MONDAY 15TH JULY 2024

Tinubu Hails Nduka Obaigbena

Demonstrated Passion

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Thirty-four years ago, when we first opened our doors for business, we made a commitment to you to provide great experiences in financial services at every customer touchpoint. With more resources at our disposal and four strong lines of businesses in Banking, Payments, Funds and Pension Management to provide end-to-end financial services through every season of your life, our commitment remains the same! Today We Begin Again. It is the

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Juliet Akoje, in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos and James Sowole in Abeokuta President Bola Tinubu, yesterday,

Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, as he

Energy Bank: Lokpobiri Reveals Ghana, S’Africa Voted against Nigeria’s Hosting Bid

Bank sets to raise capital base to $120bn in 3 years

Peter Uzoho

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has revealed that out of the 18 member countries of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), only Ghana and South Africa voted against Nigeria’s bid for the African Energy Bank (AEB).

Lokpobiri further reiterated that the capital base of the upcoming AEB will grow from the initial $5 billion to $120 billion between the next three to five years.

The minister disclosed this in response to THISDAY's enquiry bordering on the benefits of the multilateral financial institution to Nigeria, the hurdles faced by Nigeria

before winning the bid to host the bank's headquarters, among other issues.

The minister narrated how Nigeria met all six evaluation criteria to emerge the preferred host nation for the bank's headquarters, saying Nigeria will benefit from the bank through financing availability, job creation and other long string of value addition to the country.

Lokpobiri had penultimate week announced that Nigeria won the hosting rights for the bank at an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers of APPO, the umbrella body for oil-producing nations in Africa.

Being championed by APPO and the African Export-Import Bank

Information Minister Receives Freed Journalists, Salutes NSA, Others

Addeh

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, yesterday welcomed the release of two-Kaduna based journalists who were abducted from their homes in the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.

Speaking when he received the two journalists, AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspapers and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint newspapers, from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the minister lauded security agencies for the ‘speedy’ recovery of the victims.

The two journalists were released along with Mr Alabelewe's wife and two children. Mohammed also expressed sympathy to the two families.

"We are most grateful for what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families.

"I want to urge Nigerians to keep

faith with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom," Idris said.

Earlier, the NSA said the five victims were rescued following the combined efforts of security agencies which led to ‘swift’ search and rescue operation.

Responding, one of the rescued victims, Alabelewe was quoted as thanking the NSA and his team for the intervention.

"The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap we could get out.

"We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released," he was quoted as saying.

Over 1.5m Nigerians Suffering Vision Impairment, Says FG

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has said that a Blindness and Vision Impairment Survey conducted in Nigeria reported that 0.78 percent of citizens (over 1.5 million) of all ages are currently blind. The National Coordinator, National Eye Health Programme, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Okolo Oteri, said that glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss globally and in Nigeria.

She stated this at a training workshop for key stakeholders for The Nigeria Glaucoma Guideline and Toolkit last Friday.

According to health experts, glaucoma is a chronic but treatable condition which requires lifelong treatment and follow-up.

Oteri said, "the Nigeria Blindness and Vision Impairment Survey reported that 0.78% of Nigerians of all ages are blind".

She said that blindness increased significantly with illiteracy and age, with 1.13 million (4.2 percent) Nigerians over 40 years old blind.

The coordinator said glaucoma was the second most common cause of blindness, with a prevalence of 5 percent and accounting for 16.7 percent of the burden of blindness. Only 5.6 percent knew they had the disease in the Nigeria survey, and 20 percent were already blind.

She also explained that glaucoma was also responsible for 3.9 percent of severe vision impairment (VI), 2 percent of moderate VI and 1 percent

(Afreximbank), the AEB is expected to focus investment in oil and gas projects across the continent and is set to start operations later this year with an initial $5 billion authorised capital base.

To facilitate its establishment, each African member country is obligated to contribute a minimum of $83 million for a total of around $1.5 billion, while Afreximbank and APPO as founder members are expected to match the amount.

The outstanding $2 billion will potentially be sourced from other investors, including Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.

In his response to THISDAY's enquiry, the minister said the bank's initial $5 billion capital base which is equivalent to N7.5 trillion when converted using the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Rate Fixing (NAFEX) would grow to $120 billion in the next three to five years.

He informed that the rest of Africa and the investing community were beginning to have more confidence to invest in the oil and gas sector

in the continent, particularly in APPO-member nations as a result of the bank.

"Generally, the rest of Africa and the investing community are beginning to have more confidence to invest in the sector, not just in Africa particularly in APPO as a result of the bank

"Out of the 18 member countries, only two, Ghana and South Africa who were also contenders were opposed to Nigeria’s bid. The rest supported Nigeria’s nomination.

"Thus, the bank is starting with $5 billion equivalent to N7.5 trillion if you convert it to our NAFEX exchange rate. The projection is that between three to five years, the bank is projected to grow to $120 billion in asset base."

On the next steps to finally bring the bank to operation in Nigeria, the minister said the federal government and other stakeholders were working on the few obligations required within the next 90 days.

He said the obligations included getting the agreement signed and then

furnishing the bank’s headquarters.

While expressing excitement over Nigeria winning the bid to host the bank, Lokpobiri said there was nothing personal but that he felt "satisfied that we had an objective to get the hosting right and we went for it and eventually got it."

He said the congratulations should first go to President Bola Tinubu whom he noted provided the requisite support for them to go for the bank.

"And then to Nigerians and then APPO and the rest of Africa for coming up with this ingenious idea of finding a lasting solution to our funding problems in the oil and gas sector.

“If I make it personal, it reduces the value and that is why I am saying that we set out with the objective of winning the hosting rights. So congratulations not to me but to Nigerians, Mr. president and all Africans," he said.

Commenting on the benefits of the bank to Nigerians, he argued that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa

in terms of oil and gas production, adding that one of the country's biggest challenges was funding and access to finance.

"With this bank, financing will be available, there would be employment and a long string of value addition," he said.

Narrating the steps taken by the federal government to win the bid to host the headquarters of the bank, Lokpobiri said there were six criteria for wining the bid.

He said they included ratifying the charter for the establishment of the bank, provision of a suitable headquarters building for the bank to start operation as well as provision of free land for the bank headquarters to be built.

Samoa Deal: Media Ombudsman Acknowledges Receipt

of FG’s Complaint, Begins Probe

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the Ombudsman, yesterday acknowledged the receipt of a complaint against Daily Trust Newspaper on its report on the $150 billion Samoa deal, stressing that it had begun full investigation into the matter.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Emeka Izeze and Interim Secretary, Feyi Smith, the NMCC assured that its inquiry will be thorough and impartial.

It stated that it received a formal complaint from the federal government against the Daily Trust newspaper, which it alleged published an article on July 4, 2024 “containing false and misleading information that severely threatens national security”.

of mild VI. Open-angle glaucoma is the commonest (86 percent) form of glaucoma in Nigerians, with angle closure accounting for 14 percent.

Oteri said that the training workshop marks a symbolic federal government's commitment to the implementation of the National Eye Health Policy and the ambitious plans for Eye Health in Nigeria.

Speaking on the heightened concern over glaucoma cases, Oteri said that the disease was not one of the priority diseases for the Vision 2020 initiative in lower and middleincome countries due to the high prevalence of other avoidable blinding diseases like cataracts, onchocerciasis, trachoma and childhood blindness including Vitamin A deficiency.

"However, demographic shifts from improved living conditions and improved life expectancy have also resulted in a higher proportion of blindness due to diseases like glaucoma associated with age," she said.

Speaking on the development of the guideline and toolkit, Oteri said the initiative was a product of rigorous systematic review and contributions of a wide range of stakeholders including patient support groups, technical experts and organizations involved in glaucoma care.

She said the intention is not to dictate the care of a particular patient or take the place of an eye care provider but that targeted case detection and screening will reduce the prevalence of blindness due to glaucoma.

In the complaint, dated July 8, 2024, and signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on behalf of Information Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the government, the NMCC said, alleged

that on July 4, 2024, the newspaper published on its front page a news item titled “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal.”

In the report, the ombudsman said that the federal government alleged that the newspaper reported that the government had endorsed a European Union (EU) partnership agreement (referred to as the ‘Samoa Agreement’) with member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).

It further stated that this was allegedly, according to the paper, despite some conditional clauses that compel benefiting nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community for recognition.

The government described the report as ‘false and misleading’ and said that as a result of the alleged false report, ‘individuals and government officials have been subjected to hate speech, threats, intimidation, and cyberbullying across social media.’

It therefore asked the NMCC to intervene in the matter and,

among other things: Carry out a thorough investigation of the alleged misleading publication as well as direct the newspaper’s management to publicly retract and correct the alleged false information, with equal prominence as the original article.

The federal government is also demanding that the ombudsman directs the newspaper’s management to issue an unequivocal apology for allegedly recklessly disseminating false information.

It is also asking the company to: “Implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent a repeat of such alleged unwholesome report by any newspaper in the future.”

The NMCC said it had sent a formal acknowledgment letter dated July 10, 2024 and signed by its interim secretary, Smith, to the ministry, informing it that the complaint was receiving the attention of the commission, and that the outcome would be duly communicated to the government.

The management of Daily Trust , it stressed, will be contacted shortly for its response.

“As an independent media

regulatory body, it is our duty to promote media adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, as well as ensure that the media operate in a free and unfettered environment.

“In accordance with this mandate and our established procedures, we have commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations.

“We assure the public that our inquiry will be thorough and impartial. We look forward to receiving the full cooperation of all parties involved and pledge to continue to ensure transparency throughout this process,” the statement stressed.

The ombudsman is an independent, multi-stakeholder co-regulatory body established by the Nigerian Press Organisations (NPO), made up of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).

TINUBU HAILS NDUKA OBAIGBENA AT 65, SAYS HE HAS DEMONSTRATED PASSION FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in a release by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale.

The former President of Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) founded ThisWeek Magazine, and later, THISDAY Newspapers, Arise Magazine, and The Arise News Channel.

Tinubu prayed for greater achievements for the renowned publisher.

Equally saluting the media guru, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, described Obaigbena as a steadfast media investor and contributor to the growth and development of Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu said the celebrant had through his various media platforms provided employment for thousands of journalists, writers, and broadcasters in the country. He joined “family, friends, associates and colleagues, especially at the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), the THISDAY and Arise Television Network, to felicitate the media mogul on his

special day," wishing him a long life in good health and prosperity.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, praised Obaigbena’s remarkable contributions to the media industry, stating that since he started his journey with ThisWeek, years ago, he has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian press landscape.

Abiodun wrote concerning the business mogul, "As a visionary leader, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of truth. His dedication to delivering accurate, reliable, and impactful news has served as an inspiration to many in the industry.

“Under Mr. Obaigbena's stewardship, THISDAY newspapers and Arise Television have consistently provided valuable insights, thought-provoking articles, and comprehensive coverage of national and international affairs.

“His relentless efforts in promoting freedom of speech, press freedom, and responsible journalism have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian media.

"His dedication to the industry also saw the birth of Arise Television, which is currently making waves all over the world.”

The governor added, “Beyond his achievements in the media sector, Mr. Obaigbena has also made substantial contributions to society through his philanthropic endeavours.

“His support for various social causes, including education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, has positively impacted the lives of many Nigerians.

"On this milestone birthday, we celebrate Mr. Nduka Obaigbena's remarkable journey and commend his remarkable achievements. We wish him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his future endeavours."

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in a congratulatory message, noted Obaigbena's remarkable role and contributions to the growth and development of the media industry in Nigeria. Kalu said Obaigbena’s efforts in social and economic spheres have positioned him as one of the most respected media gurus in Africa and beyond.

He lauded the Duke of Owa kingdom for his visionary and adventurous leadership style and positioning of two major media organisations to provide a strong platform for informing and educating people.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in her message, praised Obaigbena's dedication to the growth of journalism across Africa and the world, describing his contributions as "truly inspiring".

According to a statement by Onyejeocha’s Special Adviser, Media, Emameh Gabriel, the minister highlighted the role of Obiagbena's platforms, THISDAY Newspaper and Arise TV, in informing and educating millions, as well as providing opportunities for professionals to grow and thrive.

While celebrating his immeasurable impact on the media landscape, and wishing him joy, wisdom, and continued success on his milestone birthday, the former Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives expressed hope that Obaigbena’s legacy would continue to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence in journalism.

Lokpobiri

Emmanuel

in Abuja

AFRICA ACHIEVERS AWARD IN LONDON...

Award at House of Lords in London ...yesterday

Tinubu, Starmer, Macron, Other World Leaders Condemn Attack on Trump

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, were among the horde of world leaders that condemned weekend's assassination attempt on former United States President, Donald Trump.

Reacting to the incident in a post on his verified X handle, Tinubu yesterday described the attack on

the Republican candidate in the US November 2024 presidential poll as distasteful and beyond democratic norms.

"The attack on former President Donald Trump is distasteful and goes beyond the pale of democratic norms. Violence has no place in democracy.

"I extend my sympathies to the former president and wish him relief. I also condole with the family of the deceased and those wounded and wish them a quick recovery. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United

States of America at this time," Tinubu stressed.

From Africa, Europe to South America and Asia, world leaders spoke out against political violence following the shooting that wounded the former US president at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

The shooting on Saturday pierced Trump’s right ear and killed one bystander, while two other spectators were critically wounded. The US Secret Service said it shot the suspected assailant dead.

In his statement yesterday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed disgust over the incident, expressing solidarity with the victims of the attack.

"I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said: "I'm sickened by the

Umahi: FG Will Only Review Cost of Inherited Contracts Subject to Availability of Funds

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the weekend told the ministry’s contractors that the federal government will only engage in contract review and cost augmentation on inherited projects subject to the availability of funds.

Speaking during an interactive session with the contractors at the ministry's headquarters in Abuja, the minister insisted that it was the federal government giving out the contracts, noting that any contractor not satisfied with the terms should quit.

Stressing that contrary to reports, inherited projects had not been stepped down by the federal government, the minister explained that President Bola Tinubu was

committed to completing all inherited federal government road projects nationwide.

He said: "It was Mr. President, out of his very exceptional magnanimity, that directed that all inherited projects should be made alive through appropriation, promising that he was going to be looking for ways to fund the projects, even outside the budgetary provisions, through the National Assembly.

"What we are doing now is to review the projects in line with availability of funds and make a proposal to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“If such a project has attained about 80 per cent completion, then we make a proposal to FEC that in subsequent appropriation, money

should be made available, and such projects should be made a priority, so that it could be completed.”

He argued that projects with huge procurement costs but have meagre appropriation and with little completion milestone would be reviewed in line with section 51 of the Special Conditions of Contracts.

On issues of Variation on Price (VoP), he explained that all projects awarded in 2024 will not attract any variation, stressing that it is the new government policy.

He reiterated the determination of the federal government in funding and budgeting innovations that would fast-track road infrastructure development, noting that FEC had directed the ministry to work with the Federal Ministries of Finance

and Budget & National Planning to put forward proper budgetary estimates for the 2025 financial year.

According to him, these are for those projects that were not appropriately budgeted for but have attained about 80 per cent completion so that such projects will be completed and delivered.

He stated: "All projects we awarded in 2024 will not attract any VoP. And we've made it as a policy that such projects can not get any variation.

“However, within the course of the year and the project execution, if there are issues that do change the basic market prices of construction materials to a certain extent, we will revisit the issue of VoP. And it will not be selective," he added.

Navy Claims Credit for Increase in Nigeria's Oil Production

The Nigerian Navy has said the collaborative

The

march, held in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

Speaking on the march, Igbo explained that the essence was to keep the officers and men of the ‘NNS Pathfinder’ fit to be able to carry out their duties, applauding the officers for their commitment to the exercise.

Igbo who disclosed that the march was a quarterly exercise, said: "This exercise we did it in the first quarter in March this year. It is Nigerian

Navy’s quarterly road march. This is the second quarter.

"In the military as you know, fitness is very important. So Nigerian Navy finds it very essential that our officers and men go on road march which is a form of exercise.

"Behind me are our men, we went almost 12 kilometres and all of us came back complete, nobody dropped on the way. That shows you how fit we are to carry out our

duties, especially the anti-bunkering duties".

He noted the need for security officers to always be ready to combat all forms criminality in the country.

He said: "We must prevent the enemies of Nigeria from stealing our crude oil and to God be the glory and in pursuance of the Chief of Naval Staff mandate, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we have reduced the incidences of oil theft in the Niger Delta.

shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans."

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his message wished Trump speedy recovery, describing the attempt on his life as a tragedy for democracy.

"My thoughts are with President Donald Trump, the victim of an assassination attempt. I send him my wishes for a speedy recovery. A spectator has died, several are injured. It is a tragedy for our democracies. France shares the shock and indignation of the American people," he stated.

Also, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the attack was despicable, re-echoing that such violence was antithetical to democracy.

"The attack ... is despicable. I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts are also with the people who were affected by the attack. Such acts of violence threaten democracy," he stressed.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, said: "We must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy. I pray for former President Trump's speedy recovery.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who cautioned against violence stressed that there are certain boundaries that should not be crossed during political debates.

"In political debates ...there are limits

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A prominent Museum in United States of America has concluded plans to present looted Benin Bronzes to Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

The move was contained a in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, who said the handover

that should never be crossed. It is a warning to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to restore dignity and honour to politics, against all forms of hatred and violence, and for the good of our democracies. Solidarity with Donald Trump, his supporters and the injured, and my heartfelt condolences for the victim and his family," he said.

From the Kremlin, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while Russia did not believe the current US administration was responsible for the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, it had created an atmosphere that provoked the attack. In his reaction, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned the attack, adding: "Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people."

Also, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, saying: "I believe that the investigation into the attack will be carried out in the most effective manner and the perpetrators and their instigators will be brought to justice as soon as possible in order not to overshadow the US elections and global stability."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said: "Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world.” He added: Never should violence prevail. I am relieved to learn that Donald Trump is now safe and wish him a speedy recovery."

will take place at the Palace of the Oba on Monday, July 15, 2024. According to the statement which was made available to journalists yesterday in Benin City, a delegation will present the artefacts which were looted from the Oba’s Palace more than 100 years ago. The statement therefore, invited all defenders of Edo heritage and well-wishers of the royal father to the historic event, billed for 12 pm.

L-R: Member, House of Lords, Rt Hon. Baroness Verma and His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, during the presentation of “Leadership and Community Development Award “ to Olu of Warri, during Africa Achievers

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

efforts of its personnel and other security agencies in tackling cases of oil theft in the Niger Delta region led to the increase in oil production in the country.

commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, made the assertion while speaking with journalists at the end of the officers’ 2nd quarter route

CNG ROLLOUT ROAD SHOW IN ABUJA...

L-R: Commercial Operations

Presidential

Aliko Dangote: NNPC Has Only

Stake in Our Refinery

Eyes listing of refinery, fertilizer plants on NGX in Q1 2025 To add African crude producers to feedstock NNPC: It was a commercial decision to cap our investment in Dangote Refinery

Obinna Chima

Contrary to widely held notion that Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had a 20 per cent stake in Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, yesterday, revealed that the national oil company owned only 7.2 per cent of the asset. Dangote, Africa’s richest man, made the disclosure while responding to

questions from editors and media executives during a tour of the 650, O00 barrels per day (bpd) refinery.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, explained that NNPCL “made a commercial decision to cap our investment at the amount already paid,” which amounted to the 7.2 per cent stake.

Dangote Refinery also has 838 KTPA polypropylene plant, covers an area

W/Africa Must go Back to Farming to Guarantee Food Security, Says Liberian MP

The Senator representing Bomi, County in the Liberian Senate, Edwin Snowe, Jr. has said the people of West Africa must invest in the soil to have the necessary yield to guarantee food security in the subregion. He also noted that food insecurity was worse than other forms of insecurity since hunger and starvation are major triggers for social upheaval and criminalities.

Snowe Jr who is also the Leader of the Liberian Delegation to the Community Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), identified other causes in an interview with THISDAY in Abuja.

He said: "Food security cannot be addressed through an event or programme where quick and beautiful speeches would be made. It has to be a practical reality where people have to go back to the soil, invest in the soil and then we would have the necessary yield. That is better than talking and doing nothing".

Noting that that a hungry man is an angry man, the Liberian lawmaker said leaders and other critical stakeholders in West Africa need to move away

from rhetoric to walking the talk.

"We need to create opportunity for farming, we need to deliberately invest in farming. At the ECOWAS bank for instance, we need to have a section for agriculture investment.

“The return on investment in agriculture in West Africa is very high. I am a farmer myself, I have over a thousand hectares of oil palm plantation in Liberia and I can tell you the cost of a bag of fertiliser, especially since the crisis in Ukraine has quadrupled. So, there are challenges and I think that we need to invest in agriculture," he added.

Snowe Jr said that other factors that fuel insecurity in the region, include marginalisation, unemployment, drug abuse, where people get high on all manner of substances and loose control of their sensibilities.

The ECOWAS Parliament Committee Chairman on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), noted that there were a lot of factors that play into these situations.

He further noted that until West Africa takes control of its destiny, in solidarity amongst themselves as brothers and sisters, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

of approximately 2,635 hectares, and is located in the Dangote Industries Free Zone, lbeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Dangote stated, “The agreement we had with the NNPC was actually 20 per cent, but they didn’t pay the balance of the money as at last year. Then we gave them another extension up till June this year, but they later said they would remain with what they have already paid, which is 7.2 per cent.

“So, NNPC and the government own only 7.2 per cent of the refinery. For me that is okay.”

He also said Dangote Refinery, which recently added Brazilian crude to its feedstock, would in the coming days start purchasing crude from African producers, in a bid to ramp up capacity.

Speaking on the challenges of setting up a refinery, Dangote stressed that when he ventured into the project, “We didn’t know the magnitude of what we were getting into. That was why I said in a recent interview that if I knew what I was getting into, I

wouldn’t have started it at all.

“Right from the beginning, we launched 31 projects concurrently and this one (the refinery) alone is enough to give somebody grey hair.

“But we are in the middle of the sea, and so no going back. If we stop, that means we would sink and the only option is just to continue, no matter how tired you are. I didn’t want to write a book, but for the first time I am going to write a book about my experience with project execution in Africa.

“That is because in Africa, it is totally different from overseas. Here, there is no infrastructure. As you can see, after we have battled with fixing our own infrastructure, now we have to go and start building roads.

“But what gives me joy is the self-sufficiency and the jobs we are creating and also we are creating a circular economy.”

Dangote stressed the need for policy consistency by government at all levels to encourage investors

in the country, just as he urged the federal government to focus more on domestic investors.

He stated, “We have a lot of gasrelated projects in the pipeline, but it depends on the government. I am sure you have seen the challenges that we faced in terms of crude supply. But crude supply has been sorted out now by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

“The NUPRC has actually given out the guidelines and what we expect now is the operation of the guidelines and I hope the international oil companies (IOCs) would respect the guidelines because it is in the Petroleum Industry Act.”

According to Dangote, the refinery was designed in a way, “in case people try to squeeze us, because in the oil market there are too many sharks and anybody may just want to make money from somebody without working hard.”

The billionaire also revealed

plans to list Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited and the Dangote Fertiliser Plant on the Nigerian Exchange Limited in the first quarter of 2025.

He said, “We are targeting end of this year and worst case we should be able to list them by the end of the first quarter of next year, so that we can sell shares to Nigerians. That is what we are planning.” Earlier, in a presentation, Dangote said Dangote Group expected to grow its revenues six times to about $30 billion by 2025, from $5.4 billion in 2022. The group was also targeting that 15 per cent of the revenue would come from its cement business; 50 per cent of its EBITDA from outside Nigeria (including exports), and 70 per cent of revenue from foreign exchange. Dangote said, “Our export strategy is driven by our passion to ameliorate the foreign exchange pressure in the economy. We have the capacity to export eight million tons of clinker from our two terminals.

Olu of Warri Bags Award in UK, Wife Advocates Return to Cultural Values

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has received the Leadership and Community Development award at the 14th African Achievers Awards (AAA), which took place at the Parliament House, United Kingdom. The award was presented by a member of the House of Lords, London, Rt Hon. Baroness Verma, a statement obtained by THISDAY said yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, stated that it was imperative for the black continent to continue to propagate positive cultural and traditional values with the objective of reclaiming the identity of the continent.

She said since her husband, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, ascended the exalted throne of his forebears, he had taken notable positive steps to change negative traditional connotations that portrayed others as inferior.

The Olori’s keynote address was themed, “Africa’s Sustainable Future: Redefining its Global Identity.”

She stated that to address some of the challenges, she and her husband founded “Elevate Africa” to contribute their quota to efforts to channel African ideas into solutions for the continent and the world. She advised other change-makers to come together and speak with one voice.

The olori said, “I’m here to share my thoughts with fellow lovers of our

great continent. My husband and I share your passion, so it feels fitting that I should start by telling you something he did a few years ago.

“As the king of the Warri Kingdom, he had long been burdened by how certain traditional terms of identity had taken on negative connotations promoting segregation. So, he boldly changed those long-used terms to ensure everyone is seen and identified as freeborn. He also explained why redefining our communal identity mattered, and his words still echo in my mind.

“But when someone mentions ‘the city of love’, Paris immediately comes to mind. These examples might seem small, but they're a stark reminder of how powerful identity and narrative can be.

“We must come together, trade together, build solutions together, and speak with singularity on the global stage—we must stop saying what Africa does not want and we must begin to speak to who we are and what we want for ourselves and for our continent.”

“Some weeks ago, while speaking in London, I talked about how my heart sometimes skips when I hear an African country mentioned in a movie or show. I brace myself, wondering if it will be yet another negative portrayal. Unfortunately, time and time again, some Africans and the rest of the world have produced the outcomes of these seeming ‘prophetic’ narratives.

Manager,

Compressed Natural Gas Initiative P-CNGI, Omoh Imoukhuede; Auto conversion Engineers, Chuks Danison; Ibrahim Garba; and Head Operations, NASENI- Portland Gas, Ashiekh Grema Mohammed; during the flag off , of the CNG Abuja Rollout road show in Abuja... recently KINGSLEY

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

CLERGY MEN RETREAT ON FOOD AND FINANCIAL STABILITY...

Crypto: Stakeholders Seek Regulatory Framework, Underscore Benefits, Risks

SEC DG lists impediments to usage Senate ready to back necessary regulations

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Stakeholders have identified the critical role of crypto assets in the global financial system, and called for a comprehensive regulatory framework in Nigeria that seeks to propel greater interest and investment in the huge potential they offer as well as mitigate associated risks.

The stakeholders drawn from the academia, legislature, capital market, banking and other ancillary sectors, who converged recently at the first annual conference of the Association of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (ACMAN) were unanimous that crypto assets have come to stay and cannot be wished away in the global financial ecosystem, including Nigeria.

Speaking at the conference with

the theme, "Crypto Assets and the Nigerian Capital Market, ACMAN President, Prof. Uche Uwaleke remarked that many people believe that crypto assets are major disruptors of the financial sector, adding that some also consider them as a major risk to the conventional asset classes.

"And when you have such, you consider that as a systematic risk. And when you have a systematic risk, that is a major risk. A systematic risk is a risk you cannot diversify.

"When you have that kind of risk, the best thing to do is to provide for it, accommodate it," adding that the conference was designed to find ways of accommodating crypto assets within the regulatory space.

Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama who delivered

a paper on "Crypto Assets and the Nigerian Economy: Implications for Financial Markets Regulation," disclosed that over 15,000 cryptocurrencies currently exist globally with Bitcoin being the most popular., stressing that as of now, the total market capitalisation of all cryptocurrencies combined stands at an impressive $2.59 trillion.

Agama stated that with no comprehensive regulatory framework yet in place in Nigeria, what the SEC does on crypto assets is by way of issuing advisory on risk management, adding that it centres around Risk Reward Theory--the higher the risk, the higher the theory.

According to him, even in the United States of America, the crypto market is yet to stand on a firm regulation, describing the system

there as convoluted.

However, Agama pointed out that one fact that cannot be diminished is that "everyone is beginning to understand that you can't shy away from from it (crypto)," adding that "we must develop along the thought process."

To underscore how much Nigerians have come to embrace crypto assets, he disclosed that many people do not have bank accounts, but have crypto wallets.

Citing a 2023 survey, he stated that approximately 33.4 per cent of Nigerians own or use cryptocurrencies.

"This is one of the highest adoption rates in the world. Beyond remittances, Nigerians use cryptocurrencies for various purposes, including investments, online purchases, and as a hedge against the naira’s

Senator Joel-Onawakpo: Amend Constitution to Allow INEC Constitute State Electoral Commissions

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onawakpo Thomas, has stressed the need for constitutional amendment to transfer the power to constitute state election commissions from governors to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"Until INEC takes over local government elections, we cannot guarantee the true autonomy of the third tier of government," he said while reacting to last Saturday’s

Onyebuchi

Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, has pleaded with the National Assembly, religious and traditional leaders, parents and students’ leadership to prevail on the federal government to pay its members the withheld five and half months’ salaries as a result of their industrial action in 2022.

The plea is coming on the heels of a looming strike threat by the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU and the Non-

council elections in Delta State which he described as a scam.

Speaking at Emede in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state over the weekend, Senator Joel-Onawakpo, who is a chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state condemned the Delta State Independence Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for failing to release sensitive electoral materials, including result sheets and ballot papers, for the council elections.

He accused DSIEC of colluding with the ruling People's Democratic

Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, over the same withheld salaries.

The four university-based unions, NAAT, SSANU, NASU and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, had in 2022 embarked on a prolonged strike over the inability of the federal government to attend to some of their grievances leading to invocation of the ‘No Work, no Pay', policy by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration then.

This development brought heightened tension in the universities, hence President Bola Tinubu’s

Party (PDP) to deny citizens their fundamental right to vote, effectively rendering the election invalid.

The senator alleged that the PDP, aware of the All Progressives Congress' (APC) readiness to take over local government affairs, conspired with DSIEC to manipulate the electoral process.

He emphasized that the non-release of sensitive materials constitutes electoral fraud and compromises the election's integrity.

The senator advocated for local government autonomy and commended the federal government

and supreme court for taking steps towards this goal.

Vice chairmanship candidate of the APC in Warri South, Prince Kingsley Omonigho Oshogbo, said the party did not participate in the alleged "skewed electoral exercise".

Prince Oshogbo alleged manipulation of the electoral process in favour of the ruling People's Democratic Party by the umpire.

However, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, after casting his vote at his Osubi country home, commended DSIEC for successful organisation of the elections.

NANS, Monarchs to Intervene

directive in October last year that four months of the withheld salaries should be paid.

While the teaching staff, ASUU, has been paid since last year, the other three non-teaching staff unions are yet to receive their payments

Consequently, NAAT after its emergency meeting in Abuja has told all relevant stakeholders to prevail on the government to pay its members the withheld salaries as well as other outstanding arrears to avoid anything that could lead to disruption of academic activities.

The association in a statement

signed by its President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, noted with dismay that it has had several meetings with government and House of Representatives Committee on the matter but all it received was mere assurances without any positive results.

The statement titled, "NAAT Demands Immediate Payment of Withheld Salaries of Members and Resolution of all other Outstanding Issues," said that despite the long wait, it resolved to toe the path of diplomacy and advocacy in actualizing its demands.

devaluation.

"Nigeria is one of the largest recipients of remittances in Africa. Crypto currencies offer a more efficient and cost-effective way for Nigerians abroad to send money home. With traditional remittance fees often being prohibitively high, cryptocurrencies provide a cheaper and faster alternative," he said, adding that the country is blessed with a youth and techsavvy population, a median age of around 18 years, and a young population that is highly adaptable to new technologies.

He stressed that the widespread use of smartphones and internet connectivity has facilitated the adoption of digital currencies.

Agama noted that crypto assets present significant opportunities and challenges for Nigeria’s economy, noting that a balanced regulatory approach was essential to harness their benefits while mitigating risks.

“Collaborative efforts from regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public are crucial for

developing effective regulations. I encourage continued dialogue and cooperation to ensure a secure and innovative financial ecosystem.

“The lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework has created uncertainty, which can deter both investors and innovators.

“Cybersecurity threats, including hacking and fraud, pose significant risks. A substantial portion of the population lacks adequate financial literacy, making them vulnerable to scams and risky investments. Despite these challenges, he said there are numerous advantages in the crypto space.

He disclosed that a bill currently before the National Assembly has copious provisions on crypto assets to take care of investors and mitigate possible risks.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Osita Izunaso said his Committee recognises the critical importance of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets in Nigeria.

NAF Airstrikes Eliminate Many Terrorists in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its air component of ‘Operation Whirl Punch’ has eliminated many terrorists in their hideouts in Kaduna State., NAF spokesperson Edward Gabkwet disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said the terrorists were hit at various locations in Giwa and Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Gabkwet said in one of the strikes in Giwa LGA, several terrorists were eliminated while their thatched roof huts were burnt.

"In one of the strikes carried out on 12 July 2024 at terrorist Alhaji Layi's enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu Village in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, several terrorists observed within the location were eliminated while their thatched roofed huts were burned down.

"Similarly, their logistics tucked under thick foliage were also destroyed", Gabkwet said.

He added that similar air strikes conducted on July 13, 2024, over

terrorists' camps located inside Malum Forest in Igabi LGA, also recorded positive outcomes after the targets were acquired and engaged.

"From the Battle Damage Assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zincroofed structures. Subsequently, a precision strike was authorized, which eliminated most of the terrorists", the NAF spokesperson said.

The statement explained that the air strikes "were initiated following thorough and credible human intelligence, alongside intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on 10 July 2024."

Gabkwet said, the NAF, "alongside surface forces, will maintain dominance in the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, regular patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists' safe havens in its area of responsibility and neighbouring states."

L-R: Former Primate, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh; President, African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; and Archbishop Metropolitan/Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, during a retreat of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) on Food Security and Financial Stability in Abuja at the weekend ENOCK REUBEN

DISCUSSING REVIEW OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION...

L-R: Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule; Speaker Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dajoh Hycinth; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ben Kalu ; Speaker, Zamfara State, Rt. Hon. Moriki Bilyaminu, and Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, during a three-day retreat of the 1999 Constitution Review Committee in Abuja…recently

Gunmen on Rampage in Anambra, Kill One, Kidnap Four

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Gunmen on Saturday held Anambra hostage, killing one person and kidnapping at least four persons in various parts of the state.

Videos of some of the attacks had surfaced on social media.

The attacks began at 2.00p.m when hooded gun-wielding men stopped a man driving a Lexus 350 SUV at Ifite area

of Awka and moved him into their Sienna vehicle at gun point, while one of the gunmen drove his SUV after them as they fled.

Our correspondent gathered that shortly after the first incident, the same group of gunmen returned to the same area and abducted a man from his car, a Lexus 350 salon.

A source, who made a video of the incident, said the men

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The company disclosed in a press statement that these services will not only provide invaluable insights into harnessing AI for everyday needs, but also offer subscribers the chance to win exciting prizes through lottery draws.

The first of the services tagged “Glo Awoof Win EverWage” is a game service that offers subscribers the opportunity to win a lifetime salary or participate in a monthly draw with a prize of N12 million.

With this service, subscribers will also receive regular payments, enjoying a stable income stream without the constraints of traditional employment.

“Whether you seek supplementary income or financial stability, Glo EverWage promises peace of mind in today’s dynamic economic environment”, Globacom said.

Sule Takes Nasarawa Investment Drive to India

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Major companies and investors in India have indicated interests in taking their businesses to Nasarawa state as Governor Abdullahi Sule commenced a three-day working visit to India.

This was contained in a statement issued to journalists yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Nasarawa State governor, Ibrahim Addra.

The statement said during two engagements shortly after arriving the commercial city of Mumbai, Governor Sule met with

representatives of Rites Limited, a global giant in infrastructure development, transport and manufacturing as well as a consortium of investors.

“On the cards for discussion between Governor Sule and officials of the company is the planned Keffi-Abuja Rail System, which is an important project with great potentials that the governor’s administration is serious about.

“Abdullahi Sule is in Mumbai on the invitation of a company that specialises in tractor and agricultural production.

GTCO Autism Programme Begins Today

Ayodeji Ake

The Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) annual autism programme and followup consultations begins today where many individuals are expected to benefit.

Commenting on the Programme themed: ‘A Spectrum of Possibilities’, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “Everyone has something special to offer, and we want to help individuals

with autism succeed and lead healthy, supportive lives. By embracing autism as a strength and not a weakness, we can help individuals with ASD find their passion, develop skills, and make meaningful impacts in society.

“We are learning more about autism every day, and we are dedicated to using that kilo to make a positive difference. We believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life, and we are committed to making that possible.”

picked their victim without challenge, and unlike the first incident where they shot in the air to instill fear in the people of the area, this time they leisurely

drove away after picking the victim, abandoning his salon car. Two other incidences that happened on the same Saturday at night were at Oraukwu and

Nimo communities respectively.

“In Oraukwu, the man was trailed and abducted, and his Lexus 350 SUV abandoned on the road, while in the Oraukwu

incident, a petrol station owner who was said to be driving home with one of his petrol attendant was accosted by gunmen.

Lagos Policeman Allegedly Defiles Teenager in Police Station

Sunday Ehigiator

A 17-year-old girl (name withheld) and her mother, Mrs. Aramide Olupona, have accused a police officer identified as Officer Owolabi, attached to the Ogudu Police Station, Ojota in Lagos State of allegedly raping her in an office at the station, and

attempting to cover up the incident.

According to the victim’s account, “On June 29, 2024, Officer Owolabi called my mum on her phone and told her he had arrested the person with my phone and my mum should send me to his police station, and I went there. On getting there, I was

told they made a mistake with the tracking, and that the person caught wasn’t the one with my phone.

“The officer sent his assistant to call me into his office and he showed me directions there. When I entered his office and greeted him, he replied and got up to lock the door and put the key in his pocket. I shouted, ‘Sir, why did you lock the door?’

“He started trying to pull my clothes off and I shouted, then he brought out a gun, cocked it, and threatened to shoot me if I shouted. Then he began harassing me and when I struggled with him he hit me on the back of my head with the gun and raped me.

Azikel Group Flays NCAA Report, Says Licence Not Suspended

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Azikel Dredging Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Azikel group, has flayed the report of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) listing it among the 10 aircraft

operators that have violated the Permit for Non Commercial Flights (PNCF) regulations, even as it stated in clear terms that it has not committed any infractions nor violated the PNCF regulations.

It maintained that the PNCF

issued to the Azikel Dredging Nigeria Limited remains valid till 2026, and thus explained the group consternation of being named as a company whose PNCF has been suspended.

A statement signed by Austin Ebipade, the Communication

Officer, Azikel Dredging Nigerian Limited, said the company has abided by the regulations of the NCAA 2023, part 18, 3, 4 which forbids PNCF holders from using aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward.

Health Minister, First Ladies, Others Join Forces to End Tuberculosis

Mary Nnah

Honourable Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, has passionately appealed to the private sector to join forces with the government in the fight against tuberculosis

(TB) in Nigeria.

Speaking at a dinner event organised by the STOP TB Partnership to launch the Private Sector Strategy to End Tuberculosis in Nigeria in Lagos, the minister emphasised the need for a collective effort to combat the disease, which remains a

significant public health challenge in the country.

“We know the statistics. We are leading in case identification, and the government and its development partners are doing their part. Now, it’s time for the private sector to join the fight,” said the minister.

Pate said: “We need active partners who can amplify our efforts. We have the tools and knowledge to combat TB effectively, but we need your support. We need your expertise, your resources, and your reach to make a significant impact in the fight against TB.”

Monarch Commends Otuaro for Bold Steps to Reposition PAP

The King of Okochiri Kingdom in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRM King Ateke Tom, has hailed the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for the achievements of his administration since he took over the running of the programme. He observed that Otuaro had quietly carried out well-thoughtout reforms to reposition the PAP for better and quality service delivery. The first-class monarch, who stated this when the PAP boss visited him at his palace in Okochiri, stressed that Otuaro had demonstrated that he has capacity to pilot the affairs of the programme. The monarch added that Otuaro’s commitment and passion for efficient service to the people of the Niger Delta were not in doubt.

King Tom cautioned those he described as the detractors of Otuaro to stop their distractive activities, and allow him to concentrate on his job. According to him, the ill-advised attempts by some characters to pull down Otuaro were condemnable and not in the best interest of the region, delegates and beneficiaries of the PAP.

PDP Chieftain Carpets FG over Creation of Livestock Ministry

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development. Onuesoke, in a statement issued in Warri yesterday, while reacting to the development, said the creation of the new ministry was counterproductive. He noted that there was no need to expand avenues where public funds would be pilfered, considering that there were many ministries that are underperforming without so much funds being spent.

The PDP chieftain, who queried what was the difference and function between the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, advised that instead of creating a new ministry, it would have been better for the government to create full fledge Ministry of Science and Statistics where scientists and technologists could be engage in research for the development of the country.

A’Ibom LG Poll: Mkpat Enin Women Adopt Transition Chairman Candidacy

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Satisfied with her performance as Transition Committee (TC) Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, women from the area have pleaded for the adoption of Hon. Mercy

Bassey as the sole candidate in the planned local government elections.

The President of Mbong Iban Mkpat Enin chapter of the women group, Obonganwan Rose Ekanem, made the call in a meeting with grassroots women across the local government.

Ekanem, who is also the Leader Mkpat Enin Grassroots Women thanked Governor Umo Eno and his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno over the selection of Lady Bassey as the Chairman of the TC of Mkpat Enin.

She said the appointment of Lady Bassey as chairman has changed political narrative of the area with hopes for a brighter future of the indigenes,support for sustainable and human capital development as well as food security.

Osun Gov Warns against Construction Without Building Plans

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has warned developers and residents against construction of houses without approved building plans, threatening to bulldoze badly built houses posing threat to human safety.

Reacting to a recent building collapse at Ayetoro area of Osogbo, Governor Adeleke emphasised the importance of securing approvals for

building plans to ensure standard of construction and avoidance of needless deaths and injuries.

According to the governor, building plan is not an optional step in building construction process as it stops substandard houses that frequently collapse and poses safety risk to occupants and environment. “I am using this medium to direct the Ministry of Lands to step up enforcement of approved building plans by developers and residents.

PDP Grabs All Local Govt Areas Seats in Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Chairmen of the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State are to be inaugurated today, July 15, 2024 by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, after emerging victorious at the state local government election held on Saturday.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won all the 25 chairmanship positions in their respective council areas, the Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIDEC), Dr Jerry Agbaike, declared at the commission’s headquarters in Asaba yesterday.

Comrade Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, also of the PDP, had earlier emerged as the first Udu Local Government Area chairmanship candidate to be returned as unopposed and winner of his council election by DSIEC after his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart stepped down for him.

Addressing newsmen after the declaration of the results by the Local Government Area Returning Officers, the DSIEC chairman said that PDP won in 499 electoral wards, while the

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) won in one ward in Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

The election on Saturday was unprecedentedly peaceful despite the glaring voter apathy and delay in the supply of voting materials in most of the polling centres.

However, there were reports of withdrawal from the race by the chairmanship candidates of the APC in Warri South and Ughelli North Local Government Areas, alleging unfairness in the conduct of the exercise by the DSIEC.

Restriction of human and vehicular movement announced by the state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwanda Olufemi, was apparently not enforced as people generally went about their usual businesses between 8.00a.m and 3.00p.m when the restriction order was supposed to be in force.

Nonetheless, the governor will inaugurate the new local government council chairmen in Asaba, while the chairmen will subsequently swear in their respective successful councillors at a later date.

Our officials must go to the estates and development areas to ensure houses are constructed according to approved plans.

“We need to save lives by ensuring that houses are built according to standard. We must also be proactive by testing the strength of houses

before human tragedy occurs. Substandard houses once identified should be pulled down before fatal collapse.

“We will sanction those who refuse to comply with the condition of approved building plans. I further direct relevant agencies to pull down

substandard houses before they wreck havoc. We must not wait for lives to be lost before we act,” Governor Adeleke affirmed.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the government led by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon Mayowa Adejorin, was at the scene of the

building collapse at Ayetoto to assess the damage and launch a government reaction.

Accompanied by Hon Emiola Fakeye, the Governor’s Special Adviser on OSEMA, the team inspected the area and also discovered another building that is in bad state.

Ododo Applauds Appellate Court’s Judgment Re-affirming His Election

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja that upheld the decision of the governorship election petition tribunal, which affirmed his return as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismail Isah, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

In his reaction to the Appeal Court judgment, Governor Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State

for their support, and expressed his appreciation to the judiciary for the swift and expeditious manner with which it dealt with the appeal, adding that the court has again demonstrated that the mandate freely given to him by the people of the state cannot be upturned by persons who may not agree with the will of God

and the majority of the people of the state.

According to Ododo, “I give thanks to God for seeing us through this phase of the court processes and I thank the people of Kogi State for uniting behind our administration and the steps we are taking to serve our people with the best of our ability.

Ebonyi PDP Restates Commitment to Resolving Party Crisis

Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State said it remains committed to resolving the internal crisis currently rocking the party in the state.

The PDP in Ebonyi State has been enmeshed in a serious crisis which is believed to have affected

its chances during the 2023 general election.

After the 2023 election, many chieftains of the party defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development which led to the appointment of a caretaker committee to run its affairs in the state by the National Working Committee (NWC). This also caused a fresh crisis.

This July, the crisis worsened after a former governorship aspirant, Christian Usulor resigned his membership of the party. The former State Assembly member, announced his resignation in a letter dated June 8, 2024, forwarded to his Ward chairman.

Usulor accused the national leadership of the party of worsening the crisis by appointing

“known members of other political parties into the state caretaker committee”.

However, reacting to the crisis rocking the party yesterday, its state Chairman, Steve Oruruo, said that the PDP remains the foundation upon which other parties sprung up, both nationally and in Ebonyi State, hence it cannot be allowed to go down now.

Kwara LG Polls: APC Chieftain Warns against Repeating of ‘O To Ge’ Wildfire in 2027

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and former Public Relations Officer of the party in Kwara State, Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro, at the weekend warned the leadership of the party against the repeat of ‘O to Ge’ (enough is enough) wildfire in the 2027 general election.

across the 16 local government councils of the state

Aro, who is a chairmanship aspirant of Offa Local Government Area of the state for September 21 local government election in the state, stated this in Ilorin in a statement on the sideline of the just concluded primaries of the party held

In the statement titled: ‘Avoid the Repeat of O To Ge in Kwara State’, Aro described “the just concluded primaries of the APC in the 16 local government councils, especially in Offa LGA as a sham” and therefore expressed complete outrage and disappointment at “the fraudulent exercise.”

According to the statement, “I am dismayed that the party’s selection committee could come out to use the shameful Offa exercise to justify their complicity in this monumental electoral fraud that swept across the state.”

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

Beyond Rhetoric of Financial Autonomy for Local Govt Councils

Following the order of the apex court stopping state governments from tampering with the funds meant for Local Government Councils in the country, the federal government may have won the battle but lost the war against grassroots development, writes Alex Enumah

Last Thursday’s landmark judgement of the Supreme Court in favour of Local Governments autonomy continues to receive great accolades and commendation, with some even calling for the take over of the functions of State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that state governors are completely blocked from putting people in office that they can easily influence.

Ironically, the governors who had locked horns with the federal government in the legal battle at the apex did not condemn the verdict against them, but described their perceived loss as a blessing.

Speaking shortly after their meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) had observed that the judgement is a big relief on them. Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the NGF, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues had stated that, “by and large, governors are happy with the devolution of power in respect of local government autonomy. It relieves the burden on governors”.

According to him, the people really don’t know how much states expend in bailing out local governments, “and that’s the issue there”. AbdulRahman explained that what the local governments have to do henceforth is to manage themselves, “especially with the incoming minimum wage, to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid, traditional rulers get their five per cent and those are the main issues”.

In essence, the governors are saying they are okay with the divorce pronounced on their marriage with the LGAs. Like observed by the apex court in its judgement, before 1999 local governments like the states usually throng to Abuja for the monthly Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for their allocations. However, to reduce the burden of travel and other concerns, the states and local governments entered into a marriage of convenience in 1999, through Section 162 of the Constitution.

Section 162(3) of the Constitution stipulates that “Any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal and State Governments and the Local Government Councils in each State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.

While, Section 262(5) stipulates that “The amount standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federation Account shall also be allocated to the State for the benefit of their Local Government Councils on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”, Section 162(6) stipulated that “each State shall maintain a special account to be called “State Joint Local Government Account” into which shall be paid all allocations to

the Local Government Councils of the State from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State.

Subsection (7) on the other hand stipulates that “Each State shall pay to Local Government Councils in its area of jurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, while subsection (8), holds that “The amount standing to the credit of Local Government Councils of a State shall be distributed among the Local Government Councils of that State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of the State.

Monthly, the federal government, states and LGAs receive their allocations from the Federation Account. While 52.68% goes to the federal government, 26.72% goes to the state and 20.60% to the local governments.

Going by the above Section, the states for over two decades have been collecting funds and also administering same on behalf of their LGAs. But, that has ended with the judgement of the apex court that barred the FAAC from channeling LGAs’ funds through the states or paying into the State Joint Local Government Account. The apex court took the decision based on its conviction that the governors were denying the LGAs necessary funds needed for development of the grassroots.

Now that funds would go directly to the local governments, it is ordinarily expected

that they would begin to embark on developmental projects at the grassroots or engage the people more in the governance process. But, this, however, may be far from reality. Just like it is obtainable at the federal and state levels, the chairmen and councillors at the LGAs may embark on spending spree, paying themselves bogus allowances and even engage in converting public funds to personal use.

One of the arguments in support of the action of the federal government and the judgement of the apex court is that since the LGAs are closer to the grassroots they could easily be made to account for the funds allocated to them. If government officials at both the state and federal levels are hardly held accountable what is the guarantee that it would start with the LGAs?

Going back to the states which had seen the judgement as relieving them of a huge burden, there is no doubt that a lot of bills and responsibilities such as development and maintenance of primary healthcare, basic education and lots more at the local level would now be shifted to the LGAs.

Convinced that LGAs bridge the gap between government at the center and the grassroots, former governor of Lagos State and now President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in 2002 embarked on the creation of Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) in Lagos State. Despite the fact that the federal government as well as the Constitution in its several amendments refused to accord the LCDAs the same recognition and status of the LGAs, this has not discouraged other states from establishing LCDAs.

The funding of the LCDAs was not an issue since the states usually extend allocations of the LGAs to

Now that funds would go directly to the local governments, it is ordinarily expected that they would begin to embark on developmental projects at the grassroots or engage the people more in the governance process. But, this, however, may be far from reality. Just like it is obtainable at the federal and state levels, the chairmen and councillors at the LGAs may embark on spending spree, paying themselves bogus allowances and even engage in converting public funds to personal use. One of the arguments in support of the action of the federal government and the judgement of the apex court is that since the LGAs are closer to the grassroots they could easily be made to account for the funds allocated to them. If government officials at both the state and federal levels are hardly held accountable what is the guarantee that it would start with the LGAs?

LCDAs. Now that the judgement of the court is with immediate effect the LCDAs have become the first victim as the LGAs may not be willing to share their allocations. The same goes for the governors who have already indicated removing their shoulders from the burdens of the LGAs.

Meanwhile critics of the judgement have argued that any genuine effort at local government autonomy must go through a proper constitutional amendment. In condemning the verdict, a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori claimed that the “Supreme Court has dealt a severe setback on the principle of federalism as defined by section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended”.

According to Ibori, the federal government has no right to interfere with the administration of local governments under any guise whatsoever. “There are only two tiers of government in a federal system of government”, he said.

“The ruling potentially shifts the balance of power between the federal government and states. By allowing federal intervention in local government finances, it arguably centralizes more power at the federal level, contrary to the principles of federalism”, Ibori added.

The former Delta governor further argued that the ruling may impact the financial independence of states and local governments, adding that, “if the federal government can directly intervene in local government finances, it could potentially use this as a tool for political leverage”.

However, only time will tell the rightness or not of the July 11, 2024 verdict of the seven-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Mohammed Garba. The apex court in a lead judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim had berated the governors for running the LGs as if they were their stooges. They further faulted the arbitrary and unilateral manner in which the governors disburses and manage funds belonging to the third-tier of government. It is the position of the Supreme Court that the retention of funds belonging to the LGs have brought unnecessary hardship on the people in the various local government areas.

Hence, the need to ensure constitutional provisions of running the LGs through democratically elected officials as well as ensuring that funds belonging to the LGs were not tampered with by the states. It was the conclusion of the apex court that although Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria directed the payment of their monthly allocations to a joint account, the aim of that law has been defeated owing to the retention of the funds by the states and arbitrary usage.

Tinubu

AbdulRazaq

Ariwoola

This Week In Tech

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Oyetayo: Navigating Future of Cross-Border Payments in Africa

The Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of VertoFX, Mr. Ola Oyetayo, provides a deep dive into the dynamic evolution of cross-border payments across Africa. He discusses the innovative solutions driving this transformation and sheds light on Verto’s pivotal role in overcoming challenges encountered by African SMEs and businesses. From navigating currency liquidity issues to addressing regulatory complexities, Mr. Oyetayo offers valuable insights that highlight VertoFX’s commitment to revolutionising the continent’s financial landscape. Nosa Alekhuogie presents the excerpts:

The CBN recently issued a new circular for International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs). Can you share your thoughts on its potential impact on the efficiency of international money transfers and cross border payments as a whole?

Ibelieve the initiative from the CBN is a welcome development with positive implications for both efficiency and beneficiary satisfaction. The CBN has introduced a mechanism that allows them to directly participate in the foreign exchange market by purchasing foreign currency from IMTOs. This addresses a key pain point for IMTOs, who previously faced delays due to their banking partners’ limited naira liquidity to settle transactions promptly. The CBN’s role as a direct buyer of foreign currency injects muchneeded liquidity into the system, streamlining the settlement process and expediting turnaround times for IMTOs.

Additionally, the directive to settle remittances in Nigerian Naira aligns with beneficiary preferences. Research indicates that people prefer receiving money in local currency due to the rise of digital remittance services and the fact that most transactions in Nigeria are conducted in Naira. In the past, receiving foreign currency meant extra costs due to conversion fees and usage limitations for beneficiaries. Overall, the CBN’s participation and focus on local currency settlement are positive developments for the efficiency and user experience of cross-border payments in Nigeria.

Trapped funds are a major challenge for multinationals operating in Africa. How can fintechs address this hurdle and encourage continued investment in the continent?

Fintech companies providing cross-border payment solutions can enable seamless, secure, and cost-effective transfers of funds between African countries and global markets, helping to release any trapped funds. They can establish robust platforms for real-time currency exchange and hedging services, reducing the risks associated with currency volatility and simplifying fund management for multinationals.

Moreover, fintechs can develop solutions to ensure compliance with local and international regulations, streamlining the process for multinationals to repatriate their earnings. By forming strategic partnerships with local banks and financial institutions, fintechs can enhance liquidity and offer localised financial services, making it easier for multinationals to access and transfer funds. Finally, fintechs can provide advanced analytics and reporting tools, offering insights into cash flow management. This helps multinationals make informed decisions about their investments and fund management in Africa.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPPS) aiming to boost intra-African trade, what are some key ways fintech solutions can further enhance these initiatives?

I will say fintech solutions can create and support unified payment platforms that facilitate seamless, real-time transactions across all African countries, reducing reliance on multiple payment systems and boosting efficiency. Enhancing interoperability between various mobile money platforms and banking systems across Africa can ensure smooth intra-African trade payments. By implementing solutions that significantly reduce transaction costs for cross-border payments, fintechs can make trade more affordable for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, they can develop tools to help businesses navigate and comply with diverse regulatory requirements across African nations, simplifying the process of engaging in intra-African trade.

Informal channels remain dominant for cross-border remittances. How is this impacting the economy and what is the solution?

Informal channels for cross-border remittances, while convenient for some senders, can negatively impact the economy. These channels often operate outside regulations, making it difficult to track money flows and monitor for money laundering and other illegal activities. Additionally, the

government misses out on potential tax revenue from informal remittances, which could otherwise be used for infrastructure development. Furthermore, informal channels may not offer competitive exchange rates or protection from currency fluctuations, exposing senders and recipients to potential financial losses.

Addressing the dominance of informal channels requires a multi-pronged approach. This involves tackling the factors that drive the use of these channels and making formal channels more accessible and attractive. Formal remittance services need to be more efficient, user-friendly, and affordable to compete effectively with informal options. This could include expanding access points, simplifying documentation requirements, and expediting the turnaround time for money transfer services.

Limited liquidity is a challenge for many African currencies. How does Verto FX’s approach, or broader fintech solutions, address this issue and contribute to a more robust cross-border payment ecosystem in Africa?

Verto’s multi-currency wallets enable businesses to hold and manage multiple African currencies, facilitating easier and more efficient currency exchanges and payments. We also create and manage liquidity pools that aggregate funds from various sources in particularly illiquid markets, ensuring there is sufficient liquidity for currency exchanges even in less liquid markets. Our marketplace connects businesses directly, improving liquidity by matching demand and supply more effectively.

Also, Verto’s dynamic pricing helps businesses manage currency risk and volatility, making cross-border transactions more predictable and stable. We have partnerships with local banks and financial institutions to enhance liquidity by tapping into their local currency reserves and networks. In addition, we offer rapid settlement services to reduce the time funds are held in transit, increasing the overall efficiency and liquidity of cross-border transactions.

Furthermore, we have advanced compliance and risk management solutions that ensure transactions adhere to regulatory requirements, reducing the risk associated with currency conversions and cross-border payments.

Limited liquidity often hinders traditional banks in facilitating crossborder transactions. How does Verto FX’s approach differ from traditional banks in addressing these liquidity challenges?

Our marketplace product enables businesses to connect directly for cross-border transactions. For instance, we serve customers with a large supply of G10 currencies looking to exchange for African currencies, such as remittance providers. Simultaneously, we cater to local African businesses seeking to exchange their African currencies for G10 currencies.

What sets Verto apart from traditional banks is the technological sophistication of our payments platform. Our product and technology suite allows businesses to make cross-border payments rapidly. By sourcing liquidity from our clients and leveraging our advanced platform and robust infrastructure, we facilitate efficient cross-border transactions.

Small and medium-sixed enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Africa’s economy, but cross-border payments remain a significant barrier to their growth. Can you elaborate on the main challenges that make intra-continental payments so difficult for SMEs?

African SMEs are the driving force behind the continent’s economic growth, but their success depends on seamless cross-border payments. Unfortunately, these transactions often face numerous challenges that hinder SME potential. Limited liquidity in many African currencies makes it difficult to find buyers and sellers, resulting in high transaction costs. Currency fluctuations further complicate matters, making it hard for SMEs to predict the final costs of international business. Delays in cross-

border settlements, which can take days through traditional channels, tie up essential working capital. Additionally, regulatory hurdles add complexity, as navigating the diverse foreign exchange regulations across Africa is challenging for SMEs, especially those operating in multiple markets. Complex documentation requirements also exclude many SMEs, particularly those in the informal sector, from the formal cross-border payment system.

The good news is that solutions exist. Platforms like ours, which focus on emerging market currencies and have access to a broad pool of liquidity providers, can offer SMEs competitive rates and improved trade execution.

Does your company see a role for cryptocurrency in the future of African business payments?

Yes, absolutely. This is already the case as we see cryptocurrencies being increasingly used for payments across businesses, stablecoins in particular are turning out to be quite a popular means of payments for more digitally savvy business owners .

Looking ahead to the next five years, what are the key trends or developments that you see driving the most significant growth in African payment solutions?

Africa’s digital payment landscape is poised for a dynamic future, with several key trends expected to drive significant growth over the next five years. One of the most prominent trends is the ongoing mobile money revolution. Given the high mobile phone penetration across the continent, mobile money is expected to continue its dominance, extending its reach beyond basic transactions. Fintechs are set to become even more influential. They will keep challenging traditional institutions while also collaborating with them to expand their reach. This will create a healthy competitive landscape, offering more choices and features for users.

With increasing innovation, we can also anticipate a rise in regtech solutions. These solutions will streamline compliance for fintechs and help authorities effectively manage the evolving landscape, fostering trust and stability in the African payments space. It is important to remember that Africa is a diverse continent, so the pace of innovation will vary depending on the unique circumstances of each market, including infrastructure, regulations, and user preferences.

Are there projects you are currently working on to further make cross-border payment solutions accessible to all?

Absolutely. At Verto, we are constantly innovating to make cross-border payments not only efficient but accessible to everyone. One of our latest initiatives is the Verto Marketplace. We recognize the long-standing challenges faced by business owners engaging in international money transfers, including limited control over exchange rates, high upfront costs, lack of transparency, and inefficient processes. These issues not only create frustration but also significantly impact profitability and operational efficiency.

This is particularly true when dealing with illiquid and emerging market currencies like the Nigerian Naira (NGN), South African Rand (ZAR), Central African CFA Franc (XAF), West African CFA Franc (XOF), and Kenyan Shilling (KES). The global market for these currencies is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. However, only a small percentage of forex market participants currently trade these currencies, exacerbating liquidity issues and increasing costs.

Verto Marketplace addresses these challenges. It is a secure and user-friendly platform that provides a much-needed solution for businesses and institutions dealing in these currencies. On this platform, individuals and businesses can connect directly with a network of vetted counterparties, compare rates, and choose the best option for their specific transfer. This transparency and ease of access empower users, especially those unfamiliar with traditional remittance channels. We leverage our technology to simplify the entire process and provide real-time tracking of transfers, reducing friction and ensuring a faster, smoother experience for everyone involved.

Oyetayo

BUSINESS WORLD

AS AT JULY 12,2024

Amid Price Volatility, 10 Banks’ Exposure

& Gas Sector Rise

Kayode Tokede

Despite crude price volatility, a total of 10 banks’ exposure to the Oil & gas sector stood at N12.08 trillion in 2023, representing about 80 per cent increase from N6.71 trillion reported in 2022.

Conversely, the 10 banks gross credit concentration in Agriculture, real estate, General Commerce, Information Technology, among others stood at N64.21 trillion in 2023, about 64.4 per cent increase from N39.06 trillion in 2022.

Brent crude oil price averaged $83 per barrel in 2023, down from $101 per barrel in 2022, as global markets adjusted to new trade dynamics, with crude oil from Russia finding destinations outside the EU, and lower than expected demand.

The slowdown in the prices of

crude oil and sluggish growth in oil production had a negative impact on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

For the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket price, crude oil price closed 2023 at $78.44 per barrel from $81.29 per barrel it closed 2022.

The banks investigated by THISDAY are; Access Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Plc (GTCO), United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc.

Others include; Fidelity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.

THISDAY findings revealed that banks operating in the country in 2023 financial year made huge loan provisions for Oil & gas, among

other key sectors as demanded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prudential guidelines.

A breakdown revealed that out of the 10 banks, FBN Holdings, followed by Zenith Bank and GTCO are the only three Tier-1 banks with lending to oil & gas sector in 2023 financial year above N2 trillion. Mark.

According to the 2023 audited results, FBN Holdings exposure to Oil & gas sector stood at N2.19 trillion in 2023, about 79 per cent increase from N1.22trillion reported in 2022 financial year.

The Holdings loans and advances to customers retail portfolio in the oil & gas sector stood at N2.53 billion in 2023 from N153.46 billion in 2022, while loans and advances to customers - Corporate Portfolio in the oil & gas sector was at N2.18

trillion in 2023 from N1.22 trillion reported in 2022.

Zenith Bank’s exposure to the Oil & gas was at N2.1trillion in 2023, a growth of 127 per cent from N931.05billion reported in 20222.

The sector contributed nearly 30 per cent to Zenith Bank’s N7.06 trillion loans and advances to customers in 2023.

GTCO joined the list of top three banks’ lending to oil & gas with an exposure of N2.29 trillion in 2023, a growth of 57.4 per cent from N1.45 trillion reported in 2022.

GTCO in a presentation to analysts and investors stated that the group continued to maintain a well-distributed loan book with a specific focus on asset quality across select business segments.

The Group explained that, “Exchange rate movement from N461.5/$1 in 2022 to N907.11/$1

in 2023 resulted in an increase in the contribution of the oil & gas sector to the gross loan portfolio at bank level, from 41 per cent to 49 per cent in-spite of scheduled repayments and conscious effort at reducing the concentration risk within this sector.

“Exposures to the upstream, midstream, downstream, and natural gas oil & gas sector increased from 30 per cent, nine per cent, two per cent, and 0per cent to 31per cent, 14 per cent, three per cent, and three per cent, respectively between 2022 and 2023.

“Contribution of other sectors aside from manufacturing which increased to 18 per cent from 13per cent either declined or remained flat on account of the increased contribution of the oil & gas sector to the to the gross loan portfolio i.e., information, telecoms and transport

sector contribution dropped to six per cent from eight per cent, Individual to nine per cent from 13 per cent, Government to two per cent from four per cent. 66.6per cent of the exposures in the oil & gas sector are USD-denominated and are significantly concentrated in the upstream oil and gas, thus subject to exchange rate volatility.

“The total restructured loans stood at N386.2billion in 2023 significantly influenced by Naira devaluation increasing from N280.5billion in 2022 and constituting 14.8per cent of the gross loan portfolio. 90per cent of the restructured loans relate to one obligor and all the restructured loans have been appropriately classified as Stage 2 Facilities.”

PMI Identifies Critical Skills as Major Requirement for Future of Work

Project Management Institute, a not-for-profit professional organisation for project management, has stated that the revolution that changed the trend in the work place during the pandemic was an indication that digital skills technology would determine the approach to work in future in all markets.

According to a report conducted by PMI, work also evolved such that nearly everyone is now required to interact with the three ‘As’: automation, algorithms, and AI. It added that workers haven’t been unscathed,

with passion and purpose now a priority over paychecks.

According to the Managing Director, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, “This transformative era, driven by technological advancements and shifting societal demands, necessitates re-evaluating the skills required to thrive professionally. It is evident that the future of work requires not only technical skills but also an enduring commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. For today’s youth, preparing for tomorrow’s jobs means developing robust skills that are resilient in the face of change.”

The Institute further added that PMI as a professional organisation for projects is concerned with recognising the critical need for skills that facilitate not just task execution but also adaptability, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It pointed out that project management embodies these competencies, equipping individuals with the tools to manage resources, time, and people effectively.

“As industries evolve, Asamani said, ‘traditional education requires an equivalent of booster shots administered for COVID-19 vaccines to stay relevant and effective. Relying solely on the

skills acquired through formal education is no longer sufficient. Instead, the focus must shift towards a model of continuous education—one that fosters upskilling and reskilling. In this context, project management skills are particularly valuable as they are applicable across industries and career stages.

“These skills include but are not limited to, effective communication, risk management, resource management, and leadership—all of which are crucial for successful collaboration and project delivery in any field. Moreover, these skills encourage an inherently proactive mindset and readiness

to tackle unforeseen challenges, a necessity in the volatile professional environments of today and tomorrow,” he added.

He further pointed out that certifications like the Certified Associate in Project Management equip individuals with the essential skills needed to meet the evolving demands of various industries, effectively preparing them for the modern workplace.

“The future of work may be uncertain, but the path to preparing for it is clear. It lies in cultivating a culture of continuous learning and equipping our youth with versatile skills. By doing so, we not only enhance their prospects for

a successful career but also ensure that they can contribute positively to the continent’s economy.

“Lifelong learning must be embraced as a personal and professional ideology that encourages individuals to continually seek knowledge and skills that enhance their capabilities and adaptability. This approach is not just about staying relevant; it’s about being proactive in one’s career development, ready to seize opportunities in emerging fields such as green energy, gaming, and technology,” he said.

Raheem Akingbolu

COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Executive Director, Keystone Bank Limited, Mrs Nnenna Anyim Okoro; Managing Director/ CEO, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr Abubakar Bello; Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr Hassan Imam and Executive Director, Corporate Services, NEXIM Bank, Mr. Ibrahim Gaga, when Keystone Bank management team paid a courtesy visit to the NEXIM Bank executives in Abuja… recently.

TTP Joins UNILAG to Empower Future Graduates for Career in Maritime

Trucks Transit Parks Limited (TTP) has said it participated in the official launch of the UNILAG-Employment Clinic: Education to Employment Transition Programme (EETP), themed, “Blue Career Insights.”

The event, it said, took place at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, and brought together leaders from both academia and industry.

Speaking, Managing Director of TTP, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, surmised that to enable the education-to-employment transition, students need to identify their passion, minimise distractions, identify socio-economic problems

around them and research their solutions, be team players, stand on the right principles and avoid destructive habits.

Onwubuariri also highlighted the success of TTP’s Ètò call-up system, a pioneering technology that has revolutionized logistics and transport management at Apapa and Tincan ports.

Onwubuariri’s insights underscored the critical role of innovation and practical solutions in enhancing graduate employability.

“TTP is committed to fostering an environment where education meets practical application. Our participation in this significant event reflects our dedication to empowering students with the

Firms Partner to Introduce Regional Air Ambulance for Oil Sector

Chinedu Eze

Nesto Aviation Services (Nest AV), ADAC Academy of Germany, Kasi Healthcare Offshore are partnering to launch regional air ambulance with Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for oil and gas sector focused on providing services in the Golden Hour medical emergencies, occurring at remote locations across West Africa and offshore locations in Gulf of Guinea.

The service is focused on rescuing oil and gas personnel during emergencies or accidents occurring at remote locations across West Africa and Offshore Locations in Gulf of Guinea at the shortest possible time, known as Golden Hour medical emergencies

In a joint media conference, the organisations said that in the move that will significantly improve access to emergency medical care for workers in oil and gas sector in offshore areas of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Nesto Aviation Services, ADAC HEMS Academy Germany and Kasi Healthcare Offshor & Aeromedical Unit have joined forces to establish a state-of-the-art training center in Nigeria linked to the ADAC HEMS Academy GmbH, Germany.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

“We are the largest indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) service provider for major IOCs in Sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership represents a significant leap forward in providing critical medical care across offshore and remote locations in Gulf of Guinea. By bringing together our collective strengths, we are establishing a world-class air ambulance and HEMS program that will have a profound impact on the health and well-being of workers in oil industry across the region,” said Chairman of Nestoil Group, Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi.

“ADAC HEMS Academy is proud to conclude the signing of a framework agreement with Kasi Healthcare as medical ops provider and Nest AV as flight ops provider in this groundbreaking project.

tools and knowledge necessary for success in the modern workforce. At TTP, we believe in the power of innovation and critical thinking to drive sustainable economic development. The Ètò

system is a prime example of how innovative thinking can address critical challenges and create new opportunities, and we are honoured for the opportunity to share our experiences and insights with the

future leaders in attendance,” said Onwubuariri.

The UNILAG-Employment Clinic, EETP, is designed to provide students with the skills and insights needed to navigate the transition

from university to employment effectively. The program’s success highlights the value of industryacademia collaborations in driving positive outcomes for students and the broader economy.

Ex-Staff of EEDC Arrested for Bypassing, Tampering Meters for Customers

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC), has announced that it, last week, arrested an ex-staff for bypassing and tampering prepaid meters for EEDC customers in Onitsha, Anambra State.

“The suspect identified as Lawrence Okeke specialises in the replacement of original meter sensors with fake ones thereby bypassing the meters and making them not record the actual consumption by customers. This development has negatively impacted on the revenue of the distribution company, “the company

said in a statement.

The Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, in the statement said that following a report by a whistle blower, the Meter Monitoring Team of the company was deployed to some locations on a routine meter monitoring inspection.

“At one of the customer’s premises visited at Bida Road, Onitsha, they discovered that the meter was bypassed, and the original meter sensor removed and replaced with the fake one. While the team interrogated the customer who already admitted

their findings, the customer gave out the identity and contact of the individual that performed the bypass as Lawrence Okeke, who happens to be an ex-staff of EEDC.

Immediately, Lawrence was tracked and arrested, and handed over to the Central Police Station, Onitsha, where he is currently assisting the Police in their investigation, “he said.

According to Ezeh, Lawrence Okeke who hails from Adogba Village in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, was disengaged from EEDC in December 2020 for gross misconduct.

“The apprehension of the suspect by the team is a great breakthrough in the organization’s fight against meter bypass and energy theft. It is believed that by the time the investigation is concluded, a lot of atrocities already perpetrated by the likes of Lawrence in our network, will be unraveled,” Ezeh said.

Ezeh cautioned customers who engage in meter bypass to desist from such as the company has stepped up its prepaid meter monitoring activities and anyone caught will be made to face the music.

Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group, through its philanthropic arm, TGI Cares Foundation, has reinforced its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities by donating food items and essential supplies to indigent citizens in Ebute Metta, Lagos recently.

The TGI Cares Foundation, whose objectives promote food security by supporting appropriate education, championing social interventions, and providing relief in times of disaster, partnered with FoodClique Support Initiative, a leading NGO dedicated to eradicating hunger, for the outreach

to cushion the worrying effects of the current economic hardships on Nigerians.

TGI Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Rafiat Gawat stated, “We recognize the profound impact of hunger on our communities, particularly in view of the cost of living crisis ravaging the world currently. Our commitment is unwavering in providing meaningful support to those at risk. As an organization, we will continue to play our part in eradicating hunger and supporting our communities.”

The CEO of FoodClique Support Initiative, Ibrahim Onilegbale, added, “Our longstanding partnership with TGI Cares Foundation has always been about more than just providing food. Together, we have consistently worked to combat hunger and create sustainable solutions for a more secure future for many Nigerians.”

Following food donations during the pandemic, the foundation intensified efforts in achieving its objectives. As part of its mandate to support education as a tool to engender food security, the foundation made a donation of

laptops and pocket MiFi through Jigawa iLearn Scholars, to several students as they commenced their BSc, MSc and MBA programs at prestigious Indian universities under the e-VBAB Network Project among other things. More recently, the foundation collaborated with the Cosmopolitan Women’s Club (CWC) by supporting the CWC Food Bank Project with monthly food donations. This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.

Winners of Inaugural Slum Brains Competition Emerge

Winners have emerged in the maiden edition of the Slum Brains Competition, an initiative of Uncle Sele Foundation, a Lagos-based non-government organization whose advocacy is focused on SDG4, Quality Education and addressing the issue of learning poverty in Nigeria.

The hotly contested event, which had the theme, “Combating Learning Poverty in Nigeria”, took place in Makoko, Lagos, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with schools from across the community participating. Ultimately, WHANYINNA

Children Foundation went home with the top position, followed by MAWUMADOKA Nursery and Primary School in second place and MIPAMAWU Nursery and Primary School in third position.

Other schools that took part in the contest included Morning Dew Nursery and Primary School, Wesley Nursery & Primary School, Part of Solution Nursery and Primary School, Potential Nursery and Primary School, and Jesus Command Nursery and Primary School.

All participants went home with very valuable prizes, with Samuel

Awhansuha bagging the star prize of full tuition scholarship through secondary school for emerging the overall best student sponsored by Abbey Mortgage Bank.

In his remarks at the event, Selekumo Opuofoni, founder of the Uncle Sele Foundation for Human Values, Empowerment and Sustenance and convener of the Slum Brains competition, Selekumo Opuofoni, said the initiative is meant to help drive quality education and address learning poverty in the slums, encouraging schools and children to pursue education beyond their

perceived limitations.

The World Values Day Schools Ambassador in Nigeria said: “We visited the schools participating in this competition. They were as excited as we were to promote quality education in their schools, which engendered their enthusiastic participation in the competition.”

Also speaking, a director of the Foundation, Preere Opuofoni, expressed the commitment to continuously support learning in underprivileged localities like Makoko, which has manifested through concrete actions.

Oluchi Chibuzor

the launch of the Grain Processing Innovation Center by Buhler in collaboration with FMN at the premises of Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM), a subsidiary of FMN in Kano… recently

Customs Auction Seized 55,164 Litres of PMS in Sokoto

The Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), has 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 directives 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.

“The breakdown of the seizure is as follows; the intelligence driven tactical team code named operation Whirlwind made a seizure of 28,116 Liters while the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command patrol teams made a seizure of 23,030 litres.

“Even with the subsidy removal, Nigeria still remains among the list of countries with the cheapest Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). PMS is sold at an average of N701.99k per liter in the country while in Cameroon

Yahshud Property Floats Non-interest Real Estate Products with Higher Returns

Yahshud Property Limited has launched its Real Estate Assets Investment Notes (RAIN) that would provide Shariah-compliant investments avenues with competitive returns.

YPL explained that it would also foster a culture of financial empowerment and ethical investing with products like RAIN, which would make real estate investments accessible to broader audience, including those looking for noninterest Shariah-compliant options.

The Founder/Chief Executive Officer of YPL, Mr. Abdiljabbar Oyekan, said: “Our mission at Yahshud is to provide accessible and ethical investment opportunities that empower Nigerians and international investors to participate in the real estate market.

“We are dedicated to leveraging our expertise in construction technology, and estate management to offer innovative and reliable investment products.”

He added that YPL’s services encompassed a broad spectrum of real estate investment opportunities for seasoned investors and newcomers.

Speaking in the same view, Head of Impact at YPL, Ms. Hadiza Lawal, said that “at Yahshud, we believe that real estate investment should

not only be profitable, but also create a positive impact on society.

“Our products are designed to empower individuals and communities, promoting financial inclusion and sustainable development.

“We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring that our investments align with the values and aspirations of our clients.”

Co-Founder & Head of Asset Management at YPL, Mr. Abdulazeez Alamutu, highlighted the benefits of Yahshud’s approach.

Alamutu said: “By focusing on diversified portfolios and de-risked investments, we ensure that our clients can access high-quality real estate opportunities. Our commitment to ethical investment practices and financial transparency sets us apart in the market.”

Also, Co-Founder & Head of Finance, Mr. Ibrahim Ajani, also said that “we believe in the power of real estate to drive economic growth and financial stability.

“Our goal is to create investment opportunities that are not only profitable but also align with the values and needs of our clients. Our rigorous financial analysis and commitment to ethical financing ensure that our products offer both security and competitive returns.”

it is sold at N2,061.55k, Mali is N2,128.20k and N1,672.05k in the Republic of Benin.

“PMS price margin between Nigeria and other West Africa Countries has made smuggling of the product an easy profit making venture for smugglers as it

fetches them two or three times its domestic price. The smuggling of the product has continued to create artificial scarcity in some parts of the country and also brought about additional burden on the country’s scarce foreign exchange used to import the product.

“In line with the extant laws and the approval of the Conptroller General of Custom, Bashir Adewale, the seized 55,164 Liters of PMS will today be auctioned to the general public at a token of N180 Naira. The Service will continue to protect Nigeria’s

economic interest with dedication, justice and integrity, “he said The Controller however on behalf of the CG warns the smugglers to desist from their actions. He said “Nigeria Customs Service will run you out of your illegitimate business”

SEC Collaborates with AfDB to Expand Stakeholders Capacity on Green

Kayode

Tokede

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, in partnership with African Development Bank (AfDB), is set to host a ground-breaking Capacity Building Workshop for Capital Markets Operators on Green Finance.

This strategic initiative, funded by the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund (CMDTF) administered by the AfDB, aims to fortify Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading hub for green and sustainable

finance and it is being facilitated by Climate Transition Limited.

The workshop, scheduled for this month in Lagos, is a vital step in consolidating these gains and ensuring the Nigerian capital market meets the goal of becoming Africa’s deepest and most liquid capital market, contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

Over the past decade, the Nigerian capital market has experienced substantial growth, marked by increased activities in both equity and bond markets. In alignment with global

sustainability mandates, the SEC launched rules for green bonds issuance in December 2018, creating a conducive environment for green finance.

The Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, “The SEC is committed to fostering a sustainable financial ecosystem in Nigeria. This workshop is part of our broader strategy to integrate green finance into our capital markets and attract more sustainable investments. By enhancing the capabilities of our market operators, we are not

Finance

only promoting environmental stewardship but also driving long-term economic growth.”

Co-Founder and Executive Director at Climate Transition Limited, Olumide Lala stated that the transition to a green economy is essential for Nigeria’s sustainable development, and green finance is a critical component of this transition,”

“This workshop will provide market operators with the tools they need to drive this change and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy,” he stated.

Fidson Announces Strong Financial Performance at 25th AGM

Mary Nnah

The Board of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company, presented robust financial results at its 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

At the meeting, which was held in Lagos, shareholders unanimously approved the payment of a dividend of 60 kobo per 50 kobo ordinary shares for the year ended 31 December 2023. This dividend reflects a 9.1% increase over the 2022 dividend payout.

Despite the challenging operational environment in the country last year, the company reported an impressive turnover of

Raheem Akingbolu

130 year-old First Bank has urged its customers across the world to look inward and identify the ‘giant’ in them as they aspire to extend their frontiers.

Speaking during the unveiling of the bank’s new thematic brand campaign called ‘Giants’, which was conceptualised to bring out the best in their patrons and businesses, Head,

N53.050 billion in 2023, compared to N40.634 billion in 2022, representing an increase of 31%.

Attesting to its operational excellence, operating profit grew by 6.78%, from N7.489 billion in 2022 to N7.996 billion in 2023 while profit before tax also increased by 2%, from N5.781 billion in 2022 to N5.917 billion in the year under review. Profit after tax dropped by 13.85% from N4.187 billion in 2022 to N3.607 billion in 2023.

In his statement, the Company Chairman, Mr. Olusegun Adebanji explained that the business experienced increased cost in its operations mostly associated with energy, cost of importation and

Brands and Stakeholder management at First Bank, Yinka Ijabiyi, said First Bank came up the new campaign because of its belief that there is a ‘giant’ in every customer, every employee and every stakeholder. He said, “This campaign was informed by our belief that there is ‘giant’ in every stakeholder -a giant dream, a giant possibility, a giant idea, a giant life and a giant future waiting to be birthed. Our

administrative expenses. He said, “The Board and Management have put measures in place to ensure operational efficiency and enhance the strength and affordability of our brands in order to minimize the adverse effects of the challenging economic environment on operating results going forward.”

Making his remarks, the founder and Managing Director, Dr Fidelis Ayebae credited the growth of the organisation to the sustained support, trust and interest of the company’s stakeholders and loyal customers as well as the management’s drive for excellence and business expansion.

commitment is therefore to provide all necessary business support, financial know-how and platforms to bring out the giant in every customer,”

Ijabiyi further pointed out that the campaign was conceptualised by the bank in a bid to show customers in its 130 years, that it has been supporting and creating giants and that it has no plan to stop anytime soon.

“We continuously strive to expand our manufacturing facilities and brand portfolio developing our capacity to manufacture all forms of pharmaceutical products. Within one year, we have increased our eye and ear drops offerings, and commenced the development of dialysis fluid while pioneering the local production of ampoule injections in the country. These expansion projects are not only viable but also secure our long-term competitiveness and align with the expectations of our numerous stakeholders who believe in our capacity to contribute significantly to the success of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.”

He said the bank, in its celebration of its 130 years in business, came up with a campaign that speaks to the business essence of its brand which is making giants of its customers.

“We have always done it and the fact we have been around for such a long time means good to everybody as we have been supporting businesses, individuals and government in those years.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

South West PAN Lauds Tinubu over Livestock Ministry Establishment

Kemi Olaitan

The South West chapter of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a visionary leadership move meant to address the long-standing issues in the agriculture sector.

The Chairman of the association in the zone, Rev. Gideon Oluleye, in a statement issued in Ibadan, commended the resolve of the President to end the ongoing hostilities between

farmers and herders which have hampered economic growth and jeopardized national unity.

He also lauded the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, stating that it demonstrates the dedication of the government to finding a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the issue.

“This development is a significant step towards addressing the lingering issues between farmers and herders, and the Poultry Association sees this as the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to

the lingering crisis rocking the Nigerian agricultural sector,” he said.

Oluleye also expressed appreciation for the contributions of several key stakeholders in the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform.

Meantime, the association has scheduled a stakeholders meeting for tomorrow in Ibadan where its

National President, Mr. Sunday Ezeobiora, is expected to address members and other relevant stakeholders in the poultry farming sector on the ongoing challenges faced by poultry farmers in the country.

Startups Get $20,000 Boost at Markhack 3.0

About 10 Marketing Technology (Marketech) startups have emerged winners, benefiting from a pool of winnings valued at $20,000, at the grand finale of the Markhack 3.0, one of Africa’s pioneering marketech hackathon.

Organised by Eko Innovation Centre (EIC), in conjunction with the GDM Group and Brand Communicator, the event showcased tech start-ups in marketing, media and communication industry with the aim of

helping local tech founders in marketing and communication scale their businesses as much as their contemporaries from other parts of the world.

Speaking on the rationale behind Markhack, the convener behind MarkHack and Chief Executive Officer, Eko Innovation Center, Mr. Victor Afolabi, explained that, “at a time where the marketing and media landscape is rapidly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses and organizations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the land-

scape of marketing, pushing businesses to adapt rapidly to new realities thus accelerating the adoption of technology in unprecedented ways.”

In his welcome address, the Publisher of Brand Communicator and Organising Partner for Markhack3.0, Mr. Joshua Ajayi, remarked that marketing and media is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Hence, subjects like “Artificial intelligence, big data, immersive technologies are not just buzzwords, but real tools reshaping our industry landscape.

AIICO Pays N200.9bn Claims in Five Years

Ebere Nwoji

AIICO Insurance Plc, has said it paid over N200 billion claims in five years to its various policy holders who filed different claims as a result of losses incurred.

With this the company said its stakeholders have acknowledged it for its exceptional performance in prompt claims and benefits payments.

A statement from the company’s management said this milestone reflects AIICO’s unwavering commitment to providing financial security and peace of mind to its policyholders.

“A comprehensive review of AIICO’s claims and benefits settlements from 2019 to 2023 reveals

that the company has consistently prioritised the timely disbursement of claims to both retail customers and corporate clients,” said AIICO’s Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Babatunde Fajemirokun.

He highlighted the breakdown of the claims paid saying in 2019, AIICO paid a total of N30.6 billion. In 2020, it paid N31.6 billion while in 2021, the underwriting firm paid N47.3 billion

In 2022 it paid N44.9 billion while in 2023, it paid N46.5 billion, bringing the total claims paid by the underwriting giant in five years to N200.9 billion.

Fajemirokun said AIICO’s robust claims management process and customer-centric approach have solidified its position as a trusted

partner in safeguarding the financial well-being of individuals and businesses alike.

He insisted that the company was dedicated to customer satisfaction and service excellence.

“At AIICO Insurance, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We exist to serve and protect them, ensuring that their genuine claims are settled swiftly and fairly.

“This five-year profile is a testament to our commitment to delivering on our promises and maintaining the trust that our customers place in us. We remain dedicated to continuously improving our processes and services to meet the evolving needs of our valued policyholders,” he said.

Cavista Holdings Appoints Adedeji as Group Marketing Director

Cavista Holdings Limited, a leading conglomerate in Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Fintech is thrilled to announce the appointment of Wole Adedeji as the new Group Marketing Director.

Wole brings over 20 years of extensive multi-industry and multinational experience to our team. His distinguished career cuts across several blue-chip companies in the Fast-Moving

Consumer Goods (FMCG), Technology, Telecommunications and Advertising sectors.

Wole’s rich background in commercial leadership, customer acquisition, customer journey and lifetime management, brand building, digital transformation, and revenue management makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team. His proven track record in developing winning portfolio marketing strategies, business

frameworks, commercial acumen, and thought leadership will significantly enhance our talented management team.

“Wole Adedeji’s wealth of experience and proven leadership make him a perfect fit for Cavista Holdings. We are confident that his innovative approach and strategic vision will drive our marketing efforts to new heights,” said Mr. Dele Odufuye, Managing Director of Cavista Holdings.

Ehizua Hub, GBrains Partners to Empower Students in Edo

Ehizua Hub Limited, a leading EdTech provider, and Test House Tutorials (Gbrains), a renowned tutorial service, proudly announce their strategic partnership.

The Chief Executive Officer, Ehizua Hub, Osobase Matthias Ehizua, in a statement said the groundbreaking collaboration aims to transform education by merging creative technology programs with traditional high school subject tutorials.

“The transition from secondary school to higher education can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Many students opt for gap years to prepare for critical exams like JAMB and WAEC. During this period, they grapple with intense pressure to excel, leading to anxiety and stress. Proper guidance is often lacking, hindering effective study schedules and access to materials.

In Benin City, tutorial services play a pivotal role. Ehizua Hub Limited and Test House Tutorials are investing in personalised support for gap-year students. Experienced tutors will help navigate JAMB and WAEC syllabi, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The Creative Tech Tutorial Program combines technology education with conventional subjects, preparing students not only for exams but also for the digital economy.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), 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),

(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

R-L: Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Fatai Adeyemi; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations Abubakar Sulaiman; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Chudi Offodile; and a member of the committee during an oversight visit by the committee to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos...recently

Chinedu Eze

Geregu Power Declares N20.01bn Profit for H1 2024

Kayode Tokede

Geregu Power Plc has announced

N20.01 billion profit in its unaudited half year ended June 30, 2024 result and accounts, about 148.5 per cent increase from N8.05 billion declared in half year (H1) ended June 30, 2023.

Geregu Power, a power generating company emerged as the first listed company on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to release H1 2024 unaudited result and acounts to the

investing public.

The company declared N30,15 billion profit before tax, representing an increase of 145.3 per cent from N12.29 billion declared in H1 2023.

Revenue in the period stood at N80.7 billion in H1 2024, about 133 per cent from N34.7 billion reported in H1 2022.

The company had declared its unaudited first quarter (Q1) ended March 30, 2024 with about 308 per cent growth in PBT amid significant increase in revenue

and effective cost management.

The power-generating company announced N21.9billion PBT in Q1 2024, representing an increase of 308 per cent from N5.37billion reported in Q1 2023.

After a N7.4 billion tax expenses, Geregu Power declared N14.46 billion profit after tax in Q1 2024, a growth of 307.56 per cent from N3.55 billion reported in Q1 2023.

Key profit drivers include: N50.43 billion revenue in Q1 2024, a growth of 254per cent

from N14.23 billion in Q1 2023 and N2.68 billion finance cost in Q1 2024, a decline of 27 per cent from N3.14 billion reported in Q1 2023.

With the significant increase in profit, Earning Per Share (EPS) rise to N5.87 per share in Q1 2024 from N1.42 per share in Q1 2023.

Following improved profits in 2023 financial year, shareholders of Geregu Power approved the payment of N8.00 per share dividend payout.

This translates into N20billion dividend in the 2023 financial year.

Speaking to shareholders at the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Chairman, Geregu Power, Mr. Femi Otedola stated that the company remains cautiously optimistic despite the challenges faced in the previous year.

“In 2024, Geregu Power aims to align our business operations with the global trend toward affordable, clean and efficient

energy systems. This involves incorporating renewable energy sources into our power generation portfolio, a move that not only aligns with our sustainability goals but also positions us to capitalise on emerging market opportunities.

“Our commitment to innovation and sustainability, along with our strategic initiatives, positions us well to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JULY 12/24

FOCUS

Niger Delta: Tackling Crude Oil Theft Through Local Security Surveillance

Emmanuel Addeh writes that the deployment of local surveillance groups in the Niger Delta, spearheaded by Tantita Security Services Ltd., may have been a strategic decision by the federal government which is already paying off.

Without doubt, crude oil is the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy. So, as should be expected, when there is any disruption to the flow of this important natural resource found mainly in the Niger Delta, Nigeria literally feels the shock waves.

The nation’s oil industry has had its own fair share of upheavals, but in 2022, the crisis got to a head when the country’s efforts to export crude at a volume to keep the economy afloat crumbled, to put it mildly.

With oil production dipping to as low as less than 1 million barrels per day in contrast to the 1.8 million bpd quota allocated to the country by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) at the time, the government knew it was time to act differently.

And so, around the middle of that year, championed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the federal government decided to involve those it thought knew the terrain and could rein in the suspected saboteurs.

For the NNPC and indeed the federal government, there could have been no better single individual or entity to make a significant difference other than a former Niger Delta agitator, Government Ekpemupolo otherwise known as Tompolo and his company, Tantita Security Services (TSS) ltd.

Long plagued by pipeline vandalism and oil theft, the criminal activities of the oil thieves have not only harmed the environment and local communities but also cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue.

The situation was further complicated by the sophisticated nature of the criminal networks involved who used advanced technology to hack into pipeline systems and siphon off oil.

But from that low of 1 million bpd in 2022, Nigeria has gradually continued to ramp up production, increasing it by as much as 50 per cent, including blended and unblended condensate.

To put this in proper context, from that figure around about Q3 2022, production from all sources has now risen to 1.5 million bpd in June this year, according to latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the industry regulator.

According to Ekpemupolo, Tantita is tackling the scourge of illegal oil bunkering through a comprehensive and inclusive strategy aimed at not only halting the illegal activity but also educating and engaging those involved on the need to halt their nefarious activities.

He said that by ‘carrying everybody along’ the strategy was meant to address the root causes of the crisis and promote sustainable solutions, stressing his preference for a peaceful Niger Delta.

Speaking on the efforts of the company to reduce the menace to the minimum, the Tantita chief stated that the unfortunate thing was that the people involved do not understand the magnitude of destruction going on in the environment.

“ So we continue to engage them, enlighten them, and give them some part of the work to do, so that they will be part and parcel of what we are doing. So we are now working with women, our fathers, and everybody to see that we follow the right path, because we don’t have any other place to call our country.

“ And that is the reason we don’t also want to be second-class citizens in this country, because we produce the oil that feeds everybody in this nation,” he stated . It is not yet Uhuru. In fact, the NNPC’s aspiration to increase production to at least 2 million bpd has still not yet been achieved . But significant progress has been made by the company leading the charge to rid the Niger Delta of crude oil theft.

This has also drawn accolades from several quarters, including traditional rulers, senators, reps members, ministers as well as ordinary Nigerians, who have expressed their confidence in the company’s ability to deliver results and ensure the success of the pipeline security project.

Prominent monarchs and key stakeholders from the Niger Delta region, that have spoken in support of the ongoing efforts include, among others, is His Royal Majesty Obukowo Whiskey,

paramount ruler of Ijere Kingdom in Delta State.

“We are talking of critical national infrastructure, the oil infrastructure. For you to protect them, you need to have a large heart, you need to have a synergy with all the critical stakeholders, and that is exactly what High Chief Government Tompolo is doing.

“And I want to encourage all our Niger Delta people to key into this project, and I tell the federal government to continue to sustain this project,”

Whiskey said.

With a team of highly trained personnel and state-of-the-art technology, Tantita says it is set out to continually detect and prevent oil theft as well as reduce the environmental impact of oil pollution. The company insists that its approach has been highly effective.

Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Keston Pondi, along with some management staff, including Capt. Warredi Enisuo, Executive Director of Operations and Technical, reiterated Tantita’s commitment to combating oil theft and ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s oil resources.

“Tompolo is 100 per cent committed to eradicating this menace of illegal oil theft and refining from the Niger Delta. One of the reasons being that it degrades the environment, it destroys our environment, it creates health hazards for our people.

“And another one is that with this kind of contract, we are going to have employment abundantly for our teeming youths, and then it will definitely increase production in the oil industry,” said Pondi

In his intervention, Enisuo, who is in charge of operations, maintained that the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, Ekpemupolo has given marching orders on what to do to tackle the menace of oil theft.

“The marching order was simple: You must make sure that you go out there and clean up everything that’s necessary. I remember vividly when I went on my first tour of the creeks regarding this whole adventure. There were fishes floating belly up, and you could smell crude oil. The moment the tide goes down, you could see crude oil hanging from the branches of the mangroves.

“That was how bad things were. When we discovered the sophistication with which most of the international groups perpetrate these crimes, we had no choice than to invest in high-level technology. And that is where we had to employ the use of drones with infrared capability.

“Most of the criminals do perpetrate their crimes at night, and that is where drone technology with infrared capability comes into play. So at night, when we fly our long-range drones, medium-range drones, over certain areas, anything that is friendly will continue to remain the way it is.

“But anything that we suspect, becomes white.

That has made it very, very easy for us to detect when people are planning to do nefarious things against the country, or give us a chance to go in and interrogate to check if they are doing the right thing.

“That is why we have been very, very successful when it comes to the technology side of things,” he stated.

Other prominent Nigerians have asked the company and its owner, Ekpemupolo to build on the existing achievement to ensure that Nigeria further raises production.

Some of them include: The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dakuku Peterside, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekome.

They urged Tantita to sustain and intensify its efforts to further boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production and solidify the company’s impact on the country and globally.

“I want to use this medium to congratulate Government Ekpemupolo for what they are doing in terms of security and securing the pipeline against vandalism and also theft of crude oil. They’ve increased it to 1.6 million barrels now.

“But we are imploring that they should do more and increase it to 2.6 to 3 million barrels per day so that the effect of dollar and the pressure on naira will come down in Nigeria,” the monarch stated.

On his part , Peterside said: “Tantita’s security are really adding value. You can see that oil production has gone up, theft has reduced and indeed that’s what we need as a country. We need to earn more foreign exchange and you can’t ignore the little contribution they are making in that area.”

In the same vein, Ozekome advised Tompolo to continue to secure the assets and increase oil production and make the coastal areas safer for business activities.

Tantita lists some of its specific successes since 2022 to include securing over 1,200 kilometres of pipelines, dismantling over 500 illegal bunkering sites, arresting and prosecuting over 300 oil thieves and preventing an estimated 20 million barrels of oil from being stolen.

The Head of Media and Publicity at Tantita Security Services, Paul Bebenimibo, noted that the company was committed to plugging all gaps and vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, ensuring no room was left for illegal activities to occur.

Again, Enisuo, who is in charge of the, insists that without the cooperation of the NNPC, it would have been very difficult to see the level of progress being made today.

“The people we are fighting are not just local cartels, they are international cartels as well. At some point, even the GCEO’s life was under threat,

even our own gallant officers who have been part of this war have been threatened. So that is to tell you how bad the situation is,” he added.

Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fred Agbedi, and Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, specifically acknowledged that ongoing efforts have led to a significant increase in crude oil output.

“ The amount of ships that penetrate the creeks for the purpose of stealing crude oil have reduced drastically...Now, most of the ships that had the boldness to even come inside the creeks to load directly from the trunk lines are beginning to be scared, and that is why they are now targeting the platforms outside,” Julius Pondi stressed.

Agbedi, on his part , said that Tantita should be given the opportunity to also watch both coastal and deep waters so as to stop stealing of Nigeria’s crude. Adding his voice to the work so far done, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, stated that Nigeria was making progress in oil earnings following improvements in security in the Niger Delta.

“There’s a problem of pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering that’s going on in the Niger Delta. It has become an existential problem, and we need to fight these criminals to submission.

“As a responsible government, we’ve decided that we’re going to put a stop to it. We’re going to work with stakeholders to ensure that we stop all these nonsense from continuing.

“I want to use the opportunity to express our gratitude to Tantita as was commissioned by NNPC to be able to do some work,” Lokpobiri said. “But we need to do a lot more to ensure that this thing is put to a total stop,” he added.

A former Bayelsa Governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Seriake Dickson, also applauded Tantita for its efforts in combating pipeline vandalism and oil theft and mitigating the environmental impact.

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my younger brother, GOC, as we call him, Tompolo and Tantita, for the contributions they are making in the area of stopping vandalism of strategic national assets within this territory.

“I want to thank him and Tantita for reducing illegal bunkering and for also trying their best in reducing the environmental dangers occasioned by the illegal refineries and those who are operating them and the way they tamper with pipelines and cause spillage and pollution on our farmlands and our waterways.

“ And I have said over and over that the good thing that the federal government and the NNPC and all the agencies have done is by engaging a man who understands the terrain. But a lot still has to be done,” he explained.

HOMES & DESIGN

Riviera Heights, Epitome of Luxury Living in Lagos

MGE Realty Limited, in collaboration with Tami-Thames Limited, has launched its choice residential project, designed for luxury living, Bennett Oghifo writes

Riviera Heights is a new luxury residential development on Water Corporation Drive in Victoria Island, Lagos. This 12-storey luxury residential tower, crafted by the renowned architectural visionaries at Consultants Collaborative Partnership (CCP), promises to redefine luxury living in Lagos, setting new standards for elegance, comfort, and convenience.

Riviera Heights boasts a perfect synergy of aesthetics, functionality, and prime location within the heart of Lagos’ hospitality communities. Situated amidst the vibrant hub of beaches, cinemas, fine dining, and lounges, this exquisite development offers the ultimate urban lifestyle for residents and a compelling investment opportunity for those with a discerning eye for quality.

Residents entering Riviera Heights, will enjoy a contemporarily designed reception and lounge area that acts as a refined meeting place. Moreover, Riviera Heights boasts a wide range of amenities gathered at the Leisure Deck – a large outdoor area with green space to relax and unwind. Additional features also include a state-of-the-art gymnasium and a swimming pool for children and adults. This 40-units tower offers spacious, modern, and meticulously designed one, two and three-bedroom apartments with maid rooms that exude elegance and for those

who desire a larger living space, the four-bedroom maisonettes penthouses are the epitome of sophistication and comfort.

“Riviera Heights will undoubtedly become one of the most desirable addresses in Lagos,” said Richard Deniran, COO of MGE Realty Limited.

“We are delighted with the contribution of Consultants Collaborative Partnership (CCP), who have designed an exceptional addition to the ever-evolving skyline in the heart of Victoria Island. With exceptional amenities and direct views to Lagos beachfront, Riviera Heights presents an unmissable investment opportunity.”

The CEO of MGE Realty Limited, Bolaji Badejo, expressed similar enthusiasm for the project.

He said, “Riviera Heights is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the real estate industry. This development showcases the future of luxury living in Lagos.”

It is an investor’s dream project that transcends luxury and offers an unparalleled urban lifestyle experience. With the expertise of MGE Realty Limited, the backing of Tami-Thames Limited, and the creative brilliance of CCP, Riviera Heights is set to become a landmark in Lagos real estate.

MGE Realty Limited is a leading real estate company with a proven track record of delivering exceptional projects that combine innovation, quality, and sophistication. With a commitment to

excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, MGE Realty Limited has earned its reputation as a trusted name in the industry.

Tami-Thames Limited is a dynamic and forward-thinking company that partners industry leaders to deliver premium real estate projects. With a dedication to creating lasting value and fostering growth in the real estate sector, Tami-Thames values integrity and quality.

Consultants Collaborative Partnership (CCP) is an award-winning architectural firm known for its cutting-edge designs and commitment to creating spaces that inspire. Their portfolio of innovative projects spans the globe, making them a trusted name in the world of architecture and design.

INTER VIEW

Olusegun Osoba: It Was Devastating When IBB Told Me He Was Hostage to Those Who Staged His Coup

Eighty-five years old today, Monday, July 15, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, weekend, played host to Nigerians from all walks of life and in their numbers, including the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the launch of his book: “My Life in the Public Eye”. The event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, being the peg of his 85th birthday celebration, nearly shut down the state of aquatic splendour. First a journalist before anything else, Osoba is one individual, who has paid his dues, and sometimes at the risk of his life. He has proof for this: his expensive contacts that cut across class, age and status. But, away from politics and its many distractions, Osoba would rather he shared some personal moments with Olawale Olaleye, reminiscing on his days as a journalist, concerns on the state of the profession, some private considerations about life and his thoughts as a family man. Excerpts:

You look pretty good for an 85-year-old. Is this your real age, or some fabrication for certain considerations?

It’s my real age, because I was born on July 15, 1939, in Osogbo. At that time, there was no register of birth, but my dad recorded that I was born on a Saturday. And if you Google, you will find that it was a Saturday. Therefore, it’s my true age.

In our time, we used to have a school age, where the teacher would take the average age of everybody, and just assign a certain age for you. They assigned 1941 to me, when I grew up I reverted to my original age of July 15 1939.

Indeed, at some points, you had two ages in use. What really happened that you had to go back to your real age?

What’s the point if I continued to use the school age at my age? I should be honest with myself and be true to the facts rather than twisting it.

Did you feel that you had to deal with those two dates of birth?

No, because it was the norm. Take for example, when I was young, to start primary education, you had to put your arm around your head. That determines whether you will be allowed to start primary school. That happend. And then when I left primary school, my uncle took me to Ilesha Teachers training, to be trained as a teacher. When the expatriate inspector then came for inspection on my first week or second at the teacher’s training, in fact, I was too young and too short. So, I was denied admission. I had to come to Lagos, wasting a year or two before I was admitted to Methodist Boys High School. So, along the line, I kept losing years. That affected the age that was recorded for me as my official age. As I grew older, I had to revert to the truth and be honest with myself.

So, what does it feel like to be 85 years old, contrary to Nigeria’s life expectancy, which is 56 years, according to the 2024 UN chart and table?

Well, it’s all in the mind. Truly speaking, I keep wondering. I always ask myself, too. Am I really 85? Because, when I was younger, people above sixty, we called them Baba, Pa, and to be seventy then was seen as an achievement. I thank God that I advanced to 85 years and I feel quite alright with myself. I tell you, I don’t play with my Doctors instructions and advice. You are not just alive to be 85, you seem very healthy. It may be hard to find a contemporary, as agile, hale and healthy as you. How have you been able to maintain a healthy life and safe living?

I must confess to you. First of all, as a true Nigerian, I attribute everything to the grace of God. But I can tell you, one of the major attributes that one needs is to learn to do everything with moderation. Whatever may be the case, even the food you eat, you must do it with moderation. It is very very important. And give

yourself a total rest of mind. You must have contentment. I don’t envy anybody. And I don’t use anybody as a parameter or barometer for my own life. I believe in myself. I live my life the way I want it. And I don’t envy anybody. Secondly, I hate to carry an issue overnight. Because, if I envy somebody and I carry it overnight, I don’t sleep well. So I deal with all issues during the day. There was a time when I was governor, I had to tell some of my close friends, who were strong and close enough to tell me the truth. People like Oba Otudeko, Peter Àjàyí – they were friends who would tell me bluntly what they felt.

We usually talked almost every night. At a point, I had to plead with them that if they found something wrong that I was not doing well, they should not be telling me in the night, they must tell me in the morning, so that I would have dealt with it during the day to avoid carrying it overnight. So, you must give yourself total peace of mind. As I repeat, contentment; don’t be envious and you live the rest to God

So what do you do with your time, because, of course you no work?

With this order of internet platforms and connectivity, there is so much to read. In fact, I get bombarded that I struggle everyday to catch up. For example, as a politician, I have 7000 thousand contacts on my phone. So, coping with “happy Monday”, “happy Sunday”, “happy new month”, “happy these and that”.

Then I belong to so many platforms. Old classmates, clubs. They don’t like me to pull out. Professional websites and platforms. So, there is so much to read and with modern day technology, events happen so fast.

News happens so fast. I am a curious reporter, I have always wanted to be up to date. But one thing I do is that I rest as much as I can. I listen to my body. It is very important that one should listen to your body talking to you. If my body tells me not to get up, I don’t get up. As a result, I always mute my telephone all night and I don’t open my telephone before 12 noon.

I don’t answer calls before noon. By then, I would have had my early morning sleep, which

is the best and when I get up to start the day, it’s like that till midnight or sometimes past midnight. So, again, one must be in charge of one’s activity and importantly, listen to your body and obey your doctor’s instructions.

Given the many curves that life has taken you, did you ever think that you could actually live up to 85?

Well, when I look back, for example, my News Editor at Daily Times, Animashaun, left office and was heading home. I don’t think he was up to 40. Driving home, he died in his car. He must have had a heart attack. And when I look at some of my friends, who died young, I used to wonder whether I too would live beyond the ages of those young ones who died. Well, thank God, now I am 85. I never thought that I would live up to 85. So, one must be doing Thanksgiving everyday.

So, was there any time that you ever gave up on life?

Never! I am an optimist. I give myself rest of mind. I don’t think I have cause to regret my life at any stage. I can tell you I’ve lived it well. At every stage of my life. In my younger days, myself, Gen Babangida, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Air Marshal Abas, Air Marshal Bello, we used to paint Lagos red in our younger days. I have no regrets. I thank God at every stage. I live it up and enjoy myself. In fact, Kabiyesi, the Awujale of Ijebu-land is always telling me that if I slaughter a ram everyday in thanksgiving to God for what God has done in my life, it is not too much. Kabiyesi is 90. He used to tell me that, watching me, at every stage of my life, I had the best of everything. That I should always be thanking God every day, which is true.

Eighty-five years on earth could actually make you an encyclopedia on life’s many issues. But what is that one lesson that life has taught you, that you’d love to share for people to learn from?

If you read my book. My autobiography, you will find that I said, “Battle lines: Adventures in journalism and politics”. One thing that I will say is that one should never give up, no matter the circumstances. Be battle ready. And if you’ve read Battle Line, you find too many challenges that I went through. And I thank God I had the courage never to give up. Never!

It was so devastating that Gen Babangida said, ‘Let me tell you boys, I am hostage to those who staged the coup and those who put me here. And if I didn’t listen to what they wanted, they would get me out in seconds

Never to accept defeat.

Life is made up of good and evil. There can’t be one without the other. With the benefit of hindsight, is there anything in life you would have loved to do differently or in the best case scenario, undo, looking back?

Each time I look back, I can’t find anything I would say I regret. No. If I have to go through it again, I don’t think I would do anything differently. No regrets at all. In everything I did, I have no regrets. None.

Olusegun Osoba is a household name. Interestingly you made this name as a journalist and not as a politician that many reckon today. How does that make you feel?

I always feel good within myself, because when you look at many who have been governors in the country, whether military or civilian, many who are still alive have been forgotten. I tell my children that one thing I would do over and over again is to be a reporter. Being a reporter is a university by itself. You get to know so many people. You get to learn a lot. You get to develop contacts.

For example, my daughter gave me a grandson in March. She is to come back home this week to be around for my 85th birthday and she had to go and get an emergency travel certificate for the little boy. And she came back so elated and happy, that, getting to the High Commission in London, the name Osoba was so respected that she was given virtually a VIP treatment and she came back and said, “daddy, I wonder how you do it.” I said well, that is part of the grace of God that I gained as a journalist and not as a governor. I have forgotten that I was a governor. In fact, when PDP rigged the election in 2003, I just decided to return home. I didn’t go to court. In spite of the fact that Gen Buhari proved in court that the election in Ogun State was grossly rigged.

And the election was canceled by Justice Tobi, who was the chairman of the presidential election tribunal. I didn’t want to force myself on Ogun State. I wanted to serve, and if they said “no more”, why not? I returned home and gave myself peace of mind. The goodwill that I enjoy at all levels, is more than enough for me. It gives me great joy.

Again, you didn’t just make a name as a journalist, you also made very expensive contacts at the highest level of leadership in the country. How were you able to balance it, without conflicting your professional obligations?

Well, you will see, like I tell you, there has been no head of government that I was and still not close to. Right from Tafawa Balewa. Tafawa Balewa to Gen Yakubu Gowon. Ironsi was the only one I wasn’t close to, but his was short. His time was short. Murtala

I Never Thought I’d Live Up to 85, But Never Gave Up on Life

Mohammed to our Obasanjo, Obasanjo to Shagari, Shagari to G n Buhari, Buhari to Babangida. Abacha I knew even as GOC in Ibadan before he became head of state. Although he was after me to kill me because he felt that being close to him I should have gone all out for him. Then from Abacha to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Abubakar back to Obasanjo. Obasanjo went back to Yar’adua, whose brother was very close to me as Chief of staff to Obasanjo then. We developed a very close relationship. Then to Jonathan, who I knew when he was deputy to Alaymesigha, and from Jonathan back to Buhari and now to our first progressive president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There has been no president in this country that I don’t know. So, balancing the situation, I can tell you, the training that we had from Baba Jose was very influential to my attitude. I never never compromised my professional standard with all the connections that I had. If I had wanted to make money, anything I asked or be an agent to some businesses, I would have made millions. But never!

I will give you an example. General Mobolaji Johnson was my house captain in Methodist Boys High School and he became governor. And he was the one that allocated most of Victoria Island. As close as I was to him, one of my classmates was his commissioner, Rasheed Gbadamosi, and my boss, Odunewu, was also commissioner in his cabinet. I never asked for land in Victoria Island.

You will not believe that it was when Mudashiru became governor. Mudashiru grew up in Isal Eko, and married one of the sisters of my classmate, Babayemi. It was he who was shocked to learn that I didn’t have a single sand in Lagos as Managing Director of Daily Times. He was the one who, by force, allocated a plot to me in Lekki.

It was the first government land that I have had all throughout my career until I became the MD of Daily Times. I never had a plot of land in Lagos. It was shocking to Mudashiru. And it paid off for me. Because, all these people I mentioned have respect for me and those of them who are still alive still have tremendous respect for me.

I still enjoy that goodwill. I did not compromise my professional ethics and standards. It paid off for me. Anything I wanted, up till today, I got it done. Up till today, I have never had any government business or contract that would create any scandal for me. So, I am lucky. The benefit of it came in different forms, for me.

I can tell you that even as Governor, I was never a candidate of EFCC or ICPC. Overall, that goodwill will come through other sources for you to get on in life. Still talking about your expensive contacts, many of whom were majorly senior military officers, how did you situate that against the push for democracy, both as a journalist and progressive?

You see, even under the military, I always tell you people that you should praise us that we were able to produce papers that were still sellable under military dictatorship. You people operate under civilian government. You don’t know what it was. The truth is that those military people knew that in-house, I will tell them the home truth.

I remember one incident when Felix Peter, myself and one or two other people met Babangida when he was military president. We bluntly told him a lot of things that were wrong with him and his government. It was so devastating that Gen Babangida said, “Let me tell you boys, I am hostage to those who staged the coup and those who put me here. And if I didn’t listen to what they wanted, they would get me out in seconds. And that there are no absolute powers.”

Even him as president; that those who stuck their neck and risked their lives to make him president were still there. And that he must continuously and constantly listen to them. Because we were telling him many things that were wrong with his government then and he appreciated it. And he said he would call a meeting of his mentors and promoters and explain to them that these were the facts that we had brought to him.

So, you see, behind closed-doors, we told them the home truth. So when we wrote stories, they already knew that we had told them the truth. And then tolerated us. Take for example, when Irabor and Tunde Thompson were charged to court for not disclosing their source of information. I was very close to Idiagbon. And I went to court to testify and give evidence on the side of the Guardian, Irabor and Thompson.

In fact, Alex Ibru said after the case that day that I should park my things and be ready to go. But, unknown to him, I had had a long argument with Idiagbon that it was unethical for us journalists to disclose the source of our information. So, by the time we got to court, Idiagbon knew that I had told him the truth.

I gave evidence against the government of the day, but they didn’t sack me. Because as soon as it happened, I was there to tell them the home truth. And when I went public giving evidence on the side of the Guardian, it was not something new to them. That’s how to survive.

Is it not surprising that at 85, you still enjoy referring to yourself as a reporter. What really is it with you and journalism?

I used to tell people that we, the reporters, are the

I went to court to testify and give evidence on the side of the Guardian, Irabor and Thompson. In fact, Alex Ibru said after the case that day, that I should park my things and be ready to go

infantry belt. We are the foot soldiers of journalism

Anybody can be a columnist. Anybody! You don’t have to get any special training to be a columnist. In fact, in my younger days, Tai Solarin was one of the best columnists in Daily Times. Yet he was not a journalist. He was an educationist. Anybody can be a writer. You can express your opinion as a columnist, that doesn’t make you a journalist. In my days, there were desk people, sub-editors, who would plan the pages and edit our stories. Yes, I agree. But they were in the background. We were the ones who went out and took risks. We were the real soldiers on the battle front. And that’s why I take pride in being a reporter.

Professor Akin Faleye propounded a theory that, even in heaven, there would be reporters because God himself will communicate to us who are in heaven. If there is going to be communication, there must be reporters to disseminate the information. So, why would I not be proud? In my life, I am a reporter, and when I get to heaven, I will still be a reporter. So, there is life after here for me in heaven.

One of the very noteworthy events of your life as a reporter was your discovery of the corpse of the first Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa. Aren’t there other news breaking discoveries that stood you out and also gave you prominence?

Too many. Take for example, the body of Colonel Taiwo in Kwara, when he was murdered, I and Obateye were the ones who discovered the body on the way to Offa. Take the case of Shugaba. He was the leader of the House of Assembly in Borno then. And he was physically taken, a Nigerian, taken to the border and thrown into jail. A Nigerian elected to the House of Assembly and deported by young Maitama, a young man who was Minister of Interior. He took him physically. It was a big story. And he went to court and we followed him.

Take the case of Balarabe Musa. When Balarabe Musa was having his war with the NPN. We opened an office in Kaduna for him and had a Radio station. We followed Balarabe Musa’s story all over. There are so many stories. Look at the case of Dimka. After Dimka assassinated Murtala Muhammed and absconded. He was found in Abakaliki and I happened to be in Enugu. Kafaru Tinubu was Commissioner of Police in Enugu and he saw me and said Segun.

I followed them with the military governor face to face with Dimka. I was there sitting down quietly, Dimka was being interrogated in my presence and I came back to Ilorin. For the next one week, I was doing different stories on Dimka and that shot up the Herald as it became a national newspaper.

I had too many exclusive stories. People talk too much about Tafawa Balewa. It was just one

mouth through artificial intelligence. So, we have to be very careful. We must not defend these bloggers, who are thorough embarrassments. The answer to it is that all of us must go online and produce like Olorunyomi’s premium times, like Cable, to produce credible online platforms to deal with the untrained dangerous so called journalists.

An average journalist is poorly paid. And not just that, the salary doesn’t come as it should. You are not oblivious of this fact. There is hardly any serious media gathering that you are not invited as a stakeholder, don’t you discuss issues that are fundamentally germane to the overall wellbeing of journalists?

I feel sorry and unhappy. I am torn between the publishers and the reporters. The publishers are suffering because the cost of production is everyday escalating. The cost of importing a ton of this print now, at one thousand plus to a dollar has escalated. So, the publishers themselves are not making money. They can’t print enough. People are not even buying as much as they used to buy. People go online, so the publishers are not making money.

That they are not paying the reporters is an unfortunate situation. It makes me sad. Whereas in our days, salaries were paid fortnightly by Alhaji Jose. He broke the salary into two. Every fortnight you’d get paid. And during the weeks, you’d make claims about your movement searching for news items. Alhaji Jose knew that we cooked it up, but if you have been doing good stories, he would just sign you out. We used to laugh at ourselves by asking, ‘have you submitted your swindle sheet?’. It’s a pink paper that you write: Monday transport to Kakawa, from Kakawa to Ebute Meta, Ebute Meta to Yaba to Ido. You rip it into pieces so that by Friday, you get something for the weekend.

In our days, we were spoiled. Weekends were fine. Fortnightly salary came in. But now, some of you don’t get paid for five to six months. I’m sorry. And when I talk to the publishers, they too are in trouble: cost of production keeps running high, they are not selling much. advertisement is not that much, So I am torn between the two. And they don’t want to sack. If all of you are sacked, who would produce the paper?

Journalism is a profession you love so much and always proud to identify with. What future do you see?

out of many national stories I was involved in and shot up any newspaper I belonged to at the national level.

Before the advent of the online and the influential media, you’ve always expressed concerns about the approach to news by the soft-sell genre of journalism. Are you still worried about the current state of the media in general?

Very very worried. It didn’t start today. And I can tell you. In FAME, then, Mayor Akinpelu, wrote a story that I had 30 cars as governor of Ogun States in 1992. Online now is not starting today. Mayor Akinpelu and I eventually became friends. I had to sue them to court. Because K. A. Abrahams, a friend of mine, who was doing business, whenever he came to see me in Abeokuta as governor in 1992, we used to drive around in any new car he brought.

And so, FAME just went haywire and wrote that I had 30 cars. And I said well, if I had 30 cars, it means I can only drive one car a day in a month. It’s not starting today. Like I always say, bloggers are serious threats to our profession. And I have been preaching with my colleagues that the only way to deal with this is for all of us to go online.

Like Dapo Olorunyomi with Premium Times, Musikilu, the Editor in Chief. These are trained journalists. And whenever Premium Times does an investigative report, you enjoy it. Simon Kolawole, in Cable, you will know that you are reading stories developed and investigated by journalists.

A recent example was the one who went and wrote that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila collected sixty houses from Yusuf ‘Tunde’ Sabiu. That’s like having half of Ikoyi, in Abuja. Sixty houses! That’s taking an estate. You can’t bury an estate. The blogger went ahead to write that, and to say that Gbajabiamila collected millions of dollars from Sabiu Yusuf, ‘Tunde’.

Where will Gbajabiamila bury millions of dollars? Is it in the soakaway in his compound? At the end of the day, the management of his website denied him. He had to resign. We must fight the bloggers, who embarrass us, who are serious threats to our profession. They promote fake news.

There was an example of Macron. The bloggers put words in his mouth, addressing the United Nations, apologising for French stupidity in their colony. In spite of my being a first class reporter, I didn’t crosscheck, and I was posting this thing round to everybody, only for the father-in-law of my daughter, Ambassador Apata, to point out to me that ‘this is April’.

Then the date was April and the United Nation General Assembly is usually in September. It was then I realised that they have put words in Macron’s

As I said, I believe there is a great future. In spite of AI, forever and ever there would be journalism. Like Akin Faleye said, dissemination of information will continue forever. Journalism will never die. In spite of AI.

With the digitisation of the media, which has forced everybody to go online, don’t you think that the traditional media, the print in this case, could go extinct soon?

No. I don’t think so because the only difference will be that we will be giving newspapers free. In London, now, there is a daily newspaper, Metro, it’s free. And by the afternoon, the Evening Standard is out and it’s free. There will still be newspapers. It’s just that it will be free. And the money will be made from advertisements. Everyone’s prayer for you is to live many more years in good health, but at 85, are there things you still look forward to before the universe calls time on you?

Nothing! I just do thanksgiving to God. I always say, I don’t pray to have an aircraft. I don’t want to buy aircraft. I don’t want to buy Rolce Royce. The vehicles that I have for now will still last me for the next five years. The only thing I do everyday is, the bible teaches us to count our days. If I am going to live until 90, I have about 2500 days from now to ninety. And I always asked myself, what will I be doing for the near 3000 days. Because if I live until ninety, nobody can say that I didn’t live well enough. So, I always want to get the best of everything in the daytime. Rest well. I don’t eat much, but the little I want to eat I want to eat quality food. If there is anything I enjoy most, it’s music. So I give myself the best and relax. I have worked all my life and want to spend the rest of my life living a relaxed and enjoyable life. Sam Amuka used to tell me that when he is 90 years, he would like to go and he would be 90 next year on June 13. And I have told him that we won’t let him go at 90. The mother died at 108. So I told him that when it’s 106 or 107, we would force God to take him away then.

Like him, I thank God. I live to count my days, count my weeks. So, if I live to be 90, I still have about 300 weeks left. Why shouldn’t I give glory to God everyday and enjoy every day of my life to the best of my ability. Lastly, what is family to you? And where has family always been in all that life has thrown at you, even at 85?

Well, I thank God that I have a good family. I have only one pity, that all through my life as a journalist, I devoted all day, all night to the profession. It is in old age now that I try to give as much as I can to my grandchildren what my children didn’t have. As a successful journalist, you have to be hardworking all day. You don’t go to bed until the paper goes to bed. And that is not before midnight. So, my grandchildren are the ones I am giving it all to. I look forward to my grandchildren and enjoy their company.

Osoba

Father’s Cry for Justice over Death of British -Nigerian Daughter, Alanis

Oladipo Ogundipe, the father of Alanis Ogundipe, a 26-year-old British-Nigerian who died by alleged suicide on May 29, 2023, is seeking justice and calling for the Nigerian government’s intervention, citing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the Coroner Inquest into her death. He also suspects a conspiracy and secrecy surrounding the circumstances that led to her passing in the UK. Sunday Ehigiator reports

Remembered by her father as a talented, intelligent, and beautiful young woman with a promising future, Alanis, a 26-year-old trainee accountant with KPMG, tragically passed on May 29 last year at Eccles railway station in Salford, Manchester, after jumping into a moving train.

An inquest at Bolton Coroners’ Court concluded that her death was a result of suicide, with possible contributing factors including short-term financial difficulties and a potential recent relationship breakdown.

However, this doesn’t sit right with her father, Oladipo, who believes that Alanis’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan Leggett, is culpable, as much as his wife, Josephine Dillon, who he long separated from in 2004, due to marital complications.

Oladipo is accusing Ryan of having infected Alanis with genital Herpes, a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which causes painful blisters or ulcers around the genital area.

He accused Ryan of illegally breaking into his daughter’s phone, retrieving sensitive information from it, and blackmailing her with the information a day before. The very day she ended up killing herself.

He is also accusing his wife, Josephine (a Briton), of shielding the accused, Ryan, who is also a Briton, from the law, after Alanis had reported Ryan’s threats to her a day before her death, and she failed to inform the police and guide their daughter aright.

WHO IS ALANIS?

Speaking about his daughter, Oladipo, who couldn’t hold back his tears, said, “Alanis is an amazing daughter. She was born on February 12, 1997. From the day I saw that girl and she cried, I felt it in my heart.

“Now when she was born, one of her lungs had an issue. So I felt I had to be more attentive to her. So I became very close to her. Alanis falls ill every winter. She always falls sick because of her lungs. Even during COVID, she had COVID.

“And that was why I had to get her a car. She said she needed less contact with the public to show how I was in total contact with her. She is a very brilliant girl, and very caring. She is just like a mother and sister to me.

“She’s very intelligent. And it’s been very difficult since she died. I’ve stopped my work.

“It’s so difficult to have continued. That’s why I started trying to dig to find out what happened. And everything I was told after she died has turned out contrary to the truth.”

POKING THE CORONER’S INQUEST REPORT

Speaking on the findings of the Coroner’s Inquest, Oladipo, who wasn’t living in the UK at the time Alanis died, narrated, “The picture they painted was that Alanis had financial problems and that she had mental health issues, which I’d never, ever heard of before.

“And I told the mom, why didn’t you tell me about Alanis having mental health issues? She said, ‘Because if I told you about all the abuse she was facing, you would take her away from me.

“It didn’t make sense. And Alanis was expecting money on the week she died. So it was very strange that they were saying it was because of money. She still had her car. She didn’t sell the car. She didn’t sell her jewellery.

“She still received her salary from KPMG on May 28, 2023. The day Ryan broke into her phone; her salary was going to enter her account. So how can it be money, I was aware of all her debts. It’s not an issue. So I’ve been taking care of it. So it was not money.

“Even after she died, her mother still received a thousand pounds from Alanis by standing order. So it’s not financial issues.”

RYAN LEGGETT’S ALLEGED CULPABILITY

Narrating what he thinks could have led his daughter to become suicidal, thereby dying by suicide, Oladipo reflected on advising Alanis to prioritize her career goals, including completing her university degree and obtaining her ACA at KPMG.

He said he had encouraged her to be cautious in her relationships, sharing examples of how relationships can end in hatred.

However, Alanis told him about Ryan at some point, and when he asked about his occupation, she couldn’t provide clear details. He said his attempts to verify his employment status in all the places he said he was working were unsuccessful, leading to concerns about his legitimacy.

L-R: Late Alanis Ogundipe; her Father, Mr Oladipo Ogundipe and her ex- Boyfriend, Ryan Leggett

Despite his reservations, he said he acknowledges his daughter’s independence and inability to force his guidance upon her.

According to him, “My daughter and her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Leggetts met in June 2022, and by the first week of August, he had given her herpes. My daughter was so ignorant that she thought she would not be able to meet anyone again due to the infection.

“Also, if they wanted to do anything together, he would loan her the money to make her do it. He would first tell her it was a gift and then tell her it was a loan.

“When Alanis was expecting to collect £102,000 in May 2023; her new salary of £2,000 was expected on May 28, 2023, and an additional £100,000 on May 30, 2023.

“Alanis passport was requested on May 26, 2023, for her to collect £100,000 I wanted to send to her which was meant for a particular investment in the UK. Both she and her brother had also been notified on May 19, 2023, that they would be visiting Nigeria shortly.

“Ryan, who knew about these, broke into her phone without her consent and stole her bank statements and other sensitive information whilst she was asleep at 10 am on May 28, 2023, in Manchester, to blackmail Alanis and use the stolen information for other purposes.

“Then he woke her up, shouted at her violently and kicked her out without her property and the passport she required to collect the money.

“This, Ryan admitted to me in writing on June 7, 2023, when I reached out to me after Alanis’ death. Ryan Leggett lied to the police in his witness statement on August 15, 2023, after admitting to me and showing me evidence in writing on June 7, 2023, that he stole Alanis password and had blackmailed Alanis until she died on May 29, 2023.

“Alanis was frightened on May 28, 2023, and promptly reported the psychological attack to her mother Josephine Dillon (also known as Josephine Ogundipe).

“On May 29, 2023, Ryan continued the psychological assault on Alanis in the presence of Josephine using the information he had stolen from her phone until Alanis agreed to his demands.

“Around 9 pm, according to the officers who attended the scene, Ryan repeatedly rang Alanis’s phone. Again, according to the officers who attended Alani’s flat, Ryan repeatedly rang Josephine’s mobile number.

“That was after Alanis had told him that she was ‘going to do it’ (kill herself) and he had failed to stop her, after failing to acknowledge the pain she cried out that she was feeling in her body.” Unfortunately, Alanis is dead and Oladipo

claims no one did enough to prevent the incident, including Alanis’s mother.

JOSEPHINE’S ALLEGED CULPABILITY

Accusing his wife and Alanis’s mother, Josephine, of possible culpability, Oladipo narrated that, though still married, he separated from his wife in 2004, and since then moved back to Nigeria, but has been very involved in his daughter’s life and maintained strong communication with Josephine.

According to him, “It’s very strange to me as well. It was very funny that I didn’t hear about all these things until after Alanis died; about the things Rana had been doing to Alanis, the various abuses, like the infection.

“I was very surprised that Josie (Josephine) did not break it up or encourage her daughter to break it up or report it to the police. I was very surprised. So to hear things that happened, even to things like Alanis even started gambling because of Ryan, to try to make money for him, because they had promised they wouldn’t go on holiday and all that.

“When this thing first happened Josie did not report. I mean, Alanis contacted her mum in the morning and said she had been attacked.

“The message exists. And Josie did not call the police immediately. I know Josie from the past when she called the police for things like that. Josie works with domestic abuse victims.

“She works with the police. So it was very funny that before Alanis died, Josie did not contact the police. She even sent me a message around noon on that day. And she didn’t tell me anything. Looking back, I’m wondering why she sent that message.

“Was it to see if I knew something had gone wrong? It was very strange. In the message, she just said that she’s heading to Manchester, if I could help her with some money? That was all she said.

“And she even appeared happy in the message. So she now got to Manchester. These are things I found out later on. I got the message that day, but I didn’t know anything was going on.

“Nobody told me anything at all. So after the event, there was no record of Josie telling the police anything. She didn’t encourage Alanis to go to the police. Instead, she’s encouraged Alanis to take antidepressants, which if you overdose on this tablet, can lead to increased thoughts of suicide.

“But I feel, if there’s been a criminal act where your phone has been broken into, you’ve told your mum, it should be the police that will douse that tension, especially where you’re being blackmailed, not a tablet. So even after she died and the police appeared, she still didn’t mention the crime to

the police until I reported it from Nigeria.” DEMAND FOR JUSTICE

Calling for justice, and help from the Nigerian government, Oladipo said, “A coroner’s inquest report into Alanis’s death came up on May 9. This was the point where it became clear that 1 had been a conspiracy all the while.

“The lawyer representing my family, while acting on the instruction of my wife, Josephine, told the court not to allow me to present my evidence, I was later allowed after insistence.

“The lawyer was also not in support of a question I planned to ask to prove that Leggett, who was also in attendance, did not get the consent of my late daughter before breaking into her phone.

“Part of this includes why he refused to tell the police the truth about his access to her phone.

“I have made allegations of murder and manslaughter against Ryan because he emotional and psychological injury upon Alanis from August 1, 2022, when he allegedly infected Alanis with a virus until May 28, 2023, when he broke into her phone and stole her bank statements and sensitive information with the of blackmailing her up until the 29th May 2023, when he continued to blackmail her and until she yielded to his demands and Alanis eventually died.

“The police have not taken my statement ever since I made this report to them. They’ve stuck by the statement Ryan gave them, He lied to them that Alanis gave him the password.

“I have contrary evidence where he admitted how he stole it when she was sleeping. She didn’t give him the phone and all those things. But they are not looking at that at all.

“They are saying Ryan had consent because of what he told them. He told them Alanis gave him the password. But I have evidence proving that he stole the password. It’s a chat between me and Ryan.

“I call on the UK authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into these matters to ensure that justice is served for my daughter; if the police do not wish to investigate then a private legal team will take up the case since there is no time limit for prosecution of crimes such as murder and manslaughter.

“Breaking into the phone itself is a stand-alone offence in the UK. There’s a law against it. You cannot do that. So he needs to be prosecuted for that. As for her mother, I leave her to God.

I’m not asking her to be prosecuted. I leave her to God to answer to her God. That’s her daughter. But Ryan, he’s going to do it again.

“I am calling on the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in the UK to please come to my aid, and help me get the UK police to reopen the case and get my testimony and all pieces of evidence I have, and reinvestigate the case so to get closure.”

LAUNCH OF THE REVISED NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH POLICY...

L-R: Area Sales Manager, Colgate Palmolive Tolaram, Musa Isreal; representative of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya; General Manager, Colgate

Daruka; and Director Federal Medical Center Division, Abisola Adegoke, during the signing of MoU between Colgate and Federal Ministry of Health and the official launch of the revised National Health Oral Policy and National Noma Control Policy and Strategic Plan 2024-2026 in Abuja... weekend

FG Orders Investigation into Jos School Building Collapse, Pledges Decisive Action

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government at the weekend ordered an investigation into the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji area of Plateau State, which claimed over 20 lives and injured tens of learners.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, in a statement in Abuja by his spokesman, Mark Chieshe, directed the Plateau State Controller of the ministry to embark on an 'immediate and comprehensive' investigation to ascertain the cause of the collapse and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

The minister described the collapse as yet another unfortunate tragedy for the nation due to the negligence and 'unscrupulous behaviour' of certain individuals during the construction process.

"Unfortunately, the issue of building collapse has once again reared its ugly head in our nation.

This is unacceptable because every time something like this happens, there's a mother or father who has lost a child, a child who has lost a parent, or an individual who has lost a sibling or friend.

"The cost of building collapse cannot be quantified because lives are involved. In this case, it was a school with students whose only offence was to leave their homes in search of knowledge. This is totally unacceptable," he said.

Dangiwa stated that a directive had been issued to the appropriate officials of the ministry to carry out a full-scale investigation into the incident, pledging that the probe will not go the way of others.

"I have directed an investigation, and we will get to the bottom of this. I want to assure Nigerians that this investigation will not go the same way as others in the past where nobody was prosecuted for wrongdoing.

“ We will ensure anyone found

Health Minister Pate to Inaugurate Zik Varsity Teaching Hospital Permanent Site

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, has disclosed that the Coordinating Minister for Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, would on Tuesday inaugurate the permanent site of the hospital.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NAUTH, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, disclosed this to journalists during a press conference at the weekend.

Ugboaja said that presently the establishment has moved from the old site which is located within the crowded Nnewi metropolis to a more expansive permanent site, also in Nnewi.

Speaking at the press conference, the CMD said: "The minister’s visit would mark the final relocation to the permanent site of the health institution which would also witness the commissioning of completed projects.

"The minister would join the management and staff of the hospital to celebrate the first anniversary of project

commissioning by the presidency at the permanent site.

“We have moved all the clinical services to the permanent site. Administration including my office and ancillary services will be the last to be relocated.

“Clinical wards formerly run at the temporary site have been relocated to their respective buildings with a full complement of modern support facilities."

He added that the hospital would utilize the visit to honour principal stakeholders in the establishment, and that the minister would preside over the event.

The stakeholders he said included those who have done projects in the hospital and supported its growth over the years.

They include; chairman of Ibeto Group, Dr. Cletus Ibeto; chairman of Chrome Group, Sir Emeka Offor; chairman of Oranto Group, Prince Arthur Eze, traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu and the senator representing Anambra South zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

He said all the awardees would have structures within the new site named after them.

culpable faces the full weight of the law. I know that prosecution will not bring back those we have lost to this tragedy, but it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in such practices," he noted.

He quoted a statement by the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) as revealing that more than 40 students had been rescued from the rubble, with many of them still hospitalised in various health facilities in Jos.

"We will allow rescue operations

to be concluded by NEMA, and we hope that we will not record any more casualties. I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of those whose lives were cut short by this unfortunate and preventable tragedy.

“ It is a national loss, and we share in their grief. For those in the hospital, our prayers and thoughts are with them, and we wish them a good recovery, while we charge the health personnel to rise to the occasion and save these precious

lives," he added. Dangiwa further noted that while it may be difficult to rewrite the wrongs of the past, the ministry was committed to ensuring that the incidences of building collapse is prevented in the future by collaborating with relevant agencies to enforce building standards and regulations in the country.

He stated that this is evident in the strong warnings issued to developers of the ongoing ‘Renewed Hope Cities and Estates’ projects in the country,

as well as control and monitoring mechanisms set up by the ministry.

"As a result of the complexity of the housing sector, the ministry has to collaborate with agencies of government to promote the enforcement of building codes.

“We will not relent in this commitment to ensure that Nigerians can sleep in their homes, work at their various places of business, or even learn in their schools with peace of mind knowing that the building will not collapse on them," Dangiwa said.

Coalition Says Women Political Stimulation would Stimulate Diverse Perspectives, Empower Communities

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Coalition of Women Political Participation Partner's Working Group is calling for constitutional gender inclusion to drive women's political participation necessary for diverse perspectives in decision-making and the promotion of good governance.

During a meeting to brainstorm on actions that should be evolved to ensure gender equality in political representation in the country, the group said women's political participation would stimulate diverse perspectives and empower communities.

At the coordination and strategy meeting on affirmative action reforms to increase women’s political representation in the ongoing constitution review process in

Abuja, supported by the United Nations Women, the President of Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), Ms. Ebere Ifendu, stressed the need for affirmative action to strengthen advocacies and to effectively influence policymakers in the ongoing constitution review to promote women's political participation.

She said: “The Nigeria's constitution review presents a unique opportunity to rectify the underrepresentation of women in politics. We must seize this moment to create a more inclusive democracy, harnessing the potential of all citizens, regardless of gender.

“As advocates, we believe that affirmative action is an important tool to address past injustices and ensure fair representation of women in the political landscape. We need more participation of women in politics.

“We need a quota system. We need affirmative action because for all the countries that have a certain percentage of women in governance, it is due to legislation. Without legislation, we may not achieve anything.”

She added that the meeting was to coordinate all efforts, including advocacy for the adoption and enactment of reforms to boost women’s political representation in the constitution review process.

“The current constitutional review process presents a unique opportunity to incorporate gendered affirmative action reforms into Nigeria's legal framework, demonstrating a commitment to equity, equality, and inclusivity,” Ifendu said.

“We heard that the government has appealed. We have not received any notice of such an appeal. So, we want to believe that the law, as we speak today, is that the gender policy must be respected, and it’s talking about 35 percent affirmative action.”

On her part, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and women’s advocate, Professor Joy Ezeilo, said it is time to have total inclusion that accommodates and recognizes the rights of women, youths, and persons with disabilities to participate and be included in governance and decision-making in the country.

She added that: “As Nigerian women, we went to court and got a judgment on the National Gender Policy. We are saying that since there is a judgment, we should begin to work on implementation and be able to demand the implementation of the court order.

Karimi Hails Tinubu on LGs’ Financial Autonomy, Says National Assembly'll Ensure Compliance

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Chairman, Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, has said President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation on the landmark judgment on financial autonomy for local government areas pronounced by the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Karimi in a statement on Sunday said Tinubu deserves to be honoured in the nation's "Hall of Fame" for giving the judiciary a free hand to function which culminated in such historic adjudication.

He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would ensure

compliance by the various state governments while also taking up the responsibility of amending the constitution to address inherent contentious issues.

These include grey areas like the transfer of the responsibility of the conduct of elections to the local councils from the various state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said: "I thank Mr. President for mustering the courage to do the right thing. Since 1999, the third tier of government literally speaking, has been nonexistent. State governments treated them as appendages of the

state governments.

"No President, has been able to change that. But, within one year, however, President Tinubu has returned the local government to the owners - the masses.

"Local governments, if well operated, will ensure a better existence for our people. President Tinubu took due cognisance of this and courageously took the bull by the horns."

He, however, noted that the battle was not yet over. He said: "Some state governors will fight back. President Tinubu allowed the judiciary a free hand to operate in this particular instance, irrespective

of the fact that he is but a firstterm president who may desire a comeback in 2027." Tinubu, he added, did this primarily because of his singleminded concern for Nigeria's masses. Part of the statement read: "I align myself with the president on this. It takes a man of the people; it takes a man of courage, it takes a man that knows and feels the pulse of the masses to make this to happen. "He has seen it all, as a former senator and a former governor. Former President Buhari promised to push this but lacked the presence of mind and political will to pursue it. It will not stop there.

Palmolive Tolaram, Ankur

PRESENTING THE PRESTIGIOUS ROYAL AFRICAN YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD TO

Adesina: Nigeria Can’t Import Its Way Out of Food Insecurity, Knocks Border Opening

Says massive food import policy depressing, undermines private investments in agriculture

Dike Onwuamaeze

President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has criticised the food import

policy of the federal government, warning that Nigeria cannot import its way out of food insecurity.

Adesina said the recent decision by the federal government to open

Nigeria’s borders for massive food importation was depressing.

He made the assertions on Saturday in Abuja, when he delivered a speech titled, “Food Security and

Financial Sustainability in Africa: The Role of the Church,” at the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa Retreat.

Adesina said the food importation policy in Nigeria gave a distressing

China, Nigeria Commit to Promotion of Tourism, Cultural Exchange

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja has reiterated its commitment to promote tourism and cultural exchange with Nigeria within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in order to enhance the two countries’ bilateral relations.

The Embassy made the pledge at the weekend during a Seminar on "Promoting Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation", jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy, China Alumni Association of Nigeria and University of Abuja.

Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Li Xuda said that the embassy has always regarded promoting people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria highly because cultural and tourism exchange

plays a special and important role in societal progress and national development.

Li also added that the joint construction of BRI takes "Five Cooperation Priorities" as the main content: Policy Coordination, Facilities Connectivity, Unimpeded Trade, Financial Integration and Peopleto-People Bond.

He said: “The people-to-people bond, one of the five cooperation priorities of the BRI, goes beyond culture and tourism exchange and seeks to build common understanding out of respect for countries and regions in its big family.

“Both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with fabulous ancient civilization and rich tourism resources.

“Since six years ago, China and Nigeria became close partners in

jointly building BRI, which made our bilateral exchange even more in-depth and practical.

“I firmly believe that our culture and tourism will be further promoted in the new stage of high-quality joint construction of BRI and some of our cultural gaps and exchange barriers will be bridged.”

On his part, the Executive Secretary/CEO , National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for their continuous support in developing Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector.

He noted that Nigeria has a large wealth of natural and cultural attractions ranging from stunning landscapes of its national parks to the historic landmarks and vibrant

cities that tell the story of the nation.

He said: “We must therefore leverage the BRI to enhance our tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and create unique cultural experiences for visitors.

“By doing so, we can attract more tourists, generate revenue, and create jobs while preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.

“We will work closely with our Chinese counterparts to develop joint projects, exchange programmes and collaborative initiatives that have mutual benefits for both countries.”

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organisations.

US, UK, Cyprus-bound Cocaine, Opioids Concealed in Shoe Soles, Clothes Seized in Lagos

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have truncated plans of smuggling illicit drugs from Nigeria to United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus.

A press statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, said operatives of the agency intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, ketamine injection, among others concealed in soles of shoes, clothes and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus.

Babafemi said while no less than 250 grammes of cocaine going to Cyprus was hidden in soles of custom-made shoes, over five kilogrammes of opioids heading to the US and UK were discovered by NDLEA officers

of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) in clothes and other household items meant to be shipped through some courier firms in Lagos.

The spokesman also disclosed that a consignment of 440 grammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis coming from Canada to Lagos was equally intercepted by operatives in one of the logistic companies.

In another clampdown, NDLEA operatives in Edo State, last Wednesday, intercepted a vehicle marked Abuja GWA 273 DD, at Ewu Junction, Esan Central Local Government Area following credible intelligence.

Babafemi said the luggage of one of the occupants, Aminu Abdullahi, 32, was searched and found to contain custard containers, where 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were buried in the custard powder. In his statement, the suspect was

said to have claimed the drugs were bought in Onitsha, Anambra State and he was taking them to Mararaba area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to sell.

In another operation, operatives last Thursday raided the Ohen Forest, Abudu area of Edo and destroyed 5,429.75 kilogrammes of cannabis on 2.918 hectares of farmlands where four suspects: Godday Ariye, 37; Friday Okafor, 59; Obinna Nwosu, 48; and Yusuf Adamu, 27, were arrested. Similarly, 300 kilogrammes of the same substance were recovered from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West Local Government Area when NDLEA officers raided the location on Saturday.

In Ogun State, operatives last Tuesday recovered a total of 2,865 kilogrammes of cannabis at Afami Ibese while the suspected owner, Umar Ibese is currently at large.

At least, 2,455 kilogrammes of materials for the production of Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance (NPS), were recovered from a warehouse in Konduga town, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State last Tuesday, when NDLEA operatives in a joint operation with men of the Nigerian Army raided the area.

The following day, last Wednesday, operatives in Katsina State arrested a 54-year-old Sabo Sule with 47 kilogrammes cannabis in Katsina town.

In Lagos, operatives last Monday raided a warehouse in VGC, Lekki where they recovered 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide popularly called laughing gas; 108 cartons of fast gas cylinder; 134 pieces of balloon and 109 cartons of infusion charger, among others. A female suspect, Suliyat Abdulsalam was arrested in connection with the seizure.

trumpet sound since the country could not solve food insecurity with importation. He warned that politicisation of food production would hurt Nigeria with potential risk of permanently destroying the country’s agriculture.

The AfDB president, who was Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture between 2011 and 2015, said the resort to food importation took away his excitement, and like Prophet Jeremiah, he was bent over in pain.

He stated, “My excitement was, however, short-lived. Nigeria’s recently announced policy to open its borders for massive food imports, just to tackle short-term food price hikes, is depressing.

“It risks undermining all the hard work and private investments that have gone into Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“Nigeria cannot rely on importing food to stabilise prices. Nigeria should

be producing more food to stabilise food prices, while creating jobs and reducing foreign exchange spending, which will further help stabilise the naira.

“I feel today like Prophet Jeremiah, who said, ‘I am bent over in pain. Oh, the torture in my heart! My heart is pounding inside of me. I cannot keep quiet because I have heard the trumpet.’

“The food importation policy in Nigeria gives a distressing trumpet sound. Nigeria cannot import its way out of food insecurity.

“Nigeria must not be turned into a food import-dependent nation. A nation that depends on others to feed itself is independent only in name. Nigeria must feed itself with pride.” Adesina said, “The lesson is clear: exporting raw commodities is the door to poverty. The export of value-added commodities is the highway to wealth.”

Otti Staves off Industrial Crisis in Abia, Signs MoU with Labour on Key Disputed Issues

Agrees to pay N15,000 wage award for 3 months

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State at the weekend successfully nipped in the bud a looming labour unrest that could have shut down his government indefinitely with effect from Monday, July 15.

He has agreed to key demands of the organised labour, including payment of wage awards which Abia workers have been clamouring for since the federal government announced N35,000 wage award after removal of fuel subsidy.

To this end, Otti has committed to start paying15,000 wage award to Abia workers for three months, beginning from July ending, and within seven days reconcile issues bothering on the implementation of the subsisting N30,000 minimum wage.

Otti had been insisting that records of salary payment voucher showed that government has been implementing the N30,000 minimum wage in full against labour's claim that Abia workers receive N20,100 minimum wage.

In an 11-point memorandum

of understanding (MoU) signed by both parties after the meeting, government accepted to offset the N16.5 billion inherited salary arrears owed workers in parastatals and to commence promotion of workers due for promotion "as quickly as possible".

The organised labour had on July 8, 2024 issued a final ultimatum to Governor Otti to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and N35,000 wage award to Abia workers to cushion effect of fuel subsidy removal.

In the letter No. ORGL/ ABS/ Vol.11/002 signed by the chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State, Okoro Ogbonnaya and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Enogwe Ihechi, the labour leadership had vowed that workers would commence indefinite strike from Monday, July 15, 2024. But 48 hours to the commencement of the planned strike, which would have been Otti's baptism of fire with labour, he invited the state leadership of the organised labour for a meeting at his Nvosi country home for discussions.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R: His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, presenting the prestigious Royal African Young Leadership Award to the EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, at the Royal African Young Leadership Forum held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, … yesterday

PRE-RETIREMENT FORUM ORGANISED BY STANBIC IBTC PENSION MANAGERS...

L-R: Executive Director, Operations, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Charles Emelue; representatives of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) Louis Henshaw and Hajiya Hauwa Tukur; and Head, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Kenneth Omeogu, during a Pre-Retirement Forum organised by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers in Abuja...weekend

After Troops’ Ambush in Kaduna, Military Uncovers, Destroys Terrorists’ Enclave

Ikechukwu Aleke

The hierarchy of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said the Air

Component of Operation Whirl Punch, uncovered and destroyed a criminal enclave housing the identified terrorists that ambushed

military troops on patrol operations at Manini area of Kaduna State on 10 July 2024.

The NAF also noted that extreme

weather conditions was hampering ongoing air operations, in most theatres of operations.

A statement by NAF Spokesperson,

George: LG Autonomy Foretaste of Full Restructuring

AVM Edward Gabkwet, said despite the weather challenges hampering ongoing efforts to diminish the capabilities of criminal elements in the Northwest, air operations by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch had continued unabated with remarkable levels of success being recorded.

huts were burned down.

knocks Makinde Afenifere,

Bauchi senator hail

judgment

Without constitutional amendment, it’s a joke, says Duke; Oyo APC

Former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, yesterday, described the financial autonomy granted the 774 local governments in Nigeria as a pathway to full restructuring of the country.

But former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, warned that any such autonomy without amendment of the constitution was a joke.

However, Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) berated the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, over his apparent indisposition towards the Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to the councils.

That was as Afenifere, a panYoruba socio-political organisation, commended the federal government and the judiciary over last Thursday's ruling that affirmed local governments' right to funds accruing to them from the federation account.

At the same time, the senator for Bauchi South Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Umar Buba, welcomed the Supreme Court judgement. George, a life bencher of the PDP

Board of Trustees (BoT), commended the Supreme Court for the verdict on local government autonomy, stating that the judiciary “once again, proved that it is the last hope of the common man”.

He stated, “Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement stopping state governments from retaining and using funds meant for the third tier of government – councils – is not only victory for democracy but a big boost for Nigeria’s political and economic development.

"The apex court was precise and unambiguous in its verdict: allocations to local governments must be paid directly from the Federation Account to councils governed by democratically elected officials.

“The judiciary has, once again, proved that it is the last hope of the common man. This courageous verdict from the apex court will have far-reaching implications for the growth of democracy in world’s most populous black country and Africa’s biggest democracy.”

But Duke said Supreme Court judgement could only be effective with constitution amendment. He stated that, according to the constitution, local government elections must be

conducted by the states, which put local governments under state’s jurisdiction.

Duke expressed reservations about the Supreme Court’s decision, saying, “For the judgement to be effective, we need a constitutional amendment.”

He questioned whether local governments were truly federating units, saying they should be governed by state laws, as they are creations of the states.

Duke pointed out that the constitution defined the responsibilities of federal and state governments but did not clearly outline the role of local governments, stressing that local governments should exist but remain under state’s guidance.

National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, recalled that the federal government had in May instituted a case at the Supreme Court seeking to stop state governors from strangulating the local government councils financially.

Ajayi clarified that local governments getting their allocations directly from the federation account did not mean that they were now tied to the apron strings of the federal government.

He said, "Afenifere salutes the federal government under President Bola Tinubu for instituting this case,

salutes the judiciary for the landmark judgement, and congratulates Nigerians because the ruling is returning control to them, as against the prevailing situation which the governors have been manipulating to deprive the people of control at the local level."

Similarly, Oyo State APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, urged Makinde to desist from actions and utterances capable of portraying the state in bad light before the global community as well as those working assiduously for the country to get it right in the area of functional democracy, adherence to the rule of law, and delivery of good governance to the citizenry.

Sadare said the outburst of the governor in a video, which went viral at the weekend, gave him out as selfish, clueless and anti-people. He said the same judgement he was protesting had received the wide applause of the generality of people across the country and even beyond.

Buba, in a statement he personally signed, stated, "It is heart-warming and highly commendable, the judgement delivered recently by the Supreme Court of Nigeria granting financial autonomy to local government councils in the country.

Bauchi Governor Kicks Off 2024 Farming Season, Subsidises Fertilisers

The Bauchi State Government has officially launched the 2024 farming season with the flagging off of sales of assorted fertiliser and other farming communities, subsidising fertiliser at N20,000 per bag. This was as the state government provided financial support of the sum of N250,000 to selected farmers' corporative societies across the state to boost food protection and promote

agriculture.

During the ceremony which was held in Dass, headquarters of Dass Local Government Area at the weekend, the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed warned hoarders of the commodities to desist from criminal acts or face the wrath of the law if apprehended. Mohammed also said that that in an effort to consolidate agricultural initiatives, his administration plans to acquire additional equipment as well as employing extension workers

to improve farming yields.

He further expressed his desire to support and motivate farmers to embrace farming in line with the current technological changes and new techniques.

The governor said that despite the enormous challenges and limited resources, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state under his watch had accorded agriculture the priority it deserves .

He added that he will establish the production of fertiliser and its

associated products before the end of his administration.

While commending the federal government, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and other partners, Mohammed pledged to look inward to ensure that all farmers are involved.

On climate change, the governor said that his administration will be proactive by planting early variety of all crops recommended by professionals for the economic gains.

Gabkwet said these air strikes were initiated following thorough credible human intelligence, along with intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on 10 July 2024.

Gabkwet also revealed that in one of the strikes carried out on 12 July 2024 at terrorist Alhaji Layi's enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu Village in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, several terrorists observed within the location were eliminated while their thatched roofed

Noting that their logistics tucked under thick foliage were also destroyed, the NAF Spokesperson said similar air strikes conducted on 13 July 2024 over terrorists' camps situated inside Malum Forest in Igabi LGA also recorded positive outcomes after the targets were acquired and engaged.

"From the Battle Damage Assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zincroofed structures. Subsequently, a precision strike was authorised, which eliminated most of the terrorists.

“These air strikes were initiated following thorough credible Human Intelligence, along with Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on 10 July 2024,” he said.

Rotary Club of Lagos Unveils Plans for Community Impact, Installs New President

Mary Nnah

Adetunji Lamidi, the newly installed 64th president of the Rotary Club of Lagos, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the club's impact in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, promising to make a tangible difference in the lives of Lagos residents.

Speaking during his installation ceremony held recently in Lagos, he said, "Our goals for the year are audacious, yet achievable. We plan to commission a secondary school in Iboku Aro Village, support over 200 children, empower 200 widows, and donate five incubators to general hospitals in Lagos. We've already donated an infant incubator to Island Maternity as our first project for the year."

Lamidi said: “We believe that education is the bedrock of any society, and we're committed to providing access to quality education for all. Our secondary school project will provide a conducive learning environment for over 500 students, and we're excited to see the impact it will have on the community."

On healthcare, he said: "We're committed to improving healthcare outcomes in Lagos, particularly for mothers and children. Our incubator

donation to Island Maternity is just the beginning, and we plan to do more in the coming months."

The Rotary Club of Lagos, under President Lamidi's leadership stated it aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of Lagos residents through strategic interventions and partnerships.

"We are committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of the people we serve," Lamidi emphasised, adding, "Our projects are not just about immediate relief but about creating sustainable change that resonates for years to come."

As the Rotary Club of Lagos embarks on this new chapter, it invites all stakeholders, partners, and community members to join in its “transformative efforts. "

“Together, we can make a difference and create a better world for all," Lamidi said, noting, "We're calling on everyone to join us in this journey, and let's make a lasting impact in the lives of our fellow citizens."

Abiodun Role, former President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, expressed confidence in President Lamidi's leadership, saying, "Rotarian Adetunji Lamidi is an experienced Rotarian with a passion for service. I do not doubt that he will lead the club to even greater heights."

Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

SCHOOL ACTIVATION FOR TOPBOND CRAFT GLUE...

Edo Accuses Opposition Parties of Plan to Sponsor Protest against Court Proceedings

Adibe Emenyonu in BeninCity

The Edo State Government has raised the alarm alleging plan by opposition political parties to sponsor a Monday protest aimed at disrupting court proceedings. It, therefore, calling on youths not to allow themselves be used to perpetuate violence and cause crisis in the state. It also warned parents to protect their children from being exploited by persons

who wanted to disrupt peace for political gains.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare; and the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Project, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, made the

call at a press briefing, at the Government House, Benin City. They insisted that the state government would take all lawful actions against any individual or group found to be involved in activities that undermine the peace in the

Media Executives, Editors Organise Colloquium to Celebrate Olatunji Dare at 80

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in collaboration with Vintage Press Limited, publishers of Nation newspapers, is organising one-day colloquium on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to celebrate Prof Olatunji Dare, who clocks 80 years same day. In a statement by NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the umbrella of editors and media executives, said the event would start at noon, at Radisson Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. With "Dare @ 80: Same Craft, Changing Times – The Columnist as Societal Conscience", as theme, the colloquium will feature

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Publications, Mr. Lanre Idowu, as Lead Speaker. Other panelists include President, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mallam Kabiru Yusuf; former Managing Director of Guardian Newspapers Limited, Mr. Emeka Izeze; NGE President, Mr. Anaba;

President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, among others.

Prof. Dare is the Editorial Adviser, The Nation, who is also renowned as consummate teacher and seasoned columnist. He is globally acknowledged as “master satirist, stylist exemplar and magisterial editorialist.

Soludo Has Taken Anambra Backwards, Must Be Voted Out, Oseloka Obaze Alleges

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A chieftain of Labour Party (LP) and former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr Oseloka, has said Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the state, has taken the state backwards since elected.

state and intimidation of the judiciary.

"Edo Government urges all law-abiding citizens to reject and ignore any calls to disrupt the peace in the state and to refrain from engaging in any actions that could jeopardise public order. It is only through respect for the law and due process that we can ensure a just and orderly society for all.

"It is, therefore, in the best interest of all law-abiding citizens of our dear state that we enjoin everyone to join hands with the government in safeguarding the integrity of our institutions and preserving the peace and harmony of our beloved Edo State."

Lagos Govt to Plant 5000 Trees Every Year

Segun James

As part of effort at finding solution to the increasing climate change worldwide, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to the effort by planting 5000 tree in the next one year.

take our conversation forward into every sphere of life into the several millions of residents that are not here today.

"Part of our strategy is where we can attempt to save our environment to be able to curb the surge of climate change is by tree planting, it's been proven and it’s been seen.

"It's something that we must as a government deliberately set out a strategy to do. Tree planting should be a daily, weekly and monthly activity. We shouldn't wait for another year."

Obaze regretted that despite the promise of turning Anambra into Dubai and Taiwan, Soludo had broken Anambra irretrievably, especially in terms of security.

The former governorship candidate, who addressed his political supporters under the aegis of Team OHO, during a strategy meeting yesterday said there was need to change Soludo next year when the state holds its governorship election. He said, "We thought

Ogoni Clean Up:

2014 to 2022 (Willie Obiano's administration) was bad; but things have gotten worse since 2021. There is no solution in sight. Anambra was broken and needed to be fixed.

"Despite high promises of Dubai and Taiwan, Anambra has regressed in terms of security, quality of life and good governance. The present leadership (Soludo), despite all pretenses is not living up to their promises; and must as such be voted out."

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who said this in commemoration of the World Tree Planting Day at a tree planting ceremony which held at the Lagos House Marina, reiterated the need for deliberate and concerted effort at changing the mentality the people have towards climate change to save lives and the environment at large.

Obaze, an ally of the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, said the group would continue to support Obi to ensure realisation of his presidential ambition, but added that the most urgent task at hand was to change Soludo.

MOSOP Expresses Confidence in New HYPREP Coordinator, Adekanmbi

Segun James

After months of controversy, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, (MOSOP) has expressed confidence in the capacity and competence of Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi as the new Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), the agency tasked with the cleanup of Ogoni land following years of environmental degradation.

MOSOP chieftain, Mr. Fegalo Nsuke, in a statement, noted that even though Adekanmbi was not

from Ogoni, what mattered most under the present circumstance was competence and capacity to undertake the clean-up of Ogoni land, adding that years of efforts by incompetent people had left the situation worse. He said that even though Adekamnmbi is not Ogoni, "what matters to us is someone who can deliver. We have had Ogonis there for eight years and we've been disappointed. So, if Adekanmbi does it right, we are fine with that.”

He also set an agenda for the new HYPREP coordinator. He said: “We want him to prioritize water provision

and implement the integrated water project which was approved by the Governing Council of HYPREP in 2017. We will also want him to focus more on proper clean-up of both surface and underground pollution. That's actually his mandate.”

In the same vein, a professor of environmental and public health parasitology in the department of environmental biology at the University of Cross River State, Prof. Iniodu George, said that President Bola Tinubu anticipates the exercise of competence, dedication, and professionalism in fulfilling the

mission of the HYPREP to restore and revitalize communities impacted by hydrocarbon pollution, with a primary focus on Ogoniland in Nigeria.

His words: “I expect the new coordinator to spring into action to review the state of affairs in Ogoni clean-up effort and engage best available technology to enhance timely and permanent results in the remediation of the impacted ecosystems, as well chart a course for the provision of sustainable infrastructure and socioeconomic amenities, especially access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare.

According to him, "as a foremost state, Lagos has to be intentional and very proactive in his resolve to take back our environment and as a government we are engaging within ourselves to ensure we raise the bar.

"We have planned to ensure we plant over 5000 trees this year alone and monitor their growth while we sustain or improve these number every year to keep ourselves alive.

"I have spoken to the head of our agency to design ways to achieve growth consistency in this fight for our lives and environment."

He added: "Why this is important is also a demonstration of our government's commitment to it. For all of us to have taken out time to have come out this morning signifies that we believe in our tree planting initiative.

"As an ornament that can propel some of the conversation we are trying to pass across for the environment and water resource ministry, I have said it is not about the two three minutes that we spend here."

The governor said it was important to do everything humanly possible to mitigate the effect of climate change.

His words: "It's about how we

The governor called on the General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPAK) to ensure that planting of trees in the state is not just a yearly event.

"So that we can achieve the number of trees that we should be planting so that by the time we come next year July 14 we should hold the LASPARK GM accountable.

"I have encouraged her to come up with an efficient scheme that both the private and public sector will work on.

"The city is not over built that the state cannot receive 25,000 trees in the next one year. That is the challenge we will pass on to LASPAK. So that we will have an environment better than when we met it," he said.

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources said the theme for this year's tree planting day is "Nurture the Future". His words: "As a government we should be able to plant 5000 trees in the next 12 months, but beyond that, it's for her to be able to put an activity around it, a ceremony where we will applaud tree planting marshals so that it can grow organically.” Wahab said that the event underscored the efforts to protect the future while taking full ownership to develop a better environmental habit for a quality impact on climate change.

L-R: Supervisor, La Bilingual School, Joy Igbedion; Sales Officer, PureChem Manufacturing Limited, Taiwo Sofadekan; Sales and Marketing Manager, Consumer Product Division, PureChem Manufacturing Limited, Ishan Phadke, and Proprietor, La Maisonnette Bilingual School, Adenike Akande during the school activation for Topbond Craft Glue held in Lagos, last Friday

THAT MISSED SHOT AT TRUMP

assault rifle instead of an ordinary rifle, the story might have been different. Political assassination used to be as American as the apple pie. In 1981, Ronald Reagan was only a few weeks into his arch-conservative presidency when John Hinckley fired a shot at him as he emerged from Washington’s Hilton Hotel. The bullet missed Reagan but, ironically, hit his bullet-proof Lincoln Continental limousine, ricochetted off its armoured body, hit the president under his raised arm and lodged inside him. Reagan, who in earlier life was a Grade B Hollywood movie actor, later told reporters, “I forgot to dodge” as in the movies. Donald Trump, who completely lacks Reagan’s sense of humour, only said after this shooting, “I will never give up.”

1960s was the golden age of American political assassination. In November 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald hid in a tall building in Dallas, Texas and shot President John Kennedy as his motorcade drove past. Two years later in 1965, three members of the Nation of Islam organization, Muhammad Abdul Aziz, Khalil Islam and Thomas Hagan, shot and killed fiery black activist Malcolmx X as he gave a speech in a New York theatre. Three years after that in 1968, James Earl Ray shot the great black American civil rights leader Martin Luther King as he stood on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. That killing caused instant riots by black Americans in nearly all major American cities. Only two months later, Sirhan Sirhan shot leading anti-Vietnam War presidential candidate Senator Robert Kennedy as he spoke at a hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Well before Kennedy, American assassins had killed three US Presidents. In April 1865, fresh from leading the Federal side into victory in the American Civil War of 1861-5, John Wilkes Booth shot the

Great Emancipator, President Abraham Lincoln in a theatre. Sixteen years later, assassin Charles Guiteau shot and killed US President James Garfield in 1881. And twenty years later in 1901, 28-year-old Leon Czolgosz shot US President William McKinley at close range and killed him.

I will not say it is Americans who taught the world to assassinate leaders, since Roman emperor Julius Ceasar was assassinated by his own courtiers nearly a thousand years earlier in 44BC. In the contemporary world, some of the most shocking assassinations include the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh. Mrs. Ghandi had ordered the Indian Army to enter the Golden Temple at Amritsar and rout out terrorists who were hiding there. In response, the Sikh Holy Gurus ordered her killing. She was advised to remove Sikhs in her bodyguards as a precaution but Mrs. Ghandi refused, saying they had been with her for 16 years. Six years later, her son and successor, Prime Minister Rajiv Ghandi, was killed during a trip to southern India when a Tamil woman who pretended to kiss his feet suddenly exploded a bomb.

I was around when both Indira and Rajiv were assassinated, but I was not here in 1947 when one of the biggest assassinations of all time took place. Right wing Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse fired shots at Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi, the father of Indian independence movement and universally acknowledged champion of non-violent resistance. The Mahatma fell to the ground saying, “Oh, Rama!” [Oh, Ram].

The 1981 assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat by four young military officers led by Lt Khalid Islambouli as he inspected a parade in Cairo caused shock all over the world.

TOWARDS GENUINE LG AUTONOMY

rigging elections but have no modicum of decency, leadership capacity or intellectual dexterity needed to lead LGs.

Another reason LG autonomy is a mirage is the recruitment, discipline, and appointment of top LG civil servants by the state government through the LG Service Commission. This is where political interference is most located, and we have given the least attention. There is often a need for more qualified and motivated personnel in local governments. This shortage of skilled workers affects the quality of services provided and the implementation of development projects. Bureaucratic inefficiency, red tape and slow administrative processes hinder the effective delivery of services and the implementation of development projects.

We have been seduced to believe that financial autonomy is the only pathway for LGs to define their own development priorities and implement them independently. This can be compared to giving you a coin in one hand and taking it from another hand. The devil is often in the details. We must dig deep to evaluate the quality and capacity of the human resources needed for effective and modern local government governance.

The institutional frameworks within which local governments operate are often weak and poorly enforced. This results in a lack of accountability and transparency in the management of local government affairs and that is the greatest problem of a financially independent LG system. Weak institutions and poor oversight are the other stumbling blocks to LG system that can achieve a modicum of results or development. The legislative councils, where they exist, are comparable to living furniture in the chairman's office or a waiter for the most powerful state-level politician in the LGA. Annual audits from the office of the auditor general of LG and internal auditors in the Council are more of a ritual than any serious

They jumped from the back of a truck in the parade and opened fire at Sadat in the VIP stands. We saw pictures then of the Egyptian Defence Minister, Field Marshal Abdelhalim Abu Ghazala, who sat next to Sadat but was not grazed by the hail of bullets.

In March 1975, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was shot by his deranged nephew, Prince Faisal ibn Musaid as he left a mosque. The killing in 1988 of Pakistan’s military ruler General Zia ul-Haque was even more grisly, because a bomb was planted on his plane and it exploded as the plane took off. A slight variation of that happened in Rwanda in 1994.

President Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane was shot by Hutu extremists as it came in to land at Kigali airport, the event that led to the Rwandan genocide of that year and the coming into power of President Paul Kagame.

Quite shocking, in 1979, was the assassination of President of South Korea, the iron-fisted Pak Chung-hee by Kim Jae-gyu, his security chief. A staunch American ally, Pak was the opposite of everything democratic. He was however succeeded in short order by Generals and Admirals even more brutal than he was, such as Generals Chun Do-Hwan and Roh Tae-woo. Everywhere there are crazy people. In 1975, rebel soldiers killed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Bangladesh who led it out of Pakistan. His daughter Sheikh Hassina Wajad is still ruling the country today. In July 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in an act that shocked Nippon, once the world’s capital of political assassination. Men, and women, who looked like peace makers to the rest of the world could easily fall victims of assassination by zealots at home. In 1995, two years after he signed the Oslo Peace Accord

assignment of examining and verifying financial transactions.

Corruption has since been democratized in LGs. True, it is rampant at all levels of government in Nigeria, including the local level. Funds meant for development projects often get siphoned off by corrupt officials, leaving local communities needing more resources for growth and

with Palestinian Liberation Organization [PLO] leader Yaser Arafat, Jewish law student Yigal Amir shot Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at a rally Tel Aviv. There was a story I read two years earlier, about a young Israeli demonstrator outside the Prime Minister’s office who raised a placard saying, “Rabin is a traitor. He is giving our land to Arabs.” Foreign Minister Shimon Peres was passing by, and he stopped and asked the demonstrator when he was born. I think he said 1975. So Peres said, “You were not even born when we seized this West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan during the 1967 Yom Kippur War. This man Rabin was the Army Chief of Staff who captured these lands. If he now says we should hand it back, don’t you think he knows something that you don’t?” I was just wondering. Sure, many people in the US and around the world think Donald Trump’s likely return to the White House for another four years will have disastrous consequences. But Thomas Crooks was only 20 years old. He would have been 24 in January 2029 when Trump finishes his second and final term [unless, with the help of the conservative majority in US Supreme Court, he amends the US Constitution and makes himself Life President]. Age 24 leaves plenty of time to witness the undoing of whatever damage Trump might have wrought, but now Crooks is gone and will not even know the results of the November election. There is even a chance that Trump might lose the election. This is a lesson for youngsters everywhere, not to take rash actions because of what they perceive to be a bad situation. To paraphrase what the great English philosopher Bertrand Russell said during the Cold War, if Trump is as bad as his worst enemies say, at least if we are alive, there is room for improvement.

civic engagement in LGs. The populace are too distant from the LG administration to insist on accountability . Many citizens need to be more engaged in local government activities. This lack of public involvement and oversight allows dysfunction and corruption to persist unchallenged. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms to improve governance, increase transparency, ensure adequate funding, and foster greater civic engagement.

Beyond these anchors on the neck of LGs, the Supreme Court verdict is a starting point for a long-drawn process. It will help the LGs in three ways. First, the profound constitutional change by the Supreme Court will put them on a journey of financial independence and accountability. Second, this ruling may become the catalyst for the further reform of the LGs to become fit for purpose. It will help set the agenda of having a holistic look at LG to make it more functional and purposeful. Third, we must decide whether to take LGs seriously as the third level sub sovereign with attendant functions and responsibilities or to scrap it and have proper two level federating units. Some have argued that it does not help to have a superstructure that recognised LG as micro sovereign tier of government on paper and not in practice.

improvement. Also, in many parts of Nigeria, local governments face significant security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts. These security issues divert resources away from development projects and create an unstable environment for effective local governance. Finally, there is high public apathy and low

Aside from financial autonomy, LGs must achieve administrative and political freedom to foster grassroots growth. They exist as separate legal entities free of state government apron strings or should be removed from the constitution to create a two-tier structure. Free, fair, and credible elections are the most critical step towards genuine LG autonomy without contestation. We must revisit this and decide how best to achieve this, either through the existing state Independent Electoral Commission (state INEC) or by allowing the Federal INEC to conduct all elections in Nigeria.

CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola

Again, Football Not Going Home as Spain Beat England

Femi Solaja with agency report

The Three Lions of England’s quest to end 58 years of jinx and disappointment fell through again and ended in despair as they were beaten by tournament favourite, Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

The win made Spain the first team to win the European cup for a record four times.

On the same night, Lamine Yamal became the youngest male player to ever appear in a major tournament final, breaking the previous record held by Brazilian legend Pele.

Yamal, who turned 17 the day before the final, has excelled for Spain this summer, racking up one goal and three assists to lead his nation to yesterday’s final against England.

Pele was 17 years and 249 days old when he lined up for Brazil in the final of the 1958 World Cup. The youngster netted twice to seal a 5-2 win over Sweden.

But Gareth Southgate's side were sunk by Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner to leave England heartbroken again and unable to end the long wait for success for the men's team.

Spain's young star wingers combined to give them the lead two minutes after the break as Yamal's pass opened up space for Nico Williams to beat England keeper Jordan Pickford with a powerful low finish.

England captain Harry Kane was out of sorts once more and was substituted on the hour and it was Cole Palmer - on for Kobbie Mainoo - who raised hopes of

another dramatic comeback with a composed left-foot strike after 73 minutes.

It was Spain, however, who snatched the win four minutes

from time as Oyarzabal slid home Marc Cucurella's cross to leave England the near men once more. Aside from the win, Spain became the first nation to

secure a perfect score in a major tournament by winning all their matches. Seven in all including the final win against England. Before then, they had secured a 3-0 win

against Croatia then lone against defending champions Italy and another lone goal win against Albania to complete the group phase.

MOC Declares Ogun State Ready to Host NSF

Ogun State has gotten a clean bill of health to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in January. This is the sequel to the Main Organising Committee, (MOC) inspection of game facilities.

The committee led by its chairman, Mrs. Tinuke Watti expressed satisfaction after making an onthe-spot inspection that took the members to Babcock University, the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu and the Abeokuta Sports Club in Abeokuta.

Mrs Watti, speaking on behalf of

the MOC, expressed satisfaction with the facilities and commended the Ogun State Government for the efforts so far. The most mind-blowing accommodation facilities offered by Babcock University where 23 halls of residence will be made available to accommodate all the athletes in one place.

That singular gesture has drastically reduced logistical problems. The university campus will also host some of the sports events.

Its proximity to Ikenne, where the Remo Stars Stadium is located becomes another added advantage.

Babangida Endorses IBB

International Golf Classic

Former Nigerian military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida has given support to the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja to start the annual IBB International Golf Classic.

He gave the nod at the weekend when he received the executive committee members of the club led by its Captain, Ibrahim Babayo at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

The former military president also commended the club for adding value to the country, noting he believed that such an international tournament would further put the country on the world map positively.

Babayo had earlier briefed Babangida on the efforts of the committee to add the new programme, 'IBB International Golf Classic Competition' to the club's calendar.

"We have to come to our father, the father of the Club, the life patron of IBB International Golf and Country Club and we have also come to inform him of the annual IBB classic that will be done every August which will be a Pro-Am and of International status.

"The reason for this is to showcase the beauty of our course and bring more professional golfers around the world to Nigeria. Golf is a big earner while some countries are also using it as part of their foreign policy," Babayo said.

Gen Babangida was presented with a club souvenir as a mark of honour for his contributions to the club which was founded and named after him in 1991.

Babayo was accompanied by some of the executive committee members, the Club's Resident Pro as well as the club manager.

Aruna, Assar Among Top Seeds for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

As the draws for the Men’s Singles table tennis event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar stand out as parts of the 16 top seeds for this multi-sports spectacle in France.

Aruna, who made history as the first African to reach the quarterfinals of the table tennis event at the Olympic Games, currently holds the 19th world ranking, while Assar who is the second African to reach the quarterfinal is rated 22nd in the world.

The official seedings for the Games will be based on the July 16th ITTF World Rankings, revealing potential matchups that promise excitement for fans.

The two African stars will be among the top seeds, and they are expected to kick off their campaign from the second round (round of 64) of the tournament on July 28 at the South Paris Arena.

All eyes will be on Aruna and Assar, with the Nigerian making his fourth Olympic Games appearance, as he contends for a podium finish in Paris.

Egypt’s Assar, who matched Aruna’s quarterfinal record at Tokyo 2020, is another player to watch out for in Paris.

Assar joins Mohamed El-Beiali as Egypt’s representatives in the Men’s Singles. Meanwhile, Dina Meshref and Hana Goda will compete in the Women’s Singles event. For the team event, the African champions have selected Youssef Abdel-Aziz to join Assar and El-Beiali in the men’s squad. Mariam Alhodaby will team up with Meshref and Goda for the women’s team event in Paris.

Meshref and Assar will also compete in the Mixed Doubles event, which makes its second appearance in Paris after debuting at Tokyo 2020.

Joining Aruna in the Men’s Singles event is his compatriot, Olajide Omotayo. Other African players include Mehdi Boulussa of Algeria and Ibrahima Diaw of Senegal. Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana will create history as the first player from the island nation to compete in the table tennis event at the Olympic Games. Saheed Idowu of Congo Brazzaville secured a Tripartite Invitation to participate in Paris.

In the women’s singles, Nige-

ria’s duo of Offiong Edem and Fatimo Bello, along with Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou and Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi, complete the continent’s contingent in Paris.

The 10th Olympic appearance of table tennis promises an exciting blend of experience and youthful exuberance.

The recent heroics of the French Team, including the Men’s team’s silver medal and the Women’s team’s bronze at the ITTF World Championships Finals Busan 2024, have ignited anticipation in Paris.

The rise of young stars like the Lebrun brothers (Félix and Alexis) and Prithika Pavade has captivated

the Parisian imagination. Fans eagerly await their hometown heroes’ pursuit of Olympic glory on home soil. Beyond French flair, legendary player Ma Long of China bids farewell to the Olympics after Paris, and India makes its debut in the Team events.

A new Men’s Singles champion will emerge, while the Women’s Singles features a potential clash of titans as China’s Chen Meng defends her crown against top seed and compatriot Sun Yingsha. Lastly, all eyes turn to Timo Boll, the iconic German player concluding his glittering 20-year career in the sport.

Dominant Alcaraz Blows Away Djokovic to Retain Wimbledon Title

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz produced an utterly ruthless performance to dismantle Serbia’s Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-2 7-6(4) in a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon final to successfully defend his title last night.

Alcaraz now has four Grand Slam trophies with a perfect record in major finals, after his two Wimbledon triumphs, his U.S. Open victory in 2022 and his French Open win last month. Defeat denied Djokovic a 25th Grand Slam title to surpass Margaret Court in the all-time list and also equal Roger Federer’s haul of eight men’s singles titles at Wimbledon.

Alcaraz pounced on his fifth break point in a tight first game that lasted 14 minutes, before the

21-year-old third seed dropped the hammer and powered through the

opening set on the back of some solid serving.

Second seed Djokovic came under more pressure at the start of the next set as Alcaraz bullied the 37-year-old in the early exchanges to break and capitalised on his service woes for an imposing two-set lead. Djokovic and Alcaraz went toe-to-toe until 4-4 in the third set before the Spaniard broke with a big backhand winner to take a 5-4 lead. However, despite being 40-0 up, he squandered three match points and dropped serve. He tamed his nerves to clinch victory in the tiebreak when Djokovic crashed a return into the net.

In the knockout stage, the team posted a 4-1 win over Georgia before Germany’s ouster of 2-1 and the same scoreline in the semi-final against France.

European Champion, Spain

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

That Missed Shot at Trump

Trust Western media channels to ensure that for the next week and more, no story in this world makes it into newspaper front pages or the airwaves nearly as much as the small shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Several shots were said to have rung out but only one of them managed to scrape former President Donald Trump, very gently, in the least dangerous of all places, namely his ear lobe.

Within an hour of the news breaking, conspiracy theories were all over Nigerian social media channels. The most popular one was that Donald Trump staged it in order to further boost his election chances by fueling his diehard supporters’ anger. They are likely to say, “[Expletive]! They [meaning Democrats, Liberal Establishment, illegal immigrants, Mexicans, would-be Latino immigrants, supporters of Palestine and Gaza, NATO, Ukrainian government, Muslims and left-wingers all over the world] have tried to knock him out of this race using various courts, and when it all failed, they resorted to shooting!”

The young man said by the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] to have fired the shot from a tall building near Trump’s rally venue, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a poor shot by American standards. In a country estimated by a 2020 Pew Research Centre survey where 30% of all adults, or 93 million persons, own firearms, including many assault rifles, this boy Crooks must be a toy shooter,

Former United States President, Mr. Donald Trump, with blood on his right ear as he was rushed off stage by security agents after gunshots were fired at his campaign in Pennsylvania so named by his parents in readiness for this event?

luckily for Trump. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms estimated in 2020 that there were 434 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States, of which only one or two belonged to Crooks. Did I say Crooks? The would-be assassin’s name itself sounds suspicious. Was he

Thomas Crooks has never voted in an American election. He was only 16 during the last vote in 2020 and was expecting to vote for the first time in November. He was said to have registered

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

as a Republican, the Grand Old Party [GOP] now near-totally remolded in Donald Trump’s shadow. Why should a registered Republican shoot his own party’s presidential candidate? Could it be that he is angry that Democrats have dominated the airwaves in recent weeks with their attempt to force President Joe Biden off their presidential ticket, and Crooks wanted his party to regain the media attention?

Maybe we shall never know for sure, since he was shot dead at the scene. Unless if he told someone beforehand, or if he punched something into a computer or mobile phone or he left a note lying somewhere, his real motive may never be known. That the Secret Service shot him right after he fired the shots reminded me of Herman Radnitz, the famous James Hadley Character who often said, “There shall be no loose ends.” Whenever Radnitz ordered a murder, he will ensure that the killer himself is swiftly eliminated lest he tells someone.

As the arch-hero of American conservatives, I wonder if this shot at Trump will help change their opinion about their country’s gun ownership tradition. Frequent school shootings and the murder of innocent pupils and their teachers never moved Trump and other conservatives to accept a major regulation of gun ownership, even just of assault rifles. If Thomas Crooks had used an

Towards Genuine LG Autonomy

Last week, Nigeria's Supreme Court took a fundamental step towards dismantling the grip of state governors on the local government(LG) system and local government funds. The Supreme Court ruling on a suit filed by the attorney general of the federation,Lateef Fagbemi SAN, pointedly said the governors were undermining the functionality and operations of the LG system. They stretched it further by inferring that the governors were hell-bent on destroying democracy. In this landmark judgement, the Supreme Court made it clear that it is unconstitutional for state governments to control, withhold or tamper with funds meant for local governments and prohibited any further allocation of LG funds to state governments or funds to councils without elected officials. Even with the best of intentions, the judiciary exercised legislative authority and redefined the fundamental concepts of federalism. With this move, Nigeria's 774 local government councils will receive allocations directly, circumventing State-LG joint accounts prescribed by the constitution in Section 162(6) and governors' interference.This decision aims to ensure that state governments do not

misappropriate LG funds and provide financial independence for LGs. The court further directed that governors cannot dissolve democratically elected LG officials because it violates our 1999 constitution.

Presently, LGAs are provided for and captured in the constitution, but they are just extensions and appendages, in fact, at the mercy of state governments. Governors and regional leaders have consistently opposed any attempt to provide LG autonomy from the postindependence days (1960-1966). The subordination of that level of government and the alleged embezzlement of its finances reached a fever pitch in 1999. At some point, governors elected on the APC platform cautioned the National Assembly in 2013 to focus on their business and forget local government autonomy. The governors contend that other presidential-style federations, from which we derived our model, all have two tiers of federating units. The LGA system in all such two-tier federations is entirely and discretionarily the responsibility of the state government. Governors perceive local government autonomy as a danger to their power and influence at the grassroots. They want to maintain a firm grip on LG

politics and administration. Governors believe state autonomy and local government autonomy as congruent and not separated. These ruling challenges this assumption and tries to establish LG autonomy and financial independence from the state. However, some have argued that it affects the balance of power between the federal and state governments when the federal directly funds the local governments and may use it to control or challenge the state power or other political leverage.

For decades, governors have been seen by the populace as meddling in the smooth functioning of LG councils, especially tempering the funds allocated to that tier of government. The trust of the Supreme Court ruling, which evidently was influenced by popular yearning, is on the issue of financial autonomy and did not extend to other fundamental issues affecting local government functionality in Nigeria. It is a no-brainer that the fight to liberate local government from the shackles of control by different tiers of government may have started with financial independence; much more needs to be done.

Like most Nigerian institutions, the most significant reason why the LGA

system is functioning sub-optimally is the complete absence of free, fair, and credible elections. Without free and fair elections, accountability and transparency are just wishful thinking. Leaders at that level, or any other level for that matter, do not owe their emergence to the power of the people and, therefore, have no sense of responsibility. The creation of state independent electoral commissions, practiced in other federal systems , has become our albatross in Nigeria. Except for a few states, abusing that constitutional provision merits an award for infamy.

Related to the abuse of the electoral process, which is widespread and deeply rooted in the country's political landscape, is the issue of the quality of persons "elected" to that level of government. The dearth of capacity is not limited to elected officials but is also established in the LGA civil service. The outcome is disastrous when charlatans and political jobbers are forced on the people in local governments with little or no capacity to lead or even manage resources. The practice is that governor’s gift local government chairman positions to their cronies and touts who are experts in