Urges FG to see investment in sector as social good
Emmanuel Addeh
Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) yesterday disclosed that
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EFCC Witness Admits Emefiele’s Wife Not
Beneficial Owner of CBN Contracts, Companies
Says former apex bank’s governor does not have connection with companies under investigation, his wife not signatories to accounts
funke olaode
An Assistant Manager with Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, has revealed that former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and his wife, Margaret were not signatories to the accounts alleged to be owned by them. Ogbonnaya, who said this while being cross-examined by Emefiele's
Ndume: Tinubu Trapped in Villa, Unaware of Acute Hunger Among Nigerians
Chuks okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is held captive by forces in the Presidential Villa, who have been feeding him with lies and shielding him from selfless Nigerians who can tell him the truth.
Ndume made the allegation yesterday while speaking with journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
He was reacting to a resolution of the senate, which advised the federal government to address the hunger in the land or face the wrath of the people.
Ndume had on Tuesday cosponsored a motion moved by Chairman, Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, titled, "Urgent Need to address food insecurity and market exploitation of consumables in Nigeria."
Continued on page 10
He told journalists that nothsignatories to the three accounts
Limited, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director, Shell Western Supply and Trading, Rodrigo Teixeira de Abreu; and STASCO’s Business Development Manager (Nigeria), Bridget Ehime, after a Shell delegation’s facility visit to Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Plant in Lagos… recently
in Abuja
Counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, also told the court that neither the former CBN governor nor his wife were
GREEN BOND ADVISORY GROUP MEETING...
L-R: Team Task Leader, ACReSAL Project and Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene; Group Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, Temi Popoola; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe, and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, during the Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of the 8th Green Bond Advisory Group Meeting and the Launch of the NGX Impact Board in Lagos…yesterday
Local Content: Senate Panel Asks
BoI to Explain Utilisation of $300m
Asks ITF to address firms’ rejection of trainee students Kogi Senator to pay N27.5m to register 2,500 SMEs with CAC
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has asked the management of the Bank of Industry (BoI) to explain how it utilised the $300million Access Fund meant to promote local content, especially in the oil and gas sector.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, gave the directive during a meeting of her panel with officials of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the BoI.
The engagement, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate Panel Chairman, Arogbonlo Israel, yesterday, was to familiarise the Senate panel with the workings of their agencies and to strengthen capacity building and collaboration.
The statement explained that the meeting was aimed at enhancing synergy between government agencies and maximise impact on Nigerian beneficiaries.
Part of the statement read, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised the importance of joint efforts in promoting local content, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where $300 million is dedicated to Nigerian access through the BoI.
“During the meeting, the Senator sought updates on the agencies’ activities, training programmes, and performance reports.
“She also requested a breakdown of the fund’s utilisation and the number of Nigerians who have benefited from it.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted the strong relationship between local content and the BoI and highlighted that the committee had previously written to the agency to inquire about the performance of the fund and the amount available to be accessed by Nigerians.
“The representatives of the BoI mentioned that the agency is run by Nigerian funds from the private sector but managed by the Nigerian government, with an annual project of $617.7 million.
"They outlined their ability to work with the lawmaker by inviting her to speak with participants about the activities and programmes of the BoI.
"They also clarified that the BoI does not receive any amount from the federal budget and highlighted their success in attracting banks from outside the country, bringing in five billion dollars in the last five years.
"They disclosed that their programmes include: YES-P, GEEP and iDICE. The Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme (YES-P), is BOI’s effort at addressing the worrisome phenomenon of youth unemployment in Nigeria by building the capacity of the youths and funding their business ideas.
“The YES programme is aimed at equipping young people with the requisite skills and knowledge to be self-employed by starting and managing their businesses.
"On the other hand, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) Fund was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Social Investment Unit in the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
"It is meant to provide financial assistance to market women, artisans, women cooperative societies, enterprising youths, small scale farmers, agro-allied processors, and other MSME categories for small and medium businesses in Nigeria.
“While iDICE is aimed at building capacity and upskilling Nigerian youth (from ages 15-35), in technology and creativity to increase their employability, foster innovation, and support the emergence of more entrepreneurs.
" iDICE is co-funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB), Agence française de développement (AFD), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other private investors.”
The BoI team disclosed that they visit NYSC camps where they educate the corp members about GEEP programme and provide capacity building for them. They
promised to invite the Senator during the YES-P programme.
On the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed dissatisfaction with the N10,000 to N15,000 being given to students who undertake the scheme over a period of 4 to six months.
She equally faulted the rejection attitude of organisations towards the students and called for more
synergy between the organisations and ITF to ensure students are accepted whenever they approach any organisation for their SIWES.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan, has partnered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register 2,500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) among her constituents.
A statement by her media office explained that the gesture was in a
bid to boost economic growth and development in her constituency.
The statement explained that the registration would be done on the rate of N11,000 each.
It added that Akpoti-Uduaghan has committed to covering the total cost of N27,500,000 for the registration of all 2,500 SMEs.
The statement added that the partnership was reached on Wednesday when the CAC officials
Nigeria, in line with the Commission's mandate under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
Student Loan: 12 More Stateowned Institutions Submit Data
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the onboarding of additional 12 state-owned tertiary institutions to the student loan application portal.
With the latest addition, the total number of participating state government-owned tertiary institutions has now increased from the initial 36 announced earlier
to 48 while students’ data from 121 institutions are outstanding.
A statement yesterday, by NELFUND’s Head, Media and Public Relations, Nasir Ayitogo, said the expansion followed successful submission and verification of data completeness and accuracy required from the institutions.
Ayitogo said the Managing Director of the Fund, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, commended institutions that have so far submitted their
data and gave special recognition to the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for his exemplary leadership in this regard.
Sawyerr, the statement noted, gave the commendation in Osogbo, the Osun State capital when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Adeleke.
The statement also urged all institutions yet to submit their students’ data to the Student
Verification Portal (SVS) of the Fund to kindly do so to enable their students benefit from the scheme.
NELFUND further urged states whose students’ data have been captured and successfully uploaded to urgently sensitise their students to apply for the loan expected to bring succour to the financially struggling students whilst also bringing guaranteed revenue to the institutions.
Tinubu, Abbas, Makinde Mourn House Member, Akinremi, Who Passed at 51
Deji Elumoye,
and
President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, late Hon. Olaide Akinremi, who passed away on Wednesday at 51. The late Akinremi was a twoterm lawmaker and member of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu, in a release by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, also commiserated with members of the National Assembly, friends, and associates of the deceased over the loss. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and strength for his family at this difficult time.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also expressed sadness over the death of Akinremi.
Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and
Publicity, Musa Krishi, said he was shocked to receive the news of the death of Akinremi.
Describing the late legislator as a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who represented his people with zeal, the speaker said Akinremi would be sorely missed.
Abbas announced the demise of Akinremi at a brief plenary session on Wednesday.
Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde equally expressed shock at the death of Akinremi.
The governor described the death of the lawmaker as unexpected, and said he was someone he could vouch for as having the interest of Oyo State and Nigeria at heart.
Makinde spoke at the Ibadan airport, where he also met with the House of Representatives delegation on the death of the lawmaker.
Makinde prayed God to grant his family and the state the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
led by the Head, CAC FCT Zonal Office, Mr Bello Muftau Esq met with the lawmaker at her office in the National Assembly, Abuja. The CAC team leader, Mr. Bello Muftau, lauded the partnership as a significant step towards promoting the ease of doing business in
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
AWARD WELL DESERVED...
Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam, with President, Dotmount Communications, Mr. Adedotun Olaoluwa, at the Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards 2024 ceremony, where Keystone Bank received the award of the ‘Retail Bank of the Year 2024, held in Abuja…recently
FG, USAID Sign N115bn Deal to Support Nigeria’s Power Sector Reforms, Electrification Drive
The federal government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) yesterday signed a N115.2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support current reforms in the power sector as well as back the country’s push to provide electricity through cleaner sources.
At the event which took place in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the collaboration marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey
towards a brighter future powered by reliable and sustainable electricity for all its people.
He expressed the country’s commitment to ensuring transparency, improving market efficiency as well as accelerating the transition to clean energy solutions, explaining that this aligns perfectly with the national goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
By working with US development agency and leveraging their expertise, Adelabu stated that Nigeria can empower the private sector, strengthen regulations, and unlock
the full potential of its power sector.
According to him, this will not only bring light to millions of homes but also unlock economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria.
“This new N115.2 billion partnership with USAID represents a pivotal step towards overcoming our longstanding challenges in providing reliable and sustainable power to all Nigerians. It strengthens our collaboration and provides crucial resources to tackle the challenges in our power sector,” the minister added.
Stressing that without energy, nothing significant can be achieved, he explained that President Bola Tinubu prioritises the provision of energy to drive development of other sectors.
“Areas that we would want this collaboration to be intensified is the area of legislative support in implementing the newly signed Electricity Act of 2023. By providing this support for implementation at the sub-national level, we have achieved the decentralisation and the liberalisation of the sector, for state governments and private
Tinubu to Meet with Organised Labour Today over New Minimum Wage
Ajaero laments plight of Nigerian retirees
President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet with members of the organised labour today (Thursday) to resolve issues delaying the approval of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, THISDAY learnt yesterday.
A top member of the labour union told journalists that the president has invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Presidential Villa.
The source said Tinubu was expected to further consult with the leadership of the two labour centres on the N62,000 proposal of the government and private sector and the N250,000 being demanded by labour.
According to the source, Tinubu would be weighing in on how to reach a common ground with labour.
The meeting is coming almost a month after the president promised in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an Executive Bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage.
Meanwhile, the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero has decried the suffering and neglect that retired workers are subjected to in the country.
Ajaero who spoke at the 2024 National Pre-retirement Summit held in Abuja yesterday called for a return to the old pension scheme. According to him, currently the
federal government is alleged to owe nearly N260 billion in pension arrears, with federal parastatals accounting for an additional N40 billion.
He said many workers have fear about what would become of them after retirement because it does not offer security
"Pension scheme, as it currently stands in Nigeria, unfortunately falls short of its fundamental purpose; to provide for workers in their old age.
"Retirement under the present scheme may therefore become a death sentence for many and this has many consequences for behaviour
of workers in active service.
"The federal government it is alleged to owe nearly N260 billion in pension arrears, with federal parastatals accounting for an additional N40 billion," he said.
Ajaero said that some states have arrears stretching up to eight years.
"In the private sector, reports indicate that many companies are in arrears of up to three years, deducting contributions from workers' salaries without remitting them to the respective Pension Fund," he said
The NLC president further said that the medium for storing pensions
which is the Naira has maintained an unstable value and has kept depreciating over the years.
The NLC president regretted that pensions which are meant to offer security and peace of mind, ensuring that retirees can enjoy their golden years without financial stress and in good health, have now become an instrument of torment.
He said that it is worrisome that most retired members encounter not just health challenges but many suffer untimely deaths because of the character and nature of the pension scheme which he said pauperises them financially at retirement.
NEITI: Women Constitute Only 18%
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday decried the miserly number of women working in the extractive sector in the country, noting that a recent study showed that only 18 per cent of the female gender was represented.
Speaking at the Multi-Stakeholders Roundtable organised by Global Rights in Abuja, Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, stressed that the number fell short of minimum global standards.
The theme of this year’s roundtable was: “'Enhancing Inclusiveness – An Imperative for Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and
Development in Nigeria's Extractive Industry”.
He argued that women's participation in mining and steel sector has become an issue of debate and advocacy globally, given the negative implications of a male-dominated extractive industry characterised by limited access for women in areas of employment opportunities, training, skills acquisition, investments and exposure to issues on managing natural resources endowments.
“For instance, the latest independent industry audit report conducted by NEITI in the oil, gas and mining sector disclosed that employment opportunities for women in the industry in Nigeria is currently too low from global average.
investors to actively participate in the development of the power sector.
“We are also looking at policy advisory in developing what we call a national integrated electricity policy and strategic implementation plan that will also involve a fully documented integrated resource plan, especially as it affects markets and liquidity in the sector.
“We are looking at technical support in our energy transition plan to achieve our net zero targets by 2060 and our targets of 30,000 megawatts of electricity, out of which 30 per cent of this must come from renewable energy by 2030.
“We would like your support in this regard and I believe we are blessed as a country with everything required for us to have electricity.
From the endowment of natural gas to very good and effective sunlight, to very good and effective desert and offshore wind, and so many dams across the country,” Adelabu added.
Also speaking, USAID Power Africa Coordinator, Richard Nelson, highlighted the US Government's initiative to double access to electricity on the continent by the year 2030.
He said the body has been in operation about 11 years and has made significant gains across the continent, helping almost 15,000 megawatts of power projects reach financial flows in 152 different projects as well as leveraging about $26 billion.
Nelson added that the organisation had also helped almost 200 million people across the continent get access to electricity, describing Nigeria as a special place for the
USAID.
“This MoU that the USAID will be signing with you represents a very key component of the Power Africa engagement with Nigeria as a whole for the next several years. And we're excited to be supporting that.
“Nigeria itself, the work that we've done, has resulted in almost 5 million connections, which represents upwards of 20-plus million people just over the last five years. We've also supported a little over 3,000 megawatts of electricity reaching financial flows. But we look to support more of that over the next few years,” he noted.
In her remarks, Mission director, USAID Nigeria, Melissa Jones, said that through the MoU, the US government intended to intensify and accelerate its partnership with the ministry, Nigeria's lead power sector policymaking institution.
“We are very excited to sign this MoU and to achieve our shared goals. Under the MoU, USAID intends to launch a new N115 billion programme to support Nigeria's energy reform and clean energy transition.
“This is because we believe in the leadership here in this ministry and under the minister, and we believe in the people of Nigeria. The power of partnership is real, and the power of partnership between our two governments is needed now more than ever,” she stated.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mahmuda Mamman, lauded the US for the collaboration, explaining that with the support, certain targets will be met and surpassed.
of Workers in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry
“From the report, 56 out of 70 companies covered had a total of 19,171 employees. 15,639 (82 per cent) were men while 3,532 (18 per cent) of the employees were women. Similarly, out of 2,325 top or high-level positions, women representation was less than 100.
“In efforts to address gender equity and inclusion, NEITI working with our global development partners, 57 member countries in our organisation, the media and civil society are committed to advancing fiscal justice and gender equity debate in extractive industries with specific focus on enhancing women participation in natural resource governance.
“To this end, NEITI has set up
women/gender desk to coordinate our activities designed to put women and children issues in public consciousness,” Orji stated.
According to him, the NEITI report also showed some improvement in the solid minerals sector's contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 0.26 per cent in 2019 to 0.63 per cent in 2021.
The figure, he said, is still very abysmal considering the potential of the solid minerals sector to act as a catalyst for economic growth and development of the country.
Speaking earlier, Executive Director Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, said that with more than 40 minerals in commercial quantities strewn across the country,
paradoxically the solid mineral sector contributes less than 1 per cent to the national GDP.
According to him, more than 80 per cent of the sector (in particular artisanal mining) is unregulated and its revenue unaccounted for.
“We live with the environmental and socio-economic consequences of lax oversight, and worse still, our children will pay for them, while these minerals pave the path to economic greatness for the countries to which they are illegally ferried.
“Mining host communities inordinately bear the burden of the resource curse with seemingly little or no benefits from the wealth that is harnessed from their vicinity,” he pointed out.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
InvEStIturE OF tHE 15tH PILA PrESIDEnt...
Niger Delta Stakeholders Urge FG to Release over N2tn Owed NDDC
House committee pledges speedy passage of commission’s budget
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Niger Delta stakeholders have tasked the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu to release the outstanding debt of over N2 trillion owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the government.
This was as the Committee on NDDC at the House of Representatives has assured the Commission of speedy passage of the N1.9 trillion NDDC budget before it.
Speaking during the technical session of the Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Summit, held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Senator Emmanuel Essien, noted the need for the federal government to release the accrued fund for the NDDC to expand its projects across the region.
Essien, disclosed that the forum has endorsed the present management and board of the NDDC.
He said the stagnation of the NDDC was caused by fund delay by the federal government and poor management, saying the regional projects cannot be executed because of lack of funds.
Essien, who expressed joy over the summit, described the NDDC as an agency that is supposed to intervene in the problems and development of the Niger Delta region.
He said, "Incidentally, I was the Deputy Chief Whip in the Senate at the time we enacted the NDDC Law. Incidentally, also when President Olusegun Obasanjo refused to sign the
bill into law, we from the Niger Delta region pleaded with our colleagues to override him and incidentally I led the walkout at the Federal Republic of Nigeria, before our colleagues came to agree to override that veto.
"I want to say that the ideals of that law has not been achieved, partly because of under-funding and partly because of management issues. That is why I want to thank the present board and management in what they are doing to redeem that deficiency and I want to join the traditional rulers to plead with Mr. President to release all the outstanding money for NDDC which is over N2 trillion.”
According to him, "You cannot set up an agency and you don't fund it and expect it to do what it supposed to do. There are lots of issues in the Niger Delta region. The master plan for the region cannot be implemented. I was part of the master plan for this region, as the Vice Chairman of NDDC Committee in the Senate at that time.
“We are borrowing money to do other things, even if it is to borrow to refund the money to NDDC, we should borrow so that NDDC can achieve its core mandate."
Speaking on the NDDC Act, he said "We also want to say at this stakeholders meeting, that there is need to review that NDDC Act. There are other sources of money that had to be brought into the Act to enrich the purse of the NDDC.
“Also, the single Treasury Account should not be applied to NDDC. They should have their money so that they can do their projects."
In his submission, the Chairman, Founding Fathers of defunct OMPADEC and NDDC, Prof. Jasper Jumbo, said the Act that set up the Commission left out seven key proposals in the setting up of the Commission.
He said the federal government began to owe the Commission from inception and still expects them to deliver, urging the federal government to go and borrow from wherever they had been borrowing to defray the debt owed the NDDC.
"Tell the National Security Adviser to tell the President, if they are borrowing money to execute projects in Nigeria, they should borrow money and pay back to NDDC.
“I can't see why the NDDC should not be getting three per cent VAT, as part of its funding position.
“They should give them three per cent VAT. Let them have and see how they cannot give us legacy projects. We have full confidence in this board."
The Deputy Chairman of House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Jafaru Leko, promised that he and his colleagues would ensure speedy release of the 2024 budget of N1.9 trillion.
In his presentation, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the Niger Delta must be clearly captured as a National Security priority in the vision of President Tinubu, and his Renewed
Hope Agenda, in a more active and determined way.
Ribadu, who was represented by Mrs. Osareti Ihuoma Grace, said the President’s broader and long-term National Security vision included moving internal security from kinetic to non-kinetic operations, noting that his office would emphasise security from human and socio-economic development point of view to deepen democratic culture in the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured that the Commission would continue to focus on completing capital projects that would add value to the Niger Delta region.
He said: “Our commitment is to work together towards transforming the region, in line with the 8-Point Presidential Priorities, as well as in accordance with the demands of the NDDC Act of 2000.
“We have no intention of clashing with or competing with State governors in the region. Instead, we aim to collaborate as development partners to facilitate the rapid progress of the Niger Delta region."
Earlier, in his opening address, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, charged leaders and key stakeholders from various sectors and ethnic nationalities to collaborate for the development of the Niger Delta region.
Sustainability Reporting Now Key Compliance Issue for Banks, Others, Says Olowo
James Emejo in Abuja
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive, Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, yesterday declared that amid the impending negative effect of climate change, sustainability reporting was becoming a key compliance issue for banks and other financial institutions.
He spoke at the opening of the practical workshop on the implementation of the International Sustainability Standards Board’s
(ISSB) IFRS and IFRS S2 by financial institutions in Nigeria, which was organised by the council in collaboration with the Nigerian Integrated Reporting Committee (NIRC) in Abuja.
He said while Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles required everyone to act, it was, "not only a business decision or a nice to have but it is becoming a compliance issue, which every company is expected to comply through cultural behavior."
Olowo said the ESG remained
NATO Summit: Nigerian Author, Omojuwa Reappointed to Halifax International Security Forum Board for 2nd Term
Sunday Okobi
Nigerian author and founder of The Alpha Reach, Joshua J. Omojuwa, has been reappointed to the board of the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) for a second consecutive term, solidifying his position as a leading voice in global security and strategic cooperation.
The reappointment is on the sidelines of the NATO Summit and the NATO Public Forum, the 75th Anniversary of the organisation which Mr Omojuwa is attending.
The excited Omojuwa took to his
X (formerly Twitter) page to share the news of his reappointment, saying: “I got reappointed to the HFX board unanimously, earlier today in D.C. second term, to 2027. “More excited than ever about the important work that we get to do in influencing change around the world.”
Omojuwa, who became the first Nigerian and African to be appointed to the forum board in 2021, will now serve until 2027, building on his work with distinguished global leaders and change-makers to drive progress on pressing global security challenges.
HFX is a global non-profit think tank that convenes senior officials from democratic nations worldwide to engage in open dialogue, share expertise, and debate solutions to pressing global security challenges.
Omojuwa is on the HFX board alongside Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto , Janice Gross Stein; former United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Honorable Mark William Lippert; Treasurer of the Board at Halifax International Security Forum, Ahmet Taçyildiz; fourth President of the Republic of
Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovi, and Chairman of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Luis Rubio, who are expected to bring a unique perspective to the HFX board.
Omojuwa’s book, ‘Digital: The New Code of Wealth’, explores the intersection of technology, social change, and wealth creation, offering insights into the digital age transformative impact on society. He has addressed audiences worldwide, often leading conversations on challenges and opportunities in Africa, New Media, democracy and governance.
an essential aspect of responsible banking and finance, adding that as a regulator in the financial reporting and corporate governance, the FRC had been proactive in the standard setting process of ISSB's sustainability reporting from the onset.
He explained that in the roadmap document, the Adoption Readiness Working Group (ARWG) for sustainability reporting in Nigeria, had given regulatory discretionary reliefs with phased implementation plans of sustainability standard from 2023 through 2030 for reporting and assurance instead of ISSB's effective date of 2024.
He added, "We are delighted to note that we have two banks among the financial institutions that are early adopters.
"We therefore, look forward to having more to join the train this year and not wait for the mandatory year."
He said the workshop was the first in a series of capacity building for stakeholders in furtherance of the council's resolve to ensure that financial institutions become the first to know their onions when it comes to sustainability reporting before the mandatory period.
Specifically, Olowo said the FRC expected best practices in integrated reporting, combining financial and sustainability performance as well as materiality assessment, focusing on significant ESG issues, including stakeholder engagement, involving customers, employees, and com-
munities among others.
He further explained that sustainability reporting refers to the practice of organisations disclosing their ESG performance and impacts caused by organisation's everyday activities.
According to him, the concept focuses on disclosure to the various stakeholders on how the effects of, "actions taken in the present upon the options that are available in the future."
He said for financial institutions, sustainability reporting remained crucial - enabling them to demonstrate their commitment towards responsible banking principles, sustainable practices, risk management and sustainable finance opportunities.
He stressed that globally, financial institutions are forerunners on sustainability issues as they always face increasing pressure from stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators to disclose their sustainability performance. He said sustainability reporting provides immense benefits to entities including improved stakeholder trust; and cost saving from energy transition on tje long run from non- renewable energy to renewable energy through expense reduction.
According to him, other benefits include tax saving from qualifying capital expenditure of PPE through capital allowance reliefs and enhanced reputation for complying organisations.
L-R: Deputy President, Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA), Omtola Sotade; President, PILA, Bimbo Onakomaya; Immediate past President PILA, Lady Margaret Nkechi Moore; and Chairman of the investiture, Dr. Joy Ojemudia at the media briefing in Lagos, to announce the investiture of the 15th President, Mrs. Onakoma... on Tuesday
African Oil Producers Meet, Brainstorm on Take-off of $5 Billion Energy Bank
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The African Petroleum Producers' Organisation (APPO) has urged member countries to fulfil their financial obligations towards establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), the first of such financial institutions on the continent.
Last week, Nigeria secured the hosting rights for the bank, which will be located in Abuja, the nation's capital.
To ensure the bank's operationalisation, APPO Secretary General, Dr Farouk Ibrahim, called on African oil-producing member countries to contribute their subscription fees of $83 million, to aid the bank’s expected launch in September 2024. Ibrahim made the appeal during
namely: Limelight Multidimensional Ltd, COME Support Services Ltd and Ambswin Resources Ltd.
According to her, the signatory to the accounts is one Mrs. Augustina.
Ojo, further asked the EFCC witness whether she knew the procedure for opening Corporate Account which she answered in affirmative.
Speaking further, Ogbonnaya said she was not involved in the opening of the account but took over when the person in charge left.
the 18th ordinary meeting of the APPO executive board in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where APPO headquarters is situated, a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Nicholas Ella, said yesterday. Ella, who is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the event, quoted Ibrahim as reaffirming the APPO council of ministers' resolution to confer the hosting rights of the bank on Nigeria.
"We are aligned with the resolutions of the APPO council of ministers from last week. We will double our efforts to ensure we gather the necessary funds to initiate the Africa Energy Bank," Ibrahim said. He further disclosed that the oil-producing member countries
In furtherance of his cross examination, Ojo asked “In your perusal of the relevant account package opening, did you come across any letter or board resolution with regards to COME Support Services Limited that says Mrs. Margaret Emefiele was the direct beneficiary of the account?
The witness said “no,” saying names she has on the shareholders’ form were one Mrs. Augustina and Ibrahim Oluwadamilare Taofeek.
Ojo, then asked, “as an experienced banker, are you aware that there
had formally written to the Nigerian government to discuss expedited steps to establish the bank.
"On Friday, July 5, we formally wrote to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will discuss how quickly the bank building will be ready and the host country agreement prepared for signature. We already have one member country that has signed the establishment agreement. We need one more signature to proceed," Ibrahim added.
Expressing President Bola Tinubu's gratitude to member states for their unwavering support and confidence in Nigeria’s bid to host the bank, Ella reiterated Nigeria's commitment to the continental bloc's ideals to enhance energy security in Africa.
"The gathering of the 18-member
is a regulatory requirement on the collection of information on beneficial owners of a Corporate Account?
The Witness said “yes, because there is a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform through which banks collect information.”
While confirming that the signatory to the account was one Mrs. Augustina, the witness hinted that transactions would still not be processed until it was approved by Mrs. Emefiele.
The witness further told the court
countries of APPO in Brazzaville demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering unity, cooperation, and sustainable development within the African energy sector," noted Ella.
He pledged Nigeria’s determination to collaborate with other members to address the financial needs of Africa’s energy sector through funding oil and gas projects.
Ella urged member countries to harness the collective strength of the continent’s nations to build a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.
"Together, we will create an institution that addresses the financial needs of our energy projects and champions sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic inclusivity across Africa," he added.
that instructions to banks are not oral but in writing and before she came to court to give evidence, she had opportunity to review the account opening of the three companies.
According to her: "I did not come across any document in the account opening package that Mrs. Emefiele is a direct beneficial owner of the corporate accounts of the companies.
"There is a regulatory requirement on the collection of information on beneficial owners of a corporate account.
Police Move to Build Capacity of SIS Operatives on Modern Policing Strategies
Orders fresh investigation into extrajudicial killing of suspect in custody
Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, ordered the commencement of an intensive capacity building programme for more than 200 Special Intervention Squad (SIS) operatives of the Nigerian police force.
Egbetokun also merged Special Forces into SIS operations and appointed Commissioner of
Mrs.
Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, as the National Coordinator, to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the SIS, to enable them to better serve and protect the Nigerian public.
He equally noted that the first batch of the capacity building is taking place at the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos, as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enhancing the capacity and professionalism of its officers through
Tinubu: Belarus Ready
to Collaborate with Nigeria on Specialists' Training, Economy
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has secured the commitment of the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko to partner with Nigeria in the area of specialists training and economy.
Lukashenko made the commitment during the visit of the First Lady to his office in Belarus.
According to a release issued on Wednesday evening by Mrs Tinubu's spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, Lukashenko highlighted some of the areas Belarus was looking at for cooperation between the two countries to include Agriculture, Food processing, Industry and Education.
The Belarusian President who spoke through an interpreter pointed out that the Nigerian First Lady's visit has further strengthened his administrations resolve to enhance bilateral relations with Nigeria noting that one key area they would be hoping to collaborate was on specialists training.
According to him: “We know your needs and we know the possibilities that you have. Let me underline that these possibilities are important and significant for us. We can render significant assistant to you and you can reciprocate for us.
“We are willing to explore deeper collaboration in the area of education with your country.
“Please ask President Bola Tinubu
for the visit of our Minister of Foreign Affairs to your country so we can develop these areas of collaboration further”.
Responding, Mrs Tinubu thanked the Belarusian leader especially for providing 20 Nigerian Students full Scholarship through her initiative, Renewed Hope Initiative.
She explained to Lukashenko that the RHI was involved in empowering women especially through the Women in Agriculture programme which was a way to improve on food security and production in Nigeria.
The First Lady assured that Nigeria would also be reaching out further to the Belarus to see how the desired collaboration between the two nations would be pursued.
Earlier, Mrs Tinubu met with the Belarusian Minister of Education Andrey Ivanets who put the Nigerian population of students in that country at 600.
Ivanets said the students studying in various fields were doing very well academically and that his Ministry looked forward to formalizing a bilateral agreement with Nigeria.
He said the Belarusian government hoped to establish Specialists Training Centers in Nigeria.
The First Lady at the meeting pointed out that Work Experience programme of Belarus was very commendable and would be explored by Nigeria.
modern policing strategies and a strong emphasis on human rights.
A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the training, which would be an ongoing process, lasting several months, aims to cover all SIS personnel across the country.
He noted that the officers, would be equipped with the latest techniques and strategies to effectively tackle contemporary law enforcement challenges, with emphasis placed on emerging trends and innovations in policing, and ensuring officers are well versed in cutting edge knowledge and skills.
Adejobi said the training would have as its key areas of focus the safeguard of rights and welfare of children through best practices in child protection.
"Additionally, officers will learn advanced methods to ensure the safety and security of civilians, particularly in conflict and high-risk situations. The training will also reinforce the importance of upholding human rights in all policing activities, in line with international standards and practices," he said.
Meanwhile, Egbetokun, has
construct and modernise major rail infrastructure was about $16 billion.
“The money is not just there, it is a total of about $16 billion and you don’t just pluck $16 billion from the sky,” the then Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali revealed that about $35 billion was needed to meet the realisation of an adequate and functioning railway transportation system in Nigeria.
But Okhiria argued that although people in government see railway infrastructure as a source of business which should yield profit, it should rather be viewed as something done to make life better for the people.
“So you are not developing this means of transportation because you want to make profits in terms of Naira because the profit will come indirectly. If you are able to move goods and make sure that we link Abuja to Lagos, Kano to
During a brainstorming session on the continent’s energy future, Algerian executive board member, Remini Amine, emphasised that local content, manpower, and infrastructure development remain key to unlocking Africa's energy opportunities.
APPO member state representatives agreed that the energy bank would bridge funding gaps in the sector, with Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, a former Nigerian Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, suggesting a 10-year plan for the energy industry to encourage an "open era" for investment. Kachikwu advised APPO to grow the energy bank's capital base before investing.
Speakers at the week-long event emphasised the need for National Oil Companies (NOCs) to lead in
"When the former relationship officer left, I continued the relationship based on what the previous relationship officer has been managing them with."
While pressing further Ojo asked whether she had any relationship with the former CBN Governor, Ogbonnaya told the court that there was no relationship between Emefiele and the companies.
“Does any of the passport photographs on the form carried Emefiele or his wife”? The witness said “No.” Have you ever attended board meetings of any of the three companies? Ogbonnaya said “no.”
“I suggest to you that you do not know how the three companies are being managed.” The witness said, “to some degree because as a Relationship Manager, we hold meetings to deliberate on how the accounts are being run.”
ordered fresh investigation into the controversy surrounding the death of a young man named “Erasmus Emhenya” who was allegedly killed in police custody at the Nyanya Divisional Police Headquarters, FCT, on the 10th of April 2023, to unravel the cause of death and ensure the prevalence of justice.
Another statement by Adejobi, said Egbetokun who expressed his grave concern over the incident, further directed the DIG FCID to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter and forward the report as soon as possible.
Egbetokun also called for calm and support from members of the public on the matter while assuring that the police would continually uphold and protect people’s human rights in their day-to-day activities.
He further reassured the public of police's commitment to sustain its internal control mechanism to deal decisively and sanction any erring police personnel, who engage in unprofessional conduct.
The IGP commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Lagos where you have the port, the indirect Naira may not be earned by the government, but it will flow into the economy and it will develop it and commerce will grow.
“But when you now say I want to buy locomotive, when are you going to recover it directly? When are you thinking you will get that money back? It doesn't work like that.
“So what should be important is making life comfortable for the people. Anybody who tells you, even in the US that is the capital of capitalism, that rail is handled by businessmen, government has a vote for those businessmen. Why do you talk about bailout?
“ You have your company and it is not going well, government comes and makes sure that your private business does not fail because it is providing a sort of relief indirectly to government because those companies are providing job opportunity for their citizens.
“So if you say because you want
Earlier in his continuation of examination by EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness was shown Exhibit A page 96 to 101, page 123 to 124 wherein she read out the inflows and outflows
ing appreciable was being done in recent times to deescalate the security challenge in the country, which remained a permanent threat to food security.
Ndume said, "Mr. President is not in the picture of what is happening outside the villa. He has been fenced off and caged. So many of us won't go through the backdoor to engage him.
"Now, they have stopped him from talking and he doesn't have public affairs managers, except that his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who writes press statements.
"Nigerians are getting very, very angry. The government is not doing anything about the food scarcity and it needs to do something urgently.
We don't have food reserve.
"There is unavailability of food. Food crisis is the worst crisis that
to make profits, you calculate how much you are going to make when you want to link my village, my people should be able to move from using rail to Lagos. It is not going to work like that,” he argued.
He argued that there was the need to connect the southern to the northern parts of Nigeria by rail, expressing the hope that the government will take the Itakpe route to Kaduna soon.
Given the right funding, he stated that Nigerian engineers working with the NRC have the capacity to build locomotives, stressing that in GE for instance, the vote for research and development was almost like the annual Nigerian budget.
“How much is the railway budget that you see? The issue is not whether we can… Even the Chinese that are here, when they have issues, they come back to our engineers,” he argued.
“It's about $66 billion to link (Nigeria) as planned in the development plan,” he said , when asked
in the companies’ accounts. She said, "The transaction of March 5, 2018 are inflows from CBN N797,000.00, March 7, 2018 and N3,946,300 in favour of Dumis Oil and Gas on the account of Limelight.
"On April and May 2018 there was debit from the account in favour of Dumis Oil and Gas. On May 25, 2018 there was inflow from CBN into this account . On May 3,2018 there was debit in favour of Dumis. On June 19, 2018, there was inflow from CBN to this account and on June 25, 2018 there was two inflows from CBN to this account."
However, before the proceeding was brought to a close, Ojo and Oyedepo argued over one of the exhibits provided by Ogbonnaya, a WhatsApp message to ascertain her conversation with Mrs. Emefiele. After going back and forth, the Judge ordered that the WhatsApp message should be brought before court on the adjourned date. After listening to the witness, Justice Oshodi subsequently adjourned further cross examination to October 28, 29 and 30,2024.
any nation can encounter. If we add that to security crisis, it will be severe.”
Ndume added, "The president should wake up, it seems he isn't in the picture of what is happening because he has been caged off. "He has been fenced off by plutocrats. He should open his doors and meet those who will tell him the truth. Unfortunately, the people who will tell him the truth won't struggle to meet him.
"I am very worried not only for the president himself, but myself." He expressed disappointment that stakeholders had not been forthright in addressing the menace of herders in the country.
The senate chief whip stated that the menace of herders had also compounded the issues around food scarcity.
how much it will take to build rail infrastructure in the country. He bemoaned the incessant breach of the rail tracks by criminals, stressing that recent derailments were caused by the activities of the hoodlums. “But we have people still tampering with our track,” he lamented.
He disclosed that additional security had been provided after the last attack on the trains, noting that CCTV cameras had also been provided for the locomotives.
“We have to provide additional security to ensure that even when they breach it, by what is placed there abnormally, we have to secure it. And that's what we are doing all over...But we have provided some little technologies like we have cameras inside the train.
“We have to have cameras outside the train, that is panoramic camera truck that can cover about one kilometre, because for a train driver to stop, it requires about 800 metres,” he stated.
crude oil production and refine oil to meet local consumption needs. The energy bank is an initiative of the APPO and Afreximbank.
Dr Farouk Ibrahim
Agbakoba Urges President Tinubu to Relinquish Petroleum Minister Role
Advises govt to abolish joint-venture operation in oil and gas sector
sunday ehigiator
To give deserved priority attention to the oil and gas sector, the Senior Partner, Olisa Agbakoba Legal and Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relinquish his role as Minister of Petroleum Resources and implement comprehensive reforms in the oil and gas sector.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) also called for the abolishment of joint-venture operation in sector between the government and International Oil Companies (IOCs), which is based on the ‘Contract Oil’ approach, and called for a paradigm shift towards a ‘Development Oil’ approach, that prioritises peoplecentric governance, economic growth and energy security.
Speaking during a media chat in
Lagos, Agbakoba said, “This move aims to give the oil and gas sector the attention it deserves, driving Nigeria's economic progress and development.”
According to him, “From the cornerstone of the constitution, oil and gas is something within the control of the government. To emphasise the nature of control, Section 44, sub-section 3 of the constitution says all minerals,
Calls for an end to dependency on IOCs
mineral resources, oil and natural gas in and upon any land in Nigeria, exclusive, defines the scope, shall be managed by the government of the federation.
“So there's no question that constitutionally, oil and gas falls squarely within the purview of the government in a way that ownership belongs to it.
“I can understand, say in the early 50s, 60s, as we grappled with the
Autonomy: S'Court Decides Local Government Councils' Fate Today
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday decide whether local government councils in the country would begin to operate as a fully independent entity or remain as an appendage of state governors.
Although Nigeria operates a three-tier system of government; federal, state and local governments, over the years the local governments seemed to have been subsumed into the state governments, with the states allegedly taking over the management of funds belonging to the councils.
The development, amongst others, led the federal government through the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) instituting legal action against the states at the apex court.
After hearing all arguments for and against the suit, the apex court had on June 13, announced that its
judgement would be delivered on a date that would be communicated to parties.
After nearly one month after, the apex court is set to put to rest the issue of local governments autonomy.
Spokesman of the apex court, Dr. Festus Akande, confirmed this to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of 34 new justices of the Court of Appeal and High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Akande, the judgement is ready and has been scheduled for delivery on Thursday July 11.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had on behalf of the federal government sued the 36 states over the manner the governors are running the LGs. In the suit marked SC/
CV/343/2024, the AGF prayed the apex court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government executives.
At the hearing of the suit last month the AGF, who informed the apex court that all the states have complied with its orders urged the panel to discountenance the preliminary objection of the states to the suit and grant the reliefs sought from the court.
However, the defendants all argued otherwise and urged the panel to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.
Fagbemi in the originating summons is praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channeled to them from the federation account in line with the provisions of the
Niger Begins Sale of Fertiliser, Other Inputs to Farmers
One week after Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago flagged off the sale and distribution of fertilizer and other farm inputs to farmers under torrential rainfall, the state government on Wednesday, began the actual sale to farmers.
The sale is being carried out in designated centres simultaneously at subsidized rates.
A statement made available to newsmen in Minna by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, said each 50kg bag of the item notwithstanding the variety will sell for N21,500 adding that no farmer will be allowed to purchase more than 2 bags.
"A farmer can only purchase
a maximum of 2 bags to allow a targeted 4,500 beneficiaries from each zone in the state benefit from the exercise. The fertilizer will be sold at NGN 21,500 per bag irrespective of the types," Dr. Ahmed said in the statement.
He directed interested farmers making the purchase "to come along with either voter’s card or NIN for possible identification" before pleading "with our hard-working farmers to utilise the agro-input in their respective farms."
The permanent secretary warned that: "Any farmer caught selling the agro-input will be sanctioned and will not benefit from subsequent intervention.
"Our Extension Agents (EAs), will go round to inspect, monitor
and supervise the utilisation of the agro-input redeemed across the senatorial zones," Dr Ahmed said.
A 50 kg bag of NPK brand is being sold in the open market at N43,000 while the Urea brand sells for N40,000.
Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago accompanied by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jemila Ibrahim and the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Farouq Bahago, launched the sale last Wednesday under heavy rainfall during which he disclosed that the state was ready to feed itself and the nation and also export surplus agricultural products to boost the income of farmers.
Bago appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who he said assisted the state government with some tonnes of fertilizer.
Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.
He also sought an order of the apex court stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.
Besides, the federal government applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the federation account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.
new find, and were inexperienced, and we brought in foreigners to assist. I can understand it. But I cannot understand why today, the federal government abandons its duty.
“What the federal government is doing in the oil and gas field is unconstitutional. And I'm going to challenge it in court. I'm going to challenge the so-called scheme by the federal government, by which they create joint ventures.
“A joint venture is simply another word for joint ownership. So these joint ventures that the federal government creates with Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, contradict what I've just read. It contradicts it because section 44 says, we are the ones, the government, we own it.
“So, a joint venture is between the federal government and an oil company. The federal government tells the oil company, we're going to manage OML 00, that's an oil well for instance. So there's an agreement, they refer to it as a joint venture.
“So my submission here is that the nature of this joint venture or joint ownership contradicts what the constitution says. The constitution does not allow the federal government to invite private participation. And that is the source of the problem.”
Speaking further, he said there was a reason why Section 16 and Section 44 “vest natural resources in us.”
“It's our inheritance, it's our sovereignty. We're giving this for a particular reason. And that's
why he spoke about developing oil, which is what Saudi Arabia uses. In Saudi Arabia, the role of the IOCs is strictly limited.
“You provide a service, you don't own. There is no ownership. There's no co-ownership concerning oil and gas in Saudi Arabia between the Saudi Arabian government and any IOC.
“In Nigeria, on the contrary, there is co-ownership. And please, take time to read the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). There's not one mention, apart from the host communities, there's not one mention of us.
“The thing is for us, but nobody refers to us. So, if a law is made, according to the constitutional provisions I've read that this is our natural inheritance, why are we not mentioned?
“Why is it that it mentions licences, regulations, compliance, and compliance with whom and for whom? It's simply about how you, not Nigerians, can access an oil well, and how the government can regulate and control it.
“It's not about how you can access the oil well for the benefit of Nigerians, which is what Ken Saro-Wiwa fought and died for in vain, as it now stands because it seems to be forgotten.
“Is it not time to dismantle the existing oil and gas legal framework? Is it not the time? Has it benefited us? If it has, how? People don't get the feeling of the resources coming. Rather, a typical JV would say 60 per cent for you, 40 per cent for you.
2024 NIMET Flood Alert: Bayelsa Govt to Identify More Higher Grounds for Makeshift Camps
olusegun samuel in Yenagoa
Against the backdrop of the 2024 flood warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Bayelsa State Government has directed its directorate for flood and erosion control to begin the process of identifying more higher grounds for flood relief camps across the state.
Government has also directed the directorate to identify structures built on natural canals within the Yenagoa metropolis for possible demolition to check flooding during downpours and in the major flood season.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the directives Tuesday at a meeting with the Director-General and the directors of the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control (BYSDFEC) and local government
chairmen and their rural development authorities (RDA) counterparts in Government House, Yenagoa.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor said identifying and building camp grounds were part of proactive measures the state government is taking to mitigate the effects of any massive flooding as predicted by NIMET.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo however urged the directorate to liaise with the local government and RDA chairmen to quickly establish more relief camps close to flood-prone communities to spare rural dwellers the troubling of moving to Yenagoa, the state capital. He also stressed the need for the ministry of environment and other relevant agencies to intensify the ongoing efforts in opening up
canals and waterways for unimpeded water flow.
The deputy governor who frowned on the practice of building houses and other structures across natural water canals, especially in the state capital, assured that the present administration was poised to implement the state Physical Planning and Development Act 2000. He, therefore, directed the Flood Control Directorate to earmark such structures for possible demolition to save residents of Yenagoa from the menace of incessant flash floods.
In his remarks, the DirectorGeneral of the Bayelsa Directorate for Flood and Erosion Control, Surveyor Walson Omuso, said efforts were underway to identify additional higher grounds for the flood relief camps in preparation for the huge flood as predicted by NIMET.
L-R: Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna; Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN, Abdul Momodu; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN, Anthonia Ngozi Edeh and Special Adviser to the Chairman/CEO, Col Yakubu Bako (Rtd) in a group picture after the decoration of Edeh and Momodu with their new rank at the 8th edition of the NDLEA Commands' Awards and Commendations ceremony at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja .... yesterday
Alex enumah in Abuja
Laleye dipo in Minna
Troops Intercept Notorious Kidnap Kingpins in Anambra, Oyo, Katsina
ikechukwu aleke in abuja
The High Command of the Nigerian Army has said its troops deployed for counterterrorism operations across the country, in a series of coordinated operations, intercepted and foiled the nefarious activities of notorious kidnap kingpins in Anambra, Oyo, and Katsina States, while dealing a significant blow to criminal elements in the regions.
A statement by the Nigerian Army, said troops on patrol successfully intercepted and arrested two suspected IPOB/ ESN members identified as Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha, in a Toyota Highlander SUV near Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
“The suspects were found in possession of two pump action rifles, 41 cartridges, a hand held communication radio, and fetish objects. Further investigations
revealed their involvement in criminal activities and have been on the Nigeria Police Wanted list since 2023,” the statement disclosed.
The Nigerian Army also disclosed that preliminary investigations further revealed that Ifeanyi Godwin allegedly owned a hotel from proceeds of kidnapping used as an IPOB/ESN operations base.
In a related development, the service noted that troops acting on credible intelligence raided the residence of a suspected kidnap kingpin identified as Bello Chikidawoje in Bodija Area of Ibadan North LGA of Oyo State.
According to the statement, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, and additional rounds buried inside an animal’s cage. Efforts were underway to apprehend Bello Chikidawoje and dismantle his criminal network.
In a separate operation
Gov Yahaya Unveils Major Agric Project to Transform Gombe into Cassava Hub
segun awofadeji in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, has allocated 500 hectares of land for cassava cultivation across the 11 local government areas of the state.
He said the groundbreaking measure is aimed at revolutionising agriculture and boosting food security in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ambitious project was unveiled during a recent expanded security council meeting presided by Governor Yahaya in Gombe.
During the meeting yesterday, the governor outlined the details of the programme, directing each of the 11 local government councils to earmark 40 hectares of land, specifically for cassava farming.
The decision to focus on cassava cultivation, according to the governor, came after extensive research into its nutritional value and versatility in food processing.
He emphasized that the step taken to boost cassava production, is not just about increasing agricultural output, but also about addressing the pressing issues of hunger and food scarcity as well as “our resolve to transform Gombe State into a hub of cassava
production in Africa.
“Cassava, a root crop, is known for its high carbohydrate content and its ability to thrive in various climatic conditions.”
The governor expressed optimism that the project would significantly impact the economy of Gombe State by attracting traders and investors from across Africa and beyond.
He reflected on the recent mission to the Kingdom of Morocco, where he led a delegation to understudy modern agricultural practices and technologies with a view to replicating same in the state.
Yahaya, therefore, directed the local government council chairpersons to not only allocate the lands but also identify and provide necessary support for farmers, ensuring the successful implementation of the project in their respective areas.
The Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Sani Ahmad Haruna, in his response, stated that: “We are determined to stop at nothing to ensure the success of this initiative, as His Excellency’s commitment to the development of our state is unwavering, and I have the faith in our capacity to drive this project forward.”
Institute Tasks FG on Justice Delivery for Grassroots
The Hague Institute for Innovation and Law (HiiL) has called on the federal government and other critical stakeholders in the justice sector to ensure the availability of justice at the rural and local government levels of government in Nigeria.
HiiL’s, Country Director, Ijeoma Nwafor, made the call yesterday in Abuja, during a session of the Core Convening Group (CCG) of Making People-Centred Justice Happen in Nigeria.
According to the Country Director, the forum was an opportunity to examine the impact done to increase access to justice using people-centered approach by Nigerians using innovations, scaling it up and making it sustainable.
“We want to decentralise justice delivery if we want to help the
in Katsina State, troops responded to a distress call about terrorists blocking the
road in Ruma Yargamji, Batsari.
The army, however, noted
that the swift action by the troops compelled the terrorists to flee, resulting in the recovery of three empty AK-47 magazines along their withdrawal route.
Communal Clashes: Police Confirm 10 Injured, Property Destroyed
Laleye dipo in Minna
The Niger State Police in Minna have confirmed that 10 people were injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed in two separate communal clashes in Lapai Local Government Area of the state last week.
Six suspects have also been
people; let’s go back to the local governments, communities, let somebody in the village be able to go to their traditional ruler and know that they have been trained in mediation, alternative dispute resolution, and can resolve a lot of cases those he cannot resolve would be taken to the multi-door court house,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nwafor advocated the utilisation of HiiL’s country data for policy planning.
The representative of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice and a director in the ministry, Felix Okojie, in his remarks said the programme was to create awareness on the institutions created to provide justice for the citizens.
The programme had in attendance the Federal Ministry of Justice, lawyers, judges, academics and social impact investors.
arrested in connection with the incidents.
In one of the clashes, which took place between Dakun and Gbage communities over disputed land, six people were injured while in the other one, which occurred between Katakpa and Elegi villagers, four people were injured.
The state Police Command Public
Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Abiodun said security operatives were drafted to the warring communities to restore law and order.
Abiodun disclosed that some of those injured in the fracas were taken to the Gulu General Hospital for treatment. The police spokesman, however, said the incidents are under investigation.
Meanwhile some of the affected villagers have appealed to the state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, and the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Ebenezer Shawulu Danmamman, and other relevant authorities to intervene quickly before the crisis escalate further.
Rivers Monarch Decries High Rate of Out -of-School Children
Blessing ibunge in Port harcourt
The Paramount Ruler of Rumuorlumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness, Victor Okocha, has lamented the high rate of outof-school children in the country.
This is as the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, has donated educational materials to three primary schools in Rumuolumeni community.
Speaking at the distribution of the educational materials performed by the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, the monarch regretted that educational system in Nigeria at the moment is suffering, with most children dropping out of school because they are not getting enough needed support.
He said: “Last year, I made a study and I found out that Nigeria is battling with high number of out-of-school children, it is over
20 million.
“Some of the reasons why Nigeria is in that situation is because there is less or not much support to education. So, on behalf of the good people of Rumuolumeni kingdom and the pupils, we express our gratitude to the Navy, especially the NNS Pathfinder for this kind gesture.”
The monarch called for more support from the government, institutions and stakeholders to promote education in the
society, saying that “Education is a preparatory ground for the future. Whatever it is that should be done to promote education needs to be done, we are also going to do it.”
He, however, expressed the community’s appreciation to the Commodore Igbo-led NNS Pathfinder, and the Nigerian Navy for supporting the education of their children with the provision of learning and writing materials to schools in the kingdom.
Abiodun: How Bureaucracy Stalled Reconstruction of Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta
James sowoleinabeokuta
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has emphasized that bureaucratic bottleneck stalled the reconstruction of the Lagos-SangoAbeokuta expressway.
Abiodun also assured the state that the Agbara-Lusada-Atan road currently under construction would be completed in September.
Speaking after inspecting the 20-kilometre Agbara -Lusada-Atan
road in the Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area yesterday, Abiodun emphasized the importance of the roads not only to the economic wellbeing of the state, but that of the country.
While recalling the efforts by Ogun and Lagos State Governments to take over and reconstruct the Lagos-Sango Abeokuta Expressway, he said he and his Lagos State counterpart were frustrated by delays from the federal government right from the
administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the governor, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in power, the federal government was approached once again for the transfer of the road to the state, a request that was eventually granted.
He, however, said the state still faces stiff opposition from some federal officials on the transfer, which forced the state government to formally award the contract in
May, with or without the necessary transfer papers.
According to him, “The LagosSango- Abeokuta road is a federal government road, and has been in a very bad shape for long. Because of the suffering our people pass through on the road, my counterpart in Lagos and I jointly wrote a letter, using a single letterhead to the Federal Executive Council, seeking the transfer of that road for us to reconstruct.
Fedpoly ASUP Faults New Poly Service Scheme, Says ‘ll Further Marginalise HND Holders
segunawofadejiinBauchi
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic (Fedpoly), Bauchi chapter has expressed worry over the newly introduced Polytechnic Service Scheme.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Senator Ali Wakili Complex, ASUP Secretariat in FPTB, yesterday, the acting Chairman of the union, Esther Adebitan, citing several contentious issues in the approved scheme, she expressed fear that it would further marginalised Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in
comparison to their counterparts with university degrees.
She emphasised that the discrimination against holders of HND certificates as against holders of bachelor’s degrees from universities was further entrenched in the scheme.
According to her, “It is noteworthy to point out that a 15 days ultimatum in line with extant labour laws has been served the Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Education and NBTE effective from July 8, 2024, to suspend provisions containing these anomalies with a view to the review of such provisions or face diverse forms
IDPs: Danish Refugee Council Strengthens Synergy for Vulnerable
Onuminya innocent in sokoto
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international support donor agency, has stated that all hands must be on deck as it takes steps and commitment to drive more support and resultoriented advocacy to improve the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) situation in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The donor agency is operating and providing intervention and support services in thematic areas across 40 countries in the world.
It focuses more on economic recovery, protection, shelter, settlement, peacebuilding and humanitarian support among other critical human needs in times of displacement.
Speaking at a workshop in Sokoto, the Coordinator, Samson Peter Ayok, said DRC observed with passion that Northwest Nigeria has suffered a lack of attention amid the growing number of IDPs as a result of insecurity and other natural occurrences hence displacing lot of inhabitants and households.
“We are focusing on Sokoto and Zamfara States to offer rapid response to situations of displacements.
“We are building on our approach strategy by encouraging better partnership that will further drive our objectives for success,” he explained.
Ayok said DRC was operating in the two regions of Northeast and Northwest across four states of Adamawa, Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara, with the vision and mission to promote dignified life for all displaced refugees.
He said: “We equally assist and protect them from harm and safeguarding their legal rights as well empowering them towards better future.”
The coordinator, however, disclosed that the council was pushing to encourage synergy with other socio-economic, religious and cultural organs as CSOs, the media, opinion and community leaders to adequately respond to displacement situations in Zamfara and Sokoto States respectively within the one-year project.
of industrial action by our union.
“We affirm that polytechnics cannot discriminate against its products in the manner prescribed in this document.
“This is evident in the provision of discriminatory entry points into the lecturer cadre for degree holders and HND holders; lowering the career
progression bar of holders of HND both in the teaching and non-teaching cadres; discrimination against holders of HND in the appointment of registrars and bursars irrespective of their possession of higher level certificates; classification of technologists as non-teaching staff and so on.”
alex Enumah in abuja
Ahman-Pategi: Local Govt Autonomy Crucial for Nigeria’s Growth
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development in Kwara State, Hajia Aisha Ahman-Pategi, in this interview, speaks on salient national issues including her assessment of one year of President Bola Tinubu’s government, local government autonomy, women in politics, among others. Hammed Shittu brings excerpts:
What is your take on the recent action of President Tinubu dragging the 36 states to court over local government autonomy?
The president’s decision is commendable. It shows commitment to constitutional provisions for local government’s autonomy. This move is crucial for Nigeria’s progress as it aims to clarify and enforce the distribution of power among federal, state and local governments.
How do you envision this legal action impacting on local governance in Nigeria?
If successful, it would reinforce the autonomy of local governments that would better resource control, management and eventual service delivery. It will allow community leaders to address their needs more effectively and allow governors to focus on larger-scale development projects. This approach can lead to a more efficient and responsive overall government.
What is your general assessment of President Tinubu’s administration?
Local government autonomy is what will hit the nail, this approach indeed has the potential to address fundamental issues in the grassroots level, fostering a bottom-up development strategy. Empowering local governments can lead to more efficient governance, enhanced service delivery, and stronger community engagement. This method can significantly contribute to economic growth and societal transformation that will lead to a renewed sense of hope and a change in mindset across the nation.
Honestly, Local Government autonomy done and implemented properly will give us the dominion effect. For me, President Tinubu is doing exceptionally great. We all need to keep in mind that sustainable change doesn’t happen overnight, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I tell you for free this Local Government autonomy if implemented properly will transform our lives and the nation.
There are agitations in some quarters for the establishment of state police, what is your
Ahman-Pategi
take please?
Establishment of state police is a contentious issue. while it could enhance localized security and ensure that policing is more in tune with community needs, its effectiveness is contingent upon the successful implementation of local government’s autonomy. Without a solid foundation for accountable local governance, state police might not achieve the desired outcome
and could even exacerbate existing issues of power and resource misuse.
How do you rate your boss, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the last five years?
I supported Governor Abdulrazaq for his second bid for office for certain reasons. First is his key attribute, he’s got listening ears. Honestly, his humility is top-notch, he is a man that can strike friendship with a suya man. According to Abraham Maslow’s third hierarchy of human needs is giving one a sense of belonging. When one is given a listening ears and action taken as a result of being heard, can definitely inspire and ignite that hope in a person that the future is bright.
Aside this, he has just unveiled the Ilorin city master plan 2042, which shows he is a great planner and a strategist. Keep in mind that he is also an achiever. Nothing meaningful can be achieved without proper planning. So I believe his years as an administrator will be unprecedented. Again, he is giving the average child hope in Kwara state, he has raised the hope that a child of nobody can become somebody.
For me these are huge achievements we most time ignore and tend to focus too much attention on roads, renovations of school, social investments and all, but I can tell you for free that these aren’t our challenges, because to be fair to all other past governments they all did their fair share of infrastructure projects, but what’s truly sustainable is the feeling of the hope you inspire in people that will motivate them to believe in themselves.
Remember that a nation’s greatest capital is his human capacity, once we’re able to get it right by inspiring and equipping our citizens by harnessing their full potentials, then we shall be sure that the nation will rebuild itself and together we can go far as quoted by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Governor Abdurazaq has underscored his commitment to strategic development and inclusive governance. These attributes, coupled with his focus on giving hope to the youth and women are significant achievements. While infrastructure projects are essential, the inspiration and sense of belonging he provides to the citizens are vital for the future of Kwara, Nigeria and humanity. According to Abraham Maslow, third hierarchy of human need is love and a sense of belonging, very crucial to our human potentiality.
What will you say about women in politics, are they well represented in the political calculations of the country?
Hmmm!!! Permit me to be blunt my brother, we women are the architect of our underrepresentation you may wish to ask me why.
Take a cursory look at our democracy; take the recent Edu gate situation for example, instead of women to collaborate and work together as a team; what happened?
Many women have sabotaged each other in the history of women in politics. So, I honestly feel it’s time we stop playing the victim mentality and ensure we women team up and stand united, we should put aside our unhealthy competitiveness and differences and be our sister’s keeper.
I also want to use your medium to encourage professional women, women of virtue to bring their chairs to the table. Don’t forget that when it comes to voting, women are the ones who lineup in numbers. So, I’m advocating for women across board to kindly vote and support women vying for elective positions. We hold the dice so let’s stand united and say “otoge,” enough is enough, we need to remember no one will handover power to us and when it comes to policy and crucial decisions making, nature has gifted us with stronger intuitions, we are the bedrock of our family.
NOTE: Interested readers
Sambo: Obeisance to a Technocratic Politician
Idiagbonya Samuel writes about the unassuming nature of a highly cerebral politician, technocrat and former Minister of Transportation, Muazu Jaji Sambo
Before this time, I was apolitical by all standards, more of a technocrat who believes that our cerebral contributions subjected to the parameters of rationality can bring a societal change in the areas of our commitment.
Respectfully speaking, no grudge against politics or politicians, but as a technocrat, we would rather stay within the ambience of rationality and predictability rather than the intrigues, complexities or unpredictability of politics in our clime.
Interestingly, politicians need technocrats to deliver effortlessly on their mandates and vice versa, but rarely do you see the qualities of a technocrat and politician in one person.
These qualities are professionally expressed in enviable measures in Mu’azu Jaji Sambo (MJS), Minister of State, Works and Housing (2021 - 2022); Minister of Transportation (2022 - 2023).
I am not one given to sycophancy, flattery, ingratiation, fawning, boot-licking or unwarranted exaggeration, but working closely and walking with this illustrious Nigerian has reshaped my perspective about life in itself and the inner workings of the institutions of government as it were.
It is one thing to be brilliant, it is another thing to be intelligent, but brilliance and intelligence in themselves are not sufficient if you don’t have avenues to express them and Individuals to guard and guide you. MJS is a complete package of this.
Sambo’s simplicity, humility, pragmatic and philosophical worldviews are part of the qualities that endear the old and young to him. He is an active listener, a jolly good fellow, a humorist, a team player, a philanthropist, an avid reader, highly methodical, principled and vast. He is a gentleman who behaves with utmost courtesy towards everyone he meets. One thing about him I can never get over is his unassuming nature. He relates with everyone at the
level of their cerebral capacity. When he is with a child you will think he is a child, when he is in the marketplace, he identifies with them immediately, if he is in the boardroom he is the guru. His malleability and people’s skills are worthy of commendation - a man with a deep history of process and triumph.
As I have said in several fora - Seeing him tuck
his legs under his frame on a prayer mat, in utter reverence and piety to his Maker, or watching him bask in the air of conviviality among his kin and acquaintances, it is easy to label him a commoner, or just any other person. But a second look at him through the lenses of a wise soul dawns upon one that he is greatness and mystery packed in a person. The verisimilitude of his essence exudes grace. His persona is endearing, his laughter is infectious, his concerns – sincere, his people skills – top-notch, his cerebral acuity – unique, his fatherly mien – large, his experience – vast, his philosophies – deep, his soul – beautiful, and above all, his type – rare.
As his lead image maker, oftentimes I am caught in the web of principle and duty. I will explain. How can a man who constructed five major roads in the Jalingo Metropolis won’t want to go to the press immediately? He built classrooms, gave scholarships to lots of Nigerians, sent relief materials across LGA, secured jobs for hundreds of Nigerians, secured beneficial communal infrastructure and yet won’t want to go the press? He will always say “Let our work speak for us”. My work is to make noise about all his achievements, but would rather want us to go through the quiet route. I am therefore caught between the web of duty and the principle he holds dear.
When he made giant strides in the Ministry of Transportation, getting approvals for Major Projects, commissioning this and that, he was in the news almost every day, he turned down all press interviews.
MJS will hold you spellbound in any discussion, he is cerebral to a fault, a tireless researcher, and an avid reader, so he is the delight of every media
person, but he will rather turn down any opportunity to sell himself. In his usual words, “If we are always running to the press, it will look as if I am always looking for every opportunity to sell myself, let our work speak, I am just here to represent the president, it’s not about me, it’s about Nigeria” and that is it. Hey, this is counter-cultural to a politician, but the technocrat in him always checkmates his political expressions.
Once again, I am caught between the demands of duty and the uniqueness of principles. As a student of the School of Life, these qualities push me into deep thinking and appreciation for life’s balanced perspective. His type is rare.
The door of his office and house is open to anyone. His act, art and heart of benevolence should be commended.
He is a simple man, he is simply complex and complexly simple. He is deeper than he looks and wiser than you think he is. No wonder a wise man once said, that deep waters flow in majestic silence. To work with him, you must be genuine, thorough and hardworking. Most times, I work with him late into the night, researching, and putting documents together, I mean he is actively involved in his papers. You don’t go and cook up one write-up and hand it to him, he will read it line by line, to capture the thought behind it, the concept and message being passed across. He is always one step ahead. Despite his hardworking mien, the courtesy of his presence is always endearing.
MJS will always make you feel good about yourself. His moods might be unpredictable, but his smile and laughter are always infectious.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
Sambo
Appraising Water Resources Development
Water, the very essence of life. It sustains every living organism, drives economic activity, and underpins national development. Yet, access to clean and reliable water remains a challenge for many Nigerians. Recognizing this criticality, the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has placed water resources development of both surface and ground water resources for socio-economic development at the forefront of its agenda. Leading this crucial charge is the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev.
With a steadfast and focused determination to support the President’s agenda in addressing the water needs of Nigerians and enhancing food production through irrigated agriculture, Professor Utsev assembled a formidable team and fostered collaborative efforts with allied agencies to set the mandate in motion.
This mandate is twofold: ensuring food security through irrigated agriculture and making water accessible to all citizens. To initiate this endeavor, Professor Utsev embarked on a comprehensive nationwide tour of the twelve River Basins, assessing their operational capacity and commitment to achieving food security and providing safe water for citizens. This tour also afforded the Minister the opportunity to inspect ongoing water projects, engage with contractors, and emphasize the importance of quality work and timely completion.
His tenure has been distinguished by an unwavering commitment to transforming the Ministry of Water Resources, driving efficiency, enhancing service delivery, building capacity, and relentlessly pursuing water security for all Nigerians. During his tenure, He has implemented a series of comprehensive reforms aimed at repositioning the ministry for optimal efficiency and effective service delivery.
These reforms, which are both farreaching and innovative, have been designed to address the long-standing challenges that have hindered the water sector. They encompass policy reforms, institutional restructuring, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, all of which have significantly enhanced the management and utilization of the country’s water resources.
He frequently embarks on nationwide tours, visiting project sites, interacting with stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This hands-on approach ensures transparency, accountability, and fosters a culture of excellence within the Ministry.
While on his visit to Kano and Jigawa States, Professor Utsev commissioned many water projects executed by Hadejia Jam’are River Basin Development Authority aimed at ending water scarcity in the Birnin-Kudu communities of Jigawa State.
He also commissioned the two hundred thousand litres corrugated surface steel water tank serviced borehole powered by hybrid solar inverter to supply water to seven hundred households in Dutsen Dodo Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State and the one hundred and thirty five kilowatts capacity solar panels installed at BirninKudu water works as replacement for the diesel powered generators for both the intake and booster pumps that ensure sustainable operations of the treatment plant and distribution of safe drinking water.
At the headquarters of the Hadejia Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, Kano, the Minister also commissioned a water bottling factory meant to provide potable water on commercial basis for citizens of Kano in line with the partial commercialisation arrangement of the
Federal Government.
Aside from providing clean water to citizens of Kano at an affordable rate, the water factory has provided jobs for youths with a projected annual turnover of over three hundred million naira. Professor was in Kogi, Benue and Niger States to commission dam projects in Kabba Bunnu, Lessel in Ushongo and Rafin Yashin Multipurpose dam in Minna, aimed at providing water for the citizens and scaling up irrigation farming.
To ensure that these water schemes being provided to communities across the country are judiciously utilised and managed, Professor Utsev, along with his team in the ministry, the African Development Bank and other critical stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector across the thirty six states and FCT met recently, and developed a Framework for WASHCOM formation and management in Nigeria.
The framework is aimed at involving community members in the management of WASH facilities in their areas to address frequent breakdown and abandonment of water and sanitation facilities in communities for attainment of SDGs Six Point One and Two .
The Ministry, under Professor Utsev’s leadership, was able to translated its reforms into tangible results for Nigerians through adopting some key initiatives which include:
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme
Recognizing the disproportionate burden of water scarcity on rural communities, the Ministry has aggressively expanded the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme. This program drills boreholes, constructs water treatment plants, and promotes hygiene practices in rural areas.
National Irrigation Development Programme
Agriculture is the backbone of the Nigerian economy. The National Irrigation Development Programme is revitalizing irrigation infrastructure, enabling farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal rainfall patterns. This program holds immense potential for boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
Urban Water Renewal Projects
Rapid urbanization has placed a strain on water resources in cities. The Ministry is addressing this by initiating urban water renewal projects. These projects encompass infrastructure upgrades to reduce water loss through leakage, improve distribution networks, and expand water treatment capacity.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Effective water resource management requires accurate data. The Ministry has invested in robust data collection and analysis systems. This data is used to inform strategic water resource planning and prioritize interventions.
Public-Private Partnerships
Recognizing the limitations of solely relying on government funding, the Ministry has actively fostered Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). PPPs leverage private sector expertise and financing to accelerate water infrastructure development. Prof Ustev understood that Water resources management is a complex endeavor, and to ensure a longterm sustainability, the Ministry prioritizes capacity building. Key initiatives include:
Training and Development Programs
The Ministry invests in training programs for water sector professionals. These programs equip engineers, hydrologists, and water resource managers with the technical expertise necessary to manage water resources effectively.
Community Engagement
Sustainable water management requires active community participation. The Ministry actively engages communities in water resource management initiatives. This fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring the long-term viability of water projects.
Research and Development
Innovation is key to addressing future water challenges. The Ministry fosters research and development initiatives aimed at exploring alternative water sources, developing efficient water treatment technologies, and promoting water conservation practices.
Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev is renowned for his dedication and unrelenting efforts in promoting the development of water resources, tirelessly striving to underscore the President’s unwavering commitment to this critical area. His ceaseless endeavors involve traversing the nation to inspect water projects, engaging with stakeholders, and fervently advocating for the conservation of this precious resource, and these actions has helped him sustain the progress in the water ministry. Notably, the Tinubu administration, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is currently implementing a comprehensive array of water schemes across all thirty-six states in the Federation, poised to alleviate water scarcity in numerous communities upon completion.
The strategic development of water resources has had a profound impact on the nation’s growth and development, driving various sectors of the economy and significantly enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
In this context, Professor Utsev and his ministry have played a vital role, not only enhancing the management and utilization of the country’s water resources but also championing sustainable development. Through their concerted efforts, they have ensured the efficient and responsible utilization of water resources, thereby safeguarding them for future generations. This has contributed significantly to the nation’s economic growth, as well as its social and environmental development, leaving an enduring legacy.
Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev has achieved remarkable milestones in transforming the ministry, driving efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and fostering capacity building.
His comprehensive reforms and tireless daily efforts have not only optimized the management of the nation’s water resources but also reinforced the President’s unwavering commitment to this critical area. Consequently, the country is now optimally positioned to harness the full potential of its water resources, driving growth and development.
While acknowledging the invaluable support of development partners over the years, which has contributed significantly to enhancing access to sustainable water and improved sanitation, a scaling up of this support is earnestly solicited.
This collective effort will enable Nigeria to achieve the lofty goal of one hundred percent access to sustainable water and improved sanitation by the year 2030, a testament to the nation’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of its citizens and sustainable development.
Prof. Utsev
Folalumi Alaran chronicles the efforts put in place by the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev towards enhancing access to sustainable water and improved sanitation
Fusing Creative Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Seed Funding
In a celebration of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Madhouse by Tikera Africa, in collaboration with the University of Lagos, held its inaugural Demo Day Competition on June 28th. The event brought together creative minds, industry experts, and academia in a bid to empower creative entrepreneurs and foster growth in the creative industry. MARY NNAH highlights the key takeaways from the event, which saw participants from the Lensbased incubation programme pitch their businesses to win $10,000 in seed funding
In a bid to support creative entrepreneurs and emphasize training and capacity development, Madhouse by Tikera Africa, in collaboration with the University of Lagos, held its inaugural Demo Day Competition on Friday, June 28th. The event, which took place at Madhouse, University of Lagos, Akoka, saw participants from the Lensbased incubation programme pitch their businesses to win $10,000 in seed funding.
According to Udoh Christopher Emmanuel, Manager of Madhouse by Tikera Africa, the event was part of the activities at Madhouse, which aims to discover and nurture creative talents across Africa.
‘Today is unique because we have three different events happening at the same time. We started with the Trash to Art Workshop, where we had creative people turning trash into something very useful. Then, we had a panel discussion on building sustainable creative enterprises, where experienced professionals shared their insights and experiences. Finally, we ended with our inaugural programme, the Lens-based incubation programme, where participants pitched their businesses to win $10,000 seed funding," he said.
Emmanuel emphasised the importance of creative education and entrepreneurship, stating that Madhouse provides skill development programs, community networking events, and creative financing for African creative entrepreneurs.
He also highlighted the selection process for the Lensbased incubation programme, which considered strong vision, scalability, and uniqueness of business ideas, noting, “We painstakingly took almost one month to select the participants from Nigeria and different African countries, and we ended up with 20 participants in total. Unfortunately, seven couldn't make it to the final stage, but we are proud of the 13 participants who made it to the Demo Day pitch session.”
The event featured a panel discussion on building and sustaining a creative business, with experienced professionals sharing their insights and experiences. The panellists emphasised the importance of consistency, execution, and building structures around business ideas.
“All the panellists that came today have creative businesses that, if you combine all of their experiences, have span over 50 to 60 years, and that speaks to the fact that they are doing something right," Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel stated that the goal of the programme is to build the biggest com-
munity of creatives in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa, and to provide a platform for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and businesses.
"We are interested in creative education and creative enterprise, and how you can take your creative business to the next level. That's what our narrative is, and that is what we keep on pushing," he said.
As the event drew to a close, the Madhouse Manager urged creative entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities provided by Madhouse and the University of Lagos to develop their talents and businesses.
"We are mad in itself, which means making a difference. That's a house of making a difference, and for us, that is what we are trying to do in terms of how we select participants, how we engage them, and push them into the world at the end of their programmes”, he noted.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola,
emphasised the university's commitment to creative entrepreneurship and innovation, stating that the collaboration with Madhouse aligns with the university's goals of developing manpower for the nation.
"Our school, right from inception, was established to provide manpower for the nation, and we were the first institution established by Nigeria for manpower. And you would have to agree with me that over the years, as the nation's population has increased, and we have a very young population with a high unemployment rate, it became very clear to us that we needed to develop manpower for people who were going to be employers of labour, rather than chasing the job market that does not exist," she said.
Ogunsola noted that the university recognises the importance of creativity and talent in arts, and the need to develop these talents into businesses. She also emphasised the impact of
the collaboration on students and faculty, stating that it provides an opportunity for them to turn their talents into businesses. " We also recognise that all the talents and resources we need are not within the university, so it is part of our partnership with the town to ensure that we bring the best of both worlds to our students, and that is why we are partnering with Madhouse," she added.
The Demo Day Competition saw 13 participants pitch their businesses, with one winner taking home the $10,000 seed funding.
Ogunsola encouraged the participants to be consistent, execute their ideas, and build structures around their businesses. She also emphasised the importance of originality, scalability, and emotional connection in business.
"As one of the judges for the Madhouse Demo Day Competition, I looked out for originality, scalability, and things you can connect with emotionally, as well as business skills," she said.
Katalog Foundation's 'Project Rescue Widows' to Empower 100 Beneficiaries
Katalog Foundation, owned by Dr. Vivian Ebelechukwu Akaenyi is set to hold its ‘Project Rescue Widows: 100 lives, 100 stories initiative’ which entails rescuing 100 selected widows across Lagos state in September.
During a press briefing recently, Dr Vivian explained that the Katalog Foundation, primarily a widow-focused organisation, has been touring around twenty local governments in Lagos state to select and profile widows to come to their aid in any way possible.
She stated that the foundation is mainly seeking to help widows by empowering them and making them self-sufficient through several means, including setting up businesses for them, and ensuring they have a roof over their heads and others.
“Majorly, we are looking to find out what these are good at doing, what they used to do before they lost balance and what they can start doing now. If they
don't want to continue what they are doing, that's okay, but then they can start doing something else.
“So whatever it is, we find a way, provide them with sewing machines and other things. We have tailors already, we are currently doing our widows profiling, and the event is supposed to be held on the 8th of September, 2024.
“Currently we are doing our widows profiling, trying to find out who they are, we already have a few of them from different local governments within Lagos state, Nigeria. We are trying to make it balanced So we are looking to comb around 20 local government areas in Lagos, Nigeria, to get a few from all of them.”
In addition, Dr Vivian stated that the Katalog Foundation will extend its magnanimity to the children of the selected widows by providing a scholarship programme for them. This, according to her, is to ensure that the widows are well-balanced enough to
be able to enjoy whatever they are given.
“For this project, Rescue Widows, 100 Lives, 100 Stories, we intend to have a scholarship program for their children. For the ones that have kids that are still very young in primary school, or secondary school, we intend to start a scholarship program for at most 50 children.
“If you're taking up a widow that the children are out of school already, due to one difficulty or the other, you're taking them off the streets, you know, providing a means of livelihood to them. You know the fact that there must be a need to provide stability. So in other words, you need to settle their children and return them to school.
“You need to give the widows time to build up themselves so that every penny they were given doesn't go back into school or other things. You need to allow them to have that space for stability and let them be able to save up for themselves so they won’t be
living from hand to mouth.”
Speaking on the criteria for selection of beneficiaries, Dr. Vivian made it known that the foundation is focusing on widows who have very serious issues like homelessness, and stark poverty, among other requirements.
“Selecting the widows is not easy and we found out that during the profiling, we had about 5 to 7 women that are not widows but came up as widows because their husbands cannot provide, we are not looking for that. So first of all, we try to make sure that their husbands are truly dead, for those that said they are widows and not single mothers or baby mamas, mothers.
“No, no single mothers, not single mothers, not baby mamas. We are looking for widows and not just widows, but those that have lost hope, those that have lost balance, you know and probably those whose families have collected all they have. They don't even know where the next meal is coming from.”
L-R: CEO Pulse Africa, Katharina Link; Artist and Lecturer, Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, Dr Bolaji Ogunwo; Founder Tikera Africa, Bayo Omoboriowo; Winner of the Madhouse demo day competition, Tunde Raphael; Professor of Entrepreneurship Hub and Strategic Management, Professor Sunday Adebisi; Chairman ISN Hubs, Charles Emembolu; and Executive Director, VFD Group, Adeniyi Adenubi at the event
Osho Oluwatosin
PETER ADOBAMEN pays tribute to the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom at 58
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UDOM EMMANUEL
Until his successful foray into public service, he was one of the defining figures in Nigeria's financial services sector. The administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel (2015-2023) in Akwa Ibom State was one of a unique national legacy of achievements. Akwa Ibom State became the leading industrial state in Nigeria and one of the best governed. He managed, without so much as firing one pistol, to elevate his state to the giddy heights of world attention. If Governor Udom is not one of Nigeria history’s greatest innovative political leaders, he is surely one of the more fascinating ones since the return to Constitutional rule in 1999. As Governor, Udom Emmanuel was Presidential-like, with a can-do spirit like Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt had before served as governor of New York; then becoming Vice President and then President. He was the youngest man to become president at 42 and he brought zest and vitality to the nation at the start of a new century. It is said that of Nigeria’s state governors since the return to constitutional rule in 1999, that Udom Emmanuel with few others have acted presidential in their role as governors in an era where thuggishness dominates State House. Udom Emmanuel dominated the governorship office with a presidential carriage.
Theodore Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal Zone (the first trip abroad by a U.S. President in office). He was a man of firsts; even the first American to win the Nobel Prize. Udom Emmanuel was similarly a first in many things including the first governor of a sub-national in Africa to launch a private airline. Governor Udom Emmanuel took up the fight for the actualization of the Ibom Industrial City and the Ibom Deep Seaport; game changers for the economic liberalization of Akwa Ibom State. He navigated the ship of his state through the economic recession that Nigeria fell into just as he became governor in 2015. He ensured constant payment of salaries with other huge government developmental obligations when according to BudgIT research, 33 out of 36 states were unable to meet their obligations to their workers. It was no easy time. Akwa Ibom State was not among those where workers committed suicide because salaries were owed them for 20 months while the governor married new wives and lived in luxury. On managing the recession he had said, “It has to do with attitude. In every situation, there is always an opportunity. Even in the period of recession, there are lots of opportunities. You must deliberately look at what are the game changers and then pursue those ones.’’ Governor Emmanuel demonstrated that a governor needs be a gentleman, free from outright thuggery and uncouth behavior. No account of Nigerian history since the return to constitutional rule will be complete without a chapter on Governor Udom Emmanuel.
He deviated from the norm of Nigerian state governors transferring themselves to the Senate after the completion of their tenure; Emmanuel declined to go to the Senate after he ran to become his party’s presidential candidate in 2023. This is spelled, integrity. In his words, “I don’t like violating the law – I can’t be running for President and at the same time, I go and collect forms for the Senate. I mean, that’s a total violation of the Electoral Act.”
He had given his backing to Pastor Umo Eno, the then Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources who after a rigorous election emerged victorious at the Governorship election. It is known that Emmanuel and his successor are in a very cordial relationship; a rarity under the present political dispensation in Nigeria.
Since handing over as Governor, Udom Emmanuel has lived a life devoid of interruption and disruption to the current administration. He is content being an ambassador of the state. At the opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Dialogue and unveiling of the A.R.I.S.E Agenda in July 2023, Pastor Umo Eno said, “I want to specially welcome
again to this event, my political father, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who has come to show us support. A man that since leaving office has never brought any pressure on me for anything. Instead, I am the one running after him to ask for direction, to ask for advice quite unlike what I hear happen in other states. We thank you sir”. Udom Emmanuel still represents the state governor when called upon do so. On Friday, November 24, 2023, he was in Canada, alongside the CEO of Ibom Air, Mfon Udom, and the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. George Uriesi, to represent the Akwa Ibom State Government in receiving the first of 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft ordered by his administration, from the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, at the 2021 Dubai Airshow. It was a remarkable feat which no other airline in Nigeria had achieved. Speaking during a Special Thanksgiving/Welcome Service, November 26, 2023, he said “ When we were at Mirabel in Canada to receive the first of the ten new Airbus Series of Ibom Air with the MD, Captain Mfon Udom, we almost shed tears because even the Airbus people turned around and said, in their generation of Air Bus management, that was the first time Nigeria’s Flag was flying in the Airbus Factory and that was not done by the federal government but a sub national.”
Udom Emmanuel has continued to advocate for impactful governance. Speaking at the 8th edition of the London Political Summit in October 2023, in the House of Commons, United Kingdom, he advocated for governance models which aligns with African values and social structures. Delivering the keynote lecture on the theme ‘How can the people, power, and politics sustain peace’, he advocated for an Afro-centric approach to democracy stating that the unique values, systems, and shared ideals of Africa would yield superior governance outcomes. Committed to impacting lives, Udom Emmanuel is passionate about inspiring the next generation of Nigerians to arise to the faith of greatness. He displayed this passion when he delivered the Convocation Lecture of the Mountain Top University at its 5th Convocation Ceremony, December 21, 2023. The lecture was titled, ‘Optimizing your potentials in a challenging future’. Concluding his speech, he charged the graduands to ‘rise to greatness, make your mark, conquer your world and become a blessing to humanity’ In acknowledgement of his great works as former Governor of Akwa Ibom, some of the great projects either commenced by, or completed during his administration were recently renamed after him. Dakkada Towers was renamed Udom Emmanuel Towers on May 26, 2024; and the recently completed 21.5km Airport Road, which was commissioned on May 27, 2024 by him, was renamed Udom Emmanuel Boulevard.
Adobamen is author of ‘Udom Emmanuel: The Quintessential Leader- The Completed Agenda (2015-2023)’
It has become vitally important to enrol outof- school children in school for their sake, and national security, argues WOLE OSINUPEBI
OUT- OF- SCHOOL CHILDREN AND NATIONAL SECURITY
About 18.5 million Nigerian children of primary school age have never stepped into a school and are not likely to do so unless hard actions are taken. It’s tragic but it appears we do not see the potential impact of this ugly situation.
Education, apart from teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, is used to socialise people. What is acceptable in the society is passed down from one generation to another. Reading and writing help develop the ability to think and make valid decisions. At a higher level, educated people provide health care, build and maintain infrastructure required to run society. Educated parents will produce educated children.
Populists and demagogues love uneducated people because they believe anything they are told. They have no other references apart from what is given to them. When you add gullibility to extreme religion you have an explosive mixture. All that combined with our economic challenges is a tinderbox awaiting a spark.
So why are so many children out of school? One reason for children being out of school in Nigeria is poverty. Their parents simply can’t afford to pay. In some parts of the country poverty adds to early marriage as an impediment. Children between ages eight and12 are given away in marriage and can no longer go to school. Some children are engaged in farm work rather than school. Another reason is a lack of schoolrooms. Teacher shortage is also a problem. Teachers are very poorly paid, at times they are not paid at all.
We have a monster of a problem but the good thing is that we can turn the situation round. Each community with significant numbers of out of school children should first find out why their children are out of school. And then work at removing the obstacles keeping the children away from school.
The Girls Education Project (GEP3) sponsored by UNICEF gives us an indication of how the out- ofschool challenge can be reversed.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, UNICEF and the British FCDO ran an incredible project for about 10 years where the outcome was estimated at 1.5million girls going back to school. Using various levers including providing cash, the children were encouraged to get education. It has been established that training girls has a multiplier effect on the entire community as the education of the next generation is assured. Mothers who went to school will usually ensure their children go as well. But the problem is not a Ministry of Education matter alone. Some 18.5 million children out of school is a national security red flag. All agencies of security, the National Assembly, governors and all those involved with governance and security should take a close view. Lagos State for example. Every day impoverished and unemployable, uneducated youths come into Lagos and find residence in undeveloped plots and slum areas. Many find employment as operators of commercial vehicles and motorcycles. They are not documented in any way and have zero knowledge of driving rules or law. This mass exists in most of our urban areas and are available to be deployed into any social unrest to cause maximum damage. We saw this on Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere in the aftermath of
the #EndSARS demonstrations. At the peak of things when the police was harassed away from the streets the hordes from nearby slums invaded Adeniran Ogunsanya and looted all the stores, destroying everything they could not carry away. Cities like Lagos and Abuja and others that attract internal migration due to their relative urbanisation and appearance of prosperity should take an interest in this matter of out- of- school children too. Because a significant percentage of the 18.5 million number will end up with them. Governor Ambode was reported to have said hundreds of people enter Lagos daily with the firm intention of staying.
The African Cities Research Consortium in a recent podcast pointed to the fact that Lagos State has Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. And the people there are mainly from an agrarian background with memories of what chased them from their homes. Most of the out of school children are from the northern part of Nigeria, most especially the areas that are rife with insurgency. At the present time the challenges to Lagos due to rural urban migration is not only related to security alone but also refuse disposal, healthcare, transportation and also education. Making it necessary for the state to take an interest in getting out of school children back to school and reversing the trend.
Religious and or political demagogues easily take hold of the minds of an uneducated mass of people. Armed with weapons and drugs and tuned by false doctrines they become a formidable and sustained opponent to law enforcement and constituted authority. Police or military interventions will make little impact. Or the impact wears off after some time because their numbers are self-renewing. By watching the number of out of school children grow without meaningful plan to change the situation we have created a force that is potentially a threat to our national stability. It gets worse because the situation is festering and moving to a second generation. By the time it deepens to a third generation of people who do not have any notion of nation, unable to self analyse current affairs, and have perhaps found a demagogic leader, we would have a horrible situation in our hands.
What can be done? What did we learn from GEP3 (Girls’ Education Project Phase 3)? We need more teachers and head teachers. We need more school rooms. And we need to work with community leaders. In some cases direct cash grants must be made in order to enable children attend school. Also, it will cost money. Over a 10- year period enrolling 1.5million children in school cost USD109million. About USD73 per child is affordable.
Finally, we must find a way of documenting these daily visitors to Lagos (and Abuja and other centres). And because many of these new arrivals end up as operators of commercial vehicles, drivers’ licenses is one place to start.
Osinupebi is an RCCG pastor
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
ECOWAS AND THE ‘ECO’ ILLUSION
The idea of a common currency should be shelved
Finance Minister, Olawale Edun last Friday exhumed the illusion of an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) single currency (named ECO) at a meeting with some stakeholders within the sub-region. He reportedly emphasised the importance of the ECO “in fostering economic growth and development in the region and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the successful implementation of the single currency.” Before getting carried away into committing scarce resources into another vanity project, it is important to remind Edun that not only has ECOWAS been talking about this monetary union for more than three decades now, but it has also set and shifted dates for a realisation of this objective repeatedly without achieving anything. Besides, the timing is most inauspicious.
It is indeed noteworthy that Edun spoke on the same day ECOWAS president, Omar Touray, confirmed that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s reluctance to rejoin the regional bloc. “Despite our entreaties, in the form of softening of sanctions, invitation of the governments to technical meetings, and request for meetings, we have not yet gotten the right signals from these Member States,” Touray said. “It has become evident that changes in the international system, which is significantly affecting our member states, are playing a role.” If ECOWAS is unable to persuade these three countries to return to the union, of what use is the currency to a shrinking regional body?
take much more commitment in an environment that is still caught up in atavistic colonial cleavages. Apart from the huge capital outlay for the realisation of such ambitious agenda which is not there, the timeline for monetary union seems to fly in the face of contemporary global realities. Against the background that Europe took several steps before deciding on Euro, how will a regional economy that is not denominated in any currency suddenly come up with a binding monetary union?
What this plan presumes is a degree of economic sanity and progressive integration of extant national interests that are nowhere near what is needed to create a common currency
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I
We must state clearly that we hold no objection to the idea behind a common currency for West Africa. A major benefit of this idea, according to its proponents, is that with an estimated population of about 250 million people spread over many countries, a unified monetary system will provide an enormous market for the development of the sub-region. Innovative and forward looking as that may seem, however, it is our view that the implementation will
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Letters to the Editor
What this plan presumes is a degree of economic sanity and progressive integration of extant national interests that are nowhere near what is needed to create a common currency. Yet, as we have repeatedly canvassed on this page, West African leaders should face the common challenge of poverty, which they all face before thinking of a common currency that is no more than mere pipe dream. Development and regional integration are, first and foremost, about the nurturing and use of human capital to create a hub of capacities.
We must also remind West African leaders that it was this recourse to hasty and ill-digested decision making which led to the introduction of ECOWAS travellers’ cheque some years ago with the result that it could not survive beyond one year. Therefore, while the ECOWAS regional currency plan may not be a bad idea in terms of its perceived linkages with the commission’s broader goals of regional integration, it is, for now, best shelved. It is nothing but an organised waste of time. The regional solidarity needed for the next steps is missing; the reforms that should precede such a currency have not been carried out and there is overwhelming evidence of limited consensus on key issues and resolutions that had to be made at extra-ordinary meetings where a full house would indicate genuine commitment. ECOWAS leaders should perish the illusionary idea of ECO.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
TERRORIST ATTACKS IN GWOZA, BORNO STATE
It is difficult to, if ever, appreciate the blood-curdling terror which went into the terrorist attack at Gwoza, Borno State, on June 29,2024, without stripping bare and descending into vast, fathomless depths of depravity into which until now only a few people have been able to plunge into, and plumb in Nigeria.
Birth kick-starts life in a way that defies description. From the moment lovemaking lines the womb with a child, through pregnancy to childbirth, nursing and raising a child, birth brims with life, and beyond that, a desire to live fully, one devoid from simply existing. This is the reason the woman is such a powerful symbol, one eclipsed only by the symbol of a woman as mother with a baby, suckling, sleeping in her arms, or strapped to her back. Outside the confines of the womb, there is nowhere else a child finds as much comfort as when they are part of a mother’s body. Beyond comfort, joined to a mother’s body by biological necessity, a child leeches the courage to confront the considerable hurdles of life. For in seeing the Herculean task that motherhood is in a world sundered by predatory patriarchy, a child prepares for the worst by coupling together strains of resilience from its mother.
However, at Gwoza, the image of mother as a guarantor of life spectacularly fell apart in the devastating terrorist attack of June
29th,2024. A woman with a baby strapped to her back was said to have detonated a bomb at a crowded motor park in the state. Two other bomb blasts also shook the state on the same day, killing and wounding dozens.
The woman backing a baby and blasting an improvised explosive device (IED) evokes one of the most heartbreaking victimization of conflict and terrorism.
Women have been twice victims of the deadly insurgency that has rippled through northern Nigeria for more than a decade now. Killed, raped, widowed and displaced, women, like in conflicts as old as earth, have been involved as victims and witnesses as they have been forced to give up everything.
As their men have continued to fall in a war of men against men and women and children, women have been kept alive to be repeatedly victimized and as repositories of tales that recall the horrors of war.
For Nigerian women, this insidious initiation into the theater of war comes much earlier, even before the threshold of womanhood is crossed. In 2014, when Boko Haram observed that it was losing grounds in the ground and propaganda offensives launched by the Nigerian government, it spectacularly turned the tables by ab-
ducting over a hundred girls from a secondary school in Chibok. Four years later, in 2018, the group repeated the devastating trick on another secondary school in Dapchi,Yobe State. Just that it was not a trick. Some girls from the two attacks are yet to return home or be rescued years later. Many of those returned or rescued have come back with babies and chilling tales of sexual slavery serving as ruthless initiation into womanhood. Many of the girls became women in the hands of their captors, serving as wives and bearing babies for them.
While Chibok and Dapchi drew international headlines, marking Nigeria as dangerously unsafe for women, many other women have been seized around the country and forced into sexual slavery. Many are still being seized. Some have escaped or have been rescued and some have simply passed up the opportunity to escape or be rescued, and who would blame them?
In Our Bodies, their battlefields, author and British journalist Christine Lamb, writes of the chilling fate that awaits many women taken and raped by Boko Haram upon their return. Attempts to reintegrate them are often rebuffed by their immediate communities.
Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
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
Emma
Okonji
The adoption and usage of Nigeria’s .ng domain name in the cyberspace maintained steady growth from March to June 2024, to reach a registration figure of 226,702, up from 217,527, recorded in February 2024.
This is according to the latest statistics released by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD).
According to the statistics, the total .ng domain name registration, renewal and restoration, reached 222,820 in April 2024, and further increased to 223,891 in May 2024, before reaching 226,702 in June
Emma Okonji
Stakeholders who attended the just concluded Nigeria-EU Innovation Days at the Landmark Centre in Lagos have expressed confidence that the EU-Africa Innovation Agenda is a game-changer that will unlock Africa’s vast potential.
The two-day event, jointly organised by European Union (EU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, brought together representatives of the Nigerian, African at large, and European research and innovation ecosystems to discuss the innovation opportunities for researchers in e-Health, Agritech and Industry 4.0 ecosystem. Minister of Innovation, Science
2024.
THISDAY had in April this year, reported an initial steady growth of Nigeria’s .ng domain name, which grew from 212,890 in December 2023 to reach 215,496 in January 2024, before increasing again 217,527 in February 2024.
Although the summation of .ng domain name includes registration, renewal and restoration, the latest statistics on Nigeria’s .ng domain name, showed that registration alone reached 7,292 in April 2024, and it increased to 8,066 in May 2024, with a further increase to 8,164 in June 2024. The .ng domain name renewal alone was 5,328 in April 2024, and it increased to 5,545 in May 2024, before sliding to 5,028 in June 2024, while the .ng domain
and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who was represented at the event by the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, said technology innovation remained the engine of economic growth of any nation, adding that the collaboration between EU and the Federal Government of Nigeria, will help to enhance research in technology innovation, advance technology development and unlock Nigeria’s potential to explore the world of technology.
“The collaboration will enhance capacity building, and government is committed to ensuring good support system from all stakeholders in the private sector and academia that will
name restoration alone was 128 in April 2024 and it increased to 140 in May 2024, with a further increase to 142 in June 2024.
The ccTLD .ng domain name is Nigeria’s identity in cyberspace, which has the .ng at the suffix of every official email address that originates from Nigeria. In the United Kingdom, official email addresses end with .co.uk. In United States of America, they end with .com, while in South Africa, the official email addresses end with .co.za.
Nigeria has continued to maintain steady growth in the adoption and usage of .ng domain name across different sectors of the economy and the growth has continued to attract commendations
drive collaboration and innovation,” Nnaji said
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, said Nigeria had been on the cusp of technological revolution, with a vision to harness the power of science, innovation, and technology to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“Our Science, Innovation, and Technology Roadmap encapsulate this vision, which lays out a comprehensive plan for achieving these goals. At the Ministry of Youth Development, we are guided by three fundamental pillars: promoting STEM education, encouraging entrepreneurship and startups, and
from the global community of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Recently, ICAN commended Nigeria for surpassing the 225,000 mark for all registered .ng domain names in the country, and as at June this year, the number has increased to 226,702 and still counting.
The former Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC), Joel Karubiu, while speaking at this year’s ICANN Policy Forum (ICANN80) in Kigali, Rwanda, said: “I see a lot of passion from the Nigerian team here.”
NiRA also received a rousing applause from the general participants at the ICANN80 conference, which was attended by the Nigerian team led by the
fostering international collaborations.
“The Nigeria of tomorrow will be a nation that consumes technology and creates it. It will be a nation that does not just export resources but ideas. It will be a nation where every child, regardless of background, can become a scientific pioneer.
This is the Nigeria we will build together. The time for action is now.
Let the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days be the spark that ignites a scientific revolution on African soil,” Bio-Ibrahim said.
Presenting the AU-EU Innovation Agenda at the forum, EU Co-chair of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Working Group, Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the
President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya.
Giving reasons for the continuous increase in the adoption rate and use of the .ng domain name across the county in the past one year, the Head of Corporate Services at NiRA, Mrs. Busayo Balogun, told the audience at the ICANN Policy Forum that NiRA had launched a dashboard for real time updates on .ng domain name registrations, a development that helped in enhancing domain name registration.
According to her, the .ng domain name has continued to garner popularity in usage for websites and email addresses, adding that through its 3R - Registry, Registrar, Registrant model of operation, NiRA contracts more than 100
African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), emphasising the importance of collaboration for tackling global challenges.
“In today’s world, innovation is crucial for addressing global issues and achieving sustainable development. The EU-Africa Innovation Agenda is a roadmap for driving innovation on the African continent”, Lorusso said.
According to him, the agenda focuses on four key areas: Fostering innovation for a more peaceful and secure Africa; Encouraging innovation to drive economic growth and job creation; Developing innovative solutions to combat climate change; and Promoting
registrars to provide registration services to the public. Akinsanya had earlier told THISDAY that the strategic collaborations between NiRA and some government agencies, aimed at populating Nigeria’s .ng domain name, were largely responsible for the continuous growth of the country’s .ng domain name. According to him, NiRA holds a pivotal role as the steward of Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), a crucial element in advancing the nation’s digital ecosystem, adding that NiRA recognises the significance of collaborating with strategic partners who share in NiRA’s vision and can assist in achieving its vital objective.
sustainable energy use and harnessing innovation to improve social development and empower people.
He added that the agenda included short, medium, and long-term actions with clear implementation plans noting that stakeholders will benefit from access to funding, networking opportunities, and collaboration platforms.
The presentation also showcased examples of successful initiatives undertaken under the agenda, demonstrating its potential for positive impact.
Arum: Strategic Actions will Boost Capacity for Homegrown Gaming Technology
Executive Secretary/CEO, Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Prince Arinze, speaks about the recently concluded gaming conference in Enugu State and the need for proper regulation of gaming activities in the state and beyond to drive economic growth. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts
Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission just concluded its maiden gaming conference. What was the underlining drive to organise such conference?
We at Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission organised our maiden gaming conference with the underlying drive to achieve several key objectives including regulation and oversight with the aim of establishing a framework for regulating and overseeing gaming activities within Enugu State, thereby ensuring that these activities are conducted fairly and transparently. Secondly is about economic growth. We aimed to harness the potential of the gaming industry as a significant contributor to the state’s economy by generating revenue, creating jobs, and attracting investment. We were also driven by consumer protection. Here, we aimed to elicit discussions on how to adequately protect consumers by ensuring that gaming operators adhere to ethical standards and provide a safe and secure environment for participants.
Again, we wanted to raise awareness and educate stakeholders about the benefits and risks associated with gaming, promoting responsible gaming practices. Finally, and as the theme suggests, we aimed to foster collaboration among industry players and the area our state has comparative advantage in the south east which is hospitality and tourism to encourage innovation and the adoption of best practices within the gaming sector. By addressing these areas, the conference aimed to lay a solid foundation for a thriving and well-regulated gaming industry in Enugu State.
To what extent do you feel the conference has impacted gaming industry in Nigeria?
The impact of the Enugu gaming conference on the gaming industry in Nigeria can be considered significant in several ways including in the area of increased awareness and visibility for the state and the south east region when it comes to viable gaming market in Nigeria. The conference likely heightened awareness of the gaming industry’s potential in Nigeria, bringing attention to its economic and social benefits. This visibility can attract more stakeholders, including investors, operators, and consumers.
Also, in the area of regulatory advancements, the event helped in discussing regulatory frameworks and best practices for the industry and likely influence the adoption of more robust regulations potentially across Nigeria. This can lead to a more transparent and fair gaming environment. Another area that saw prospects in terms of impact is in industry collaboration. There is no gainsaying that the conference provided a platform for industry players to network and collaborate, but it also created an avenue for us to showcase the opportunities for collaboration between the gaming industry and the hospitality industry as I mentioned earlier. Such interactions can lead to partnerships, innovation, and the sharing of ideas that can drive the industry forward as well as help us create the desired status of the preferred gaming tourism destination in Nigeria.
In the area of consumer protection and responsible gaming, the interactions we had at the event on that topic was very robust and helped to lay emphasis on consumer protection and responsible gaming practices that can enhance the credibility of the industry. This can build trust among consumers and encourage more responsible participation in gaming activities. The most important is economic development. By promoting the gaming industry, the conference will surely contribute to economic development through job creation, revenue generation, and attracting investments for Enugu state. This can have a positive ripple effect on the broader economy.
Overall, the conference has the potential to catalyze growth and development in the gaming industry in Nigeria by addressing key issues, fostering collaboration, and promoting a well-regulated and responsible gaming environment.
Enugu Gaming Conference 2024 has come and gone, what are the expectations for 2025?
Following the conclusion of the Enugu Gaming Conference 2024, there are several key expectations for the 2025 edition, which will likely come up at same time next year. First, we expect an expanded participation from what we have witnessed in this edition. This increased attendance from local and international stakeholders, including regulators, operators, investors, and technology providers, will be a clear reflection of the growing interest in the gaming industry in Enugu State in particular and South-east in general. We also expect to review
and communicate progress updates.
We expect to have a comprehensive review of the progress made since the 2024 conference, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. This will provide a basis for setting new goals and refining strategies for 2025.
In the next edition, we will surely lay more emphasis on advanced regulatory discussions, to further development and discussion of regulatory frameworks to ensure they keep pace with industry advancements. This includes addressing emerging trends, technologies, and potential regulatory challenges.
Another key area we’ll focus on is the innovative technologies and trends that currently define the industry. Showcasing the latest technologies and trends in the gaming industry, such as advancements in online gaming, mobile platforms, and blockchain applications, will provide participants with insights into future opportunities. In fact, the technology that powers the industry will form the main area of discussion and activities next edition.
At this edition, the likes of Evolution SA and GameTec USA, who are technology solution providers for the industry, were on ground to showcase how their gaming solutions can power any gaming business. We expect to see more of that next edition. Of course, there would be enhanced networking opportunities, with more structured networking sessions to foster collaborations and partnerships among industry players, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Other areas that we will improve on next edition include: Responsible gaming, Economic impact discussions, Policy and legal updates, more Interactive workshops and panels, Strategic roadmap discussions
for the future and development of a strategic roadmap outlining the future direction of the gaming industry in Enugu State, with clear objectives and milestones to ensure sustained growth and development. The 2025 conference is expected to build on the successes of this edition, driving further innovation, collaboration, and growth within the gaming industry in Enugu State and beyond.
Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC) has been known in the past to have relied on cutting edge technology platform to manage revenue from gaming. Is that still the case currently?
Yes, we will continue to rely on cuttingedge technology platforms to manage revenue from gaming. The ongoing commitment to utilise advanced technology, ensures several key benefits in the areas of Efficient Revenue Management, Transparency and Accountability, Data Analytics, Regulatory Compliance, Enhanced User Experience, and Scalability.
It’s a known fact that among state gaming regulators in Nigeria, Enugu state is next only to Lagos state in deploying cutting-edge technology for our operations in the Gaming scene.
Overall, the continued use of cutting-edge technology platforms by ESGC underscores its commitment to efficient revenue management, transparency, regulatory compliance, and enhancing the overall experience for stakeholders in the gaming industry.
With the technology advancement in the gaming industry, how equipped is ESGC to cope with your primary role of regulation in your state?
Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission
“Another key area we’ll focus on is the innovative technologies and trends that currently define the industry. Showcasing the latest technologies and trends in the gaming industry, such as advancements in online gaming, mobile platforms, and blockchain applications, will provide participants with insights into future opportunities.”
(ESGC), is well-equipped to cope with its primary role of regulation in the state, thanks to several key factors driven by technological advancements in the gaming industry. These factors include: Advanced Monitoring Systems - where ESGC employs sophisticated monitoring systems that provide real-time data on gaming activities. These systems help the commission detect and address any irregularities promptly, ensuring compliance with regulations.
We also make use of data analytics and reporting tools to enable us analyse large volumes of data efficiently. The capability helps in identifying trends, spotting potential issues, and making data-driven decisions to enhance regulatory practices. We also rely on Automated Compliance Checks that allows us to automate many compliance checks, reducing the burden on regulatory staff and increasing the accuracy and efficiency of regulatory enforcement. Automated systems can flag non-compliance and facilitate swift corrective actions. Additionally, we make use of secure and transparent transactions using cutting-edge technology to ensure that all gaming transactions are secure and transparent. Technology is also playing a role in ESGC’s efforts to educate the public and stakeholders about responsible gaming practices, regulatory requirements, and consumer protection measures. Digital platforms and social media are being used to disseminate information widely.
In summary, ESGC’s adoption of advanced technology equips it with the tools and capabilities necessary to effectively regulate the gaming industry in Enugu State, ensuring that the industry operates within a robust, transparent, and fair regulatory framework.
What is your take on the best ways to monitor and regulate online gaming in Nigeria?
Monitoring and regulating online gaming in Nigeria require a comprehensive approach that combines robust technological infrastructure, clear regulatory frameworks, and active stakeholder engagement. A joint processes between the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the states, currently regulating the sector, is desirable. Focus should be in implementing advanced technology for real-time monitoring to track online gaming activities in real-time.
These systems can detect suspicious behavior, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide data analytics to inform regulatory decisions. Also, a clearly developed regulatory framework that will be established via comprehensive legislation that covers all aspects of online gaming, including licensing requirements, operational standards, and penalties for non-compliance, is very key. This framework will work through the harmonization of Laws in the industry to ensure harmonisation between national and state-level regulations to avoid conflicts and create a cohesive regulatory environment.
We noticed some foreign gaming technology providers at the last conference. What must be done to have homegrown gaming technology in Nigeria powering the sector?
To foster the development of homegrown gaming technology in Nigeria and enable it to power the sector, several strategic actions need to be taken. First, we need to invest in Research and Development (R&D) through government grants and incentives (like tax breaks) to local companies and startups that invest in R&D for gaming technology. This will encourage innovation and the development of indigenous solutions. We can also encourage collaborations between universities, research institutions, and industry players to drive innovation and the development of cutting-edge gaming technology.
We also need to improve on our curriculum development by integrating gaming technology, software development, and related fields into the curriculum of higher education institutions. Establish specialised programmes and courses to build a skilled workforce even through vocational training and certification programmes focused on gaming technology, software development, and digital arts to equip individuals with practical skills. All these in addition to provision of access to funding, will encourage the establishment of venture capital funds that focus on investing in gaming technology startups. This can provide the necessary financial support for local entrepreneurs to develop their products. By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can create a conducive environment for the development of homegrown gaming technology, empowering local talent and driving the growth of the gaming sector.
Arum
Gupta: Backward Integration Crucial for Nigeria’s Economic Rebirth
In this encounter with the Chairman African Industries Group, Raj Gupta, he speaks on how companies are currently looking inwards to deepening local content to further explore opportunities in Nigeria’s economy. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts
As a stakeholder in the manufacturing sector, how is the sector faring amid the current economic challenges?
Let me start by stating explicitly that there is no economy without challenges but government policies by various governments have ways of cushioning the effect. Much as I agree that things are a bit tough for manufacturers in Nigeria, I believe the federal government is working hard to mitigate them. Among others, we have witnessed in the last few years issues related to multiple taxation, high cost of borrowing, infrastructural inadequacy and low local content development and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products. However, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has identified most of these challenges and has consistently engaged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to address the problem.
What is your take on low local content development and patronage of madein-Nigeria products?
In addressing this, I will make reference to our company, African Industries Group and our determination to help Nigeria maximize steel production as a catalyst for backward integration in the steel and iron industry development. Generally speaking, Nigeria has a low local content adoption and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and I think this is one thing the government is working hard to reverse. To this end, MAN has continued to urge government to ensure effective enforcement of local content and patronage regulations.
How can AIG help Nigeria maximise steel production?
One, our target is to make Nigeria Africa’s steel hub. We have put a lot of plans in place to help Nigeria grow the steel sector into a globally dependable sector and achieve backward integration. To achieve this, we will begin with the group leveraging on its huge investment in steel to make Nigeria the hub and Africa’s number one exporter of steel products. Part of our vision is to grow our investment in the steel sector to a level that we would have placed Nigeria ahead of every other country in Africa. We want to make Nigeria the giant of Africa, and export steel from Nigeria to the entire Continent. African Industries Group is a leading Iron and
manufacturer in Nigeria, with one of the largest production capacities for steel, aluminum and lead products in Nigeria.
What is the manufacturing capacity of the group?
AIG has one of Nigeria’s largest manufacturing capacities of 1.2 million tonnes per annum of steel products catering mainly to the construction industry. Its main aim is to make Nigeria self-reliant in steel products and eliminating its dependence on imports, AIG has been a major contributor to the growth of the iron and steel industry in Nigeria for decades.
Nigeria has rich Iron Ore deposits and the group has invested about 600 million dollars in Gujeni, which is Nigeria’s largest non-oil FDI, to establish a fully integrated iron ore mining and processing plant, African Natural Resources and Mines
“Our target is to make Nigeria Africa’s steel hub. We have put a lot of plans in place to help Nigeria grow the steel sector into a globally dependable sector and achieve backward integration. To achieve this, we will begin with the group leveraging on its huge investment in steel to make Nigeria the hub and Africa’s number one exporter of steel products. Part of our vision is to grow our investment in the steel sector to a level that we would have placed Nigeria ahead of every other country in Africa.”
Limited (ANRML), the first of its kind. ANRML has a mining capacity of over 5 million tonnes per annum.
What is the implication of this to the overall still and iron development in Nigeria?
The Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) produced will be a direct substitute for ferrous scrap currently used as raw material for producing steel in Nigeria. It will also gradually position Nigeria as a prominent Crude Steel producer globally.
We have a massive State-of-the-art, high-tech manufacturing facilities, with various types of processing equipment and strong technical force to produce good quality steel products like Steel Billets, Rebars, Debars, Hot Rolled Steel Square Rods, Steel Angles, Steel Flat Bars, Steel Binding Wires, Cold Drawn Steel Wires, Steel Nails, ERW Steel Round Pipes, ERW Steel Rectangular Pipes, Steel Z and C Purlin, Steel Wire Mesh, Steel Chequered Plate and ARC Welding Electrodes. We also operate the largest shredder in Sub Saharan Africa.
Coming to quality, what will you say is the unique selling point of AIG?
We keep the quality of our products as our top most priority. We are one of the few companies in Nigeria that manufacture best quality Iron Rebars with local and global certifications like MANCAP certification by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); UK CARES accreditation; ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 certifications, OHSAS 18001 certifications.
Besides, our iron and steel manufacturing divisions, which rely wholly on locally available materials in Nigeria, currently produce high strength TMT iron rods and
“Nigeria has rich Iron Ore deposits and the group has invested about 600 million dollars in Gujeni, which is Nigeria’s largest nonoil FDI, to establish a fully integrated iron ore mining and processing plant, African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), the first of its kind. ANRML has a mining capacity of over 5 million tonnes per annum.”
all allied products used mainly in construction that have become a major source of huge foreign exchange savings for Nigeria every year.
To make Nigeria a hub for steel production, the country will not only be self-reliant, it must be able to export. Has AIG extended its frontiers beyond this shore?
Currently we are exporting steel only to francophone ECOWAS countries but continental looking at taking advantage of key treaties like the Africa Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) to launch out to the entire region and subsequently the continent. We are not only one of the largest manufacturers of various metal products but also one of the most quality conscious and sustainable in its processes.
What is the group policy on environmental protection?
We undertake scrap recycling as per European standards, to support the environment. Our Aluminum roofing sheets are environmentally friendly, containing a large percentage of recycled matter while the product is also recyclable, making them a rare waste in landfills.
How do you contend with competition and counterfeiting?
Let me admit that we are aware of the complexity of the Nigeria market but let me add too that the group’s businesses are sensitive to local and international competition. Our businesses are basically very sensitive to competition from within and outside Nigeria, the latter where governments not only subsidize the growth of such sectors, but also give the sector players long term single digit financial support.
Is AIG all about steel and aluminium?
As a matter of fact, AIG has good strength in steel, aluminium, mining and power, especially in power generation. But we also have a presence in many other sectors. We are into lead refining and export thus bringing into Nigeria foreign exchange. We are currently setting up a plant for manufacturing and refining sesame seeds while also building capacity in exporting sesame oil in an attempt to expand AIG’s investment in the agro and allied sector.
steel
Gupta
AVEVA Unveils key Learning from 2023 Sustainability Report
Emma Okonji
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, has launched its 2023 Sustainability Progress Report and the first edition of the AVEVA Industrial Intelligence Index at London Tech Week 2024 where the company advocates for an ethical and impact-driven AI aimed at increasing creativity and efficiency for a more sustainable world.
In 2023, AVEVA continued to make progress on its core ESG framework objectives, including enabling the sustainable transformation of industry through its software, modelling
environmental stewardship and ethical best practice, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture where every employee feels engaged and empowered to learn and grow.
The fourth edition of the report is AVEVA’s first publication of ESG data and workstream advancements aligned to a calendar year reporting period. It details progress made in 2023 to AVEVA’s three key pillars: Technology handprint, Operational footprint, and Inclusive culture.
Analysing the report, Global Head of Sustainability at AVEVA, Lisa Wee, said: “Beyond our efforts to
reduce our own carbon footprint, we recognize that our biggest opportunity to make a positive impact and accelerate our journey towards NetZero is through our core products, digital solutions that can help industries improve efficiency, circularity, traceability and resilience.”
With this, the company has developed a green new logo programme that has supported in the first six months the deployment of clean tech activities for 25 customers. In addition, with 13 new case studies quantifying the reduction of emissions AVEVA software enables for customers,
WIOCC, Readland Global Redefine STEM at Lagos Workshop
Stories by Agnes Ekebuike
WIOCC Group, in partnership with Readland Global, recently held the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop in Lagos, where the STEM initiative was redefined.
The workshop brought together students from Filerose Academy and Sammy Bright School for a day of immersive learning and hands-on experience in various STEM fields.
The workshop featured a comprehensive programme that included robotics, 3D printing and drone flying training sessions. These activities were designed to ignite the students’ interest in STEM and provide them with practical skills that are essential in the 21st-century technological landscape. The students were given the opportunity to develop their STEM skills through interactive
sessions facilitated by professionals. The workshops were designed to be engaging and informative, ensuring that each participant could fully benefit from the experience.
In the robotics session, students learned the basics of designing, building and programming robots, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The 3D printing workshop allowed students to explore the exciting possibilities of manufacturing, enabling them to create and print their own designs. The drone flying training introduced the participants to the principles of drone technology, including hands-on flight practice and discussions on the applications of drones in various industries.
Commenting on the event, Country Marketing Manager (Nigeria) at WIOCC Group, Adesola Adesugba said: “We are thrilled to
have partnered with Readland Global to organise this STEM workshop. Our goal was to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological world. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the students were truly inspiring. We are confident that this experience will have a lasting impact on their academic and career pursuits.”
The collaboration between WIOCC Group and Readland Global underscores both organisations’ commitment to fostering education and innovation in Nigeria. By providing students with access to cutting-edge technology and expert guidance, they aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing young minds for future challenges and opportunities.
the company demonstrates how it walks the talk through tangible achievements contributing to sustainability. Last but not least, hackathons run in 2023 generated 80 sustainability-led technology ideas for future innovations.
2023 also saw the launch of AVEVA’s Sustainability Accelerator program the purpose of which is to advance sustainability use cases and capabilities across the company’s portfolio and partner ecosystem, including via AVEVA’s industrial intelligence platform, CONNECT.
Director of Sustainability in charge of the programme, Joana Mainguy,
said: “AVEVA’s Sustainability Accelerator program aims to enable faster uptake of existing sustainability solutions across the industrial landscape, while we continue to invest in product capabilities and partnerships that will push out the frontiers of sustainability innovation for industry.”
AVEVA has pioneered a new standard for green software: since the end of 2023, and 31 per cent of its portfolio has built-in power consumption measurement technology.
In 2023, AVEVA met four out of the 15 2025 ESG targets including
93 per cent reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions through a combination of measures: the company procured 100 per cent of renewable electricity in all global markets as per RE100 criteria, reduced its overall fleet of 21 per cent over the year, and counted hybrid or electric vehicles for 25 per cent of the remaining fleet. Notable achievements related to upstream emissions include a 36 per cent decrease in purchased goods and services and a 49 per cent decrease in business travel emissions. The latter goes beyond our 2025 ESG goal of a 20 per cent reduction.
Mdundo.com, Globacom to Launch New Initiative for Subscribers
Mdundo.com, one of Africa’s leading music streaming service has partnered Globacom Nigeria, to launch an exclusive DJ mix service for Globacom subscribers.
The collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences and fostering strong customer relationships.
The new DJ mix service will offer Globacom subscribers access to a wide array of carefully curated DJ mixes, featuring an eclectic blend of local and vernacular music.
This unique offering leverages Mdundo’s extensive library of music, which boasts a rich collection of tracks from Africa’s top artists, as well as rising stars from across the continent.
CEO of Mdundo.com, Martin Nielsen, said: “We are excited to partner with Globacom to bring
this innovative DJ mix service to their subscribers. Our mission has always been to make African music accessible to everyone, and this partnership allows us to do just that on an even larger scale. With our strong focus on local and vernacular music, we are confident that this service will be a hit among Nigerian music lovers.”
Globacom, known for its customer-centric approach, sees the partnership as a strategic move to enhance its value proposition and strengthen its bond with subscribers.
The DJ mix service is designed to be user-friendly, allowing subscribers to easily access and stream their favorite mixes through the Globacom network. The service will be available to all Globacom subscribers, with special offers and promotions to encourage
widespread adoption.
Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Mdundo.com, Sowari Akosionu, said: “The partnership is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best of African music to our users.
“By collaborating with Globacom, we are not only expanding our reach but also ensuring that our content is accessible to a wider audience. We are proud to support local artists and provide a platform for their music to be enjoyed by millions.”
Mdundo.com has built a strong reputation for its extensive music catalog and deep understanding of African music trends. With millions of users across Nigeria, Mdundo’s platform is a preferred choice for music streaming, particularly for those seeking diverse and culturally rich content.
L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; Country Director, DMG Nigeria Events, Wemimo Oyelana; Chief Financial Officer, ND Western, Azfar Hussain; Group Executive Director, Oando, Ainojie Alex Irune; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Agbo Ella; Commission Secretary/Legal Adviser, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Olayemi Anyanechi; Managing Director, Aradel Holdings, Gbite Falade; CEO, Seplat Energy, Roger Brown; Principal Consultant, Levmora Services, Funmi Marinho; Managing Director, Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Oladapo Filani; Chairman Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)/Waltersmith Group, Abdulrazaq Isa; and Executive Vice Chairman, ND Western, Layi Fatona, during the just concluded NOG Week in Abuja… recently
L-R: Managing Partner, ASGB Partners, Ethiopia, Seffa Abdella; Managing Partner, RSM Tanzania, Lina Ratansi; Managing Partner, RSM Uganda, John Walabyeki; Managing Partner, Ralph Bomment, Zimbabwe, Reynolds Muza; Managing Partner, C & S Assurance and Advisory, Angola, Henrique Serra; Managing Partner, ASGB Partners, Ethiopia, Birberssa Demisse; immediate-past President and Chief Executive Officer of RSM, Jean Stephens; newly appointed CEO of RSM, Ernest. J Nedder; RSM Africa Regional Leader, Clive Betty; Managing Partner, RSM Kenya, Ashif Kassam; Managing Partner, RSM South Africa, Noma Ashom; Managing Partner, RSM Eswatini, Kerry Smith; Managing Partner, Audit Consult, Malawi, Moffat Ngalande; Managing Partner, RSM Mauritius, Ravi Kowlessur; Managing Partner, Stransact Chartered Accountants, Nigeria, Eben Joels; Managing Partner, RSM Zambia, Ian Ncube; and Managing Partner, RSM Mozambique, Paulo Lopes, all seated at the RSM Africa Regional Conference in Nairobi, Kenya… recently
L-R: Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Executive Director, Coverage and Investment Banking, Mr. Femi Badeji; Group Managing Director, Futureview Group, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi; and Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, FCMB Group, Mr. Gbolahan Joshua, during the Analyst and Investor’s Forum organised by FCMB Group in Lagos… recently
Chairman, Organising Committee, Dr. Uche Ezeagwu; Book Reviewer, Dr. Patrick Mbatuoju; Rector, Pentecostal International Bible Seminary (PIBS), Prof. .Donatus Emmanuel; author, Dr. Frank Anokam; Chief Unveiller, Apostle Courage Ngbanwa; and Chairman of the occasion, Elder David Edochie, at the public presentation of the book titled: ‘Count Down To Eternity’, held in Lagos… recently
L-R: Managing Director, DLM Advisory, Emeka Ngene; MD, DLM Asset Management, Ugonnaya Osi; MD, DLM Trustees, Lola Razaaq; and Deputy MD, DLM Advisory, Nwabu Okonkwo, at the African Industrial and Development Conference and Awards (AIDCA), where DLM Asset Management was awarded ‘Best Asset Management Company of the Year’, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja...recently
Vice Chancellor, Nigeria
King
by
L-R:
Pioneer
Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State, Professor Ongoebi Etebu (middle); flanked by the Amanana-Owei of Gbaran-Ama Community, Opokuma Clan, HRH Robert Amaitari Telephone (right); and the Amanana-Owei of Kalama Community in Kolokuma Clan, Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, HRH Bob Lawani Ebikiye (left), when Etebu was honoured with a chieftaincy title as the Ebe-Finiere of Ogboin Kingdom
the Ebe-Nanaowei of Ogboin Clan,
Oweipa Jones-Ere, Ogboin III in Amasoma, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State… recently
HealtH & lifestyle
How Economic Realities Place Private Healthcare Practice on the Precipice
As Nigeria confronts an all time high inflation rate of 33.95 per cent with increased cost of goods and services, access of healthcare has become luxury for many. Esther Oluku writes that the Guild of Medical Directors convened its 30th National Annual General Meeting to discuss the impact of cost in financing private healthcare practice and emerging threats as private institutions struggle to stay afloat
What triggered the convergence of the Heads of States and Governments of the to African Union (formerly Organisation of African Unity) at Abuja, Nigeria in April 2001 was the need to come up with strategies to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases which was wiping away millions of Africans at the beginning of the century.
The eight-page document arrived at at the end of that two day conference produced 40 articles, 18 of which were submissions while 22 were recommendations. The submissions aimed to establish that the AU had a knowledge of the situation at hand while the recommendations sought to proffer steps towards addressing these healthcare challenges.
Two items of the 40 articles stand out outlined under article 15 and 26 of the agreement which made the assertion that “containing and reversing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases should constitute our top priority for the first quarter of the 21st Century” and that Africa “PLEDGE to set a target of allocating at least 15% of our annual budget to the improvement of the health sector” respectively.
Five years to the end of the first quarter of the century, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world exposing a lack of preparedness of the healthcare systems of many developing countries. In Nigeria, medical supplies like drugs, vaccines, ventilators, nose masks and other essentials were in limited supply necessitating emergency production to mitigate the spread of the Corona virus.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has come and gone, the world has changed irrevocably leaving timeless lessons on the critical role that healthcare plays in the economic fortunes of nations. Countries around the world are taking proactive steps to amplify research in medicine and healthcare and foster strategic collaborations to tackle healthcare emergencies in the coming years
Hence, the need to rethink and prioritise research and strengthen collaboration on safe, affordable and accessible healthcare remains at the front burner of national and international discourse.
Nigeria’s Health Budget 2024
For Nigeria, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has not been able to meet the target budgetary allocation of 15 per cent reached at the Abuja Declaration of 2001. The N1.336trillion allocated to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare represent about 4.6 per cent of the national budget of N28.78trillion.
A further breakdown of the budget reveal that of the 126 agencies, departments and institutions to share the N1.336trillion, 18 per cent would be utilised by the Ministry while the remaining 82 per cent of the budget would be distributed at an average of 0.649 per cent among the 125 remaining departments, agencies and institutions under the Ministry.
Also, aside salaries, overhead costs and statutory expenditure of the Ministry which account for N8.475billion, N233.656 billion is to be spent on 414 capital projects to be carried out by the Ministry.
Expert Submission on 15 per cent Budget
Allocation for Health Sector
Experts at the United Nations have argued that while the need to prioritise the healthcare sector cannot be jettisoned, allocation of 15 per cent of the nation budget of African countries may not be feasible as a result of low Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and low tax generated revenue. They suggested that while the resources of African countries are lean and may not be able to make the AU target, efficient deployment of resources would strengthen health institutions with the requisite infrastructure needed to drive progress.
Rather than focus on the target, they insisted that African “health ministries should advocate for adequate resourcing, with strong and clear arguments to invest in health as a productive sector that builds human capital, reduces poverty and inequity, safeguards health security from pandemics, improves workforce productivity and provides employment.
They added that a reduction in “spending on ineffective or inequitable public programmes, such as fuel subsidies that disproportionally benefit the well-off, can be repurposed to increase government revenue, and possibly, increase allocations for health and social sectors.”
Deployment of Nigeria’s Health Budget
Allocation
According to the budget, the Ministry is expected to carry out 414 capital projects asides other projects to be carried out by departments, agencies and health institutions under it. Of the 414 projects to be carried out by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, 19 are a carry-over from the previous year while 395 are new. As at June 30, 2024, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was yet to carry out up to 25 per cent of it’s total projects for the year.
In two separate statements, the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Health and Social
Welfare, Mr. Muhammed Ali Pate, reeled out the ministry’s achievements since the begining of the fiscal year howbeit more remains to be done in terms of human capacity building, technological integration in healthcare, implementation and monitoring of projects and provision of healthcare equipment and facilities amongst others.
Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria
A cursory look at the 2024 health budget shows that almost no emphasis has been paid to the private sector in terms of leveraging collaboration to ensure a strengthened healthcare system across the country. Collaboration would not only make for uniform healthcare development but help to achieve the wider goal of a Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that to achieve UHC, public an private sector players in the healthcare space must leverage on partnerships to drive optimum healthcare for the world’s teeming population.
According to a report by WHO, in “some countries, an estimated 70% of the population seek health care from the private sector. Yet issues related to the private health sector have not been addressed properly by many ministries of health.
“In most low-and middle-income countries..., the perceived quality of care in the public sector is poor, and accessibility and affordability to comprehensive health services is a challenge. Moreover, private sector health care providers have no, or minimal role in developing national health policies.”
This lack of synergy between the private and public healthcare practitioners according to WHO is engineered by “lack of trust between the public and private sectors, and lack of, or poor regulatory mechanisms that can bring public and private sector health
care providers together. However, there is evidence across the world that the private health sector can contribute effectively in all three dimensions of universal health coverage.”
The Guild of Medical Directors
Founded in 1990, the Guild of Medical Directors is a coalition of private medical hospital owners formed for the purpose of entrenching best practices in healthcare at par with global standard with the long-term vision of achieving UHC. Since it’s registration 34 years ago, the guild meet each year (since the fourth year after it’s registration) to discuss challenges bedeviling the healthcare sector and possible solutions to address them.
From its early years, the guild has raised discourse bordering on pertinent health sector issues. From professionalism and competence to the subject of brain drain which started in the early 2000s up to topical issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.
As cost of healthcare widens, the need to sustain excellence in healthcare has become led a challenge. Hence, this year’s to National Annual General Meeting was themed “Sustaining Excellence in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) World.
Emerging Threats President, Guild of Medical Directors, Dr. Abiodun Kuti, stated that increase in the operational cost of private medical facilities has led to the complete closure of eight medical facilities in Maiduguri with many private institutions considering a merger to stay afloat.
According to him, the cost of drugs, injectable, hospital equipments and other medical consumables have increased. He added that considering the essentiality of power to the healthcare sector, some private healthcare institutions spend up to N25 million on power generation alone making it difficult to break even.
He opined therefore that while the option of a merger by private hospitals would improve efficiency, reduce costs and sustaining excellence, government should implement friendlier policies for healthcare institutions. These he suggested include; subsidies for power and medical equipment and reduction in hospital taxes.
On his part, the National Publicity Secretary for the Association, Dr. Ngozi Onyia, noted that the need to entrench best practice in healthcare needs to be such that healthcare institutions whether private or government should be run as a private entity such that the sector can generate enough resources to run on its own.
On his part the Lagos state Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Omoniyi Fegberu, underscored the need for developing the industry through finance. He empasized the for government to broaden the insurance net to accommodate more people and the need for the health sector to have a bank that would attend to the funding needs of health institutions.
A National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Fagberu argued, would improve the average Nigerian’s healthcare experience.
Prof. Malfertheiner, Prof. Leja, Dr. Schulz and RICHEN to Speak at AHMSG 2024 in SA
From August 16-17 2024, Cape Town, South Africa, Profs. Malfertheiner, Leja, Dr. Schulz, Richen Hongkong Sight and other speakers are billed to speak at the first ever International Conference of the African Helicobacter & Microbiota Study Group (AHMSG).
The two-day International Conference which is free for students and Resident doctors will hold at the President Hotel, Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. Peter Malfertheiner who is the keynote speaker at the conference, is a Professor of Medicine and Chairman of Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious disease at Otto v. Guericke University of Magdeburg in Germany since 1995. He is the founding member of the European Helicobacter & Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG). Prof. Malfertheiner’s, primary research interests include Helicobacter pylori- associated clinical manifestations, gastric cancer and pancreatic diseases. Prof. Leja is a Professor of Medicine and Vice-dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia. He is a Gastroenterologist, Digestive Diseases Centre GASTRO. His research interests are Helicobacter pylori, gastritis and gastric cancer,
prevention of gastrointestinal cancer, celiac disease, diagnostic methods in gastroenterology and oncology
Dr. Schulz was Director of Medical Department 2, LMUHospital Munich, Germany. His research interests revolve around, Helicobacter pylori, Gastrointestinal microbiome beyond Helicobacter pylori, gastrointestinal microbiome & gastrointestinal diseases including IBS, Gastrointestinal microbiome & autonomy in the elderly. Effect of microbial community on health & diseases and Helicobacter cancer. Richen as the present company of Richen Sight Hong Kong was founded in July 2002 with the his-
tory of more than 10 years. Richen over the years has developed its outstanding enterprise culture as Honesty, Innovation, Rapidity, Learn, Honour Harmony, Competition and Customer to contribute to its success in business, inspiring every Richener to help to win the high reputation in markets. In the bid to guarantee the sustainable improvement in services and quality, Richen has established the system management according to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, authenticated by China Medical Device CMD in China and Technical Inspection Association (TUV) in Germany. In addition, a number of the
Richen products have been regulated and they possess the Conformite European (CE) safety certificate.
The African Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (AHMSG), founded in 2022, aimed at establishing appropriate diagnostic methods and guidelines for the treatment and management of Helicobacter pylori (an ulcer causing pathogen) infections in Africa similar to the Maastricht VI Florence Consensus Report of the European Helicobacter & Microbiota Study Group and to connect with EHMSG for advice as a parent body. Professor Stella Smith FAS is
the founding President of the AHMSG since 2022, bringing in 16 members from ten African countries as Board members from Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Cameroon, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Senegal and Morocco. The group also comprises over 90 ordinary members. The Group has been involved in formulating recommendations for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori (an ulcer causing pathogen). Prof. Smith FAS will be handing over to Prof. Mashiko from South Africa who will pilot the affairs of the AHMSG for the next two years.
L-R: Dr.Ngozi Onyia, MD Paelon Memorial Hospital; Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, CEO Cedarcrest Hospital; Dr. Hammed Ninalowo; and Dr. Raymond Abiodun Kuti, national president Guild of Medical Directors
L-R: Dr. Ngozi Onyia, MD, Paelon Memorial Hospital; Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, MD, AIICO Multishield Limited; Olayinka Subair, Country Manager Nigeria/Cluster Lead West Africa, Pfizer SSA; Njide Ndili, Vice President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria; Abimbola Adebakin, Founder/CEO, Advantage Health Africa; Nicole Spieker, CEO, PharmAccess Foundation; Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, FCIB, CON, Chairman Board of Directors, Access Holdings; Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Head, Sustainability, Access Corporation; Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG); Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Zakari Momodu, Projects Director, Aliko Dangote Foundation; Iyadunni Olubode, Director of Nigeria Programs, MSD for Mothers; Dr. Alero Roberts, Associate Professor, College of Medicine, UNILAG; and Kenneth Okolie, MD/CEO, SYNLAB Nigeria; at the 2024 PSHAN Annual Conference at Access Towers, Lagos, recently
PSHAN Conference Calls for Private Sector-led Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria
Victoria Ojiako
Healthcare leaders at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) annual conference have emphasised the critical role of private sector engagement in achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, CEO of PSHAN, alongside other key speakers, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts, data-driven strategies, and technological innovations to transform the nation’s evolving health insurance landscape and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
Speaking during the alliance’s annual conference held yesterday
at Access Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Akinbolagbe, the convener, underscored the imperative of integrating the private sector into achieving UHC.
The conference, themed “Harnessing Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria’s Evolving Health Insurance Landscape,” gathered key stakeholders including academic leaders, private sector representatives, financiers of private health insurance, and regulatory bodies such as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Dr. Akinbolagbe emphasized that the private sector currently provides more than 70 per cent of healthcare in Nigeria, neces-
sitating their active involvement in health policy formulation and implementation.
Regarding future initiatives, Dr. Akinbolagbe expressed optimism about the NHIA adopting an Enhanced National Health Insurance Accreditation (ENHIA) model by year-end, potentially revolutionizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Drawing parallels with the Netherlands, where private entities manage most hospitals while the government focuses on regulation, Dr. Akinbolagbe suggested Nigeria could adopt a similar approach to alleviate the burden on government infrastructure investments.
“Healthcare should be treated as an affordable market, crucial
amid competing national priorities like education and defense,” she added.
The conference also addressed ongoing collaborations with Lagos State, which recently committed to digitalization efforts in healthcare. Dr. Akinbolagbe praised Lagos State’s leadership role, noting its potential to set benchmarks for other states to follow.
The virtual segment of the conference scheduled for today aims to consolidate today’s discussions into actionable strategies. PSHAN intends to leverage its platform to ensure sustained engagement and implementation of agreed-upon initiatives.
Special guest speaker
Ms. Nicole Spieker, CEO of PharmAccess Foundation, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.
“Sixty percent of Nigerians, regardless of socio-economic status, seek healthcare services from the private sector,” Ms. Spieker revealed, while stressing the importance of integrating private healthcare providers into health insurance frameworks to enhance service accessibility and quality.
Ms. Spieker also highlighted the transformative potential of digital technology in healthcare delivery. “We need partnerships to harness the power of digital technology, essential for leapfrogging healthcare advancements
in Africa,” she asserted. Her remarks resonated with attendees, underscoring the urgency of integrating technology into healthcare systems to meet burgeoning demands effectively. Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), delivered a keynote address underscoring the urgency of establishing a national health financing framework that integrates various funding sources. Aduloju stressed the necessity of strategic partnerships between the private sector and policymakers to address the fragmented health value chains and improve service delivery through technology and data optimization.
Malnutrition: Alive&Thrive Backs FG’s Lagos Caregivers Training to Reduce Bad Nutrition Indices
To address the increasing bad nutrition indices in Lagos State, the commercial hub of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry Ministry of Health (FMOH), trained Lagos State master trainers on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Feeding Nutrition (MIYCN).
Speaking at the ongoing training Lagos State schedules for July 10 to 17, 2024, representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Lead Trainer, Mrs. Maria Odeh, welcoming trainees, expressed worry over increasing bad
nutrition indices.
She said: “I bring greetings from the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate. I’m impressed that Lagos State is already contributing its quarter to cater to our bad indices nationally. Even looking at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) 2018, was horrible, and the food crisis and nutrition issues are getting worse by the day.
“This training is timely for everyone including Lagos States is the commercial hub of the country with a very large
population, fertility rates and other issues.
“We are glad that we have this kind of support from the government. We appreciate the Lagos state government for all their support. The participants were carefully selected to improve our healthcare system in terms of maternal, infant, adolescent, and nutrition. The men are not excluded.”
The Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, told newsmen that the training is an indicator that soon
there will be improvement in the Lagos State nutrition indices.
“We are conducting training of master trainers on maternal, infant, and young child feeding. The objective of the training is just simply to improve nutritional indices in the state.
We know that right now there is food insecurity everywhere and the major group of the community affected are the mothers and children. Pregnant women and children under the age of five.
“What we are doing today is to intensify the efforts, to
Olujide Mayowa
Ayodeji Ake
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has partnered the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) to expand the coverage of the state health insurance scheme, ILERA EKO, as part of efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage in the state.
Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba disclosed this recently during a joint media briefing with LASRRA at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja.
Dr. Zamba explained that the partnership aims to ensure that more residents are enrolled in the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme, as anyone who registers with LASRRA will be automatically captured on the ILERA EKO Health
Scheme.
“Our partnership with LASRRA marks the beginning of another journey. We expect this collaboration to increase awareness, registration, and utilization of healthcare services covered by ILERA EKO. We have trained LASRRA staff and will continue to do so to achieve our desired goals,” Dr. Zamba said.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that the partnership is a significant step toward providing a wide range of healthcare services to residents, aligning with the health and environment mandate of the THEMES PLUS agenda of the current administration.
She highlighted LASHMA’s three arms: the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme, the Regulations arm responsible for ensuring that residents in both formal and informal sectors enroll in the scheme,
and the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), a resource mobilization arm catering to the vulnerable and indigent populations.
“The Lagos State Health Management Agency has been working relentlessly since its full operations commenced in 2021 to ensure that residents enroll in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme. To date, the agency has about 1,064,897 enrollees in its database,” Dr. Zamba added.
Speaking on the partnership, the General Manager of LASRRA, Mrs. Bilikiss AdebiyiAbiola noted that registering with LASRRA provides a gateway to various state services, including health, educational support, housing initiatives, social welfare programs, business development opportunities, and transport services.
With the renewed determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fight all forms of corruption in amore professional manner and with due regard for propriety, efficiency and respect for the rule of law, it is the expectation of Nigerians that anti-corruption agencies in the country will align with the President’s reinvigorated commitment and discard the toga of media trials and leaks, or being used as instruments of blackmail and character assassination, particularly of public office holders.
Sometime in April 2024, an online media outfit carried a publication on a N7.6 billion “Contract” allegedly awarded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), with a similar report emerging from another online newspaper barely a month after.
improve the efforts of our health workers in providing that correct information to the caregivers or pregnant women on the type of nutrition, food or diet that they are to take that will give them optimal nutrients that are required for optimal growth for under five and required for optimal outcome of pregnancy,” she said. In her goodwill message, the State Coordinator Alive&Thrive Lagos, Olawumi Ajayi commended the FMOH and LMOH, and also said the training will improve nutrition.
She mentioned that “FHI 360 is dedicated to creating
While it is no longer news that anti-corruption agencies have since commenced investigations into the allegation against TETFund, one is taken aback to note that the investigation of the Agency is not based on any complaint by the Management of its Beneficiary Institutions, or vociferous unions in the institutions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), but a little-known organization by the name Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) with neither presence nor footprint in the educational sector.
Reports have it that that the Fund is being questioned over its decision to sign a memorandum of understanding instead of going through the contract process in executing the ICT Roadmap programme. The programme, records indicate, had two components. One is enhancing the
lasting solutions that improve lives and health outcomes across the globe. We believe that through collaboration and continuous learning, we can make significant strides in combating malnutrition and promoting health and well-being for mothers and children in Nigeria and beyond. In conclusion she added that FHI 360 Alive&Thrive project is honored to support the Lagos State Ministry of Health on this training and we believe it will go a long way in improving the nutrition situation in the State.”
communication skills of relevant staff of tertiary institutions while the other is the Blackboard digital learning platformfor all students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Available information indicates that the ICT Roadmap programme is not a new project. The scheme actually predates the tenure of the current executive secretary. It commenced in 2016 and was predicated on the report of a study on the state of readiness and relative level of adoption of ICT by beneficiary institutions. Just like committees were constituted for the Research Development Programme and Higher Education Book Development Initiative of TETFund, the same was done for the Learning Management System project.
•Mayowa is an education research specialist in Abuja
Ayodeji Ake
GAMING WEEK
Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
P2P Betting: Nigeria’s Next Frontier in the Gaming Sector
Iyke Bede explains that Peer-to-Peer (P2P) betting platforms allow individuals to bet directly against each other rather than against a bookmaker, acting as intermediaries providing the technology and framework for users to place and accept bets from other users
Chances are, you are one of one in every four Nigerians who engage in daily betting, thereby contributing to the country’s expanding gaming sector, accumulating over N730 million in annual revenue.
But as vibrant as the sector seems, providing various channels (both online and offline) to place wagers against bets set by bookmakers, it has been slow to adopt Peer-to-Peer Sports Betting (P2P) platforms that are now becoming a preferred channel for punters’ in the US, UK, and
other major sports betting markets.
Over the span of two decades, Nigeria’s sports betting sector has witnessed significant growth, reflected in revenue accrued, the use of cutting-edge technologies to facilitate various processes, and the industry’s fair adherence to the regulatory framework of
the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).
Currently, the traditional model widely adopted by the sector is one where the operators set the odds, allowing punters to browse and cherry-pick games that amplify their odds of winning. In this model, the operator pays out
winnings, and in other cases where the punters miss a prediction or two, claim their wager. While this model works, the P2P variant offers more flexibility to punters to maximise their winnings. Here’s how it works: P2P betting platforms allow individuals to bet directly against each other, rather than against a bookmaker, acting as intermediaries providing the technology and framework for users to place and accept bets from other users, unlike traditional betting, where the bookmaker sets the odds and takes on the risk.
Here, users set their own odds and stake with an earmarked portion of their earnings. The operators in this scenario gain a commission, usually five to seven per cent, for the infrastructure they provide.
As noted earlier, these P2P platforms have been gaining popularity in international markets. Some of the remarkable ones include BetFair, Smarkets, ZenSports, Pinnacle, and PeerBet.
According to Growjo, BetFair’s annual revenue stands at $169.7 million, with Pinnacle and Smarkets recording $68 million and $12 million respectively. Although it pales in comparison to the likes of Bet365, which recorded annual revenue of £3.39 billion in 2023, it counts towards increasing revenue for the sector.
In the Nigerian context, the gaming sector is poised for continued growth driven by the widespread accessibility of mobile devices and the internet, a large youth demographic, and economic challenges that make betting an appealing avenue for supplementary income. These factors create opportunities for peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms to thrive.
While existing infrastructure of traditional platforms ensures the protection of players’ data, there have been incidents where bettors, particularly those betting in person, were cheated out of their winnings by agents exploiting system loopholes. P2P platforms mitigate these issues
through Smart Contracts, where creators (who propose bets for specific games) and backers (who accept these odds and place bets) deposit funds on the platform, receiving their winnings after the conclusion of the games. In more dynamic P2P sports betting markets, Blockchain technology is also being adopted to enhance security and facilitate trustless transactions.
Across the continent, the uptake of P2P platforms has been slow. In 2021, the South African startup Wayja pioneered P2P betting in the region, becoming the first to do so officially. Despite this milestone, adoption of this model has been sluggish, with Nigeria notably absent from participation.
Currently, regulatory agencies at both state and federal levels have imposed limitations on operators, especially regarding taxation laws that do not align with current realities. This alone serves as a cautionary tale that most investors and operators take heed of, possibly deterring them from introducing products that are not yet accommodated by existing legislation. The regulators must understand the ripple effects of their actions and the losses currently accrued from the absence of P2P platforms, despite Nigeria being one of the biggest sports betting markets on the continent.
The emergence of P2P betting platforms represents a significant opportunity within Nigeria’s vibrant gaming sector. These platforms promise greater flexibility and potential for punters, addressing current limitations of traditional models. By and large, for P2P platforms to flourish, regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate these new technologies while safeguarding consumer interests. The future success of P2P betting in Nigeria will depend on how effectively these challenges are navigated, ensuring a balanced approach that fosters both innovation and regulatory compliance.
5G Technology and its Impact on the Sports Betting Industry
The rollout of 5G technology is set to revolutionize the sports betting industry by enhancing user experiences, enabling real-time betting, and integrating advanced technologies like AR and VR, writes, Davidson Abraham
The advent of 5G technology marks a significant leap forward in telecommunications, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity. As industries across the globe prepare to harness the potential of 5G, the sports betting industry stands out as one sector poised for transformative change. Here’s how 5G is set to impact sports betting, revolutionizing how enthusiasts place bets, engage with live events, and interact with betting platforms.
ENHANCED USER EXPERIENCE
One of the most immediate impacts of 5G on sports betting is the enhancement of the user experience. With faster data speeds and reduced latency, bettors can enjoy real-time updates and seamless interactions with betting platforms. This means more accurate odds, instant bet placements, and real-time streaming of sporting events without the frustrating delays experienced with previous generations of mobile networks. The increased bandwidth of 5G networks ensures that even during high-traffic events, such as the Super Bowl or World Cup, users can enjoy uninterrupted service.
REAL-TIME BETTING
5G technology enables real-time, or in-play, betting expansion and sophistication. In-play betting allows users to place bets on various aspects of a game as it unfolds, such as the next goal scorer or the outcome of a specific
play. The low latency of 5G networks ensures that the data used to place these bets is up-to-the-second accurate, making in-play betting more exciting and fairer. This real-time capability could also lead to the development of new types of bets and more dynamic betting markets, further engaging users.
INTEGRATION WITH AR AND VR
Another exciting development brought about by 5G is the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into sports betting. Imagine placing a bet while watching a live game through an AR headset, with real-time statistics and odds displayed around the field of play. VR could take this a step further, offering immersive experiences where users feel like they are in a virtual stadium, watching the game and placing bets from their living room. These technologies, supported by 5G’s high-speed, low-latency capabilities, have the potential to create entirely new ways for fans to engage with sports and betting.
DATA ANALYTICS AND PERSONALISATION
The enhanced data transfer capabilities of 5G will significantly boost the role of data analytics in sports betting. Betting platforms will be able to collect and analyze vast amounts of data more quickly, providing users with more detailed insights and personalised betting recommendations. This personalization can improve user engagement by tailoring the betting experience to individual preferences
and behaviours. For instance, bettors could receive customized notifications about betting opportunities that align with their past behaviour and interests, increasing the likelihood of engagement and satisfaction.
INCREASED MARKET REACH AND ACCESSIBILITY
5G will also expand the accessibility of sports betting to new markets and demographics. In regions where internet connectivity has been a barrier, 5G can provide the infrastructure needed to support robust online betting platforms. This increased accessibility can open up new revenue streams for betting companies and provide more opportunities for users to engage in sports betting. Moreover, with the proliferation of mobile devices, 5G ensures that even users in remote areas can have a high-quality betting experience.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES OF 5G TECHNOLOGY
Despite its many benefits, 5G technology also presents potential downsides, particularly in the sports betting industry. One significant concern is the increased potential for problem gambling. The enhanced speed and ease of placing bets could lead to more impulsive gambling behaviours, exacerbating addiction issues. Additionally, the reliance on sophisticated technology may widen the digital divide, leaving behind those who lack access to 5G-compatible devices or live in areas where 5G infrastructure is not yet available. Furthermore, the vast amounts
I worked with an operator back in 2003.They carried on with a lottery operation in Lagos. I worked there for two years. I was in charge of their technical department and helped to build the software that they use for their transactions with a Swedish company. After that, I moved back to the US. There was an opportunity again to come back home to Lagos, particularly after Lagos established the Lagos State Lotteries Board. At that time, they needed somebody who had lottery experience, as God would have it. I had lottery experience based on my working with an operator, so I was able to get the appointment in 2007. Also, at that time, the government aimed to change the lotteries law. There was a bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly to that effect. I was part of that effort, working with the then Attorney General of Lagos State, Supo Shasore. We worked on an amendment to strengthen the laws for lottery and gaming. I was there for eight years with Governor Fashola. I served Governor Ambode for two years. In 2017, I got an appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari to come here.
– Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General National Lottery Regulatory Commission
of data generated and transmitted over 5G networks raise serious privacy and security concerns as more personal and financial information becomes vulnerable to cyber threats.
There are also ongoing debates and concerns about the potential health impacts of 5G technology. Some worry that the higher frequency radiation used by 5G could have adverse effects on human health. Although most scientific studies have not conclusively proven significant health risks associated with 5G, the topic remains controversial. Regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization continue to monitor and research the long-term effects of exposure to 5G frequencies to ensure public safety.
The rollout of 5G technology is set to revolutionize the sports betting industry by enhancing user experiences, enabling real-time betting, and integrating advanced technologies like AR and VR. With its superior speed and low latency, 5G will also improve data analytics and personalization, expanding market reach and accessibility. However, it is crucial to address the potential downsides, such as increased problem gambling, digital inequality, heightened privacy and security risks, and potential health concerns. As 5G networks continue to develop and become more widespread, the sports betting industry will undoubtedly leverage these advancements to offer more engaging, immersive, and dynamic experiences for users around the world.
Nigeria Boosts German Tech Talent Exchange Skills Initiative
Emma Okonji
Nigeria recently played host to a delegation of German entrepreneurs, innovators and investors, underscoring the importance of exchange programmes in bridging talent and opportunities across continents.
The visit, organised by the delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria) and German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), was hosted in Lagos and aimed to foster international collaboration between Germany and Nigeria.
The Nest Innovation and Technology Park, a leading innovation hub in Lagos, led the conversations between Nigerian entrepreneurs/innovators and the German delegation.
During the visit, Founder of Cynteract, Gernot Sümmermann, expressed his worries about the shortage of physiotherapists in the country.
“There are no enough therapists and healthcare workers and some Nigerians complained about their
parents not having access to basic healthcare in local areas, especially where there are no physiotherapists,” Sümmermann said.
Speaking, the Chief Innovation Officer of Cynteract, Aditi Mishra stressed the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and support from the government.
The delegates also pointed out the complexities in the regulatory framework, stating that the case is different in Rwanda given the government’s receptiveness to change and development.
Founder of Alo Akademia, Alicia Reimer, emphasised the need for structural changes. “It is important to close the education gap between the poor and the rich. This is a structural problem.
“From my observation, Nigerians are open to development and there are innovators ready to solve these problems. But there is a need for good structures and systems to support innovation and growth” she said.
Talent export and training infrastructure were also key topics during the visit. Founder
and CEO of Ivory Tech Hub, Deborah Aboagye, noted the need for high-quality training to develop local talent. “Nigeria has a lot to offer with respect to talent and skilled people. Yes, they are available, but they are not so useful for the complexities global companies are working on a day-to-day basis,” she said. Aboagye also highlighted the need for stepby-step progress evaluation to assess eligibility for global opportunities, and stressed the importance of investing in talent to create a win-win situation for everyone.
While hosting the delegates at The Nest Innovation and Technology Park, its founder, Oluwajoba Oloba, said: “We are proposing to the government to help educate out-of-school children. We are looking to build infrastructures which provide young children opportunities to explore their creativity.” The tech sector was another area of interest. Founder of Space Era, Kaif Ali, stressed the importance of communicating value on the continent.
Keystone Wins Retail Bank of the Year 2024 Award
Keystone Bank Limited has emerged the ‘Retail Bank of the Year’ at the just concluded Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards 2024. The bank was presented with the prestigious award during the Nigeria Middle East Investors Expo and Awards ceremony held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, over the weekend.
The African Industrial and Development Conference and Awards is an annual event dedicated to promoting industrial development, economic growth, and sustainable best practices across the African continent.
Speaking on the award, Managing Director and CEO of Keystone Bank, Mr. Hassan Imam, was quoted in a statement to have expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, that the award was a testament to the effectiveness of the bank’s various transformation programmes aimed at raising the
bar in developing and delivering unique retail financial products to all levels of customers.
According to him, “Keystone Bank has in place a robust retail banking strategy that enables us to review our retail products and processes to ensure that the needs and lifestyles of customers are met. We are grateful for this recognition and dedicate the award to our customers who rely on us to provide the right support for operating effectively in their businesses.
“As a bank, we remain committed to our goal of growing together with our customers. We operate from a position of financial strength, consistently meeting our obligations as well as all regulatory requirements. Our focus is on building a lasting relationship with our customers and continually enhancing their banking experience.”
KPMG, a leading audit and consultancy firm, had rated Keystone Bank high in the retail and SME segments in the country in 2023.
In the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey released by the agency, Keystone Bank topped other Nigerian banks moving up from its fourth position in 2022 to second in retail banking with 76.4 points. The lender’s customer experience performance in SME banking also improved significantly as it moved from fifteenth position in the last survey to third in 2023 with 73.5 points.
According to the survey report, customers commended user-friendliness and reliability of Keystone Bank digital platforms as well as its efficiency of payment services, superlative relationship management and swift resolution of complaints.
UNDP’s Artificial Intelligence UNIPOD launched in UniLag
The University of Lagos has announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence-themed UNIPOD on its campus as part of a network of 13 UniPODs being set up across African countries by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to create a link between research and product innovation while empowering the continent’s youth to spearhead its industrial progress.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Folashade Ogunwola made this known during the UNDP public lecture and AI UniPOD ground- breaking ceremony, held at the Senate Building of the institution on Wednesday.
The University Innovation Pods (UniPODS) are an initiative of the UNDP’s pan-African initiative, timbuktoo. The UNIPODS aim to encourage students in universities to engage in innovation and design thinking and are multi-pronged. They focus on
supporting and growing innovative, scalable, and impactful entrepreneurship by African young people, while relying on a springboard of partners who together contribute meaningfully to building an African youth innovation and start-up ecosystem.
Other thematic areas of UniPods across the continent include Agritech; HealthTech; GreenTech; TradeTech; TourismTech; EdTech; Creatives and Smart Cities
In her opening remark, she said: “UniPOD aims to encourage students in universities to engage in innovation and design thinking. The Project is multi-pronged and focuses on supporting and growing innovative, scalable, and impactful entrepreneurship by African young people, while relying on a springboard of partners who together will contribute meaningfully to building an African youth innovation and start-up ecosystem”.
She further described the UniPOD as a “living and breathing hub, where a community of dreamers, thinkers, and doers are united by a common passion: the pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and the relentless drive to turn them into reality”.
Speaking at the launch, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, said, “We must invest in the creative industry; in the development of music, fashion, movies, ...creative entertainment generally and technology, thereby turning the wheel as an anchor in economic transformation.”
Eziakonwa also said she believes Nigeria will take Africa as a continent to the next level on innovation stating further that, “the transformative power and strategic influence of innovation will improve the lives of people.”
The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00
Saharan Blend
Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Partnerships & Outreach Manager, Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Chidinma Ezeonyeasi; Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa; Chairperson, Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, Mrs Thelma Ekiyor- Solanke; Odu’a Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; Odu’a Independent Director, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan and Odu’a Director, Mr Seni Adio, SAN, at a meeting between OICL and the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing held recently in Lagos...recently
NGX Lunches Impact Board to Foster Green Bonds, Other Listings
Kayode Tokede
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday official launched NGX Impact Board, a platform dedicated to listing sustainability instruments including green bonds, social bonds, sustainability bonds, and other related instruments.
The Minister of Environment and Co-Chair of the Green Bond Advisory Group, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, and the
Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Emomotimi Agama, were among other top dignitaries that joined the NGX Group Plc to official launched the Index at a “Closing Gong” ceremony in Lagos.
The Minister of Environment highlighted the critical environmental challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, and the pressing need for financial
resources to tackle these issues.
He emphasized the importance of the Green Bond in tackling climate change problems such as flooding, erosion, pollution, and other environmental hazards.
“We have many issues that we need funding for, floods, erosion, pollution, and more. This is why we are here, to make the issuance of Green Bonds an annual event,” said Lawal.
He also stressed the necessity for collaboration between the financial sector and public institutions to support environmental projects, noting that a clean environment is foundational to public health.
Speaking earlier, , the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, praised the creation of the NGX Impact Board and reaffirmed support of the Commission.
“Wherever there is innovation and something of value, you would find the SEC. We continue to back the NGX in their relentless efforts at deepening the capital market,” he said.
The Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga underscored the NGX Group’s commitment to sustainable development, explaining that the NGX Impact Board is designed to support various
sustainability initiatives, including those aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that the board provides a platform for ministries and state governments to raise necessary funds for their environmental projects.
“The NGX Impact Board will play a pivotal role in mobilizing funds for environmental projects and promoting sustainable development across Nigeria.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF j U LY 10/24
perspective
Police and Contributory Pension Scheme
By ikechukwu Amaechi
The Senate, on July 4, 2024, passed for a second reading a bill that seeks to remove police retirees from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Promoters of the bill, which seeks, among other things, to replace the Nigeria Police Force Pensions Limited (NPF Pensions), the pension fund administrator (PFA) charged with the exclusive administration of police pensions, with the Nigeria Police Pensions Board, aver that it will correct the inequality in the pension benefits paid to police retirees vis-à-vis their counterparts in other security agencies.
Let me state from the onset that it will not. Instead, the exit will make the lot of an average police retiree more precarious. Exiting police from the CPS is an ill-advised gambit, the same way the idea of replacing the high performing NPF Pensions Limited with a nebulous Nigeria Police Pensions Board is harebrained. I will explain shortly.
Leading the debate, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Binos Yaroe, who represents Adamawa-South in the Red Chamber, lamented the poor pension of retired police officers.
“The inclusion and continuous stay of the NPF in the PenCom has placed them on the wrong end of the post-service emolument life, even though the Nigeria Police is saddled with the responsibility of not only protecting the lives and property of the citizenry but detecting crimes,” Yaroe said.
On the face value, his argument is very seductive but it was all déjà vu because the issues he raised are as old as the CPS itself. Numerous public hearings have been organized by both chambers of the National Assembly on the issue of exemption. For instance, on February 22, 2022, the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions held a public hearing on two bills for the amendment of the Pension Reform Act 2014, with the first bill sponsored by Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, seeking “to amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 to provide for the exemption of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme and for related matters.”
To be sure, nothing is wrong with calling for an enhanced retirement package for the police because when it comes to issues of welfare and salaries, they hold the wrong end of Nigeria’s emolument stick.
But the low pension is neither the making of National Pension Commission (PenCom) nor NPF Pensions Limited. The pension is paltry because historically, police salaries remain embarrassingly measly. Therefore, the solution lies outside the exemption paradigm.
Today, NPF Pensions is the most thriving policeaffiliated institution because it is run by professionals from outside the police establishment, and not manacled by the asphyxiating police bureaucracy. Not only that, PenCom has carved for itself the niche of being the most efficient regulator in the country’s fiscal space.
When the Pension Reform Act 2004 was enacted, the idea was to have a new scheme that is not only contributory and fully funded but also privately
managed, with funds and assets based on individual accounts under third party custody. The overarching goal was to ensure, unlike in the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), that everyone who has worked receives retirement benefits as and when due.
But the government, which modelled the country’s CPS after the Chilean scheme that exempted all its armed forces, retained the police while exempting the Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Security (DSS).
The subsequent agitation for exit led to the incorporation of NPF Pensions on October 21, 2013, as a mono-clientele PFA exclusively responsible for the pension assets of all police personnel in Nigeria. It started operations a year later, making it the 21st PFA in accordance with the 2014 Pension Reform Act (PRA 2014).
The PFA became a roaring success instantly. Today, not only is it the most successful police investment entity, it has become the measuring rod in the pension industry with Assets under Management (AuM) crossing the N1 trillion threshold, making it the fourth biggest PFA.
Yet, the success has not deterred the exemption protagonists who seek to amend section 5 (1) of the Pension Reform Act of 2014, to include officers
of the NPF as part of the categories of persons exempted from contributory pension.
But exiting the CPS will not serve the ultimate goal of enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of officers and men of the Nigeria Police because that route will lead, once again, to the Defined Benefits Scheme which was abandoned in 2004 because of its impracticability.
Exemption as being canvassed will also ultimately lead to the dismantling of the institutions, systems and processes that government has put in place towards the implementation of the pension reform scheme, in addition to upsetting government’s fiscal policy.
Data from PenCom reveals that as at January 31, 2024, Nigeria’s pension fund assets stands at N19.531 trillion, which represents more than ten per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). When contrasted with Federal Government’s budgetary pension deficit, estimated at N2 trillion as at June 2004 under the Defined Benefits Scheme, it will be suicidal to hearken to the exemption calls.
Therefore, since the elephant in the room is the abysmally low pension of police retirees, which has to do with ridiculously low salaries, rather than legislating for exemption, the government should administratively address the issue of low wages
through upward salary adjustment, maximizing the opportunity of the ongoing new minimum wage negotiation. As Aisha Dahir-Umar, PenCom director-general, once noted, “Pension is a function of salary, and as long as the salary of officers continues, then there is no need to exit.”
What needs to be done?
At a three-day investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions in March 2020, measures were articulated by Dr. Sule Wuro Bokki, former Managing Director of NPF Pensions, which if taken, will holistically address the plight of police retirees and mitigate the constant clamour for exit.
The first is a presidential approval of special gratuity for police retirees at the rate of 300 per cent of their last annual gross pay so that the balances in their Retirement Savings Account (RSAs) will be channeled towards their monthly pension payments. This will be in accordance with Section 4 (4) of the Pension Reform Act which provides that an employer, notwithstanding the provisions of the Act, may agree on the payment of additional benefits to the employee upon retirement. The second is treatment of retired police officers from the rank of AIG and above as public officers who should retire with their full benefits, as it is the case with permanent secretaries.
Besides, the major challenge faced by pension managers is the backlog of accrued rights owed by the Federal Government. Pension is made up of the accrued rights, which is the service rendered by policemen to the Federal Government from the time they enrolled in the CPS in 2004 and only payable when the officer serves notice of retirement, and the contributions from both the employee and employer. But because the accrued rights are huge, the illiquid Federal Government opted to pay in instalments every year. But the snag is that unless that is received, the PFAs cannot pay the portion that is with them because the account has to be consolidated. Right now, the accrued rights have not been paid in over 15 months, which means that no policeman that retired in almost two years has been paid pension. The government may find a way of paying the accrued rights of retired officers separately to mitigate the delay.
These issues should be addressed administratively by the government. The National Assembly is in a pole position to facilitate the process rather than legislating for the exit of the police from the CPS, a move that will destroy not only the thriving NPF Pensions Limited but also dismantle the entire contributory pension infrastructure and take Nigeria back to the impracticable Defined Benefits Scheme era. It will also orchestrate a fiscal disaster when the federal government, once again, is saddled with the sole responsibility of shouldering the burden of paying police pensions. Not only is such a prospect not feasible given the terrible state of the country’s economy, it will amount to shadow-chasing.
•Ikechukwu Amaechi, a journalist, is the publisher of TheNiche online news platform
Ngelale Parleys Abdullahi Sule on Location of ‘Evergreen City’ in Nasarawa
the
state governor,
Sule,
the proposed establishment of Africa’s first ecoindustrial Park, otherwise known as Evergreen City, in his state. Ajuri, in an update on his
activities on yesterday, also disclosed that he met with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, to discuss areas of cooperation between both countries on green
industrial policy.
“After the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, we were privileged to exchange views with the executive governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule,
on the establishment of Africa’s first eco-industrial park, Evergreen City.
“ In the company of the Managing Director of the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp),
Oil Theft: Nigerian Navy Extends Operation Delta Sanity by 90 Days
ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Navy yesterday announced the extension of its anti-oil theft operations in the Niger Delta area, codenamed Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days.
A statement by the spokesperson of Nigeria Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that Operation Delta Sanity involved the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters and UAVs on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the
Niger Delta area. He revealed that the successes were immediate and remarkable, including the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of illegal refining sites, arrest of suspects and seizure of stolen products, hence, the operation was extended in April 2024 for 90 days. Adams-Aliu said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, launched Operation Delta Sanity on January 6, 2024 to combat oil theft and
related crimes, in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s production for an improved economy.
While assessing the achievements of the operation during a press briefing, the Commander Task Group, Rear Admiral Samson Bura noted that since the extension in April 2024, a total of 22 suspects had been arrested and about 122 illegal refinery Sites were deactivated.
He added that large quantities
of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized and appropriately handled.
“Also, a total of 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits and 65 storage tanks were deactivated while six vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.
“The achievements and successes of Operation Delta Sanity underscore the need for the operation to be extended.
Hence the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for a further 90 days effective from 10 July 2024,” he said.
He said the announcement was made on Wednesday 10 July 2024, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Okpabana at Onne, Rivers State by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira who represented the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, we recorded tremendous progress in our discussions, and a deliverable set of time-bound next steps were agreed to,” he stated.
The SPEC added that Wednesday brought good tidings and quality results to Nigeria’s green industrial drive as he welcomed the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Balasubramanian to the State House, before FEC meeting.
He stated that this was to detail new green industrial partnership opportunities with the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has proved to be one of the world’s most committed governments on green industrial development.
“We have agreed on actionable next steps in this sphere at a time when the two most populous democracies in Asia and Africa have many shared aspirations for their economies in the present and the future,” he explained.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
Deji elumoye in Abuja
Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC) and presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, has engaged
Nasarawa
Abdullahi
on
FACILITY TOUR OF AFRILAND DEVELOPMENT...
Company Secretary, Afriland Properties Plc, Omomene
Director Property Development, Kayode Odebiyi
2027 Elections: Nobody is Too Big to Be Voted Out, El-Rufai’s Son Warns Tinubu
In a subliminal message to President Bola Tinubu, Bashir El-Rufai, son of a former governor of Kaduna
State, Nasir El-Rufai, has warned the president about the possibilities in the2027 election. In a post on his social media account, yesterday, the youngerEl-Rufai,
cautioned that, “no individual is too powerful to be voted out of office by the people,” hinting that such a fate would be inevitable and without repercussions
He said people should forget all the intimidations flying around, especially in Kaduna State, saying they should be patient. He somewhat referred to Tinubu,
PDP NWC Suspends Dan Orbih
Sets up investigative panel
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, announced the suspension of the Vice National Chairman of the party, South-south, Chief Dan Orbih, for anti-party activities.
The decision of Orbih's suspension was part of the decision taken at its 588th meeting of the party today, where the NWC considered all issues, including complaints on the activities of Orbih concerning the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State. Orbih is a close associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He was the PDP chairman in Edo State before he was elevated to national vice-chairman in the south south zone.
According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, "The NWC at the meeting unanimously condemned the embarrassing actions and utterances of Chief Dan Orbih relating to the Edo State Governorship Primary Election of our great Party, which actions and utterances are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution
of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the demand of his office as a national officer of the Party.
"Consequently, the NWC has set up a six-member committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issue pursuant to the provisions of the constitution of the party.
"In the meantime, the NWC forthwith suspends Chief Dan Orbih from participating in all meetings, activities and programmes of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee," Ologunagba stated.
The NWC acknowledged the
support and solidarity of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State who were rallying with the party and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose vision, it said, was in tandem with the will and aspiration of the people for continued development of the state on the platform of the PDP.
when he said that even the IMF and the World Bank would not save the “people” when the time comes, adding: “Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos.”
Tinubu is widely regarded as a skilled political strategist, an assumption believed to have worked for him during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, then senior Nasir El-Rufai, has faced accusations of mismanaging public funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
Unfortunately, for someone, who played a significant role in the election of Tinubu but was dropped from the ministerial screening before the ordeal he currently faces in his state, there is the belief that his plight was being remote-controlled from a higher place. Bashir said: “Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the
people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient.
“Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos.”
In a follow-up post, Bashir El-Rufai clarified that he hadn't mentioned any specific names, reiterating his refusal to back a dismal governance record masquerading as a harmful, ethnically-driven political ploy. He emphasised that no one could coerce him into supporting such a failed approach.
“I didn’t call names o, but due to their guilt, they already know who is being spoken about. Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as a useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.”
NDLEA Promotes over 5,000, 15 Commands, 70 Personnel Get Special Awards
Officers to start wearing body cameras for operational efficiency
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Five thousand and fifty-three (5,053) personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been promoted.
This followed the approval of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.) which saw two senior officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics (DCGN) and 22 others as Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) and 66 as Commander of Narcotics (CN).
The promotion which followed weeks of examination and interviews conducted for qualified candidates is part of an ongoing exercise to enhance human resource management, particularly on staff motivation and welfare, for efficiency and effectiveness in the achievement of organisational goals.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at an event to decorate some of the promoted officers with their new ranks and reward 15 commands and 70 personnel for outstanding performances in the first half of 2024, Marwa (Rtd) said prompt and
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Experts have identified parental negligence, unemployment and drug abuse as some of the major factors driving young people into the ranks of Boko Haram and ISWAP. This was one of the submissions during a broadcast of the Programme on Peace FM 102.5 Maiduguri, sponsored by the Truth Alliance - a coalition of civil society organizations - targeting exposure of the recruitment strategies employed by the extremist groups in Northeast Nigeria.
Featured speakers in the programme included Ibrahim Jidda, Executive Director of the African Mental Health Awareness and Care Initiative, and Estisfanus Dauda, Mental Health and Psychosocial
Support Supervisor with the Neem Foundation.
The group’s spokesperson Ahmad Mustapha who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the discussion, part of the ‘Time to Tell the Truth Campaign,’ utilized radio dramas, community plays, and talk shows to raise awareness and prevent further recruitment into violent extremism.
Speaking on the radio programme, Jidda highlighted fear as a primary tactic used by these groups. While noting the primary strategies of Boko Haram/ISWAP is to instill fear in people, Jidda said that activities of violent extremist groups are among the most frightening for the human brain.
He emphasised both push and pull factors in recruitment, stressing that: “Unemployment and economic
hardship are examples of push factors, while pull factors include false promises of a better life. Extremist groups lure individuals with prospects of leadership roles, marriage to a beautiful wife, and lots of money;" He noted that behavioral changes, such as adopting a radical mode of dressing and communication, and criticizing community scholars, often signal someone leaning towards extremism.
Also speaking, Estisfanus Dauda urged parents to be vigilant. "Parents should stand up and raise their children properly; as the saying goes, charity begins at home. It's essential to monitor their movements and friendships, ensuring they grow up to be better persons," he advised.
He also stressed community
timely promotion of all deserving and qualified officers remains top on the agenda of his leadership.
He said: “I am pleased to say that we continue to wax stronger on this journey we embarked on three and a half years ago when we decided to turn around the fortunes of this agency, by improving our performance as a precursor to reversing the perilous drug use situation in our dear country, Nigeria.
“On this occasion of the 8th edition of the commands' awards and commendations ceremony, we have every reason to be thankful because
our performance continuously justifies our conviction in Offensive Action, WADA and other reforms that we undertook.
“For our modest efforts, we have received plaudits at home and abroad. What that means is that we have to do more. The reward for work well done is more work, and in our case, we cannot rest on our oars until all the objectives of our mandate are fully achieved. May I remind us that the bottom-line is a drug-free Nigeria.
“On our part as management, we are trying to keep the motivation going, by ensuring that we provide everything necessary to make this work safe, secure and conducive for everyone working in this agency. Our new barracks in Adamawa, Abuja and Lagos are almost complete and will be commissioned soon.
involvement in prevention. "The community should bring closer those who display signs of extremism, rather than ostracize them. Collective effort is crucial in preventing individuals from falling into these traps," he stated. He reiterated that drug abuse is a significant push factor in recruitment, calling on the government to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse and raise awareness about terrorist recruitment tactics.
Listeners echoed the sentiments of the speakers. Saiyidi Ibrahim from Lowcost Housing Estate, Maiduguri, described the discussion as highly educational and urged the community to avoid drug abuse. Abdulrahman from Bakasi encouraged young people to embrace business opportunities and seek employment.
“The recent promotion of 5,053 officers speaks volumes about our dedication to prompt and timely promotion of officers. It is symbolic of our effort to break the jinx of stagnation, which was once an albatross for our personnel.
“To further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, we are creating five strategic commands in Lagos, FCT, MMIA, Apapa and Tincan. Also in this regard, we’ll be deploying body cameras for the use of our officers on strategic operations for the purpose of ensuring their safety and the integrity of such operations.”
He charged officers, men and women of the agency to remain upright in the discharge of their duties, saying that: “Let me also seize this occasion to pass some
messages to the NDLEA personnel. We have come a long way.
“In three and a half years, we have taken down as many as 50 identifiable drug cartels, some of them important spokes in the wheel of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine distribution in the country and the global trafficking network. We have seized a huge quantity of illicit drugs and we have convicted record numbers of drug offenders.
“We have achieved many milestones without soiling our integrity and I expect us to continue on that course. Our core values of integrity, hardwork and transparency, among others, must be respected at all times.
“We need to continue to justify the trust reposed in us by society, and our government, as well as our international partners and governments supporting us across the globe. We have raised the standard and it must not be lowered at any cost or by any means.
“That is to say, we will not take kindly to any news of infractions, indiscipline or corruption from the field or any command. The least we demand of any officer of this proud agency is to be upright and committed to our goals, while management continues to work on our welfare.
“The strides of the past three years have put behind us the tribulations of the previous 30 years. We owe the agency allegiance to maintain its integrity. We owe the public a duty to not betray the trust reposed in us. We owe our government, and our partners and stakeholders supporting us a duty to get the job done.
Sunday Ehigiator
L-R:
Obanor; Director, Ayo Adigun; Chairman, Board of Directors, Emmanuel Nnorom; Director, Agatha Obiekwugo; Director, Obong Idiong; and
at the facility tour of Afriland’s newest development, The Residences by Afriland, in Ikoyi, Lagos….yesterday
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE NIGERIA MANUFACTURERS SUMMIT...
L-R: Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Segun Ajayi-Kadir; President, MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia and Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, during the Presentation of Preliminary Report of the Nigeria Manufacturers Summit to the federal government at the State House in Abuja ... recently.
FEC Steps Down Major Project Memos from Previous Governments Needing More Funding
Sets up review committee on Procurement Act Says livestock ministry will boost revenue, employment FG drags Daily Trust before ombudsman over Samoa LGBTQ report
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday, stepped down memoranda for some major projects that required additional funding, especially projects under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Briefing newsmen after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at State House, Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that projects affected were those inherited from past administrations, which required augmentation.
According to Idris, Tinubu has directed a thorough examination of the projects to ensure probity, proficiency, and diligence in their execution.
He added that the review would be discussed further at the next FEC meeting.
Idris further disclosed that the council directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to work with his budget and economic planning, and finance counterparts to streamline all projects contained in the memoranda for appropriate funding intervention.
He stated, "So today, we didn’t have so many projects that were approved as a result of that, but of note is to say that Mr. President, in line with his thinking of ensuring that there is probity, proficiency and diligence in project execution, has directed that all projects that require additional funding, especially major projects of the Ministry of Works, be looked at once again, so that there will be further deliberation on that at the next council meeting."
Idris clarified that the Lagos-Calabar highway and other newly approved roads by the Tinubu administration were not part of the projects. But he said the council was ready to
reconsider and re-prioritise most of the inherited projects under the Federal Ministry of Works, while it sourced for alternative funding, and re-evaluated those that could be completed.
He said, "Those projects to be stepped down are part of inherited projects from 13 years ago, some of them were inherited from past administrations and they are now being streamlined and worked out to ensure they are completed in instalments.
“The Lagos-Calabar highway is not suffering budget augmentation.
"Most of the projects are those carried over due to variation and the council has decided to ensure that all the projects should be stepped down. They will not be thrown away but will be reconsidered and re-prioritised and the government will source for funding for the projects and the
government will look at those that can be completed."
The minister stressed that the projects were not only kept in view for funding reasons but due to other variables.
Je said, “Not only because of funding, but other variables are being considered. It's not an abandonment. Augmentation and review are not for new projects. All new projects awarded do not have augmentation now. Lagos-Calabar is new and does not have issues or need for augment or review."
The FEC also decided to revamp the National Council on Procurement, which had been ineffective for the past 17 years.
Idris announced that a bill to strengthen the council had been sent to the National Assembly and had passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
Misleading, Conflicting Orders: CJN Reads Riot Act to Errant Judges
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday disclosed machinery has been put together to bring to book judges who are in the habit of issuing misleading and conflicting orders especially by courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Also to be disciplined are judges in the habit of granting frivolous applications which has brought the country’s Judiciary to disrepute.
The CJN made the disclosure at the inauguration of 22 justices newly elevated to the Court of Appeal, as well as 12 legal practitioners newly appointed as judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony which held at the ceremonial court of the Supreme Court in Abuja, Ariwoola lamented that the Judiciary “has been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments as well as frivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of
our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice”.
Noting that several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country, the CJN who described the menace as “an embarrassment” to the nation’s jurisprudence, assured that, “we will never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must definitely be meted out to such erring Judges.
“We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequences of their despicable and odious conduct”.
The CJN added that as judicial officers, they have to continually remind themselves of the fact that they are not occupying their respective positions to serve themselves, but the Nigerian masses.
He noted that the best way they can serve the people is by doing what will make the people feel safe and have confidence that the judges will always deliver right judgements that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations.
“My Lords, you have just taken the
oath to pledge your allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court”, he said.
He added: “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation. Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations to go on alarming rise.
“No court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response to the challenges of the time. This underscores the fact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail.”
He therefore charged the new judges to face the challenges head-on and redouble efforts so as to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants.
His words: “In the next couple
of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the courts will be besieged with a plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land.
“We must not falter; and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud of; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about.”
Among the newly sworn-in 22 justices of the Court of Appeal are; Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State and Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State.
He explained that the bill was aimed at establishing a robust procurement council that would enforce financial discipline and scrutinise all aspects of procurement, and align them with Tinubu's vision.
According to him, "There is also a discussion around the National Council on Procurement. The Federal Executive Council is looking at that again. Recall that in the last 17 years, National Council on Procurement has not really been very effective.
“So Mr. President has submitted to the National Assembly a bill, which in fact has scaled through the first reading at the House of Representatives.
"The whole idea is to ensure that we have a robust National Council on Procurement that will continue to look at all aspects of procurement, in line with the vision and to bring every project into the financial discipline that Mr. President is always talking about."
In a similar vein, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed that the council had constituted an inter-ministerial committee headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to review the public procurement act.
Bagudu explained, "President Bola Tinubu, today, in line with the desire to enhance more fiscal discipline and further demonstrate to Nigerians our commitment to serving them better, raised the issue of the reconciliation between the appropriation act, public procurement law and the fiscal responsibility act.
“The FEC has set up a committee under the chairmanship of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to review the public procurement act.
"However, after a robust discussion the president directed that all ministries, departments, and agencies should review their intended procurement as provided for in the appropriation such that where there are gaps between appropriated sums and sums required to execute the projects, that can be brought to the attention of both the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Federal Ministry of Finance, such that the memo that the cabinet secretariat will provide to the FEC, will have clarity of where funding is expected to come from and recommendation so as to guide effectively the Federal Executive Council’s decision.
"Mr. President directed that the report of the public procurement committee be provided to him so
that he can take decisions accordingly."
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stressed that the review of the 17-year-old Procurement Act was long overdue and assured that before long a new procurement act will be ready for use by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Fagbemi stated, "The position of council on Procurement Act is that it is long overdue. The last time it was touched was in 2007. Even the boy or a child born in 2007, by now should be getting prepared to enter university and because of the changing dynamics, it is important to bring these acts to be in tandem with the happenings in the society.
"So, that was why Mr. President directed that a good basis of performance, especially when it comes to infrastructure development, is to ensure that we have a solid procurement act in order to avoid corruption and also stem the tide of abandoned projects.
"Very soon, we're going to have a new brand of Procurement Act, which, you know, speaks to the fiscal discipline of the present administration under the leadership of President Tinubu."
The federal government further justified the establishment of the new Ministry of Livestock Development, attributing it to the need to enhance protein production, employment opportunities, and government revenue. These were part of the reasons that informed Tinubu's decision to establish the new ministry, which was announced on Tuesday. Fagbemi clarified that the proposed ministry would focus on livestock development, allowing the Ministry of Agriculture to concentrate on other areas.
He explained that the primary focus was what Nigerians and the government stood to gain in terms of revenue and other positive additions.
He said, "The president formally informed council that a ministry known as Ministry of Livestock Development is being established and this is because he believes that the Ministry of Agriculture should be broken into two, one concentrating on livestock development because of what we stand to achieve in terms of protein, in terms of employment, in terms earnings for the government and how this one will rub off on the lives of an ordinary Nigerian citizen."
Continues online
Alex Enumah in Abuja
LAGOS STATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF COOPERATIVES...
L-R: Chairman; House Committee on Commerce; Cooperatives; Trade and Investment; Honourable Mustain Abiodun Tobun; Director Cooperative Services Department; Zulikha O. Ibraheem; Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Commerce; Cooperatives; Trade and Investment; Dr. Olugbemiga Ayoola Aina; Divisional Head; Retail and SME; Wema Bank; Ayodele Olojede and President; Lagos State Cooperative Federation; Barr. Oladipo Shobule at the Lagos State International Day of Cooperatives Event proudly supported by Wema Bank through its digital solution for cooperative society called Coop Hub in Lagos ... yesterday
PDP Cautions Pro-Wike Lawmakers over
Budget Ultimatum Handed Gov Sim Fubara
Insists they’re no longer assembly members
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to desist from actions and utterances capable of disrupting peace and governance in the state.
The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, counseled the former lawmakers to wake up to the reality that they were no longer members of the Rivers Assembly by virtue of the selfexecutory provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and as such could not gather or issue any notice to the governor in the capacity of members of Rivers State House of Assembly.
This was as a former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, has blamed the PDPleadership for not rising in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, over the political crisis in the state.
The caution from the PDP came against the backdrop of a
purported seven-day ultimatum issued by the lawmakers to Fubara, to re-present the 2024 budget which a faction of the House had already been passed and signed into law.
According to Ologunagba,
"This action by these individuals seeking to assume the powers of the Rivers House of Assembly is apparently with the intension to cause crisis, undermine and disrupt the democratic and constitutional order in the state in clear violation of Section 1 sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
"Having irretrievably lost their seats upon their defection from the PDP, the political party platform upon which they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly, they cannot enjoy the powers, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he said.
The PDP, therefore, charged the Inspector General of the Police to note the subversive action of the lawmakers and take immediate action to protect the institution of democracy, peace and security in Rivers State.
The party also called on the
Ologbondiyan blames party for not supporting Rivers gov
people of Rivers State to remain vigilant, law-abiding and continue to work together for the continued stability, peace and delivery of democracy dividends in Rivers State on the platform of the PDP.
But Ologbodiyan, who spoke while appearing in a programme on Arise Television on Tuesday, said the party should have acted more in favour of Fubara.
“First and foremost, I have been in sympathy with Governor Fubara over the circumstances in which he finds himself.
“When this crisis started, I did say that this party must rise in support of the governor, whether he intends to leave or not.
“As we speak, since he has not made a public declaration, the party must rise in his support.
But the events that followed showed that the party did not rise in support of Governor Fubara.
“I recalled that at the last NEC meeting, Fubara rose and made a demand concerning the caretaker committee that was constituted in Rivers.
“He said he has issues with Rivers being listed among states that will have congresses since
the issue of the party’s exco has not been resolved.
“The national chairman said they had agreed at the caucus level to find a political solution. Later, I read about cases in court that encumbered political solutions.
“But even as we speak, I don’t think the party has acted in favour of Fubara, even in a conciliatory term,” he stressed
INEC Chairman Finally Bows to Court, Confirms Njoku APGA's National Chair
Victor Oye’s sentencing temporarily stalled
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has purged himself of contempt of court by officially confirming, affirming and recognising Chief Edozie Njoku, as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The INEC boss took this position when he informed Justice Mohammed Madugu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT ) sitting in Bwari, of his compliance with the order of the court directing the commission to accord Njoku, recognition as APGA’s National Chairman.
Justice Madugu, had on November 9, 2023, delivered judgement
Lions Club Targets N250m Fundraiser, to Establish Food Bank in Lagos
Mary Nnah
To alleviate food scarcity and severe hunger in the region, Lions International District 404B2 has announced plans to build a world-class food bank in Lagos. The project, estimated to cost N250 million, is part of the club's community service initiatives for the 2024/2025 service year.
District Governor, Lion Tolulope Senbanjo, made the announcement on Tuesday in Lagos, during his inauguration as the 11th District Governor of the club. Senbanjo emphasised the importance of community service. He urged Lions and supporters to participate in the fundraising effort through ticket purchases, advertisements, goodwill messages, and sponsorships.
"As the youngest District Governor ever elected in Africa, I am inspired by the mantra 'Not too young to serve'. I embarked on this journey with the guiding principle of putting 'Service First' and creating a lasting impact in our communities," Senbanjo said. He noted: "I believe that our little contribution goes a long way in deciding how our country will eventually turn out. I urge all Lions and supporters to join me in serving and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others."
The food bank, expected to serve at least 100,000 people annually, will be officially presented at a fundraising luncheon on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the Jewel Aieda Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos.
The facility will provide essential food items to vulnerable individuals and families, helping to combat
hunger and food insecurity in the region.
In addition to the food bank project, the club plans to organise leadership training sessions for members and allocate N5 million to support members with legitimate businesses, with each individual receiving up to N500,000 as a grant.
This initiative aims to empower members and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Lion Senbanjo encouraged all Lions Clubs under the district to align their services with the district's vision and the global body's goals, emphasising the club's dedication to making a significant difference in communities through committed service.
He stressed the importance of collective effort in creating a lasting impact, saying, "Join me as
we embark on this journey together, putting 'Service First' and creating a lasting impact in our communities."
The club has a history of notable projects in Nigeria, including the construction of a modern dialysis and kidney treatment centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), a diabetes screening and treatment centre at Alimosho General Hospital, a motherless babies’ home in Lekki, and a cancer screening and treatment centre at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
These projects demonstrate the club's commitment to improving healthcare and welfare in the region.
The Lions Club, with over 9,666 members in 400 clubs across Nigeria, has been dedicated to serving communities since its introduction to the country in 1963.
on the committal proceedings brought against the purported erstwhile chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye (1st respondent), and Chairman of INEC, Prof Yakubu (2ndrespondent), for disobeying a valid order of the High Court made on May 10, 2023.
The court had found Oye and Yakubu, in contempt of the order made on May 10, 2023.
The contempt charge arose from a suit by two national officers of APGA, Otumba Camaru Ogidan and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha, who had approached an FCT High Court, Bwari, to enforce a judgement of the Supreme Court in respect of the leadership tussle rocking APGA.
When the matter came up yesterday, Yakubu, through his lawyer, Ahmed Mohammed, told the court of his decision to purge himself of the committal order placed on him by the court.
“My Lord, on behalf of the 2nd respondent, upon being served with the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal judgement, delivered on June 28, 2024; same was forwarded to the Chairman, and the Commission sat on July 9, and deliberated on the two judgements.
“The Commission came out with a decision extract in compliance with the two judgements of the Court of Appeal, and which we undertake in court to serve all the
parties that the commission has fully complied with the judgements; and has restored the name of the 2nd plaintiff/applicant in its website as National Chairman of APGA,” the INEC lawyer told the court. Mohammed also made an undertaking before Justice Madugu that he would file the meeting extract where the decision recognising and putting Chief Edozie Njoku’s name on INEC’s website was made.
Earlier, counsel to the Plaintiff/ Applicants, Michael Ajara, had informed the court that the matter was fixed for sentencing of Victor Oye, having not taken any step to purge himself of contempt of court. However, Justice Madugu could not proceed with the sentencing due to a motion filed by Oye’s lawyer, Victor Agunzi, which he served on Ajara in court. Agunzi told the court that Oye has filed a motion for stay of the appeal court judgement as well as entered an appeal at the Supreme Court.
“What we filed at the Court of Appeal is a motion for stay of judgement of June 28, And what we filed here in this court is that in view of the appeal at the Supreme Court, and motion for stay, my lord should stay further proceedings,” Oye’s lawyer submitted.
Madugu has however adjourned to October 28, for hearing of the motion.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
DISCUSSING UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION…
L-R: Director, Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David; Programmes Manager, Oando Foundation/Cluster Lead, Education, Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG), Tonia Uduimoh; Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); Dr. Hamid Bobboyi; Acting Head, PSAG Working Group, Dr. Mories Atoki, and Senior Technical Advisor, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa, at the one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme in Lagos…recently
Fubara: We’ve Started Process of Preparing 2025 Budget
Blessing Ibunge in Port harcourt
Amidst the political crisis in Rivers State with legal many suits challenging actions of parties involved in the battle, the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said his administration has started the process of preparing the 2025 budget.
He insisted that the legislative seats of Martin Amaewhule and the 26 lawmakers that were declared vacant on December 13, 2023, by High Court in the state will remain so.
The governor stated that the defected lawmakers decided to allegedly give up their seats when they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which they won their election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) voluntarily.
10 Killed by Gunmen in Benue Community
George Okoh in Makurdi
10 people were killed by gunmen in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of yesterday. The gunmen were reported to have unleashed mayhem on the Olegumachi community in Agatu and burnt down houses.
The attack, which came barely four days after three people, including an aged couple were killed in the Ikpele community in the same local government.
According to a source, the gunmen stormed Olegumachi
‘No
Tuesday evening and operated till yesterday morning.
Confirming the incident to journalists yesterday in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the local government, Phillip Ebenyakwu, said that 10 people were killed and seven houses set ablaze.
The chairman said: “Yes, it’s confirmed. There was an attack. What they gave me is 10 (those killed)
“They (gunmen) were armed with sophisticated weapons, they were looting, robbing and burning houses and killed people.
Bandits Attack on Kogi Polytechnic Campus’
Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja
Contrary to the rumour making the rounds that bandits have attacked the campus of Kogi State Polytechnic , Lokoja, the Rector , Professor Usman Salihu, has disclosed that no bandit group has attacked the institution campus.
Professor Salisu made this known while speaking with journalists in Lokoja yesterday, saying that it was a total misconception of facts.
Customs
He explained that when the tension was high as result of rumour, the management contacted the security agencies and promptly arrived the campus , noting that when they came they were parading the Polytechnic premises along the school security personnel.
“While parading to ensure that no bandits have hidden in any part of the campus, the security personnel fired into the air which caused some panicking from both outside and within.
Auctions Seized 55,164
Litres of PMS in Sokoto
Onuminya Innocent in sokoto
The Sokoto / Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), yesterday auctioned a total of 55,164 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS ) popularly known as petrol, seized from smugglers to the members of the public.
Addressing newsmen, the Controller of the command, Kamal Muhammed, said the exercise was in compliance with the directive from the Comptroller General of Custom, Bashir Adewale, aimed at discouraging smuggling in the country.
“You may wish to recall that sometimes ago,under the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, the command auctioned 11.270 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol that was intercepted by operatives of operation Whirlwind Sokoto/ Zamfara axis.
“Due to the intensified clamp down on smugglers of petroleum product, the service made a seizure of 55,164liters of PMS with a duty paid value (DPV) of N38, 669,964.00 within the period under review.
Governor Fubara made the
Aiyedatiwa
Fidelis David in akure
assertion yesterday, when he received on solidarity visit the leadership structure, critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, women and youths of Etche
and Omuma Local Government Areas led by Ogbakor Etche, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara said that
his administration has started preparing details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with priority placed on education, healthcare and agriculture.
Presents Patrol Vehicles to Security Agencies in Ondo
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has handed over 25 operational vehicles to various security agencies in the state. It was the first batch of the provision of operational vehicles to boost security by the administration.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Akure yesterday, the governor emphasised the vital role that the security agencies play in safeguarding the lives and properties of the people of the State.
The governor said: “As an integral part of government functionaries, it is no gainsaying that security agencies are pivotal to the overall security architecture of any society. This daunting task often requires patrolling from one location to another. To ease this important yet herculean function, we are providing these high-grade Toyota Hilux vehicles to enhance performance in the discharge of their security mandate.”
Reflecting on the legacy of his predecessor, the late Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who was instrumental in establishing the South West Security Network, also known as the Amotekun Corps, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the security and safety of residents.
Mbah Begins Construction of Science, Technical Schools in Enugu
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has commenced the construction of a total of eight Science, Technical, and Vocational (STV) Schools across the state.
Commissioner for Education in the state, Ndubueze Mbah, made this known yesterday during the inspection of work at the Government Technical
College (GTC), Enugu where the project commenced.
Mbah said that there would be three models of the STV Schools focusing on Science and Technology; Building and Architecture; and Industrial Agriculture. He said that the initiative was a reflection of the Mbah-led administration’s 33 per cent allocation to the education sector in the Enugu State 2024 budget.
Oyebanji Seeks Belgium’s Partnership in
GbengaSodeindeinadoEkiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that his administration is building blocks for mutual bilateral relationships between the state and developed countries of the world in order to turn around the fortunes of its citizens.
Wants
Adibe Emenyonu inBenin-city
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner in charge of Planning, Monitoring and Strategy, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, has said that the commission needs the collaboration of
He, however, regretted that the GTC, Enugu, had lost its glory, reiterating the determination of the present administration to refocus the young ones of the state on science, technical, and vocational education underlined by practical learning to help them fit into the 21st Century industry.
“As you could see, this historic institution established in 1948 has lost its former glory. The buildings all around us are in different stages of dilapidation. But we are happy to share with Ndi Enugu the good news that the Enugu State Government has already embarked on a very audacious education reform project to establish eight brand new Science, Technical, and Vocational Schools servicing SS1 to SS3 in the STVSMB category of schools, starting with GTC,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji made this known during a meeting with the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, at the Belgium Embassy in Abuja yesterday where potential areas of collaboration were discussed. Governor Oyebanji, who was accompanied by the some state officials, including the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode; DG Office of Partnership, Biodun Oyeleye, highlighted some critical areas of the state 30 -year development plan. He noted that the state government has a clear vision of opportunities in the areas of ecosystem innovation, technology, renewable energy, environmental management and agricultural production and exportation as well as intellectual capacity development for wealth creation.
all stakeholders to ensure the success of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Prof. Gumus stated this yesterday at an Election Risk Management workshop for stakeholders in Benin, observing that election is a complex and enormous undertaking which
cannot be done in isolation.
She noted that the idea behind the workshop is to expose participants to INEC electoral risk management, identity internal and external risk factor associated with the conduct of the election.
According to her, “The Electoral
Risk Management sensitisation workshop seeks to expose participants to the INEC Electoral Risk Framework, identify internal and external risk factors that may be associated with the conduct of governorship election in the state and to develop mitigating strategies.
Alumni Association Felicitates Governing Council of UNILORIN
The National President, Dr. Stephen Olawale Fasakin, the Executive Committee and the entire members of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association Worldwide have felicitated the newly appointed Chairman of the Governing
Council of the University of Ilorin, His Excellency Abiodun Aluko and other members of the council.
The Alumni Association members in a statement yesterday said: “We eulogise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for these worthy
appointments and beseech the members of the Board to leave no stone unturned in raising the standard of the better by far University from its present level.
“We believe that the new members’ expertise will
undoubtedly bear fruit in this their new assignment in no distant time. Their commitment and discipline in carrying out their responsibilities will surely reflect in a better administration of the University.”
Group Faults Accusations against Justice Olorundahunsi
A civil society organisation, Citizens With Conscience (CWC) has described the recent accusations against Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi by whistleblowers affiliated with Eagle Transparency International (ETI) as baseless, unfounded, and an attempt to tarnish his reputation. The group
alleged that “Intelligence at our disposal revealed and confirmed that ETI is to blackmail Justice Olorundahunsi.”
The civil society organisation has condemned the allegations, describing them as a poorly orchestrated hatchet job aimed at discrediting a man known for his
integrity and meritorious service.
A statement released by the Publicity Director of CWC, Dr. Abdullah B. Yahaya, in Abuja, asserted that the accusations are a tool in the hands of mischievous individuals threatened by Justice Olorundahunsi’s impeccable qualifications and potential for higher
responsibilities. He noted that ETI’s claims lack integrity and are part of a deliberate smear campaign. ETI had accused Justice Olorundahunsi, a judge of the Ondo Judicial Division and former Registrar of the Supreme Court, of owning and operating private companies while in service.
Watkins Keeps ‘Football is Coming Home’ Slogan Alive as England Hit Final against Spain on Sunday
Femi Solaja with agency report
Ollie Watkins was the hero of the night with a late-minute goal that put England into the final match of the Euro Cup for the second time in a row but more importantly, the Football is Coming Home’ slogan is yet alive should the Three Lions beat formidable La Rojas of Spain on Sunday. It was another dramatic night for the third time in a row in the ongoing
tournament that, England had to come from behind and yesterday, they triumphed over Netherlands’ Oranje 2-1 semi-final in Dortmund.
Having gone 55 years without a cup win since the 1966 World Cup final on home soil, it is yet another chance for Gareth Southgate’s side to change the narrative after several futile attempts including the last edition of the tournament three years ago at the Wembley stadium in London.
Yesterday, Watkins emerged as the unexpected hero with his clinical 90th-minute winner, squeezing the ball into the bottom far corner of the goal despite the close attention of Stefan de Vrij. Overall, it once more highlighted an admirable resilience from England not seen before the Southgate era.
The Netherlands had taken the lead in a matter of minutes when Xavi Simons picked the pocket of Declan Rice in England’s half and
drove towards goal. Without being closed down quickly enough, he took an ambitious shot on that flew past Jordan Pickford. England were handed an absolute VAR gift when follow through from Harry Kane’s shot connected with Denzel Dumfries. It didn’t look like a penalty in real-time or on slowmotion replays, but referee Felix Zwayer was told to consult the pitch side monitor and then pointed to the spot. Kane converted with
PFL Debuts in Africa as MMA Superstar, Francis Ngannou, Serves as Chairman
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league in the world, announced the launch of PFL Africa, which joins PFL Europe and PFL MENA as part of PFL’s network of regional leagues that is becoming the Champions League of MMA.
PFL Africa will introduce an engaging sport-season format with a Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship featuring top African fighters with all events, for the first time hosted in Africa.
In a groundbreaking partnership, Helios Sports & Entertainment Group has invested and will hold a stake in the promotion, of which MMA superstar Francis Ngannou will serve as Chairman of the league.
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA,” said PFL CEO, Peter Murray.
“Africa is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world, including our league Chairman Francis Ngannou, and some of the greatest fans in the sport. PFL Africa aims to serve the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market. Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.”
“I am excited and honoured to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa,
a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA,” said Francis Ngannou, Chairman of PFL Africa. “As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.”
“African talent has had disproportionate success on the global MMA stage and MMA currently
has a scarcity of events despite significant demand, creating a huge opportunity for growth as young Africans consume more digital content on their devices,” commented Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners.
“We are looking forward to partnering with the PFL, a worldclass organization, and with Francis Ngannou, who is a manifestation of the success of African talent on a global stage. This marks HSEG's
fourth investment following our successful partnership with the NBA in Africa. We see several areas of direct synergies between PFL Africa and HSEG’s existing unique portfolio and we are excited by the opportunities such collaboration can bring to the continent.”
The Professional Fighters League is excited to be breaking ground and looks forward to an enjoyable and exciting experience in MMA here in Africa.
power into the bottom corner – his record-breaking sixth goal in Euro knockout games.
Against Spain on Sunday, it will be England's third match against the former European Champions and the Three Lions triumphed in the previous two.
In the 1980 group stages, England beat Spain 2-1 in Naples - although both sides went out. And in 1996 the sides met in the last 16 at Wembley, with England winning on penalties after a goalless draw. Their only other meeting at a major tournament was the 1950 World Cup, with Spain winning 1-0 in a group game in Rio de Janeiro. England did win the most recent tie, a 3-2 victory in Seville in the 2018 Nations League, but only won two of their 10 meetings before that (excluding penalties).
It’s been 11 years since the ‘Class of 2013’ Golden Eaglets conquered the World by winning the age group tournament but the promise by the Cross River State Government to reward the team fulfils its reward to the team.
Yesterday, the team’s coach, Manu Garba, appealed again to the government and people of Cross River State to promptly redeem the house gifts pledged to players and officials of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Manu painfully regrets that the unfulfilled promise remained a sour point for not only the team members but also its late equipment manager, Muhammed Kafa, who unfortunately passed away almost a year ago, without getting the house gift promised by the Cross River state government-led at that time by former governor, Liyel Imoke.
“When I remember Muhammed Kafa, one of the things that comes to mind was his desire to get the house pledged to all the ten officials and 21 players that won the World Cup in 2013 by the then Governor Senator Liyel Imoke,” Garba said.” The house gift pledge has gradually paled into becoming an illusion because it has not been redeemed 11 years after Governor Imoke made the pledge in Calabar, and nine years after he left office as governor of the state.
“To think that it’s almost a year since Muhammed left us after that ghastly accident in Kaduna without
getting the house is even more painful because that was one of his dreams.
“As we remember Muhammed, I want to use this opportunity to beg incumbent Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, to redeem this pledge expressly pledged to players and officials of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning team by his predecessor. This is a good way he can help immortalise Muhammed and help alleviate the pains of his family. Besides, it will be a morale booster to others to always give their best for their fatherland.”
Recall that precisely on 15th November 2013, Governor Imoke during a reception inside the state’s council chamber for the victorious FIFA U-17 World Cup team of 2013, offered house gifts to the 21 players and 10 officials for doing the country’s proud in the United Arab Emirates.
“We want to make an investment with you in property,” Senator Imoke said in front of the camera and the presence of the then Minister of Youth & Sports Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and other chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by the then President Aminu Maigari.
He added amid cheers: “We have a new housing estate already being developed and at the end of that exercise; completion of those estates, each one of you would have a small piece of property that is your own and that would have been fully developed; that you can rent out or occupy.”
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the President Federation Cup (PFC), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited has confirmed that Rangers International FC of Enugu has received their prize money of N150million for emerging champions of the 2023/2024 NPFL season.
GTI Head of Media Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said in Lagos yesterday that the winners of the 2024 President Federation Cup (PFC) for men, El-Kanemi Warriors FC also received their prize money of N50million, while the runners-up, Abia Warriors FC got N20million. He stated further that in the women’s category of PFC, winners, Rivers Angels FC received N25 million while runners-up, Naija Ratels FC of Abuja got the sum of N10 million.
Prize money of N1 million was given to each of the awardees in the men's and women’s PFC categories which include Highest Goal Scorer, Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper respectively.
Reacting to the prompt receipt of their prize monies, some Chairmen/CEOs of the aforementioned award-winning clubs and individuals
commended GTI, NPFL and NFF for the timely payment of the prize monies in the outgone season.
In his submission, Enugu Rangers GM/CEO, Amobi Ezeaku expressed delight after receiving their club’s prize money which according to him will assist the team prepare adequately for their continental engagement next season.
“On behalf of the management and players of Enugu Rangers Football Club, we want to express our appreciation to the NFF, NPFL and their strategic partners GTI Group for upholding the integrity of financial commitment to the Champion of the league. We are glad we got our prize money in record time to enable us to plan for next season. Frankly, it shows that we are truly in a new dawn in our elite league following the successful completion of the 2023/2024 season,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with GTI, the Chairman of Naija Ratels FC, runners up in the PFC Women’s category, Allison Ene James commended the NFF for staging a hitch-free competition and praised their strategic partners GTI on their commitment to repositioning Nigeria football ecosystem.
Ollie Watkins scored England's winner
(L-R) PFL Welterweight; Maxwell Djantou Nana, PFL Lightweight; Shido Boris Esperanza, 2022 PFL Welterweight World Champion; Sadibou Sy, CEO, PFL; Pete Murray, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners; Tope Lawani, PFL Welterweight; Kunle Lawal and, PFL Strawweight, Juliet Ukah at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa Launch in Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday…
Yakubu Maikyau to Nigerians
“Contrary to the narrative being propagated either due to ignorance of the content of the agreement or, a deliberate intention to mislead the public (neither of which is good), there is no provision in the SAMOA Agreement which requires Nigeria to accept or in any way recognise LGBTQ or gay rights, either as a pre-condition for a loan of $150 Billion USD or at all”--NigerianBarAssociation(NBA)president, respondingtotheragingcontroversy,followingreportsinasectionofthemedia.
olusegun AD e NIYI
Dangote’s Big Bet on Gasoline
For almost two weeks, we have witnessed the resurgence of fuel queues across the country. This of course exposes the never-ending mess in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry that has been with us for more than five decades. The main concern now is that the Dangote Refinery, which had been expected to guarantee fuel availability with all the multiplier effects, may not even change the narrative. Although currently producing diesel, jet fuel and polypropylene, the expectation that the world’s largest singletrain petroleum refining facility would begin producing gasoline by next month is being hampered by what the company sees as a conspiracy by the International Oil Companies (IOC) operating in the country to “deliberately and wilfully” frustrate its efforts.
Two weeks ago, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Devakumar Edwin, accused the IOCs of hiking the cost of crude above the market price, thereby forcing their refinery to import crude from countries as far as the United States, with its attendant high costs. “It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our petroleum refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for a ridiculous/humongous premium or they simply state that crude is not available,” Edwin alleged. “At some point, we paid $6 over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.”
Putting the blame at the doorstep of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) which continues “to issue import licences at the expense of our economy and at the cost of the health of the Nigerians who are exposed to carcinogenic products” Edwin added that the IOCs “are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their GDP, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria – thus making us to be dependent on imported products.”
And in what can easily be described as an emotional argument, Edwin alleged that these licences “are being issued, in large quantities, to traders who are buying the extremely high sulphur diesel from Russia and dumping it in the Nigerian market.”
Before I come to the substance of my intervention, let me state that I am aware of how Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s business model divides opinions in our country. I have heard the argument that Dangote enjoys enormous government patronage and support for his projects. I have heard about allegations of monopolistic tendencies. And not all these charges can be dismissed as sour grapes. When a man amasses the humongous wealth available to Dangote in our kind of environment, there will always be legitimate questions to ask. Not only by competitors but also by consumers of his products. But in a nation where the easiest route to stupendous wealth is not production but politics and where people with no visible means of livelihood are billionaires, there is also something to say
for those who work very hard by investing in production and the process, creating direct and indirect jobs for hundreds of thousands of our people.
In my tribute to Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga (Jnr) when he marked his 70th birthday in April last year, I used the Biblical ‘parable of talents’ to illustrate a point about the distribution of certain opportunities in Nigeria. “The Bible makes it clear that the master understood the capacity of each servant, which explains the disparity in the number of talents he gave them. The Nigerian state might have given either five or two ‘talents’ to a few, but there are thousands of other Nigerian businessmen who have been handed a ‘talent’ each,” I wrote while arguing that the issue should not be about the quantum of ‘talents’ anybody was given but rather in the efforts they put into deploying those ‘talents’ for the advancement of society. I also referenced the poignant admonition by the late South African icon, Mr Nelson Mandela to his country’s music star, Yvonne Chaka Chaka: “It is what we make of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
Now to the main issue. Section 109 (4)(b) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 says that “the supply of crude oil shall be commercially negotiated between the lessee [of upstream petroleum operations] and the crude oil refining licensee, having regard to the prevailing international market price for similar grades of crude oil.” But Dangote Refinery, according to what he told me on Monday, is being asked to negotiate with the marketing arms of lessees which are not domiciled in Nigeria (and at a higher price) for their crude needs. I am not surprised that the IOCs are reluctant to meet whatever may be their domestic obligations to Dangote Refinery. I recall a similar situation, albeit in the power sector, recounted in my book, ‘Power, Politics and Death: A front-row account of Nigeria under President Yar’Adua’. In March
2008, then Shell International CEO, Mr. Jeroen van der Veer, visited Nigeria to outline his company’s apprehensions about the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). I was at the meeting where President Yar’Adua “expressed his displeasure with Shell for its reluctance to make gas available for electricity generation in the country,” I wrote on the challenge of the power sector which remains till date. But we should also be fair to the IOCs.
While the Dangote Refinery may be able to count on the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for some of its crude requirement, they would need to source the remaining from IOCs and other independent producers operating in Nigeria. Given all the ‘forward and backward’ sales agreements that have been entered into by the NNPCL on behalf of the debt-ridden federal government in recent years, I don’t see where they can get the 650,000 barrels per day that Dangote Refinery needs, even if they want to. And for the IOCs, with my little knowledge of the industry, most of their Special Purchase Agreements (SPAs) are long-term deals. That, of course, is not to say that they may not be working for the refinery to fail. “Unfortunately, they (IOCs) are either unwilling to sell to us or demand predatory prices. Since refining is a low margin business, the additional premium they put on the crude we buy could easily tilt the economics into loss making territory,” according to an official of the company with whom I spoke yesterday. But the bigger challenge for Dangote Refinery is in the diesel market, principally due to the fallout from the war in Ukraine.
In December 2022, G-7 countries, the European Union and Australia imposed a $60-per-barrel cap on seaborne exports of Russian crude. To evade the sanctions, Russia has had to do deals that involve prices above the $60 per barrel cap but far below the market price which, as of yesterday, stood at $86.6 per barrel. Available reports indicate that Nigeria is one of the markets for these Russian diesel middlemen. And it is difficult for Dangote Refinery to compete, after buying crude at the prevailing market price. Even if there are no issues with the quality of the product, going by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, that amounts to dumping.
Apparently in frustration, Dangote has been repeating a conventional wisdom he probably wished had come much earlier. In May last year, at the invitation of its Chief Upstream Operating Officer, Mr Bala Wunti, I was in Lagos to speak at the Annual Value Assurance Review (AVAR) of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS). Dangote, who was keynote speaker at the forum, shared some of the challenges he faced while trying to build his refinery. He was compelled to construct his own port at Lekki, had to erect over 200 kilometres of gas pipelines across different projects, built his own power plants, bought his own cranes and mined his own granite etc. But the most interesting aspect of Dangote’s presentation was the anecdote he has rehashed in recent media interviews.
During the 2019 Ramadan, according to Dangote, he was invited to Mecca by the current Saudi Arabia Minister of Investment, Dr Khalid A. Al-Falih, to break fast together. A former CEO of the Saudi Arabian oil company (Saudi Aramco) who later became the chairman of its board of directors before his elevation to cabinet position, Al-Falih was at that period the Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia. “Aliko, I heard that you’re planning to build a refinery, what capacity?” Al-Falih reportedly asked him. “I said 650,000. He kept quiet for a while and then said, ‘You know, just about 120 kilometres from Mecca, we are building one and I think I would like you to go and have a look. We, in Saudi Aramco, are facing a lot of challenges and, we are proceeding with it, but my advice to you is not to do it because normally, refineries are built by major oil corporations or sovereign countries’.” To this, Dangote said he replied: “Your Excellency, unfortunately, we have already started. So, I am not looking for advice.”
I am sure Dangote would wish he had met Al-Falih while still conceiving the idea of building a mega refinery in Nigeria. He would have weighed his options. Now that he is in the middle of the ocean, the choice before him is either to swim or sink. The pertinent question is, should Dangote Refinery be seeking special dispensation from the federal government? This is quite tricky if we must create a level-playing field but I am also aware that some countries have imposed domestic crude supply obligation to support local refining. In 2008, for instance, Argentina implemented export restrictions on crude oil to ensure sufficient supply for domestic consumption. Indonesia, once a significant exporter of crude oil, similarly imposed export restrictions in 2011 to prioritize domestic supply and support its refining industry.
But the real challenge is whether Nigeria even has the capacity to do that, assuming the authorities want to. With the extraordinary amount in ‘cost recovery’ to cover up for the ‘subsidy is gone’ presidential proclamation, the industrial scale oil theft by sundry criminal cartels that ensures we cannot even meet OPEC quota, and the lack of investment in the sector that has brought oil production down while many IOCs exit, the NNPCL is challenged on several fronts. But with a 20 percent stake in Dangote Refinery, authorities in the sector should sit down with the company to resolve whatever the challenges are.
Last week, Dangote was in the media for what became a famous quote: “Import dependence is equivalent to importing poverty and exporting jobs. No power, no growth, no prosperity. Similarly, no affordable financing, no growth, no prosperity. There is no industrialization without protection. Ignoring these facts is what gives rise to insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and abject poverty.”
But when I spoke to him on Monday, he said the area highlighted in the media was the preface to his presentation last Tuesday at the 2024 Nigeria Manufacturers’ Summit in Abuja...
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