SATURDAY 15TH JULY 2023

Access Bank Expands Reach in Africa, Signs Deal to Buy Standard Chartered’s Subsidiaries in 5 Countries

into agreements for the sale of Standard Chartered’s shares in its subsidiaries in Angola, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone,

and its Consumer, Private and Business Banking business in Tanzania, to Access Bank. The announcement was

made at Standard Chartered’s Headquarters in London yesterday in the presence of senior representatives from both

Says incarceration, a violation of subsisting judgement and orders

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Bello Kawu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Abuja has declared as illegal, unlawful, null

and void the continued detention of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele by the Department of State Service (DSS).

Justice Kawu made the

declaration yesterday in a short ruling while responding to a fresh suit brought by Emefiele challenging his incarceration by the DSS.

The voiding of Emefiele's

detention by Justice Kawu came barely 24 hours after another trial court by Justice Hamza Muazu ordered the DSS to, within seven days, charge Emefiele to court over his alleged crimes or set

him free.

In the judgement, upon a Motion on Notice brought before the Court by Emefiele, against Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and

Group Managing Director, Access Bank

Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna.

President Heads to Kenya for African Union Mid-Year Meeting...

Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Inspector

King pleads with President to help ensure artefacts are not snatched from Palace

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to firmly protect Benin artefacts returned to the country from different parts of the world as a way of archiving the history of the people in particular and Nigeria in general.

Speaking yesterday when he received the Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, and other traditional leaders from Edo State at the State House, Abuja, the President also assured them that his administration would support the Benin Royal Council in its bid to establish a museum that will house the artefacts.

On the same day, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oyo State, Oba Francis Olusola Alao was at the Villa on a courtesy call on the President. He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the

the

Olu of Warri Bemoans Poverty in Niger Delta Amid Oil Wealth

Bennett Oghifo and Sunday Aborisade

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III has bemoaned the fate of most people of the Niger Delta, who are living in abject poverty in the midst of so much oil wealth.

He also expressed his disappointment with how oil companies ill treat people in his domain.

In a speech titled, “Business

Beyond Profits: Expanding the Frontiers of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Development for Africa’s

Development”, at the Africa Leadership Summit, organised by the Africa Leadership Organisation in London, recently, the Olu expressed concern that businesses in the region are thriving and making huge profit, “while releasing crumbs to the communities that pass for corporate social responsibility, which do not prosper the people.”

He declared: “Today, African businesses are thriving and our entrepreneurs are still ambitious. However, a deep societal linkage and community upliftment through business is less prevalent. Indeed, the pursuit of profit, while

essential, has drawbacks.

“I reign over a kingdom with one of the largest oil and gas activities in the country. However, in our communities, we’ve seen the growing gap in inequality, environmental degradation, and missed opportunities for societal advancement. Too many of our communities grapple with poverty, lack of access to education, accessible healthcare, and environmental pollution amongst many other issues.

“Yet, year after year, companies engage in corporate social responsibility activities across

communities. So, why are the large budgets dedicated to activities and donations not doing much to move the needle of our continent’s development? For far too long, we’ve done CSR as charity, following a model that treats CSR as an act of philanthropy rather than a core part of business strategy.

“This often leads to one-off, superficial activities that fail to deliver lasting impact. If, instead, we craft CSR as an integral part of our business strategies, aligned with our core operations and value proposition, we can create lasting, scalable impact while also

ACCESS BANK EXPANDS REACH IN AFRICA, SIGNS DEAL TO BUY STANDARD CHARTERED’S SUBSIDIARIES IN 5 COUNTRIES

A statement issued by Standard Chartered after the signing ceremony said the agreement with Access for the sale of the bank’s business in Sub-Saharan Africa was in line with its global strategy, aimed at achieving operational efficiencies, reducing complexity, and driving scale.

It said each transaction remains subject to the approval of the respective local regulators and the banking regulator in Nigeria.

“Access Bank will provide a full range of banking services and continuity for key stakeholders including employees and clients of Standard Chartered’s businesses across the five aforementioned countries. Access Bank and Standard Chartered will work closely together in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition, with the transaction expected to be completed over the next 12 months,” said Standard Chartered in the statement.

Commenting on the agreement, Kaushal said: “Following on from the announcement we made in April last year, the project is now substantially completed with the announcement for the sale of the five markets and the furtherance of a partnership with Access Bank. This strategic decision allows us to redirect resources within the AME region to other areas with significant growth potential, ultimately enabling us to better

support our clients.

“We look forward to working closely with Access Bank’s team over the coming months to achieve a successful conclusion to this transaction while safeguarding the interests of our valued clients and prioritising our employees.”

Remarking on the deal, Ogbonna stated, “We are pleased to sign this agreement today and express our appreciation for being selected as the preferred partner to Standard Chartered through this transaction, in which it is exiting four African markets and refocusing on one. As a distinguished regional and international bank with a rich heritage spanning over 150 years, Standard Chartered Bank has built a solid presence in these markets for over 100 years.

“For Access Bank, this strategic transaction represents a key step in its journey to build a strong global franchise focused on serving as a gateway for payments, investment, and trade within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world, anchored by a robust capital base; a relentless focus on execution; and best-in-class customer service and governance structures.

“At Access Bank, we are committed to reshaping the global perception of Africa and African businesses, even as we continue to build toward our vision to be the

World's Most Respected African Bank. Our 5-year growth plan will see us build a world-class payments gateway, leveraging the power of technology and a robust network of relationships across our operating countries. This will be supported by a dynamic ecosystem of local and international partnerships, enabling us to serve global payments and remittances efficiently.

“With our recent European expansion and our deepened presence in key trading corridors across Africa, we will bridge the gap between cross-border and domestic transfers across all business segments. More importantly, we are committed to impacting our host communities positively.”

Standard Chartered had in April 2022 revealed plans to divest from several markets, including Lebanon, Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Jordan. Additionally, the bank planned to exit the CPBB (Consumer Private and Business Banking) business in Côte d'Ivoire and Tanzania. It announced the sale of its business in Zimbabwe in June and in Jordan in March of this year.

With the latest announcement, Standard Chartered has achieved significant progress in completing the divestment process for the

markets identified in April 2022. However, the bank noted that they are actively engaging in discussions with potential buyers for the sale of its CPBB business in Côte d'Ivoire. Access Bank and Standard Chartered are expected to work closely in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition, with the transactions expected to be completed over the next 12 months.

Majority Equity in BancABC Tanzania

Access Bank in its own statement yesterday on the Standard Chartered deal, added that it had also entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of a majority equity stake in African Banking Corporation (Tanzania) Limited - BancABC Tanzania

It said: “BancABC Tanzania, a fully-service commercial bank with over two decades of operations in Tanzania, is expected to consolidate the CPBB business onto its platform. “Tanzanian banking regulators has granted approval in favour of the BancABC acquisition and further regulatory approvals are anticipated in due course for the transaction, including from the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

COURT DECLARES EMEFIELE’S CONTINUED DETENTION ILLEGAL

General of Police, DSS and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the presiding Judge held that the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele were in violation of the subsisting judgement and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/ CV/41/2022.

Emefiele, through his Counsel, Peter Abang, had asked the court to set aside, quash, invalidate and nullify the arrest and detention of the Applicant for being illegal and a nullity in view of the subsisting judgement of Justice M. A. Hassan delivered on December 29, 2022.

Justice Kawu also made an order setting aside, voiding, quashing, invalidating and nullifying any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest, detention and/ or interrogation of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national

security before or from any court since the date of the judgement of Justice M. A. Hassan.

Besides nullifying the action of the agency, Justice Kawu also ordered the DSS to comply with a previous decision of the court restraining it from harassing, arresting and detaining Emefiele over charges for which the court had already decided on.

In the suit, dated June 20 but filed June 22, the plaintiff submitted that his arrest and subsequent detention by the DSS was in violation of the orders of court as issued by Justice M. A. Hassan of the FCT High Court.

Emefiele, in the Motion on Notice marked CV/6588/2023, prayed for an order setting aside, quashing, invalidating and nullifying his arrest and detention for being illegal and a nullity in view of the subsisting judgement of Justice M. A. Hassan delivered on December 29, 2022.

Besides, he prayed for an order setting aside, voiding, quashing, invalidating and nullifying any

warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for his arrest, detention and/or interrogation in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgement of Justice M. A. Hassan.

Emefiele in addition asked for an order of injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, further detaining or proceeding against, breaching or interfering with his personal liberty and freedom of movement or taking any other steps against him in connection with any allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgement of Justice M. A. Hassan.

In his reaction to yesterday’s

strengthening our businesses.”

He charged companies doing business in Africa to rise above profit-making alone, stating that the continent would thrive better if African businesses, governments, and communities collaborate.”

In envisioning the future of community development in Africa, the Olu said he is looking forward to a continent transformed by the power of business beyond profits.

He said: “I see African businesses, governments, and communities hand in hand, driven not only by the pursuit of economic gain but by a shared commitment to lifting our continent. I envision African communities actively shaping their destinies, harnessing the resources and opportunities unlocked by CSR initiatives carefully tailored to their needs and aspirations.

“The journey towards this future begins today with us. To the business leaders here, I implore you to redefine your business

success beyond the bottom line. Embed social responsibility into your core business strategy. Seek partnerships and invest in initiatives that address the pressing needs of our communities. And remember, transparency and accountability are your allies.

“Government officials, you have a pivotal role to play. Create an enabling environment that encourages and rewards socially responsible business practices. Your policies can catalyse the impact we need. And let’s collaborate more, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors to achieve a common good.

“Together, we can realise our vision of an Africa where businesses thrive, governments serve effectively, and communities are empowered. Let us all strive to leave a legacy that echoes not just in the wealth we amass but in the lives we touch and the communities we uplift. It is not just possible. it is a duty we owe to future generations.”

TINUBU BACKS OBA OF BENIN ON ROYAL MUSEUM,PROMISES FIRM PROTECTION FOR RETURNED ARTEFACTS

new government, assuring that the nation would prosper under the Tinubu-led administration.

The President congratulated the Benin monarch for the retrieval of the stolen Benin artefacts and commended his effort in ensuring that a befitting museum is built to archive the rich history and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

"It deserves our protection. We are glad to have them back, and we are glad you are happy. They are in protective custody. It is a matter of history, over a hundred years. We will work on the museum," he said.

President Tinubu said the federal government was undertaking an audit of its infrastructure projects, promising to ensure that roads in Edo State are considered in line with a request made by the traditional ruler.

the nation would prosper under the Tinubu-led administration.

In an interview with newsmen after meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, he urged Nigerians to be patient with the new government as it pulls all the strings to bring relief and development to the country.

Oba Alao, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, noted that the current biting condition “is the natural pain that precedes the deserved gain for all citizens,” adding that he was confident of good times ahead.

The traditional ruler, who said he had fruitful and promising discussions with the President, prayed to God to sustain and help the administration achieve its programme for the country.

judgement, counsel to Emefiele, Abang, told newsmen that beyond the release of his client, that Nigerians must celebrate the fact that Nigerian judges, despite several acts of intimidation by security agencies and some unfavourable conditions under which they work, are bold to dispense justice not minding whose ox is gored.

He called on the DSS to immediately comply with the orders of the court and release his client so that he can go and look after his failing health aggravated by over one month of illegal and unlawful arrest and detention.

Emefiele was arrested on June 10 over allegations of economic sabotage and threat to national security amongst others and have remained in custody of the DSS till date.

His arrest and detention came shortly after he was suspended by President Tinubu on June 9, “to pave the way for his investigation” for alleged criminal offences.

In his address, Oba Ewuare II commended President Tinubu for the giant strides of his administration within its first weeks.

"We've predicted that you would hit the ground running and you have done so, even faster than we thought," the royal father said.

He said the steps taken by the President since his inauguration on May 29, 2023 had renewed the hope of Nigerians and put the country on the path to progress and development.

The monarch appealed to the President to help ensure that the artefacts returned are not stolen or taken over from the Benin Royal House.

Oba Ewuare II also thanked the federal government for his appointment as Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Olugbon: Nigeria’ll Prosper Under Tinubu

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, yesterday assured Nigerians that

He said: "We paid a courtesy visit to the President to wish him well, a successful tenure and also we’ve been able to discuss some national issues that will bring prosperity to all Nigerians. All I will say is let all Nigerians be patient with him. He has kickedstarted in a very positive direction and there’s no way you’ll have gains without pain.

“We’ll have the immediate pain, but we’ll have the longterm gain. Nigerians will enjoy prosperity at the end of the day, this government means business and the business is to serve the people, to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.

“All the issues we have discussed are very positive about this government. I wish Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a successful tenure. I wish Nigeria a peaceful coexistence country, a prosperous nation and a fulfilled country, by the special grace of God.”

The President also yesterday received the former governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode; and the Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the State House, Abuja.

Tribunal Reserves Judgement in APM’S Petition against Tinubu’s Election

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) has reserved its judgement in the petition of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) against the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Presiding judge of the fivemember panel of the PREPEC, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, yesterday, announced that judgement is reserved to a date that would be communicated to parties in the petition.

The decision was taken shortly after parties in the petition adopted

their final addresses for and against the petition seeking the disqualification of Tinubu from the February 25 presidential election on the grounds of unlawful nomination.

According to the petitioner, Tinubu ought not to be on the ballot because the then Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, unlawfully allowed himself to be nominated twice for two different constituencies.

Shettima had been nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District and was later nominated by the same party

Court Adjourns $4.2m Suit Against ExxonMobil, Frowns at Delay Tactics

Wale Igbintade

Justice Rabiu Gwandu of the National Industrial Court in Lagos has fixed September 30 for further hearing in a $4.2 million suit instituted against a multinational oil company, ExxonMobil Corporation and its parent body, Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited by its ex-staff, James Nwagbogwu Ebede, over alleged forceful retirement.

When the matter was mentioned for continuation of trial, counsel for ExxonMobil, Paul Usoro, SAN, was in court to cross examine the claimant who has given evidence and closed his case since last year.

But, Ituah Imhanze leading two other lawyers for Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited told the court that he filed an amended statement of defence against the consequential amendment statement of claim of the claimant.

However, claimant’s lawyer, Chucks Uguru told the court that he will not be opposing the amendment but urged the court to impose a cost of N750,0,000 on the Mobil Producing company, contending that the claimant filed his amended statement of claim since 18th of March,2022.

Uguru stated that the only

reason the defendants have not filed their statement of defence was for the purpose of delaying the case which was filed about five years ago.

He told the court that the case had suffered series of adjournments at the instance of the defendants.

Uguru further told the court that the business of the day was for the claimant to be cross-examined by the defence counsels but this is another dilatory.

Consequently, he urged the court to grant them two hearing days if the case is to be adjourned after the application must have been heard.

In her ruling, the trial judge, Justice H Gwandu, after Mr. Imhanze granted the application for amended statement of defence, and ordered Mobil Producing Nigeria company to pay the cost of N500,000, which must be paid before the next adjourned date.

Thereafter, Justice Gwandu adjourned the matter till 30th and 31st of September 2023 for continuation of hearing.

In a statement of fact filed before the National Industrial Court on behalf of the claimant, stated that he worked with the company from December, 2001 to 2018 as an engineer and that because of his consistent excellent performance, he was at various times given important responsibilities.

Onitsha Kingdom Orders Nigeria

Correctional Services to Vacate Community

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Onitsha Traditional Council also known as Ime Obi has called on the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) to vacate its facility in the city, accusing them of appropriating community land.

The call was contained in a statement signed on behalf of the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, by his Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Anionwu.

The community stated that the land on which the facility is sitting was given to the colonial government on lease for 99 years during the precolonial era and that the lease has expired, saying the community is not interested in another renewal.

The statement read: “The facilities of the correctional services agency are located on parcels of land, properties of the Umudei Quarters, lylawu Quarters, and Okposi Eke section of Ogboli Eke Quarters are

as Vice Presidential candidate, following the withdrawal of one Kabiru Masari who was the initial Vice Presidential candidate to Tinubu.

The grouse of the APM was that Kashim Shettima and the APC breached the Electoral Act by engaging in the alleged double nomination.

In proving its case, the APM had on June 21 called only one witness, who tendered documents to prove that Shettima was still a senatorial nominee as at the time he was nominated for the position of Vice President.

After the end of cross examination

by the respondents which include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Tinubu, Shettima and Masari, the court adjourned to July 14, for adoption of their final written addresses in the petition.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the APM through its counsel, Andrew Malgwu, SAN, asked the court to invoke the relevant law to nullify the nomination of Tinubu and Shettima on the grounds of unlawful, illegal and unjustifiable nomination.

Responding, INEC prayed the court to dismiss the petition for lacking in merit.

SERVING IN TEMPLE OF JUSTICE

Similarly, APC represented by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, asked the court to dismiss the petition on all grounds for being frivolous, irritating and unwarranted.

Fagbemi argued that the petition died on arrival in view of the Supreme Court judgement that other political parties cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another party especially on the issue of nomination.

In the same vein, Tinubu and Shettima represented by legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, argued that the APM’S petition ought not to have been filed in the first

instance and demanded its outright dismissal.

Olanipekun told the court that the petition ought to have been withdrawn honourably immediately the Supreme Court made pronouncement that no party has the right to dabble into how another party nominated its candidates for elective offices.

Shortly after the proceedings, the Presiding Justice of the court, Justice Tsammani adjourned judgement indefinitely.

Justice Tsammani told the retinue of lawyers in the court that they would be communicated once the judgement is ready.

in the Akpaka area of Onitsha.

“We’re insisting that the Nigeria Correctional Services should put a stop to its appropriation of parcels of land belonging to Onitsha families, and that these should revert to the owners.

“The Onitsha Traditional Council observed that beyond the occupation of the parcels of land for which the lease agreement had expired, the NCS has gone ahead to encroach on adjoining parcels of land including that which has been set aside for the National Maritime Institute, a federal government agency under the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.”

Giving a historical account of the land, the community said: “Despite the expiration of a lease of agreement in respect of the parcels of land, which hitherto were used as farmlands by the Onitsha families, the Nigeria Correctional Services has continued to lay claim to them.

L-R: The husband of the Judge, Customsary Court of Appeal, Adewunmi Sofowora, the Judge; Hon. Justice Oriyomi Abiodun Sofowora, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chief Judge of Ogun State; Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu and the Ag.President, Customary Court of Appeal (CCA); Hon. Justice Femi Segun, during the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Oriyomi Abiodun Sofowora as a Judge of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal (CCA)

Ex-EFCC Investigator: How We Traced N4.2bn to Obanikoro, Fayose

Wale Igbintade

A former operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, yesterday told a Federal High Court in Lagos how during investigation his team, traced the sum of N4.2 billion to a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Fayose and his firm Spotless Investment Limited are being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly laundering N6.9 billion.

Madaki, who is the 13th

prosecution witness, said that he was in the EFCC during the investigation of the case between 2014 and 2015 as the Head of Economic Governance, and that he left the commission sometime in 2020.

Led in evidence before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke by prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, the EFCC operative stated that sometime in mid 2015, the commission received an anonymous report on procurement of firearms by the then National Security Adviser (NSA).

Madaki said the report contained the names of many

companies and individuals who obtained money from the NSA’s office without rendering any service.

He identified a firm, Silver Macnamara, as one of the companies that allegedly obtained over N4 billion

The companies and individuals, he added, were analysed and investigation was extended to banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), BDCS and the other persons that had a relationship with the case.

Madaki said: “Responses were received and Silver Macnamara

had an account with Diamond Bank. The statement of account received from Silver Macnamara was analysed and various withdrawal and deposits was analysed.

“We invited the owners of companies and individuals that were involved.

“When the investigation was ongoing, information was received that part of the funds received by Silver Macnamara was withdrawn and taken via aircraft to Akure. Since no particular airport was mentioned. I led a team to the local airport in Abuja to lodge the complaint but they said that no plane flew.

Abiodun Tasks Judiciary on Political Stability

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, charged the judiciary to ensure that the country stabilised politically.

The governor gave the charge while swearing-in Justice Oriyomi Sofowora as a judge of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal at the Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun said his administration believes in the independence and vibrancy of the judiciary as a vital tool for the strengthening of democracy and institutionalising the rule of law, hence the need for judicial officers to be above board in carrying out their duties.

He said: “My Lord, you are saddled with the dual obligations

of ensuring political stability as well as being there for the downtrodden at all times as their last hope.

“This you must do with total commitment, courage, and assertiveness without fear or favour. As a matter of duty, you must continue to earn public trust and ensure that all the arms of government work independently, but collectively within the tenet and principles of separation of powers for the overall good of our people.”

Abiodun noted that the state has played a leading role in the evolution and development of a modernised and functional legal system not only in Nigeria but in the West African sub-region just as its leading role in the legal profession remains unbroken.

“Luminaries from Ogun State have contributed immensely towards a virile and effective judicial system in Nigeria and on the global stage.

The judiciary balances the executive and legislative arms in every democratic setting and serves as a sanctuary to the common man,” he added.

The governor expressed the hope that with the appointment of the new judge, the tradition of integrity, diligence, and excellence that have been the hallmark of the state judiciary would be optimally enhanced.

“Please take cognisance of the enormous burden of not only ensuring that justice is served but seen to be served effectively and efficiently

without bias.

“As a responsible and responsive government with an unwavering bias for good governance and the rule of law, we shall stop at nothing to bring good men and women of impeccable character and proven integrity on board to join us in coordinating the affairs of the state in different capacities,” Abiodun said.

He stated that his administration has carried out a series of reforms like the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the Case Management System, the Judges’ Clock and the Custody Monitoring Dashboard System, towards efficient administration of justice in the state.

President Heads to Kenya for African Union Mid-Year Meeting

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu is to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, today to participate in the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the African Union Member States.

As the Chairperson of ECOWAS, the Nigerian President, according to a release issued by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, will join Heads of State and Government, Foreign Ministers of the AU Member-States,

and high-level dignitaries at the mid-year meeting which will take place on Sunday, July 16.

President Tinubu will present a report on the status of regional integration in ECOWAS, highlighting actions carried out during the period under review by ECOWAS institutions, member-states, the private sector, and other stakeholders to deepen integration through trade, free movement of persons, investment promotion, infrastructure development, peace, security and stability.

The 5th MYCM, which is convening under the AU’s theme for 2023 christened

“Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation,” will bring together the Bureau of the AU Assembly, comprising the Heads of State and Government from Comoros, Botswana, Burundi, and Senegal, as well as the leaders of the eight RECs.

These regional economic communities include ECOWAS chaired by Nigeria, the East African Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Community of Sahel–Saharan

NDLEA intercepts 64,863kg ‘Laughing Gas’ Consignments at Lagos Port, Imo

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Barely 24 hours after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commenced a total clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as ‘laughing gas’, which has become the latest source of abuse as recreational drug, operatives of the anti-narcotics agency have intercepted over 64,863.5 kilogrammes consignments of the gaseous substance at the Apapa seaport in Lagos and in Imo State.

A statement by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, said that following credible intelligence the NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport on Wednesday intercepted two containers marked MSKU 7626856 and MSKU 7689448 suspected to contain cartons of nitrous oxide and plastic pressure release nozzles imported from China, this led to a joint examination of the containers

by NDLEA officers, men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders the following day, Thursday. During the search of the two containers, a total of 522 cartons of nitrous oxide, containing 16,366 packages weighing 64,852 kilograms were recovered along with the paraphernalia for recreational use.

He disclosed that the importer of the consignment, 30-year-old Stephen Eze and his agent, Michael Chukwuma were thereafter arrested and detained for further investigation.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on Thursday intercepted three cartons containing 18 canisters of the same substance weighing 11.5 kilogrammes heading to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to Babafemi, a swift follow up operation was conducted in the stadium road

NCAA Begins Audit of Max Air to Ensure It’s Safe to Fly Again

The Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, has disclosed that the authority has dispatched its inspectors to Kano to audit Max Air operations, noting that the result of the audit would determine if the airline would resume flight operations.

Captain Musa made this known yesterday when he had Zoom meeting with Aviation Correspondents.

He said that Azman Air’s two Boeing B737 aircraft were grounded because one had water in its tank, while the other had technical problems and they would only be allowed to go back to service if they are found airworthy after the audit.

“NCAA staff just left for Kano to audit Max Air airline. They will inspect their operations to know when they will resume operations. So, we cannot give the time they will resume until after the audit,” he said.

This is coming as the Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, urged NCAA to be more vigilant, stressing that the

regulatory authority issues licences to oil marketers, inspects their facilities and approves their sale of aviation fuel to airlines.

The Director General also said the NCAA would close the aviation fuel marketing company which sells contaminated fuel to airlines, stating that the regulatory body was already investigating the airlines that bought fuel from the company that sold contaminated fuel to Azman Air.

Explaining further on why Azman Air aircraft were grounded, Nuhu said that investigation already carried out disclosed that the aircraft in question took fuel from Kano, Abuja and Lagos and NCAA is investigating where the water came from and tracing the source of the bowser to pumps and storage facilities.

“When we find out, we are going to suspend the marketing companies. We will collaborate with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure it does not happen again. We want to make sure that the marketers meet our regulations to supply their products to the airlines,” Nuhu said.

States (CEN SAD), the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

The meeting will also involve the African Union Commission and the RMs. President Tinubu, who will be

accompanied by senior government officials, is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the meeting.

area of Elekahia, Port Harcourt the same day leading to the arrest of the owner of the shipment, 24-year-old Tonye Kalio.

Meanwhile, while commending the officers and men of the Apapa Port, and their Imo State Command counterparts for being proactive and swift, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, said the clampdown on illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide will continue nationwide to protect young Nigerians from the devastating effects of abusing the substance and in the overall interest of public health.

He equally commended the cooperation of other sister security agencies and stakeholders towards achieving the set objective.

EASING PASSPORT PROCESSING...

Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Caroline Wuraola Adepoju, Interacting with passport applicants during her unscheduled visits to passport offices in Awka and Asaba... recently

NAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes in Makurdi

A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft has crashed in Makurdi, Benue State.

The two pilots on board the aircraft however survived the crash.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

Ariwoola’s Son, 22

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Gabkwet said the incident occurred yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State, at about 4.15p.m.

According to him, the aircraft was on a routine training exercise with two pilots who luckily survived the crash.

The statement said both pilots were taken to the NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi, for observation.

Gabkwet said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan

Abubakar, has constituted a board of inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

“A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft crashed today, 14 July 2023 at about 4.15p.m. in Makurdi, Benue State, while on a routine training exercise,” the statement reads.

“Luckily, the two pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the

aircraft.

“Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi.

“Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a board of inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

Others Recommended for Appointment as Federal High Court Judges

Olukayode Ariwoola junior, son of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was among 22 lawyers recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment as a Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The recommendation was sequel to their success at the screening and interview panel of the Council.

The NJC besides the 23

nominees for the Federal High Court, also sought appointment of one Kadi for Kaduna State and four other Kadis for Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal.

The recommendation for the appointments was made at the 103th meeting of the Council presided over by the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and held in Abuja.

Those recommended as Federal High Court Judges are Ekerete Udofot Akpan, Hussaini

Dadan-Garba, Egbe Raphael

Joshua, Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa, Aishatu Auta Ibrahim, Ogazi Friday Nkemakonam, Ogundare Kehinde Olayiwola, Onah Chigozie Sergius, Hauwa

Buhari, Ibrahim Ahmad Kala and Hauwa Joeph Yilwa.

Others are Amina Aliyu

Mohammed, Sharon Tanko

Ishaya, Chituru Joy WigweOreh, Musa Kakaki, Owoeye Alexander Oluseyi, Abiodun Jordan

Adeyemi, Agbaje Olufunmilola Adetutu and Salim Olasupo Ibrahim.

The rest are Dipeolu Deinde Isaac, Ariwoola Olukayode Jnr, Abdullahi Muhammad Dan-Ige and Mashkur Salisu.

A statement by the Director of Information of the Council, Mr. Soji Oye released yesterday indicated that Hon. Kadi Muhammad Aminu Danjuma is to be appointed as Grand Kadi for Kaduna State.

LP Loses Bid to Commit Enugu REC to Prison

It was a rowdy session at the Enugu State Governorship Tribunal yesterday as the Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, lost the bid to commit the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to prison for alleged contempt of court as

well as their bid for an extended window to closure their case.

The application by the petitioners against the REC for alleged refusal to allow them to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in the conduct of the 18th March 2023 general election as ordered

by the tribunal was rejected by the tribunal on the grounds of fair hearing, insisting that the REC be served to enable him to respond.

Recall that the petitioners had on 29th March 2023 applied for an order to enable them to inspect the BVAS machine, an application that was granted on the same date.

However, it was not until Wednesday 12th July that the petitioners, through their counsel, Valerie Azinge (SAN) drew the attention of the court to the 29th March ex-parte order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant them access to inspect BVAS.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

African Voices Changemakers Celebrates MC French Montana

CNN’s magazine programme, African Voices Changemakers this week features Moroccan-American hip-hop artiste, M.C French Montana. The programme is sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

Born on November 9, 1984, Karim Kharbouch popularly known by his stage name, MC French Montana, is a notable rapper who has so far garnered 41 platinum singles to his credit in his flourishing career.

The anchor of African VoicesChangemakers, Larry Madowo caught up with the multi-platinum selling artiste at his home in Los Angeles and followed him to New York as he premiered his new documentary about his life from being a struggling immigrant to a multimillionaire superstar.

ROYAL VISIT…

S’East Loses N4tn to Insecurity in 2 Years, Says House Deputy Speaker, Kalu

Chinedu Eze and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that a special study carried out in the South-east has revealed that in the last two years the region has lost about N4 trillion to insecurity, especially the Monday sit-at-home, which paralyses economic activities in the area.

Hon. Kalu who disclosed this in his address at the annual all markets conference in Lagos organised by Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, said that insecurity in the Southeast is discouraging investment in the region.

He said Igbos should not blame any other region or other Nigerians but themselves for stultifying their economic growth and killing their fellow Igbos in people both in the short term and in the long term.

The federal lawmaker also said that Igbos and Yorubas should work together to buoy the nation’s economy by working together to ensure peace and harmony between the two tribes.

“In the last two years, we have lost N4 trillion due to the unrest in South-east. This rising development has caused us a lot as we keep losing business investment to the constant sit at home. We will tour igboland to bring calmness in the region. Insecurity remains a major problem in the East, the Yorubas are not our problem. We are our own problem in the east.

“When you build 100 houses in Lagos, build at least 50 in your home. No one said migration cannot be reversed. Migration can be reversed and people from Lagos can go to Igboland to buy goods. The constant killing, kidnapping, among others happening in the south east are not helping us. We need to readjust and arrange our home. This is not our identity.

Gov Akeredolu Will Resume Soon, Omisore Declares

Fidelis David in Akure

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, yesterday, said he is optimistic that the ailing Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would soon return to the state to continue attending to the development needs of the people.

According to a press release made available to journalists by the State Publicity Secretary of APC, Alex Kalejaye, Omisore was in Akure, Ondo State capital in what he called “solidarity visit” where he met with the Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, state Chairman, Mr.Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Working Committee, Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni

Ale, Members of the House of Assembly, commissioners, and

The APC chieftain said the national secretariat regretted the twist in the recent wish and prayer of the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for the governor.

He insisted that at no time did the national chairman say the governor is incapacitated, explaining that the visit was meant to dispel the misapprehension of the sincere and noble statement, and put the record straight.

“Mr. Chairman only urged people to pray for the quick recovery of your governor; not on account of being incapacitated. Our visit, therefore, is to reinforce the position of the national secretariat that we only prayed for the quick recovery of Arakunrin Akeredolu SAN, and not otherwise,” Omisore stressed.

Igbos are not known for violence. We must rise up with one voice and denounce this ugly situation in our land. I’m pained that we are no longer safe in the land that our forefathers gave us. We now sojourn in diaspora giving our children’s out in marriage in foreign land,” Kalu said.

In a speech, the Chairman of the occasion who is also the Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, maintained that there is no positive use for anyone to fan the embers of discord between the Yoruba and Igbo.

“The support Igbo traders gave the governor (Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu) in the March 2023 governorship election was not because he is Yoruba. It was rather because of the great competence

The traders also saw in him as a detribalised leader who eschewed discriminatory and divisive politics which Lagos,

a melting pot of ethnicities, requires to excel.

“This is why some of us are very troubled by the occasional diatribe between the Yoruba and Igbo in Lagos State as is currently the case. It is not only unnecessary but also of no positive use for anyone to fan the embers of discord between the Yoruba and Igbo who have harmoniously co-existed in Lagos, along with other ethnic groups for well over a century.

“The only people, who foster, we must rethink our association with them if we must maintain a decent relationship with our host communities. Let me stress that political tensions are inevitable in every society; even in the most advanced democracies. A key driver of such political tensions are interest group politics wherein diverse range of stakeholders try to advance their interests which can converge or diverge,” he said.

Pharmacists Raise The Alarm Over Lack of Ethical Drug Distribution Control

Pharmacists under the aegis of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have raised the alarm on the risk of high morbidity and mortality in the country as a result of lack of control in ethical drug distribution.

The body attributed the worrisome development to total surrender of drug channel distribution to charlatans and respect to laws and policies of the country, have taken over the distribution network.

The Chairman of ACPN, Wale Oladigbolu, who decried the prevailing situation, described it as a big security threat to the health of the nation and cautioned against the undesirable consequences of the development.

He expressed concern that the nation’s adversaries could

take advantage of the unhealthy situation to undermine the health of vulnerable citizenry through unwholesome practices, including lacing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and excipients substances.

“This is because the adversaries of this nation can explore the inherent weaknesses in the value chain of drug distribution morbidity and mortality on our vulnerable population by lacing our APIs, excipients or lethal substances which would have created havoc before the possibility of a damage control.

“There is a strong need to embrace control over ethical drug distribution as the current status quo constitutes gargantuan security threats to the health of our nation.

The 38-year-old superstar who emigrated with his family to the United States when he was 13, founded Coke Boys Records and its predecessor Cocaine City Records. He subsequently signed a joint-venture record deal with Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Records and Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group in 2012. His hit track, ‘Quarter to Eight’ was the first of many collaborations with Rick Ross who is also a legendary musical artiste. He has either won or been nominated for several awards including the Best Club Banger Award which he won at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2013. Also, in 2016, he was nominated twice in the Best Rap Song Category and in 2017 for the Best Rap Performance at the Grammy Awards.

Gov Sule Inaugurates Greenville’s $2m LNG/L-CNG Facility in Nasarawa

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday, inaugurated a $2 million Greenville

Natural Gas (L-CNG) facility in Inaugurating the $2 million LNG/L-CNG facility, the governor expressed optimism that Greenville LNG, owned by private investors, was bringing alternative and cheaper energy sources, especially at a time when the cost of petrol was soaring following the removal of fuel subsidy.

He particularly expressed hope that the gas project will lead to the conversion of petrol engines to gas, especially for heavy-duty

trucks, as well as smaller vehicles such as commercial motorcycles.

Managing Director of Greenville LNG, Ritu Sahajwalla, represented by the Director of Administration of the company, Joseph Oyadoyin, pointed out that the project will further crystallise the industrialisation drive of Governor Sule as it would bring more investment to the state.

The Greenville LNG MD said the recent deregulation of the petroleum industry has emphasised the urgent need for alternative and cleaner energy sources.

Sahajwalla disclosed that his company would establish another facility in Karu Local Government Area of the state

Gov Otti Safeguards Abia’s Revenue Basket, Tackles Ariaria Market Shop Allocation Crisis

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

In a bid to safeguard the quantum revenue yield from Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has waded into the crisis generated by the allocation of shops in the remodelled section of the market.

The peace of Ariaria, which is regarded as Abia’s revenue basket, was rocked after the immediate past administration allocated shops in the remodelled A Line section of the market even when the project is still ongoing.

The ensuing crisis was inherited by the new government and with the high prospect of affecting revenue generation from Abia’s revenue basket, the governor needed to act fast.

Otti has therefore detailed the

Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, to find a lasting solution to the shop allocation crisis.

The commissioner went on a fact-finding visit to Ariaria Market three days after his inauguration and assured the highly polarised and angry traders that “I’m here to solve your problems.”

“I’m your servant that government has chosen to serve you and alleviate your problems,” he said, adding that he would ensure that Ariaria gets conducive environment for commercial activities to thrive.

Alluding to the political colouration that some traders had painted of the controversial allocation of remodelled shops in the completed blocks, the commissioner said that he would get to the root of the matter.

ILO to Support Nigerian Government to Deliver 2 Million Digital Jobs

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has pledged to support the Nigerian government in its plan to deliver over two million digital jobs to reduce the nation’s unemployment rate.

The ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Vanessa Phala, made the pledge yesterday during the commemoration of this year’s World Youth Skill Day in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme- ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Building Skills for Tomorrow ‘, Phala noted that the digital economy has become an integral part of Nigerians’ daily lives, thereby shaping the industrial sector and creating more opportunities.

The Country’s Director stressed that Nigeria has a youthful population, hence the need for them to be equipped with the right skills to strive in the digital world.

L-R: Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje; Chief Bimbola Fadamilola; Olori Adedoyin Alao; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, HRH Oba Francis Olusola Alao; President Bola Tinubu; Otunba Tomi Araromi; Akogun Bolaji Adigun and Prof. Adeolu Akande, when the Olugbon led a delegation to visit President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

Gov Sule, APC, INEC Object to Tribunal’s Admissibility of Documents

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday objected to the admissibility of all documents tendered by the petitioners at the Nasarawa State Governorship Election

The Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday admitted 13 documents tendered by the petitioners counsel to PDP and Governorship candidate, David

Deputy

SYNERGISING TO SECURE FCT …

Use Your Positions to Touch Lives, Remi Tinubu Tells Govs Wives

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has met with the wives of the 36 state governors to formally introduce and acquaint them with the objectives and the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

At the meeting which took House, Abuja, yesterday, Mrs. Tinubu congratulated the wives of the governors on the successful conduct of the 2023 elections which

and reminded them that it is time to keep promises made during the elections.

According to her, she will require the support of the governors’ wives to reach every nook and cranny of the country, noting that looking at the past can most assuredly chart a path for the present and future and this can best be done collectively for better and more sustainable impact.

Utebor Installed 7th Governor Rotary Int’l District 9141

Delta State Government has assured its willingness to partner Rotary International and other non-governmental organisations engaged in programmes and activities geared toward promoting peace abd improving the quality of lives in the communities.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance in an address at the installation ceremony of Emeke

M. Utebor as the 7th Governor of Rotary District 9141, comprising clubs in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

While congratulating Utebor on his elevation and installation,

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State described the recognition as a strong statement about the leadership credentials of the Agbor-born engineer, urging him in him by Rotary International by continuing on the trajectory of excellence that fetched him the high position of responsibility.

Oborevwori commended Rotary for remaining committed to its founding principles based in more than 100 years of the charity organisation, saying that his administration would continue to partner positive organisations like Rotary to serve Deltans better.

10 Persons Die in Auto Crash in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

No fewer than 10 people have lost their lives in a fatal multiple auto crash that occurred along Bode SaaduJebba highway in Moro Local Government of Kwara State.

The incident according to THISDAY checks happened yesterday evening with 17 people on board.

It was gathered that seven males, one female and two female children died in the incident, which occurred at Ilupupa Village of Moro Local

Government Area of the state.

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, Frederick Ade Ogidan who stated that three vehicles were involved in the fatal crash in which three others sustained various degrees of injuries.

He disclosed that about N60,750 in cash was recovered at the scene of the crash, blaming the accident on wrongful overtaking and overspeeding.

The First Lady assured the governors’ wives that the RHI will in no way interfere with their personal programs and projects and that she believes that support would be impactful. She said, “I wish to remind each of us that the exalted positions we are in today should be seen as an opportunity to impact more meaningfully, not only in the lives of people in your states but Nigeria as a whole.”

Speaking with journalists after

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, commenced the distribution of cheques to cover insurance benefits to next-of-kin of officers, who paid the supreme price and those who have suffered permanent deformities in the course of discharging their lawful duties.

A statement signed by Police Spokesman and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the total sum of cheques presented to 68 families of deceased officers and those injured or rendered disabled in the line of duty captured under the Group

the meeting, wife of Kwara State Governor, Olufolake Abdulrazak, assured of the willingness and commitment of the wives of the governors to support RHI, stating that they will go back and elect zonal coordinators to take the mantle to ensure that the grassroots are reached.

individual projects in their various states but instead complement

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Umbugadu, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, during the tribunal’s yesterday.

But in their separate submissions, counsel to INEC, Dr. Hassan Liman, that of APC Rotimi Adebayo (SAN) and that of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Ibrahim Ogah, all objected to the tendering and admissibility of all the documents tendered by the prosecution.

The counsels to the respondents, therefore, said they would advance their reasons written addresses. colossus who has through his own consistent and concerted of many in the profession.

Kalu in a statement issued yesterday, noted the contributions of Obaigbena in the growth of journalism profession in Nigeria and Africa.

He said despite the challenges confronting the media industry, THISDAY newspaper and Arise TV are competing favourably with many media brands on the African continent and beyond.

The Deputy Speaker, described Obaigbena as a

The Deputy Speaker said, “I congratulate my friend and brother, the media guru, Prince Nduka Obaigbena as he turns 64 today. His tremendous contributions in the media industry are well noted and the impact immensely felt. He has contributed a great deal in the promotion journalism profession in the country and beyond.

“Aside from his laudable innovations that have shaped Nigeria’s media industry for decades, Obaigbena has also played notable roles in Nigeria’s political reform. As he turns 64, I wish him a wonderful birthday celebration and many more fruitful years ahead.”

FCCPC Domesticates Patients’ Bill of Rights in ATBUTH

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Life Assurance 2022/2023 Policy Year amounts to N535 million.

“The IG reiterated that the Nigeria police under his watch firmly believes that human life is valuable, and prioritises the well-being of officers and men of the force.

“He stressed that his leadership will promptly fulfill the obligation of providing insurance and other benefits to all police personnel, who have sacrificed immensely for our beloved country by providing comprehensive welfare support aimed at creating an environment where every officer feels valued, protected, and motivated to give their best in service to our nation,” it said.

Hinge Your Aspirations For Political Positions On Vision, Akpabio Tells Politicians

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has advised the political class to allow their aspirations for by clear vision and mission for their constituents.

He gave the charge while speaking at the funeral service in honour of Late Deaconess Aniema Donald Etiebet, daughter of the late former governor of old Cross River State, Senator Donald Dick Etiebet, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The President of the Senate,

according to a statement by his senators to the funeral service.

He described the deceased as “a very strong supporter of mine, who had the sight and the vision of what was about to happen in the Senatorial District.”

Akpabio said, “She did all she could to ensure that I emerged the Senator representing the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, elected by my colleagues as the President of the 10th Senate.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially domesticated the Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR) at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi State.

FCCPC which has been

Propagate

The staff and management of Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation (ANPC) have been charged to imbibe and propagate the ideals of the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, in rebuilding a state that everyone would be proud of.

The new General Manager of the Corporation, Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike, who stated this during his maiden meeting with the management and staff in his office, said that the governor has a deep commitment towards arresting the decadence the state was plunged into for years.

Hon. Ike stated that Governor Otti’s vision is in tandem with that of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who anchored his campaign on rebuilding Nigeria nation that works for all.

He urged them to be in the vanguard of sharing and propagating the vision.

mandated to protect the citizens’ bills of rights medically, has come up with modalities and developed “patterns of patients’ bills of rights for the protection of consumers and such rights include consumer protection acts, child rights acts, national health acts among other instruments of rights.

L-R: Federal Capital Territory Controller of Nigeria Correctional Service, Ibrahim Ndaaba Idris and Comptroller of Immigration Service, FCT Command, Tony Akunemeh, when the former paid him a courtesy visit ... yesterday

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, on his 64th birthday anniversary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE DUKE

Iwas awe struck that Prince Nduka Obaigbena commenced his journalism career at the tender age of 19, an age where many of his contemporaries were still thinking about what to do with their lives. He started as a satirist with the then Bendel State government-owned Observer. His cartoon ‘Leke Leke’ was an instant hit with its teeming readers, and for his efforts he was able to buy a car which he cruised at the University of Benin where he was then a student of Creative Arts.

It is instructive to note that he turned down an opportunity offered him by his civil servant father to toe the path of his four elder brothers by studying in the United States. Talk about seeing opportunities in a hitherto ‘barren land’ as he preferred at the time to be a King in a pond rather than being a small fry in the ocean. Why face racial discrimination in the name of studying in Uncle Sam rather than being a King in addition to having access to local celebrities as well as the elite?

His leadership trait manifested early in his illustrious journalism career when the government of Bendel State fired his then journalism mentor, Chuks Okuwa. The Prince of Owa resigned from The Observer in protest and used his funds to launch The Dawn Magazine, a monthly and made Okuwa the Editor. It is not for nothing that they say Obaigbena is extremely loyal to his friends. It didn’t start today as he has proven over the decades like old wine to have the back of his friends and loyalists.

After his studies in the early 1980s, he took the unpopular route of relocating to the UK which was not the norm then. At the time the newspapers in the country were the Daily Times; National Concord which made its debut in 1980; Punch which was on the newsstands since 1973, and Tribune since 1949. Guardian later came on board in 1983 followed by Vanguard in 1984. The magazines on the stands at the time were Lagos Weekend, a pull out of the Daily Times which saturated Nigerian homes on weekends and Newbreed published by Chris Okolie.

Obaigbena, a visionary, saw the local media space having played in it albeit at a regional level while in the university. He saw himself as a global player and decided to take the bull by the horn and like the Biblical Abraham, went on a road less travelled.

While in the UK he worked with NAL Advertising, Mike Jarvis and Partners which was a top PR firm, the legendary Newsweek and Time Magazines. He learnt the ropes of international journalism from advertising to public relations to running magazines and on his 27th birthday on July 14th 1986 took the nation by storm with the launching of Thisweek Magazine – a glossy magazine with a bias for politics and business.

His greatest competitor was Newswatch founded by the quartet of the late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, and Ray Ekpu. The Duke of Journalism as he is fondly called took no prisoners and wasn’t afraid of challenges. He assembled a galaxy of star journalists poached from his larger rivals. The likes of Uzo Maxim Uzoatu, Pini Jason of blessed memory, Sonala Olumhense, Tunji Lardner, Azuka Jebose Molokwu, and Lanre Idowu, and many others. The paper was printed in London

UMEH’S

and airfreighted back to Nigeria. It was a readers’ delight which heralded the birth of the Nduka Obaigbena school of journalism where his detribalized nature gave everyone an equal chance to succeed and shine like the Shakespearean northern star.

The IMF-inspired Structural Adjustment Program which was put in place by the then Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida --led regime killed the economic viability of the grand project. Five years down the line, his critics dismissed the young and flamboyant Duke as a failed publisher and politician as his 1991 senatorial bid where he had a famous duel with the now late Chris Okolie hit the rocks. Ever a change maker, he initially saw politics as a platform to selflessly serve his people but later decided in favour of the media which was not only his genuine calling but offered a broader platform for service.

In 1995, THISDAY was launched and the naysayers went to town again saying that the entry of the then new newspaper was rather opportunistic as his competitors – Punch and Guardian were off the newsstands having been proscribed by the General Sani Abacha regime, and Concord was going through distressing times with its publisher, Chief M.K.O Abiola behind bars.

He has proven them wrong as the THISDAY brand has come to stay and is now 28 years and counting. I began to pay close attention to the writings of its journalists most notably Olusegun Adeniyi who later served as presidential spokesman to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Bolaji Abdullahi who later became Minister of Youth and Sports and APC National Publicity Secretary, Simon Kolawole, now the publisher of one of the country’s most successful online newspapers – The Cable; Waziri Adio, ex spokesman to the then Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, and former Executive Secretary of NEITI; Louis Odion, ex Commissioner for Information in Edo State and former Technical Adviser on media to Buhari in the office of the Vice President; Tunde Rahman, now Senior Special Assistant on media to President Bola Tinubu, among many others.

THISDAY pioneered many firsts – was the first to convert the back page traditionally reserved for sports to columnists, was the first to give daily reportage of the Nigerian Stock Market, was the first to introduce colour printing and the use of computers. He also introduced the concept of printing simultaneously which he did in Lagos, Agbor and Abuja. Obaigbena is simply a maverick.

Arise News was launched in 2013 to tell the African story on a global stage and has given its Methuselah-like rivals a run for their viewing time. Brilliant anchors cum analysts like Dr. Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni, Steve Ayorinde, Rotus Odirri, Charles Aniagolu, etc., found a home there. As the Prince of Owa turned 64, we wish him many more years in good health and prosperity.

Happy Birthday and long live the Duke of Nigerian Journalism!

Ademiluyi is the Editor of Buzz Times Media and can be reached at anthonyademiluyi@yahoo.com

SOLUDO SCHOLARSHIP: NUANCES AND UNDERTONES

The conduct of the 2023 elections suffers from a crisis of election bureaucracies, writes Samuel Akpobome Orovwuje Soludo cannot claim Nkechiyere and disown Mmesoma, argues Austin Isikhuemen

Miss Nkechinyere Umeh had the highest score of 360 (90% aggregate) in the 2023 University Tertiary Matriculation Exams (UTME) whose results were released recently. This was special and associated with a national uproar because another young girl had gone public claiming the prize with a score of 362! It is no longer news that the first girl, I hate to call her an impostor, has been shown to have doctored her result and moved the score from the genuine respectable 249 to 362 in order to beat the real winner.

The consequences have been grave. All previously announced awards to her, including scholarships, admission and cash, have been withdrawn. The corruption zero-tolerant Prof. Isaq Oloyede has since given the draconian verdict of a three-year ban to the errant youngster, and she is to re-write the exam with her current actual impressive score discarded! That is the definition of a sledge hammer.

The young cheat deserves punishment for her malfeasance, but I doubt if this pronouncement is commensurate with the offence, despicable as it is, her age considered. Compare this punishment with that of a former Governor seen on videos stuffing dollars of corruption proceeds into orifices of his sartorial infrastructure. He has been nominated for the position of minister as punishment! Optics. Morality. Do they still matter?

The latest news regarding the matter is the award of scholarship to Miss Nkechinyere Umeh by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo. The scholarship is tied to the State owned Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Awka. At this time of gubernatorial preening, it does not matter

that this young girl, and the one that cheated who is equally bright, though from Anambra State, actually got prepared for the feats they performed by Ogun State. Yes, Deeper Life Schools are private schools, but the Ogun State Government provided the regulatory and infrastructural enablement that made this possible. Why is Anambra State claiming victory in a race it did not run?

It would have been just enough for the Anambra State government to award a scholarship because the kid’s parents are from that State. But read the Commissioner’s announcement of the scholarship award:

“Nkechinyere Umeh has been declared the best by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), having scored a cumulative mark of 360 in the 2023 UTME. This is a testament that efforts by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to reposition the education sector is yielding the desired dividend.”

The claim in the second sentence is of the same class as the cheating that Mmesoma is accused and guilty of! It is false and condemnable. How can the Anambra State government claim credit for the results obtained by a child sponsored wholly by her own parents in a private school in Ogun State? Haba! Is it not this false claim that we are condemning Mmesoma for? I will hate to think that the Mmesoma incidence sprouted from Akwa government house or the government house is copying Mmesoma. Except if the Deeper Life Bible Church who owns the school is a subsidiary of Anambra State government. That is unthinkable. Who will ban this commissioner for three years? We are waiting.

The Ogun State government, in my humble view, has a better claim to crow about

this performance. Deeper Life has already splashed the superlative performance of its students on pages of newspapers last week, justifiably so. I wonder why Ogun State government cannot make positive noises too about this achievement and award the girl an un-rejectable scholarship. This child is as much a child of Ogun as she is of Anambra State. The ethnic colouration being subtly painted does the future of our children no good. Here is an opportunity to demonstrate broadmindedness beyond ethnicity.

The ethnic jingoism that reared its ugly head in this Mmesoma debacle was totally uncalled for and condemnable. The ethnic divisions that sprouted and were nurtured at the highest level by the last government would take time to heal. From the ‘dot in a cycle’ pronouncement in Aso Rock to several laager mentality inducing appointments and neglect, some folks in the South East tend to recoil justifiably and want to ward off any perceived attack with the ‘nzogbu’ battle cry. We can do better to unite this country and stop ethnic baiting and recoil to ethnic laager as we saw during this JAMB wahala. Just imagine if the real first position had been taken by a Yoruba or a Hausa/Fulani child, rather than another Anambran that it turned out to be, and this Mmesoma had wanted to cheat her out of it? Heaven, possibly, would have fallen. It need not be so.

In my first article on this matter, I had blamed the impunity and larceny of the Nigerian elite for the state of our children today. No amount of verbal condemnation of the youth can achieve an ethical re-orientation than a positive change in the ways of the elders. You cannot cheat at election primaries, steal church and mosque

collections, promote the least qualified, rig elections, steal pension funds, pay huge salaries to pampered children of the rich in loss-generating NNPC refineries out of production for 16 years, use bogus certificates for high office, build multi-story edifices and buy private jets with stolen subsidy funds and expect that the watching youth will not learn a thing or two from your crooked ways.

Lastly, there must be something Deeper Life Schools are doing excellently which is yielding these favourable outcomes. I had, a couple of years ago, written a glowing tribute to Lumen Kristi International High School, Uromi and its multiple award-winning Principal - Rev. Father (Dr.) Theophilus Itaman. Lumen Kristi has won the best-performing school in WAEC exams in Nigeria and West Africa on several occasions. There is a nexus between these two schools – high religious and moral tones. So is discipline, and committed teachers who are paid promptly and disciplined like the students themselves! Sadly Mmesoma’s Anglican School is also owned by a missionary organisation. Congratulations to Deeper Life Schools and Nkechi.

Our governments can also learn a thing or two from these high-performing private schools though, it must be said, that some private schools are not worth the land on which they are built. As for Professor Soludo, he cannot claim Nkechiyere and disown Mmesoma. They are assets and liabilities in the same balance sheet. That is why it sounds hollow to me when a legislator stands up and says ‘I represent the good people of Edo State’. Pray, who represents the bad and ugly ones? It is you!

Isikhuemen auxtynisi@yahoo.com

ARISE NEWS WAS LAUNCHED IN 2013 TO TELL THE AFRICAN STORY ON A GLOBAL STAGE AND HAS GIVEN ITS METHUSELAH-LIKE RIVALS A RUN FOR THEIR VIEWING TIME

Tony Ademiluyi pays tribute to Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman, THISDAY Media Group and Arise News at 64

Where are they now?

How 13% Derivation Affects Isoko

Iwas in Gombe in November 2022 when the discovery of oil was announced. The reactions that followed that announcement were two-fold. One, it immediately sparked off a debate as to the true owner of the oil. The location where the oil was found was a border town between Gombe and Bauchi States. While the Gombawa laid absolute claims to the oil site, the other town said that there was no way that oil was going to be drilled at a nearby town and they would not benefit.

Another reaction was that there were references to the mismanagement of oil proceeds in the Niger Delta. During one radio programme, I heard the discussants say that it was really unfortunate how states like Delta had turned out, even with monthly allocations and a 13% derivation paid to that state from the federal purse.

For the short time I was in Gombe, I found out that issues of multidimensional poverty prevailed. In one local government, Dukku, there were reports of residents there struggling for drinking water and their cattle for mud water. The human capital is low, and among the 10 people you might run into, only two would communicate in English. That notwithstanding, I was to find the people of Gombe to be hospitable and enterprising.

There is a reason why we introduced this Gombe background to this discussion. It is that while Gombe only just discovered oil, Delta State has been an oil-producing state since the 60s with nothing much to show for it. Owing to agitations concerning the poor conditions of a people who produce the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, and over the debilitating effects of oil spills in the region, several interventionist initiatives were introduced. They are the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), and most significant of all, the 13% percent derivation formulae, enshrined in Section 162, sub-section 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

With all of these interventionist programmes, it would interest you to know that Delta State is on the same level of underdevelopment with Gombe State. A report by the Cable Newspaper of February 26, 2022, and citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the report stated that Delta State was among the nine states that received over N450billion in 2021 from the 13% derivation funds.

According to the report, Delta State received the highest allocation in 2021 with a total of N141.93 billion, representing 31 percent of the total revenue from the derivation account. Another report, The Guardian newspapers of Nigeria of 17th November 2019, with the title, ‘Oil-producing communities reek of poverty despite over N10tn 13% derivation’, said that despite the receipt of over N10tn from the 13 per cent derivation principle between 2000 and 2018, by Niger Delta states, the deplorable living conditions in oil-producing communities remain nauseating, raising questions about

the application of such large sum by state governments. But by far the most damning commentary on the misuse of the 13% derivation funds is one by ACIOE Associates with the title, ‘Impact of the 13% Derivation Fund in the Niger Delta’, in which the report said that in an 11-year period, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo States received N55.87 billion, N1.33 trillion, N1.388 trillion, N1.16 trillion and N118.85 billion respectively. Part of the above report credits one Special Assistant to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Charles Achodo, as saying that “when 13 per cent is given, the governors share it among themselves’.

You would observe that in the periods under scrutiny in those reports, no one Isoko leader or individual has held positions of authority as governor or leader of the Senate or House of Representatives. We are not saying that the Isoko will be saints if they become governors, but that the unwritten emilokan in the Delta favour other tribes, and who use proceeds from oil wells in Uzere (39 of them) to develop their own cities, towns, peoples and villages. Part of the tragedy of that scenario is that most Isoko people, true owners of the proceeds of oil in Nigeria often willingly play second fiddle and allow themselves to be so played. This must stop.

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku is editor in chief/publisher of WADNONOR, cultural voice of Nigeria

Benue Wage Bill and Ghost Workers

The issue of Benue wage bill has been lingering for the last eight years. This matter which became so glaring during the time of Governor Samuel Ortom has caused so much pains. At the first hearing of it, the people of Benue were shocked when Governor Ortom announced that the state had a wage bill of over N7bn. His predecessor Senator Gabriel Suswam quickly came out to deny that the last wage bill he paid was N2.7bn and there was no way the bill could rise so astronomically. Governor Ortom then set up an ad hoc committee headed by Dr Adyorough. The Adyorough committee screened Benue workers and discovered a lot of ghost workers. It was reported that while in Otukpo for the Benue South senatorial district screening exercise, a particular local government had over 200 ghost workers! These ghost workers were alleged to belong to a prominent politician. Rumors had it that Dr Adyorough became visibly angry and vowed to expose such evil. While Adyorough was rounding off the work and preparing to submit the report, he was trailed to his house and assassinated in the presence of his wife! What cruelty! That report never saw the light of the day. Adyorough’s murder, let me say, is still under investigation while the wage bill is skyrocketing. The question is who exactly is behind this enterprise of ghost workers in Benue State? In the civil service, ghost workers enterprise cannot thrive without the consent of the civil servants. What exactly makes auditor generals and accountant generals stupendously rich civil servants? Could ghost workers enterprise be one of the businesses they run? I am only thinking aloud because this is troubling. In the Local government system for example, the Director generals of services and administrations (DGSA) as well as the accountants of the local governments if not held properly can rubbish the local government chairmen. These are civil servants, not politicians. Your Excellency, you must begin to look deep inward and around if you are interested in solving the problem of ghost workers in Benue State.

In 2015 when the new government came into power it cancelled some appointments made by the outgoing government into the civil service. For instance, the government of Gabriel Suswam employed lecturers at the college of education Katsina Ala following a rigorous process that involved even the national commission of colleges of education. Governor Ortom cancelled those appointments. Today that college of education has ghost workers close to the number of staff that were cancelled. This is a clear pointer that some close advisers of the governor who stopped him from accepting the recruited staff went behind and used the list for ghost workers. Many people around you preventing certain actions to be taken are primarily protecting their businesses and not you nor the state.

Your Excellency, the cabal behind the ghost workers enterprise is not from outside. They are the closest people to the government. Some either directly or through their proxies may even be in the committees screening ghost workers. Therefore the entire workforce should not be screened by the same committee. After the physical verification exercise, deploy technology in this matter.

Martin Iorsamber, Former Senatorial candidate, Benue North East, 2023

How Dangote Emerged the ‘Most Admired Brand’ in Africa

Raheem Akingbolu reviews the ‘13th Annual Brand Africa 100 2023’ rankings and how Nigeria’s Dangote clinched the ‘Most Admired Brand in Africa’ for the 6th consecutive time

Those who are in the business of brand building say building a brand is like building a house. Brand owners or managers have to be sure of the location where they are buying a plot. Will it flood when the rains come and what kind of people will be their neighbours? They have to get the foundation right and solid. They have to make sure the walls and angles are straight or they will end up with a wonky house.

The same for a brand. Brand owners have to know the audience they wish to address and the competition they are facing. Then they have to choose how to present their brand, what brand managers call Brand Personality. Next, they choose a name for their company, product, brand, service or personality, where they wish to play and how they want to play.

The above analogy aptly describes the essence of the Dangote Brand. Coming from a background of deep planning, research and strategy, the brand has continued to weather the storm. After successfully conquering Nigeria’s market on many fronts, it spread into Africa, at the same time making a conscious effort to be a leading global player.

Few weeks ago, the status and uniqueness of the brand was affirmed when it emerged the Most Admired Brand in Africa for the year 2022, making it the sixth consecutive time. According to the organizers of the award, Dangote clinched the trophy because of its leadership position in driving quality brands across the continent.

TheDangotebrandwasfollowedbytheTelecommunication outfit, MTN in second position and Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) coming third. Dangote was also adjudged as the number one African Pride brand followed by the Ethiopian Airline and MTN.

In a newly introduced category, the Dangote brand came second in Sustainability, by brands

doing good for the people, society and the environment.

For its part, Dangote Industries Limited, through its Group Chief, Branding and Communication, Anthony Chiejina described the brand’s continuous emergence as the number one most admired indigenous African brand as well deserved, given the amount of commitment and diligence the group puts into its work.

Story of resilience

Brandownersandbrandpromotersapproached 2023 with mixed feelings because of the general election. As a result of this, most brand owners were reluctant to make a bold step at the first quarteroftheyear.ButDangotedaredthemarket with determination and made the strongest move. Rather than slowing down on its activities, Dangote Group damned the consequence and took the risk of not only growing the brands but investing in all the portfolios. Above all, shortly after the election, the Dangote team blew the whistle, announcing the date for the inauguration of its multibillion Naira refinery in Lagos. With the

PERSPECTIVE

Muritala Awodun

unveiling, Dangote thus broke another record of being the first organization that would embark on such a project in this part of the world.

The recent feat, which was keenly contested by top100brandsonthecontinent,camelikeareward for the brand and its promoters after successfully delivering on the refinery, which many experts in the oil and gas sector have publicly admitted would open up Africa for further development.

The award by Brand Africa was announced in Johannesburg, South Africa on the occasion of Africa Day, marking the 13th Annual Brand Africa 100 2023 rankings.

According to the organisers, the Brand Africa 100 rankings are based on a survey among a representative sample of respondents 18 years and older conducted in 25 countries across Africa. It was further stated that the process covers all African economic regions, collectively these countries account for an estimated 80 per cent of the continent’s population and 75 per cent of the GDP.

According to a statement issued by Dangote Group, the breakthrough was because “the Dangote brand generates strong nationalistic impressions and powerful feelings across the Continent in terms of industrialisation, selfsufficiency, prosperity, power and production.”

Thecompanyadmittedthatthishasbeenfurther strengthened with the recent commissioning of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical complex which is a huge industrial complex.

“The brand portends the inevitability of Nigerian global ascendancy and a gateway to regional and continental development”, Chiejina said.

The ratings by Brand Africa were based on a survey and rankings conducted by Geopoll, Kantar and Brand Leadership, across 32 African countries that account for more than 85% of the continent’s GDP and population.

Brand Africa is an intergenerational movement

to inspire a brand-led African renaissance to drive Africa’s competitiveness, connect Africa and create a positive image of the continent and her businesses.

Global best practice

Considering the criteria used and quality of brands that competed for the coveted trophy, the staying power of the Dangote brand is simply its global best practice approach.

In positioning and management, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has always made a brand statement that espouses its essence. Being a proactive brand with rich heritage, Dangote and its promoters have continued to ride on innovation and global best practice, to give patrons unique customer experience. This has, in return, reflected on its market acceptability and penetration. Like every good brand that understands the core message of positioning, Dangote truly understands the market and works daily on its competitive advantage.

All these have been confirmed through the recent landmark achievements of the company. For instance, with the refinery and other investments, the Dangote brand thus hit another milestone, by dint of hard work and an enviable, unceasing quest for excellence across its operations. This latest, historic triumph showcases what the brand is, what it’s all about, and underlines an unerring focus of a primus inter pares (first among equals) in business in Africa.

To win a single award signifies quality of production; but to sweep many awards at a go portrays a winning mentality of the organisation’s workforce and an enduring acceptance of its products and services by consumers, customers and even peers, to the chagrin of known and imagined rivals. All thanks to its top-notch personnel, who have scaled challenges and rode on its strong foundation and structure to remain a market leader.

Tinubu Must Adopt Enterprise Model to Tackle Challenges in Public Universities

Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

Professor of Business and Entrepreneurship at Ojaja University (formerly Crown-Hill University)

Eiyenkorin, Kwara State, Muritala Awodun, has urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt enterprise model toaddressgovernanceandfunding challenges of public universities in Nigeria.

Awodun, who is the Director of the Centre for Enterprise and Human Capital Development of OjajaUniversity,spokewhilemoderatingthefourth breakout session of the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum for Innovation in African Universities, FIAU, with the theme: “Strengthening Africa’s Higher Education in a post-COVID-19 world.” in Abuja recently.

Hestatedthatapublic-privatepartnershipownership arrangement will also help in addressing the challenges.

Awodun said: “The state and federal universities in Nigeria are facing obvious resource constraints. This can be turned around permanently with the PPP model. These 112 public universities can be matchedtothetop112privateenterprisesinNigeria for adoption in a PPP arrangement that will be a win-win situation. All the problems bedevilling the public universities will become a thing of the past.

“The government, as owners of these public universities,couldsaveitselffromthequagmireofthe presentchallengesbyadoptingthisenterprisemodel

as the solution to turnaround all public universities in Nigeria and bring them to self-sufficiency under this model in a maximum of 10 years.

“The

watch the enviable results and relief that will come out of it for the universities

and the government.”

Giving a typical example to drive home his point, he identified the major funding needs of a typical university as infrastructure (capital expenditure), recurrent,teaching,research,capacitydevelopment, endowment and community development.

While the education tax has provided succour to the infrastructure problems, through TETFUND, which he believes needs some overhaul to reduce wastagesandleakages,hesaidtheothersarenotas certain and remain challenging to the government that owns the institutions.

According to him, the enterprise model solution, therefore, is the adoption of each of these 111 universities by the top 112 private institutions, whichheidentifiedinhisstudy,throughatax-related ownership/governancearrangementforaminimum of 10 years, to bring about the required turnaround and bring these universities to self-sufficiency. Rollingoutstatisticsfromhisstudy,hestatedthat heintentionallyleftoutcompaniesoperatinginthe oil industry in his study of the top 120 companies operatingintelecommunications,banking,foodand beverages,buildingandconstruction,manufacturing andagriculture,analyzingtheirincomestatements before arriving at his conclusion.

He cited the example of MTN in his presentation, with a Profit after tax (PAT) of N359 billion in 2022 paying about N10 billion in education tax and about N145billionascompanyincometax.Heopinedthat if allowed to adopt, for instance, the University of Nigeria, whose 2023 approved budget is N29.3

billion, the highest of the federal universities, the company will conveniently fund UNN with just about 20% of their company income tax directly used for this arrangement.

Awodun said: “Adopting the University under the enterprise model solution being proposed should givethecompanya51%ownershipandstakeinthe governance structure of the institution that will bring about the required turnaround.”

He posited that the successes recorded by the mostsuccessfulprivateuniversitieslikeCovenant, Babcock, Afe Babalola, Redeemers, Igbinedion, etc were not due to the availability of funds from the owners of these institutions alone, but more importantly of the visionary governance and management that prioritizes performance measurement, efficiency, productivity, innovation and commitment which, he said are on the downward trail in the public universities in Nigeria.

The breakout session looked at “Strengthening Resource-ConstrainedAfricanUniversitiesThrough Partnership.”

The forum’s meeting was declared open by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejoh. The acting Executive SecretaryoftheNationalUniversitiesCommission, (NUC), Chris Maiyaki and the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir, Joseph Ntung Ari, delivered keynote addresses at the summit that had vice chancellors of Nigerian universities and Directors of Centres for Entrepreneurship, in attendance.

Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu should take the lead in this regard with the federal universities and

Awodun

Dividends of Democracy Still a Pipe Dream

The retreat organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ilorin, Kwara State last Monday provided another opportunity to deconstruct why majority of Nigerians are not enjoying the dividends of democracy. Over 24 years after the return of democracy, there is still so much pain in our land; so much hunger, so much killing by terrorists, so much disease, so much poverty, so much insecurity and so much unemployment. Whereas, democracy is more about the security and welfare of the people.

At the NILDS retreat, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, was saddled with this responsibility of dissecting why Nigerians are not enjoying the dividends of democracy. He did not disappoint. Jega did a good job. I’m not a fan of Jega, considering his inglorious role in the 2015 presidential election that led to the victory of Muhammadu Buhari. But I totally agree with his submissions at the NILD retreat. Nigerians have not been able to enjoy the dividends of democracy since the advent of the present democratic rule in 1999 because of bad governance, a product of bad leadership. That was the core of his submission. Yes, bad governance at all levels of government has been the curse of Nigeria. Households are gasping for breath.

Jega contends, “Nigeria has been on a trajectory of liberal democratic development continuously for 23 years, since 1999 when the military returned to the barracks. While every four years, we have routinely elected representatives into the legislative and executive arms of government, there is consensus that these elements of liberal democratic development have not yet translated into substantive socioeconomic development that satisfies the needs and aspirations of the overwhelming majority of citizens.

“The so-called dividends of democracy have not yet been provided for the majority of Nigerians. Unfortunately, there has been bad leadership, not that there are no good leaders in the country but they are in short supply while the democratic institutions are also weak. Leadership at all tiers of the Nigerian federation has not been good; it has been essentially bad and undemocratic, characterised by bad, rather than good democratic governance. Many national organisations and institutions have been afflicted/affected by this tendency towards bad governance. We also need institutions that can inspire good governance.”

Jega argues that to enjoy the dividends of democracy, this country badly needs transformational leaders; leaders who must be responsible, honest and responsive. Leaders with integrity, who can inspire citizens.

No doubt, leadership has failed the citizens in our over two decades of democratic evolution, resulting in bad governance. At the federal level, virtually all the presidents we’ve had have been a big letdown. Perhaps, late Umaru Yar’Adua would have made a difference. Unfortunately, ill health did

Petrol selling at almost N600 per litre is beyond the income of an average Nigerian. If we have a government that truly wants Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy, subsidy on petroleum products shouldn’t have been fully removed...Those running this government know all the subsidy thieves. So, they can be tamed if this government so desires. Likewise, if smuggling is blocked, there will be at least 60 percent reduction in the money spent on petrol importation

not allow this to happen. The nation’s socio-economic conditions continue to deteriorate due to bad leadership. Security, healthcare, roads, education, employment and the rest are all in shambles after 24 years of democracy. Within our 24 years of democracy, Nigeria emerged the country with the highest number of people living under poverty, pushing aside India. This is an emblem of disgrace that confirms the failure of leadership in Nigeria.

Rising inflation, which hit 22.41 per cent in May this year, has pushed more Nigerians into poverty. In the June 2023 Nigeria Development Update, the World Bank said that the accelerating inflation pushed an additional four million Nigerians into poverty in the first five months of 2023. Inflation had earlier between January and October 2022 pushed five million more Nigerians into poverty.

This means that between 2022 and 2023, not less than nine million Nigerians have been pushed into poverty as a result of inflation, largely brought about by inept leadership. The 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index survey of the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are in the multidimensionally-poor club. They are not just poor, but multidimensionally-poor. The 2023 figures will be higher, no thanks to unending failed leadership at all levels of governments. The pain at home has led to a surge in the number of Nigerians leaving this country in search of greener pastures. In a desperate bid to escape the poverty at home, many of them have been turned to slaves abroad.

The future remains bleak for the over 133 million multidimensionally-poor Nigerians. This is because of the removal of fuel subsidy and further depreciation of the Naira by the new government at the centre. It simply means that majority of Nigerians will still not enjoy the dividends of democracy under the Tinubu government. All the signs are visible just after 48 days in office. The World Bank predicts that 7.1 million more Nigerians would become poor because of the removal of subsidy. It noted that many households would be in crisis due to the depreciation of their income.

Tinubu, You Are Not President of

There is a list of Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and Personal Assistants appointed by President Tinubu flying around.

It has 20 names and 80 percent of those on the list are from the South-west, Tinubu’s base. Precisely 16 of the 20 names on the list are from the South-west. Well, it has not been officially released. At the same time, Tinubu has not denied it. So, it is authentic.

I can confirm that those on the list have received formal letters. Mr. President, this list is lopsided and unconstitutional. In all appointments, you must reflect federal

character. That is the position of the law. During the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan as President, his Principal Staff Officer was a Fulani man. My dear Tinubu, that is the meaning of being the President of Nigeria. Even your personal aides must reflect federal character.

Mr. President, I need to remind you of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which emphatically states that the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect federal character and promote national loyalty. This provision is to ensure that there shall be

While Nigerians are being pummeled by these anti-people policies, the Tinubu government continues to plead for understanding, patience and sacrifice by the people. Those running government are living big while asking traumatised Nigerians to further shed weight.

Now, I need to address this issue of subsidy removal again. Petrol selling at almost N600 per litre is beyond the income of an average Nigerian. If we have a government that truly wants Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy, subsidy on petroleum products shouldn’t have been fully removed. It is so simple to achieve this. We were told that a large quantity of the petroleum products imported into this country, for which the government pays subsidies, are smuggled to neighbouring countries. We were also told that there is a lot of fraud in the subsidy regime. There was a time that the former head of Customs, Hammed Ali, challenged the NNPCL to show how it imports over 70 million litres of petrol into the country daily, without his men at the ports knowing. NNPCL did not respond.

This is what I’m driving at: I expect a good government that wants Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy to block these holes in the petrol subsidy regime and also block the smuggling of petroleum products with all its might. Those running this government know all the subsidy thieves. So, they can be tamed if this government so desires. Likewise, if smuggling is blocked, there will be at least 60 percent reduction in the money spent on petrol importation.

This can be done in this modern era of protecting borders with technology, particularly using drones. Blocking subsidy thieves and smuggling can cut subsidy expenditure by at least 60 percent. So, instead of spending about $10 billion annually on subsidy, it would come down to around $4 billion. The strategy for the long run is to work on local refining. This is the way to go for a leader that wants Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Countries without concrete and institutionalised support for households

the South-west

no predominance of a few states or a few ethnic groups or other factional divisions in government or any of its agencies.

The bane of former President Muhammadu Buhari was his boundless clannishness in appointments and all his actions. President Tinubu, I want you to retire into your study and spend quality time looking at this list of 20 again. Does it look like a pan-Nigeria list? To move this country forward, you must run away from nepotism. All appointments must reflect all the parts of this country. So, shred that list of 20 immediately and reconstitute it, reflecting federal character.

are largely poverty-stricken. This is the difference between developed and third world countries. In the United Kingdom, households challenged by the rising cost of electricity will each get £400 support this year. Nearly 15 million households have each received £150 to help with the cost of living. More than £2 billion has been handed to 15 million households in England under the scheme.

In Nigeria, we don’t have institutionalised social security schemes. No income support, no child support, no unemployment benefit, no disability benefit. Nothing! Yet, we are being forced to buy everything at market price. So, what is the essence of having a government?

This talk about giving 12 million households N8,000 each for six months by Tinubu is balderdash. Just 12 million households will benefit out of the estimated 45 million households in Nigeria. Besides, how will N8000 for just six months solve the massive financial crisis created by the removal of subsidy and devaluation of the Naira for these devastated Nigerian households? What happens after the six months? The security and welfare of the people must always be the priority of the state in a democracy. This is food for thought for President Bola Tinubu today.

A Word for IG Egbetokun

In my earlier note to the Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, I urged him to end killing of policemen by terrorists without consequences. This has persisted for too long and must be tamed. Unfortunately, early signs in this direction by the Acting IG are not encouraging.

For example, five days after terrorists killed four police officers at a checkpoint on Gusau-Bungudu Road (Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State) the killers are yet to be apprehend\ed. Terrorists have also killed without repercussions scores of policemen in the South-east after Egbetokun emerged Acting IG. These happenings are really depressing and must be stopped.

My dear Egbetokun, this is not the way to go if you want an end to the killing of policemen by terrorists. You must consistently avenge the killing of your men by terrorists and drive a clear message to them that there will be no longer room for nonsense. When terrorists kill policemen, they must pay the supreme price. Of course, when they kill civilians too, they must also be made to pay the supreme price. This will deter the remaining guerrillas from further atrocities.

Egbetokun

‘Nigeria, a Market for Uganda Tourism’

A team of market destination representatives from the Uganda Tourism Board led by Anthony Ochieng, met with select journalists in Lagos to promote and market Uganda to Nigerians as the next tourism destination in East Africa. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts

Uganda is known as Africa’s pearl, can you tell us about your mission in Nigeria?

Uganda’s size is 241 kilometres square and the population is around 50 million. It’s also known as the Pearl of Africa because of its diverse natural endowment and beauty as describedbyvariousleaderslikeWinstonChurchill. Uganda tourism is steadily growing. It’s a destination which we must all start watching around.

Some of Africa’s most sought-after species live in Uganda, like the Big Five, with a bonus of seeing mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Uganda also boasts of having the source of River Nile, the longest river in the world, home to the largest freshwater lake in Africa, you all know Lake Victoria. It has a diverse culture, amongst many other things, music festivals and many others.

Eleven per cent of the world’s bird species, including rarely seen birds like the shoebill, are found in Uganda. Uganda’s mice hub is slowly growing. It is now becoming a force to reckon with in terms of mice destination.

We’vealsogotphysicalfeaturesliketheRwenzori Mountain, which is over 5,000 feet above sea level. It’s a very tough hiking destination. And tourism is also one of the major sectors that contributes enormously to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Uganda.

Now why Uganda? There are so many things you can experience in Uganda. One of them is the nightlife. You can bar hop. There are various attractions you can visit in Kampala.

There are some festivals which have been conducted in Kampala, like Kampala Fashion Week, Afropolaza, etc.

Now, one of the things that we are targeting so much about this market is faith-based tourism. Under faith-based tourism, we are talking about thedifferentdenominations.AndyouknowUganda hosts the Namugongo Shrine. How many have heardofNamugongoShrine?TheUgandaMartyrs.

From statistics, Catholics and Anglicans make the major religious stakeholders in Uganda.

In the past, we’ve also had pilgrims travelling to UgandatoexperiencetheUgandaMartyrscelebration, which usually takes place on the 3rd of June. This year, we still do not have the statistics, but there was a sizable number of Ugandan Catholics who visited Namugongo on the 3rd of June.

ItisaproductthatwereallywanttopushinNigeria, and we are requesting your support to market this product so that we can have more Nigerians visit Uganda. Not only on the 3rd of June, but also to sample other experiences within Uganda. Apart fromthefaith-based,wehavethingslikeadventure, wildlife, culture, cultural diversity, culinary tourism. TalkingabouttheadventurecapitalofEastAfrica,in Ugandawehavewhitewaterrafting,sportsfishing, canoeing. From the statistics and research we’ve done, most Nigerians love entertainment tourism. They love shopping. Faith-based tourism, culture, food, that is gastronomy and culinary tourism; those are some of the products that we want to work closely with you to push the narrative to the Nigerian travellers.

So that they can be able to sample destination Uganda and learn more about the culture, learn more about adventure tourism, learn more about the gorillas. Those are some of the things.

Uganda also has so many lakes. So aqua tourism is also another product that we want to push and promote here in Nigeria to the Nigerian travellers. Other than that, we also have wildlife. There are many national parks in Uganda. Just to mention a few. Murchison Falls where River Nile passes through. We have Queen Elizabeth National Park whereyou’llfindthetreeclimbinglions.Wehavethe Kidepo Valley National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you’ll have the gorillas. Lake Mburo National Park, a bird species, haven. Semliki National Park, MgaHinga Gorilla National Park and many others. Uganda is also known for filming. It’s a filming destination.

How many have watched the movie Black Panther? It was shot in Uganda. Tarzan, if you’re

my age. Tarzan was shot in Uganda. Uganda is very popular in filming. Even most recently, imirindi Yu Witeka visited Uganda and many other Hollywood stars have visited Uganda. In terms of accessibilities, the biggest airport in Uganda is Entebbe. You all know where Entebbe is or you’ve heard about Entebbe. I’m told Entebbe is very popular in Nigeria for obvious reasons. But the main airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Rwanda, Dubai, Ethiopia, Qatar, Precision, Air Tanzania, all land in Entebbe.

So in terms of accessibility, 26 flights and more land in Entebbe. And Uganda also has its own airline called Uganda Airlines, the national carrier. There are plans for the national carrier to start landing here (Nigeria). So both governments are still in discussions.Hopefully,weareprayingthatprobably this year that will happen.

Now in terms of trade associations, those are the associations, tourism associations. We have Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Uganda TourismAssociation,UgandaAssociationofTravel Agents, Uganda Hotel Owners Association. In the east, we have Kenya and Ethiopia. In the west, we have Nigeria. In the south, we have South Africa. In the north, we have Egypt. So Nigeria is a key source market for Uganda and therefore we cannot ignore it. So if we can get a third of the 200 million Nigerians visiting Uganda on a yearly basis, vis-a-vis Ugandans coming to visit Nigeria, it would be really, really good. Uganda has the biggest population of gorillas. The tallest mountain in Africa is in Tanzania, second tallest in Kenya but the snoopy mountain on the Equator is in Uganda.

Dubai doubled whatever South Africans did in order to attract Nigerians to Dubai and they succeeded. For you to attract Nigerians to come to your country, what’s so special that will make any Nigerian to choose Uganda as his or her first point of call in East Africa?

From research Nigerians love entertainment tourism and Uganda is the hub of entertainment in East Africa because from Wednesday till Sunday, it’s party time. You can bar hop from one bar to the other, you can leave work on Friday, spend the entire entertainment weekend and go straight back to work on Monday. So, in terms of entertainment be it night clubs, be it social joints Uganda has it all and I believe that is what the Nigerian traveller needs.

Second, is culinary tourism and gastronomy. If

you really want to touch the heart of a Nigerian, I’m talking from research, talk about good food, authentic food, organic food, you will find it all in Uganda.

Third, is religious tourism. Nigerians are known worldwide to be very religious. So faith-based tourism is one of the products that Uganda Tourism Board isgoing topromote and marketinthissource market Nigeria.

There’s also wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, aquatourism,investmenttourismamongstothers. But the most important thing is fly to Uganda and experience entertainment life there – the capital city of entertainment is Kampala.

Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria are brothers and sisters together. When I look at the pattern of a Ugandan and a Nigerian, there’s not much difference. In the area of music, we are collaborating together with Nigeria.

Another thing is that in Uganda the weather is perfect, it’s such good weather that it’s not hot, it’s not cold, it’s just there. It gives you a good environment to enjoy yourself, to relax and have a peaceful stay in Uganda. When we say, Uganda is the Pearl of Africa, indeed it’s the Pearl of Africa.

What is the visa policy on arrival for Nigerians?

The visa policy is all the same in East Africa. You apply for online visa and it’s not a complex thing to do and within 24 hours you already have your visa given to you. You fly into Uganda and they stamp your visa and you are good to go. It’s only 50 dollars but when I was coming to Nigeria, they charged me quite a number of dollars. But in Uganda we are that friendly, we are that open that we want you to come and experience life.

In terms of GDP, what does your tourism sector contribute to the country’s economy?

Around eight per cent of the GPD pre-COVID. ProbablyCOVIDinterferedwiththisbutby2024-26 it will go to 10 per cent GDP.

What about political stability?

Uganda is one of the safest countries to be and I can authoritatively say there is no war going on in Uganda, no conflicts in any part of Uganda. There’s security everywhere and in the last 10 years, there’s no report of killing of tourists in Uganda. So Uganda is safe and most stable in East Africa.

Is there collaboration between Ugandan movie producers and their Nigerian counterpart?

It’s a growing industry and we are capitalising on that to embrace film tourism. A lot of bush filming has been done and we are trying to bring up Uganda as a destination for film making. So collaboration is always open and we will relate this to the Uganda Tourism Board so that something tangible can come out of it.

What are your targets as market destination representatives for the Uganda Tourism Board?

As market destination representatives, we are marketing Uganda tourism in five source markets of Africa namely Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Egypt. We market Uganda tourism into these source markets. We do roadshows, we do dinners and meetings like this with media personnel, tour operators, DMCs and with suppliers.

So we go into every single market and gather people together, make sure that we have a talkability about Uganda, selling Uganda tourism in these five source markets. Another thing we do as an MDR, is that we also liaise with embassies, and we work hand in hand with the High Commissions. We don’t just come in a country as us, but we come in a country to represent the Government of Uganda, Uganda Tourism Board and High Commission. We collaborate together and see what best we can do for a country like Nigeria. Mostly we work with them during independence days because in October, we have our independence day during that period of time. So, we want to see how best we can work with the High Commission of Nigeria to come up with something very good to market Uganda during that period and we want to see Nigerians come to Uganda and experience Uganda.

Apart from promoting Uganda, we are creating business between tour operators in Nigeria, tour operators in Uganda, tour operators in all these source markets and there is business that is being exchanged in these source markets. As part of our mandate, we create a database. So what we do with the database is every single month or every single week, when we have information we send out to this database. We have your contacts in our list, we send you information, newsletters at the end of every month so that you get equipped with what Uganda has to offer. You get equipped with what is happening in the tourism industry around the globe. Not only Uganda but in Africa. Also, one of the things we are supporting is inter-Africa tourism.

L-R: Market Destination Representatives, Uganda Tourism Board, Anthony Ochieng, Donald Musobozi and Thorn Mulli and during a roundtable meeting with select journalists at Saffron Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos…recently

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Sound Sultan Remains Evergreen

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Legendary singer, Innocent Idibia better known as 2Baba last Tuesday paid tribute to his bosom friend and colleague Sound Sultan, who died in the United States on July, 2021 after battling throat cancer, aged 44. Last year, how badly he missed Sound Sultan.

Two years after his demise, 2Baba promised Taking to his Instagram, 2Face shared old to mourn his death till he joins the late singer. “Mourn U till Eye join u,” he wrote. Many praying for the repose of the soul of the talented singer.

them is British-Nigerian actor, Wale Ojo. The thespian took to his Instagram page to remember and celebrate Sound Sultan whom

and the late entertainer. “This truly feels like

ers mostly from the industry and beyond.

Your infections and friendly aura still hangs in

The wife of the late singer also shared a instead of mourning him. Farida Fasasi took to Instagram page to honour the late singer with some beautiful words. Farida remembered Sound Sultan in a touching message. The their family.

passing, a conference - Sound Sultan Memorial Symposium - was held in his honour, tagged featured distinguished panelists and speak-

Fasasi) was a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern monikers, prominent among which is the Naija Ninja, Sound Sultan was reputed for using his

sounds, groom people, fought for social change, and left indelible mark on the Nigerian music and entertainment industry. his ability to be the man behind his songs. look at his actions and easily reconcile them with his songs. left an enduring legacy that cuts across music, his demise.

‘Visa on Arrival’ Renewed for Season 3

sometimes the best escape. But now you

Well, kinda… this is about the comedy web

series has been renewed for a third time. The third season of this half-hour comedy launches has seen the bank-sponsored platform gain

C.J Obasi’s ‘Mami Wata’ Finally Comes Home, Premieres September 8

Obasi became the first feature by a Nigeria-based film secured such a slot at the Sundance, reputed and audiences alike. The film won the special jury the world and still counting.

focusing on the unprofessional conducts of hilarious personalities as they decide the fates

the mark with audiences far and wide, such Youtube channel.

With its rich storytelling exploring the daily

titles that gained popularity on the platform

Regina Daniels: Same Girl, Same Name…Different Lifestyle

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Sfound status as wife of a senator has seen the mother of two excited in more ways than she had perhaps emerged winner of the senatorial election in -

and philanthropist, as seen lately, and her fans of many of her followers. -

tion. The Nollywood actress in her tradition to

“Still the same girl with the same name. Just a on social media.

summated. She had in her precocious wisdom sworn allegiance to her mum who she owes her been there for me. I owe her a lot.”

myself reaching this stage in life. It all happened always there, guiding me and also protecting me.” member no doubt remained a subject of public

couple has remained together and fascinating lifestyle owing to her marriage to the politician and billionaire businessman.

Mami Wata tells a simple enough story of good balance while hurtling towards societal change. and death of a boy.

The community says the water goddess Mami (Juhen) and Zinwe in peril. Interestingly, Mami Wata is finally coming home to Nigeria. The

by a Nigerian filmmaker. Obasi took to twitter across Nigeria September 8.”

Sound Sultan

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Regina Daniels

Ferdinand Ekechukwu Rita Edochie

Kent Edunjobi

Sound Track Side of Movies Now Taken Seriously

Kent Edunjobi (Kentoxygen) is a singer, songwriter, music producer, and drummer. He started his music career at a young age as a member of a choir, where he is at present the music director. His love for percussion spurred his interest to go beyond singing at an early age; thus began his venture into playing musical instruments and production. Edunjobi has written and produced the soundtracks of several movies by Kunle Afolayan. They include Mokalik, Roti, The Bridge, Omugwo, The Tribunal, Diamond in the Sky, Hakkunde, the Netflix Original movies

Citation and Swallow. Edunjobi takes Tosin Clegg on a journey of his career

WhoisKentEdunjobi?

I’m from a family of seven and the last of them all. After my primary and secondary school education I went to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study Computer Science and Statistics. I’m married and we have two lovely boys. I call myself a music maker as there are so many sides to my music. I am a song writer, music producer, performer and vocalist as well.

What kind of music do you and what informedyourgenreofmusic?

I like to call my type of music Afrocentric in the sense that it is a fusion of the western sound and of course our traditional folk sounds. What informed my kind of music is basically my background as growing up my father was a lover of Haruna Ishola, King Sunny Ade, Sir Shina Peters, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall but Sir Shina Peters has always been my favorite. These veterans helped to shape my music and deposited a lot into me. So, on discovering myself out what I needed to do as I had sound from our local music right in my head and sound from the western sound I have been listening to courtesy of my siblings. That’s when I decided to fuse both genres and it came out great.

Atwhatpointdidyoustartyourmusical careerandwhy?

I started my career professionally in 2010 but before then I have always been singing as I started music from the church. But it was all

for fun as I even had a music group then with my friends and we go from one concert to another. It wasn’t a big thing until 2010 when I reconnected with one of my cousins in the UK and she started talking about music. I sent her some of my demos and she started talking about how God isn’t happy as he gave me thought it was a joke but it later became very serious and I had to pray about it. Then I made a decision to give it a try and this is where the trial has gotten me to.

Howdoyougettheinspirationtocompose

sound tracks for movies?

My go to routine would always be that I it which is most important. I also try to know if it is possible to be on set. If I won’t be able to join them on set, I would try to be in sync with the director of the movie to know what he wants and how he wants me to handle the project. After this, I go to my own creative space and try to put myself into working things out.

TellusaboutwinningtheAMAA2021and AMCVA2023awardsandonwhatproductions didyougettheawards?

For AMAA 2021, I won the best sound track for Citation and AMVCA for the best sound track on Anikulapo. It was quite an experience and it’s something I would never forget because it means that the industry is growing and the sound track side of things is now being taken seriously. Of course, not everyone would be the next super star out there but there are other to. Sound track is one area we haven’t taken seriously and those awards for me goes beyond me winning as it’s a win for everyone of us doing this.

Howdoyoucontinuouslymakeyourvoice andpitchingsobrilliantly?

It comes with training and a lot of practice as well as mastering your craft. I use to tell people you can’t stop learning as I rehearse all the time and I also learn from everybody. And of course, when I’m performing, I just don’t sing as I see it more like telling a story and putting in all those years of experience seeing

‘Love, Lust and Other Things’ Premieres in Abuja

Amovie about the challenges of woman in the country called “Love, Lust and Other Things” recently premiered in Abuja.

The movie, which exposed the challenges women face in the society and the prejudices they have to battle everyday as they navigate their everyday at its premier.

It was shot in Abuja and had on set top artistes like Osas Ighodaro (Lydia Danjuma), Ramsey Nouah (Khalid Shettima), Wale Ojo (Chijindu), Kunle Remi (Soji), Gloria Young (Mama Chijindu), Real Warri Pikin (Beatrice) and Yakubu Mohammed as Bamaiyi.

In the movie, Lydia, a 45-year-old successful real estate broker is married to Chijindu for almost 15 years. Lydia’s love life is tied down to only one relationship. Her sex life is stale, regimented, and unremarkable and her husband is a pushover.

but fantasize about the passionate sex she had. to communicate her dissatisfaction, she asks for a divorce.

Enter Khalid, a 56-year-old married business tycoon with three adult children. He lost his recently married a 30-year-old woman, crazy as they come, who is giving him a run for his peace. He meets Lydia at a home tour. He a couple of months dating, there’s a crack in their relationship.

Part of the reason for this crack is, Khalid being over-controlling and narcissistic. The other reason is Soji waltzing back into her life after a high school reunion. Soji is a 39-year-old entrepreneur that owns a dental clinic. We reveal Soji is the younger brother of Chijindu’s high school friend. The reunion opens up a new chapter of her life as the two of them intertwined in a relationship. Lydia begins to men. How did it all end. Check out the movie when it moves to a cinema near you.

Speaking on the movie at the premiere in Abuja, Yakubu Mohammed said: “When I it talks about the reality of what most people go through. When you think of what happens to you in life, it is mostly based on the options

you make. Sometimes, you take a decision that would later come back to haunt you. The lesson devil you know is better than the angel you shooting, it was an enriching experience. The director was top notch.”

Real Warri Pikin, had this to say: “When I saw the script, I really liked it for it was a departure from my usual role. I fell in love with the role very well.”

Salami Kadir, who was an entrepreneur with said: “My production company collaborated to how they are being judged. Men do a lot of

movies. Just like an actor interprets a role, I try to do my own expression with my voice.

What makes a good music and what are the elements that must be involved?

First is the lyrics as it must be good and people must listen to your lyrics and get attention. Two is the sound as your music must complement the message you are trying to give. There has to be a perfect correlation between your music and your lyrics. Three, the sound quality must be top notch as you can have amazing lyrics, beats and voice but if the quality of the audio mix is terrible it would be nothing to write home about. So those three things for me I consider them very key and lastly a catchy melody.

Asavocalistandavoicecoachwhatdoyou

I allow them to express themselves and discover themselves but the only thing I do is hold their hands through the journey or path they want to go through. I don’t tell them to sound this way or that way as I allow them discover their sound because that’s what I did for myself.

Howdoyougetinspirationtowritesongs?

I watch movies a lot and I love nature. Above all, I think where I get my inspiration to write songs is from God. I love to always listen to him and there is no song I compose that I don’t ask for him to inspire me on so God is my own inspiration. After God, I try to keep an open mind and I’m very conscious of my environment as I can be inspired by anything at any point in time.

Read full article - www.thisdaylive.com

Ramsey Nouah

things and go free with it but not women. The movie is about women being able to express themselves without being judged.”

Femi Odewole Releases ‘Appreciation’

Femi Odewole, a guitarist, musician and leader of highlife group, The Guitar Band, has dropped a new song and video, ‘Appreciation’ to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Odewole said he using the song to appreciate the love and reception from fans all over the world who patronise his band and music, adding that he was entering a new phase in his career and would tell his full story in a soon-to-be-released EP.

He said, “I am indeed grateful to everyone for the love I have received in my life and career over

the years.

The journey has not been easy but God has been faithful. I have been writing personal songs for a while now. My first official single was titled ‘Unlimited Ariya’ a fusion of Calypso and highlife. Now it is ‘Appreciation’ which is percussion heavy. My EP is almost ready and fans will be quite pleased.”

Going down memory lane, he spoke about his journey into music, “I was 21 when I decided to form my band. Before then, I was playing for the legendary Jimi Solanke and later, Gbenga Adenuga. Before forming the band, I decided that I wanted to do things differently so I started rehearsing different old English songs and playing them with African beats.

Michael Olugbode

Tosin Clegg

Edunjobi

Odewole

POLITY

World Population Day and Somalia’s Quest for Census

Niyi Ojuolape

World Population Day is remembered and celebrated around the globe today. Generally, the commemoration draws our attention to the urgency and importance of population issues. Population count is central to human development. It determines where and how resources are allocated or distributed. It defines how these resources could be best utilised to meet the needs of people depending on who they are, where they live and what they do.

For us at UNFPA - the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, data and demographic information strongly matter. It is vital to deliver on our objectives effectively. Over the years, UNFPA has brought to bear its core competence in issues of data for population and development to sustain the narrative on rights and choices towards the lofty goal of creating a world of infinite possibilities. These possibilities become realisable when we recognise the usefulness of population and demographic data and harness it for crucial developmental needs.

On an encouraging note, a wave of population and housing censuses has swept through the African continent in the last five years. In North Africa, Egypt and Algeria held population censuses in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In East Africa, Kenya did so in 2019, and Rwanda had its fifth housing and population census in 2022. In West Africa, Ghana successfully conducted its sixth population census in 2021, and in Nigeria, talks about a 2023 population census are ongoing.

In Somalia, where I currently lead UNFPA’s country programme, the federal government has, with UNFPA’s support, announced plans to conduct a population and housing census in November 2024. This is a historic objective for Somalia, and the gains of seeing it through will be transformational. Remarkably, the census will be held 50 years after the country’s first and only successful census in 1974. The census will provide urgently needed information on population size and distribution in Somalia, and help identify the population most in need of services and where they live. Moreover, obtaining accurate data is central to democratic representation, national planning, protection of minority rights and other democratization agenda. Further, as Somalia grapples with climate-related challenges and displacement, the

proposed census will enhance preventive and mitigation responses from government authorities and international relief efforts.

As part of our preparations for the census, a joint UNFPA and Somali government official delegation undertook a study tour of the Rwandan census experience in Kigali a few weeks back. Led by the Minister of Planning, the delegation comprised important Government officials whose offices will play a crucial role in the census process. Our objective on the visit was straightforward, and we achieved them. We wanted to understand their methods and what worked so well, how and why. We also wanted to be informed on the best tools for mobilising the required resources, sectors and actors to ensure success. It also enabled us to obtain information on the inter-ministerial and inter-agency collaborations vital to delivering a successful census. Rwanda provides a relatable case study for Somalia for several reasons. Apart from

being the most recent country in Africa to hold a census, it also represents a veritable example of how post-conflict societies can set on the path to recovery.

Of the many lessons conveyed to us by Rwandan officials, one message particularly resonates with the delegation; the need to ensure that the census remained a top priority of the government. In my experience, a demonstrable commitment from the highest seat of government often helped galvanize local and international technical partners. It also creates the impetus for government funding and external resource mobilisation. Partnerships are also essential, and Somalia needs all the support it can get to prepare itself for the big occasion.

In light of the above, UNFPA has and will continue to support the Somali government as it prepares for the count. We recognise the need to harness the strength of a population by enabling people to live quality lives to the best of their abilities. Our mantra is anchored on supporting the 10-year-old girl in a world of 8 billion through a variety of means, mainly because this is fundamental to our mandate and how we view population and housing census. For Somalia, as it is in other places, the census will create the necessary conditions for the 10-year-old girl to thrive. That means becoming conscious of practices that keep women and girls out of school and limit their agency and ability to make decisions about their health and sexual and reproductive lives. When societies empower women and girls to exert autonomy over their lives and bodies, they and their families thrive. We are optimistic that the upcoming census will lead to a more inclusive Somalia, fully equipped to deal with whatever demographic changes the future holds.

That said, challenges are likely to arise along the way. Security remains a crucial worry due to locations where the government does not maintain complete control. However, technological solutions are being explored, with technical advisers, demographers and statisticians on hand to provide expert advice. Therefore, this special occasion of World Population Day should be a time for renewed commitment from the Somali government and all our partners to remain encouraged and committed to preparing for the census next year. Whatever the challenges this endeavour might entail, we are hopeful that we will, at the end of it all, be able to say: Veni, Vidi, Vici!

Ojuolape is the Country Representative of the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency (UNFPA), Somßalia

L-R. CMD, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Dr. Bunmi Fatungase, Team Lead, Naykas Medical Services, Dr. Musbau Kasumu, Ogun First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Tomi Coker inspecting recuperating beneficiaries of the free medical mission organized by Ajose Foundation and Naykas Medical Services, Philadelphia, US in Ogun State....recently

L-R;Chief Executive Officer, Tezinos, Azino Onaemor; his son, Keno Onaemor; Artist, Khaid; son of Onaemor,Tega Onaemor; and Fejiro Ehrie at the Osubi airport to welcome the ‘Carry me go’ crooner Khaid who is billed to perform today at the Cruize Unplugged concert at the Brownhill Coliseum in Warri on Saturday 15-07-2023

L-R: Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching, Interswitch PurePay, Mr. Akeem Lawal; Director, Cash Products, Standard Chartered Bank, Mr.Onome Ajomewo; Managing Director, Remita, Mr. ‘DeRemi Atanda; and Group Treasury Manager, CFAO, Nigeria, Mr. Yinka Ogunnubi, at the Standard Chartered Bank’s 2023 Treasury Leadership Forum held in Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

Natalia Kanem, ED UNFPA

Going Green: FG Acquires Locally-assembled Electric Vehicles from Jet Motors

subsidy era appears to be heading the way of electric as the Automotive Design with their charging infrastructure from future of mainstream mobility in the country. in 2018 by Chidi Ajaere, Chairman of the GIG Group which comprises GIG Motors African mobility space. The company eco-friendly transportation options for Africa, and produces a variety of electric vehicles ranging from passenger to utilitarian vehicles— ambulances, military vehicles, and delivery vans.

In a statement released by the company to mark the occasion of the delivery of the the government was looking its way as it sought alternative mobility options in keeping with new realities.

“For us, it is gratifying that as a local electric vehicle producer, the government, fully appreciate the place of alternatives to petrol-run vehicles especially against the the statement read.

“However, beyond the current realities, electric vehicles hold the answer to the the world. We are excited that we are at the centre of the innovation disrupting Motors said the Council had, in keeping with its mandate, provided enormous support that had allowed it the freedom and impetus to initiate and sustain its drive to disrupt mobility in the country. of local content, ensuring that, through policy and strategic support, local automo- tive companies can have the conducive environment to create mobility solutions and with this extra step of being one of

tives to petrol-powered vehicles, COO of the company, Oluwemimo Osanipin, said electric vehicles were both the present and He said they represented a reliable and sustainable alternative worth investing in.

He also stated that the government would need to be deliberate and strategic about supporting the growth of EV mobility in the country. “We have no choice but to think and go electric. This is the reliable and sustainable path to take. The government will need to show great commitment in terms of incentives and strategic support if we are to make electric vehicles mainstream include policy mandating construction of EV charging stations in public facilities, and directly investing in EV charging and maintenance infrastructure across its establishment via Act no. 83 on 30th mission of designing and implementing policies and programmes geared towards a

competitive local industry for produc- tion of locally-made vehicles. Speaking during the handover of Motors for its innovation and drive towards building a sustained pipeline market and beyond.

said the Council was committed to sustainable mobility in the country, citing the Paris Agreement as a roadmap determined to support local content in its drive to revolutionize mobility in the country, ensuring that through policy and direct intervention, the local automotive industry developed into a thriving ecosystem. now look to optimize opportunities arising from changes to the market and the new direction of the new government. The task of building production, as they both admit, is herculean, demanding the very best of dedication and continuous application.

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Exhaust Leaks: How to Find and Fix Them

Exhaust leaks can be the last thing you want to encounter as a driver. They make performance, can be harmful to the environment, and, in rare situations, can even be dangerous if they are too close to fuel

advice and tips to handle an exhaust leak on your own.

How Does the Exhaust System Work how exhaust systems work, take a glance at some of the other blogs to give you a better understanding of how the exhaust system

What Does A Dual Exhaust System Do? Do Exhaust Tips Change The Sound Your Vehicle Makes?

To Know

How to Find an Exhaust Leak identifying it. Exhaust pipes can get hot, so it is smart to check for a leak while the amount of time. There is typically a leak in one of three areas:

The mounting surface of the engine

The downpipe/catalytic converter

The manifold itself, which is the cast iron/ stainless steel unit that collects gas from the exhaust pipe, can crack

With these areas in mind, you can knowledgeably start your inspection. First, pop the hood and check the exhaust manifold. You may not be able to see the manifold if it is covered by a heat shield, but you can still listen near the top of the manifold. A leak can make a variety of noises, but it can be audibly enhanced by revving the

distinguish it from any other odd noises, such as an engine knock or lifter noise.

(PerformanceMuffler)

Sailun Tyres Executives Visit Nigerian Partners, Tanzanite, Discuss Developments NAJA to Brainstorm on Effects of Subsidy Removal

One of the leading tyre manufacturers based in China, Sailun Tyres, has said it is working towards providing high-performance

This, it said, would help effective road transportation.

Executive President of the company, Mr Xie Xiaohong, who led a 13-member delegation

Already, he said the company had carried out an extensive research work on tyre uses in the nature of the roads.

“We heard that the new President (Bola Tinubu) wants to reinforce the economy of the country. And we know that you can only achieve that developed for your road play a vital role in effective road transportation. on the local (tyre) market for more trade and

He also hinted of plans to set up a tyre factory in future to serve the African market, adding that a research was being done in this area.

According to Xiaohong, Sailun develops tyres roads, noting that China had a similar road condition in 2000 and its tyres were reinforced

to serve the people of the country.

The Xiaohong-led delegation met with their Mr Anil Sahgal, Managing Director, and some other business executives, to explore new avenues of collaboration and strategies for further growth and development.

The visiting executives of Sailun Tyres also

discussions to identify opportunities for mutual growth and explore new ways to enhance customer satisfaction.

Xiaohong said the Sailun Tyres partnership

A statement by Tanzanite said the visit by the significant turbulence resulting in movement towards value brands due to price pressure.

The removal of subsidy from petrol and the alternative measures available to Building Workshop that will be organised in the print, electronic and online media platforms reporting the automotive industry

The annual training programme, which is with the necessary reportorial skills as it globally, has two themes for the 2023 edition. Mike Ochonma, said two very critical themes Capacity Building workshop because of its industry.

necessary tools, we have, as our major theme,

Director, Sailun Tyres, David Wei; Executive President, Sailun Tyres, Xie Xiaohong; and Executive Director at Chanrai Nigeria Limited, Sunny Hart, at a press conference in Lagos during the Sailun team’s visit to Nigeria… recently

L-R: COO of Jet Motors, Mr Oluwemimo; presenting some features of the Jet Mover EV to the NADDC DG, Mr Jelani Aliyu in Abuja… recently

Suzuki by CFAO, Cars45 by Jiji Sign Online Marketing Partnership

Suzuki by CFAO has entered into a cutting-edge and strategic partnership with Cars45 by Jiji, leaders in the Nigerian automotive and e-commerce marketplace. Jiji recently acquired Cars45. The collaboration aims to transform the car buying and selling experience exceptional convenience and access to a wider range of top-quality vehicles.

As part of this strategic alliance, Suzuki by CFAO gains the exclusive opportunity to advertise their exquisite range of cars on the Jiji platform.

On the other hand, Cars45’s wide network of Retail Centres across Nigeria will now serve as authorised inspection cars, ensuring buyers have complete peace of mind.

cars will be prominently showcased on the Cars45 platform, creating an unmatched marketplace for many car enthusiasts.

Reacting to the development, Maxim

Cars45 by Jiji, expressed his excitement about the partnership.

According to him, “We are elated to join forces with CFAO Suzuki to provide Nigerian car users with unprecedented opportunities and choices. Our mission is to change the way Nigerians buy cars. We constantly strive to provide exceptional customer service, transparency, reliability, fair pricing, and convenience, ensuring that our customers have access to the best available options. This partnership with CFAO Suzuki is a natural progression in our journey to to Nigerian car users.”

General Manager, Suzuki By CFAO, Aissatou Diouf said, “We’re entering into this partnership with Cars45 by Nigeria a full range of Suzuki models made a big break with a record sales of over 3,000 vehicles. This achievement placed our dealership among the top automotive marketing outlets in the local market. We are very optimistic that with our new partnership with

How Effective Are Traffic Penalties

Vteran journalist Tunde Rahman is my friend. Our professional friendship dates as far back as our years as reporters in Lagos. While I was with the defunct Concord Press in Lagos, Tunde was with Lagos Horizon, a community newspaper from where he moved to the old Daily Times. Our beat was the defunct National Republican Convention and Social Democratic Parties in Lagos when the likes of Dapo Sarunmi, His Excellency, late Michael Otedola, former Governor of Lagos State, and Prof Femi Agbalajobi held sway on the political terrain of the State.

His dossier on our days in the political trenches of Lagos as reporters prompted him to do a piece on me titled, “Bariga Boy is back to base” to announce my redeployment to the National Headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps as spokesman for the second time. Today, I doff my hat for him as he joins the big league among the 20 newly appointed aides of President Bola Tinubu as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the President.

As I clink the wine glass in celebration of my friend on his well-deserved appointment, I look to the heavens to smile on me someday. Tunde’s appointment brings fond memories of our paths together. It equally fills me with nostalgia for Lagos and some of its feats, especially in traffic management worth emulating as we tinker on strategies to redress death due to avoidable road traffic crashes.

Before you get me wrong, this piece acknowledges Tunde’s rise while at the same time uses the same brush to paint the positives of Lagos novel traffic management. The development speaks to the concern raised in last week’s piece. Incidentally, last week, my pal shared an interesting chat tagged, ‘Beware-Lagos Road Fines’.

The message and warning was very direct; ‘please, don’t drop people on Obalende bridge’ .They have apparently installed a camera there. The offence is called ’Highway Obstruction’ while the penalty is N25K.Tell your family and friends. On the same date, I received a sample of a message or violation notification. Incidentally, within the same period, I stumbled on a report, tagged, ‘Senate wants VIO, FRSC to enforce penalty on traffic offenders on Abuja-highway’. The focus was against indiscriminate parking on highways in Abuja.

While we wait for both Agencies to step up curtailing what the Senate described as the ‘’terrible habit’ of transporters on the Abuja highways partly responsible for the traffic congestion experienced daily on almost all the roads in the city, I believe that one of the urgent steps is to review punishment through fines or jail terms meted to offenders for certain infractions including traffic infractions resulting in deaths or disabilities.

This, I believe, is the crux of the matter behind the level of what I call ‘irresponsible driving mannerisms‘ by a handful of road users. This increase in fine/punishment should be backed up with implementation of the penalty point system which was my focus a couple of weeks ago. Until motorists come to terms with the possibility of having their driver’s license suspended or withdrawn and stringent procedures for re-issuance, we may continue with the cosmetic punishments that deter no one.

The need for more severe penalties for serious traffic

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

offences explains my reason for navigating through the issue of the penalty point system last week. I hope to round off this week, having guided you last week with snippets on the provision contained in the FRSC Act where the penalty for causing death or disability of anyone was a jail term not exceeding seven years.

I remember expressing reservations on the punishment for critical offences such as speeding which is regarded worldwide as the biggest causative factor in road crash as well as . I captured driving under the influence of alcohol and any psychoactive substance or drug increases the risk of a crash that results in death or serious injuries, noting that in the case of drug-driving, the risk of inducing a road traffic crash is increased to differing degrees depending on the psychoactive drug used. For example, the risk of a fatal crash occurring among those who have used amphetamines is about five times the risk of someone who hasn’t.

Seat belt usage which I focused on a couple of weeks ago was also highlighted in the write-up. I noted the significant impact created so far by the Corps but observed that we are yet to translate this to include rear- seatbelt usage as well as child restraints. The use of child restraints can lead to a 60 percent reduction in deaths.

My write-up focused also on distracted driving stressing that drivers using mobile phones are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers not using a mobile phone. This is because using a phone while driving slows reaction times (notably braking reaction time, but also reaction to traffic signals), and makes it difficult to keep in the correct lane, and to keep the correct following distances. Hands-free phones, I warned, are not much safer than hand-held phone sets while texting considerably increases the risk of a crash.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that in countries such as the United Kingdom, sentencing guidelines are being reviewed. Please enjoy the reading as I share verbatim the material which states that a comprehensive package of twelve new and revised sentencing guidelines for offenders convicted of traffic infractions in England and Wales came into effect on 1 July, 2023. “The package reflects new maximum sentences for some of the offences, including causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

In addition, ’’the maximum sentence according to the report, for these two offences has increased from 14 years to life imprisonment. This is contained in a legislation introduced in June 2022. The six guidelines will be updated in line with the current, step-by-step format of sentencing guidelines now used by the courts.

Cars45 by Jiji, coupled with the excellent product quality from Suzuki, our sales months and years to come.”

The impact of this partnership extends beyond the individual companies, as it the Nigerian automotive industry, among others.

Nigerian car users can now explore an extensive selection of high-quality Suzuki vehicles on Jiji, while also having the convenience of inspecting and verifying their purchases at any Cars45 Retail Centre across the nation.

This seamless integration enhances

marketplace, ultimately raising industry standards and facilitating safer transactions.

The Nigerian automotive industry as a whole stands to gain from this collaboration. By leveraging the combined expertise, technology and resources of Cars45, Jiji and CFAO Suzuki, the partnership is poised to accelerate the growth and development of the industry. potential for collaboration between various stakeholders to create synergies and drive positive change in the automotive sector.

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Cars 45 Powered by Jiji, Maxim Makarchuk; and the General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO, Aissatou Diouf, after the two companies signed a partnership MoU in Lagos… recently

Alumni, Alumnae: Plural Nouns

You are welcome to our language clinic: “Presidential poll theatricals: Legal fireworks begins (sic) next week”

Now the inside pages starting with advertorials: “This is yet another landmark in the life of a philantropist” Spell-check: philanthropist

“Generousity (sic) per (sic) excellence again.” There should be no full stop because it is not a sentence. A rewrite: Generosity par excellence again

“Uzodinma hails police for returning peace to Imo” Is Online Daily Champion of June 29 insinuating that the police took away ‘peace’ in Imo and are now returning it with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State as the crown witness? The police are merely restoring peace—not returning it! These Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s ‘boys’ can misrepresent someone!

We move to the Views Page: “Some of them go about on (in) private aircraft with security agents at their beck and calls (call).”

Education Today pages are next: “Adeola Odutola College alumni inaugurates (inaugurate) lecture theatre”

“Recent crackdowns on examination malpractice… has (have) led to hundreds of prosecutions and scores of convictions.”

“Tuition: EKSU students laud instalment payment” Campus News: instalment plan (not payment)

Let’s vacate DailyTrust of June 6 after this journalistic trademark: “….reports that majority (a majority) of Nigerians are going through….”

The word ‘followership’ is a Nigerian coinage. The approved entry is ‘following’ or ‘followers.’ An example: The APC has a large following or many followers. Also note that ‘witch-hunt’ is not a verb as many people often use it! It is a countable noun.

The Guardian of June 4 posted a sentence wrongly: “So could the instances of delayed tax remittance and clear failure by FIRS to mete out sanctions on (to) defaulters….”

“Service can only be enjoyed on MMS enabled (MMS-enabled) phones that have the correct MTN

data settings.” (Full-page advertisement by MTN)

Still on THE GUARDIAN: “Borno engages 64,000 youths in poverty reduction schemes” Appointments: poverty-reduction schemes

“The federal government must, therefore, set up a special task force to monitor all its activities, projects and make sure that they are commissioned (inaugurated) on time.”

“Explore the possibilities of world class (world-class) education within the country at Elizade University.”

(Full-page advertisement)

“…in addition to sitting for our post UTME (postUTME) scheduled to hold on….” (Source: as above)

Last week’s edition of this medium fumbled on five occasions: “Saraki’s media aide added that after the closed door meeting….” Truth in defence of freedom: meeting behind closed doors (not closed door meeting)!

“According to him, the video was not an official recording of the forum, and, as such, remained untameable (untenable).”

“Real reason Olu Akanmu quits (quit) Airtel”

“The estranged couple, we gathered, still remains (remain) friends for the sake of their four children.”

Lastly from this platform: “Firms’ profits re-open (reopen) cement glut claims” Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation.

THISDAY,THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER of June 3, goofed: “Even before this season rounded-off (rounded off), players and coaches (coaches’) transfer news have (had) even overshadowed some matches….” Global soccer summer transfer: ‘news’ is uncountable

“Below are photographs of personalities at (on) the occasion.” (Source: as above)

“Don’t miss out on the thrills and anxiety (anxieties) every week as thousands of talented singers battle for the grand prize of N24 million and the career changing (career-changing) Sony Music Contract.” (Full-page advertisement by Glo Unlimited)

“Count me out of governors (governors’) leadership crisis, says (name withheld)”This is sheer gobbledygook by a politician! Such prevarications are best for the marines! It is better to be silent at a time like this

than to be misleadingly loquacious and manifestly daft! Most Nigerians are not dullards.

“School holds inter house (inter-house) cultural competition”

“Fraud free (Fraud-free) immigration to Canada”

“South-South Monarchs (Monarchs’) Forum”

“Quality all purpose equipments at GOOFA Nigeria Limited” A rewrite: Quality all-purpose equipment (uncountable)

Wrong: “Go and on/off the generator”; right: Go and put on/off the generator

Wrong: “Wash hand basin”; right: Finger bowl

Wrong: “Use the packer to pack the dirt”; right: Use the dust pan (not ‘packer’)….

The next two blunders are from Stv Early Morning News Scroll of May 21: “Preventing external agression” Spell-check: aggression

“Aviation workers suspends (why?) strike, FG intervenes”

“Clearing drainages in Delta” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, May 28) ‘Drainage’ is non-count and is a system of drains—the right entry here should be ‘drains’ and not their collectivization.

THISDAY of May 18 offered readers three juvenile errors: “Court winds-up (winds up) firm, jails officials over My Pikin mixture”

“Churning out series (a series) of life-transforming soap operas endeared….”

“The group though had fought against government and its agencies on many occasions but came into the nation’s consciousness when….” The Saturday Newspaper Cover: ‘Though’ and ‘but’ cannot function in the same environment—‘it’ should take the place of ‘but’ to foreclose lexical insurgency!

“It is not that I see Igbo land as an (a) hostile region….”

“Jos, the capital of Plateau State (another comma, please) is one of the few cosmopolitan towns in the country that have (has) enjoyed peaceful co-existence relatively.”

“…thepresidentandotherstakeholdersinthenation’s well-being rubbed minds (brainstormed, exchanged ideas/views.…)” It is not possible to ‘rub minds’!

Tinubu’s First Weeks: Killing ‘Em Softly?

We shall be towing the tacit wisdom in the thinker’s truism that the greatness of a nation is not so much in the great deposit of its natural resources, but in how it treats its workers, the ordinary, productive, taxable legion of its citizens.

One of the most instructive moments for me was the statement uttered by the usually cerebral and putative intellectual who happens to be a former colleague in the print media business, the editor of business titles of Nigeria’s biggest publications, including being appointed the Chief Economist at Zenith Bank Plc a few years ago. Marcel Okeke was a guest on my radio programme two Saturdays ago (on TopRadio 90.9 FM) wherein he raised many red flags to underline the disturbing actions and fiscal policies of the new Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration which would not augur well for the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. He also insisted that the downward trajectory precipitated by Tinubu’s recent economic pronouncements was ‘irreversible’!

His final words were ominous and sobering; he admitted he was close to tears merely talking about the matter, and thinking of the inevitable outcomes for the majority of Nigerians…the turmoil and trauma the nation’s poor would have to undergo in plodding through the Tinubu years. Yet, we had only spent less than 30 days!

Many Nigerians have been taken aback not merely by the audacity of the Tinubu presidency to animate vigorously the national ‘tension’ nerves when it declared “Oil Subsidy is Gone!” - almost triumphantly, on his first day on the saddle - but also the flagrant admittance and seeming negligent shrug that there were no palliative measures on ground or in the pipeline to immediately mitigate, to some extent, the expected Machiavellian tendencies of Nigerian marketers, distributors, Producers and drivers of the different segments of our consumptive economies.

Of course, as soon as the new president dropped his prepared speech on 29 May, 2023, pump price of petrol jumped maniacally from ₦185 per litre, at the very worst, to excess of ₦500! It didn’t take long for the ordinary folks to feel the “high impact” of the new Sheriff. Expectedly, other areas of common interactions - transportation, staple foods, buying and selling, goods and services, etc - have taken a cue, and jumped out of the immediate reach of most Nigerians.

Some Nigerians have clamoured for a business-minded president - one who knows the intricacies of moving and using money and resources to serve and prosper the owner through lucrative and enduring projects and proposals. Now, you have one whose claim to proficiency was through the big American oil business as espoused by the behemoth called Exxon Mobil corporation.

Unfortunately, big money movers and players do not usually worry about the debilitating effects of making profits on the exploited communities. All eyes are unscrupulously fixed on the bottom line, and tokenism called corporate service responsibility (CSR) could be arranged to calm nerves of complaining groups or a disquiet environment.

To keen watchers of the polity, there seems to be a fresh fear that we now have a president who prioritises economic gains and corporate prosperity over and above other ‘base’ considerations which apparently can slow down the march of commerce and industry. In quick succession, the president floated the naira, and cancelled the fraud-prone parallel forex market; thereby letting the Naira rumble with other foreign currencies in a free market tradition of the capitalist ideology.

Knowledgeable people in economic affairs and equitable governance are worried that the majority of Nigerians would be gravely impacted by consequences of what appear like the new government knee-jerk measures to arrest what has been a largely spiralling mess bequeathed by nonplussed predecessors. They are worried that the demise of the

working class is near - and the attendant socio-political upheavals this may engender.

In a well-argued article of 15 June, 2023 titled “Floating Naira: Death knell for Nigerian Economy?”, Okeke brilliantly encapsulates the current Nigerian challenge into what we can describe as a tripartite mix of unpalatably harsh but inevitable countermeasures inelegantly administered.

First, he laments the cul-de-sac we found ourselves before the advent of this administration: “As a country, Nigeria has been largely import-dependent: a large proportion of the citizenry having preference for foreign goods and services; factories importing machineries and raw materials; Nigerians in their numbers going for foreign degrees and certifications and paying in hard currencies, etc. This reality and preferences exist side-by-side with scarcity of dollars and other foreign currencies over the years. The country has largely been a mono-product economy - depending almost entirely on earnings from crude oil export. No substantial foreign exchange inflow from the export of non-oil items. Indeed, successive administrations had in reality paid only lip service to ‘effective diversification’ of the national economy…”

Then, the straight-shooting economist highlights the dilemmas of the current managers of our economy: “Arbitrary fixing of the exchange rate (especially Naira to dollar) and multiplicity of exchange rates and ‘black markets’ have been the order of the day in Nigeria over the years… Now that the Naira will become a ‘floating currency’, its true strength against the dollar and other currencies will begin to show… But, as a largely import-dependent economy with very limited forex earnings, the (looming) excess demand for forex (over supply) would likely take the Naira down a bottomless abyss. The immediate impact of the Naira floating will include a fast depletion of the stock of foreign exchange reserves of Nigeria… The fast-weakening Naira will also

“Hehadorderedmoresoldierspostedtothetroubled (trouble) spots of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa with an instruction….”

“Ebonyi: Women miners lament rising gender based (gender-based) violence”

“Mammoth crowd cheers Peter Obi in Kogi” Get it right: ‘Mammoth’ has become an old-fashioned expres- sion—be creative by employing fresh (novel possibly) expressions like ‘gigantic’, ‘enormous’—among others.

“Happy 64th Birthday Anniversary” This way: Just Happy 64th Birthday

“Pictures and video clips of underage voting were circulated on (in) the social media to the chagrin of many people.”

“…police officers had actually taken law into their hands….” Extra-judicial killings: taken the law into their own hands….

“Our education system is in shambles (in a shambles)….”

“Majority (A majority) of our graduates are graduating into unemployment….”

The next disaster is from DAILY INDEPENDENT of June 9: “…Dickson paying his last respect to his departed colleague….” A rewrite: Dickson paying last respects to his colleague.

THE GUARDIAN of June 8 disseminated copious goofs: “Imo offers reward for information on doctor abductors” This way: doctor’s abductors

“Years after, thousands in N/Korea mourn late leader” Would they have mourned their living leader?

Fatalistic thinking! North Koreans mourn ex-leader Still on The Guardian which contributed three more solecisms: “But the lawmakers failed to tell Nigerians what they plan to do about the siege currently laid on (to) the country by armed gangs.”

“…armed bandits ravaging the country is worrisome.” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: banditry inevitably involves the use of arms/weaponry. So, delete ‘armed’!

“Besides, are there genuine political reasons behind the activities of terror organizations such as Boko Haram and how could it (they) be addressed?”

fajalive1@gmail.com

08033622806- (SMS Only)

join the aftermath of sudden petrol subsidy withdrawal in further driving up the prevailing hyper-inflationary trend to dizzying heights. This is inevitable!...”

Finally, it is not all lamentation and doomsday predilection. His way forward is a suggestion in common sense and holistic pragmatism in wrestling the ogre of our economic challenges. His quotes: “Highlighting all these ugly possibilities is not in any way intended to support or defend the existence of a multiplicity of Naira exchange rates against the dollar, as has been the case in the country in the past years. The unorthodox forex market management in place all these years gave so much room for fraud, opacity, patronage dispensation, insider dealings and other abuses…. However, floatation of the Naira (as reported) should have been implemented in a less hasty manner than what is taking place now. Floating a weak currency (if at all it is a necessary option) ought not to have come by fiat like the fuel subsidy removal also being implemented. The two critical economic policies should have come as integral parts of a wholesome full-scale economic development blueprint for Nigeria…

“It will therefore be most politic for the present administration to swiftly come up with its full-scale economic development blueprint. This will fully ‘incorporate’ President Tinubu’s manifesto and inauguration address - to avoid the dangers of initiating critical economic policies in a staccato manner. Also, former President Buhari’s ‘Nigeria’s Agenda 2050’ could still be adopted or adapted… to avoid terrible mistakes of the recent past in the management of the nation’s economy….”

A word - or more precisely, a bunch of pregnant words - should be enough….

Cyriel Dessers Ready for Ibrox Challenge

Since Emerging as the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2019-2020 season, Cyriel Dessers has been on radar of Glasgow Rangers but a deal failed to materialise, but with the exit of Ibrox main man- Alfredo Morelos, at the end of the season, Rangers’egg heads pressed harder and eventually got their long-time target.The Nigerian has however admitted it will be hard to fill the void left by Morelos’departure but he is determined to be his own man at Ibrox

Nigeria international, Cyriel Dessers became Rangers’ sixth summer signing , after Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, Dujon Sterling and Abdallah Sima; the striker has joined from Cremonese on a four-year deal; he replaces Alfredo Morelos after his departure at the end of the season

The New Rangers striker indeed admitted Morelos will be a hard act to follow, but insists he is ready to impress and determined to be his own man at Ibrox.

The 28-year-old Nigeria striker became Michael Beale’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window when he joined from Cremonese on a fouryear deal for a reported fee of around £4.5m.

Dessers will be expected to take over from Colombia striker, who became a fans’ favourite during his six years in Govan where he scored 124 goals before his contract ran out at the end of the season.

Speaking at a media conference from Rangers’ training base in Germany, Dessers said: “Of course Alfredo did amazing things for Rangers at Ibrox so it is never easy to come after a good striker like he was.

“But on the other side, I cannot look at the past.

“I am here for the present and for the future and I hope to do some nice things, some good things for Rangers as well and I hope I can build a similar

relationship with the fans but that will depend on our relationship and the things I do on the pitch and off the pitch.

“So, I am confident that can work.”

The former Utrecht, Heracles Almelo and Genk player looks forward to a “new wind” at Ibrox.

He said: “Rangers of course is a massive club: the history, the stadium, the fans, even the city, everything is amazing.

“But apart from that, of course I spoke with the manager as well and he spoke about what is going on now.

“After not such an easy season, there is a new wind at the club and I want to be a part of that.

“I am at a good age right now, 28 is the perfect age where you are physically at your top level and you have gained some experience from the last years.

“So, I think that is a perfect time to play for trophies and hopefully win some trophies and of course the mentality of Rangers, which is present at this moment in the team already, is clear and it is clear that I want to be a part of that.

“I think I can bring some things, not only football-wise but mentality-wise in the locker room and I hope I can play a role as well in that.”

Former Celtic boss, Neil Lennon, revealed earlier in the week that Dessers had been on his radar while he was at Celtic but the Belgium-born

forward is happy to be at the other side of Glasgow.

Dessers said: “I didn’t know about that at the time.

“I spoke a couple of times with Rangers in the past years and the contact has always been close so I am happy to finally be here now.

“The first contact came during Covid and it was a difficult time for a lot of clubs to make deals and after that there was always contact and casual conversations.

“If you scored goals you will probably be on some club’s radar but that is not an issue, I am happy to be here.”

Cremonese will receive a guaranteed fee of five million euros plus 1.5 million euros in performance-related add-ons.

Dessers had been on the radar of Rangers since he emerged the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 15 goals in 2019-2020 season but a deal did not materialise until this month.

The former Heracles Almelo goal poacher admitted that he was wanted by Belgian, Dutch and Italian clubs this summer but decided to pick Rangers over his other suitors.

“It’s not easy to call the names of the clubs that wanted me this summer, I don’t think they will be happy if I do that,” Dessers told reporters at the press conference.

“Of course, I had some options to stay in Italy, there were also some other options again in Belgium and the Netherlands. I don’t think it’s smart to name the

clubs here.

“Rangers is massive and I like what is happening here, the group, players already here and the manager who has a really good idea of what he wants on and off the pitch is fundamental for me.

“That’s why I made the choice, I looked at the training ground, I looked at the stadium, I looked at how the club wants to work very professionally, and that’s something I was looking for so it was pretty easy choice actually.” The Nigerian’s excellent performance for Cremonese entered the books of some European clubs, who were vying for his services during the transfer window.

Although, his excellent performance could not save Cremonese Serie A stay after 21 losses and five wins, which relegated them to the second division.

Dessers, having finally pursued growth by joining the Scottish side, has been praised by Lennon, who has labelled him as a “big, powerful player with a little bit of technique sometimes, with the soft feet”.

Rangers are slated to hold their first preseason game against English Premier League side Newcastle United on July 18, and Dessers is expected to lead the line for the Light Blues.

Dessers previously played for Dutch clubs Heracles Almelo, NAC Breda, FC Utrecht and Feyenoord, and in Belgium with Oud-Heverlee Leuven, Lokeren and Racing Genk.

Cyriel Dessers ... warming up for a new challenge at Rangers

A Lesson for IMC from Super 8 Organisers

Kunle Adewale

If there is one area the organisers of the Naija Super 8-Flykite Productions have impressed more than any other is its prompt decision making in areas of disciplining clubs that failed to conduct themselves properly.

On Thursday, during the last Group A encounter between Sporting Lagos and Katsina United, the two clubs flouted one of the competition’s rules of jersey-sharing to fans after game. And that same day the two clubs were slammed with a fine of N200,000.00 each.

The organisers of the Naija Super 8 had earlier shown that it would not hesitate to wield its big stick even against top hierarchy of clubs when it warned chairmen or general managers of participating clubs to be ready for punishment if found guilty of any form of disorderliness during the competition.

Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos Go for Broke in Maiden Naija Super 8 Final

High flying Remo Stars of Ikenne, will face newly promoted Nigeria Premier League, NPL side, Sporting Lagos, in the maiden Naija Super 8 tournament final on Sunday.

Sky Blue Stars secured a slot in the final, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars in their semi-final match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena yesterday, while Sporting Lagos recovered from a goal down to beat Akwa United 2-1.

Remo Stars qualified for the semi-finals by a hairbreadth, but dominated the opening exchanges of their match, and nearly forced Lobi Stars defence to an own goal in the 13th minute. In return, Lobi Stars danger man, Joseph Atule, forced Remo Stars goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole into a fingertip save in the 20th minute.

The Ikenne boys opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Dena Akorli, who guided Isaac James’ pinpoint cross into the bottom corner. Atule was close to drawing Lobi Stars level in the 31st minute, crashing his half-volley against the upright. The Remo Stars goalkeeper was forced into another big save in the 40th minute, as Lobi Stars pushed for the equaliser. Bankole preserved his side’s lead into the break with another brilliant save to deny Liman Amadu, late in the half.

Two minutes into the second half, Nduka Junior doubled Remo Stars lead, heading home from a corner. Lobi Stars found a way back into the match courtesy of a handball in

the box by Nwaeze Boniface. Atule made no mistake from the spot to score his third goal of the tournament in the 62nd minute.

In his post-match interview, Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, said his boys were well prepared for Lobi Stars, and are now eyeing the trophy. “I had the opportunity to watch Lobi Stars earlier in this tournament and we prepared well against complacency because this is a different Lobi Stars team, with a new manager. We were in control of the match. And when we needed to defend, the boys defended well. I am sure we are going to win this trophy. Everything gives me assurance that we will win it,” he said.

The highly entertaining battle of the wildcards busted to life in the 20th minute, when Uche Collins had a glorious chance to put Akwa United ahead, but missed an open goal with his header from six yards out.

The Uyo side were clearly the best side in the first half. Cyril Olisema missed a sitter in the 36th minute, then Sodiq Rilwan narrowly missed the target in the 37th minute with a shot from the edge of the penalty box. Few minutes later, they were awarded a controversial penalty, after the goalkeeper was adjudged to have brought down Rilwan in the box. Olisema converted the penalty to give his side the lead in the 42nd minute. Fatai Osho’s side continued to dominate the game, and comfortably took their lead into the break.

Sporting Lagos started the second half better than the first. They missed a great chance

to qualise when Saturday Okon somehow failed to hit the target with the goalpost at his mercy in the 48th minute. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 54th minute. Saturday atoned for his big miss, getting on the end of a Jonathan Aluku’s cross, to tap home from close range. Aluku became the match winner in 70th minute, heading home a cross to complete the comeback. A defensive mistake almost gifted Akwa United an equaliser in the 90th minute, but Meshack Dennis could not sort his feet to convert the chance.

Reacting to the result, Sporting Lagos coach, John Offor, said he tweaked his team’s pattern in the second half to put the opponent under pressure, adding that his team is not under pressure to win the tournament. “I’ve had the opportunity of watching Akwa United play. We learnt about them in the first half. We saw how they played and we played two strikers to counter them in the second half. The first 15 minutes of that second half was the best we’ve played this season. Whatever the result on Sunday, we have achieved our aim for the season. We will come out to express and enjoy ourselves on Sunday and see what comes out of it,” he said.

The Naija Super 8 final will kick-off at 5pm on Sunday, with the competition trophy and multi-million Naira at stake. In addition to N3 million earned for each group and semifinal match, the winner of the tournament will receive N25 million, while the runner-up will get N9 million.

Katsina Utd, Making A Big Statement with Naija Super 8

Kunle Adewale

Despite failing to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing Naija Super 8 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, Head Coach of Katsina United, Usman Abdullah said he was satisfied with the performance of his boys and believe the team made a statement with the competition.

Though their mission in the Naija Super 8 was to assess the team and at the end of the competition, look at areas that needed to be improved upon ahead of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season. Katsina United however got more than they bargained for after drawing 1-1, with high riding Remo Stars and beating league champions, Enyimba of Aba, 2-1 in their second game. The Changi Boys however narrowly missed a place in the semifinals on goals aggregate.

In a chat with the coach of the team he expressed satisfaction with the team but said it was still work in progress as there are still a lot to be done.

“Like I said before this competition we are not here to win the competition but to analyse the team after the Naija Super 8 and think of a plan for the coming season. A victory would however be appreciated but not the ultimate,” Abdullah pointed out.

“My plan is to have a good recruitment for Katsina United ahead of the coming season. I know the level of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and we still have a couple of new players to be tested, as you can see the boys are already tired. We did not have a Salah break, we played in the play offs of the Naija Super 8 at Eket and headed straight to Asaba to play in the Nigeria National League Super 8 and now we here. So,

there are a lot of tiredness among the players and we have to inject some new players. The plan was not to win the Super 8 but rather it’s about preparing a solid team for next season,” the former Enyimba coach said.

On whether the management of Katsina United is on the same page with him concerning his plan for the team, he said, “I have a feeling that with the new chairman, we will come into compromise on some certain things as to my plans for the team. We had a discussion on what he wants and what the team should look like and we are almost through with it. I am not on contract for now. I am with the team just to see how I can build up a strong team for them. but i think we might end up reaching an agreement, but nothing concrete for now but on the road of that,” Abdullah noted.

This is one area the management of the Nigeria Premier League, NPL-the Interim Management Committee, IMC, have severally been faulted, as its Disciplinary Committee’s decision-making concerning breaching clubs are always very slow and many a times indecisive.

The English Premier League which many countries of the world look up to and model their football towards is known for its prompt decision making in areas of punishing erring clubs.

IMC please borrow a leaf from this.

Kudos, Akwa Utd Supporters Club

Kunle Adewale

Supporters are said to be 12th player and have severally motivated their teams to victory. Clubs like Liverpool rely a lot on their fans to win matches most especially when it’s on their home ground - Anfield.

If there is a prize for supporters’ club in the ongoing Naija Super 8 taking place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, I think Akwa United Supporters club should win it.

In spite of their team’s not too impressive performance and down by two goals for better part of the encounter against Lobi Stars, the club’s supporters club members were not deterred as they sang and drummed throughout the encounter.

Other Nigerian clubs should borrow a leaf from this. It’s not only when a side is wining that the voices of their supporters should be heard.

Moving forward, I think organisers of the Naija Super 8, Flykite Productions, should look in the direction of awarding a prize for the best supporters club.

Thumbs up Akwa United’s supporters club

Lobi Stars, where is the Place of Fair Play?

Fair play is not a rule in football but a culture that has been embraced over the years.

During the first semifinals of the ongoing Naija Super 8 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, yesterday between Lobi Stars and Remo Stars, the side from Makurdi showed the fair play rule has no place in their agenda.

Early in the second half of the game, a player from the Daniel Ogunmodede side was lying injured on the turf and the centre referee seemed not to be paying attention. And in order that his teammate could be attended to, a Remo Stars’ player intentionally played the ball out for a throw-in.

Ideally, the ball should have been thrown back to a Remo Stars players, but Lobi Stars ignored the tradition and threw the ball to his teammate.

Going forward, Lobi please try and embrace the good tradition of the beautiful game.

SEMIFINALS

RESULTS

Lobi Stars 1-2 Remo Stars

Sporting Lagos 2-1 Akwa United SUNDAY’S FIXTURE

Remo Stars v Sporting Lagos

Sporting Lagos players celebrating one of their goals against Akwa United yesterday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos

Lucas Radebe: Nwankwo Kanu, My Most Dreaded EPL African Opponent

He left Kaiser Chiefs for Leeds United to‘Babysit’for Phil Masinga but ended up not only donning the colours of the Lilywhites for 11 illustrious years but went on to captain the team. Kunle Adewale caught up with Lucas Radebe, who also led the Bafana Bafana to AFCON glory in 1996 as he goes down memory lane on the rivalries between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles in the early 90s to the 2000s. In spite of the array of stars at Nigeria’s disposal then, with many of them holding sway in the English Premier League, Radebe singled out Nwankwo Kanu as his most dreaded African opponent in the English top

Lucas Radebe was in Lagos, Nigeria to be part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the Premier League with EPL Africa’s greatest XI is part of celebration.

Between March 24 and June 30, a 30-man list was presented to football fans across Africa to vote their best African footballers to have graced the Premier League, on SuperSport website. Players with the highest votes were unveiled as EPL Africa XI at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island on June 6.

During his time with Leeds United the Chief as he was fondly called by Elland Road faithful came against many African players and the obvious questions was which African Premier League player was his toughest opponent, he reacted thus: “Nwankwo Kanu was just unbelievable. I think he made the difference during his time at Arsenal. He was so difficult to mark. You just have to admire him. He was quality. He was class. With his long legs he does so many unbelievable

things. He scored one of the best goals I have ever seen for Arsenal, from a very tight angle. He was just an unbelievable player.”

Despite the huge respect, Radebe has for Kanu, he ironically omitted the gangling forward in his list of Premier League African XI.

‘Papilo’ however made the list of Premier League African XI.

Radebe indeed said Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, was the hardest striker he faced in his Premier League career. He said Henry’s dynamism made him a very tough opponent, not just for him, but for other opponents.

“The toughest striker I faced in my Premier League career was Thiery Henry. You don’t just know how to approach him. If you go tight to him, he lifts the ball over your head, he’s gone. He has a good understanding of the game. He drops deep, receives the ball, and he breezes past you with speed,” the former Kaiser Chiefs defender said.

On who is greatest African player to ever grace the English top flight,

Radebe was quick to mention the name of Ivorian great, Didier Drogba.

“My greatest African Premier League player is Didier Drogba,” Radebe said.

An interview with Radebe without the question on the rivalries between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana in the early 1990s up to early 2000s coming to fore was never complete.

On the assertion in some quarters that South Africa won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations only because Nigeria failed to defend the title.

Laughs. “It was sad to see Nigeria not participating because they would be coming as champions. But we had a team that was in form with many players that plied their trade in the Premier League. It would have been interesting to see the Super Eagles against Banana Bafana, which would have put to rest the argument of who the true African champions was. For the fact that we won the AFCON in 1996 means we could have beaten anybody,” he asserted.

Nigeria however showed superiority

over South Africa when both sides met at the quarter finals of the 2002 AFCON co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana in Lagos as the Super Eagles won by two goals to nil. The Chief however blamed Bafana Bafana’s defeat to the first minute goal conceded by his side.

“Considering the quality of the Nigerians chasing the game as early as the first minute was not good for us and we never recovered throughout the match,” he noted.

Asked of his best moments at Leeds United, he expressed: “One of my best moments at Leeds United was when we took the club from the bottom half to the top three of the Premier League, which was one of the moments when we thought we could really clinch the title. That was how close we went to winning it. Before then the club has not been in the limelight for so long, but by booking a place in the Champions League, Elland Road was able to attract European giants like AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The night I scored the goal against Spartak Moscow to qualify Leeds to the semifinals was magical to me.

“Leeds qualify ing for the Champions League for me was a great accomplishment. I grew up watching the Champions League with great players but to be able to play in the competition and play against the best players in the world was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed the moment and opportunity. Not just as a footballer but as a person. It was a dream come true for me.”

On whether he felt at that time Leeds could go on to win the competition.

“We played in the UEFA playoffs before we qualified for the Champions League proper and we got to the semifinals. It was a team that was growing in confidence and as the captain of the club it was just amazing and I did believe in the quality of the players we had then and we wanted to make history and playing in the semifinals was indeed a great achievement,” the former Bafana Bafana s kipper said.

Another memorable moment Radebe would not forget in a hurry in his 11 years at Leeds United was when he had to fill in as a goalkeeper, after the team’s shot stopper was redcarded.

Radebe is however not impressed that the same Leeds he laboured to take to the top was relegated to the English Championship last season. “I think the quality and the passion is not the same. When you play for a club like Leeds United you have to cherish the badge. You have to know what it means to be a Leeds United player. Not just the club but the city. When the club does well the city is happy, the fans are very passionate about the club. It’s great history. It is a club that when you play for you become part of the city for your entire life. It’s sad to see them go down, but football has changed and a club needs big investment to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea. It’s a tough one,” Radebe admitted.

Lucas Radebe tries to stop Nwankwo Kanu during one of their clashes in the English Premier League

L-R: Lucas Radebe and Victor Ikpeba standing by Premier League Trophy as part of EPL Africa XI

Nigeria Stripped of 2022 Women’s Relay Commonwealth Games Gold for Doping

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has stripped Nigeria of the gold medal won in the women’s 4×100 meters event at Birmingham 2022.

The quartet of Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma and Grace Nwokocha claimed gold in the 4×100 meters race during last year’s Commonwealth Games (CWG).

Nwokocha, who ran the anchor leg for Nigeria, however, failed a doping test during the competition after ostarine and lingadrol

2023 WIMBLEDON

were found in her sample A urine.

Consequently, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) handed her a provisional suspension, banning her from the sport.

In a statement on Friday, the CGF disclosed that the Commonwealth Games Federation Court has disqualified Nwokocha and nullified all the results involving her at the competition.

“The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) can confirm that

the Commonwealth Games Federation Court has issued their decision regarding an in-competition sample provided by Ms Nwokocha, who competed in Athletics at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” the statement reads.

“Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Ostarine and DihydroxyLGD-4033, a metabolite of Ligandrol. Both are non-Specified Substances, listed under Other Anabolic Agents in the WADA 2022 Prohibited List.

Medvedev Set up Final against Djokovic

Rena Wakama was named as the new coach of the Nigerian national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress last week.The American-based Nigerian was seen by some as inexperienced for the level of D’Tigress but Wakama says competence should be the parameter and not age

Congratulations as the first lady to coach a Nigerian national team.

How did you get this opportunity to coach D’Tigress? You got or was there an advert?

a part of the larger squad?

Yeah, obviously you know a lot of rules on registering for the first time. FIBA has a bunch of rules; a bunch of regulations to meet but unfortunately when I came I missed the deadline to get registered. But before then I had met and trained with them and then played with them in London. In London, there was issue about releasing me but then later everything was cleared and I was able to play for First Bank.

prepared. I don’t want to run away from issues, I want to run straight into them and this is a phenomenal opportunity.

You said you were travelling the other day we spoke. Have you met the team now?

World

No 1 Carlos

Alcaraz dismantled Daniil Medvedev to set up a dream Wimbledon final against history-chasing Novak Djokovic.

The 20-year-old became the youngest man to reach the final since fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in 2006 with a commanding 6-3 6-3 6-3 semifinal victory on Centre Court.

Alcaraz, the top seed, will face Djokovic, the seven-time champion who is 16 years his

senior, in Sunday’s mouthwatering showpiece.

“As I said before it is a dream for me playing a semi-final here, to be able to play a final here at Wimbledon I can’t believe it,” Alcaraz said.

“I am going to enjoy this amazing moment for me and [then it’s] time to keep training.

“It is really difficult to close the match, you have to be really focused against Daniil, he fought to the last moment.

“He is an amazing fighter, runner, player. I had to show my best in that tough moment and play aggressive. I had to be myself and that was the key to close that match.”

Carlos Alcaraz is now the third men’s player this century to make multiple men’s singles finals at Grand Slams before turning 21, after Rafael Nadal (4) and his next opponent, Novak Djokovic (2).

…Jabeur, Vondrousova Target Title History

A year ago, Ons Jabeur had a photo of the Wimbledon women’s trophy on her phone screen as she chased history.

She swiftly erased it after missing out on the real thing but today has another chance when she faces Marketa Vondrousova in the final.

The popular Tunisian hopes her third major final proves lucky as she aims to be the first African or Arab woman

to win a Grand Slam singles title.

“Hopefully, I can make history not just for Tunisia but for Africa,” she said.

Like last year, sixth seed Jabeur heads into the women’s final as the favourite. The 28-year-old faces Vondrousova, who is ranked at number 42 and is also aiming for her own slice of history by becoming the first

unseeded woman to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish. Vondrousova, 24, was in London as a tourist with her wrist in a plaster cast when Jabeur lost to Elena Rybakina last year, following the surgery that sidelined her for six months.

“I’m just so grateful to be here. It’s crazy that this is happening,” Vondrousova said.

Naija Super 8 Organisers Debunk Fining Sporting Lagos N5m for Noisemaking Story

Flykite Productions, organisers of the Naija Super 8 tournament, have denied reports by some media outlets that they imposed a N5million fine on Sporting Lagos for noise disturbance by its fans.

In a statement issued yesterday, Flykite Productions dismissed the reports as a

deliberate misrepresentation of what transpired at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, the third day of the tournament.

The organisers explained in the statement that Sporting Lagos fans were urged to relocate from their traditional ‘Happy Corner’ at the VIP

Extension stand to the regular stand to enable them display unrestrained support for their beloved club, because their deafening vuvuzela noise was hindering the passing of tactical instructions by the technical team of their opponents, Enyimba International, to their players on the pitch.

Nigeria’s Justice Harriman Elected President of CAF Appeals Board

On the margin of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s Justice Roli Harriman has been elected President of the CAF Appeals Board.

Harriman, a 62 – year old High Court judge, former

senior lecturer at the Nigerian Law School and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Judge in Delta State since January 2013, replaces compatriot A. U. Mustapha (SAN) at the head of CAF’s ultimate judicial body.

She was elected alongside

Fernando Valera Monteiro from Cape Verde, who will serve as Vice President of the Appeals Board.

Also elected are Senegalese Ousmane Kane, who will serve as President of the CAF Disciplinary Board, while Jane Njeri Onyango from Kenya will be Vice President.

Oh yes, I was contacted. I was contacted by Musa (Adamu), the team’s General Manager. And from that I got to know there was an opening for the Nigeria national team job and was asked if I was interested in going through the interview process with some other candidates. Of course, I was interested and there were series of interviews and calls from different people. That’s how I got here finally. And I thank God for this opportunity to coach the national team and being the first woman to lead the national team.

Some questions came up after your appointment concerning your time with the national team. Did you ever play for D’Tigress? Did you make the team or you were just a part of the extended squad?

Yeah, I’ve been involved since I graduated from college. I graduated from college in 2014 and then in 2015 I was with them (D’Tigress) when they travelled to Cameroon (AfroBasket). We did not qualify; I think we finished third or fourth and so we did not qualify. And then I played for the club (First Bank) and we won a championship. But I was involved in 2015/2016.

After that I moved on to start the process to becoming a coach because that had always been on my mind. I wanted a good career as a coach. Many people don’t know that getting into coaching here in America is extremely hard but I had my mind made up to coach and was ready go through the process no matter how difficult. I knew my journey, I knew my task; I knew I wanted be a head coach someday and so I knew I had to give it shot sooner or later.

And so 2015 was the last time with the Nigerian team because I had to concentrate on the coaching task ahead of me. I got my career back into college athletics and had my Masters and here I am still coaching and happy for this opportunity to do the right stuff.

Available information confirms that you were in Cameroon with the team but I couldn’t find your name on the roster. What happened? Did you actually play or you were

Okay, you mentioned playing in London…who did you play with in London? Which team, which group or players?

I played for a couple of teams…

That’s like club sides and not the national team…

Yes, clubs.

How old are you? You are hesitant to give an answer but I need the answer to help me arrive at the next question. So how old are you?

Okay, I’m about 31. 31.

So you’re not just the first woman but I guess you are also the youngest head coach the national team has had. Some people are 34 or 38 and still playing. Why did you stop playing so early?

Maybe because I knew I wanted to be a coach. I knew that was my calling; that was what I wanted to be. I knew that was my journey; I knew I had more impact organising a team. Even all the while we were in Cameroon with the girls, I just knew exactly what I wanted to do with my career; that’s my calling, that’s my passion and I had to follow it. When God puts something in your heart you have to follow it. I wanted to start early.

But I had played all my life though starting early and competing through the high school and the university.

You are taking a new team going for a major competition in such a short time and the team actually starting all over. Are you not worried? Would you have preferred like three or four months to prepare your team?

If you worry about everything then nothing can happen for you. I don’t want to worry about things that I can’t control. Since I was appointed I have been working nonstop round the clock to get things moving and to make sure that we are

I’m on my way to meeting them. We have camps here this weekend – open trials - and we have camps in Lagos and Abuja so there’s a whole lot of work to do. I want to see everybody whether you are here in the United States or back home. The team is being formed; I’m still looking for players. I want to see everybody play whether you are based here or back home and then we can go from there.

You want to see everybody play first? That means you would run the camp in the USA and also in Lagos and Abuja?

Yes, I will eventually get there and meet with everybody. I will travel down after the trials here.

Now you are coaching a team that has been African champions three-straight times and going for the fourth. As a matter of fact they have not lost a game to any African team since 2017. Nigerians love D’Tigress for who they are and the expectation is still very high. Now what can you promise the country?

Expectations are great.

What should they expect from you? First, second or… I wish I can say that; I wish I can give a straight answer but I can’t do that. I can’t say that. What I can say is that the type of basketball I am going to put out is going to be marvelous; magical. How we are going to play is what matters and it’s going to be like no other because that’s what I have done all my life. I am going to teach these girls like nobody has.

They are going to be cared for; they are going to be pushed; they are going to be disciplined. I am not going to say we are coming first, second or third. I am not going to say that now but what I can say for sure is we are going to play tremendously well. We are going to play very well and every other thing will take its place.

I saw a post online…I can’t remember if you did or it’s the NBBF. It’s a scripture that says God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. Who put that out?

Novac Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

D’Tigress new head coach, Rena Wakama

Rena Wakama: I’m Well Prepared for D’Tigress Challenge

Kukah on corruption under Buhari

“We have seen the worst phase of corruption in Nigeria…in the last administration, we saw the ugliest phase of corruption whether in moral terms, financial terms, and other terms” –The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, lamenting corruption under expresident Muhammadu Buhari.

BABATUNDEFASHOLA

GUEST COLUMNIST

The Blueprint for Tomorrow

In offering my thoughts about a blueprint for tomorrow in Nigeria, I choose to deal with what I call first principles. I will deal locally and globally with what had happened, and is happening. What we all know and need to look at again, and from here hope to project what tomorrow offers.

No part of the earth is new except those that are yet to be discovered by human beings. Powers, Nations and Countries have all existed in various forms and evolved differently. One first principle that History has taught us, is that Empires have risen and fallen and this will never stop as we are witnesses to some Empires now in decline.

Simultaneously, there is a renaissance in some places not the least Africa, and this brings on the significance of this gathering. Let us look at Nigeria as the subject of tomorrow. A territory of 923,770 square Kilometers of land area, bounded by the ocean and desert, bejeweled with various natural resources and biodiversity with a 200 million human capital. A market to ignore at your peril.

In an increasingly plural planet, at a time that diversity and identity have become not only a justice issue but also an economic one, the largest nation of black people in the world triggers more than a passing interest. At the heart of the human capital lies a youthful bulk, aged between 18 – 35 who are nowhere near the peak of their powers. A real advantage for tomorrow.

As the world searches for a new global legal order acceptable to all, one thing is undeniable, prosperity will be anchored on soft power rather than military might. That is why Nigeria sustains the largest democratic political undertaking on the African continent.

It is a powerful statement of freedoms which businesses require to thrive. On the back of that and in recent years she has committed to an aggressive investment on her public infrastructure to support enterprise and her youthful and growing population.

Expansion and upgrade of five major international airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, Abuja which, are strategic human and enterprise hubs, are an important statement of readiness for tomorrow.She is expanding her gas supply infrastructure and I point to the Ajaokuta – Kaduna- Kano project stretching across 614 Km at $3.2 Billion.

Broadband infrastructure deployment is being deployed without fuss. On the Abuja-Makurdi 220km highway and the Kano-Maiduguri 560km the ducts to lay fibre optic cable are being constructed and have been completed respectively.

A new refinery capable of processing 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day has come on stream and about to commence production, inclusive of a petrochemical plant and fertilizer plant. This is complemented by a new sea port in Lekki area of Lagos. These two projects alone account for $22 Billion dollars of local and international investment.

Rail transport assets are also being developed and deployed for use. Road transport assets are being constructed in peace time at a rate only comparable to the post-civil war experience of the early 1970s. I have been directly involved in this effort and can provide some details.

At the last count in my handover notes in May of 2023, we had over 13,117.09kilometers of roads under construction and rehabilitation.

This is equivalent to driving from Abuja to Johannesburg and back and at handover over 9,000 km had been executed, and the number grows daily as work continues Kilometer after Kilometer.

These roads link our air and sea ports, connect to our petroleum depots and strategic agricultural regions in addition to linking us to Neighbouring countries in the north, east, west and south of our international borders. They are not roads of desire, but instead strategic economic roads for internal and international trade on the back of our signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

The last impact surveys we conducted in 2021 showed that travel time on the completed portions of these roads reduced by up to 50% and contiguous real estate values rose by up to 30%. These are not just indices of efficiency and competitiveness for businesses, they are a broad response to multi-dimensional poverty.

For example, it would now take a few minutes to drive across the River Niger instead of a whole day, while a drive from the east of Nigeria to Abuja across the River Benue reduces travel time by four hours on the new Loko-Oweto Bridge.

As at May of 2023, a total of N3.929 Trillion has been committed by eight companies to build 85 roads covering 7,830.71Km under the Tax Credit Policy. This is money not yet spent but committed.

In just eight years she has doubled her infrastructure to GDP from 20% to 40% and is not relenting. The significance for businesses that support construction such as quarry, lubricants, steel reinforcement, and cement is a matter of excitement for investors who play in these sectors.

Another event that went unnoticed is the number of Nigerians who gained access to electricity. That number was 96.9 million people in 2015

and rose to 112.63 million in 2019. I know that reliability of supply is still an issue and for some this may be a matter to be cynical about. For an investor looking at tomorrow, an increase of 16.03 million consumers with access to electricity and the possibility to increase that market share is what tomorrow is about.

This is the size of the population of many countries put together within the African continent and in other continents. But it represents only part of our journey and the market demand for electric power. Undeniably on a continent of over one billion people the best place also is the biggest in economic output measured by GDP, and the place with the most diverse, most talented and most zestful human capital.

When the conversation is about markets, size matters and Nigeria has it. The number of Nigerian created unicorns, chart bursting music and movies bear testimony to the productive capacity that resides in Nigeria. Remember what l said about soft power. On the back of the infrastructure hardware in transport, energy and digital areas are legislative and policy initiatives that would herald a new dawn tomorrow.

While climate change poses security challenges on her desert boundaries and drives migration towards the coastal areas from outside and within the borders, due to water shortage and flooding in others, Nigeria is convinced about the science of climate change and is a signatory to COP 23 and the commitment to net zero.

In this regard Nigeria sees climate actions as a viable opportunity to respond to these challenges. Nigeria is thus the first country in Africa to develop and implement a comprehensive Energy Transition Plan (ETP) seeking to achieve net zero by 2060 and universal access to energy by 2030 (7 years from now). This Plan was launched in Glasgow in 2021. This is a pathway to rapid industrialization tomorrow.

There is also the recently enunciated policy on Blockchain making Nigeria the lead African country with respect to Blockchain policy. According to a Baker Mckenzie report, Nigeria “reportedly has the world’s third largest bitcoin holdings as a percentage of gross domestic product.”

The policy approved on 3rd May of 2023 by the Federal Executive Council at the instance of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has seven parts aimed at creating a blockchain powered economy that supports secure transactions, data sharing and value exchange between people, businesses and Government.

In furtherance of implementation, a training programme for capacity development has been funded for 20,000 young Nigerians and at least 5,000 have enrolled in the programme. The combination of the hardware of infrastructure and policy and law, only sets the stage for the most important component, the human capital.

My focus on this aspect is the largest batch of that asset. The youthful ones – First I invite our attention to their mindset. What I see is an increasing projection of their originality. A mindset to assert their Nigerianness, from Dress and fashion; to music and culture, and if you have followed the debate about jollof rice, you will understand their need to project and protect their cuisine.

They have branded their country in their own

way. They don’t call her Nigeria. They call her NAIJA. They are pushing and propelling that brand at the centre stage of major Global events. From the World Cup in Qatar, to the King’s coronation in England, the Champions League football final and most recently the Juneteenth Memorial celebration of the end of Slavery before a Global audience. Everywhere you turn, NAIJA is there.

These are the type of citizens who do their duty as envisaged under Section 24 of the constitution to “…enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria.” When a new global legal order is to be agreed upon, these young people will not only be in the room, they will be at the table because they represent diversity and they are from the largest nation of black people in the whole world.

Are there challenges? Of course, there are. What is the value of a life lived without challenges? How can we celebrate achievement without adversity? I acknowledge the non-partisan nature of this meeting and I respect it. However, when we are confronted with challenges, we cannot avoid an assessment of the role of leadership. Leadership is undeniably a critical factor. Nigeria has just elected a new president. I am sure he will reveal himself to those who do not yet know enough of him by the leadership he will offer.

But if Morning shows the day, some of the decisions taken so far especially on the economic front are already impacting the market and exciting investors. Let me remind us that he came to power by forging a merger of political parties in 2013 with President Buhari. That is the first and only successful merger of political parties in Nigeria for a long time.

That party unseated an incumbent President, a rarity in these parts.

Everything the then opposition said was impossible, Tinubu and his party proved them wrong. These are important leadership traits that impact business and investment. The merger indicates his ability to forge partnerships, waiting for 8 years for his partner to run his term before seeking office shows that he is a faithful partner and can sustain policy.

The reforms he is initiating are not a fleeting fancy, he is here for the long game as permitted by Law. An example is the Judicial reforms led at sub-national level in Lagos which have gained national acceptance. All told Ladies and Gentlemen, the stars have aligned for Nigeria. A youthful and skilled manpower is projecting soft power globally. The largest democracy on the African continent has just produced a political leadership whose record shows a capacity to thrive against the odds.

It would be a very hard search to find a leader who won an election against such odds. That kind of resilience and resolve must stand the country in very good stead as she confronts tomorrow with a leader who does not surrender. Who can bet against Nigeria? I would not.

•This keynote speech was delivered on July 12 by Fashola, SAN, CON, former governor of Lagos State, at the 2023 Standard Chartered Treasury Leadership Forum (TLF) with the theme, “The Blueprint for Tomorrow.”

Buhari