd birthday anniversary of the iconic actor, theatre administrator and entrepreneur, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR.
Once again, and roughly four times since 2020, the Social Media has sought to kill off the longtime darling of Nigeria’s Nollywood - a formidable figure in African entertainment business. Sometime in the middle of 2020, family, friends and colleagues scrambled to deflate a ballooning rumour that Jacobs had passed away. Several public declarations by well-known thespians and guild officials shut off the sporadic flow promptly.
The subsequent peace lasted till the last quarter of 2021. Gracefully swatting off another distressing fable, his wife Ajoke Silva, MFR, used the occasion and pageantry of that year’s AFRIFF Global Awards ceremony, wherein Olu Jacobs was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award for creative contributions, to put “sand-sand” in the eyes of unscrupulous rumour vendors. She regaled us with pictures of her husband receiving the accolade, and admiration of peers and mentees.
Less than a year after, in the third quarter of 2022, the phantom keyboardists dug up another “obituary”. In a swift response on her Instagram account, Joke railed: “Good day everyone, trust all is going well. The Jacobs Clan would love to inform you that Papa J (Olu Jacobs MFR), is alive and well; enjoying himself as always in the comfort of his home and loved ones…”. And then, she added this: “To all those who have decided to ignore our last warning regarding fake news, kindly prepare for legal action”.
That plain threat appeared to work for a while, as some of the purveyors of fake news, ostensibly waited for what they thought was inevitable; especially as the Jacobs family had revealed the enormity of the man’s ailment.
Strangely, all of 2023 was untainted with any death rumours.
Remarkably, earlier in November of 2021, while fielding questions from Chude Jideonwo, on Channels Television, Joke had, matter-of-factly declared thus: “He (Jacobs) is dealing with issues and it has been going on for a couple of years. It is known as ‘Dementia with Lewy Bodies’. It is a degenerative disease that affects the brain and it is almost like a Parkinson’s type of disease, it affects the brain so you don’t see the shaking… It’s been hard on him because he doesn’t understand what is going on and also on family members as well. We have gone through it over the past couple of years, and we thank God…. We have gone through some times and situations recently that I wish I had the old you (Olu) here so I don’t battle these times on my own but we are grateful for the moment of clarity. I miss the times we worked together.”
Perhaps the unusual openness and disarming calmness of Joke in the face of what is an unimaginably cruel situation, the family were spared the annual rumour fest in 2023 - until last Sunday.
Expectedly, family, friends and colleagues rolled out disclaimers same day, and throughout the week (even video evidence were deployed) to show that though Jacobs is ailing - he is over 80 years old, for the sake of anything good and glorious - that he is very much alive… and within prevailing circumstances, he is quite well.
While we understand the need to refute an evil report concerning their patriarch, one was worried that the videos - the one shared by his son, Soji, while Olu was having his beard shaved, and the follow-up bit when the entire family spent the day, this week, luxuriating joyously at a public space (Soji had earlier mentioned going to Ikoyi Club in the barbing video)...that the miscreants would pivot into further mischief and disinformation, using the videos unscrupulously.
Of course, the trojans of the Social Media never apologise for their misdemeanors; the unsanctionable, unregulated denizens of the
ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948
“Given the robust profiles of majority of the INEC commissioners, there is every hope that the commission may get its acts together in the April elections.” A review: a majority of…and the fixed expression: get its act (not acts) together.
“The impression seems to have gained ground that the voter registration was just another white elephant project, a wasteful jamboree.” Get it right: just white elephant. All the trash about ‘project, a wasteful jamboree’ is simply pleonastic.
“Just imagine if all the money which was sunken into the Ajaokuta steel project.…” Tense mix-up: yank away ‘sunken’ for ‘sunk.’
“I escaped death by a hair’s breath” No lexical mayhem: a hair’s breadth.
“I detest the idea of somebody being nun talk less of my own daughter.” ‘Talk less’ is Nigerian English employed in place of ‘not to talk of’ or ‘let alone’ which are standard entries.
Feedback
Media Gaffes, June 22, made an interesting reading. But, the rule that says present tense verb becomes past when changing from direct to indirect speech does not always apply, does it? I said there was no more monolithic north against an ‘is’ sounds different in meaning. ‘The geography teacher said the sun ROSE in the east’ will not be a right reported speech version of ‘The sun rises in the east,’ says the geography teacher.’ Will it? (08072246519)
…Response
There are no exceptions to the reported speech rule. The example you gave does not change anything. Thanks for your contribution. Next time, include your name, please.
blogosphere do not regret their obnoxious actions and damage. Hours after the first video hit the Social Media, you could see video collages, playing the “barbing video” alongside a clip from an old movie showing a virile, stately Jacobs acting as an Igbo king while describing how his glorious last days would be like. Juxtaposing the two videos is not only puerile and distressing, but also irresponsible. If you wonder how any reasonable person would see parallels in a filmic performance of a creative work as against the current reality of an actor out of work…a glance through their comment sections would render you flabbergasted.
But OJ is not the only victim of death hoaxers and purveyors of fake news. In the past few years that Social Media have attained an outstanding level of penetration amongst our active youth demographics, a number of Nigerian famous faces have been “killed” on Social Media - and have continued to live on miraculously.
Pete Edochie, veteran actor and former broadcast executive, has “died” a number of times on Social Media; so have veteran comic actor, Chiwetalu Agu; young music star, Rema (his “demise” was actually confirmed on his Wikipedia page - only to turn out that someone hacked the page). Renowned movie ‘bad guy’, Hanks Anuku has been pronounced dead, or declared insane, homeless, and once thrown into extinction by drug-induced coma)... and so on. Yet, strenuous rebuttals have never stopped the maddening fake news.
Internationally, artistes and entertainers are also usual menus for death hoaxes. Perhaps, the most commonly “killed” is Justin Bieber, the former global music teen idol who has been ‘dying’ since his breakthrough debut in 2009. Then, the action superstar and stuntman, Jackie Chan was declared dead twice in 2011. In fact, a Facebook page titled “Jackie Chan RIP” was opened to honour his “memories” with over 15,000 likes! Music sensation, Rihanna, also died twice that deadly 2011 - the stunning Barbadian reportedly perished in a plane crash in January, and later in August, of
same year, she succumbed to heart attack after collapsing into an alcohol-induced coma. Home Alone child star, Macaulay Culkin has been rumoured dead for so many times that in 2018, he told Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon, “I die all the time…I’m just a specter right now”. And finally, when pioneer American actress and comedienne, Betty White eventually died in 2021 at the age of 99, most people, including the media, refused to believe it was not another hoax - even when the publicist of the Hollywood legend confirmed it!
Our general advice to families who suffer the needless emotional torture of reading about the obituaries of their living loved ones, do not give them more artillery to foster and bolster their sickness (the unmitigated desire to share anything and everything juicy or inflammatory, irrespective of its veracity or unwholesomeness. They are after clicks, monitisation perks, and farming engagements. They do not care about your mental or physical well-being. They do not “send you”. And they are largely emboldened by our ineffective law enforcement structures. Simply put out a short text declaring that your person of interest - the one presumed dead - is alive and well. Let those who want to believe do so, and those whose souls are tied to Social Media remain in their haze. We shall not be tired of admonishing our Social Media “practitioners”: the tools you are using may be yours - at whatever cost - and new to you…like a glittering toy to a curious child…note that the activity you are practising is as old as human creation. Handle news - especially as they concern people, customs and government - with a sense of responsibility, fairness and empathy. Surely, one day - as certain as the sun shining over us all everyday - “monkey go go market, he no go return”. It is the inevitable law of nature.
GLOBAL SOCCER
Set for CAF Footballer of the Year Award
Come December,when theAfrica Footballer of theYear would be announced,one name that will surely be in the forefront of CAF choice is Super Eagles andAtalanta winger,Ademola Lookman.After a scintillating season with his SerieA side where his hat-trick won the Europa Cup for the La Dea.It therefore came as no surprise when he was namedAtalanta’s Best Player of the Season after his 27-goal contributions accross all competitions
After an impressive performance at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero for Atalanta in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen where his hat-trick won the trophy for the La Dea.
The 27-year-old winger has been a revelation for Atalanta this season. While he consistently delivered impressive performances in Serie A, it was his dominant display on the biggest stage that truly announced him to the world.
In the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman stole the show, bagging a sensational hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.
This feat etched Lookman’s name in
history, becoming the first African player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, and only the sixth player ever to achieve such a feat in a major UEFA competition final.
Lookman’s impact goes beyond his heroics in the final. He has been a key figure for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side throughout the season, contributing a total of 15 goals and eight assists across all competitions. His versatility and attacking threat have been crucial for Atalanta’s success in both Serie A and the Europa League.
Lookman’s impressive form extends to international duty. He was a key player for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), earning a place in the Team of the Tournament after scoring three
goals, assisting two and helping Nigeria reach the final.
Though the Africa Footballer of the Year award is still about five months away, Lookman is almost the sure bet to cart home the award. Ahead of the award however, compatriot, Wilfred Ndidi, is backing the Atalanta man to cart away the prize ahead of holder, Victor Osimhen.
“In all honesty, I think Ademola (Lookman) stands a better chance to winning it. Though both he and Osimhen have done well for their clubs, but Ademola stands a better chance,” Ndidi said.
Lookman was recently named the Best African International Footballer at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra.
The Atalanta star received the award after a remarkable season with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and his Italian club. Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen and win the UEFA Europa League last season.
He outperformed Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmund Tapsoba to clinch the title. Lookman succeeds Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who won last year after leading his team to the Serie A title and later secured the CAF Africa’s Best Player award.
Lookman is now a strong contender for Africa’s top individual football award this year. In a video message, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for the consideration, the recognition, and the votes. This means a lot to me and my family. I wish I was in Ghana, but my heart is with you all. Thank you and God bless.”
The former Fulham and Leicester City player had a standout year, guiding Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final and scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final.
He also played a key role in Atalanta’s fourth-place finish in Serie A, with 17 goals
and 10 assists across all competitions.
Lookman’s performances have caught the attention of top European clubs and interest from Saudi Arabia.
The former Fulham loanee however saw his dream of clinching Atalanta’s Goal of the Season award narrowly slip through his fingers. The Super Eagles winger was pipped at the post by Colombian forward Luis Muriel in a nail-biting, competitive voting session.
The best of Atalanta’s 106 goals during the 2023/24 season were drawn into six groups. Lookman had his excellent second goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the Europa League dominate Group A while his third goal against the Germans made it out of Group D.
The two goals, however, faced off in the quarterfinals where that sumptuous second striker versus Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the next stage.
The goal then saw off the challenge of Ruggeri’s tomahawk against Olympique Marseille in the semifinal of the contest, winning with 73% of the votes cast.
In the final, Lookman’s goal stood against Muriel’s audacious backheel against AC Milan and it was the Colombian star’s strike that ultimately captured the hearts and votes of the fans.
The goal netted in injury time to hand Atalanta a 3-2 win over Milan won 53 per cent of the final vote and ended Lookman’s quest for a treble of titles.
Despite the narrow miss, Lookman’s achievements this season remain remarkable, having already bagged Atalanta’s Player of the Month for May-June and the Player of the Season awards.
Lookman emerged as the Atalanta ‘Player of the Season’ following his spectacular 2023/2024 session for the Italian side that culminated in the team winning the Europa League title for the first time.
The Nigerian forward won the coveted award back-to-back at the Bergamo-based side. Atalanta announced Lookman as the winner on the club’s official website.
According to Atalanta: “It’s him again, Ademola Lookman! The reigning champion defends his title and is crowned straight-a student for the second year in a row after staving off an unsparing competition, to the point of both bringing the contest to an overtime runoff and stepping the pose down up to the Instagram profile after the regular session ended in a tie. Kudos to Molafor his back-to-back Player of the Season!” it noted. The club said further that,” building on his 17 goals and 11 key passes in all competitions (making him the team’s second-best seasonal scorer) and with the hat-trick scored in the magical Dublin final as his main leg-up, Lookman tips the ItalianOptic branded crown once again,” the web remarked.
The Nigerian had a brilliant AFCON experience with Super Eagles who finished as runners up in Côte d’Ivoire where he scored three goals in the tournament.
Lookman scores the first of his three goals against Leverkusen in the Europa Cup final in Dublin
Lookman celebrating Atalanta’s Europa Cup victory with teammates
England Face Swiss Test as Oranje Eye S’final Ticket
Pitting their wits against the plucky team to deny them a repeat of the 2021 final, an under-performing England crop fight for the right to become Euro 2024 semi-finalists against Switzerland in Dusseldorf this evening.
The teams convene at the Merkur SpielArena after Gareth Southgate’s charges survived an enormous scare against Slovakia, while Murat Yakin’s men were far more deserved victors against reigning champions Italy.
While a handful of England fans opted to throw their empty cups in the direction of Southgate after their tepid final Group C draw with Slovenia, others may have had their glasses half full with optimism that knockout football would re-light a fire within the Three Lions’ bellies.
As it turned out, mediocrity was still the theme for the Euro 2020 runners-up in their last-16 battle with Slovakia, who deservedly went ahead through Ivan Schranz’s third goal of the tournament and repelled futile England attacks for over 90 minutes in Gelsenkirchen.
However, a moment of sheer magic from Jude Bellingham saw the 21-year-old leave Martin Dubravka stranded to the spot with a dazzling bicycle kick, before Harry Kane needed just 52 seconds of extra time to complete a heroic England turnaround, but one that still sparked familiar criticism once the euphoria had settled.
GLOBAL SOCCER
ASSISTANT EDITOR
KUNLE ADEWALE
THISDAY ON SATURDAY
EDITOR
OBINNA CHIMA
DEPUTY EDITOR
AHAMIEFULA OGBU
THISDAY NEWSPAPERS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN
NDUKA OBAIGBENA
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR
ISRAEL IWEGBU
EURO 2024
Not one England performance at Euro 2024 has seen the Three Lions run out convincing victors, and they have not won a game in 90 minutes since edging out Serbia on the opening matchweek, but the fact of the matter is that Southgate has now led his nation to four successive major tournament quarter-finals.
With seven victories in knockout matches at the World Cup and European Championships, Southgate’s septet of successes is the more than all other England men’s managers combined since 1966, but such statistics will offer little comfort if football does not come home again.
The Three Lions had already avenged their Euro 2020 heartbreak to Italy during qualifying, but they will not have the opportunity for an even sweeter slice of vengeance against the Azzurri in Dusseldorf, courtesy of Switzerland’s merited beating of the current holders. After playing provider for Remo Freuler’s deadlock-breaker, Ruben Vargas turned goalscorer in the first minute of the second half to ensure that a new European champion would be crowned in Berlin on July 14, while also making the Rossocrociati the first team to book their quarter-final spot.
With a statement win over Hungary and applaudable draw with Germany - who only equalised in second-half injury time - under their belts, Yakin’s men have taken on the role of dark horses and now have a second straight quarter-final to look forward to, but they have never been past this stage of any major tournament.
However, as well as England’s limp performances offering the Rossocrociati plenty of optimism, Yakin’s troops have now strung together an eight-game unbeaten streak in all tournaments and have lost just once in 18 since the 2022 World Cup; a 1-0 qualifying reverse to Romania.
Not since a 1981 World Cup qualifier have Switzerland come up trumps over England, though, as the Three Lions have won their last five against the Rossocrociati and are unbeaten in 13 - unlucky for some - and current boss Yakin was part of the Swiss side that went down 3-0 to England in the Euro 2004 group stage.
Meanwhile, fighting it out for a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, the Netherlands and Turkey meet at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion this evening.
Victory would set up a clash with either Switzerland or England in the final four, and after coming through the previous round in
contrasting fashion, both teams will fancy their chance of progressing.
Despite an unconvincing start to their latest European Championship campaign, the Netherlands have safely secured a place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals - and they now have an eye on the Henri Delaunay trophy, which is just three wins away from their grasp.
Ronald Koeman’s side find themselves among the favourites in the so-called ‘weaker’ half of the draw, having only emerged from Group D in third place following victory over Poland, a stalemate with France and a 3-2 defeat to Austria.
Handed a relatively kind last-16 tie against Romania, the Oranje ultimately ran out 3-0 winners, and it could easily have been more: they had 50 touches inside the Romanian area – the highest number recorded by a Netherlands team on record.
The Dutch broke the deadlock courtesy of Cody Gakpo’s 20th-minute strike in Munich, and after passing up a series of chances, it was left to second-half substitute Donyell Malen to bag a late brace and finally seal the deal.
Now, Koeman is honing in on repeating a feat from his playing days, when he was part of the squad that produced the Netherlands’ only major men’s trophy to date: a European Championship winner in 1988, the former Barcelona boss is intent on doing it all again 36 years later as head coach.
With Xavi Simons starting to fulfil his potential, and Gakpo picking up two ‘Man of the Match’ awards and in contention for the Golden Boot, Oranje fans are starting to dream; however, today’s opponents have already proven their mettle.
Kicking off their last-16 contest with the European Championship’s fastest-ever knockout round goal, Turkey were quickly on course for the quarter-finals when they met fellow dark horses Austria on Tuesday evening.
Having only scored twice in 47 previous international appearances, centre-back Merih Demiral then doubled his tally during the course of one match - but the Austrians bit back and were within a whisker of taking a pulsating game into extra time.
Only a moment of Mert Gunok magic denied Ralf Rangnick’s team the chance to take the tie into an additional period, as Turkey’s goalkeeper flew across his goal to make an incredible last-gasp save that seemed to defy all logic.
The Crescent-Stars were missing captain Hakan Calhanoglu following their disciplinary meltdown against the Czech Republic during the group stage, but Real Madrid star Arda Guler again showed his promise as an
integral cog in his national side.
The latter joined Kenan Yildiz in a young starting XI selected by Vincenzo Montella - the first time that two teenagers had ever started together during the knockout phase - but Turkey’s Italian coach now has more suspensions to deal with; furthermore, several players will be walking the tightrope of being one booking from missing out on the semis. First, though, they must make it past the Netherlands - who they met twice in qualifying for Qatar 2022, with both nations emerging triumphant on home turf - to reach the Euros’ final four for just a second time in Turkish football history.
Following a superb start in their exciting 3-1 win over Georgia - then defeat to Portugal - and a late victory over the Czech Republic, Montella’s men came up with another thriller in Leipzig, so neutrals will expect to be entertained again this weekend.
Germany 1-2 Spain
Portugal 0-0 France
France win 5-3 on pens
TODAY’S FIXTURES
England v Switzerland 5pm
England vs Switzerland: Prediction, RESULT
Jude Bellingham half volley against Slovania helped the Three Lions to Euro 2024 quarters
Netherlands duo of Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk celebrate Oranje victory over Romania
GLOBAL SOCCER
Spain Beat Germany, Set up Semifinals Clash Against France
Spain yesterday s dumped host, Germany, 2-1, to set up a juicy semifinal clash against France, who defeated Portugal, 5-4 on penalties after a goaless in 120 minutes.
Spain kept themselves on course to win a fourth European Championship as Mikel Merino’s 119th-minute goal sent them into the semi-finals and eliminated hosts Germany following a pulsating encounter at Stuttgart Arena.
This was the most anticipated match of the tournament so far as it put together the resurgent home nation against arguably the best-performing side to date at Euro 2024 - and it certainly lived up to expectation.
Played with aggression, tension and drama the contest barely let those watching pause for breath from the moment
Dani Olmo gave Spain the lead six minutes into the second half.
The substitute side-footed home a cross from 16-year-old star, Lamine Yamal, and his strike opened up a game that had been played with caution until then.
Germany hit the post through their own substitute Niclas Fullkrug, but equalised in the final minute of normal time when Florian Wirtz sent a thunderous strike in off the post to send the home fans wild.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz then sent efforts agonisingly wide in extra time, while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon superbly clawed away a Fullkrug header before Germany had penalty appeals dismissed after the ball struck Marc Cucurella’s hand in the box.
But with seconds remaining of a thrilling tie, Real Sociedad forward Merino, thumped home a header to send Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face either France or Portugal.
Meanwhile, France beat Portugal in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a tense showdown in Hamburg.
Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty after substitute Joao Felix hit the outside of the post with his effort, the only miss.
Players sprinted over to the other end of the pitch to celebrate with fans afterwards, while Portugal, who had overcome Slovenia via a shootout five days ago, were left feeling deflated while they applauded their supporters.
Forest Join Villa in Scramble for Iheanacho’s Signature
English Premier League side, Nottingham Forest, have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho.
The 27-year-old forward is now a free agent after his contract with Leicester City ran out last month, ending his seven-year stay at the King Power Stadium.
It was earlier reported that Unai Emery’s Aston Villa had sent representatives to discuss with the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner over
a possible move to the Villa Park.
As per Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have also registered their interest in signing the former Manchester City striker, as they’re currently hunting for a striker in the transfer market.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, turning the West Midlands club to Iheanacho as a backup option for Ollie Watkins who recorded 19 goals and 13 as-
sists in the English Premier League last season.
Only three teams scored fewer goals than Nottingham in the Premier League last season, two of which were relegated.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury problems have proven he cannot be relied upon all season by Nuno Espirito Santo, and the Reds have turned to Iheanacho to provide an option when the former Union Berlin striker is unavailable.
Danjuma Invites 32 for Colombia 2024 Ahead of Final Tournament
With just eight weeks to their first match of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024, Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma has called up four goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and 12 strikers to a training camp in the Federal Capital, Abuja in the first phase of preparation for the global tournament.
Team captain Oluchi Ohaeg-
bulem is top of the list, with firstchoice goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Shukurat Oladipo and Comfort Folorunsho, midfielders Chinyere Kalu, Adoo Yina and Rofiat Imuran, and forwards Janet Akekoromowei, Flourish Sabastine and Aminat Bello also called.
Nigeria, a fixture at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals since the tournament began as
an U19 event in Canada 22 years ago, will contend with threetime winners Germany, Asian powerhouse Korea Republic and South American representatives Venezuela in group D of the competition scheduled for three Colombian cities, 31st August – 22nd September.
All the invited are expected at Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Sunday, July 7.
Ijaiye Grammar School , Dom Domigos College Win at Milo Basketball Championship
The eagerly awaited national finals of the 24th Milo Basketball Championship (MBC) wrapped up at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos with Ijaiye Housing Estate Grammar School of Lagos State and Dom Domigos College of Delta State emerging as champions in the male and female categories, respectively.
In an intense and thrilling match in the male category, Ijaiye Housing Estate Grammar School triumphed over Father O’Connell, Niger State. The game, which ended 38-38 after the fourth quarter, went into extra time, where Ijaiye Housing Estate Grammar School finally edged out the boys from Niger State with a
score of 49-45.h
Earlier in the female category, Dom Domigos College from Delta State defeating the 2023 champions, Topfield College, Ajegunle, with a final score of 44-38 to emerge as the national champions.
In his statement, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim El-Husseini, praised the
participants for their competitive spirit and congratulated everyone on their journey. He said, “The participants embodied a spirit of competition that this championship fosters. To every player, coach, and supporter, your journey here is a testament to your hard work and commitment. I congratulate everyone.”
FIFA President, Infantino Congratulates Rangers over NPFL Triumph
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has sent a congratulatory message to Rangers FC of Enugu for their success in the Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL).
Rangers International won the 2023–24 NPFL with one game to spare after beating Bendel Insurance 2-0 in their final home game of the season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, before travelling to defeat Gombe United 2-1.
Infantino, who has led the World Football Body since 2016, took to his Instagram
story to congratulate the Flying Antelopes.
“Congratulations Rangers International FC on being crowned 2023-24 champions of Nigeria,” he wrote, resharing an official image of Rangers.
Rangers claimed their eighth league title, marking their first triumph since 2016, in a dramatic match-day 37 that saw their rivals falter.
Key defeats for Remo Stars and Enyimba against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively, played a crucial
role in sealing the championship. Under the guidance of Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team took an assertive approach in their match against Insurance. Kenechukwu Agu opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Chidiebere Nwobodo extended their lead in the 65th minute, putting them in a strong position.
Rangers will represent Nigeria in the forthcoming CAF Champions League, where they hope to have a great campaign, after their NPFL triumph.
Boxing, MMA Hall of Fame Amateur Championship for Southwest States Ends in Style
The Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame held the southwest edition of the National Amateur Boxing and MMA Championships at the Landmark Event Center, V.I, Lagos. The event drew significant attention as 50 talented fighters from the six south western states, namely Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Ondo showcased their prowess in both MMA and Boxing.
The MMA Championship was organised under the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) rules and
featured five intense final bouts. Sanni Azeezat from Ogun State triumphed over Olanike Glory from Ondo State in the 65kg female category, while Quadri Bikilis from Oyo State emerged victorious against Ayomide Olorundare from Ogun State in 56 kg female categoty. In the male 70.3kg category, Olabode Fayowole from Lagos defeated Rasheed Taiwo from Oyo State. Musa Jamiyu from Ondo State outclassed Latif Akubee from Oyo State in the 65.6kg category, and Samuel Gabriel from Lagos
State claimed victory over Saheed Faruk from Ogun State in the 61.2kg category. The Boxing Championship was officiated by Lagos State Boxing Association (LABA) and saw 12 thrilling bouts. Lagos State fighters dominated subsequent bouts, with Qudus Lateef defeating Bakare Taiwo from Osun State in the 51kg male category, and Akanni Balogun securing a win over David Kushimo from Ogun State in the 54kg male category. Odebode Opeyemi from Oyo
Lagos Doles Out New Sporting Equipment to Schools as Sanwo-Olu Commits to Grassroots Sports Development
The arena of the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium of Alausa Secretariat on Thursday, July 4, was filled with all sorts of sporting equipment with students from public secondary, colleges, and tertiary institutions in Lagos State on hand to take delivery of the state-of-the-earth facilities courtesy of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF).
The special guest was the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who
used the occassion to pledge his continued support to grassroots sports development as over 644 public secondary schools, five state technical schools, and five state tertiary institutions benefited from the gesture of LSSTF headed by Olaposi Agunbiade.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende said the gesture was part of his administration’s promise
to students within the sports and educational sectors.
“Currently, Nigeria is laden with various kinds of instabilities such as political, ethnic, and religious violence, and there is no doubt that youths (mostly students) are now at the centre of these vices. This is because the love of sporting activities among the youths has been replaced by other endeavours like internet fraud, drug abuse, armed robbery, and some other vices.
Mikel Merino jumped highest to score the winner for Spain
Action during the African knockout amatuer championship and MMA last Saturday in Lagos
L-R: Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mrs. Oghale Osah, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende; Executive Secretary, LSSTF, Olaposi Agunbiade; and Dare Ojole, SSA (Youth and Sports) to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dare Ojole, at the distribution of sports equipment to schools in Lagos State on Thursday, at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Ikeja.
Flying Antelopes boost team with two new signings
Players of Dom Domingos College, Delta State celebrating upstaging defending champions Topfield College of Ajegunle, Lagos to win the female category of the 24th Milo Basketball Championship for Secondary Schools in Nigeria... recently
Oando Advocates Increased Extraction of Crude Oil in Nigeria Despite Energy Transition Pressure
Peter
Chevron calls for stakeholder collaboration for sector's growth
Uzoho
Oando Energy Resources has stressed the need for Nigeria to be aggressive in extracting the billions of barrels of crude oil the nation is blessed with for its socio-economic development and industrialisation despite the energy transition pressures.
The company also added that Nigeria must at the same time use its hundreds of trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven and yet to be proven natural
gas to drive sustainable development.
The Executive Director of Oando Plc and Chief Operating Officer of Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie Irune, made the call during a panel session at the just concluded Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week 2024 in Abuja.
Sharing his thoughts on the topic:
“Navigating a Sustainable Future for Independent Producers”, Irune cautioned African countries against a hasty shift towards the 30-year
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 vision.
He therefore described Africa’s hasty shift towards green energy, as a disingenuous approach, arguing that Africa, with its abundant energy resources but with widespread poverty, cannot afford a hasty transition to renewable energy.
“We have always felt it was too soon for us as Africans with huge amounts of energy resources, but we exist in deep poverty.
“We can’t transition ourselves to further poverty. We were asked to march on to a 30-year Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 vision aimed at achieving universal access to modern energy services by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We committed ourselves to the vision of turning all of our energy resources to renewable energy, unfortunately, we have no business latching on to that dream,” he said. Irune, who is also the President
LORD'S CHOSEN BIENNIAL CONVENTION…
Representative of Lagos State Governor/ Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde and General Overseer of the Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, during the Church's biennial convention tagged 'And the Enemies Submitted,’ held at Ijeasha, Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT
Dein of Agbor Asks Drug Dealers to Vacate His Kingdom
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Frontline traditional ruler in Delta state, Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchuku Gbenoba, has met with the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) to seek a partnership that will end the activities of drug dealers in his kingdom.
Marwa, welcoming the monarch to his office, expressed the readiness of the agency to collaborate with all stakeholders including traditional
rulers and community gatekeepers to ensure that the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is stamped out from communities across the country.
He said: “We’re at the moment deploying our personnel to the local government areas to establish our presence at the grassroots to further our advocacy against substance abuse and enforce the law against those dealing in illicit drugs at that level. Towards that, we met with the leadership of ALGON last week to make this process seamless and we welcome the support
IPPG Congratulates
and partnership with all stakeholders for successful implementation of all our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, through a whole of society approach.”
In his remarks at the meeting, the monarch said “we've been having some issues with drug dealers in Agbor. We've tried to handle it once or twice, but we'd like to at least be able to provide some land to have NDLEA come to Agbor. My main hope is General Marwa right here. Everything he touches turns to gold. Since he came on board at NDLEA,
you people were reinvigorated. And I have seen that since he came on board, the drug dealers are now more hesitant, and we need more of that. So, we continue to learn from his experience and continue to make sure that this agency is strengthened as much as we can.”
He said his desire to bring NDLEA into his kingdom was to eliminate the activities of drug dealers and protect his people from the devastating effects of illicit substances destroying the lives of youths and adults all over the world.
FG on Nigeria’s Selection as African Energy Bank’s Headquarters
The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the federal government on the selection of Nigeria as the host of the Headquarters of the African Energy Bank (AEB).
Chairman of the IPPG, Abdulrazaq Isa said in a statement yesterday that this significant honour highlights Nigeria's leadership and strong commitment to advancing Africa's energy goals.
Isa, added that the landmark achievement underscored Nigeria’s leading role over the years in fostering regional integration and progress.
“Not only is this decision to host the headquarters of the AEB in the country a further acknowledgement of Nigeria’s position as the continent’s leading hydrocarbon resource holder and
human capital base in the energy sector, but also demonstrates the robustness and highly advanced nature of the country’s financial services’ sector,” Isa explained. According to him, AEB would provide a solid foundation for financing and advancing energy projects across the continent, enabling the development of critical infrastructure and innovative technologies in the energy sector.
“This initiative will not only promote sustainability but also drive economic growth and industrialisation, creating massive job opportunities and ultimately contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future for the entire continent. IPPG’ strong advocacy for the siting of the Headquarters of the Bank in Nigeria was premised on the immeasurable benefits it would bring
to the development of the oil and gas industry and ultimately the Nigerian economy particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with an energy crisis. “We therefore commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and dedication to the development of Nigeria’s energy sector. His administration's proactive and strategic efforts have played a crucial role in securing this notable achievement,” Isa added.
Isa also hailed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, “who passionately and vigorously championed the realisation of this significant milestone,” pointing out that the minister’s “relentless commitment in ensuring Nigeria hosted the AEB’s headquarters has simply been extraordinary.”
and Chief Executive Officer of Oando Clean Energy Limited emphasized the relevance of a balanced energy mix, noting that oil and gas would still play significant roles in the future.
According to him, “At Oando, we no longer feel pressured by the energy transition push; instead, we see an acceleration in our crude oil extraction.
“Therefore, African countries need to extract every molecule of crude oil from beneath the earth’s surface and use natural gas to champion the continent towards sustainable development.”
Highlighting Oando Plc’s commitment to supporting the African economy through renewable energy projects, Irune said, “While extracting oil, we can harness solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro in ways that support our economy,”
He mentioned that Oando’s Clean Energy Division is engaged in several projects, including transportation, solar energy, waste-to-value, wind, and geothermal energy in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
He explained that his organisation
has made significant progress in projects in the transport sector due to Africa’s logistics-based economy.
“We are also involved in solar energy, waste-to-value projects, wind, and geothermal energy. One of our advanced projects is the electric vehicle initiative with the Lagos state government, where we are moving to deploy 100 buses after completing the pilot phase", he added.
Continuing, Irune underscored the importance of ecosystem development, local capacity building, and knowledge transfer.
“We believe in contributing to ecosystem development, learning, and local capacity building.
“It’s essential to build a base that allows us to explore our oil and deploy capital to increase the size of these projects in a manageable way,” he said.
Relatedly, the Director, Deepwater and Production Sharing Contract (PSCs) at Chevron Nigeria and MidAfrica Business, Michelle Pflueger, has called for genuine stakeholder collaboration in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to enable the growth of the sector.
Amid Growing Anxiety, FG Reassures on Safety of Tela Maize, Others
James Emejo in Abuja
The federal government yesterday reassured Nigerians that the newly unveiled Tela Maize varieties remained safe for consumption.
The maize seeds were produced through genetic engineering by renowned local research institutions including African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and other partners.
The crop varieties had proven to be high-yielding, conferring resistance to major pests including stem borers and fall army worm, and has moderate drought tolerance.
But environmental and nutrition activists have continued to raise concerns about the safety of genetically modified food crops for human consumption, claiming they have been linked with cancers and other related ailments – claims that are yet to be scientifically proven.
However, addressing journalists on the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) technology in agriculture, heads of agricultural institutions
related to the production and release of the biotech crops including Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) – all beat their chests that the home-grown scientific breakthrough remained harmless.
Executive Secretary/Chief Executive, ACRN, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, said the tela maize research had followed all the safety protocols as enshrined in the biosafety regulations and “we therefore declared that the GM crops are safe for human consumption”. He said the research institutes have the mandate for genetic improvement of all staple and cash crops livestock and fisheries, adding that in achieving these mandate, the application of agricultural biotechnology in their research offers a novel way to develop varieties of crop plants and livestock breeds that are resilient to stresses arises from the impact of climate change and the quest to increase crop productivity by addressing farming problems.
Protest: EFCC Strengthens Security in Lagos, Abuja Offices
Sunday Ehigiator
“We equally acknowledge the efforts of the entire Government, its agencies in the energy sector and all stakeholders whose collective hard work and dedication have made this remarkable victory possible. This achievement is not just a victory for Nigerians but for the entire African continent. It symbolises our collective efforts to build a prosperous and sustainable energy future for Africa. This will enable the continent look inward and deepen collaboration in charting a course for meeting its energy needs,” Isa added.
Isa declared that the IPPG was extremely delighted by this news and looks forward to partnering with the AEB in ensuring affordable energy, enhancing energy security and lowering the continent’s carbon footprint.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Lagos and Abuja have been fortified with heavy security as a precautionary measure against a planned protest, scheduled by some aggrieved youths against the commission.
The protest scheduled to begin yesterday, July 5, 2024, tagged #ReformEFCC, is demanding reforms within the commission.
In Lagos, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have been deployed to strategic locations around the EFCC office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. The security presence includes patrol vans, anti-riot gun trucks, and Black Marias.
In Abuja, THISDAY observed the presence of joint security forces, including operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) both at the operational headquarters in Jabi and the zonal office located at Wuse 2 in Abuja.
An EFCC official who pleaded anonymity said the security has been directed to keep vigil around the commission to ensure that nobody protests anywhere close to the commission.
The EFCC had fingered a former governor, and two ex-ministers for spearheading the protest against the agency.
The protesters have outlined six key demands, including, “An end to indiscriminate arrests and invasion of homes, stop to property destruction during sting operations, an end to profiling young Nigerians, and a halt to assaulting and manhandling Nigeria.”
Fubara to the people of Rivers
“I want to assure every one of you and the good people of Rivers State that we are not deterred. We have made our promises, and we will continue to give you good governance, no matter how difficult it is. But, like I said before, the worst is over. We are moving on to ensure that we continue to provide what is needed for the development of our state” – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, addresses the concerns expressed by Rivers people over recent pronouncements of the court.
OKEY IKECHUKWU
EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS
okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com
Samoan Agreement and Related Matters
Notwithstanding the fact that the Federal Government has provided some details about a $150 billion Samoa Deal it signed recently, Christian and Muslim organizations and supporters of indigenous culture and traditions are up in arms. Their query is why the Federal Government should sign an agreement with clauses that require underdeveloped and developing nations to support LGBTQ rights as a condition for receiving financial and other forms of support.
This very provision of the Samoa agreement looks very much like a reincarnation of Biden’s Presidential Memorandum released shortly after he took office. In that Memo, he threatened to sanction countries which were still reluctant to make laws to promote, accommodate and expand the rights and privileges of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people. With the specific provisions on gay rights in the Samoa Deal, and given Biden’s antecedents, it is easy to see why many are asking why sexual orientation should be part of the condition for financial and other support. Is this an underhand way of bringing back something that our National Assembly has outlawed?
The controversial agreement was signed at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium on June 28. Details of the agreement indicate that the partnership is between the EU and its Member States, on one hand, and the members of the OACPS on the other. Negotiations on the agreement began in 2018, as a tangential engagement at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. Then it was signed in Apia, Samoa, on the 15th of November 2018 by all 27 EU Member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS Member states.
The African Regional Protocol on this matter consists of two parts, namely: (1) The Framework for Cooperation, and (2) Areas of Cooperation, containing Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and much more. The government has since said, in response to the uproar, that the signing was done after extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ).
It says that (1) None of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws, (2) Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, indicating that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid. This is what the government has to say on the issue of same sex marriage: “,,, there is an existing legislation against same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014. It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens”. Fair enough, but let us recalibrate, in order to maintain perspective and thus be extra vigilant.
Everything about human relations, and even the actual essence of a human being, coming from the US during and after the Obama administration is open to question for me. This very matter, as well as the antics of the current US government to drive it down our throat, came up for scrutiny on this page on February 22, 2021. That was shortly after Biden became president and gave clear indications about some of the ways in which he would further globalize the LGBT project. Take a read.
“America is back,” said Biden about a week ago (second week of February 2021). But which America, and whose America, is back? The answer to the question was given the aforementioned Presidential Memorandum, wherein he promised hell to non-compliant developing nations. That Memorandum was all about a worldwide plan to strengthen the protection of LGBTQI+ rights, in such a way that it would be taken for granted that humanity must now collectively drive a new global priority under this umbrella of rights. Should all mankind tremble and fall in line because an American president has announced that his country would roll out sanctions against other countries which do not subscribe to America’s preferred values? Can he even do that in US states which are yet to fall in line in this regard? Can he do anything about the legislative federalist orientation of the American State, despite a respected Supreme Court?
What warrants Biden’s presumption? By what universal standard was Nigeria classified a “homophobic” country; as was done under Obama, because of the country’s anti-gay law? Surely a US president who was Vice President when the Nigerian anti-gay law was passed, despite great pressures from the Obama government where he was Vice President, would be out to “call Nigeria to order?”
The article continued: “So, watch out! The drama is only just beginning. With Nigeria deemed an anti-LGBTQI+ country, Biden’s threat of “… financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other sanctions” targeted at “…foreign governments” that “restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons…”
applies here.
When Biden says: “The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values”, does he consider that “our most dearly held values” in Nigeria are not American values? Since when did America start speaking for all climes? When Biden speaks of “…enforcing freedoms and promoting tolerance,” does he consider that he is the President of the US, rather than the earth? Does he even look at the overall impact of the US on “rights” with regards to global peace, climate change and morality? Less than two months into the Biden presidency, what are we seeing and what do the things we are seeing portend?
On November 23, 2020, this column carried a piece with the title “Biden and the Global Gender Crisis.” That article observed as follows: “The Obama Government threatened Nigeria with official sanctions, when the National Assembly passed a law against same-sex marriage. The Obama government also refused to sell arms to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. It also discouraged other countries from selling arms to Nigeria; even as thousands were being slaughtered every day. The argument, then, was that the Nigerian government was not respecting the human rights of the terrorists! …The Obama Presidency stood out in its promotion of gay relationships under the LGTBQ+ movement.”
The same piece raised the following questions: “Why are world leaders, especially of the nations classified as “developed,” desperate to “level humanity” and deny any core values? Why are many “globally significant” individuals working towards the globalization of all manner of lifestyles and a values pyramid with a controlling few at the top holding sway with skewed values? Why are most world figures speaking of freedoms and rights, but not of knowledge and true humanity? Why are they talking of making people happy but saying nothing about the true meaning of happiness?”
Does Biden’s Presidential Memorandum, wherein he seeks to “… further repair our (America’s) moral leadership…” which also seeks to “reinvigorate our (America’s) leadership on the LGBTQI+ issues internationally…” not showcase a national megalomania that verges on the incomprehensible?
My Exclusive Commentary of December 5, 2020, in the Houston-based USAfrica, titled “Will Biden Impose Alternative Lifestyles on Africans?” spoke of the “dangers” of a Biden presidency for non-enthusiasts of gay marriage and anti-gay advocacy. The publication began thus: “On January 2021, upon being sworn in as president of the United States, Joe Biden will begin to reconnect with many “globally significant” individuals towards the globalization of new (alternative) lifestyles and values pyramid. ‘The Return of all the freedom enjoyed under Barrack Obama’ is already the mantra of many who are cheering the November 2020 election of Joe Biden as president. The Obama administration – where Biden served as vice president for eight years, 2009 to 2017 – threatened Nigeria with sanctions for passing a law against same-sex marriage. That presidency diligently promoted the same sex agenda and Gay relationships with the LGBTQ+ movement and created a new world
for the exercise of those ‘rights’ when in 2016, Donald trump barged in bared teeth and all.” Continuing, the write-up in question said: “I believe that the Biden Presidency, itself a reincarnation of the Obama Presidency, will still use soft and strong tactics to deny any core values. They will speak of freedoms and rights, but not of knowledge and true humanity. They will speak of making people happy, but say little about the true meaning of happiness… Welcome to a world that will provide much funding and orchestrated media support for every endeavour that promotes and protects all manner of rights, without asking whether the rights in question add positive values to our humanity.” No matter how innocuous and uncoordinated it might seem, it is all well planned and well-choreographed. Speaking in predictive terms, and this is being confirmed as I write, the article under reference here noted as follows: “Biden is likely to drive the growing insistence that LGBTQI+ be allowed in the military service of many nations. He will catalyze the progressive inclusion of LGBTQI+ history and themes in public education, as well as the deliberate projection of new identities and lifestyles that encourage heterosexuals to go into homosexual relationships…
His plan to seek and obtain special treatment for homosexuals and interfere with gender distinctions, which are all in line with the LGBTQI+ campaign spelt out in Marshal Kirk and Hunter Madsen’s 1987 Essay, “The Overhauling of Straight America,” is well known. This work, which urged Gays to project themselves in ways that would make the world to think of them as normal people who prefer to do certain things differently, was updated years later, in the book “After the Ball: How America will Conquer its Fear of Gays in the 90s.” The latter work mapped out a public relations strategy for the movement. And it is working.” Yes, it is!
Which is why, as I said in the USAfrica article: “Oklahoma Senator, Tom Coburn, in 2004, saw the gay movement as a more pressing danger than terrorism. In 2005, James Dobson, Director of Focus on the Family, described the homosexual agenda as including “universal acceptance of the gay lifestyle, discrediting of scriptures that condemn homosexuality, muzzling of the clergy and Christian media, granting of special privileges and rights in the law, overturning laws prohibiting paedophilia, indoctrinating children and future generations through public education, and securing all the legal benefits of marriage for any two or more people who claim to have homosexual tendencies.” Watch out for those tactics. Wait a minute, they are already here with us!
The concerns raised in the aforementioned USAfrica article include the following: “Can someone wake up one day, declare himself a camel, and demand that we accept his new identity and allow him to graze in the public park; or in his neighbour’s garden? Was the Obama Presidency guided by a fundamental distortion of the very concepts of human nature and human freedom? Does a redefinition of what it means to be human, and of what “gender” means, not also mean a redefinition of the notion of “human” rights and new notions of right and wrong, etc.?
