WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY 2024

In Response to Herders/Farmers’

President Creates Livestock Development Ministry

Opts for ranching, inaugurates livestock reform implementation committee headed by

Address Food Crisis to Avoid Nigerians’ Anger, Senate Urges FG

Explains how governors, federal lawmakers will share 2,800 trucks to farmers Threatens to summon agriculture minister, CBN governor if process is delayed Lawan claims country’s food reserves empty

Fuel

Abuja.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Bola Tinubu,

Aborisade in Abuja

Email:

Petrol Retailers: Fuel Prices High Due to Members'

Inability to Get Products Directly from NNPC

House investigates resurgence of fuel queues, alleged return of subsidy FG committed to restoring normal products supply, says Lokpobiri

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) yesterday said that prices of petrol will be lesser if members can get products directly from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) without the use of middlemen.

Speaking on Channels Television, the National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, stated that buying from private depots will always see members the association buy at higher prices, which will further reflect at the pumps.

Gillis-Harry explained that to prevent a recurrence of the ongoing scarcity which the NNPC has partly blamed on transhipment issues, Nigeria should have enough local products reserves to last at least 15 days as well as able to predict thunderstorms that disrupt smooth operations.

“I think that the matter is being tackled very frontally by NNPC and we will get to the end of it. But however, my point is that we should not let this situation keep cropping up and creeping on us without any notice. We should be able to have some sort of data to be able to guide us in getting this situation completely eliminated,” he argued.

Independent petroleum marketers have continued to sell the product above the band set by the government, blaming third party participants. While NNPC filling stations still

sell at lower prices, from N570 to N617, in Lagos and Abuja, others who get from private depots have had prices rise to as much as N900.

Gillis-Harry said the cost of logistics was soaring by the day because diesel used by trucks has also become scarce and expensive, but said that selling a litre for as high as N1000, was pure profiteering.

“NNPC has not changed their prices for us. We still buy at the price that is given to us from them. However, we must always realise that if we do not get the product directly from NNPC and we are going to get it from depots and are also struggling to do everything to get products out in the market, the prices will not be the same,” he added.

The PETROAN chief said forex shortages had also impeded the importation of petroleum products into the country hence limiting the full operationalisation of the deregulation of the sector.

“ If we have products from NNPC, we should be able to sell our product between N620 and N650. If we source it from other depots that also have to make additional expenses, it is clear for us to understand that we do not expect them to sell us at the price that NNPC is giving.

“They make additional expenses to land it at that particular depot. And then, from the depot again, you have to make additional logistics expenses, which is sometimes never straightforward. Because you see prices fluctuating as to the cost because of distance and all of that.

“So a station that has landed product in their station, say at N690 or N700, will certainly make a sale that will be able to guarantee restocking. And this is what is important to know,” he argued.

He stated that it is because of the high price of diesel that PETROAN is advocating for penetration of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to ensure oil tankers are all fitted with CNG facilities at an affordable price.

He also advocated that crude oil should be sold to local refineries in naira to reduce the impact of the high exchange rate to the dollar.

“As long as we are talking about

ship-to-ship, that's because it's happening in the high seas. And weather conditions are very difficult to be able to study these vessels.

“ Be that as it may, I would expect that the most, the highest price, for instance, in the areas where the depots operate, such as Delta, Calabar, Rivers State, should be anything between N620 to N680 maximum,” he argued.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has urged Nigerians to be patient while the federal government sorts out the current nationwide scarcity.

In a statement on X, Lokpobiri

stated that a federal government team was working round the clock to resolve the current issues.

“I understand the frustration many of you are feeling due to the fuel queues in cities such as Abuja. Recent flooding on the trucking route and unavoidable logistical challenges due to weather concerns have temporarily disrupted our distribution chain.

“I assure you that our dedicated team is working round the clock to resolve these issues. We are committed to restoring normal fuel supply as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Together, we will

overcome these challenges,” he stated. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has resolved to carry out a forensic investigation into the allegation of importation of substandard products and high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, resurgence of fuel queues and the return of petrol subsidy. The House also resolved to probe unavailability of feedstock for downstream domestic refineries, disruption of distribution of petroleum products, unfair subsidisation of petrol and other petroleum products racketeering and favouritism in the Pro Forma Invoice System (PFI) regime.

Cocoa Farmers Protest in Ondo Over

Company

Fidelis David in Akure

Some cocoa farmers in various settlements of Oluwa forest reserve, in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, yesterday, protested the state government's alleged sales of their farmland to a private company owned by public office holders.

The protesters who gathered at Akure, explained that for over 30 years, they've been farming in the various settlements grouped into camps comprising Ijoba, Sete II, Ipade, Ayeleso, Isero, Temidire, Adel-

eye Itamerin and other sub-camps and had been paying their dues to the state government agencies for farming on the government reserve.

Precisely, the farmers said they occupy eight camps of the community on 2,000 acres of land, where they cultivated over two million cocoa trees, palm trees, yam, cocoyam, maize, tomato, cucumber among other crops.

Leader of the protesters, Abayomi Rotimi, said with the severe hunger ravaging residents of the State and Nigerians as a whole, the State

government should rescind its decision and also consider their means of livelihood of the over 10,000 farmers.

He alleged that the company to which their plantations were sold had stormed their farms with earthmoving equipment to uproot their cocoa trees, kola nut, palm trees and other crops.

of the forest reserve where about ten thousand farmers, who are Ondo State government tenants, have cultivated over two million cocoa trees prior to this alleged sale."

Also speaking, lawyer to the farmers, Tope Temokun, said the government could grant permission or licence to people to farm in the forest reserve but believed government’s forest reserve land could not be sold outrightly to private investor.

FCCPC Urges Nigerians to Consume Only

Fruits, Grains Ripened Naturally

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has stressed the need for Nigerians to allow fruits, grains and other farm products to ripen naturally in order to ensure that they are not harmful to the body.

This was as the Commission also decried using chemicals to ripen such fruits and farm products, stressing that it was harmful and injurious to the health of anyone who consumes them and can even lead to death.

The advice was given by the Acting Executive Vice Chairman

of FCCPC, Dr. Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, during a one-day sensitisation programme on forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat and grains held in Bauchi, yesterday. Represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the Commission, Dr. Nkechi Mba, the Executive Vice Chairman stressed that the Commission was committed to ensuring that consumer got value for his/her money on any products he purchases. He, however, stressed that the Commission would ensure that no product was made hazardous to

the health of the consumers saying that, "It is part of our mandate to ensure that consumers are protected against products that are injurious to their health conditions."

According to him, "Consumer health is our concern, the Act that established FCCPC mandates us to do so. When we consume unsafe, poor quality and substandard products, there are health implications because these adulterated products are very hazardous to the human body."

He stressed that forcefully ripened fruits using calcium carbide are very harmful to the body.

"When we don't allow fruits to ripe before harvesting them and we use chemicals to artificially ripen them, it can damage the stomach and the intestine, cause stomach ache and diarrhea, it can affect the entire body system leading to dizziness or even convulsions," he added. He added,"When artificial colours are added to palm oil or flavour, it lowers the quality of that food. We will make more profit from selling such food but people will die from what we have sold to them. People can have allergic reactions in their bodies, other parts of the body can be damaged."

"We are cocoa farmers, tenants of the Ondo State government, farming in the Oluwa forest reserve who have now sued as claimants in suit No. HOR//2024 - Irewole Muse and Others VS Ondo State Government and Others, filed over sale of the farmlands rented out to us by the Ondo State government leading to threat of forceful eviction of our members by ACME Palms Limited from our cultivated cocoa farmlands on the ground that it has purchased the government forest reserve for the cultivation of oil palm trees.

"This private company incorporated in July 2020, in Nigeria with RC NO. 1698827, armed with a Certificate Of Occupancy issued by the Ondo State government, dated 23rd of July 2021 and registered as No.59 at page 59 in Volume 767 of the Lands Registry of Ondo State, over about 2000.482 hectares of the Ondo State Government forest reserve land the company purportedly bought from the Ondo State government has entered into the forest reserve to commence process of grading and forceful taking over

"Our findings have unearthed shady deals, potential conflicts of interest and compromise of public interest, the interest of the people of Ondo State and integrity of the entire process of this sale of government forest land to these private investors.

"In 2021 when ACME Palms Limited bought about 2000.482 hectares of the Ondo State Government forest reserve land and obtained a Certificate of Occupancy,” he added. Temokun, noted that, another case of conflict of interest was the fact that ACME Mercury Limited incorporated in Nigeria in 2014, with RC NO. 1216648 is one of the shareholders who owns the largest and controlling shares in ACME Palms Limited, which was incorporated in July 2020 and within a year of its incorporation, in July 2021, ACME Palms Limited purportedly bought 2000.482 hectares of the Ondo State Government forest reserve land obtained a certificate of occupancy over same.

FActS BehinD the RightS iSSue PReSentAtion By AcceSS holDingS...

L-R: Group Chief Financial Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Morounke Olufemi; Group CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Temi Popoola; acting Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Bolaji Agbede; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga; Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Ahonsi Unuigbe; and Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, during the Facts Behind the Rights Issue Presentation by Access Holdings Plc, at the NGX in Lagos, yesterday

emmanuel Addeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

GTCO PRESENTS THE FACTS BEHIND THE OFFER...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo), Mr. Femi Shobanjo; Head, Primary Market, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Tony Ibeziako; Group Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Mr. Temi Popoola; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Group Chief Executive Office, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), Mr. Olusegun Agbaje; Chairman, NGX, Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe; Deputy Managing Director, GTBank, Mr. Jide Okuntola, and Doyen of the Market, Alhaji Rasheed Yussuff, during the Facts Behind the Offer Presentation by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc in Lagos…recently

Court Grants Emefiele's Request to Recall First Prosecution Witness

The Lagos Special Offences Court yesterday, granted the request of the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to recall the first prosecution witness, Monday Osazuwa.

Emefiele is standing trial over abuse of office and alleged $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud, while in office alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.

Counsel to Omoile, Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, had notified the court

of a motion on notice dated May 6. Gbadamosi, subsequently sought the indulgence of the court to recall the first prosecution witness, Mr. Osazuwa.

Osazuwa had on April 12 testified how the embattled CBN governor, on

different occasions, allegedly directed him to collect three million dollars cash in tranches on his behalf.

However, ruling on the application yesterday, Justice Rahman Oshodi granted the application of Gbadamosi to recall the witness.

NDDC Proposes N1.911tn Budget for 2024 Fiscal Year

Adedayo Akinwale in

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has submitted a proposed budget of N1.911 trillion for the 2024 financial year to the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC.

Its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku while presenting the proposed budget before the committee yesterday, in Abuja, said the Commission has moved from being transactional to transformational. He explained that the Com-

mission proposed N1 trillion as borrowings, while the sum of N170 billion was expected to come from arrears owed by federal government and recoveries.

Ogbuku, stressed that oil companies were expected to contribute the sum of N375 billion, while other

FG Moves to Tackle Corruption in Maritime Industry

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tuesday, in Abuja urged stakeholders in the maritime industry to work together in harmony to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices in the industry.

Akume, while speaking at the 17th edition of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges series, said that corruption was a significant impediment to development and efficiency in any society as it increases the cost of doing business, limits economic growth, negatively impacts social well-being, deprives the government of legitimate revenue and tarnishes the country's image.

To this end he hinted that tackling corruption in the industry will boost development and efficiency in the maritime sector.

According to him, "I therefore, call on all stakeholders to work together harmoniously to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices from the maritime industry."

In his remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that since the creation of the ministry, they have been working hard to strengthen the institutional and legal frameworks of the agencies under the ministry.

In this regard, Oyetola said his ministry has recently thrown its weight behind the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act CAP N113 LFN and the Enactment of the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2024, in order to bring it up to speed

with current realities and maximize the gains of the ongoing reforms when it is eventually passed in to law.

He therefore urged the judges from various jurisdictions, to provide a veritable platform for the harmonization and unification of business laws for greater economic integration.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Mr. Akutah Pius, explained that the gathering which has been happening for the last 32 years has brought together eminent jurists, experts in maritime law to discuss issues

within the maritime law for the aim of educating the judges and practitioners in this field of law in order to promote the efficiency of the court proceedings in maritime law.

On the need for repeal of the Shippers Council Act, he said the maritime sector is fast moving as there are a lot of innovations and changes coming up in the sector, therefore the need for basic requirements that countries should adopt in their laws.

He said: "We need to bring this law up to speed and bring it to the modern realities of the maritime sector.

sources of revenue projections are: ecological fund which is expected to contribute N25 billion; internally realised income is pegged at N5 billion, revenue brought forward is N12 billion and N324.8 billion as federal government contribution.

He added that in the Niger Delta region, a new dawn of progress and development was emerging under the present management, stressing that the Commission was redefining the standards of governance and effectiveness in driving positive change in the region.

Ogbuku, noted that the hallmark of this present management's tenure lied in its uncommon approach development and collaboration.

He added that NDDC also commissioned over five flagship projects within 10 days including; 9km Obehie-Oke-lkpe road in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State; Reconstruction of the remaining 14km road between Oke-lkpe and Akwete-Ohambele Road Phase 2 is ongoing; commissioning of the 27.5 kilometre Ogbia -Nembe road, among others.

During the proceeding, the Assistant Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, Ms. Ifeoma Ogbonna, alleged that firms owned by the former CBN Governor’s wife, Mrs. Magret Emefiele: Answabian Resources and Solution, Limelight Dimensional Service Limited, Omec Support Service Limited and Mango Farm, were CBN vendors.

In her evidence led by counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, the fifth prosecution witness (Ogbonnaya) told Justice Rahman Oshodi that she received instructions from Margret Emefiele to transfer funds on firms Zenith Bank accounts.

She said she joined the Zenith Bank Plc in 2006, as a Business Relationship Manager also known as Marketer. She said she joined the marketing team in 2017, and manage customer portfolio.

"Before, I used to work as a customer service and as the team lead at the Opebi Branch of Zenith Bank. But currently I am an Assistant Manager of the Zenith Bank Plc." Ogbonnaya, however, stressed that she had no personal relationship with the former CBN governor, Emefiele.

She noted that whenever Mrs. Emefiele sends them instructions or sends instruction through the other two people that works with them, she usually confirm from her. She also said she usually chat with her via Whatsapp.

"Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, the ex CBN governor's wife is the direct beneficiary of the accounts. The companies send transfer instructions to my email and Margaret is the beneficial owner of the accounts.

its methods.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), University of Ilorin branch yesterday, commenced protest to press for living wages from the federal government.

Similarly, the unions at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, embarked on a peaceful protest calling for the immediate sack of the Ministers of Education and that of Labour and Productivity.

According to the unions, their protest was necessitated as a result of the downturn in the economy which forced members to no longer afford foods, transportation and other basic needs of life.

At Ilorin, the university workers were armed with placards with different inscriptions like: "Pay our four months withheld salaries," "We demand total freedom from IPPIS, "Release our N50 billion earned allowance."

Addressing journalists in Ilorin on the sideline. of the protest, NASU Chairman, University of Ilorin, Mr. Zubair Ibrahim, said their agitation was over salary arrears owed members by the federal as a result of the strike.

He said, "We are hungry and we cannot die in silence. Members are finding it difficult to survive."

According to him, the federal government has failed to address the demands of the unions following their warning strike some months back.

Ibrahim stated that, "after series

of appeal to the federal government to pay their withheld four month salaries, we discovered that nothing was forthcoming."

He explained that NASU and SSANU had earlier given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to meet their demands and threatened to shut down campuses nationwide if they were not fulfilled.

The NASU chairman demanded the immediate payment of the four months withheld salary arrears to members and 25 per cent allowance.

He recalled that the unions had reached mutual agreement that the federal government would pay N50 billion earned allowance, adding that nothing was forthcoming.

Ibrahim also said members rejected that their payment should be paid through the IPPIS which they alleged was inconsistence in

Also speaking, Chairman, SSANU, Mr. Olushola Falowo, lamented that the government had been insensitive to the plights of workers.

He advised that the government should cut back on cost of governance and factor in the workers who are getting impoverished in a daily basis.

Also, Alhaji Akanbi Jimoh, the National Financial Secretary of SSANU, stated that the minimum wage for Nigerian workers was constitutional and should be of priority to the government.

The unions in Bauchi, also carried placards with various inscriptions and marched through major roads within the campus singing, dancing and chanting solidarity songs.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: "Ministers of Labour

"All transactions made in the accounts are confirmed by Mrs Emefiele before they are processed.

"She sends transfer instructions directly to my official email address with Zenith Bank or sends two other persons to act on her behalf but I still receive approval from her," she alleged.

She said Limelight manages the facilities of CBN located at Alakija area of Lagos, alleging that all transactions pertaining to power and fixing things that are not working was always done by the vendors.

The prosecution tendered bundles of documents which entailed various transactions that took place between the witness and Emefiele's wife. The court, thereafter admitted into evidence, the certificate of identification, bundle of printed documents, following no objections from the defence.

Ogbonna further told the court that between March 9 and 11, 2015, the account received cash flow from CBN, to the tune of N1, 792,593 and N18,869, 400.

"On February 22, 2021, there was a cash flow of N42,988,758.75 from CBN, on July 21, 2022, there was a cash flow of N37,279,964.70. On October 21, 2022, there was a credit flow of N44,641,077.60, on May 10, 2023, there was a cash flow of N93,100,000, from CBN, among others,” she alleged.

Emefiele's Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo and the second defence counsel, Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi did not object the admissibility of the documents.

Justice Oshodi subsequently adjourned the case to today for continuation of trial.

and Education should be sacked," "Tinubu, pay us our wage awards," "pay us our four months arrears of withheld salaries and other allowances" and "SSANU says: Tax the rich, subsidize the poor."

Others are: "SSANU says enough of hardship," "Pay SSANU, NASU withheld salaries," JAC of SSANU and NASU says no to divide and rule," "End insecurity, create jobs and economic prosperity," "Pay us our N50 billion Earned Allowances now," among others.

Speaking in an interview with journalists during the protest, the JAC Chairman, Sulisma Jatau, said their demand for the sack of the Ministers of Education and that of Labour and Productivity, was because they have not kept their words during several meetings held with their unions.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Abuja

Funke Olaode

inAugurAtion of thE Joint PlAnning CommittEE (JPC) for nES#30...

L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)/Chairman, 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30) Anniversary Committee,Mr. Omoboyede Olusanya with the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr.

Anako, at the inauguration of the Joint Planning Committee (JPC) for NES#30 in Abuja .. yesterday

El-Rufai to Kaduna Govt: You Plucked Outlandish Figures to Portray My Administration as Corrupt

Urges Uba Sani to explain discrepancies in debt figures Accuses some lawmakers of conflict of interest

Addeh in Abuja

A former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai yesterday again reacted to the probe of his administration by the state House of Assembly, accusing them of plucking figures from thin air to tar his eight-year government.

In the reaction read during a press conference by members of the Kaduna State Executive Council (2015-2023), in Abuja, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY, the former governor urged Governor Uba Sani to explain the discrepancies between the debt figures he admitted during the last days of the el-Rufai’s administration and the one churned out by the lawmakers.

“The variations between these figures, publicly declared by the head of the departing administration, and those cited in the report are for the current administration to explain.

“ On March 30, 2024, at the town hall meeting that was used as the trigger for this public phase of the reputation tarnishing project, the head of the current administration in the state put the debt burden at $587 million, N85 billion naira. On Page 168, the ad-hoc committee put the external debt at $758.14 million, but also lists more than $2 billion in loans it claimed the el-Rufal administration took,”, el-Rufai stated.

In a “Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Loans, Financial Transactions, Contractual Liabilities and Other Related Matters of the Government of Kaduna State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023”, the current administration in the state had accused el-Rufai of siphoning over N400 billion during his tenure.

Some of the former Kaduna officials that signed on behalf of the members of the Kaduna State

James

Emejo in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday said innovation remained key to modern wealth, prosperity, and economic sustainability amid current domestic and global headwinds.

Shettima spoke in Abuja at the 2024 Nigerian Risk Leadership Summit and Awards, with the theme, "Connecting Risk, Resilience and Innovation for Sustainable Growth."

The summit was organised by Conrad Clark.

The vice president described innovation as value addition to "what we already have and making the lives of human beings easier".

He pointed out that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was

Executive Council (2015 to 2023) were: Former Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education, Jafaru Sani, as well as a former Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services & Social Development, Hafsat Baba.

Others were: Former Commissioner, Public Works & Infrastructure as well as Planning & Budget Commission, Thomas Gyang; former Commissioner, Ministry of Finance and Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu as well as ex-Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Husaini.

Also listed were: Former Commissioner, Ministry of Justice, Aisha Dikko; former Commissioner, Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, Fausat Ibikunle; former Commissioner, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Technology as well as Ministry of Sports Development, Idris Nyam. Till date, el-Rufai disclosed that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has not responded to formal requests for the certified true copy of the report it adopted at its sitting on June 5, 2024.

The former administration officials said that el-Rufai was not invited by the ad-hoc committee which made certain claims against him and has approached the Federal High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

According to them, it is apparent to that the report was riddled with inaccuracies and instances of falsification and misrepresentation of the testimonies provided by invited officials.

“ There is a dissonance between its recommendations and the testimonies the ad-hoc committee heard. It bears restating that its conclusions seem to have been decided beforehand and were insulated from the facts.

working to make local companies globally competitive and open up the economy to more innovations in the business space.

Represented by Special Adviser on Economic Affairs in the office of the Vice President, Mr. Tope Fasua, Shettima called for the recognition and celebration of the country's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

He said, "They say that the biggest room in the world is the room for change. It is equally the room for innovation. Young people all over the world today view many phenomena differently from how older folks see things.

"And in so doing, they bring new ideas that enable the world to stretch

The report is an attempt to inflict maximum reputational damage on certain selected members of the Kaduna State Executive Council, Class of 2015-2023.

“The report indulges in the futility of plucking outlandish figures out of thin air in the hope of solidifying impressions of a scandalous and corrupt conduct. The avalanche of figures seems only to have had the effect of mesmerising the legislators who cite one amount here, and then something different on exactly the same figure,” the former el-Rufai government said.

Citing several instances of discrepancies, the ex-government officials stated that quite aside from the ‘comical’ claim that a government siphoned money, nowhere in the report was the trail of the allegedly

siphoned N423.1 billion funds shown.

“The report does not show how they arrived at this figure, and how they decided that money had been siphoned, how it was done, from which accounts and to where. They just decreed a figure and declared it!

“This is the ad-hoc committee in action, indulging in voodoo accounting just to concoct a scandal. We note that this same Kaduna State House of Assembly received and accepted the audited accounts of the state for each year from 2015 to 2022, but now wants the public to disregard the formal, legally, and constitutionally recognised public accounts of the state in favour of its wishy-washy, malicious but incompetent and poorly calculated attempt at legislative character assassination,” the document read.

Digital Economy:

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said the digital economy sector is projected to generate N18.3 billion revenue by 2026. Tijani made this known at a stakeholders meeting on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.

The meeting was organised on Tuesday in Abuja by the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cybersecurity and the House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology.

resources and manage everything more"Centuriessustainably. of misuse has resulted in climate change, and so this is the time for the world to think fully about sustainability – a concept that questions whether current practices can be repeated into the future without serious implications."

Shettima praised the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs amid various odds.

He said, "Resilience is a word that has been used to describe Nigerians for decades now. It speaks to the ability of Nigerians to keep going in spite of all odds.

"Indeed, Nigerians stand apart in the world for the fact that we keep going no matter the condition. And

Tijani said the sector was the backbone for any economy today and was a prerequisite for any prosperous nation. He added that the bill was long overdue to properly and fully harness the potential of the digital economy sector in the country.

He stated, "For those who follow the growth and trajectory of our economy in Nigeria, you should probably know that the ICT sector contributes about 13 to 18 percent of GDP. In Q4 2023 the sector contributed about 16.6 percent of GDP."

El-Rufai said that a scrutiny of the report easily showed that the ad-hoc committee was inconsistent with the figures it cited as the domestic and foreign loans of the state.

In a challenging environment, the el-Rufai administration said it did not lament its luck and construe governance as an endless exercise in blaming the past. Rather, it said it brought innovations and governance capacity to Kaduna state.

“We have previously noted that the House of Assembly took no care to avoid bias and conflicts of interest. Some of its members partook in ‘investigating’ government agencies with which they are having or have had business dealings or tax related issues, or in adopting recommendations on the same. Let’s give two examples.

The minister disclosed, "The digital economy recorded about N5.49 billion in revenue in 2019. This sector is being projected to generate up to N18.3 billion by 2026.

"Nigeria is one of the top two destinations for capital foreign direct investment to technology staff in Africa.

Last year we recorded about $2 billion in FDI to tech start-ups. It will create jobs.

“The sector is extremely special and unique because of its capacity to unlock opportunities and raise productivity in every sector. If the digital economy is strong, it will catalyse development in every other sector."

He also said, "Here today is a bill that will accelerate the progress in our digital economy. There is no clear legislation that is pushing competition and ensuring development in that digital space.

that is why one of the pillars that make for our national balance, is the presence of 39 million nano, micro, small and medium enterprises out of a global number of 332 million.

"If we go by this number, we have roughly 12 per cent of the global figure, engaging our youths by creating mass employment."

On the question of provisioning for risks amid increasing uncertainties, the vice president said, "Risk is ubiquitous in everyday life. At the national level, a leader takes the risks that will position a nation for greatness.

"But risks must be mitigated, calculated, insured, where possible, with as minimum as possible impacting society and causing the right levels

of disruption.

"Leadership entails a training in risk management in general, such as allows leaders to understand that the two core attributes that separate leaders from managers are calculated risk taking, and visioning, and that in risk-taking lies the opportunities that transform human beings, institutions and nations as a whole."

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Conrad Clark, Dr. Joachim Adenusi, said the objective of this year's summit was to "provide a response to the ongoing challenges we face as a nation, and in doing so, we hope to offer a comprehensive idea for the stability of organisations in Nigeria, bearing in mind multiple crises unfolding day by day".

(KADIRS) which froze some of his personal accounts for having billions in untaxed and unexplained income.

“He is also involved in a publicprivate partnership with Kaduna Markets to develop a Neighbourhood Centre over which he has had differences with the management of Kaduna Markets.

“Despite these obvious conflicts, he presided at the House of Assembly session that adopted the ad-hoc committee’s recommendation that the former chairman of KADIRS and the former Managing Director of Kaduna Markets be referred for further investigation,” the former governor said.

"Today, this bill, which we are here to support, our hope is also that it will also be the first bill that would travel across the entire country. We have to ensure we take it to every state. It's an important bill for all Nigerians and we want to give them the opportunity to give us feedback.

"The bill will support the growth and transformation of Nigeria's economy through the application and use of the digital economy in all facets of life in Nigeria. It will create the enabling environment for fair competition to promote innovation, growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy."

Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Salisu, said the bill was important, as it was the first attempt to put an omnibus legislation to cater to online activities.

Salisu said the bill, when enacted into law, would revolutionise the economy and unleash the full potential of the ICT sector.

According to him, “ICT is not just a sector like other sectors. It is a sector that without it other sectors cannot function. This bill was introduced in the senate less than a week ago. We are engaging the media first because the media is critical to the success bill.

“We don't want this bill to be misunderstood. We want you to have an understanding of what this bill seeks to do. This bill is not about levies; it's not about commission but creating an environment for the digital economy to thrive and we cannot do that without the partnership of the media."

Emmanuel

“Hon. Dahiru Yusuf, the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, was investigated by the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service

Nebeolisa

NESG:

Fuel Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Worsened Structural Issues, Enhanced Govt Revenues, Others

Bagudu inaugurates joint planning committee on 30th economic summit

James Emejo in Abuja

Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), yesterday said the implementation of fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms - which were carried out in quick succession by President Bola Tinubu's administration - has had "unintended adverse effects, exacerbating existing structural issues".

This is as the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, inaugurated the Joint Planning Committee (JPC) for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30) in Abuja.

NESG Vice Chairman, Mr. Omoboyede Olusanya, also said the inability to translate economic growth into improved living standards for all its citizens remained one of the country's pressing concerns.

He said despite experiencing

rently undergoing excruciating hunger and acute starvation in the country.

The red chamber's observation came as former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, raised the alarm that food crisis could be imminent, alleging that the country’s food reserves was totally empty.

The Senate resolution was sequel to a motion by the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi, on the urgent need to address food insecurity and market exploitation of consumables in Nigeria.

Senators in their various contributions lamented the high cost of food in the country and urged the federal government to arrest the situation.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said government has embarked on measures to halt

The president said, "This presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, give people the opportunity to excel.

“Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreeding, and stop the wanton killings. Even animal feeds is a huge economy."

He explained that the creation of the new ministry was sequel to the recommendation of the presidential panel on reform of the livestock industry set up in September 2023 to provide long term solution to the constant clashes between crop farmers and herders.

He said, "The far reaching recommendation in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms and seize the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict promotion agenda.

"It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here. Trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a situation that is very conducive. I must mention here that I have discussed in a number of occasions with the governors, the need to seize this opportunity. Let us run with it from here."

Tinubu said his administration would adopt the recommendation of ranching by the committee.

According to him, "The traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development.

“With all measures available to us, I don’t want us to turn this environment to another talk opportunity, I just want to inaugurate this committee to assure that I am ready.

"I assure you and the Nigerian public that we need to create this economy, seize this opportunity.

“These ranches you recommend, and promote, I will work with it.

growth, the country still grapples with rising unemployment, income disparity, and multidimensional poverty.

Nevertheless, Olusanya, who is Chairman, NES#30 Anniversary Committee, pointed out that international organisations have applauded the long overdue reforms, and revised Nigeria's credit rating outlook to positive from stable.

He also said twin reforms had led to significant improvement in the country's current account, FAAC allocation and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows.

He said NES had played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria's economic policies and development strategies over the years, adding that its advocacy and recommendations have led to significant reforms in the banking, telecommunications, maritime and the energy sectors

food crisis in the country.

He asked the Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Salihu Mustapha, to brief his colleagues on the issue of fertilizer distribution.

Mustapha, said the federal government decided to distribute to each state governor for onward distribution to farmers in their respective States.

He also said the Senators would distribute two trucks each while members of the House of Representatives would share one truck each to the farmers in their various constituencies.

Speaking further on the issue, Akpabio said, "irrespective of political party, each state governor is going to get at least 60 trucks immediately.

"The reason they are giving two trucks to each Senators and

And, luckily, we have information and technology minister present, too.

"Herds of cows can be identified with chips and be tracked these days. If other technologies are available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it."

The president, however, pleaded with the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, to step down as Chairman of the reform panel to avoid giving the newly inaugurated committee political colouration.

He subsequently named former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as deputy and co-chair of the committee, while assuming the position as chairman of the newly inaugurated panel.

Tinubu thanked Ganduje for “assembling the best minds and experts to find solution by convening national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria in February last year”.

The president stated, "At this juncture, I will appeal to remove everything of partisan politics from it, assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.”

He appealed to Ganduje, saying, “Just remove yourself so that anything of politics in this environment will be erased completely. This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation.

"So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to promote. We’ve solved the problem; we have identified the models for livestock management.”

The president lamented that while livestock created jobs and huge empowerment in other economies, Nigeria had largely not reaped from the numerous opportunities in the livestock economy.

among others.

He said the privatisation of stateowned enterprises had liberalised the telecommunications industry as well as moved Nigeria towards a more efficient, competitive, and diversified economy.

However, Bagudu, while inaugurating the committee, noted that the annual summit had provided a veritable platform for dialogue among policy makers, corporate leaders, organised private sector, civil society organization as well as development partners.

He said the summit had also provided the opportunity to strengthen the existing mutual and symbiotic relationship between the public and private sectors in the overall interest of the country.

Represented by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, the minister stressed that key

one to each House of Representatives members is because some of the State governors and the lawmakers are not in the same political party.

"They (governors) may get and they may not really look at your constituents. So for some of you, it's important that you also have something to share to your constituents. Your own will be two trucks.

House of Representatives members will get one."

Akpabio, while rounding off the debate, urged his colleagues to take advantage of the fertilizer distribution before the major rains ravage the situation.

outcomes of the previous summits have always played important roles in shaping the policies of government.

In particular, he said the summit had contributed to entrenching the culture of development planning in the country.

He said most recently the partnership helped in no small measure in the development of the National Development Plan (NDP), 2021-2025, and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, as well as provided invaluable policy recommendation for the government.

Bagudu said, "The contributions of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group as a worthy partner to the government is well appreciated. I am confident that this partnership will continue to endure going forward.

"The Nigerian Economic Summit has provided a credible and widely recognised platform for forging understanding and consensus on

He added, "So in your various senatorial districts, each Senator would have 1,200 bags which would be given for immediate distribution across the senatorial districts.”

Tinubu further explained that his administration's initiative to encourage livestock farming was, "First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, diary product, cold chain logistics.”

He said they collectively offered substantial commercial and economic advantages.

Tinubu added, “We have seen solution and opportunity with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.

"The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supplies essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives, such as chess, yoghurt, butter, and economic advantages.

"Efficient cold-chain logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.

business to boost oil production, Kyari told Reuters, as pressure mounts on the state-backed oil company which the economy depends upon.

NNPC in which the government is the main stakeholder, aims to raise at least $2 billion, two sources familiar with the situation said.

Its debts to gasoline suppliers have doubled in the last four months to hit $6 billion.

The federal government finances rely on the oil NNPC exports and oil provides the bulk of crucial foreign exchange reserves.

But pipeline theft, and years of underinvestment, have sapped oil production in recent years, and the cost of gasoline subsidies has further depleted cash reserves.

President Bola Tinubu has been struggling to push through reforms in Africa's biggest oil exporter - including eliminating fuel subsidies and allowing the naira currency to trade close to market levels - without

the national economic policy direction and growth strategies.

"Over the past 30 years, national and global policymakers and business leaders have acknowledged that the annual NES is the premier platform for public-private dialogue in Nigeria."

The minister said the JPC for NES#30 will among other tasks, review the events/outcomes of the 29th economic summit; Make all preparatory arrangements for the successful hosting of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30), including developing programme of events and timelines for the implementation of the key activities at the summit; Articulate the budgetary requirements, and the sources of funds for hosting the summit;

Propose the optimal strategy for funding the activities of the JPC and the summit; Mobilise relevant public and private sector stakeholders

He explained that the process of distribution was delayed because of security reasons, as they needed to be sure that the fertilizers would not enter into wrong hands.

Akpabio said, "For me I'm saying that this is an emergency. The food situation is an emergency. We must help our people.

"Part of it is also to make sure it's not just providing food today, but that it is being able to plant and to make sure that latest by October, November, we have excess food in the market because Nigerians must feed. Everybody is concerned.

"The primary role of government is to ensure the welfare and security of the citizens. That is the reason we are here.

"On fertilizer distribution, just

"This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors and consumers alike.

"The governors are hereby represented, any law that might inhibit the promotion and the actualisation of our objective, the Attorney General is here. Please, give it a priority, and budget and economic planning minister is here, find a budget head for it to grow; and finance is here as well to work hard for the money.

"When you have great opportunity as this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the calibre of people that are here?”

At the Inauguration were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, among other top government officials.

pushing the country's population to a cost-of-living breaking point.

Kyari, said the cash raised would be used for all of the NNPC's business activities, including supporting production growth.

"We have no problem covering our gasoline payments. This is just money for normal business and not a desperate act," Kyari said.

"It will be a syndication with critical but regular partners who have been in business with our company to forward the cash," he said, adding he expected to conclude the deal in the next two months.

NNPC already has a $3.3 billion oil-backed loan through Afreximbank, but five sources said the company's lack of cash had been aggravated by rising fuel subsidy costs, and that the new loan would help it to pay them.

It was unclear which lender would arrange the loan, as three sources said Afreximbank would

especially at the federal, state and local governments, as well as development partners and other key stakeholders. The committee is also expected to prepare the Green Book for the NES#30, within three months of the completion of the summit; and undertake any other work that may help in the successful hosting of the summit.

allow this weekend to pass, if you have not received it, or your contact persons have not received by this weekend, then you bring it up on Tuesday, and we know what to do.

"We may have to summon the Minister of Agriculture, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, and all those involved to come before us, because we want to make sure that we leave this issue in the board. Like I said, it wasn't caused by the current administration."

Speaking further, Ahmad Lawan noted that there was a limit to how people could exercise patience and tolerance. He explained, "I have seen first-hand how people, especially those who are not in the civil service nor in any business are suffering, fighting, struggling to have food at least once in a day.

"This Senate must engage the executive immediately. We have really little or nothing in our food reserve across the country.

"If you tell us that they will distribute foodstuff from our silos, the silos are empty. So it means we have to import food. And if we have to import, it means we need foreign exchange. That is why we have to engage the administration.

"We are the most vulnerable in the leadership arrangements of this country. Everybody looks up to senators or members of the House of Representatives.

"In fact, people see Senators as their Messiah. Any problem, they say, ‘go to your Senator.’ So, if we don't take immediate action, we will lose the power.

"Our citizens under the situation of increased fuel price, increased electricity price, increased everything and we are yet to get the right measures to provide questions for our constituents.

"We wouldn't like the kind of

be unable to extend its exposure to Nigeria that far.

All five sources who spoke to Reuters asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak on the issue.

Some oil trading houses have already stopped participating in NNPC's tenders for gasoline because the overdue bills have pushed their exposure to Nigeria above the levels their companies allow.

Tinubu announced the removal of costly fuel subsidies shortly after he took office last year, allowing pump prices to triple. Subsidies - which critics say are an inefficient tool that benefits mainly elite, city-dwelling car-owners - have been a drain on Nigeria's finances for years.

But given the pain of double-digit inflation, NNPC capped average fuel prices at just above 600 naira per litre a year ago - a price that has become further from market levels since the naira fell and global

thing that we see in our streets and it is time that we take every possible action to ensure that food flood our country, the right food.

"On importation, government must be entirely responsible because we cannot, continue to take people for granted for too long. We have come almost to the end of their patience. I think the elasticity is now going to elapse if we are not careful."

In his contribution, the Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, said credible global agencies had predicted acute foods and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa, with particularly emphasis on Nigeria He added, "Here in the north, we have started seeing it visibly. People are hungry and very hungry. Many cannot go to their farms. All of us know this. In the north central, the north east, and the north west. "Even in the southeast, we still have crisis among the farmers and the herdsmen. Even in the South West, we still have this crisis. As it is now, a bag of rice is selling at about N100,000. A bag of maize, the same thing. Even prices of tomatoes, onions, and other basic food is high.

"Distinguished colleagues, as representatives of the people, we need to do something. Or at least say something. That's why I co-sponsored this motion. And I believe all of us here are concerned because we are talking to one another. Let's do something."

Senator Ahmed Wadada, representing Nassara West Senatorial District, said "the matter at hand is a very, very serious matter."

Wadada added, "Nigerians are very patient people and very enduring people. But no people can be that patient when they are hungry.”

oil prices rose. Fuel queues began forming last week in Lagos as Abuja petrol marketers stopped selling. Sources said the ex-depot price in Lagos is above 700 naira per litre, meaning stations would lose money if they sold at the capped prices.

The 650,000 barrel per day Dangote Refinery on the outskirts of Lagos expects to begin producing gasoline, opens new tab in the coming weeks. But that refinery has loans - and crude oil feedstock costs - in U.S. dollars, and would be reluctant to sell at a loss inside Nigeria - or wait months for payments from the NNPC.

The sources said the pressure has mounted on the government to increase pump prices - but leaders, mindful of deadly riots in Kenya that forced the government to backtrack on plans to increase taxes, are expected to be cautious about doing so.

In ReSponSe To HeRDeRS/FARmeRS’ ClASHeS pReSIDenT CReATeS lIveSToCk DevelopmenT mInISTRY

Sen. Abubakar Bagudu

inaugural Mastercard Foundation edtech conFerence...

L-R: Chief Program Officer, Mastercard Foundation, Professor Peter Materu; Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Tahir Mamman; Country Director, Nigeria Programs,

Foundation, Rosy Fynn; and Director, Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, Joseph

Bill to Provide More Seats for Women in Federal, State Assemblies Scales Second Reading

House urges FG to suspend Samoa Agreement, seeks probe of contentious clauses

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, to provide seat reservation for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Also yesterday, the House of Representatives called on the federal government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement.

The bill to provide seat reservation for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and 12 others.

Leading the debate on the bill at

the plenary yesterday, Hon. Joshua Gana, the proposed legislation was aimed at addressing the imbalance in the legislative Houses — the underrepresentation of women in legislative Houses at the national and sub-national levels.

He added that the bill seeks to alter the constitution and specifically provide seat reservations for women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Gana, noted that the bill was anchored on the fundamental principle of equitable representation and aims to empower women by ensuring their voices are not only heard but that they actively contribute to shaping the legislative landscape and the overall development of our

nation.

He added: “The issue of gender equality and representation lies at the heart of our constitutional democracy. Despite the constitutional guarantee of equal rights, the representation of women in our Legislative Houses has been alarmingly low.

“In the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, women accounted for only 6.4 percent, 6.1 percent, and 2.7 percent of the Senate respectively; and 6.4 percent, 3.05 percent, and 4.7 percent of the House of Representatives respectively.

“These statistics underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure equitable representation and amplify the voices of women in our legislative houses at the national and sub-national levels.”

The lawmaker explained that the rationale behind this amendment was based on the principles of fairness and inclusivity.

Gana, stressed that globally, Nigeria lags behind in women's representation in parliament, ranking among the lowest.

He pointed out that countries that have implemented affirmative action, like Rwanda and Andorra, have seen significant strides towards gender equality in governance.

Gana, emphasised that the bill proposes a temporary measure of seat reservation for women to catalyse similar progress in Nigeria, ensuring that women's perspectives and priorities are fully integrated into the national and sub-national

Women Affairs Minister, ICPC, others Lament Rise of Sexual Harassment in Primary, Secondary Schools

alex enumah in Abuja

Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN; representatives of various institutions; and other stakeholders in the education sector have lamented the rise in incidents of sexual harassment in primary and secondary schools in the country.

They raised the concern on Tuesday in Abuja, at a one-day national stakeholders’ engagement on sexual harassment prevention.

The stakeholders observed that until there were heavy consequences for offenders, the menace would continue to be on the increase.

The event organised by ICPC, in collaboration with Gender Mobile Initiative, was aimed at ensuring that the Model Policy for Tertiary Institutions did not end up like many others that needed to be adequately implemented.

In a goodwill message, the minister sought concerted effort in curtailing sexual harassment in schools. She said sexual harassment was not related to tertiary institutions alone, but was also in primary and secondary schools, and it was often carried out by teachers and, sometimes, among pupils.

She disclosed that some of the measures being emplaced to discourage the act included the establishment of mobile courts for proper prosecution of alleged perpetrators.

Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that the ministry was also working in

collaboration with hotel owners to deny access to under aged children in terms of lodging, and reporting of such attempts, to curb the sexual harassment problems.

On his part, the ICPC chairman stressed, “Only a consistent, persistent, focused, and united campaign can ensure that the challenge of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions was decisively addressed.”

Aliyu recalled that ICPC had a few years ago, in line with its commitment to addressing all forms of corruption, including abuse of office via sexual harassment, with the support of Ford Foundation, executed a project aimed at curbing this societal malaise.

He stated, “One of the expected outcomes of that project was the drafting of model anti-sexual harassment policies for various levels of educational institutions. It is sadly interesting to note that sexual harassment, though more notorious in tertiary institutions, is quite rampant in primary and secondary institutions, too.”

Aliyu disclosed that the commission, in the spirit of partnership, engaged Gender Mobile to draft a model policy for tertiary institutions, adding that the Federal Ministry of Education approved the policies of the primary and tertiary institutions.

The ICPC boss warned participants to always keep in mind that anyone, irrespective of status, designation, or gender, staff or student, could be a victim of sexual harassment, adding, “Likewise, anyone could be a perpetrator.”

Aliyu pointed out that the success

of the initiative largely depended on the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders.

Equally speaking, Founder and Executive Director, Gender Mobile Initiative, Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, stated that the policy was a product of extensive community engagement. According to Ogunrotimi, “We really look to moving this forward from here because we know in Nigeria, when policies are made, they do not automatically translate into implementation.

“That is why we have drawn from far and wide, over 25 Commissioners of Education to participate in this programme.

“From this point, we can start thinking about institutionalisation processes at national level, so that Commissioners of Education can embed this into their own state measures, to see that every higher institution in their state can be free from sexual harassment, especially from the prevention lens, and not the response lens.”

decision-making processes.

He said the bill proposes alterations to some sections of the constitution to wit: (a) an alteration of Sections 48 and 49, to provide for one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, effective after the term of the current National Assembly and subject to review every sixteen years.

Gana, noted that the bill also proposes an alteration of Section 91, to provide for three special seats reserved exclusively for women in Houses of Assembly of each State of the Federation which shall be spread across the three senatorial districts of each State.

The bill further proposes consequential amendments to sections 71, 77, and 117, to ultimately establish special constituencies reserved exclusively for women, ensuring their direct election into and participation in legislative houses and processes at both the federal and state levels.

After the debate of the proposed legislation, which saw some lawmakers spoke in favour and against, Kalu who presided over the debate put it to voice votes and was subsequently referred to the Committee on constitution amendment.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called on the federal government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement.

A national daily had reported that there were clauses that mandate

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights in the $150 billion Samoa Agreement signed by the Nigerian government on 28 June. The resolution of the House followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki, and 87 others on the floor of the House yesterday.

Presenting the motion, Madaki said on June 28, 2024, the federal government signed what was known as the Samoa Agreement with the European Union (EU) to boost food security and inclusive economic development, among other vital areas. He expressed concern that the agreement allegedly has some clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the LGBT community as a condition for getting financial and other support from advanced societies.

Madaki, further expressed concern that Article 97 of the Agreement, which states that, “no treaty, convention, agreement or arrangement of any kind between one or more member States of European and one or more OACPS Members shall impede the implementation of this Agreement,” violates Nigeria's sovereignty.

He expressed worry that some other Articles, especially Article 2.5, 20.5, 36.2 and 88 in the Samoa Agreement that was signed by the federal government might be inimical to the interest of Nigeria as a country and the values of the people as a whole, more so it does not contain a reservation clause.

Wrong Handling of Minimum Wage Agitation May Provoke Protests, Says Ex-military Spokesman

A former Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), has said that the current minimum wage demand by Nigerian workers may spark nationwide protests if not properly handled by the authorities.

The ex-military spokesperson also tasked warring political actors in the Rivers State political crisis to sheathe their swords in the interest of national security, arguing that the crisis has the propensity to spread to other part of the country.

Olukolade who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), said this while addressing a press conference

on behalf of the centre in Abuja.

He also frowned at the growing dissemination of fake news and disinformation as well as escalation of violent rhetoric on the social media space.

Olukolade said: "The recent escalation of violent rhetoric and the posturing by some political, religious and community leaders, and even non-state actors alike, have the potential to turn violent conflict and aggravate the already worrisome internal security challenges assailing our country.

"In our conflict trends analysis, for the second quarter of the year 2024, we have identified potentially violent or volatile developments in the country which we believe could

spark off unnecessary crises with far-reaching consequences to our national security if they are not well managed. And that's why I want to identify the ones we can pick on, among many others.

"First in that list is the yet to be resolved minimum wage issue that has pitched the labour movement against the federal government. We do not subscribe to the idea of sweeping this issue under the carpet.

“We therefore want to unequivocally call on the government and the organised private sector to summon the required courage to take decision on this matter, and to meet and resolve it once and for all than constantly postponing resolution of this issue".

Noting that it was time to conclude the negotiation that had lasted so long, the former military man said nobody should think that the protracted crisis had disappeared on its own. He said those who believe that replicating the destructive protests in Kenya will be a way to resolve any crisis are calling for what is not consistent with the future and desire for a peaceful and progressive nation.

"The protracted political feud in the Rivers State is also a matter that has featured prominently in reportage and has tendencies towards crisis. We are using this opportunity to call on those involved to relate. And when they relate, we believe that this could be solved and there's no need to plunge that state into crisis," he said.

Mastercard

Nsengimana during the inaugural Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja….recently

ikechukwu aleke in Abuja

adedayo akinwale in Abuja

As Senate Leader Makes Case For State Police...

Hammed Shittu reports that Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, at a recent public lecture made case for the amendment of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to give room for the creation of state police.

There is no gain saying the fact that the debate on the need to have state police in Nigeria has continued unabated among the various stakeholders in the country.

The development, according to THISDAY checks, may not be unconnected with the perceived insecurity ravaging all parts of the country despite the fact that the central police force is on ground.

The situation has created alot of fears and tension among the residents which hirtherto has led to dwindling economic prosperity and security-free society in the country.

The myriads of security challenges cut across kidnappings, banditry, robbery, terrorism, among others.

The ugly situation has also brought a lot of untold hardship to the people especially the teeming farmers which, according to reports from various parts of the country, have prevented many farmers from embarking on large scale food production and thereby translating into current hike in food prices in the country.

Apart from this, it has led to many residents of communities becoming homeless as a result of the reported cases of terrorism and banditry in some parts of the country.

Although, the National Assembly has commenced constitutional amendments on the need to have state police in the country but this needs to have the backing of two third of the Houses of Assembly in the 36 states of the federation.

Based on this situation, there are agitations from stakeholders for the creation of state police so as to address the mounting security challenges across the country.

Just last week, the issue of state police was in the front burner again at the 2024 Distinguished Personality Lecture Series jointly organised by the Department of Political Science and Institute of Legislative Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

The lecture, titled “Constitutional Amendment and the Political Dynamics of State Police in Nigeria,” was chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate,

At the session, the guest lecturer and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele lamented the dysfunctionality of the Nigeria Police, pointing out that as currently constituted, the police was not properly established to succeed in the country.

Bamidele, who is also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, further observed that any police structure that did not reflect Nigeria’s federal realities would not effectively address the roots of security

challenges facing the federation.

Bamidele dissected the diverse socio-economic and political forces responsible for the dysfunctionality of the Nigeria Police and reeled out antidotes to the problems of policing in Nigeria.

While warning against the incessant deployment of the armed forces without compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, he faulted the undue establishment and operations of vigilante groups and security outfits at the state levels without national legal framework.

Bamidele explained that the incessant deployment of the armed forces for the purpose of maintaining law and order internally was at variance with their mandate under the 1999 Constitution and did not portray Nigeria as a truly democratic and internally stable democracy.

The Senate Leader observed that the challenges facing the Nigeria Police “are numerous. How the police are organised, managed, governed and funded can determine its ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate of protecting the life and property of Nigerians.

“Understanding these dynamics can help in appreciating what needs to be done to improve security in the country. It is clear that Nigerians do not fully appreciate the depth and scale of the challenges facing the police.

“I maintain that the police have not been set up properly to succeed in this nation. Effective policing in Nigeria is almost impossible unless there are fundamental changes. Indeed, the constraints faced by the police are used as excuses for various misconducts and unprofessional behaviours by many officers of the force.

“Despite many attempts by its leadership of the Nigeria Police to enforce discipline and even sack bad eggs, operational misconduct is still prevalent in the ranks of police operatives, and this undermines their capacity to decisively respond to pervasive insecurity nationwide.”

He further argued that the regular deployment of the Nigeria Armed Forces across the federation was, no doubt, an indication that the present police

structure could no longer address the present security challenges of our nation.

To correct these anomalies, the Senate Leader canvassed the adoption of decentralised police model to address a myriad of security challenges currently undermining the country’s internal cohesion and disincentivizing investors from coming into the country.

According to him, it is self-evident that the establishment of state police will go a long way in mitigating Nigeria’s current security challenges, especially if the proper control mechanisms are put in place.

He, therefore, reeled out different measures to prevent the political elite from using the state instrument against dissenting voices if the state police is eventually adopted.

Bamidele first suggested that an Independent Police Service Commission should be established to guarantee the autonomy, independence and non-partisanship of the state police at federal and state levels in matters of appointment, discipline, promotions and accountability. Such an independent police commission, he suggested, should be patterned after the National Judicial Council and utterly be insulated from the undue interference of the political elite whether at state or federal level.

He observed that the adoption of a decentralised police model “is not without its political complexities. One of the primary concerns is the potential for abuse of power by the political elite. Its critics fear that the political elite may use state police to suppress opposition political parties, critical social actors or perceived enemies”.

However, according to him, this fear is not unfounded given Nigeria’s history of the abuse of police powers under the Nigeria Police.

He expressed grave concern about the proliferation of vigilantes and security outfits in nearly all states of the federation without providing a legal framework for their operations.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Uzodimma’s Quest for Power Balancing in Imo

Amby Uneze writes that the quest for power balancing in Imo state as envisioned by Governor Hope Uzodimma through the Charter of Equity must be implemented to the letter during the next gubernatorial poll in the state

The discussions that have enmeshed every part of Imo State today are no less than the Imo Charter of Equity. For the unknown, Imo Charter of Equity is the authentic document prepared by Imo State stakeholders under the auspices of Imo Elders Council, endorsed by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and accepted by Imolites. It is a document that guarantees a seamless rotation of power among the three zones of the State.

In the past, the issue of charter of equity no doubt had resonated in the minds of Imo citizens but without a signed and generally agreed document to support it. Vision and ideas, they say, rule the world, hence it took a visionary leader who currently pilots the affairs of the State to think a way out on how rancour and acrimony that were associated with governorship race every election year can be eliminated.

As focussed and forward-looking, desirous of bequeathing a rotational system that would guarantee every zone to benefit peaceful transition starting from 2027, then a charter of equity becomes the compass.

Granted that Orlu zone with 12 local government areas have had upper hand as against the other zones of Okigwe and Owerri with six and nine local government areas respectively, the time to give sense of belonging to Okigwe and Owerri has to start at the end of the current tenure in 2028. Statistics show that since the advent of the present democratic dispensation in 1999, Orlu zone has had Achike Udenwa (1999 - 2007), Rochas Okorocha (2011 - 2019), and the present governor Hope Uzodimma (2020 - 2028 God willing).

In all, Orlu zone, that is Imo West has had governorship slot for 24 years. Okigwe zone (Imo North) had completed four years with Ikedi Ohakim (2007 - 2011) at the governorship saddle. Then Owerri zone, also referred to as Imo East remains the unlucky zone with only seven months under Emeka Ihedioha (2019 - January 2020).

For no less a group than the Imo Elders Council were tasked to churn out a road map for future rancourless method of inclusiveness in the governorship position of the State was not a mere assignment.

The council hinged the success of the off-season November 11, 2023 governorship election in the State to the full implementation of the charter that made it possible for Governor Uzodimma to record 27/27 victory.That was a record-breaking feat, where His Excellency won all the 27 local government areas of

the State, the first of its kind. That victory was as a result of the widely accepted charter of equity which took off with that election.

As a way of further cementing the endorsement Governor Uzodimma had given to the Charter of Equity, a congregation of Imo Elders, traditional rulers (NdiEze), leaders of religious bodies, professionals, presidentsgeneral of town unions, women and youth groups, etc had an interdenominational service where the Charter of Equity was handed over to God. This special event took place at the popular Hero Square (now Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square).

Furthermore, the Imo State House of Assembly passed a resolution, endorsing the Charter of Equity “as a roadmap towards political stability, peace and inclusiveness of all the zones in Imo State.”

On the final endorsement, the governor said he was convinced that Imo Charter of Equity will ensure equity, help douse political tensions and promote peace, promising to

ensure that it is applied to the letter. According to him, the Charter of Equity is not intended to muscle the political ambition of any person, rather it is to ensure harmony, peace and it will enlarge the political space for all.”

The governor on his final receipt of the clean copy of the document assured that his administration will work with the Elders Council and other Imo State stakeholders to achieve the principles of the Charter of Equity. He pleaded with all political stakeholders to endeavour to give the Charter of Equity the space to succeed, noting that “it does not in any way go against the tenets of democracy.”

Emphasizing the broader significance of his victory in all 27 Local Government Areas, Governor Uzodimma reiterated the foundational role of the Charter of Equity across various states in Nigeria.

He assured the Council of his commitment to governance guided by a sense of responsibility and integrity. Thank God, the Imo Council of Elders is a product of the act of Parliament, and therefore, with the seal of government on the charter of equity, the matter has come to stay.

It is nonetheless naive for any group, zone or persons to continue to heat the polity bothering on which zone the governor would emerge from in 2027/28. The Charter is specific on it and the governor had sworn that he shall implement it to ensure that Owerri zone gets it. Having done this great sacrifice by ensuring a smooth transition of power in the State starting from 2027, Imolites owe Governor Uzodimma a huge hug and a standing ovation to complement his good effort.

Also, the members of the Imo Elders Council ably led by His Majesty, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya as Chairman and Rt. Hon. Maxwell Duru from Okigwe zone, Secretary of the council need to be commended for standing by the wish of the people for equity, justice and fairness.

The notion that Owerri zone is not always united in terms of putting her house inorder does not arise this time. With the coming together of leaders and elders of Owerri zone under the auspices of Imo Harmony Project (IHP), the will and zeal to get it right at this time is paramount. Every leader and politician in the zone is more anxious to abide by the rules that the IHP would be rolling out soon.

Receiving the document of Imo Charter of Equity presented by the Chairman of Elders Council, His Majesty, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya (also from Orlu zone) at the Government House, Owerri in April 2023, the

governor, did not only express joy but he quickly reiterated that nothing on earth would stop the full implementation of the document.

The governor said, “The charter of equity will remove tension and acrimony. We convinced ourselves. We looked at it, and that charter of equity is happening in other states (including our neighbouring States). They control that governorship goes from one zone to the other. I do not doubt that my successor will be produced by the Imo charter of equity.

“The confidence reposed in me is very huge. And I will make sure I do not disappoint you. I am committed to making sure the next governor will not come from the Orlu zone (Imo West). It will come from the Owerri zone (Imo East). Thereafter it will move to the Okigwe zone (Imo North).”

Governor Uzodimma, however, called on the members of the Imo State Council of Elders to work together to ensure the implementation of the Charter of Equity. He assured that his government would use its machinery to defend the document and ensure its implementation.

The notion that Owerri zone is not always united in terms of putting her house in order does not arise this time. With the coming together of leaders and elders of Owerri zone under the auspices of Imo Harmony Project (IHP), the will and zeal to get it right at this time is paramount. Every leader and politician in the zone is more anxious to abide by the rules that the IHP would be rolling out with soon.

Going by the criteria, the governor highlighted to eliminate mediocre from the system of governance, so far Owerri zone can boast of such characters in their numbers. Trusted, tested, bold and transformational leaders with capacity and integrity such as Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and Sir Stanley Amuchie, just to mention but a few can guarantee that the foundation already led by the incumbent governor is sustained.

On this note, it is therefore pertinent to support the governor to midwife his second tenure with success. Since the declaration of charter of equity is a product of His Excellency, the Imo Elders Council which was established through the instrumentality of act of parliament, religious leaders and indeed all Imo stakeholders, it now behoves on all zones and people of goodwill to respect the charter by supporting Owerri zone and allow the State move on.

Uzodimma

Senator Barau Jibrin who was represented by Deputy Senste Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru.

Bamidele

General Christopher Gwabin Musa: Tackling Insecurity with the Right Blend of Kinetic, Non-kinetic Warfare

General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Chief of Defence Staff can best be described as a square peg in a square hole. With experiences garnered as Theatre Commander for Theatre Command North-East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), he has been leading the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the right mix of military intelligence and diligence. But perhaps, his best known selling point is how he has juxtaposed kinetic and non-kinetic warfare in tackling the broad spectrum of insecurity. As he clocked one year in office on June, 2024, he engaged Chiemelie Ezeobi and a few other selected media executives on the gains made so far in the war against terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges, while highlighting their loyalty to democratic governance

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff on June 19, 2023, the brief was simple, yet heavy. Leading the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), the CDS was charged to maintain teamwork to ensure peace and stability in the country.

At his decoration to the rank of a General, the CDS had further said that while the appointment is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in them, they would carry out their duties with utmost dedication and full loyalty to the government and go wherever they are ordered, whether by air, sea or land, adding that they will “ensure that Nigeria is projected in good light”.

LEADERSHIP CONCEPT

Setting the ball rolling in fulfilment of that directive, General Musa mapped out his strategy “To nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People Centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and corroborative environment”.

Suffice to say that this leadership concept has been the guiding principle in coordinating and implementing the trajectory of the military- the Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

TRAJECTORY

One year after that pledge, the reforms the CDS instituted seems to have paid off as he has been able to build on intelligence gathering, restore confidence of troops and men, embraced teamwork and cooperation, restored harmony in counter-terror operations, professional conduct and discipline. Running a tight ship, the CDS has also engineered discipline, cohesion and diligence in the whole gamut of the Armed Forces.

All these and many more were captured in the compendium put together by the acting Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, which was launched at the recently held one year in office Media Parley with some executives at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

CHAMPIONING NON-KINETIC WARFARE

One thing the CDS had promised to do was to improve on the mandate of sustaining peace and tranquillity in the country. To do this, he has been able to find the right blend of balance between kinetic and non-kinetic warfare in leading the military and their interface with civil authority.

Stating that non-kinetic approach is the use

of informational, psychological, diplomatic, economic, social and civil-military cooperation as part of instruments of national power to pursue national interests, the CDS also noted that it involves collaborations between the military and civil actors to achieve national interest through the application of non-lethal force or means that are sub-lethal or not intended to be lethal to dispose of the enemy.

In reality, this ethos has been the guiding principle of the CDS’ leadership. Even when the military becomes sorely tested, his affinity for non-kinetic warfare has been a steadying balance.

Speaking on this, he said why asymmetric warfare is a bit difficult is because “you are dealing with people without arms so it’s not written on their head that they are Boko Haram or others so what they do is once we come out, they hide their weapons and come out like ordinary people and you can’t kill everyone and by the time you don’t see anything, you just pass and that’s why it’s a very tricky kind of operation but we are doing all we can.

“As we speak, the areas are free, what they do is they have areas they hide, do things, drop their weapons and you see them as normal human beings but we are working to address that problem. We recommend to the FG that such areas should be turned to farm lands because we need to go into commercial farming. The idea of sustainance farming for over 200 people isn’t good enough, we must get into commercial farming so that we can feed ourselves.”

TACKLING INSECURITY HOLISTICALLY

Upon assumption of office, General Musa had vowed to go after terrorists, bandits and other criminals in full force, defeat them and ensure that Nigeria is secured.

One year down the line, General Musa

believes that the AFN has kept their word as they have indeed taken the war to the enclaves of the terrorists, even though they have not been completely wiped out- a phenomenon he says is still achievable.

In fact, in Quarter 1 of 2024, the Defence Headquarters revealed that troops neutralised no fewer than 2,352 terrorists, apprehended 2,308 and rescued 1,241 kidnapped hostages in different operations nationwide between January and March.

At the media parley, the CDS said the security challenges bedeviling the different regions are being handled simultaneously.

In the South-east, he said the enhanced security of the region is key as well as guaranteed public safety for socio-economic activities. Pointing out the major cause of the insecurity and Simon Ekpa, the factional member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), he charged the international community to ensure he is stopped and prosecuted. Revealing that the group have made a lot of human sacrifices, killed people, he said their actions are against Humanity and God, adding that they are fighting for their pockets and not freedom like they claimed.

Although he said the South-west is stable, he noted that some acts of criminality are being tackled by the police, with support from the military. For the FCT, he said they have increased patrols to enhance security, adding that given the reports of kidnapping and banditry at the outskirts, they are tackling the entry and exit point of Abuja. Still on kidnapping, he lamented that it has become a business, just as he said the Armed Forces cannot do it alone as they need the support of the citizens and other security agencies too.

In the South-south, the CDS said it is critical for Nigerians to stop these acts of vandalism so the future generation can thrive, adding that they are doing everything to curb oil theft and to boost production. He however added that the Operation DELTA SANITY that is ongoing has been clearing those areas with lots of recoveries made.

In the North-east, he said the issue of terrorism

L-R: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; his wife, National President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa; and Vice President Kashim Shettima, after General Musa was decorated as CDS in June, last year

The CDS and wife when they invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, to Nigeria for the Invictus Game for wounded soldiers

General Musa’s Leadership Concept for the Armed Forces

GENERAL MUSA: AN UNFLINCHING SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

and insurgency are being tackled despite the challenges and life is returning to normal in most of these areas.

“Most times, over time, the forests were left opened. We used to have forest guards but we left them open until the criminals took over so that is being restored and efforts are being made by Civil Defence to have forest rangers. If you go to Maiduguri, you will be surprised that it is one of the safest place in the country but most thing it’s worse.

“We are trying to ensure everywhere is free. We have over 1000 entry points unmanned and I am happy the Ministry of Internal Affairs is doing a lot. We have to also enhance the security of border communities because the issue of smuggling, a lot of people think they are making money but they are being compromised. Some of these people bring rice and weapons too, so we are enhancing those ability and capacity within the border areas.”

STREAMLINING THE AMNESTY PROGRAMME

Addressing THISDAY’s concern that the Amnesty Programme might be brooding informants for terrorists, he said it’s not a “Go and Sin No More” programme. “Normally, in military operations, if your enemy surrenders, you are duty bound not to kill him. That is why we are giving them that option. What we realised from them is that it’s not everybody that was part of them. Some of them were forcefully recruited. Some of them were enslaved.

“From Maiduguri, some of them were captured and used as farmers and labourers. Our duty is to identify who is who and the community members are helping us to do that. What we did is that we ensure that the community is also a part of the team working with the military, so they help us in identifying them.

“One other critical aspect is that the victims are also looked after. Because most times, we tend to look at the perpetrators and forget the victims. So we make sure that it is holistic. What we do is that we profile them. Those who don’t have any basic case or are not perpetrators are treated separately. So we are able to profile the elderly, children, and women separately from the main actors.

“The main actors are being kept. And what we are projecting is to have a kind of reconsilatory commission, the way it happened in Rwanda. No matter how you fight war, you must sit back with your enemy to deliberate and discuss, and that’s all part of it. Mediation and deliberation so you can get full spirit of those issues. So the word is Surrender not Amnesty. And we are still going to do the legal works which is just to be able to get the facts and prosecute adequately.”

UPHOLDING TENETS OF DEMOCRACY

A year ago, he had urged personnel to uphold the tenets of democracy, safeguard citizens’ rights, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all. Even now, he had not budged in his commitment to supporting and strengthening democracy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“We want Nigerians to understand that the armed forces is here to protect democracy and ensure it thrives. The military will continue to support democracy because we thrive better in democracy,” he said at the media parley.

TRAINING, WELFARE OF TROOPS

A welfarist to the core, he had also promised to prioritise the welfare of personnel to enable the military to get the best from them. How best has he done that? From logistics to insurance, housing, medical and hazard allowances, General Musa has placed premium on that too.

At the moment, his concern that personnel are not covered in the Federal Housing Authority Policy or the NHIS, not covering gunshot wounds, are valid. To ameliorate the situation to an extent, he said since budgetary allocation cannot cater for this, they are looking at the Armed Forces Trust Fund. Welfare-wise, he said

the president is working on increasing the per day allowance for troops.

Beyond welfare, premium has been placed on training as they conduct local and overseas courses with over 85 personnel attending training on counter terrorism in US, Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan and several others.

UNITING NIGERIANS WITH THE

SUSSEX’ VISIT

For a national that has so much polarised along ethnic, religious and political lines, the CDS did the unthinkable- he invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan to Nigeria.

Although the idea was to champion the cause of wounded soldiers through the Invictus Games, the international adaptive sporting competition for wounded servicemen, women and veterans which Prince Harry founded in 2014, the visit not just brought so much joy and hope to Nigerians at large, but united them for a common purpose.

INTERAGENCY COOPERATION

A chief proponent of interagency collaboration, General Musa believes that the synergy of working together with other security agencies will achieve more results than working in isolation.

International engagement-wise, the military has not been found wanting as they engage in International Peace-keeping. The CDS said they presently have about 650 personnel in Gambia, Sudan an Guinea Bissau, plus request from Central Africa Republic and Sierra Leone to enhance training on capacity building for their armed forces.

On defence, diplomacy and international cooperation, the military has Increased collaboration with regional partners, enhanced national and sub-regional stability, and effectively managed the security situation created by military coup in Niger.

Nonetheless, THISDAY raised the question on the need for balance in championing interagency cooperation, especially when it comes to civil organisations that are performing the job of security agencies.

The CDS, while agreeing that there is need

for balance, said “If we don’t handle them properly, they become a nuisance and also become a problem. But in the North-east, we are positively making use of the natives because they understand the terrain, they know the people who are there well. So what we did is that the communities were allowed to select the members of the group, they brought them down to the police and DSS for profiling, handed over to the military who took them through military training on the mandate to secure their community.

“Because if you put all the agencies we have together, we cannot man the entire country. So we use them to hold on to their community, not to allow anyone to penetrate it until the military comes in. And for the other areas, we are also advising them to do the same. The danger is, don’t use one ethnic group, else it becomes dangerous. Because the tendency is that we will be viewed as though we are against one ethnic group. With over 350 ethnic groups in Nigeria, it will be problematic if we allow that to happen.

“That is why it is important that they are regulated properly and other agencies are also brought it. If we believe in the Armed Forces and police, and they are properly funded, we can do so much. It’s work in progress, and I am sure we will get there.”

On the issue of the incessant unmanned drones that fly recklessly in the airspace, he said: “These are things we are also getting into, especially on how to regulate them because if we don’t, people will start settling personal scores with them.”

PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

General Musa is very optimistic of the future. Although he said there is need for more equipment to tackle the insecurity in all the regions, he said force multipliers and combat enablers-the use of satellites, drones, counter IUD instrument are being put to use.

He also said the AFN under his command is keen on development of new capability and they are working with their foreign partners to enhance the capability of personnel.

Despite the successes recorded, he said they constantly review their defence headquarters

operations by examining the shortcomings, loopholes and gaps and fixing them, with the overarching objective to be better at what they do.

While thanking President Tinubu and the National Assembly for the support in the past year, he however appealed to Nigerians to have faith in its military, adding that success cannot be achieved overnight. On the same note, he urged Nigerians to rally round and support its military.

ABOUT GENERAL CHRISTOPHER

GWABIN MUSA

Born Christopher Gwabin Musa in Sokoto State, North-west Nigeria on December 25, 1967, he attained primary and secondary education in Sokoto too.

He is however from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State. In 1986 he was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State and on September 1991 he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Corps.

Of the Infantry Corps and a Member of the 38th Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, General Musa has held the following appointments including Platoon Commander at 192 Battalion; Intelligence Officer at 192 Battalions; Administrative Officer at 2 Div Camp (Garrison); Pioneer Adjutant 195 Battalion; Operations Officer – NIBATT 8 UNAMSIL; 195 Battalion 2ic; 149 Battalion 2ic; and General Staff Officer 1 Training/ Operations at HQ 81 Division.

Others include Commanding Officer 73 Battalion; Assistant Director Operational Requirement at Department of Army Policy and Plans; Infantry Representative/Member Training Team at HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps; and Deputy Chief of Staff Training/Operations at HQ Infantry Centre and Corp.

He was also Chief of Staff at HQ 2 Division; Commandant Depot Nigerian Army; Principal Staff Officer (Combat Arms) at Army HQ Department of Projects and Programmes; Pioneer Executive Director Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Ltd; and Commander 82 Division Task Force Brigade OP LAST HOLD in the North East.

Not left out were his roles as Commander Sector 3 OP LAFIYA DOLE; Comd Sect 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Tchad Region; Chief of General Duties TRADOC; Director Campaign Planning AHQ DATOPs; Director Training AHQ-DATOPs; Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Army Research Centre; Theatre Comd JTF (NE) Op HADIN KAI; and Commander Infantry Corps, from where he was made CDS six months later. He has in his kitty the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, and Distinguished Service Star, as well as the General Operation Medal, Command Medal (CO 73 Bn), Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Silver Jubilee Medal, Meritorious Service, Centenary Medal, Training Support Medal, OP LAST HOLD Medal, OP LAFIYA DOLE Medal, MNJTF Medal, Grand Service Star (GSS), Field Commander Medal of Honour (FCMH), and Operation HADIN KAI Medal (OPHK), amongst several others. In 2022, Musa won the Colin Powel Meritorious Award for Soldiering; and also, the African Youths Initiative For Good Governance and Peace honoured him with the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award, for his outstanding contributions to peacekeeping, and protection of the Nation’s territorial integrity; also awarded the Fellowship of the Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development during the second edition of the Africa-Dubai Investment Business Summit held in Dubai; as well as the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s Golden Star Award for the Fight against Insurgency. While he received the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), the Atyap Chiefdom bestowed on him the Tsuung Atyap, meaning “Pillar of Atyap”. General Gwabin Musa is married to Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, the National President of DEPOWA and they are blessed with four children.

The CDS flanked by some media executives and his Prinicpal Staff Officers at the media parley to commemorate his one year in office

The acting Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, presenting a compendium of the one year trajectory to the CDS

interview

Why Tinubu is Right on ECOWAS Standby Force, Says Gen. Buratai

Retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin x-rays ECOWAS’ challenges and President Bola Tinubu’s proposal of an ECOWAS Standby Force to enhance security of the regional bloc. He spoke exclusively to LOUIS ACHI on the larger emerging geopolitical scenario

President Bola Tinubu, at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, proposed an ECOWAS Standby Force, ESF, for the enhanced security of the regional block.

Yes, that’s correct.

What’s your reading of this move? Is there significant conceptual or doctrinal difference between the proposed standby force and the ECOMOG force in terms of command, control and coordination?

The proposal put forth by President Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chair, to establish the ECOWAS Standby Force is truly commendable, and it has my full support. I have been a vocal advocate for the creation of this ECOWAS Standby Force ever since taking on the role of Army Chief back in 2015. The urgent need for such a force is underscored by the myriad security challenges facing the West African sub-region, which require a coordinated and rapid response mechanism to safeguard peace and stability in the area.

The establishment of the proposed ECOWAS Standby Force serves as a significant development in the regional security architecture of West Africa, distinguishing itself from the previous ECOMOG intervention force in terms of command, control, and coordination. Unlike ECOMOG, the ECOWAS Standby Force is designed to operate under a unified command structure, ensuring a more streamlined decision-making process and effective coordination of military operations.

This structure enhances the force’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to regional security challenges, promoting greater coherence and efficiency in its peacekeeping and crisis management efforts across member states. By prioritizing joint planning, training, and exercises, the ECOWAS Standby Force aims to uphold professionalism and interoperability among its participating contingents, bolstering the force’s overall readiness and effectiveness in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) Force, established in West Africa in 1990, despite its huge successes, it encountered numerous challenges that impeded its ability to be sustained. One of the key reasons for its setback was the limited resources and logistical support provided to the force.

Inadequate funding and equipment hindered the progress of ECOMOG in carrying out its peacekeeping and crisis management missions. Additionally, the conflicting mandate and weak command structure among the member states of the force led to coordination issues and internal conflicts, undermining its operational efficiency.

Furthermore, external factors such as political interference and lack of international support also affected ECOMOG to achieve its long-term objectives in the region. These collective challenges ultimately prevented the ECOMOG Force from realizing its full potential and sustaining its operations in West Africa. In my opinion, ECOMOG could not have been the foundation on which the ECOWAS Standby Force could have found a formidable root.

As it is now, the ECOWAS Brigade (ECOBRIG) had been formed. What is required now is getting the boots on the ground. When General Ogomudia was the CDS, Nigeria pledged a formidable force. I hope this Force can be mobilised immediately to kick start the ECOWAS Standby Force. The pledged force included infantry and armour units, artillery regiment, signals and a host of others.

Is President Tinubu edging ECOWAS away from its core economic bloc status and trying to inspire a West African “NATO” - which would be an outright military alliance?

ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, stands as a dedicated economic subregional group, established with the noble mission of advocating for the economic and commercial interests of the various West African nations. Among its many initiatives, ECOWAS has established the ECOWAS Standby Force, designed not to transform ECOWAS into a militaristic force akin to NATO, but rather to complement the organization’s primary economic objectives in the region.

It is essential to underscore that security plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development; without a secure environment, the West African sub-region would struggle to realize its full economic potential. Presently, the sub-region grapples with a myriad of challenges posed by numerous non-state

actors, including terrorist groups, bandits, and criminal gangs, which pose a direct threat to the state’s ability to maintain the monopoly on violence.

In response to these security threats, the creation of the ECOWAS Standby Force represents a strategic move towards leveraging economies of scale to assist member states in tackling security issues effectively. The current security situation in Burkina Faso highlights the daunting challenges the country is grappling with, including a severe shortage of manpower and military equipment. These deficiencies underscore the immense difficulties faced by the nation in safeguarding its citizens and maintaining peace and stability. These pressing issues are precisely the obstacles that the ECOWAS Standby Force aims to address and assist member states in overcoming, by providing much-needed support and resources to bolster their security capabilities and effectively respond to emerging threats.

What will be the geo-political implication of this course for the continent, given Russia’s current incursion into West Africa through the breakaway ECOWAS members states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger - with the West carefully watching and possibly counter-plotting?

The situation is a very dicey one because Russia itself is in West Africa to promote its strategic and economic interest. West African countries and governments must introspect their romance with all these international powers - be it China, Russia or the West. I can tell you that NATO and especially America sees the infiltration of Russia into West Africa as a major threat to its interest especially when these juntas are closing down American and French bases to make for Russia to come in and take over.

As far back as 2023, the United States outlined in its US Security Strategy the significant threat posed by Russia and China to its strategic interests in West Africa. The emergence of these two global

powers as key players in the region has raised concerns regarding their potential to challenge US influence and destabilize the security environment. Russia’s assertive foreign policy and military presence, along with China’s growing economic investments and infrastructure projects, have highlighted the need for the US to closely monitor and address the evolving dynamics in West Africa. The situation is very complex and it is not as simple as these juntas think.

There is a strong possibility that we might witness counter coups in Burkina Faso and Mali or even Niger because of the refusal or delay of these juntas to organize elections and hand over to democratically elected leaders. I agree that the military leaders seemed to enjoy the goodwill of the people but you must know that there will always be few members of their inner circle who will be tempted to overthrow them and rule especially when some of the juntas are saying they will not conduct election till after five years.

The looming threat of coups and counter coups in the region is of grave concern, but what is even more worrying is the possibility of the sub region and the Sahel becoming a battleground for proxy wars waged by international powers, reminiscent of the ongoing conflict in Sudan that is currently unfolding before our eyes.

Recognizing that the success of his proposal requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources, Tinubu called out ECOWAS member states on their inconsistent payment of financial commitments to the regional body and also urged them upscale their own respective defense budgets. Do you agree with this seemingly hardline position

I am in complete agreement with President Tinubu’s stance that ECOWAS member states must demonstrate consistency in meeting their financial obligations to the regional body and, ideally, enhance their defense budgets. Reflecting on the

past, during the ECOMOG era, Nigeria bore the significant burden of investing approximately $8 billion to restore stability in Liberia and Sierra Leone, while other member nations failed to contribute financially. Such lack of commitment is concerning, and it is imperative that as a regional bloc, we take ownership and address our challenges head-on to garner respect and credibility on the global stage.

On September 16 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger signed a new mutual defence pact named the Alliance of Sahel States. This essentially signals significant discontent with alleged “ineffectiveness” of ECOWAS and their disillusionment with the West - and Russia is capitalising on this trend. How does this rebellion impact President Tinubu chairmanship of ECOWAS and how should he proceed with engaging this new competitor-bloc to ECOWAS?

The decision made by these three African countries to enter into a new mutual defense pact was primarily influenced by the absence of a robust entity like the ECOWAS Standby Force and the threat of force by ECOWAS against Niger Republic. Given that all three countries are governed by military juntas, they felt the need to band together to defend themselves.

With a collective population of 76.1 million and a combined GDP of $55 billion, their disassociation from ECOWAS represents a significant setback for the organization, particularly for President Tinubu, who is actively working as the Chairman to reintegrate them back into the ECOWAS framework.

I understand that the required procedure for member states who wish to exit ECOWAS involves providing one year’s notice to the organization. These three countries fulfilled this requirement last January, giving us until January 2025 to potentially sway them to reconsider their decision.

I believe that in the long run, these countries will engage in negotiations with ECOWAS to secure more favorable terms, leading them to ultimately remain within the organization. It would prove challenging for them to prosper and thrive independently without the benefits and support that ECOWAS provides.

Given the political and economic fragility in some member states, especially those that witnessed unconstitutional changes of government, added to terrorist activities and violent extremism threatening to spread from the Sahel region towards the coastal states, what’s the way forward for ECOWAS?

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must awaken from its slumber to ensure that true representative democracy flourishes within the sub-region. It is imperative for ECOWAS to take a firm stance on crucial issues such as implementing term limits for elected leaders, promoting good governance characterized by accountability and efficiency, creating economic opportunities for the populace, upholding the rule of law, and fostering inclusivity, among other crucial pillars of democracy.

The recent events, that are the removal of term limits in Ivory Coast, Togo, and, until the recent coup led by Mamadi Doumbaya, Guinea, serve as stark reminders of the fragility of weak democracies that lack the genuine support of their people. The scenes of unrest and public discontent in these nations point to the urgent need for ECOWAS to step up its efforts in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that leaders are accountable to their citizens.

The widespread public demonstrations in Niger in support of General Tchiani following the overthrow of President Bazzoum, as well as the jubilation on the streets of Conakry, Guinea, after Colonel Doumbaye removed President Conde from power, underscore the deep-seated dissatisfaction and lack of popular support for those in leadership positions. It is high time for ECOWAS to prioritize the consolidation of democratic norms and practices across the region to avert further political instability and ensure the legitimate representation of the people’s will. No soldier in his right mind would dare to challenge the stability of a government that is deeply cherished and widely supported by its people.

It is, therefore, imperative for ECOWAS to prioritize the establishment of effective democratic systems across the sub-region. Additionally, ECOWAS must play a pivotal role in fostering economic integration within the sub-region, facilitating seamless movements of people and goods. The delayed implementation of the proposed ECO currency within the ECOWAS sub-region raises concerns and underscores the need for swift action.

Gen Buratai

Nigeria’s Reserves Sustain Upward Momentum, Hits

Nume Ekeghe

In a remarkable display of economic resilience and growth, Nigeria’s external reserves have surged to a new peak, reaching $34.65 billion as of July 4, 2024.

This marks the highest level of reserves recorded in the past 13 months, surpassing the previous high of $34.65 billion on June 14, 2023, and reflecting a consistent upward trajectory over the first half of the year.

Latest from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed a robust performance, with significant increments noted at various intervals.

For instance, on July 3, 2024, the reserves stood at $34.55 billion, and just a day earlier, on July 2, 2024,

they were reported at $34.43 billion.

The growth pattern was evident throughout June 2024 as well. By the end of June, on the 28th, the reserves were $34.19 billion, showing a steady climb from $33.91 billion in June 24, 2024.

This pattern continued with the reserves surpassing the $34 billion mark consistently towards the latter part of the month.

May 2024 also contributed to this upward momentum, with the reserves maintaining a steady increase. On May 31, 2024, the reserves stood at $32.69 billion, gradually rising from $32.30 billion at the start of the month.

April 2024 further cemented this trend, as the reserves saw a notable rise from $32.15 billion on April 26,

2024, to $33.50 billion by April 3, 2024, marking a significant influx of foreign exchange.

March 2024 was another pivotal month, with the reserves climbing from $33.82 billion on March 28, 2024, to a high of $34.41 billion by mid-March. The consistent upward movement during this period underscores the stable economic environment and the increasing investor confidence.

The reserves continued their ascent through February 2024, starting at $33.17 billion on February 5, 2024, and reaching $33.71 billion by the end of the month. This steady increase reflects the positive impact of economic reforms and strategic investments.

January 2024 set the stage

for this growth trajectory, with the reserves beginning at $33.01 billion on January 2, 2024, and progressively increasing to $33.35 billion by the end of the month.

December 2023 provided a strong foundation, with the reserves standing at $32.91 billion by December 29, 2023.

Overall, the continuous rise in financial reserves to a 13-month high of $34.65 billion is a testament to the strong economic policies, investor confidence, and stable market environment.

Meanwhile, a report by Afrinvest noted that Nigeria’s capital importation surged to $3.38 billion in Q1:2024, marking a significant 198 per cent increase year-over-year and an even higher

210 per cent increase from the previous quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This is as direct investment continued to decline. It further stated: “Conversely, foreign portfolio investment (FPI), which constitutes the largest component of total capital importation 61.5 per cent, advanced by 219.7 per cent y/y and 570.1 per cent q/q to $2.1 billion. This growth was driven by increased inflows into the money market and bond market up 1,175.2 per cent and 39.8 per cent year-over-year; 592.7 per cent and 526.6 per cent q/q, respectively) due to an improved interest rate environment.

“Since the start of the year, the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Cardoso has increased interest rates by 750bps, pushing yields on both treasury and OMO bills to 27 per cent, making them attractive to FPIs for short-term investments. Although equity investments declined y/y, they advanced by 355 per cent q/q. “For Q2: 2024, we expect capital importation data, particularly FPI, to continue its upward trajectory as the economy grapples with the high interest rate environment. However, we do not anticipate a major surge in FDI inflows due to persistent challenges such as a poor investment climate, insecurity, and continued FX volatility, which may continue to deter long-term investments,” the report stated.

Nigerian Banks and merchant banks in June 2024 opted to deposit an estimated N4.95 trillion excess liquidity with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) amid challenges in the foreign exchange market and double-digit inflation rate.

For the first time in 2024, banks deposit with CBN outpaced borrowing amid unstable naira at the foreign exchange market and stagflation currently facing Nigeria economy.

According to financial data of the apex bank, the N4.95 trillion deposited in June is the highest this year as the CBN cutdown Loan-to-Deposit (LDR) by 15 percentage points to 50 per cent from 65 per cent

“Following a shift in the Bank’s policy stance towards a more

contractionary approach, it is imperative to review the LDR policy to align with the current monetary tightening by the CBN,” the CBN said.

The banks anks deposit with CBN in June 2024 is about 579.27per cent increase when compared to N579.27 billion banks and merchant banks deposited in June 2023.

Banks use Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) to deposit excess funds with the apex bank and it comes with interest and Standing Lending Facility (SLF), a short-term lending window for banks and merchant banks, to access liquidity to run their day-to-day business operations.

The CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had announced that the removal of the cap on remunerable SDF is to increase activity in the SDF window and manage liquidity.

THISDAY gathered that in six months of 2024, banks and merchant banks have deposited N7.9 trillion as against N2.41 trillion deposited with the CBN in the corresponding period of 2023.

The breakdown revealed that banks and merchant banks in January 2024 deposited N1.07 trillion with CBN, a 83.37 per cent YoY from N584.79billion in January 2023, while in February 2024, it stood at N330.72billion, a decline of 50.6 per cent from N668.9 billion in February 2023.

It dropped further in March 2024 to N196.37 billion, a decline of 58.34 per cent YoY compared to N471.4 billion in March 2023.

In April, banks deposited N428.98 billion and between May and June, N943.08 billion and N4.96 trillion was deposited with the CBN, respectively.

As regarding borrowings, banks and merchant banks have borrowed an estimated N57.5 trillion in first half of 2024, representing an increase of 461 per cent from N10.25 trillion between January and June 2023.

Speaking with THISDAY, on significant increase in bank and merchant banks borrowing from CBN, Vice President Highcap Securities, Mr. David Adnori, stated that, “The development points to lack of liquidity on the part of banks. Monetary policy has been tightening and this has led to low liquidity. It is cheaper for banks to borrow from the CBN. This development is not positive but negative.

He stated, “We cannot continue to tighten because it will reflect of economic growth.”

Amid removal of cap on SDF,

banks have maintained strong position in borrowing rather than depositing with the CBN.

CBN in a circular dated 2014 had disclosed that the remunerable daily placements by banks at the SDF shall not exceed N2billion.

According to the CBN, “The SDF deposit of N2billion shall be remunerated at the interest rate prescribed by the Monetary Policy Committee from time to time. Any deposit by a bank in excess of N2 billion shall not be remunerated.

The provisions of this circular took effect on July 11, 2019.”

However, the CBN has over the years maintained that strong patronage at the SDF confirms healthier liquidity in the banking system.

CBN had maintained that the strong patronage at the SDF confirmed healthier liquidity

in the banking system, stressing that banks and merchant banks were in search of better yields. Experts stated that financial institutions prefer depositing with CBN as it is safe and risk-free, stressing that the present business environment has forced banks and merchant banks to deposit less with CBN.

An Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, said, “The most significant factor of banks intensified depositing with CBN is the increasing level of threat in the environment of business in Nigeria, arising from: insecurity, supply chain problems, rising inflation and poor purchasing power, low level of productivity, rising unemployment, liquidity overhang and paucity of risk-free financial instruments.”

Kayode tokede

How Wema Bank is Helping Entrepreneurs Unlock Their Potentials

By bridging the gap between financial constraints and business ambitions, Wema Bank plays a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential, writes Mabel Adeteye

According to the World Bank, “Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are universally acknowledged as critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation, constituting over 90% of businesses worldwide.”. They significantly contribute to GDP and employ a substantial portion of the global workforce. Despite their pivotal role in fostering economic resilience and inclusive development, MSMEs encounter numerous challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability. These include limited access to capital, lack of market opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

In developing economies, these challenges are exacerbated by structural limitations that impede MSMEs’ ability to scale and compete effectively. Financial constraints remain pervasive, with many small businesses struggling to secure funding for expansion, technology investment, and innovation. Additionally, their lack of financial literacy and business management skills further complicates their efforts to optimize resources and sustain growth.

Globally, financial institutions like Wema Bank play a crucial role in bridging the gap between MSME ambitions and achievements. By providing accessible financial solutions, tailored advisory services, and comprehensive support systems, Wema Bank empowers entrepreneurs to overcome financial barriers, enhance operational efficiency, and seize growth opportunities. The journey of Stanley Obinna, a Nigerian entrepreneur, underscores the pivotal role of financial institutions in transforming the trajectory of MSMEs.

“Doing business with Wema Bank was just from a friend,” Stanley recalls, reflecting on his transition from a guarantor to a beneficiary of Wema Bank’s SME loans. His story is emblematic of a broader narrative: the transformative impact of accessible capital on business growth. Recognizing that a lack of capital was a critical bottleneck to his business’s expansion, Stanley turned to Wema Bank for support. This decision not only provided the necessary financial boost but also opened doors to a range of resources and opportunities that facilitated his business’s sustained growth. “If Your Business is Legit, Wema Bank will Support You Because They are Strong Promoters of MSMEs, “ Obinna said.

Stanley’s experience highlights a universal truth: access to capital is often the tipping point for MSME success. Financial institutions like Wema Bank are crucial in enabling businesses to unlock their full potential, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to broader economic development. By addressing the multifaceted needs of MSMEs through financial inclusion, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships, Wema Bank exemplifies a holistic approach to fostering entrepreneurship and economic vitality.

For Stanley, the pivotal moment came when he realized that a lack of capital was hindering the potential growth of his business. This realisation mirrors a common challenge faced by MSMEs globally: despite having innovative ideas and determination, many businesses struggle to scale due to limited access to financing. Wema Bank’s intervention not only provided Stanley with the necessary capital but also symbolized a broader commitment to supporting MSMEs in overcoming financial barriers.

Stanley’s testimony reflects the transformative power of financial institutions like Wema Bank in the MSME sector. By bridging the gap between financial constraints and business ambitions, Wema Bank plays a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential. The bank’s responsiveness to Stanley’s needs not only

MD/CEO Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni

enabled him to expand his operations but also positioned him to advocate for others facing similar challenges.

Wema Bank’s approach to MSME development is anchored in understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of small businesses. Beyond financial assistance, the bank provides tailored advisory services, capacity-building programs, and access to market opportunities. This holistic support system equips entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate competitive markets and sustain long-term growth.

Stanley’s journey with Wema Bank highlights the institution’s proactive stance in fostering an enabling environment for MSMEs. By leveraging personal relationships and customercentric strategies, Wema Bank builds trust and credibility among its clients, thereby fostering loyalty and advocacy within the business community. This approach not only strengthens individual enterprises but also contributes to the overall economic resilience and vitality of the communities they serve.

Wema Bank’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in financial services is evident through its digital banking solutions and strategic partnerships. By enhancing accessibility and convenience for MSMEs, Wema Bank enables them to operate more efficiently in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Through initiatives like ALAT for Business (AFB) 2.0, entrepreneurs gain access to seamless financial

management tools, enabling them to control expenses, manage cash flow effectively, and focus on business growth.

AFB 2.0’s comprehensive suite of functionalities, including bulk transfers, recurring payments, and invoice discounting, streamlines cash flow management. Real-time insights into transactions and balances further enhance operational efficiency, enabling entrepreneurs like Stanley to make informed decisions swiftly. ALAT for Business isn’t just a tool for financial transactions; it’s a strategic partner in business success. Its user-friendly interface and commitment to ongoing innovation make it a preferred choice for MSMEs seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape.

In the realm of payment solutions, ALAT Pay facilitates hassle-free payment collections, ensuring instant settlements, transparent transactions, and enhanced customer satisfaction. For entrepreneurs operating in the digital space, such as social media and e-commerce platforms, ALAT Pay offers instant settlements, transparent transactions, and robust dispute resolution mechanisms. These features ensure that businesses maintain financial stability while providing a seamless payment experience to customers.

ALAT Pay’s flexibility extends to multiple collection channels and streamlined settlement cycles, supporting low-cost deposit growth and operational scalability, essential for the sustained growth of MSMEs. Instant SMS alerts and easy reconciliation further enhance transparency and accountability, key factors in building trust with customers.

Wema Bank’s POS terminals and QR Code solutions offer flexible payment options, catering to diverse customer preferences and enhancing sales opportunities. Whether processing local or international transactions, these technologies enhance customer convenience and operational efficiency. Features such as USSD on POS, pay-with-phone number capabilities, and contactless payments not only optimize sales opportunities but also reduce pilferage and ensure uninterrupted service availability. By leveraging these technologies, SMEs can expand their customer base, increase transaction volumes, and drive revenue growth effectively.

In the ever-evolving world of MSMEs, knowledge is a critical asset. To empower entrepreneurs with vital business management skills, Wema Bank partnered with the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management to create the SME Business School. Launched in 2021, the school has successfully educated over 500 MSME owners from Benin, Enugu, and Abuja.

The curriculum focuses on essential topics such as financial literacy, strategic planning, and market positioning, bridging significant knowledge gaps. This initiative allows entrepreneurs, including individuals like Stanley, to innovate, adjust to market changes, and pursue sustained growth. Enhanced by practical training, mentorship, and access to key resources, the SME Business School cultivates a thriving culture of entrepreneurship and resilience among its participants.

Recognizing the transformative power of digital skills, Wema Bank partnered with the Federal Government of Nigeria to launch the FGN/ ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme. This initiative aims to train 2 million youths and 1 million MSMEs in digital skills critical for success in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy. Since its launch in September 2023, the program has attracted over 300,000 participants nationwide. It provides practical training in areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce, and financial technology, bridging the digital divide and empowering MSMEs to harness the opportunities presented by the digital age. Similarly, through the NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme, Wema Bank collaborates with Microsoft and NYSC to offer free training, mentorship, access to finance, and market opportunities to corps members. This initiative equips young entrepreneurs with the digital skills and resources needed to launch successful businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Participants benefit from Microsoft Digital Skills certifications, grants, and job placement opportunities, enhancing their entrepreneurial spirit and economic independence. By nurturing youth talent and creativity, Wema Bank fosters a culture of innovation that drives sustainable development.

Wema Bank also supports MSME growth through initiatives and sponsorship of events like the NBC Trade Fair. In 2023, the NBC Trade Fair showcased over 180 vendors from across Nigeria, providing a platform for more than 3,000 businesses to present their products and stories. Such initiatives not only promote entrepreneurship but also stimulate economic activity and community development nationwide. These opportunities foster business expansion and contribute to economic development and community empowerment.

Wema Bank’s unwavering commitment to MSME development through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive support ecosystems underscores its role as a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment in Nigeria. By empowering entrepreneurs with digital tools, financial solutions, and knowledge resources, Wema Bank facilitates business success, fosters resilience, and drives sustainable development across communities.

“Stanley’s experience highlights a universal truth: access to capital is often the tipping point for MSME success. Financial institutions like Wema Bank are crucial in enabling businesses to unlock their full potential, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to broader economic development. By addressing the multifaceted needs of MSMEs through financial inclusion, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships, Wema Bank exemplifies a holistic approach to fostering entrepreneurship and economic vitality.”

CSR: Continental Hotels Group Unveils Career Initiative for UNILAG Students

Responsibility (CSR).

The unveiling, which attracted hundreds of students of the university and authorities

tower was heralded

with a Hospitality Industry Career Insights at the Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UNILAG, Akoka ,Lagos This programme, which

Stanbic IBTC Launches Ambitious Tree-planting Campaign

Nume Ekeghe

Stanbic IBTC Holdings, in collaboration with One Tree Planted and the African Research Association Managing Development in Nigeria (ARADIN), has launched an environmental project titled, “Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS).”

This extensive tree-planting and conservation initiative aims to restore degraded watersheds and support local communities in Cross Rivers State, Nigeria.

The Holdings in a statement noted that the three-year project, spanning from April 2024 to March 2027, began with a flag-off ceremony on Friday, June 21, 2024, in celebration of World Rainforest Day.

The event, it said, featured the planting of tree seedlings and was attended by its staff, representatives from the Cross Rivers State Government, and officials from One Tree Planted adding that the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.

Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, stated: “Stanbic IBTC is committed to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Nigeria. Our treeplanting initiative demonstrates our dedication to enhancing biodiversity and supporting local communities. By restoring the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, we aim at making a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the people who depend on it.”

President and CEO of One Tree Planted, Harry P. Lynch, stated: “Planting trees in degraded

or deforested areas helps the environment by accelerating and ensuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are revitalized, and biodiversity can thrive.”

Supported by the Cross Rivers State Forestry Commission, the project focuses on restoring degraded watersheds in the Badu and Mkperebong river corridors within AMWS. This initiative aims not only at enhancing local biodiversity but also at improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

Axa Mansard, Slot to Provide Smart Phone Screen Insurance Cover

Axa Mansard Insurance and Slot Systems Limited have entered into partnership to provide insurance cover for their customers’ smart phone screens.

The two firms said the essence of the partnership was to help their customers solve the problem of screen replacement on damage by bearing the burden of the cost for the concerned customers.

At the media launch of the insurance product in Lagos

tagged, “if you break it we’ll fix it,” the firms said at the payment of N2,500 premium, customer would have their broken smart phone screen worth N50,000 replaced without further charges.

They described the partnership as a novel initiative to ensure that their customers do not bear the entire financial burden in the event of phone screens damage.

Speaking at the event, Country Manager, Axa Mansard, Rashidat Adebisi,

said that the partnership with Slot became imperative given the economic situation in the country and the firm’s desire to make life easier for its numerous customers.

She said the partnership was one of the ways of serving their customers well adding that Axa-Slot device Insurance cover was available in all slot shop nationwide.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Slot Systems, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo, stated that the idea was a dream comes true in line with its plans

for customers in 2024. He noted that as a customer-centric brand, the partnership was a testament to Slot’s forward- looking, resilient and perseverance spirit.

“This idea is in alignment with our core values and one of the things that make Axa Mansard a great partner is its global presence, the strong brand, and strong customer base. So all these endeared us to them. Meanwhile, we have plans to take Slot to other African countries, so our spread is not limited to Nigeria alone,” he stated.

Enterprise Life Assurance Demystifies Insurance With Digital App

Enterprise Life Assurance Nigeria has unveiled a new phase in insurance marketing through the creation of a new application tagged, “Advantage Connect App,” which through phone takes an insurance consumer to an insurance personnel that will guide him aright in his insurance purchases.

The company introduced the app to cover the gap of high level of ignorance of insurance among Nigerians.

The life underwriting expert said through the app, it would demystify insurance and roll away

all roadblocks on the marketing route of insurance industry in Nigeria.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mrs Funmi Omo addressing the media on the new application said insurance distribution in Nigeria had dwelt so long on physical footprint leaving behind the challenge on how to take insurance far.

Omo said with digital app like the Advantage Connect, a prospective insurance consumer would be easily taken to a trained and well experienced life planner that would guide him aright in insurance purchasing. She said the app was designed

to create a new digital experience around insurance.

She said being built on geolocation technology like Uber; the app made the interactions between customers, Life Planners, and Enterprise Life quicker; easer, and more convenient where prospective and current customers could connect with the company’s Life Planners for support, financial advisory, and purchase of insurance products in a secured manner.

Omo said the Life Planners had been trained to understand the unique goals, aspirations, and challenges of each customer, and were expected to use their

knowledge to help customers craft personalised financial plans that covered key aspects of their lifestyle.

The Life Planner, she said, played a crucial role in enhancing insurance literacy and rebuilding trust within the industry, while serving as a mentor, assisting clients in making informed decisions that aligned with their life goals and contribute to long-term financial stability.

She said the Life Planners were expected to provide continuous support and adaptability, ensuring that financial plans remained dynamic and responsive to changing circumstances.

Africhange Launches in UK to Drive Low-cost Remittance

Kayode Tokede

Africhange has launched its operations in the UK, offering more efficient, cost-effective and reliable solutions for individuals to send and receive money internationally.

Starting with the UK-Nigeria corridor and expanding to include Ghana and Kenya before the end of the year, Africhange’s new Authorised Payment Institution License will underpin the delivery of a range of payment solutions, including remittance services, for UK users. With Africhange, students enrolled in UK universities can get discounted exchange rates on top of the market-leading rates available to the general public.

Africhange is also planning

to introduce its innovative loyalty program (Afripoints) which allows users to earn cash rewards for sending or receiving money through the platform. With Afripoints, users are able to accumulate points for every transaction, which can be withdrawn as cash or spent as discounts on transactions. This program is already available to users in Canada, Australia, and Nigeria, and will soon be launching in the UK.

The founder and CEO of Africhange, David Ajala said, “Africhange’s entry into the UK market represents a significant milestone in our mission to deliver the best possible global payments experience for Africans in diaspora. Despite the significant

inflows of remittance to the continent, the cost of sending money means a significant percentage of those funds don’t get to the recipients and we want to change that. We have big plans and we are looking forward to expanding our services, reaching more customers and ensuring that everyone can benefit from seamless and cost-effective international money transfers.”

Africhange currently supports remittance services across more than 100 corridors globally, with more corridors across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas to come, as well as a broader range of payment and financial services for users.

Remittances from the UK to Africa represent a significant and growing financial flow

- more than $8 billion was remitted to various countries on the continent in 2023. Recent reports suggest that Nigeria is among the biggest global recipients of remittance from the UK, driven by strong historical ties between both countries, as well as a large and growing Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

However, according to the World Bank, Africa has some of the most expensive remittance corridors in the world, with up to 15 percent of the overall amount to remit funds to some African countries.

Africhange leverages its innovative platform to deliver seamless, cost-effective and user-friendly global payment experiences for users, enabling them to transfer funds internationally.

focused on educating students about the diverse and rewarding career paths available in the hospitality industry, serves as a prelude to the upcoming launch of a comprehensive hospitality academy.

The CHG chairman said the initiative highlights the Continentals Hotels Group’s commitment to CSR within the Nigerian hospitality industry.

He identified the benefits to include information on various career paths, industry trends, and essential skills needed for success.

Responding, UNILAG Deputy

Vice Chancellor, Developmental Services, Prof Ayodele Atsenuwa thanked the management of Continental Hotels for the unparalleled opportunity to the students and for providing a veritable avenue to raise future graduates for the Nigerian economy.

According to her, the academy would unveil the opportunities in the hospitality industry, pointing out that the university awaits its eventual unfolding of the corporate social investment of the Continental Hotels Group.

Access Bank has partnered with the British Council for the seventh edition of the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (BROCLA).

The partnership is in line with Access Bank’s commitment to supporting the educational sector and recognizing students who have excelled on national and global stages in the May/June 2023 and Oct/Nov 2023 Cambridge International Examinations.

Access Bank in a statement noted that the well-attended event which took place recently in Lagos, testifies to Access Bank’s brand positioning and its strategic alliances with reputable partners.

Speaking at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, Head, Emerging Businesses Team at Access Bank, Chioma Kema Ogwo, said the importance of education cannot be overstated, noting that it is a sector Access Bank is heavily investing in.

She stated that it is because of Access Bank’s value for education that it partnered with the British Council in the 7th edition of the British Council Recognitions and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (BROCLA).

“We at Access Bank are big on education and we have several offerings for the education value chain, from the parents - including

access to finance for the school fees of their wards, access to exclusive offerings while transiting to visit their wards abroad, supplementary cards that can be used by their wards abroad and so much more.

“The schools are also not left out as we have access to affordable finance options for the schools for working capital, asset finance, and school expansion projects. We have a special school account for schools that recognizes their unique term cycles and offers a wide range of non-financial offerings,” Ogwo said. Earlier in his address, Senior Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cambridge International Education, Der Riet commended the 48 recipients of the high achievement awards and eight students who have excelled across multiple subjects to earn the best awards, describing their dedication to studies and ability to excel across a diverse range of subjects as truly commendable. He acknowledged Access Bank for partnering with the British Council for the Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards 2024 saying that it is a vindication of the Bank’s commitment to promoting education in Nigeria.

Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser said of all the outstanding learner events across the world, Nigeria is by far the most glamorous, and acknowledged all the successful students for their brilliance, ambition, strength, and for simply being outstanding.

Ebere Nwoji

Ebere Nwoji

Ejiofor Alike

In a move designed to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals, the Chairman of

Continental Hotels Group, Mr. Ramesh Kansagra, has unveiled a new career initiative for students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as part of the Corporate Social

of the ivory

Nume Ekeghe

Leadway Health Wins NHEA HMO Excellence Award

Ebere Nwoji

Health insurance expert, Leadway Health Management Organisation Limited, has for the second time won the prestigious Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) of the Year award at the recently concluded Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2024.

The HMO said the achievement solidified its position as a leader in the healthcare sector.

Leadway Health CEO, Dr

Tokumbo Alli speaking in respect of the award honour said enrollees and the general public cast their votes for Leadway Health, sharing testimonies about the exceptional service and engagement they enjoy from the company.

“This level of dedication from enrollees underscores the impact of Leadway Health HMO’s customer-centric approach.Often referred to as the “Oscars of Nigerian Healthcare”, he said.

The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA)

celebrate outstanding contributions and achievements within Nigeria’s healthcare industry.

Alli, said emerging as the HMO of the Year for the second consecutive year validated the organisation’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare solutions to Nigerians. “Our enrollees went out of their way to vote for us, sharing testimonies about the exceptional service and engagement they enjoy from us. With a focus on leveraging

advanced technologies, expanding our network of healthcare providers, and enhancing our service delivery, we aim to ensure our clients receive the best possible care,” he stated.

According to him, the recognition motivated the organisation’s workforce to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation in service delivery.

Expressing their deep appreciation of the Leadway Health team for the award,

Non-profit Firm Commits to Empower SMEs, Women-Led Businesses

Grooming Splash, a non-profit organization has reiterated the need to empowering MSMEs, clientelles and Women-led businesses to weather the storms of economic hardships in the country.

Speaking at the 13th edition of GROOMING SPLASH in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, explained the broad reach of the 386 winners, spanning 32 States in the country.

He also noted that the ecosystem of grooming splash has grown over the last 13 years to providing array of grants, individual loans, SMEs loans, establishment of grooming centres and lending platforms for SMEs and Women-Led businesses to improve business climate for young indigenous entrepreneurs in the country.

He remarked that this year’s

edition leveraged technology to ensure inclusivity and transparency, further showcasing our commitment to innovation.

The firm also butressed the need to support women in businesses adding that this had led to the establishment of over 600 branches spanning across the 32 states for the past 13 years to provide scholarships, grants for Women-Led businesses to improve their enterprise and bolster the economic strength of SMEs in the country.

The firm also added that the Grooming splash organization would continue to provide digital driven solutions for businesses within its landscape while positing that this would scale up public sector products and

parastatals to equip themselves with the necessary.

Also, the 13th edition of Grooming Splash annual event witnessed the emergence of 386 winners spanning across 32 states from the 2024 edition hosted by Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre. These 386 Winners are Women whom will believe will in turn empower their families.

According to him, “We are committed to support people at the bottom of the pyramid and we started from our small branch to reach out to a single individual. We are having challenges with a few zones affected by insecurity and we hope the government will address the issues concerning insecurity to enable small businesses to have access to financial services and

inclusion along our pyramid.”

Also speaking, Executive Director, Programmes, Alexander Enyinnah, highlighted that the 13th year edition of Grooming Splash, was designed to strengthen our bond with clients and enhance brand loyalty. Over the years, our projects have required substantial investments, and we are thankful for the consistent support despite economic challenges.”

On her part, A fellow and one of the Member of Grooming Governing Council, Grooming Centre, Mrs. Ier Jonathan said we are building sustainability for SMEs through our impacts to improve livelihoods and expand our touch points for our clients to access micro credits, grants and scholarships.

Alli said with the recognition from the NHEA committee, his team’s focus remained steadfast on revolutionising healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He appreciated the trust and support of the organisation’s clients adding that it would be dedicated to continuously enhancing their healthcare experience.

“Our mission goes beyond providing health insurance; it is about transforming lives and making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our communities. We will continue to invest in our people, processes, and technology to ensure we remain at the forefront of the healthcare industry.

NAICOM Promotes Salami, Four Others Directors

Ebere Nwoji

The Governing Board of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has announced the approval of promotion of five staff of the organisation to Director grade level.

The approval disclosed by the commission to the media on Monday was made at the board’s meeting held on 21 June, 2024.

The commission in the statement gave the names of the promoted employees as Mr. Ajibola Bankole who is now Director, Inspectorate, Mr. Ahmad Ibrahim Adamu – Director, Technology, Strategy & Research, Dr. Talmiz Usman – Director, Legal, Enforcement & Market Development, Mr. Kamaludeen Barde – Director, Finance &

Accounts, Mr. Rasaaq Salami – Director, Human Resources & Administration.

The NAICOM statement also said the board also approved the updated organisational structure of the Commission to enhance its efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability. It said the restructuring ensured that the organisational structure aligns with the Commission’s strategic goals and objectives, aiding the executive management in achieving its mandate.

The new directorates are: Inspectorate; Supervision; Market Conduct & Complaint Bureau; Innovation and Regulation; Legal, Enforcement & Market Development; Human Resources & Administration; Finance & Accounts; and Technology, Strategy & Research.

Crime&Punishment

72-year-old Gets Life Sentence for

Defiling Neighbour’s Daughter

Funke Olaode

‘She dragged me inside, blocked my mouth with clothes and sexually assaulted me,” said a girl raped by a septuagenarian (72-year-old) security guard, David Jackson. She was seven years old at the time of the rape. The convict committed the offence on May 16, 2022, on Oyedele Close, Ojodu, Berger in Lagos.

According to the victim (name withheld), her brother sent her on an errand when Jackson dragged her into his room, covered her mouth with a handkerchief and raped her.

At the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Court, before Justice Abiola Soladoye, the second prosecution witness, the victim’s teacher at the time, said a pupil reported to her that the victim was not feeling well and walking

awkwardly.

The teacher, in her evidence, said she made an inquiry and discovered that the survivor was complaining of pains in her private parts and that someone sexually assaulted her. This was corroborated by the testimony of the clear, consistent and coherent girl under cross-examination.

Justice Soladoye also said the teacher invited the girl’s parents, but they did not show up. The

teacher, therefore, reported the case, and the girl was referred to Mirabel Medical Centre in Ikeja. The medical report from the centre was forwarded to the police.

The state counsel, Ms. Abimbola Abolade, called three witnesses while the convict testified as a sole witness.

The father of the survivor who testified identified the defendant as a security guard around his neighbourhood, and he was with

N1bn Judgment: Appeal Court Upholds Order Freezing AMCON Funds in 24 Banks

Wale igbintade

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division has affirmed the order of a Federal High Court in Lagos, freezing the account of the Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) in the custody of 24 commercial banks operating in Nigeria over alleged N1.015 billion debt owed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Anthony Ajibola Aribisala.

In its lead judgement delivered by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, the appellate court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to set aside the order freezing AMCON’s bank accounts.

Other members of the panel, Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero, and Justice Paul Ahmed Bassi aligned themselves with the lead judgment.

The appeal is against the ruling of Justice Tijjani Ringim of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, which set aside the order attaching funds belonging to the Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) in the custody of 24

commercial banks operating in Nigeria over the alleged N1.015 billion debt.

Justice Ringim, in his ruling, held that the judgment creditor (Aribisala) failed to seek and obtain the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation before the commencement of the Garnishee Proceedings against AMCON.

Dissatisfied, the appellant (Aribisala), by a notice of appeal filed on November 18, 2022, prayed the court to allow the appeal and set aside the lower court’s ruling.

The appellant, through his lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), stated that the lower court was wrong when it held that the appellant’s application was predicated on section 19 (3) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2021 (as amended) and section 84 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2010, which require the consent of the attorney general of the federation before the judgment in issue is enforced against the judgment debtor (AMCON).

He submitted that by section

6(6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the judicial powers vested in the Federal High Court shall extend to all matters between persons or between government or authority and any person in Nigeria and to all actions and proceedings relating thereto for the determination of any questions as to the civil right and obligations of the person.

Resolving the matter, Justice Mohammed Mustapha, in his lead judgement, held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain AMCON’s application seeking setting aside of the garnishee order nisi made on November 4, 2022, when the respondent’s letter dated November 11, 2022, seeking the transfer of the suit to another judge was not filed in the registry of the court.

The court said, “It goes without saying, therefore, that the issue of jurisdiction can never be overemphasised. The defect in the jurisdiction of the lower court can be easily situated within the two conditions stated in the celebrated case of Madukolu V. Nkemdilim

(1962) 2 NSCC page 374; as (a) a feature in the case, which ought to have prevented the court from exercising jurisdiction, and (b) the fulfilment of a condition precedent to the exercise of jurisdiction.

“Now, in this case, even though the document was purportedly acted by the deputy chief registrar, (DCR), and the administrative judge, there is nothing to show that it was duly filed by payment of the requisite fees. The payment of the requisite fees, therefore, is to validate the filing of the process presented and enable the registry of the court to carry out all other administrative duties in respect thereof.”

It added, “The payment of fees, which learned counsel for the respondent sought to downplay, is vital in every sense of the word, no less vital than any precondition because it is what validates the process as a legal document capable of being acted upon. Once the necessary fee is not paid, the document becomes a worthless piece of paper legally.

Warri’s Fresh Delineation: Group Alleges Attempt to Rubbish Judiciary, Petitions Chief Judge

Wale igbintade

The Warri Justice and Truth Forum, a pressure group in the Warri federal constituency, Delta, has raised the alarm over attempts to rubbish the judiciary by making a federal high court sit on appeal over the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The group in a statement signed by Comrade Arerebo Egbejule (president), French Ikada (Secretary) and Kenneth Ikoro (public relations officer), stated that since the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in Appeal NO. SC/413/2016: Hon. George U. Timinimi & Ors v. INEC on December 2, 2022, a group of persons representing an ethnic interest in the Warri federal constituency has been shopping for an injunction from

different divisions of the Federal High Court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from implementing the judgment of the highest court in the land.

Giving specific details of the attempts, the group stated that on May 23, 2024, the trustees of Ugbarajo Iwere Leaders Foundation approached the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division in suit number FHC/WR/CS/46/2024 to apply for an interim injunction to restrain INEC from going ahead with the fresh delineation without informing the court presided over by Justice I. M. Sani that the Supreme Court ordered the process.

“It is important to note that the subject matter of Suit No. FHC/B/109/1997 has to do with

the number of wards only Warri South Local Government Area,” said the group. “But the application for interim injunction was to restrain INEC from going ahead with the fresh delineation in Warri North and Warri South West Local Government Areas, which had nothing to do with Suit No. FHC/B/109/1997.”

However, the group stated that the application for an interim injunction, which was applied for while INEC was having stakeholders’ meeting at Warri on 8/7/2024 to formally commence the delineation process was rejected by Justice Quadri of the Federal High Court, Benin Judicial Division.

The forum stated that all these attempts were aimed at ridiculing the Nigerian judiciary by asking the court

to sit on appeal over the judgment of the Supreme Court which is an aberration. It added that the accused persons and their lawyers, in all their applications, deliberately refused to inform the different divisions of the court of the existence of the Supreme Court judgment on fresh delineation in Warri federal constituency.

The forum called on the chief judge of the Federal High Court to maintain and implement the existing policy for matters to be filed within the judicial division where the issues arise from.

It also stressed the need for vigilance and proactive steps to save the Nigerian Judiciary from being rubbished by people who want lower courts to sit on appeals over Supreme Court judgments.

his wife, who was ill in the hospital when the incident happened.

According to the court, the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were credible and convincing, and the prosecution proved the case of defilement against the defendant.

“First, the survivor was a child as she came to the court to testify. Secondly, the defendant had sexual intercourse with her, and there was no consent as the survivor is a minor,” said the judge.

The judge held that attempts of the accused to shy away from the charge did not hold water. Having established that the

convict was guilty, Justice Soladoye sentenced the septuagenarian to life imprisonment.

Soladoye, in her judgment, held that the girl was eight years old when she testified before the court and identified Jackson as a gateman in one of the houses on her street.

In its judgment, the court also held that the testimony of the girl’s father was credible and corroborated with the evidence of the other two prosecution witnesses.

The judge also ordered that the convict’s name be registered in the Sexual Offences Register maintained by the Lagos government.

Father Bags Life Sentence for Sleeping with Daughter

Funke Olaode

Confusion, anger, and emotions ran through court sympathisers, family members and onlookers as judgment of incest was being delivered by Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in the case of Oluwafemi Asekeji who had canal knowledge of his 14-year-old daughter (name withheld). The state’s prosecution counsel, Ms Abimbola Abolade, told the court that the incident occurred on June 11, 2020, at about 11:00 p.m.

She said the incident took place at the Meiran area of Lagos and that the convict’s daughter was 12 years old when he had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

According to the judge, the father of the convict, who is 75 years old, in his testimony, told the court that Oluwafemi Asekeji is his son and the father of the victim.

He told the court that his son defiled his granddaughter by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

The judge said the victim, in her testimony, told the court that she was 14 years old but that she was 12 years old when her father raped her.

She testified that on June 11, 2020, she and her father were at home when her drunk father came in and asked her to enter the house and then instructed her to lie on a couch and later on the bed. The victim told the court that her father asked her to take off her clothes and then had sex with her.

“He laid on me and put his penis in my vagina, and then he took videos of me and threatened to show the video to people if I told anybody what had happened. After he was done, he asked me to add salt into water and drink it,” she said.

The minor also told the court that she couldn’t tell anyone earlier because the convict had threatened to kill her if she told anyone that he had been sexually abusing her before the June 11, 2020, incident.

The judge also said the medical doctor at Mirabel Medical Centre who examined the victim on June 15, 2020, said the victim told him that her father had sexual intercourse with her several times until the last time when he was arrested.

The doctor who examined the victim said a penis and finger could cause bruises on the victim’s vagina. He also added that the victim’s hymen was broken.

The convict’s grandmother, in her evidence, told the court that she returned from the market and saw blood on the girl’s pants.

She said her granddaughter told her that she was having stomach pain and her father gave her something to drink and then told her the incident that occurred.

The victim’s grandmother said that they had to go and make a report at the Meiran police station. Upon reporting to the police, the accused was arrested.

The convict’s brother, in his testimony, told the court that Asekeji had been causing problems in the family and had been arrested before.

The convict who testified as the sole witness in his case denied having sexual intercourse with his daughter.

The judge sentenced him after finding him guilty of having unlawful sexual intercourse with his 14-year-old daughter.

In her judgment, the judge held that the convict having sexual intercourse with his own daughter was against the law of nature.

She said, “It’s a case of incest that should never be heard of.”

Insurance Sector Grow Premium by 35% in 2023

Ebere Nwoji

Insurance sector at the close of business year 2023 achieved 35 per cent growth over what it achieved in 2022 in terms of premium generation.

From N736.2 billion premium generated in 2022, the sector in 2023 generated over N1 trillion premium.

Industry stakeholders said this marked the achievement of a trillion Naira market target set for the industry by NAICOM.

Total assets of the sector during the period stood at N2.67 trillion while capitalisation stood at N 851 billion in 2023.

The net claim posted by the industry was N669.4 billion, with the non-life segment contributing N329 billion, while the life segment recorded N340.4 billion.

Presenting the report at the 59th Annual General Meeting

(AGM) of the Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA), held in Lagos, the association’s Acting chairman Kunle Ahmed, lamented the persisting low insurance penetration in the country.

“Insurance penetration is still very low with efforts to raise the low rate of penetration tied to addressing persistent levels of unemployment and poverty. The Association will continue to support, collaborate and work closely with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other stakeholders within the financial services sector to promote the business of insurance through the development of innovative products especially for those financially excluded, and the enforcement of compulsory insurances towards the growth and development of our industry,” he said. Ahmed was optimistic that

passage of the Nigerian Insurance Reform Bill 2024 currently waiting on the floor of 10th National Assembly would go a long way to address the low insurance penetration problem.

He said the association had made spirited effort to ensure that the Consolidated Insurance Bill 2023 was signed into law during the last administration, but that this was not achieved.

He said currently concerted efforts were being made by the association to ensure the new revised bill was passed to reposition the insurance industry and to enable stakeholders operate in line with global best practice.

“We thank all members of the Governing Council, our past chairmen that work assiduously in the light of the previous bill and have also continued to provide the needed support to see that the new bill is signed into law”.

eTranzact Deploys Digital Verification System for Military Pensions Board

eTranzact Plc, has announced its role as the technology solution provider for the Military Pensions Board’s new digital verification system for military pensioners, officially launched on July 1, 2024.

In a press statement, the company said that the initiative marks a significant milestone in leveraging technology to streamline pension verification processes and enhance the welfare of military retirees across Nigeria.

It also stated that with federal government approval, the Military Pensions Board is transitioning from traditional physical verification methods to an advanced electronic system developed and deployed by eTranzact.

“This transition aims to minimize travel risks, reduce transportation costs, and accom-

modate the advanced age of many pensioners,” it said.

Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, emphasized the necessity of this transition, stating that the move to electronic verification is crucial for the safety and convenience of military pensioners.

“This innovative solution will ensure that retirees can verify their status from anywhere in the world, significantly reducing the burden of travel and associated risks. Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, have endorsed the electronic verification exercise, recognizing its potential to revolutionise the military pensions system.

“The key benefits of the digital verification system include

enhanced security by reducing the risk of identity fraud and impersonation, convenience by allowing pensioners to complete verification from their homes, cost efficiency by eliminating the need for travel, and accessibility by accommodating pensioners residing both within and outside Nigeria,” the statement read.

CEO of eTranzact, Niyi Toluwalope, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are honoured to collaborate with the Military Pensions Board on this transformative project. At eTranzact, we are committed to harnessing the power of technology to solve critical challenges and improve the quality of life of Nigerians. This digital verification system affirms our dedication to innovation and excellence.”

Industry Veteran, Denis Simonin Joins Beta Glass Board

Sunday Ehigiator

Beta Glass Plc, has announced the appointment of industry veteran and Etex’s former Country Manager for Nigeria, Mr. Denis Simonin to its Board of Directors.

A statement from the company said the strategic move was aimed at further strengthening the company’s leadership and expertise in the glass industry.

The statement read: “Simonin is a highly experienced international executive with a long track record of significant

achievements and expertise in the glass and construction industries.

“Over the past 31 years, he has held various leadership roles at Saint-Gobain, including Managing Director for glass packaging divisions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and the USA, fostering growth and expanding operations.”

Speaking on Simonin’s appointment, the Chairman Board of Directors, Beta Glass Plc, Dr. Vitus Chidiebere Ezinwa, said,

“We are delighted to have Denis Simonin join the Board of Directors at Beta Glass.

“With his extensive experience in the glass industry, proven operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, he is an invaluable addition to our Board. As we strive to enhance performance, drive excellence in quality, and expand our reach in West and Central Africa, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and dynamic energy he will bring to our team,” he concluded.

Registration Opens for Propak’s Manufacturing Exhibition

Propak West Africa returns in September to unite the manufacturing industry across three action packed days in Lagos. With the countdown started until the doors open, now is the time to register to attend and be the first to hear the latest news and updates.

Last year marked the milestone of the 10th Edition of Propak, which saw a record attendance of both exhibitors and visitors at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. Building on from that and growing into the

forth hall at the centre this year for the first time, the exhibition continues to go from strength to strength.

Speciality Pulp and Paper Limited have taken the Platinum Sponsor position for the 2024 exhibition, with their market leading products taking centre stage. Alongside them from the Nigerian market companies including Alef Recycling, C. Woerman Nigeria Limited, Betaglass Limited, JMG Ltd, Krones West Africa, have all confirmed their stands at the

exhibition already, looking to build on their current market share.

Internationally also, many new companies have confirmed their stands at the premier exhibition for the sector with AISA Automation, Carbokene, Coperion, Goma Engineering, MLT Pack Services, Neofyton, Phoenix Industries, Reifenhauser Blown Film, Sacmi Beverage, Snetor Chimie, Tricon Dry Chemicals and Vinmar International ready to meet the West African audience in Lagos.

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00

(Equatorial Guinea),

Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, flanked by (from left) MD/CEO of eTranzact Plc,

Mr. Niyi Toluwalope, and Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, during the stakeholder presentation to the Chief of Defense staff in Abuja...recently

NGX Suspends Eight Companies Worth N57.11bn in Market Cap

Kayode Tokede

For not submitting a full year ended December 31, 2023 result and accounts, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday disclosed that it has suspended eight listed companies worth an estimated N57.11 billion in market capitalisation.

The eight companies are: Guinea Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mutual

Benefits Assurance Plc, NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Secure Electronic Technology Plc, Unity Bank Plc and C & I Leasing Plc.

According to THISDAY investigations, Unity Bank, among the eight suspended companies, has highest market capitalisation, followed by Mutual Benefits Assurance.

As of July 5, 2024, Unity Bank had N17.65 billion in

market capitalisation, Mutual Benefits Assurance’s market capitalisation at N12.24 billion.

NPF Microfinance Bank and Lasaco Assurance came third and fourth with about N10.07 billion and N4.22 billion in market capitalisation, respectively.

Others: C & I Leasing, N4.03 billion; Secure Electronic Technology, N3.21 billion; Regency Alliance Insurance, N3 billion and Guinea Insurance, N2.70 billion.

Post-listing rules at the NGX required quoted companies to submit their audited results, not later than 90 calendar days, or three months, after the expiration of the period. The rules also require quoted companies to submit an interim reports not later than 30 calendar days after the end of the relevant period. Further findings by THISDAY revealed there are 28 companies in total that have failed in filling result and accounts for 2023

financial year. The Head, Issuer Regulation Department, NGX Limited, Mr. Godstime Iwenekhai in a signed statement notified investing public that the suspension is based on the pursuant to Rule 3.1, Rules for filing of accounts and treatment of default filing.

The rule provides that: “If an Issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the Cure Period, the Exchange will send to the Issuer a “Second

Filing Deficiency Notification” within two business days after the end of the Cure Period; suspend trading in the Issuer’s securities; and notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Market within 24 hours of the suspension.” He noted that the suspension was effective Monday, 8 July 2024 on the eight for not filing their Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023:

TRADED ASOF j U LY 9/24

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Kadars Gate Apartments: Palton Morgan’s

Attempt at Re-defining Affordable Luxury

The launch of Kadars Gate Luxury Apartments by Palton Morgan Holdings might be to bridge the gap between demand and availability of luxury apartments. But it is also about ‘affordable luxury’. Bennett Oghifo writes

When it comes to housing, defining luxury is relative depending on the taste of the individual involved and of course, his or her financial capabilities. But it is also possible to combine luxury with relative ease of affordability. And that is exactly what Palton Morgan Holdings plan to achieve with its new project, Kadars Gate.

Recently, the real estate company said the new endeavour was to set a new standard for luxurious living, offering an exclusive bite of affluence, “specially curated for discerning individuals who seek to elevate their living experiences,” the company said in a recent statement.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the Marketing Director, Mumtaz Zaidi, said the new project was conceptualised to be a “distinguished Nigerian gentleman or lady’s dream.” He said the aim of Palton Morgan Holdings was to provide premium apartments which elevate an average tenant or homeowners living experience.

“Our goal for Kadar’s gate is to provide premium apartments that elevate people’s living experience. We are delighted to welcome potential buyers of this upscale property, to join our exclusive list of luxurious home owners in one of Nigeria’s premium locations. We are developing Kadar’s Gate in line with our mission to create contemporary structures, aspirational lifestyles and thriving communities for the truly deserving. We invite you to make the right decision of elevating your real estate experience by investing in this unique piece of luxury.”

The move by Palton Morgan could best be understood within the context of dearth of premium luxury apartments for those who could afford them. Apart from the fact that many of them could not even afford to live in any other environment apart from highbrow ones, these upscale Nigerians are also choosy when it comes to facilities that are available in properties they are offered.

“At times, it is not arrogance of being finicky on the part of these prospective homeowners,” Oladele

Ezekiel, a property consultant told THISDAY. “The fact is that they are picky and choosy when you market certain properties to them. They simply ask you some questions and the moment you can satisfactorily answer these questions, the discussion will be over.”

He added that perhaps, Palton Morgan might be able to bridge this gap and offer what these upper middle class Nigerians are looking for in a property. Kadars Gate Luxury apartments are located on Musa Yar’adua Street, Victoria Island, and is valued at N5 billion and N7 billion. From all indications, it is set to become the most sought-after choice for luxury accommodation, as the units consisting of one to three bedroom apartment would showcase opulent interiors, cutting-edge designs, and unique state-of-the-art amenities such as smart home technology for lighting, security, and climate control; high-end kitchen appliances, home theatres or entertainment rooms with top-of-the-line audiovisual equipment, spa-like bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs and steam showers, high-speed internet connectivity and home office spaces for remote work, private swimming pools and well-prunned gardens, among others.

Sources close to the real estate company said Kadars Gate was in line with its determination to reshape the real estate landscape. The sources pointed to Skyvilla and Claren Villas which were projects handled by Grenadine Homes, a subsidiary of Palton Morgan Holdings. These projects have, to some extent, redefined luxury living in Lagos high-brow locations like Ikoyi, offering unparalleled spaces designed for those who seek the extraordinary. Renowned for their contemporary designs, both structures feature stunning architecture, meticulously planned floor layouts and an ambiance that fosters creativity and luxury.

There is also the ongoing project, the Paramount Twin Towers, which aims to transform the idea

of luxury living. Located within an earshot of the Atlantic Ocean, the mixed-use tower boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and an architectural grandeur that stirs the senses. With its extravagant design and breathtaking views, the Paramount Twin Towers epitomise the pinnacle of luxury living. The company said Kadars Gate is fashioned after the ideas of luxury that accentuated these projects.

Speaking further, Zaidi said they were ready to welcome potential buyers who would be the first to have a taste of luxury the project has to offer.

“We are delighted to welcome potential buyers of this upscale property, to join our exclusive list of luxurious homeowners in one of Nigeria’s premium locations. We are developing Kadars Gate in line with our mission to create contemporary structures, aspirational lifestyles and thriving communities for the truly deserving. We invite you to make the right decision to elevate your real estate experience by investing in this unique piece of luxury.”

In his own remarks, Peter Raven, Director of Projects and Development of the company, said:

“At Kadars Gate, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled construction quality. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every detail is meticulously crafted, providing our clients with homes that stand the test of time. Quality isn’t just a standard; it’s our promise.”

As one of the leading luxury real estate development brands in Nigeria, setting the benchmark for opulence, innovation, and unparalleled quality, the company says it is committed to crafting exceptional properties that epitomise elegance and sophistication.

“We are at the forefront of the industry,” Zaidi further said. “Palton Morgan’s developments redefine modern living, offering a seamless blend of architectural brilliance, state-of-the-art technology, and impeccable craftsmanship. Each property is meticulously curated to reflect the highest standards

of luxury, presenting a unique combination of artistry and functionality.”

He added that their dedication to excellence extends to every detail, from the grand facades to the meticulously designed interiors. When asked if the cost of building and procurement of other materials could make them make some adjustments on the deliverables, Zaidi said that was not so.

He explained further that the only ‘compromise’ that could be made would be in delivering the ultimate living experience, as each residence exudes exclusivity, sophistication, and a sense of grandeur that resonates with its distinguished clientele.

Other subsidiaries and business units of the company include PropertyMart Real Estate Investment, Grenadines Homes, Oceanna Development, PM Capital, Metchuruti Contractors, and Paltonloitte.

With a workforce of over 200 skilled professionals, the group said it has achieved remarkable milestones since it started business in 2008 and has delivered over 7,000 housing units and serviced plots to delighted customers in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. Zaidi said this was a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

No doubt, Palton Morgan’s Kadars Gate luxury apartments would be something spectacular to behold, but that also would not stop critics from alluding to the fact that its focus only seem to cater for the high earners and those with deep pockets as their estates are not just to live but to enjoy some touch of luxury. With the gap between the rich and the poor widening every day, many might say this is another testament to that.

But that would not also take anything away from the fact that as a real estate company, Palton Morgan has its niche and target: to provide luxury apartments in highbrow areas for those who can afford it and who value it; and beyond this, those who have taste for it. And that is why Kadars Gate might go beyond affordability at the end of the day. It might actually be about those who value luxury and would like to go for it without necessarily breaking the bank for it.

Eniola: MAIHOMM Promotes Fractional Housing, Easier Access to Property Ownership

Bennett Oghifo

A real estate company, Management Property Limited (MAIHOMM), is promoting an innovative homeownership and investment model that requires a group of people to buy a single property from which they will reap regular returns through rental income.

The Founder of Management Property Limited (MAIHOMM), Mr. Eni Eniola, who explained who fractional housing work, at a media parley in Lagos, recently, said, “you can get on a property ladder by starting on a fractional basis.”

According to him, “MAIHOMM as an innovative fractional real estate company. When I say ‘innovative’ it’s because it’s different from the regular real estate that we all know. We deal with fractional housing in the sense that we don’t sell full

properties. Right, that’s not what we do, we break things down and I’ll explain to you what I mean by that. This is a concept that comes from my background in investment banking. So this idea came from, like you will see, the selling of stocks. At one point nobody could buy Microsoft shares or Apple shares because it’s like $1,000 per share and then a couple of years ago, just right after COVID this idea of breaking it into pieces came into fruition, which people now started. Now you can buy Apple shares for maybe $5 just to be a part of it. That’s what gave birth to the word fractional when it comes to investments.

“So, we now added that into the real estate sector. And we did that in the sense that we all know that real estate seems to be what is the safest mode of investments anybody can do right now, whether it’s for our personal houses or for rental income.” Eniola said these property being promoted are in the UK, and he explained how it works. “So for

let’s say we get a property in the UK for 100,000 pounds, right? What we now do is we bring 20 people together to

Zaidi

L-R: Company Secretary, Omomene Obanor; Director, Ayo Adigun; Chairman, Board of Directors, Emmanuel Nnorom; Director, Agatha Obiekwugo; Director, Obong Idiong; and Director Property Development, Kayode Odebiyi, all of Afriland Properties Plc at the facility tour of Afriland’s newest development, The Residences by Afriland, in Ikoyi… recently

Kadars Gate Luxury Apartments

EDUCATION

Ulster University: Nigerian Students Represent Quality, Resilient in Pursuit of Education

With a history dating back to the 1800’s, Ulster University Northern Ireland, today stands out as one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic and innovative universities, with a spirit that transforms lives, stretches minds and raises ambition. These attributes ensure that Nigerian students receive a top-tier education that equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen careers. Ahead of his visit to Nigeria, Niall McAleer, the Regional Manager for the Middle-East and Africa region at Ulster University in this interview with THISDAY, spoke about the institution that has become the preferred citadel of learning for many Nigerian students

Ulster University has become attractive to Nigerian students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the last decade. What do you think stands your institution out?

Thank you very much for this question.

Ulster University’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research is well-recognised in Nigeria. As the university boasts stateof-the-art facilities, a robust curriculum, and a faculty comprised of leading experts in various fields. We are a multi-campus institution with three campuses across Northern Ireland and a total student population of over 30,000. We offer both city and rural campus locations in Northern Ireland specialising in study areas of Business, Life and Health Sciences, Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Also, we enjoy a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research while simultaneously playing a leading role in the enrichment of the social, economic, and cultural life of Northern Ireland. We continue to create transformational learning and research opportunities that inspire, develop and support our students and staff to reach new horizons. In addition, Northern Ireland is considered one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, and offers a wide range of cultural, social and historic places to visit.

How many Nigerians do you admit annually and what are your expectations for this year?

Ulster University welcomes over 100 new Nigerian students every year to campus.

What are the observed trends in international students’ enrollment and admission?

During the 2020-2022 pandemic period, Ulster University dedicated numerous resources to support Nigerian students coming to the United Kingdom for their studies. We have continued to enhance our support systems to help students navigate the challenges of relocating and studying in a new country. This support extends from the application process all the way through to arrival and enrolment.

Recently, Nigerian students have faced difficulties due to the currency situation in Nigeria. A weakening naira has led many to reconsider the affordability of international education. We take great pride in our diverse student body and strive to implement measures that address challenges in different regions. For Nigerian applicants, we offer a small scholarship to all self-funded students to help with tuition fees. Additionally, students have the option to pay their tuition fees in manageable instalments.

From your experience, what are the challenges Nigerians and other international students encounter in your institution and how do you alleviate them?

Nigerian and other international students at Ulster University often face challenges such as seeking community and a sense of belonging upon their arrival. Moving to a new country can be a

nerve-wracking experience for students and a source of concern for their families and friends.

To ease this transition, Ulster University hosts a Welcome Week for all new students. This event helps students get oriented with the city, campus, and student life, providing them with a sense of comfort and security. It also reassures their families back home that they are safe and well taken care of by a supportive university community.

For Nigerian students specifically, the opportunity to meet fellow Nigerians can be particularly comforting. This camaraderie with peers who share similar backgrounds helps alleviate the initial anxiety of moving to a new environment. Settling in is crucial for international students as it lays the foundation for their university experience. At Ulster University, we prioritize helping students build connections and create a supportive community, enabling them to thrive both academically and personally.

How often do you engage your recruitment agents in Nigeria, or don’t you have any?

Ulster University maintains a strong network of recruitment agents across Nigeria who are well-versed in our courses and the excellent teaching environment we provide. To support and guide our agents with their applicants, we have two full-time staff members dedicated to this role. I personally visit Nigeria at least once a year to strengthen our working relationships.

Additionally, we regularly keep in touch online, providing remote support to our network as needed. Every two years, we invite our agents to visit our campus, ensuring they stay familiar with our offerings and can effectively promote

our university to prospective students.

Last year, the Nigerian government’s policy on exchange rate forced many Nigerian students to return home, how did that affect your institution?

The exchange rate policy significantly influenced the decisions of many Nigerians who intended to study in the UK. For those still in Nigeria, we reassured them that we would try to hold their study offers for a future intake, hoping they would resume as soon as they can. We also advised new students to carefully consider the appropriateness of accepting their study place given the circumstances. For students already in the UK, the situation was challenging. Ulster University offers a range of services to support student wellbeing, finance, and academics. These services were extensively utilised to help Nigerian students navigate their circumstances. Additionally, we provide a Financial Hardship Fund to assist students facing difficulties with daily living expenses, covering short-term needs such as food and shelter. This fund aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures caused by the exchange rate fluctuations.

Over the years, what is your assessment of applicants from Nigeria?

Applicants come from a range of states across Nigeria. We have Nigerians from large cities and rural areas who are seeking to continue their education journey in an international setting. Nigerian applicants represent quality and we regularly encounter students coming from top Nigerian schools and universities to pursue their studies at Ulster University. Nigerians are truly resilient in their approach to education and their sheer determination to succeed is evident from the moment they land in the UK.

Does Ulster University have any relationship with any Nigerian university, and what are the possible areas of collaboration with universities in Nigeria?

Ulster University has active partnerships with universities across the globe. We are active in seeking collaboration opportunities with like minded universites who share similar areas of study and research.

Since Nigeria is one of your major markets, is there a plan to set up a campus here?

Setting up a university campus in another country is a significant undertaking. Typically, universities begin by strengthening existing partnerships within the country before considering the establishment of a new campus. Many Nigerian students are drawn to the UK education system and the experience of living in the UK during their studies. However, for those who prefer to stay with their families or continue working, Ulster University offers online study options. These programmes provide a flexible

and accessible way for Nigerians to benefit from our education without needing to relocate. While there are no immediate plans to set up a campus in Nigeria, we are committed to supporting Nigerian students through our existing programmes and partnerships.

How well are your international students prepared to tackle the problems of their countries upon graduation, and for those who choose to remain in the UK, do you assist them to get employment?

Many Nigerian students select study areas and qualifications that will enhance their skillset and improve their employment prospects in their home country. An international study experience often makes students more attractive to global employers. Being in a diverse international environment is a significant advantage for our students, helping them successfully secure employment in their chosen industries, whether in the UK, their home country, or beyond.

For those who choose to remain in the UK, we offer assistance in finding employment. Our career services provide support, including job search resources, networking opportunities, and guidance on navigating the UK job market, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges they may face and achieve their career goals.

What is your alumni strength?

Ulster University has a strong focus on employability with many courses developed in conjunction with industry and employer needs. This elevates our graduates to being highly sought after for their ability to put their study into practice. Academic and teaching staff across our university are typically practitioners in their industry and can bring true knowledge of the demands and opportunities of that industry. This prepares our graduates to enter the workforce with appropriate skills to meet employer expectations. On alumni strength, in 2016, Ulster University embarked upon an ambitious strategic plan that places global vision at its core. We are now living that strategy, having extended partnership links in 36 countries, with more than 225,000 alumni located in 154 countries across the world. Ulster University is an internationally focused university continually building new partnerships and further enhancing existing linkages.

You and your team are visiting Nigeria, what is the purpose of the visit?

Our visit to Nigeria will provide a valuable opportunity to guide, prepare, and support applicants joining Ulster University in September 2024. Meeting with our new students in Nigeria before they travel to the UK allows us to engage more meaningfully. This visit enables us to address questions and alleviate any final concerns students or their families may have. Over the past decade, Ulster University has cultivated a strong and dynamic relationship with Nigeria, welcoming an increasing number of Nigerian students each year. The university’s diverse and inclusive campus environment has been greatly enriched by the cultural contributions and academic excellence of its Nigerian student body.

Dearth of Qualified Primary School Teachers Fuelling Learning Poverty, Says UBEC

Uchechukwu Nnaike

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has bemoaned the acute shortage of qualified teachers in public primary schools, which he said is contributing to learning poverty in basic education. According to him, of the 694,078 teachers required at the primary school level, 499,202 are available, leaving a gap of 194,876.

Bobboyi stated this on Monday at a one-day meeting with the organised private sector on implementing the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme in Nigeria.

He stated that there would be 1,686,535 teachers in the basic education sub-sector in 2022, 354,651 in Early Childhood Care

and Development Education (ECCDE), 915,596 in primary and 416,291 in junior secondary schools.

He noted that ECCDE teachers increased by 123.5 per cent, from 43,368 in 2018 to 96,956 in 2022. However, public primary and junior secondary school teachers decreased by 21.0 per cent and -19 per cent in 2023. (COVID-19 being a major factor in the decrease).

He said the shortage suggests that states are not recruiting new teachers or replacing those who withdrew from service.

The UBEC boss also tasked state and local governments with increased funding of basic education, saying that basic education delivery is the constitutional responsibility of states (secondary) and local governments (pre-primary and primary).

He described the federal government’s involvement in basic education delivery as an “assistance to the state and local governments in Nigeria for the purposes of uniform and qualitative basic education throughout Nigeria.”

To demonstrate its commitment, he said that the federal government contributes 2 per cent of its Consolidated Revenue Fund (not a federation account) as a UBE intervention fund, disbursed to states in line with a sharing formula approved by the Federal Executive Council.

In line with its mandate, he saif UBEC has continued to discharge its traditional roles, made significant progress in supporting the states and local governments in the implementation of the UBE programme in Nigeria and introduced a number of innovative

programmes and activities between 2015 and June 2024.

Bobboyi, who highlighted the commission’s initiatives in the basic education sub-sector, stated that a major plank in the UBE implementation is expanding access to all children of school age.

“The combined efforts of the commission, SUBEBs and private providers have recorded some remarkable progress in getting more children into school and providing facilities to accommodate them,” he said.

According to him, the 2022/2023 UBEC National Personnel Audit revealed that there are 171,027 basic education institutions (public and private) made up of 79,775 public schools and 91,252 private schools.

“The number of basic schools increased by 16.9 per cent between 2018 and 2022. Public schools

increased by only 3.84 per cent. There are more private schools at the basic education level,” he said.

He stated that enrolment increased in 2022 by 11.9 per cent over the 2018 figure of 41,890,602, adding that gender parity has been achieved nationally, with regional variations.

“Public basic education schools cater for 71.1 per cent of total enrolment,” Bobboyi said.

He regretted the high deficit in physical infrastructure provision in schools, saying that 40 per cent of classrooms are in bad condition in the basic education sub-sector, and the poor condition of classrooms cut across all geo-political zones.

“As of 2022, 907,769 additional classrooms were required in primary schools, and 200,085 were required in junior secondary schools. All geo-political zones are above the standard ratios (learner/classroom

and learner/teacher) as specified by the National Policy on Education.

“Generally, a high percentage of learners do not have furniture in both public and private schools. Percentage of schools without toilets is worse in public schools (especially ECCDE and primary) compared to private schools. States are totally overwhelmed with the scale of dilapidation and scarcity,” Bobboyi said.

To address the challenges of basic education, he called for greater determination and collaboration between the commission and key stakeholders, saying that private entities should commit to taking further responsibility in key aspects of UBE delivery, especially creating opportunities for addressing the out-of-school children phenomenon.

Niall McAleer, Regional Manager for the Middle-East and Africa region at Ulster University Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

DUCHESS HOSPITAL WINS PRIVATE TERTIARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR 2024 AWARD...

L-R: Mr Adebanji Adekanle, Chief Financial Officer; Dr Adeyemi Onabowale, Chairman, Duchess Hospital, Ikeja and Reddington Hospital Group; Dr Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, Chief Executive Officer; Dr Olufunke Ijimakin, Chief Compliance Officer; Dr Olajide Ojo, Clinical Director at the Media Briefing to announce the award of Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year 2024, to Duchess

Edo Blames APC-led Federal Government for Suffering in Nigeria

City

Edo State Government, Monday, blamed the misery currently ravaging the country on the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government its bad economic policies

It said APC had plunged the country into economic hardship because of the party's gross mismanagement of the economy at the centre in the last nine years.

The government was reacting to accusations on Sunday by the state APC acting chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, that some officials of the Edo State government had been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraud. Tenebe also alleged that Radisson Hotel, under construction by Governor Godwin Obaseki, had been given out to a government official.

Addressing a press conference in Benin City on Tuesday, tagged, "State of the Nation," Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said it was imperative to let the people know the lies peddled by APC before they fell for the party's antics ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.

Nehikhare said rather than campaigning to the electorate for votes and telling them what the party will do if elected, APC was busy feeding the people with lies in order to win election.

According to him, in spite of efforts by the present Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) government of Godwin Obaseki to mitigate the suffering that Edo people and Nigerians had been plunged into by the APC federal government, through increase in minimum wage, free WiFi in different parts of the state, free transport scheme that had benefitted over six million Edo residents since its launch in September 2023, food palliative to millions of Edo people, free registration for pensioners into the state’s health insurance scheme, all the APC in the state could do was to sell lies to the people to win election.

Nehikhare said records abounded on how the haphazard withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the APC government on May 29, 2023 tossed the economy into chaos and pushed the people into the brink of starvation. He added that it was a known fact how the poorly thought out policy to unify the exchange rate blew the currency away, which today was impacting negatively on the economy and wellbeing of citizens.

Nehikhare said, "It has become imperative for us as representative of our people in the state government to draw the attention of the authorities and members of the public to the plight of the Edo people and, by extension, the Nigerian people.”

The commissioner added that the APC federal government had “continuously stifled business growth in the country, increasing taxes and doubling the burdens on small businesses”. It said, "The nation is slowly

descending back into terrorism with the rise of suicide bombing, among others."

Nehikhare stated that on the back of these devastation that had been caused by the APC-led federal government, the party in Edo State seemed to be surprisingly oblivious of this terrible situation.

He said, "Just like the ostrich, they have buried their heads in the sand and have continued to gush out lies and propaganda, hoping to hoodwink our people and dampen their desire to break free from the stranglehold by which the APC has shackled them for the past nine years.

"It is such show of shame to see

them sit before pressmen waving worthless pieces of papers as evidence for non-existent fraud allegations against a state government that has enthroned transparency and accountability in the course of the administration of state’s resources.

"As a party whose foundation was built on a web of lies and deceit, no gainsaying, the same way they manufactured this worthless paper is the same way they manufactured the court papers which they used in misinforming and misleading the Edo people on the candidacy of the PDP.

“It is the same manner in which they manufactured the crisis with

the palace, all in a desperate effort to hoodwink the people and reawaken their completely comatose party in Edo State.

"The governorship election in Edo State is around the corner and just the way they fooled the entire nation into bondage, they are hoping to replicate the same in Edo State, parading a hardly literate candidate, who finds it difficult expressing himself in public fora and without the verve to share his vision for the people."

Nehikhare stated that Edo people were wiser, as they knew who were their friends and who were their oppressors, and could not submit themselves again to APC to inflict

the pains and sufferings of these last few years on them the second time. He said, "Our people are determined to break from this bondage come September 21, 2024 by sustaining the leadership of the PDP at the state level. They know that the PDP is the best choice for the continued progress and prosperity of the state and will not allow lies and propaganda by their oppressors to cloud their judgment and stop them from making informed decisions for a better future for themselves and their unborn children.

"Come September 21, it is PDP or nothing and there is nothing the APC can do about it."

NCAA to Sanction Airlines Engaged in Deceitful Departure Time Scheduling

Scores 98 percent on PEBEC's ranking

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has frowned at the prevalent cases of deceitful departure time scheduling by the airlines and subsequently warned operators to desist from the infraction or face dire regulatory actions.

The Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, handed down this warn-

ing, Tuesday, at the Authority's corporate headquarters in Abuja.

Najomo said the NCAA now runs a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions.

Speaking through the NCAA Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the Ag. DGCA said when Capt. Najomo assumed office, "he made the ease of doing business the crux of his action plan for the NCAA.

Operation Delta Sanity: NNS Delta Donates Generating Set, Slasher Machines, Others to Schools in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta (NNS Delta), yesterday, donated several items including slasher machines for cutting grass to three selected primary schools in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. Also donated to the beneficiary schools were submersible pumping machines, overhead tanks, generating set, jacking water pumps, exercise books for pupils and jotters for teachers. The beneficiaries were Okodi Primary School, Cavegina Primary School and Ojojo Primary School, all located in Warri.

Presenting the items worth mil-

lions of naira, at each of the schools yesterday, Commander NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin said the gesture was in line with the Operation Delta Sanity, launched to stem illegalities in the maritime space. Commodore Muhsin, represented by the Executive Officer NNS Delta, Navy Captain Solomon Paul said "In line with the Operation Delta Sanity, an anti-crude oil operation launched by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) in January 2024.

"The Nigerian Navy (NN) directed all units under Operation Delta Sanity should also include some non-kinetic approaches into our fight against illegalities in our waters. Today (Tuesday) NNS Delta choose to

conduct Educational Rhapsody.”

Further according to him, NNS Delta identified some schools in its immediate environment and asked the schools for their immediate needs before taking further steps to address them.

Commodore Muhsin said the donated items were based on the needs of the schools as highlighted by their respective management teams.

He said that the donation was part of the NNS Delta’s contribution to learning in her immediate communities and encouraged the teachers to ensure the pupil excel.

"That is why in those exercise books, we itemised crimes within the society that will keep ringing in the heads of

the pupil. When they keep reading, they will stay away from kidnapping, drug abuse, cultism, stealing and be of good behavior," he said.

The commodore urged the pupils to study hard and become useful to their parents and the society. Representative of Warri South Local Government Area Education Authority, Dr. Ejiro Kelvin, thanked NNS Delta for the donation, describing it as very laudable.

His words: "We are proud to see this kind of things coming to our schools. Other NGOs and organisations should emulate the Navy to alleviate some of the challenges in our public schools. Government cannot do it alone. By partnering other organisations, things will be better.

In line with that action plan, he has made processes for licensing easy for operators.

"The time to secure AOC is now shorter and less cumbersome than it used to be in the past. The NCAA therefore expects reciprocity from airlines, chief of which is world-class services to passengers."

The Ag. DGCA noted that if the NCAA is making doing business easier for operators, then it follows that the operators must satisfy the passengers too with superior services.

"It has come to our notice that some airlines are being reported for advertising deceitful departure times.

"The NCAA regulation says no airline shall display deceitful passenger departure time at its counter, advert material, or on its’ website.

"We want to make it very clear that the DGCA has directed monitoring and offenders will face serious regulatory actions,” he said.

According to him, the authority believes in safety, discipline, and economic regulation which is evidenced in the recent suspension of ten PNCF holders for failing to comply with the recertification advisory issued in April 2024.

He indicated that whilst the NCAA supports airlines to be profitable because of their critical

value to the economy, it is important passengers are treated fairly.

Speaking to the ease of doing business environment at the NCAA, Capt. Najomo said the ease of business is an area the authority will continue to improve.

“This is evident in our high score on the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) ranking. Recently our sister agency scored 96 percent but the NCAA scored 98.5 percent which is an extremely high score.

“This is building from the commendable score of 71.04 the NCAA scored during this year's ICAO Security Audit” he said. He added that, “The numbers are improving and we will continue to do what we can to make the industry safer, and more secure for passengers and stakeholders.”

On the difficult refund processes by airlines, he said all refunds by airlines must be done devoid of undue delays and the process should conclude in 14 working days regardless of the mode of purchase of the tickets.

On the suspension of PNCF license for ten operators, he explained that they were advised since April 2024 to commence the process for recertification but they refused to comply; this they left the Authority with no option than to sanction them.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

International Hospital, Ikeja. … yesterday

Rivers crisis: Only God Can Resolve Wike,

Fubara

Political

Quarrel,

Says Shehu Sani

Group tackles Tinubu, says silence worrisome

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Civil rights activist and former senator for Kaduna Central senatorial district in the eighth Senate, Shehu Sani, said only God could resolve the political battle between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, and erstwhile political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

Sani’s comments came as a Niger Delta group, 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agita-

tors with Conscience, described President Bola Tinubu’s silence over the lingering political debacle in Rivers as disturbing, worrisome, and unacceptable. Sani, in a post via his X handle, yesterday, said, “Rivers State has been left in the hands of God to solve the problem.”

The disagreement between the governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) peaked recently with the supremacy battle in the House of Assembly between factions

loyal to both men.

The pro-Wike lawmakers had on Monday directed Fubara to reintroduce the 2024 appropriation bill to it within seven days.

But that was widely seen as a prelude to the commencement of an impeachment process against the governor, as political pundits predicted that the governor would not obey the directive.

The Fubara/Wike fight had led to the emergence of two speakers of the state legislature, Martin Amaewhule and Victor

Oko-Jumbo, both being pro-Wike and pro-Fubara, respectively. Tinubu’s earlier intervention did not yield the expected result, as supporters of the two men continued to engage in tantrums.

A statement by leader of the Niger Delta group, Izon Ebi, condemned Tinubu’s silence over the Rivers State crisis. It alleged that the president had refused to call Wike to order.

The group warned that Wike’s quest for political control of a governor and government ap-

paratus should not be allowed by the president.

Ebi said, “Instability in Rivers State will surely snowball into instability in the region. This

will put paid to the Renewed Hope Agenda. A stitch in time saves nine. “Mr President should call Wike and his lackeys to order.”

After 15 Days in Captivity, Abducted Children of Kaduna Judge Regain Freedom

John Shiklam in Kaduna

First Quarter of 2025, Says Adelabu

Kaduna Power Project to Be Completed Before

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said the Kudendan power plant in Kudenda, Kaduna State, would be completed before the first quarter of next year.

The minister also said his ministry was collaborating with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Ministry of Interior and other security agencies to safeguard power installations.

Adelabu spoke in an interview with journalists yesterday when he visited the headquarters of the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) shortly after he inspected the Kudendan power project.

He noted that contract for the power plant was awarded in 2010, but was stalled following some legal issues that led to the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He, however, disclosed that the present administration has resolved the issues, and assured the people that the project would be completed before the first quarter of 2025.

“The Kaduna power plant project was awarded in 2010 – that is 13 years ago. As of 2018, the project was almost 87 per cent completed.

“But there were a number of legal issues that involved the contractors that made the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene and there was a stopage in the project.

“Over five years now, until we came in, this administration resolved these issues and the contractors

are back on site.

“That is why I visited the place to discuss the plans for completion with the contractor and also to discuss with the consultants and the intervention required from the ministry (of power) to accelerate the completion of the project.

“Before the first quater of next year, the project is going to be completed and an additional 215 mega-watts of power would be added to the national grid,” he said.

While lamenting the vandalism of power installations and power theft, the minister said his ministry was collaborating with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Ministry of Interior and all security agencies to stop it.

He said, “One of the issues we discussed is vandalisation and power theft. Vandalisation is the deliberate destruction of power assets, especially transmitting power assets, high voltage cables and transformers, which we believe have affected the stability of electricity in the country, especially in the north.

“We are collaborating with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Ministry of Interior and all security agencies across the country to ensure that this is stopped.”

He, therefore, called on governors, especially those in the north, to rise up to the occasion to tackle the security threat to power assets so as to deliver stable electricity to the people “as part of our electoral promises.”

Adelabu also called on Nigerians to be vigilant and protect power

installations.

“We have local hunters and vigilantes, all of us must contribute to the security of transmission power assets and distribution infrastructure. That is the only way we can guarantee a stable supply of electricity to our people,” the minister said.

Earlier, while addressing the management of KAEDCO, he urged distribution companies to

be opened and transparent in their operations, saying the sector was being run like a cult in the past.

“Nobody knew what was happening. It was only guess work. Nobody knew what was happening in generation and amount of power generated, the transmission infrastructure, even the DISCOS operation, everything was kept under wrap. But we said no, we cannot move like that,” he said.

The remaining three children of Janet Gimba, the Kaduna customary court judge, who were held captive by bandits, have been freed after 15 days in captivity.

Chairman of the Kaduna branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Godwin Ochai, said the children were released yesterday.

Family sources also confirmed the release in a telephone chat.

The judge and her four children were abducted when the bandits stormed their residence in Mahuta, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, on June 23.

Her husband, a medical doctor, was said to have been away on duty when the criminals struck in the night.

One of the children, a 14 year old boy was killed in captivity by the bandits when the family could not raise the N298m ransom demanded by the bandits within their stipulated time.

On July 3, nine days after being in captivity, the bandits released the judge, holding the three children captive. The ransom was said to have been reduced to N150m and the judge was asked to pay within three days or the children will be killed. Family and friends of the judge had taken to social media platforms to solicit for help from well-meaning Nigerians. But details of how the children were released were not disclosed.

Tinubu, Jonathan, Akpabio, Others Storm Port Harcourt Today for Niger Delta Summit

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; amongst other prominent dignitaries would unveil the Niger Delta stakeholders summit that will commence today, in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.

Ogbuku, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, during a press conference, stated that Tinubu will be the special guest of honour, while former President Goodluck Jonathan would be chairman of the summit.

Also the Senate President, Akpabio is the Chief host, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, co-host, while governors from the nine states of the region, senators, House of Representatives

members and other stakeholders would be in attendance.

He added "As you can see during the stakeholders’ summit, in the main programme, the chairman of the summit is going to be the former president, Goodluck Jonathan, the president is the special guest of honour, the president of the senate, being the highest political office holder in the region is the chief host.

“Then, you have the minister of the Niger Delta as co-host and other governors of the Niger Delta. So when you look at all these personalities even during the programme, the person to read the welcome address is the president of the senate who is the chief host."

Speaking on the summit which is stipulated for three days, Ogbuku said is imperative for Niger Delta people to have a conversation on development issues.

Ogbuku, said the stakeholders’

summit, with the theme: "Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region," would provide a platform for new ideas and strategies to fast-track development in the region in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The summit will not just be a forum for a few individuals, but will involve major stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, Ministers from the region, traditional rulers and the private sector experts to discuss the Niger Delta,” he added.

The NDDC boss stated that previous engagements with different groups were instrumental to maintaining peace in various communities, noting that development could not take place in a crisis-prone environment.

He added: “One of the cardinal policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is stakeholders’ engagement and that is one area

the NDDC is doing very well and we are getting good results.” He stressed that such engagements would help the Commission implement projects that would ensure sustainable development of the Niger Delta region and address the aspirations and needs of the people of the region.

Ogbuku, disclosed that Tinubu had charged the Commission to complete and commission signature projects that would impact the lives of Niger Deltans.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that rather than working at cross purposes, the summit would help the development partners in the region to harmonise their activities.

He noted that the Commission, as path of its rebirth and rewind policy, was “transiting from transaction to transformation” in the process of developing the Niger Delta region.

Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, NOVA Bank, Phillips Oduoza; Managing Director/CEO, NOVA Bank, Adebowale Oyedeji, flanked by executive management of the bank and some Lagos Cabinet members, during the visit of the bank to Governor Sanwo-Olu to mark the commencement of its National Commercial Banking Operations in Lagos... recently

John Shiklam in Kaduna

FACILITY TOUR...

House Directs FG to Withhold Allocation to Local Govts Run By Caretaker Committees

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives, has called on the federal government to withhold allocations to local governments run by officials not elected democratically.

It also directed Revenue Mobilisa-

tion and Allocation (RMFAC) to create a special account into which such monies would be paid until democratically elected representatives are put in place by such state governments.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,

Governor Sule Distributes Free Fertilisers to Nasarawa Farmers

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday flagged off the distribution of the federal government free fertilizers to farmers in the State.

The free fertilizers were part of the federal government's commitment towards ensuring the success of its food security initiative in Nigeria.

Supervising the commencement of distribution of free fertilizers made up of NPK and Urea products to the 13 Local Government Areas of the state in Awe, headquarters of Awe Local Government Area, Sule said the distribution would spread to other council areas of the State.

According to the governor, "the fertilizers were provided to the farmers in the State at no cost by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The governor, however, added that Nasarawa State government only paid the costs of transportation and

other charges from various locations in the country to the LGAs to be distributed to the farmers.

“The 147 wards of the State will receive not less than 16,000 bags while other farmers' associations, disability groups, religious groups, traditional institutions will also benefit from the free fertilizers provided by the Tinubu government to boost food production in the State," he added. He announced that other LGAs would receive their share of the commodity within one week.

This was even as he warned that beneficiaries must be farmers, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliation, warning against the sale of the commodity.

To see to it that farmers take advantage of the gesture for a bumper harvest and enhanced food security, the governor tasked stakeholders to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit.

Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), recently instituted a suit on behalf of the federal government, at the Supreme Court, against the 36 governors in the country, while seeking full autonomy for local governments.

In the suit marked SC/ CV/343/2024, the AGF urged the apex court to issue an order, prohibiting governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected LG leaders.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to address refusal of state governments to uphold democratic principles in the local government and the

financial impropriety in unelected local government officials moved at plenary by Hon. Gaza Jonathan and Hon. Ademorin Kuye.

Moving the motion, Jonathan said Section 7 of the Constitution guarantees the system of local government run by democratically elected officials and prescribed that state governments should ensure their existence

He added that by virtue of section 8 of the 1999 constitution as amended, it mandated the State House of Assembly to make laws for the establishment, tenure, structure, composition, finance and functions of these councils Stipulated by the

constitution.

The lawmaker added that the local government, as envisaged by the constitution, is the most important tier of government as it is the closest to the people and the obvious foundation of both the sub-national and the federal government.

He expressed dismay that the impunity and constitutional disregard were a deliberate effort to upstage democracy, shrink the development potential of local councils, enshrine lack of accountability and limit transparency in Local governments and the state as a whole.

The House, therefore, mandated

“the House Committee on Finance, Revenue 1 Mobilisation and Allocation to withhold local government allocation for Local Government run by Officials not elected democratically.

“In the alternative, direct RMFAC to create a special account into which such monies will be paid until democratically elected representatives are put in place by such state governments.

“Mandate the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to institute legal action against any state that terminates the unexpired tenure of local government administration and direct RMFAC to withhold allocations due to such Local Government.”

Women Affairs Minister Debunks Alleged Misappropriation of Funds, Overspending

House committee chair adjourns session over brawl

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy- Ohanneye, has debunked allegations levied against her over misappropriation of funds, overspending and not paying contractors for jobs delivered.

After a charged interactive session between the minister and the committee on women affairs and social development, chaired by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the session was forced to be adjourned till further notice.

payment and project completion certificate amongst others.

The minister was asked to respond to questions concerning funds that were meant for the office of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, and to account for award letter of contracts in the ministry, details of expected quantities, evidence of

George: Nigeria Needs State Police Urgently

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Deputy National Chairman, South-West, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has said Nigeria needed to implement state police urgently in order to control insecurity in the country.

In a related development, the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), has expressed concern over the activities of some groups and parties aimed at escalating tension and restiveness, which could lead to conflict and exacerbate internal security challenges.

George spoke during a television programme, noted that the introduction of state police would reduce the spike in insurgency.

According to the former deputy national chairman of the PDP and a life member of the Board of Trustees, “The constitutional conference committee under

former president Jonathan stated that the need to have state police cannot be futuristic. It is so urgent.

“You know, when you go to war, you have a defined enemy, but in this case, it is an insurgency, insecurity within. You don’t know who is who. They can come out in the day and pretend to be part of one area but in the night they turn out to be something else.

“So, what you need will be people within their community to police them. They know themselves, they know the do’s and don’ts of that culture, and they know the rules of the people in that culture.

“So, they would be better off to be able to manage any issues within their communities. For God’s sake, we need the state police.”

Meanwhile, the Centre, a non-governmental organisation committed to peace, while lever-

aging its expertise in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the performance of Nigeria’s security services based on media coverage in June 2024, highlighted some of the potentially volatile developments.

These, it said, included the ongoing minimum wage dispute between the organised labour and the federal government, the political feud in Rivers State, the Emirship tussle in Kano and similar scenarios in other states, all of which could escalate into serious conflicts.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Board Chairman of the Centre, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), said the CCC did not subscribe to trending agitations over economic hardship and calls in social media and from groups urging Nigerians to follow the Kenya example and protest.

“The centre is deeply concerned about the antics of those rooting for the idea of re-enacting the anti-tax crisis in Kenya. Those who believe that such destructive protests in Nigeria will be a way to resolve a crisis are rather calling for what is not consistent with our future and desire for a peaceful and progressive nation.

“We want to reiterate that we are strongly against such actions. So we want to caution against such tendencies and advise that the situation in Nigeria can be better managed with good consensus, discussions, and the necessary consultations.

“In other words, we are strongly against the idea of referring to the Kenya civil model. The outcome of the ENDSARS protests is still fresh in our minds, and it’s not something we can re-enact by any other means,” he said.

She was also accused of using N45 million for children's party at New Year, N20 million for the purchase of baby products for the annual welcoming of new year babies and N1.5 million for the purchase of fuel from Abuja to Anambra.

"The procurement officer told us that all that the contractors said was true. Most of the contractors were not paid for the jobs that they did. The DFA affirmed that he was paying only those he got the approval from his superiors.

“And please, we don't want to be distracted and we don't want our time wasted. When we ask questions, just answer directly. For those of us that are APC inclined, we want this country to work and this is a special ministry.

“There are a lot of Nigeria suffering out there and we have a lot of money being budgeted for women affairs even though some of us think that this budget is one of the lowest.

“It's not the amount of money you have, but how judicious, transparent and efficient you're able to manage what has been given to you. All of you from the ministry should tell us what is happening in the ministry.

“Based on information that we have, we want you to give us the true answers as it is. What we are after is for every kobo and naira appropriated for the ministry by this committee is judiciously accounted for. We are not joking with our responsibility as oversight,”

Ogbara said.

In her response, the minister said the contracts and funds in question were carried out and released prior to her tenure as minister, and noted that so far, since this year, no fund has been released to the ministry or any other and this has been a huge constraint.

On the funds relating to the office of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, she said, "The money you were talking about, I wasn't there when it happened. When I came in, I saw it on the appropriation act and I went to my first lady and we discussed and she said that particular budget was not meant for her, but for the former first lady because that was when the money was allocated.

"The former first lady called me later and said they wanted to use it to buy generator and in the process, she was out of the country for a while. When she returned, she called me and brought the person that would organise the fixing of the generator.

“I introduced the person to the procurement officer for them to work together according to the rules and regulations of procurement and they have been on it. Once a while I talk to the first lady to find out how they've been on it and that's the last I heard of it, and now the procurement officer has retired. "I am not the first lady and I can't over step my bounds. The first lady only advises me to focus on my work. All I went to tell her is that there's some money and I only take directives when given."

L-R: Members, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, TB, Leprosy and Malaria Control in Nigeria, Hon. Billy Famous Osawaru; Hon. Enyi Dominic Okafor; Chief Executive Officer, Geneith Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Emma Umenwa; Chairman of the committee, Hon. Amobi Ogah; and Hon. Sunday Umeha, during the committee’s oversight visit to Geneith Pharmaceuticals facility at Mowe, Ogun State…recently

FELLOWS AT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

AND ENGINEERING...

L-R: Fellow Academy of Science and Engineering in Nigeria (ANSEN), Prof. Lawal Bichi; Interim President, ANSEN, Prof. Danladi Matawal; Fellow, ANSEN, Prof. Mustapha Bichi; Member, Board of Trustee (B.oT), ANSEN, Prof Mohammed Haruna; Director General, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI)/ B.oT Secretary, ANSEN, Prof. Samson Duna and Member of B.oT/ Founder, ANSEN,

Pof. Barineme Fakae, during the inaugural Annual General Meeting and investiture of foundation Fellows of ANSEN in Abuja ... yesterday PHoTo: ENoCK REUBEN

FG to Construct 2,000 Housing Units Across Eight States

The second leg groundbreaking exercise of the ‘Renewed Hope Housing Programme’ covering eight states across the geopolitical zones was yesterday concluded in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Last month, the first leg of the exercise included groundbreaking for 1,500 units in five northern states which covered estates in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto and Kano.

Minister of Housing and Urban

The eight states covered under the second leg were: Ebonyi and Abia (South-east), Akwa Ibom and Delta (South-south), Osun and Oyo (South-west), and Benue and Nasarawa states (North-central).

Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 250-housing unit estate in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, with the assurance of completion of all the housing projects in a couple of months.

The Oyo event marked the completion of the second round groundbreaking exercise, resulting in a total of 2,000 housing units

across eight states, a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, said.

The phase one of the programme aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria, including seven Renewed Hope Cities with 500-1,000 units each in the six geopolitical zones and the FCT, and 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates in the remaining 30 states.

Edo Guber: PDP Supporters in Solidarity Rally for Asue Ighodalo

in Benin City

Thousands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) support groups yesterday marched through the city centre in the state capital, Benin City, in solidarity with the candidate of the party, Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.

The rally led to heavy gridlock in adjoining streets to the city-centre including the Government Reservation Area (GRA) for several hours.

Organisers of the solidarity march said the recent court ruling on the primary election of the party was a kangaroo ruling that would not stand and called on the people of the state to remain committed and vote for the PDP and Ighodalo come

September 21.

Speaking, one of the leaders of the support group, Austin Osakue said: “Don't be distracted, we will not surrender, we will not retreat, we will not be dissuaded by their lies.

“My message is that to win an election, you must cast votes, as we know Asue Ighodalo that is how we know Osarodion Ogie, a man of humility. When a man is humble, even god will fetch firewood for him.

“This election, nobody must be intimidated. If they like, let them be carrying court ruling around, you have all heard that there is nothing in that court ruling, instead of them to be campaigning, they are celebrating, but they can’t even campaign because their candidate

Police Recruitment: PSC Disowns

Scheduled Date for Training of Shortlisted Candidates

Ikechukwu Aleke

The Police Service Commission (PSC), yesterday disowned multiple social media reports on the 2022 police constable recruitment exercise, especially on the ‘imaginary’ scheduled date for training of shortlisted candidates.

The commission also condemned the use of the name of its spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, on fictitious and phantom press statements calculated to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians on the status of the recruitment exercise.

A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ani, said the commission clarified that it had at no time issued any statement on review of the list of successful candidates, and inviting successful candidates to check application on newly launched portal.

According to him, the commission had not at any time advised candidates to print any updated invitation slip and proceed to the police training colleges.

Ani stressed that it has not announced any date for the training programme and the Monday, July 22, 2024 date, bandied on social media was just the imagination of the impostors.

The commission advised candidates to be patient and await its official statement on the just concluded recruitment exercise.

The commission also warned the so-called impostors to steer clear of its activities especially the recruitment exercise, stressing that anybody caught undermining the exercise will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

is a liability, with our voters card, we will punish them.”

Ighodalo accompanied by his running mate, Ogie and others said: “The time has come for our happiness to continue, the time has come for us to have more work, the time has come for us to have more money in our pockets and by the grace of God by September when you people would have voted for me and Ogie, more upward movement will come.

“I want you to remain strong, want you to remain happy, don’t be afraid of anything, God is in control. Everybody should get their cards

ready so that by September 21, we will vote for PDP to ensure that the votes are counted and we will follow it to the collation centre until we are announced the winner and the state will continue to prosper. Don’t be afraid.”

The solidarity march was attended by members and leaders of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, including its Director General, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen; Deputy Director General, John Yakubu; Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, Olu Martins; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and others.

Barau Says Tinubu Will Sign NWDC Bill as NASS Set to Transmit Legislation

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will assent to the North West Development Commission (NWDC) Bill.

Barau , according to a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, said the proposed legislation would address the challenges faced by the North West geopolitical zone.

Barau, who sponsored the bill, said that all is set for the transmission of the bill to the presidency for assent, as both chambers of the National Assembly have passed the bill.

He said that the passage of the bill by the parliament aligns with the commitment of Tinubu to transform the country and return it to the path of progress and prosperity.

He said: "The establishment of the NWDC is aimed at addressing the challenges facing the seven states in the geopolitical zone (Kano, Kaduna,

Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara) and the country as a whole."

Barau described the North West as the country's food basket, and noted that the commission would work towards the restoration of infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the region.

He expressed his appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and his colleagues at both chambers for supporting the bill's passage.

He emphasised the importance of the commission in addressing challenges in the region and the entire country.

He expressed his optimism that the bill will be transmitted to Tinubu soon for assent.

He expressed confidence in the president's commitment to the country’s transformation as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The programme aims to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development, aligning with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, and build a $1 trillion economy.

Work is ongoing at the various project sites in all the states selected under phase one, with plans for completion within a few months, the statement said.

The Oyo estate will consist of 50 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

The housing units are designed for affordability and future expansion, allowing owners to expand their homes as their financial situation improves.

Dangiwa tasked the contractors in Oyo state; Skyhawk Nig. Ltd, Plusvaz Nigeria Ltd, Blue Sea Investment Ltd, and Harama Global Ltd with ensuring high-quality construction.

He emphasised zero tolerance for substandard work and the necessity of adhering to timelines.

Various purchasing options for the houses include: Single-digit mortgage loans, rent-to-own schemes by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria

(FMBN) and outright purchase options, have been created to ensure affordability for all Nigerians.

The construction of the 250 units in every state is expected to create over 6,500 jobs across various trades, contributing to significant economic activity and impact, the ministry added.

The project will also generate numerous economic activities, benefiting those involved in food sales, block supply, and building material provision.

The housing minister emphasised the importance of land provision for the projects. States not covered under the 2023 supplementary budget, he said, will be included in the 2024 budget, provided they offer land at no cost.

The minister thanked the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for providing land at no cost, reducing housing costs by up to 30 per cent. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his vision and political will to deliver quality housing to Nigerians.

The programme, the statement said, continues to demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and responsibilities to the Nigerian people.

FG'll Support Companies Investing in Clean Cooking Stoves with Finance Incentives

Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC) and presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale has pledged federal government's support for companies investing in clean, environmentally friendly cooking stoves in the country.

Ngelale, who gave this assurance in an update note on his activities on Tuesday evening also received the Brazilian Head of Embassy, Joao Soares, at the State House, Abuja, said they both discussed areas of collaboration between both countries to advance climate justice and ensure new economic opportunity for their fast-growing populations.

He said: "Sequel to an initial conversation with BURN Manufacturing a few weeks ago, the Global CEO, Mr. Peter Scott visited me on Tuesday and detailed plans to construct a full end-to-end cooking stove manufacturing facility

in Ogun State as an upgrade to their assemble-only plant in Kano State. As clean cooking becomes more of a national focus, as not only a wealth-creating opportunity, but also as a central theatre of activity in the just transition, companies will be supported with clean-finance incentives to empower our people to create sustainable solutions for tomorrow.

"Earlier in the day, I was pleased to welcome the Brazilian Head of Embassy, H.E. Joao Soares, to the State House, as we exchanged views on present and future opportunities in the climate action and green industrial spheres. As Africa's and South America's most populous nations, the two countries stand as critically important allies in the global south, and will need to deepen industrial and other forms of collaboration to advance climate justice and ensure new economic opportunity for our fast-growing populations."

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Adibe Emenyonu

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

in Abuja

MARKING THE NIGERIA OIL AND GAS WEEK…

L-R: Managing Director, Seflam SGL Limited, Mr. Gbenga Oshe; Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen; a guest, Funmi Marinho, and Mrs. Iwuese Ekanem of Seflam SGL Limited, at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week 2024 in Abuja… recently

Kwara Varsity Expels 175 Students for Examination Malpractices, Fake Results, Others

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Authorities of Kwara State University(KWASU), Malete, have expelled 175 students of the institution for various offences bothering on examination malpractices theft, using fake results to gain admission, assault, fraud, belonging to unregistered associations and possession of firearm.

Disciplinary Committee SDC, which held sittings between October 2021 and March 2024.”

A statement signed by the institution’s acting Director of University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu said: “The approval of the expulsion followed the recommendations of the Students’

Senate Confirms Adepoju’s Appointment as NASRDA DG

Sunday Aborisade in abuja

The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Dr Matthew Olamide Adepoju for appointment as the DirectorGeneral of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

The decision of the Senate followed its approval of the recommendation of the Commission on Science and Technology that screened the nominee.

The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee,

The statement read: “This is to

bring to the notice of the public that the following one hundred and seventy-five students have been expelled from Kwara State

University, Malete, for various offences.

“The approval of the expulsion followed the recommendations

of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC), which held sittings between October 2021 and March 2024.

NDLEA Smashes Major Drug Cartel, Arrest Leader in Imo

Michael Olugbode in abuja

Senator Aminu Iya Abass (Adamawa Central). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in May 2024 nominated Dr. Adepoju for appointment as DG of NASRDA, following an almost three-year stint by Dr Halilu Ahmad Shaba as the CEO of the agency between 2021 and May 2024. According to the report, Dr Adepoju holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PgD) in City and Urban, Community and Regional Planning from the University of Lagos State, Nigeria.

GEIL Scoops Best Indigenous Oil, Gas Company Awards

Sunday Okobi

Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), the operator of Otakikpo Field PML11 in Rivers State, has won the ‘Best Indigenous Oil and Gas Company of the year 2024’ award at the just concluded NOG Energy Week held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, for its consistent excellence and innovation for energy integration in the oil and gas industry .

The company also won the ‘Best Exhibition Stand Design for the NOG’ presented by the Minister of State Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

The NOG with the theme: ‘Accelerating innovation to meet energy demand’, with a focus to drive progress in the Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy market, attracted energy stakeholders, government officials, regulators, key industry players and leading organisations in the energy sector, including NNPC, Green Energy International Limited, Baker Hughes, Total Energies, Nigerian LNG and others who converged for the week at the ICC in Abuja.

Unity Bank Empowers 400 Fresh Graduatess

No fewer than 400 fresh graduates have benefited from Unity Bank Plc’s entrepreneurship development initiative, also known as Corpreneurship Challenge over the past five years. According to the bank, this reflects its commitment to driving economic growth by supporting the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs. Launched in 20219 with pilots in four states - Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Abuja and scaled to 10 States in 2020, the Corpreneurship Challenge initiative is promoted in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED). The initiative features a business pitch presentation where participants, who are mostly fresh

graduates participating in the one-year compulsory NYSC service, get the opportunity to present their business plans and stand a chance to win business grants. Commenting on the impact of the initiative, The Divisional Head, Digital Banking and Fintech Partnerships, Unity Bank, Mr Olufunwa Akinmade, who led the pioneer team that designed the initiative and launched the pilot, said: “The Corpreneurship Challenge has proved to be a viable enterprise development and empowerment initiative due its high-level of success in supporting budding entrepreneurs in the target demographic, as well as the size of the problem it is designed to solve for the Nigerian economy.”

A major drug cartel behind the production and distribution of deadly psychoactive substance, methamphetamine, popularly called ‘mkpuru mmiri’, has been smashed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the leader of the syndicate, a 42-year-old Chikaodi Mbonu, is arrested with his associate in his mansion in his Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on

Tuesday said the cartel with operational bases in Imo and Rivers state became a target of the NDLEA following intelligence indicating it is responsible for the distribution of substantial quantity of methamphetamine in South East, South South and other parts of the country.

Babafemi said after weeks of surveillance, officers of a special operations unit of the agency last Friday, tracked and traced the drug lord to his village mansion in Imo state where he was caught with a member of his cartel, Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34, with different quantities of methamphetamine, its precursor chemicals, a pump action gun and cartridges.

World Bank Commits $200m to Ekiti Development

Gbenga Sodeinde in ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has sought for an increased collaboration and partnership with both local and international development agencies to ensure all round development of the state’s economy.

Olawale Ajimotokan inabuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has projected 400 hectares of land for the relocation of traders and artisans at Apo Mechanic to their permanent site in Wasa, Waru District.

The Chairman of the Committee

Access

Kayode Tokede

Access Holdings Plc yesterday disclosed that it aimed to become a global financial institution as it raise N351 billion via rights issue from existing shareholders on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The Chairman, Access Holdings,

Governor Oyebanji, who made the request yesterday during a strategic meeting with Heads of Development Agencies in Abuja, said with the right partnership and collaboration, the state’s development goals could be significantly accelerated through mutual cooperation and resources sharing.

for the relocation of the traders, Abubakar Makama, disclosed this yesterday when the Committee visited the site.

This was sequel to the recent inauguration of a 19-man Technical Committee by the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Felix Obuah, on

Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede disclosed this in Lagos during the Pan-Africa’s financial institution’s “Facts Behind the Rights Issue Presentation.”

Access Holdings’ Rights Issue offered 17,772,612,811 ordinary shares of N0.50 each at N19.75 per share. The Offer will be

Governor Oyebanji spoke just as the World Bank said it had committed over $200 million to Ekiti State, out of which $60 million has been disbursed so far in some critical aspects of the state’s development.

The World Bank Country

behalf of FCTA, to ensure seamless relocation of the traders from Apo Mechanic site to the permanent site in Wasa.

Director, Dr Ndiame Diop, who disclosed this during the governor’s engagement, said the funds are directed at eight different projects. He called for more effective collaboration from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure success of the projects.

Makama noted the relocation of Apo Mechanics traders would precede the artisans because of the pressure from the traders and the ongoing road construction in the area.

issued on the basis of one new ordinary share for every two existing ordinary shares held as of June 7, 2024.

Speaking to the capital market community, Aig-Imoukhuede acknowledged the role of the exchange in transforming corporate governance in Nigeria,

“As they are on ground now, they will take the perimeter again, until when they finish their work, we would be able to tentatively say, this is the size. But for now we can say 391 hectares, that is almost 400 hectares for the Apo Mechanics business men and the artisans.

stressing that the NGX has enabled connectivity with shareholders. Aig-Imoukhuede lauded the NGX for providing a platform that enables entrepreneurs, dreamers, visionaries and institutions to connect with shareholders or investors based on their understanding of the strategy.

LSPWC Repairs 393 Roads in Six

Bennett Oghifo and Ayodeji Ake

The Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) has fixed over 393 roads in various Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the state in the first half of 2024. This was made known recently

by the Corporation’s General Manager (GM), Tokunbo Ajanaku, while speaking on some of the road maintenance and rehabilitation work of the agency.

The work was done through various approaches which include the use of Asphalt premix, interlocking paving

stones and palliative interventions, in furtherance of the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to ensuring that all roads in Lagos State are in motorable condition all year round.

According to the GM, the corporation has made frantic effort to take advantage

Months

of the dry days in the first and second quarter of 2024 by deploying its men to all the 20 Local Government and 27 Local Council Development Areas to carry out various forms of maintenance and rehabilitation operations on strategic roads with a view to moving into the inner roads in the coming weeks.

OPM General Overseer Facilitates Signing of 23 Footballers by Foreign Club

The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere said eight Nigerian female and 15 male footballers making it 23 players have been signed by Dembava FK Lithuania Football club.

Apostle Chinyere, who is also the Ihie 1 of Ikwuorie Ancient kingdom, stated this yesterday at his residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the signing ceremony which was attended by the representatives of Dembava FK

Lithuania Club, Chief Ugochukwu John Nduwuisi, former President Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Madrid Spain, players, their lawyers, parents and relatives of the footballers.

This development marks a significant milestone in the careers of these talented footballers. Lithuania, a Schengen county known for its high standard of living and advanced economy, offers a unique opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and talents in a professional setting.

were prediction volume 2024 previous why

WEDNESDaySportS

‘Perfect’ Spain, Hit Euro 2024 Final as Yamal Becomes Youngest Scorer

Femi Solaja with agency report

Former champion, Spain, proved bookmakers right as they booked their place in the final of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win against France in Munich yesterday evening. It was La Rojas’ sixth win in six matches of the tournament.

Lamine Yamal was the hero of the night with a stunning first-half equaliser to become the youngest scorer in the history of the tournament. The match also marked his last action as a 16-year-old lad as he turned 17 on Saturday.

Les Bleus went ahead early on the night, but their lead was quickly wiped out by a resurgent La Roja side who responded swiftly to turn the tie around.

Luis de la Fuente's men will now take on either England or the Netherlands - who meet in Dortmund tonight in the other semi-final match for a epic final on Sunday at Berlin's Olympiastadion for their chance at European glory.

France went ahead after nine minutes when Ousmane Dembele dribbled in off the right flank and found Kylian Mbappe on the

opposite wing. Without his mask obscuring his vision, Mbappe delivered a picture-perfect cross for Randal Kolo Muani, who got on the wrong side of defender Aymeric Laporte and headed his side in front.

But France's advantage lasted all but 12 minutes when it was wiped out by Lamine Yamal. Receiving the ball 25 yards out, the Spain winger tiptoed infield and let fly, looping an unstoppable strike over goalkeeper Mike Maignan to haul his side level. This strike made Yamal the youngest scorer in the history of the European Championships.

Soon after, Spain went in front through Dani Olmo, whose low strike cannoned in off of Jules Kounde after France failed to clear their lines in their box.

Didier Deschamps made several attacking substitutions early into the second half to try and turn the tide again, but his side could only muster up half-chances.

Spain's progression to the final was confirmed at the end of five minutes of stoppage time, ending France's hopes of a first European title in 24 years.

Tinubu Backs Pinnick's FIFA Council Re-election Bid

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has strongly supported Nigeria's bid for re- election into the FIFA Council.

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in a release issued on Tuesday, stated that the twoterm President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick, was elected into the Council in March 2021 - the third Nigerian after the late Oyo

Orok Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu, is seeking re-election into the Council.

President Tinubu is supporting the bid for Nigeria to retain its seat in the Council.

The FIFA Council is the principal decision-making organ of the organization in the intervals of the FIFA Congress.

The Council comprises 37 members elected by the FIFA Congress for a renewable term of four years.

Nigerian Teenage Fencer, Inkosi Brou Joins Elite All-American Team

Inkosi Brou, the teenage fencing sensation, has etched his name in history by becoming the first Nigerian to be selected for the prestigious All-American Fencing First Team. This elite group comprises top college fencers from across the United States, and Inkosi’s inclusion is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.

Handpicked by USA Fencing from high school fencers who have excelled on the fencing strip, Inkosi not only possesses superior skills in the sport but also exemplifies outstanding leadership and sportsmanship. His achievement is a source of pride for the Nigeria Fencing Federation, which recognizes the hard work and perseverance that led him to this point. At just 16 years old, Inkosi’s success serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for aspiring athletes back home.

The All-American First Team honour is bestowed upon athletes who demonstrate excellence in their respective sports, akin to the NCAA Basketball All-American Team or the Football All-American Team. Inkosi’s inclusion in this select

group is a remarkable feat, especially considering his Nigerian roots. His accomplishment not only highlights his talent but also puts Nigeria on the global fencing map. Ranked 55th in the Junior World Ranking and 74th in the Senior World Ranking, Inkosi, a Nigerian-born athlete based in America, has earned an A24 rating. His impressive track record in prestigious competitions underscores his skill and unwavering commitment to the sport. Inkosi’s success resonates with young athletes in Nigeria and beyond, illustrating that with determination and hard work, anything is achievable.

Beyond his achievements, Inkosi Brou is a nationally ranked sabre fencer in the U.S. He is also the founder of the Fencing Diaspora Foundation (FDF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of youth fencers. His participation in various events, including the North American Cup U-17 in Dallas, where he secured fifth place, and the 2023 ISFL High School League Championships, further solidifies his impact in the world of fencing.

ITTF Re-enlivens

Toriola, Oshonaike, Others in Club 7 of Table Tennis at Olympic Games

With a few days to the kick-off of the table tennis event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has re-enlivened the feat achieved by Nigeria’s duo of Segun Toriola and Olufunke Oshonaike and three others for competing in seven Olympic Games.

According to a statement released by the world table tennis ruling body, the Olympic Games is a breeding ground for legends, but within this elite company exists an even more exclusive circle – Club 7.

“These aren’t your average Olympians; they are the table tennis titans who have defied age, competition, and the odds to compete a staggering seven times on the grandest sporting stage.

“Seven Olympic appearances is a testament to an athlete’s unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. These players have dedicated years of relentless training, honing their skills to compete at the highest level. With the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the legendary Timo Boll is poised to join this elite club, further solidifying Club 7’s status as a mark of true table tennis greatness,” the world body said.

Oshonaike being the only female in the Club 7 featured at the Olympic Games in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020).

“As a true trailblazer, Oshonaike isn’t just the only woman in Club 7, she’s also the first African female

player ever to achieve this feat. Her unwavering determination and fierce spirit have not only seen her represent Nigeria at every Olympics since Atlanta 1996 but also inspired countless young athletes across the continent,” ITTF stated.

For Toriola, the world body said the African Games table tennis record holder featured at the Olympic Games in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 set the pace for others to follow and he has been joined in the Club 7 by Oshonaike as a pioneer for African table tennis.

“Toriola wasn’t just a phenomenal player, but a history-maker. His exceptional footwork and powerful

forehand helped him become the first African to reach the Men’s Singles quarterfinals at the Olympics (Beijing 2008), solidifying his place as a Nigerian sporting legend,” the world body stated.

Others in the league of Club 7 include Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium who attended the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

Legendary Swedish star Jörgen Persson, described as an epitome of cool and collected, also competed at the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012. Croatia’s Zoran Primorac who represented both Yugoslavia and

Croatia throughout his career, also joined the league of Club 7 having featured at the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

“These are the gladiators who’ve graced the Olympic stage for seven editions. Their unwavering passion and dedication inspire not just table tennis players, but athletes across the globe. While some may not have secured that elusive Olympic medal, their achievements in reaching the pinnacle of the sport seven times over deserve immense recognition. They are the Club 7, and their legacy in table tennis is forever secured,” the statement added.

Monimichelle Teams Up with NIS/ Newstap for Pre-Olympics Seminar

Leading stadium construction company, Monimichelle Limited has teamed up with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and Newstap Communication Ltd to sponsor the day Olympics seminar scheduled to take place at the Conference Hall of the National Institute for Sports, Lagos

on July 16th, 2024. According to the Managing Director and CEO of Monimichelle Group, Mr Ebi Egbe “Sports is the heartbeat of our nation and the strongest universal unifier. We decided to support Newstap Media Ltd and the National Institute for

Sports to contribute our quota to national development, peace and unity. We believe in the Nigerian spirit of excellence and sports remains the greatest available avenue to international respect and recognition." Egbe further declared "As a responsible, reliable corporate entity, we commit to support every course that will bring glory, honour and

Jubilant Spanish players after the 2-1 win against France yesterday

Nigeria's Segun Toriola, third from left with other legends of table tennis

MISSILE

Ozekhome to Political Leaders

“The so-called custodians of democracy, who are equally supposed to be custodians of the rule of law, have abandoned the rule of law, for the rule of politics. There is a culture of impunity, ongoing in the country. Abuse of power by the government and its agencies is on the increase,...impunity and refusal to obey the rule of law, especially by the ruling class, has always been a major challenge to the Nigerian democracy” --LegalLuminary, MikeOzekhome,decriesthecultureofimpunityamongtherulingclass.

SamAmADI

gu EST COL u MNIST

After Kenya: Lessons on Home-grown Economy for Nigeria

We have not heard the last of the ongoing protests in Kenya against a new finance law enacted by the country’s legislature. The youths opposed the law because it will overtax the already impoverished Kenyans who are enduring high inflation and general economic distress. The president was very heady and even threatened to arrest the protesting youths. In the crackdown, the police shot dead more than 9 protesters. The youths became irate and destroyed property worth millions of dollars. The alarmed president has sued for peace, discarded the finance law, cut down presidential budgetary allocations, including those of the office of the first lady, and abolishing about 47 agencies to cut costs. But the youths are not appeased. They have asked the president to resign. The frightened and chastened president have been on twitter space to win hearts and minds. Protest continues and the Kenyan economy worsens with a negative rating because of its fiscal crisis and uncertainties.

But the crisis was unavoidable. The president did not need to be as mulish as he was. The dogmatism was unnecessary. Many put it to the pressure from the international financial institutions that have made Kenya a poster child of marketoriented reforms. It is true that Kenya suffers much fiscal instability and would need a lot of extra revenue to cope with dwindling revenue. But it needs not be reckless and insensitive in pushing through the bill. Kenya like Nigeria and the rest of the developing world are constantly barraged to implement market-oriented policies like removal of subsidies on essential products that further diminish the wellbeing of their already impoverished population. Like in the 1980s when trade deficit and fiscal instability pushed these countries to swallow the entire Structural Adjustment Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank without adjusting them to the realities of their countries, today’s leaders in the distressed south are proceeding in error in focusing on tax and subsidy removal without considering the abysmal levels of human development and welfare in their countries.

Nigeria could have been in the same social turmoil as Kenya but for some different social dynamics. On social media, Nigerian youth have been praising and admiring Kenyans for their doggedness and effectiveness in forcing down the overconfident president and are wishing for another opportunity to prove their mettle. Arguably, Nigerians are suffering as much if not more than Kenyans. Nigerians could re-enact Kenya if socioeconomic realities remain this way and leaders fail to rise to responsible leadership. Nigerian leaders need to pay attention to the crisis in Kenya and learn how to head off such massive protests in Nigeria. To do so, they need to learn the lessons in the crisis. What are the lessons in the Kenyan crisis? I think about four such lessons.

Government is over, Governance has come:

The first lesson to learn from Kenya is that we have come to the end of government. We are now in the era of governance. That sounds like nonsensical. How can government be over when we are daily confronted with the intrusion of the behemoth? What is the difference between government and governance? But truly government is over. We are now in the era of governance. The

difference may be subtle, but it is consequential. Government means hierarchy, force, and control. Governance means network, collaboration, and persuasion. The end of government is tied to the End of Power, as Moses Naim puts it in his book by the same title. According to the foreign policy expert, globalization and technological innovation have unsettled the traditional domination of power. From government house to boardroom to churches, power is no longer what it used to be. We are now in the state of powerlessness where political potentates can no longer how their ways. ‘Powerlessness’ in the sense of the end of the Weberian concept of state as the Leviathan who can do and undo, foists upon political authorities the imperative to engage humbly and constructively with citizens.

To borrow, Amartya Sen’s phrase, states should be argumentative, not authoritarian, or even authoritative. Political authorities must come down from their high horses, engage citizens and compete for their hearts and minds.

The end of power goes with what Thomas Friedman in his book, The World is Flat, calls flatness. The flat world is a world where distance and disadvantages of economic divergences have been destroyed through information technology and social media such that everyone is empowered to plug and play. A necessary corollary to digital empowerment is that angry youths are superempowered to build mass movements to express their anger more effectively. The social media has enabled the mobilization of anger and made its expression damaging. States are now more vulnerable to social expression of discontent than before. End SAR and now Kenya Spring speak about the changed landscape of political power. You cannot disregard the voice of angry citizens because you are government. You must respond quick and smart otherwise you will lose credibility and risk global political and economic downgrades. Political regimes are now vulnerable to social sentiments and uncertainties. As Friedman notes in the earlier book, The Lexus and Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization, nations are now hooked on a straitjacket. In the past, killing 100 protesters will not undermine the political power of an African dictator. He will shrug it off and the news will not make it

to any CNN. Today, killing two protesters will be a recurring news on CNN and BBC and will receive thousands of comments on social media platforms. In days the behemoth will quiver. The interconnectedness of the world and international financial institutions’ responsivity to viral narratives make today’s governments vulnerable to social strife.

The balance of power has largely tilted away from governments and towards citizens and non-governmental groups. The reality is that governments have become weaker as citizens and groups have gained power relative to government because of the disruptions of technology and social media. We now live with the reality that governments across the world find it difficult to overcome terrorists, even the most rudimentary like Boko Haram, because of the growing asymmetricity of conflicts. This is more so for African governments further assailed by growing illegitimacy. It is highly pretentious for these governments to act as if they are all-powerful. It is patently foolish for them to implement harsh and disfavoured reform policies in their countries without striving for stronger coalition with civic leaders. The era of strong men and strong governments of the SAP reforms are no longer with us. We are in an era of governance, not government, where smart power through credible and smart communication is replacing hard power. Ruto would have done better if he engaged in twitter spaces with his citizens as he is doing now before taking the bill to parliament. The result would have been different if he had paused and engaged with twitter spaces with the youths of Kenya when the bill elicited massive protests. That singular gesture would have prevented the current carnage and portents of fiscal collapse.

Beware of Ideology Masked as Economics:

President Ruto pushed the finance bill because he was told Kenya had no alternative than to push through fiscal severity despite the resentment and suffering of the people. It is called in the industry of policy reform ‘shock therapy’. It sounds familiar. In the days of East Europe’s transition to western oriented market economy there was a lot of talks about shock therapy and what some have called the ‘dictatorship of no alternative’. It was Margreth Thatcher, another strong leader who arguably damaged the economic fortunes of his country through a mindless pro-market fundamentalism that resulted in destruction of the social protection system of the Post-war era, who minted the phrase “There is No Alternative (TINA)’. But there is always an alternative as Professor Aluko reminded General Babangida in the days of SAP debate.

African leaders need a crash course on managing economic development in the age of deceptive economic ideology. They need to wise up as Asian leaders who pragmatically steered their economies outside the straitjacket of the American Business Model, alias ‘Washington Consensus’. IMF and the World Bank did not advise Ruto to begin his quest for fiscal stability by first cutting down on costs of government so as to generate public trust before cutting through livelihood. They did not remind him that the Office of the First Lady is actually dispensable in the face of worsening fiscal crisis. By raising tax and eliminating critical subsidies are always the low-hanging fruits.

We cannot make light the fiscal crisis that countries across are going through. The crisis requires drastic and difficult actions. But beyond ideology, the first to fall should not social welfare. It should be the last and only after the government have eliminated the waste that is associated with elitism and patrimonial politics. We can solve the crisis through a more effective strategy that does not involve the destructive dynamics of market fundamentalism. East Asian economies succeeded not because they embraced the whole doctrine of free market. They succeeded because they avoided ideology and embraced pragmatism. China has a long history of false steps, even up to the period of Mao Zedong and the cultural revolution. The Great Leap Forward set China back, especially with the collectivization of agriculture, resulting in mass death and failed industrialization. Deng Xiaoping changed the game. He initiated a gradual, programmatic and sensible reform that started with returning the land to dispossessed peasants with guaranteed tenure to encourage irrigation, higher seedlings and extension services. Xiaoping tracked the benefit of increased productivity in agriculture into gradual industrialization. At a point he started to open China to western technology and capital, but in a controlled and strategic manner using special economic zones.

China abhorred the rigid ideologies of communism and the laisse faire theory of neoliberalism and embraced pragmatism. This approach is exemplified by the famous saying of Deng Xiaoping that it does not matter whether my cat is red or white if it catches rat. China followed the example of Japan and South Korea where pragmatic leaders like General Park wisely implemented transformative reform of agriculture and deliberate but systematic protection and nurturing of infant industry to transition their countries to industrial economies. In these countries, pragmatic leaders enhanced efficiency not by surrendering to the free trade, but rather using export discipline to improve productivity. The secret of the success of the East Asian countries is the pragmatic insight that what will ensure industrialization is to protect and nurture infant industry through export discipline. Export promotion worked where import substitution failed in Africa.

China and the rest recognized the pitfall of crony capitalism. When they raise tariff to protect infant industries, they forced those industries to perform according to export benchmarks. Those who failed lost the fiscal and policy support. By so doing they chose winners and losses, not through political patronage, but through the discipline of international trade. This is the model of a development state; a government, as Stephen Cohen and J Bradford DeLong in their book, Concrete Economics: The Hamilton Approach to Economic Growth and Policy, “that signalled the direction, cleared the way, set up the path, and – when needed- provided the means”. Nigerian, nay African, leaders need to embrace pragmatism not fundamentalism in economic policymaking. The plumbline should be whether the policies would not undermine household income and further destroy the long-term productivity of the economy by eroding the human and social capital necessary for transformative economic development. The lesson from Kenya is that it pays more to listen to the people than to the bureaucrats in Washington institutions with no skins in the game of economic survival in Africa.

Kenya president, William Ruto