Dangote Fights Back... NMDPRA Letter Shows Regulator
Approved Refinery’s In-house Laboratory for Products’ Testing
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
As Dangote Refinery fights back allegations by Nigerian Upstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that its refined products are inferior to imported ones, a letter seen by THISDAY has shown that the regulatory authority approved the firm’s inhouse laboratory for the testing of crude oil products.
The official communication dated March 28, 2024 and addressed to Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, Lekki, said the laboratory had satisfied the minimum requirement for accreditation.
The matter is coming to the fore after a public altercation between the managers of the facility and
NMDPRA as to the quality of products churned out from the $19 billion refinery.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had Saturday said products refined at the facility, the world’s largest single train refinery, were of superior quality compared to imported equivalents and met international standards.
Dangote insisted on testing other diesel products, alongside Dangote’s diesel at the refinery’s state-of-the-art laboratory.
samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2,000 ppm, respectively.
Dangote emphasised that the findings debunked claims made by Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, who recently asserted that imported diesel surpassed domestically refined products.
Ahmed had alleged that Dangote refinery and other modular refineries, like Waltersmith and Aradel, produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 to 1200 ppm, a statement criticised by many Nigerians as a tactic to favour imported products over local ones.
2024 respectively.
“The report of the inspections revealed that your laboratory has satisfied the minimum requirement in terms of equipment and personnel to render an in-house Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of petroleum/petroleum products.
“Consequently, an interim accreditation (Phase l) is granted to your laboratory on the condition that the accreditation covers analyses of Crude Oil, LPG, Naphtha, Gasoline, HHK/ATF, and AGO only) handled/produced in your refinery.
Earlier, the diesel samples procured from two well-known filling stations near Eleko junction, along the Lekki Epe Expressway, overseen by some visiting lawmakers, revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, whereas the other two for accreditation.
Court to Commence Hearing on Contempt Charges against Factional Ohanaeze
Ndigbo Leaders
by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
An Enugu State High Court sitting in Enugu would today (Monday) commence hearing on the contempt of court charges brought against the leaders of a group parading as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
This followed the publication of the substituted service on the defendants as ordered by Justice H.O Eya after hearing an ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiff in Suit No: E/878/2022. The order for substituted service was granted on February 20, 2024 and carried out on July 9, 2024 by the plaintiff, Ambassador Okey Emychay, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Emuchay instituted the case against four defendants, Chidi Ibeh, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Prince Richard Ozobu, and Nnabuike Okwu, who have been parading themselves as leaders of a group which uses the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The individuals, who appropriated various leadership positions to themselves, have refused all entreaties to stop using the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in their activities hence the legal action taken by the recognised Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led
The contempt proceedings against the defendants was sequel to their refusal to obey a court order issued by Justice U.J Mogboh on March 10, 2023 barring them from parading as leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The court order read: "That the factional group of the defendants/ respondents, their agents, servants, privies, workers, youth wing or any person or group acting for on their behalf ate hereby restrained/ barred from parading themselves or representing themselves in any function either physically or through the aid of any medium of any communication as the President General and Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, pending the determination of the substantive suit".
In the Form 48 dated March 15, 2023, notifying the defendants of the consequences of disobeying order of court, Okechukwu Isiguzoro was specifically identified as the "contemnor".
Isiguzoro, who parades himself as "Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide" has been issuing several press statements in the media purporting to be speaking for the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation.
Tinubu Rejoices With THISDAY Newspapers
MD, Eniola Bello At 60
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to the Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr Eniola Bello, who turns 60 on July 21, 2024. Bello is a seasoned editor, columnist, and media leader.
But the letter signed by Executive Director, Heath, Safety Environmental & Community, NMDPRA, Mustapha Lamorde, on behalf of Ahmed, stated that the accreditation covered analyses of crude oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), naphtha, gasoline, HHK/ATF, and AGO or diesel only handled/ produced in the refinery.
The letter read, “Reference is made to the inspection exercises carried out on your laboratory facility by the officers of the Authority on 19 October 2023, 19 December 2023 & 1 9— 22 March
“Therefore, upon completion of other sections of the petroleum laboratory and subsequent relocation, re-installation, and calibration of equipment designated for these sections. You are required to reinvite the Authority for verification inspection and accreditation audit for the Wet Chemistry section of the facility (Phase Il accreditation audit), the letter stated.
“Additionally, the phase Ill scope of the laboratory accreditation which includes the polypropylene laboratory, chemical store, sample retention room, bottle washing room, and the ongoing civil work at the exterior part of the facility, NMDPRA said, shall be re-inspected
“You are expected to invite the Authority for inspection/audit of these sections (Phase Ill accreditation audit), and subsequently the final audit and accreditation of the entire facility.
“Furthermore, you are required to submit an electronic copy of your activity report in a Microsoft Excel format quarterly to hsec@nmdpra. gov.na alongside the hard copies. The activity report as a minimum should contain: Status of your
laboratory equipment ll. Types of analyses conducted, and test methods used and number and batch(s) of samples analysed.”
The letter also said any personnel changes (analysts), or test methodology should be reported to the Authority in writing within two weeks before the date of such changes. Failure to comply with any of the conditions in the approval, it stressed, will attract appropriate consequent management action.
Tinubu Govt is Intentional in all Policies, Says Akume
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, has disclosed that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one that is intentional in all of its policies which are driven with the aim of inclusivity.
He said this can be seen in the subsidy removal policy, local government allocation autonomy, students loan scheme and the review of salaries to N70,000 minimum wage for the organized labour.
Akume stated this at weekend in Abuja during the second graduation and prize giving day of Hands and Mind Integrated Schools, as well as the launching of
the school's maiden magazine. Represented by his Special Adviser, Prof. Bernard Babatunde, Akume stated that the government is making very serious moves to be able to establish existing policies so that the country can stand on firm ground that can move it forward.
His words: "The government is one of intentionality, hence the subsidy removal, LG allocation autonomy, and very soon, even the election to be conducted will be done directly by INEC or some other bodies constituted.
"Now, in the educational sector, before the government came in, they promised autonomy and that is already ongoing. The government has reviewed salaries of the
organized labour. So, it's a government of intentional policies.
"If you do not have these policies established and operationalized, the nation will continue to work on sharp sand and one day we will sink completely into it. We are making serious moves to establish existing policies so that the country can stand on firm ground.
"In terms of education, the government is doing very well and there are quite a number of things like the students loan scheme which had never been operationalized and this is an opportunity to equalise all humans."
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, said education is the responsibility of all and the government needs
the collaboration of the private sector to ensure that access for all is created.
Represented by Special Assistant - Technical, Dr. Claris Ujam, the minister said the ministry is promoting a policy that has to do with data responsibility and is hoping to reduce to the barest minimum, the number of out-of-school children, as well as teacher training towards ensuring that only the best are employed.
The proprietress of the school, Mrs. Regina Akume, said her love for children and their development, particularly children with special needs was the motive behind the establishment of the school which is serving as a school for regular children and also those on different spectrums such as autism.
ZENITH BANK RETAINS POSITION AS NIGERIA’S NUMBER ONE BANK BY TIER-1 CAPITAL FOR FIFTEEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS
evolving financial landscape. Our dedicated team of professionals has remained steadfast in ensuring that we maintain our position at the forefront of the banking industry.”
The President, in a release issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, joined the Nigerian media community to celebrate the respected journalist whose columns continue to provoke thought and stir minds and consciences at home and abroad.
continued financial strength and stability. They are based on the 2023 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks globally and remain the primary source for global bank financials used by most international organisations in their assessments of banks.
President Tinubu wished Bello good health and many more eventful years in his calling.
Tier-1 Capital describes capital adequacy, the core measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulator’s perspective. According to the ranking, Tier-1 Capital, as defined by the latest Bank for International Settlements (BIS) guidelines, includes loss-absorbing capital, i.e., common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings, and minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned. A strong Tier-1 capital ratio boosts investor and depositor confidence, indicating the Bank is well-capitalised and financially stable.
Commenting on this achievement, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said, “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year. This recognition is a testament to our strategic focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction. It also emphasises our resilience and strength in navigating the ever-
She extended her profound and sincere appreciation to the Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, whose visionary and transformative leadership has played a pivotal role in cultivating a resilient and thriving establishment. She also expressed her deep appreciation for the board’s insightful governance, the staff’s relentless dedication, and the unwavering loyalty of the bank’s esteemed customers to the Zenith brand.
Zenith Bank’s financial performance for the year was driven by a remarkable triple-digit growth of 125% in gross earnings, from N945.6 billion reported in 2022 to N2.132 trillion in 2023. This growth led to an improved market share in both the retail and corporate segments despite a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment. The increase in gross earnings was primarily due to growth in interest and non-interest income. Interest income growth was attributed to the increase in the size of risk assets and their effective repricing, while non-interest income was driven by significant trading gains and gains from the revaluation of foreign currencies.
Zenith Bank recently commenced recapitalisation efforts with the conclusion of its Capital Markets Day held on 11th July 2024. It aims to raise the least amount of capital amongst its peers at N230 billion, considering it already maintains a robust capital base of N270.7 billion. The Bank remains dedicated to supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy and providing its numerous customers with innovative and efficient banking solutions.
Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with these latest accolades coming on the heels of several recognitions. These include being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fourteenth consecutive year in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards. Further recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022 and 2023, and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom. The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards, Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
Ahmed
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
COURTESY VISIT TO ADRON GROUP...
After Sourcing Crude from US, Brazil, Dangote Begins Negotiations with Libya to Augment Domestic Oil Supplies
Refinery
to disrupt refined product flows in Atlantic Basin, says S&P Research firm says Nigeria risks petrol shortages as import dips Dangote threatens to halt investment in steel sector
Offers to sell
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Dangote refinery is in talks with Libya to secure crude for the 650,000 barrels per day plant and will also seek Angolan oil, a Senior Executive, Devakumar Edwin, said at the weekend, as it seeks to overcome problems with domestic supplies.
The $20 billion refinery, built by Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, on the outskirts of Lagos, is Africa's largest, and is designed to end Nigeria's dependence on imported fuels because of insufficient refining capacity.
refinery to NNPC after being labelled monopolist
Since Dangote began operations in January, it has been unable to get adequate crude supplies in Nigeria, which, although Africa's biggest oil producer, is struggling with theft, pipeline vandalism and low investment.
Dangote has resorted to importing crude from as far as Brazil and the United States, and is now looking to other African countries to source for products, Reuters reported.
"We are talking to Libya about importing crude," Dangote refinery, Edwin, told Reuters at the weekend.
"We will talk to Angola as well and
some other countries in Africa," he added.
He declined to give details about the talks, but said international traders and oil companies were among the biggest buyers of Dangote's gasoil, much of which was being exported.
"The biggest offtakers are the two big traders Trafigura and Vitol and BP and, to some extent, even TotalEnergies. But all of them are saying they are taking it to offshore," Edwin said.
Traders and shipping data have shown that Dangote is increasing gasoil or diesel exports to West Africa, taking
market share from European refiners. Edwin said Dangote's oil trading arm was operational, with staff in London and Lagos, to help manage supplies and sell products.
Nigeria's upstream regulator has recently clashed with Dangote, saying the sulphur content in its gasoil is above the required limits of 200 parts per million (ppm).
Dangote has denied that, and said the sulphur level was higher when production started, but had fallen to less than 88 ppm and would sink to 10 ppm in early August as output rises.
Umahi Seeks Synergy with States to Tackle Accumulated Road Infrastructure Deficit
The Minister of Works, David Umahi , at the weekend stated that governments at all levels needed to synchronise strategic action plans to tackle the inherited accumulation of road infrastructure challenges in Nigeria.
The minister made the remark when he visited some federal government's ongoing road projects along the Aba axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway handled by Arab Contractors Nigeria Ltd.
Umahi, who was received by the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, commended the collaboration between the Abia State government and the federal government of Nigeria, which had resulted in the major road infrastructure facelift in the state.
The minister praised the decision
of the governor to prioritise road infrastructure development among his strategic development programmes, which he said was pivotal to the enhancement of commercial activities.
According to him, it will also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth as well as a precursor for self actualisation by the enterprising people of Abia State, a statement from his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said.
He also commended the governor for his sense of purpose and power of supervision, which he said had made a difference in the infrastructure development history of his state.
He said he was gratified that prioritisation of the development of critical infrastructure by the governor had attracted the admiration and praise of the people of the state.
He said: "He (Otti) has through the help of the president, got a lot
of improvement in the road of infrastructure of the State, especially Port Harcourt to Enugu Road. He is always on that road, supervising and inviting me. And so we have gone around some of his projects. And I can assure you, as an engineer, that this man is God-sent.
“With the volume of work he is doing, with the quality of work he is doing, I can say it's only God that brought him at a time like this. I say to him, if you had this in the past 12 years, Abia would not have been the same. But you know, the Bible says at the time of God, he makes all things beautiful."
The federal road projects visited by the minister of works included: The rehabilitation of Enugu-PortHarcourt Expressway Section III: Enugu – Lokpanta, Enugu state and the rehabilitation & reconstruction
of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, Section II.
Also toured were the Umuahia Tower-Aba Township Rail/Road Crossing in Abia State. At the CCECC section of the project, the minister directed that the section between the railway crossing and the Alaoji be modified.
He listed the modification as four carriageways (just like Arab section), instead of two as well as a roundabout to be constructed at the intersection between Port-Harcourt Rd in Aba and Enugu-PH Expressway.
Speaking during the event, Otti lauded President Bola Tinubu for the progress of work at the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway, which has reached tremendous milestone delivery since the coming on board of the new administration.
Factional PTD Says NUPENG Compelling Units to Pay N400,000 for
Factional National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas
(NUPENG) yesterday criticised the parent body for compelling every unit in the branch to pay N400,000 before participating in educational seminar which held in Ibadan between July 17 and 18, 2024.
Lucky Osesua and his deputy, Dayyabu Garga, and the National
Secretary, Obinna Power, as well as others within the fold of the PTD branch of NUPENG flayed the parent body for forcing every unit in the branch to pay the amount.
Osesua, Garga and Obinna repudiated NUPENG leaders for exhibiting extortionist tendencies by introducing what they termed needless educational seminar at a time when the citizens were faced with an austere economy.
They urged stakeholders in the oil
and gas sector, including the federal government of Nigeria to recognise them as the duly-elected executives of PTD.
The trio made these remarks in a jointly signed statement at the weekend, wherein they argued that the executives, which emerged at the National Delegates Conference in Abuja on Thursday, July 4, 2024, which is the venue recognised for the Branch's convention, remained the authentic body.
PTD said the “illegal leadership”
Seminar
that emerged from a Kangaroo election in Lagos was desperate to force stakeholders into accepting it.
The PTD executive further stated that the leadership which the Lagos election purportedly produced on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 could not avail itself legitimacy by serially violating the sanctity of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Bayelsa and Abuja Divisions and other legal methods of conducting national delegates conference.
S&P Global also said the Dangote refinery was poised to disrupt refined product flows in the Atlantic Basin just months after its long-awaited commissioning in early 2024.
During this weekend’s episode of the Oil Markets podcast, hosted by Joel Hanley, Charlie Mitchell, Matthew Tracey-Cook, and Tommy Petrou, S&P stated that as the mega-refinery intensified its search for crude sources beyond Nigeria's borders, significant changes were expected in the global market.
It said, “In January 2024, the oil world watched with weary relief as the much-delayed Dangote Refinery in Nigeria finally started production. Ramping up since then, this 650,000-barrel-a-day plant represents not only a huge technological and economic boost for West Africa, but it has the ability to upend trade flows in both crude and refined products.
“Many years ago, there was, perhaps, the expectation that this refinery would largely take Nigerian crude and provide the country with much of its transport fuel needs. However, this has not so far been the case.
“Now, the refinery is still getting up to speed, and so its regular intake and outputs have yet to be seen. But with political undercurrents and disrupted trade flows and new deals being made around the world, the phrase, 'complex refinery,' can rarely be better used.”
Describing the refinery as a massive turning point for Nigeria and West Africa, S&P stated that its ship tracking showed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) shipped around 30 cargoes to Dangote or 33,000,000 barrels of crude, including initial feedstock testing.
It said, “We're looking at 160,000 barrels a day. So we can see NNPC not being able to deliver on the agreement that it would supply around 300,000 barrels a day, and that has left the refinery forced to import crudes from other places, including from the United States.”
As a large importer of refined product from Europe and other parts of the world, S&P stated that in terms of physical flows from Europe, petrol had really fallen off into West Africa already.
According to S&P, “So the schedule for July, many traders have said
that only about 800,000 to 850,000 metric tons (petrol) are scheduled to be imported into Nigeria over this month, which is actually a very, very small volume.
“And this has been corroborated by our ship tracking data, commodities at sea. It's showing that over the month of June, there was actually a total volume imported into Nigeria that was at a three-year low.
“So it sounds like someone's clearly believing the hype that if it's going to be able to produce enough gasoline (petrol), then gasoline imports into the country need to fall. So it better happen, otherwise Nigeria is going to find itself very short of gasoline in quite quick order.”
It also highlighted that there had been a significant slowdown in exports considering that the Dangote refinery exported 277,000 metric tons in June, 323,000 in May and 465,000 in April.
Meanwhile, Dangote is calling off plans to invest in a new steel plant in Nigeria after the government accused him of seeking to become a monopoly with his new refinery in the West African country.
“Our own board has decided that we should not have the steel plant. If we do, we will be called all sorts of names,” Dangote said at a media briefing at the weekend.
The billionaire had announced earlier this year that once his megarefinery was fully operational, his next investment venture was to start construction of a 5,000-ton steel plant that will supply the product to the West African market.
“Let other Nigerians also go and do it, because we are not the only Nigerians here, there are even some Nigerians with even more cash,” Dangote said. “They should bring in that money from Dubai and from other parts of the world to come and invest in our own Fatherland,” he added.
The Nigerian government last week claimed Dangote had requested the suspension of imports of diesel and aviation fuel in a move that would hand his refinery a monopoly on their sale in Africa’s most populous country. The accusations of monopoly were really “very disheartening,” Dangote said. “Whatever Dangote was given, other people too were given. In fact, some of them, they even got more than us,” the billionaire businessman stated.
R-L: Vice President REDAN South-west, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi; Chairman ADRON Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuel; President REDAN, Mr. Akin loye Adeoye; Managing Director ADRON Group, Mrs. Adenike Ajobo; and REDAN Secretary, Mr. Jide Ogunleye, during a courtesy visit to ADRON Group headquarters in Lagos.. recently
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Workers
History as US President, Joe Biden, Quits Presidential Race, Endorses VP Harris
America’s number two woman accepts to run for presidency Clintons eulogise Biden, back Harris, Obama keeps options open Trump: Biden is worst president in American history Reactions pour in from politicians, world leaders
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
In a historic political development in the modern politics of the United States, President Joe Biden yesterday announced his decision to end his presidential re-election campaign, nominating his Vice President, Kamala Harris as his likely successor.
Biden’s decision brings to an abrupt and humbling conclusion to his halfcentury-long political career and the scrambling race for the White House just four months before Election Day.
Biden, 81, could not reverse growing sentiment within his party that he was too frail to serve and destined to lose to Donald Trump in November. He backed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee.“Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We've made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.
“We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our Democracy. And we've revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision. For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected,” the president stated.
Biden lauded Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his letter and then endorsed her in a subsequent post.
"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president," Biden posted. "And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year," he added.
Biden’s withdrawal capped a singular national political career, bookended by Richard Nixon’s fall and Trump’s rise. He mounted four presidential bids. He spent 36 years in the US Senate representing tiny Delaware. He rose to the chairmanships of the powerful Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees, later serving eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president.
Questions about Biden's fitness for a second term as the oldest sitting president took on new significance earlier this year when a special counsel report called him an "elderly man with a poor memory." Those questions dominated the political discourse after his disastrous debate against Trump on June 27.
Since then, more than 35 lawmakers have called on Biden, 81, to step aside.
Now the party must find a new champion to rally behind with a little more than 100 days until Election Day. Harris, 59, is the most logical replacement, but many Democrats have resisted rallying behind Harris as the alternative. The other leaders that have been commonly named as other possible replacements include: Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer; California Governor, Gavin Newsom ; Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker; Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro as well as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Although the Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19., it still remains to be seen how
the nomination will happen. The nomination date has already been a pain point for the party.
While the roll-call process of delegates formally casting their votes typically happens at the convention, the DNC Convention Rules Committee has been trying to hold a virtual nomination ahead of the convention.
The push came after a legal challenge from a Republican Secretary of State in Ohio threatened to keep Biden off the ballot because of electoral deadlines in the state. The committee co-chairs say similar challenges may arise in several other states.
If the virtual nomination does not happen, Democrats could be looking at an open convention in August. If no nomination, open convention will decide party candidate.
The convention is scheduled for Chicago, where the party also held a disastrous convention in 1968 after incumbent President Lyndon Johnson opted to not seek re-election earlier in the year.
Amid anti-war protests and a divided Democratic party, the convention is thought to have significantly damaged the party's campaign that year.
That year was also the last time the Democratic Party had an open convention. Unlike most modern conventions where delegates cast votes for the presumed nominee based on their state contests, open conventions happen without a presumed nominee.
That means the party representatives from across the country would be able to cast their votes for whoever emerged to nominate a presidential candidate.
Already reactions from politicians quickly began pouring in, with California Governor, Newsom writing in a post on X that Biden “has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans.”
“He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents,” said Newsom, who was one of the most prominent Biden surrogates.
Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, another prominent Democrat
talked about as a future national candidate, called Biden a “great public servant” in a post to X.
“My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” Whitmer wrote.
The president's granddaughter Naomi Biden said in a post that she was “nothing but proud today of my Pop,” adding that he has “served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction.” First lady Jill Biden posted her husband’s statement to X with a heart emoji.
Across the aisle, Republicans slammed the move and many called on him to resign his office, days after the completion of a Republican National Convention where speaker after speaker slammed the Biden-Harris ticket.
"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In a brief phone interview with NBC News, Donald Trump reacted to Biden's decision, calling the president "the worst president in the history of the United States by far."
When asked whether he was surprised by Biden's decision, Trump said that Biden "should never have been there in the first place." “He should have stayed in his basement," Trump said.
Biden’s decision to exit the race less than a month before his party’s convention and a few months before voters head to the polls is unprecedented in the modern political era.
The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson, whose expansion of the Vietnam War in the 1960s split the Democratic Party. But Johnson’s announcement came in March 1968 — eight months before that election.
“We’re in uncharted waters,” said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginia’s
Miller Centre. “No president has dropped out or died this close to the convention,” she said.
Questions about Biden’s capacities dogged him throughout his presidency, but peaked following his debate with Trump on June 27. Combined with his flagging poll numbers, his listless performance sparked a panic among his own party that he couldn’t win in November.
With 51 million people watching, Biden spoke in a raspy voice and often failed to complete thoughts or deliver a cogent explanation of why voters should choose him over Trump. He later attributed his poor performance to exhaustion and a cold. He implored the country not to let one bad night overshadow his accomplishments in office.
Unpersuaded, Democratic lawmakers began calling on him to step aside, a rebellion that started slowly but grew steadily in size and intensity.
Thirty-seven congressional Democrats, including independent Senator Joe Manchin, who previously was in the Democratic Party, had called on Biden to drop out of the 2024 election before he delivered his decision Sunday afternoon.
They appealed to Biden’s patriotism, arguing that if he sincerely believed Trump is a threat to democracy, he needed to put his country first and stand down.
Biden fought back. He held numerous calls and meetings with Democratic officials at all levels to shore up support inside the party — to no avail.
Looking to blunt concerns about his acuity, he gave interviews and held press conferences to prove to voters that he could still think on his feet. But the gaffes kept coming and his poll numbers remained stagnant.
In another bit of bad fortune and timing, Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on July 17, forcing him off the campaign trail.
For Democrats, Biden’s illness created an unwanted contrast. While Trump delivered a triumphal speech accepting the Republican nomination
in Milwaukee on July 18, five days after surviving an assassination attempt, Biden was in self-isolation back home.
Biden’s departure is the latest in a series of jarring developments that has made the 2024 presidential race the most chaotic in living memory. Trump easily won the Republican presidential nomination despite splitting his time between the campaign trail and various courtrooms where he was a defendant in criminal and civil cases. In May, a jury in Manhattan convicted him on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to a porn star.
Then, in short order, Trump rebounded. The Supreme Court issued a much-anticipated ruling on July 1 that immunised Trump from official conduct when he was president, impeding special counsel Jack Smith’s efforts to prosecute Trump for interfering in the 2020 election.
Trump nearly died on July 13 as he appeared at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman lying on a roof 130 yards away fired a bullet that grazed his ear. Trump dropped to the ground in self-defence. Then, his face smeared with blood, he rose and defiantly pumped his fist, yelling “Fight!”
Another fortuitous development came two days later, coinciding with the opening of the Republican convention in Milwaukee that certified Trump’s nomination. Federal Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida dismissed a separate case brought by Smith alleging that Trump improperly retained classified documents that he took home with him when he left the White House in 2021.
Cannon, who had been appointed by Trump, ruled that Smith’s appointment was illegal. Smith quickly appealed her ruling. The rolling streak of news gave Trump a jolt of momentum, allowing Republicans to present an energized and unified front at this month’s convention.
Biden bids second term race goodbye
LAUNCH OF UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS OFFICE IN NIGERIA...
Listing Achievements as ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu Says Bloc Still Faces Many Threats
Discloses standby force already activated to counter terrorism with a $4m lifeline To provide $38m as grants to SMEs in member-states for access to sustainable electricity Will continue to dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger on need to maintain unity
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, addressed fellow African leaders on the status of ECOWAS, during which he highlighted the progress so far made by the West African economic bloc as well as the prevailing multiple challenges facing it.
Presenting the ECOWAS achievements in the past one year at the Sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Accra, Ghana, Tinubu, who is the chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said the community had activated a standby Force to counter terrorism and would continue to explore funding options.
According to him, ECOWAS had been supporting member-states to enhance electoral and governance processes, and recently deployed
Election Observation Missions to Senegal and Togo – whose elections were adjudged peaceful, transparent, and fair.
He also highlighted the facilitation of the signing of an Agreement for National Unity in Sierra Leone, noting that the sub-regional body will continue to work with stakeholders in the country to implement the provisions of the Agreement.
The president, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed that consultations were ongoing to revise the ECOWAS 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
On economic integration, President Tinubu said ECOWAS has implemented activities to consolidate the free trade area, customs union, and common market.
"We supported six member-states in ratifying the WTO Fisheries
Subsidies Agreement, and 13 member-states have ratified the AFCFTA agreement.
"The ECOWAS interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) is also operational in twelve Member States," the president stated.
Detailing the efforts on the humanitarian and social development front, President Tinubu said ECOWAS, has allocated $9 million to assist persons of concern, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers.
"The frontline member-states in the fight against terrorism,have also been supported with USD4 million under the ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Humanitarian Response.
"On education, the West African Network of National Academies of Sciences, and the African Forum for Research and Innovation have been
established. Our regional Academic Mobility Scheme, has continued to equip the youth with practical skills and is harmonising education systems.
"In the area of health, ECOWAS continues to provide support to women with obstetric fistula, empowered women entrepreneurs in agribusiness, and focused on gender equality in education and the green economy," the ECOWAS Chairman stated.
Foregrounding the progress on energy, mines, and agriculture, President Tinubu said ECOWAS was advancing its electrification efforts in The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Mali through the ECOWAS-Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOREAP).
"It is also implementing the Regional Off Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP). 32 Solar Off Grid SMEs have been approved, including
EFCC Arraigns Forex Broker for Alleged N2bn Investment Scam
Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Rufus John Isip, who claims to be a forex broker, before a Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The accused was arraigned before Justice C. S. Onah for alleged two billion, twenty-two million, eightyone thousand, one hundred and seventy-two Naira (N2, 022, 081, 172) investment scam in the state.
According to a statement issued weekend by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the suspect was arraigned alongside his company, ITM-IT Resources Limited.
He accused was arraigned in the court on an eight-count charge bordering on fraudulent conversion, money laundering and obtaining by false pretence.
"Count one of the charges
read: “That you, Rufus John Isip while being the Director of ITM-IT
Resources Limited and ITM-IT Resources Limited sometime in December 2020 and May 2021 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of (N431, 331, 172. 00) four hundred and thirty-one million, three hundred and thirty-one thousand, one hundred and seventy-two Naira from one Michael Okon, the Director of N-Rex Resources Limited under the false pretence that it is an investment in Vandera, an online investment platform, on his behalf, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.
"Count eight of the charges read: “That you, Rufus John Isip while being the Director of ITM-IT Resources Limited and ITM-IT Resources Limited sometime
between December 2020 and May 2021 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, converted the total sum of (N730, 870, 000. 00) seven hundred and thirty million, eight hundred and seventy thousand Naira to crypto currency (Bitcoin) and transferred same into your Binance Wallet knowing that the said money formed part of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under Section 15 (3) (4) of the same Act."
The statement said the suspected pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him and Khamis Mahmud, counsel to the EFCC prayed the court to remand him in EFCC custody on the grounds of investigating him on other cases adding that the defence counsel, Samson Ewuje did not pose any objection.
Justice Onah adjourned the matter to October 14, 2024 for trial and the defendant was remanded at the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
Further according to the statement: “Isip was arrested based on a petition from one Michael George, alleging that he lured him to invest in his online trading platform called Vandora.io.
“According to the petitioner, the defendant told him that it was more profitable to trade on his platform with a minimum trading capital of $100, 000. 00 (one hundred thousand dollars) and that he would earn more profit if he involved more investors.
"The petitioner thereafter invested, reached out to other investors and companies who also invested in the defendant’s phony online trading platform and after 60 days (as agreed) for the investors to start earning their profits, the defendant disappeared into thin air."
nine SMEs led by women. A total of three million US dollars will be disbursed to finance the SMEs. More than 400 SMEs in 13 countries were trained in 2023 and 2024.
"To achieve sustainable electricity access within the ECOWAS and Sahel countries, we will provide a total grant of 38 million US dollars to SMEs in member-states. ECOWAS will extend this to Mauritania, Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon through Commercial and Financial Institutions. An additional loan of 140 million US dollars will also be made available to the solar SMEs.
"Within the period under review, ECOWAS has supported experts from Member States in international meetings and negotiations on environmental issues, including environmental governance. We provided support to our members in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the establishment of a regional carbon market.
"With respect to food security, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved the instruments to operationalise the Regional Fund for Agriculture and Food (RFAF). A Regional Food Security was developed to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.
"Furthermore, our support for pastoralism in the Sahel has targeted the improvement of animal health, with a record vaccination of over 490 million livestock. We have established common rules for controlling veterinary medicine products at borders.
“In addition, ECOWAS launched a project for member-states to access the Green Climate Fund. This will promote climate-smart agriculture through the use of technologies," the president said.
On other ECOWAS institutions, Tinubu stated that the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament elected its first female President, the Right Honourable Maimunatu Ibrahim from Togo, and that The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice reviewed 15 new cases, held 33 court sessions, and delivered 11 judgments.
The president, however, noted that the bloc still faced multiple
threats, including member- states withdrawing, geopolitical rivalries, terrorism, food insecurity, climate change, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. He said ECOWAS would continue to dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to maintain unity and will convene a Special Extra-ordinary Summit on the future of the Community.
"Finally, Your Excellencies, I am happy to report that the ECOWAS Commission has assumed the rotating Chairmanship of the Inter-REC platform since February this year. Earlier this year, the ECOWAS Commission hosted the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to exchange views on various issues and review best practices.
“We will continue to collaborate with all AU regional communities and mechanisms in order to strengthen our continental integration," the President further said.
On the margins of the AU meeting, Tinubu held a bilateral meeting with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti.
President Guelleh emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s role as a leader in West Africa and the continent. He appealed for Nigeria’s support on development concerns and common challenges in his country.
Tinubu and Guelleh agreed to continue to work together to advance bilateral interests.
EThe Mid-Year Coordination Meeting was conceptualised in 2017 as the principal forum for the AU and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to align their work and coordinate the implementation of the continental integration agenda, replacing the June/July summits.
It is a meeting between the Bureau of the AU Assembly and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), with the participation of the Chairpersons of RECs, the AU Commission and Regional Mechanisms (RMs). This year's meeting was convened under the AU theme on Education, “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century.”
L-R: Chairman, Cavista Holdings, John Olajide; United State Consular General, Lagos, Will Stevens; Lead Partner, Detail Commercial Solicitor, Ayuli Jemide; President, University of Texas at Dallas, USA, Richard Benson; MD/ CEO, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman; Provost, University of Texas at Dallas, USA, Inga Musselman; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Vice Provost, Global Engagement and Dean of Graduate Education, University of Texas at Dallas, USA, Juan Gonzalez; and Senior Director for International Initiatives, University of Texas at Dallas, USA, Jennifer Hilton Montero, at the launch of the University of Texas at Dallas office in Nigeria, held in Lagos on Friday SUNDAY ADIGUN
Fusion of Technology and Housing at Nasarawa Tech Village
Igbawase Ukumba writes that the Nasarawa Technology Village is a fusion of technology and affordable housing; comprising housing estate and a technology hub facilitated by the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA)
L-R: Governors Sule and Zulum (front) inaugurating the first phase of the Nasarawa Technology Village
In January, 2022, an indigenous firm, ABS Blueprint Consortium, commenced the building of a N30 billion Nasarawa Technology Village, located at Aso Pada in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The Nasarawa Technology Village project comprises 1,962 housing units estate, a technology hub and other facilities.
The Technology Village is being executed in collaboration between the indigenous ABS Blueprint Consortium firm and the Nasarawa State government, under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Performing the ground breaking for the project, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, said the Technology Village was in line with his administration’s development roadmap in the area of housing, technology, employment and industrialisation.
The governor expressed delight with the project been executed by the indigenous consortium, saying it was in line with his administration’s vision of development of the people and the state. He explained that the project was fully funded by the private partners in the consortium.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the ABS Blueprint Consultium, Mohammed Yamusa, explained that the 1,967 Technology Village would comprise 668 units of two bedroom flats, 558 units of two bedroom flats, 376 units of two bedroom bungalows as well as 360 units of three bedroom bungalows.
According to Yamusa, “the village will have a technology hub with offices for local and international IT companies for the training of more than 2,000 students annually as software engineers, who will be helped to outsource jobs globally that can earn them as high as $3,000 monthly. Other features of the technology hub include ICT campus with shared virtual workspaces and an estate-wide Broadband coverage through fibre optic cabling.”
The ABS Consultium MD, however, added that the village would also have 5MW independent gas power plant, primary and secondary school, health clinic, fire station, police post, shopping centre, among others. The Managing Director explained further that the housing component of the project alone was to gulp N22 billion, while
the other features, including the independent power plant, would gulp about N8 billion.
Interestingly, the collaboration between the indigenous ABS Blueprint Consortium firm and the Nasarawa State government, under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to build the Nasarawa Technology Village, has started yielding results. This could be attested by the official inauguration of phase 1 of the NTV Housing Estates, flagging off of Phase 2 and groundbreaking of the Technology Hub, in Aso Pada, Karu Local Government Area of the state on March 11, 2024.
Consequently, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Inaugurated the 100 Housing Units making the first phase of the Nasarawa Technology Village (NTV). Zulum also laid foundation for the second phase of a project which comprises the construction of a Technology Incubation Hub and 370 Housing Units.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, the Borno State governor commended the initiative which he tagged as ‘monumental’. He maintained that the Nasarawa Technology Village Project holds great promise as it will help the state leverage its abundant mineral resources to fuel innovation and technological advancements.
Zulum added that Nasarawa state has the human capacity to transform into a technology hub, and urged the state to collaborate with the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure and other relevant institutions to turn the state’s resources into technological products that will lead to job creation for the youthful populace.
Perhaps, rhe initiative of the project was to enhance economic growth, attract investment, jobs creation and tackle poverty in Nasarawa State. This could be attested in the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s commitment in providing accessible and affordable housing and other projects to the people of the state and other Nigerians.
Sule confirmed this at the inauguration of the first phase of the Nasarawa Technology Village, stating that his administration was committed to the development of technology,
adding that digital economy was the way to go.
He said the idea of the NTV came to him while still working at the Dangote Group, having visited the Silicon Valley in the United States, noting that the event symbolises the steadfast and commitment of his administration to the prosperity of Nasarawa State.
“The NTV stands as a cornerstone of our development strategy to capitalise on the opportunity presented by the digital revolution. It presents a significant leap, hope in unlocking our state’s potentials and constructing a self-sufficient economy that rewards diligence, safeguarding the vulnerable and compete on the global stage.
“We are determined not only to keep pace with the technological advancement, but also to lead the charge in building a dynamic knowledge economy that empowers our citizens that will position Nasarawa State as a regional power house,” the governor stated.
Governor Sule identified infrastructural development, urban housing, and sustainable housing development as part of his administration’s five game changers opportunities with the ability to catalyze advancement, economic growth, as well as attract wealth and investment.
“I have seen it, I have touched it, I have experienced it. Today, the digital economy is the way to go, not mineral deposits. Knowledge is the way to go, and Nasarawa State has both. With our proximity to the Federal Capital, we must use both to achieve our goals,” he added.
The governor extended his appreciation to all the partners involved in the project for their dedication and foresight to support his administration development agenda. He particularly commended ABS Consortium, Modern Shelter, Shelter Afrique, InfraCredit Quarantee Company, Family Home, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), as well as other stakeholders for supporting the NTV project and making it a reality.
“Once more, let me show great appreciation to my brother, the Governor of Borno State,
who is one of the most busiest governors that we have, yet he has been able to honour this invitation. We invited Zulum to commission the project because we believe these are the kinds of projects we see him commissioning every day in Borno State.
“We are happy to announce that the First Phase of the NTV is named after his predecessor, our dear Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. The major road leading to the estate is named after Professor Zulum,” Sule declared.
For the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the commissioning of the NTV was not only brilliant and timely intervention, but that it would catalyze sustainable development in Nasarawa State and the FCT.
“The project shows clear vision and demonstrates the belief in the power of education and investment, and that human capital development of citizens is the foundation for sustainable development,” the minister maintained.
On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Shehu Osidi, disclosed that through robust collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government, FMBN has financed a total of 11 housing projects in Nasarawa State, some of which have been fully completed.
Osidi added that a total of 7, 886 indigenes of the state benefitted from the bank’s home renovation loan, with Governor Sule within the next couple of weeks, also commissioning 150 Housing Units been developed by a private company funded by the bank at the Peninsula Hills City.
The Managing Director of the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the project, which portrayed the success of Public-private Partnerships in Nigeria, will bridge the housing deficit of the state by leveraging private sector capital and expertise.
Earlier, Chairman of Karu Local Government Area of the state, Janes Thomas, appreciated Governor Sule for initiating the project in the area considering the benefits of the project to the area and the country at large. The council chairmen, therefore, assured the Nasarawa State Governor of their support to succeed.
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TACKLING OIL THEFT
President Tinubu's directive on oil theft is in order, reckons ISUMA MARK
See page 21
N250,000 MINIMUM WAGE: WERE THE LABOUR UNIONS DAYDREAMING?
Even with the new minimum wage, the condition of the average worker will get worse, argues MUTIU ABIMBOLA OYINLOLA
LEADERSHIP VS BUREAUCRACY
For many, the word "bureaucracy" carries unfavorable and outdated associations, often evoking images of endless paperwork and meaningless procedures. At its most extreme, it embodies Kafkaesque absurdities—a confusing world of strange rules enforced without reason. However, in organizational design, bureaucracy means creating a system to manage and coordinate work by setting standards. This includes standardizing processes, quality, results, and skills.
Bureaucracy in organizational decision-making refers to the system of administration characterized by strict policies, procedures, and hierarchical layers. While its primary aim is to ensure consistency, accountability, and control, it often results in lengthy decision-making processes. These protracted procedures can significantly hinder swift and effective action, leading to several challenges within an organization.
inertia prevents organizations from quickly adapting to external changes, thereby reducing their competitive edge. Moreover, delays in decision-making can result in missed opportunities, as competitors who can act faster may seize these opportunities first.
communication and collaboration can expedite approval processes and enhance overall productivity. This technological approach reduces the time spent on manual processes, allowing for quicker and more efficient decision-making. Currently, the world's largest company is Amazon. What underpins their success? Bureaucracy. They excel by standardizing efficient, predictable processes, achieving this through technology and automation rather than endless paperwork and complex diagrams.
Fostering a culture of agility is essential in combating the negative effects of bureaucracy. Encouraging innovation and creating an environment that values and rewards innovative thinking can motivate employees to propose new ideas. Promoting flexibility in working practices and decision-making processes helps organizations adapt quickly to changes, maintaining their competitive edge.
An organization's structure can be considered bureaucratic when its actions are predetermined and predictable— essentially standardized. Take the post office, an electronics manufacturing company, a customer service center, an airline, or an automotive company; these organizations share a key trait: their operations are largely routine. Much of their work is straightforward and repetitive, leading to highly standardized processes.
Communication barriers are another critical issue associated with bureaucracy. Complex hierarchical structures can lead to miscommunication and misalignment of goals between different levels of management and staff. This misalignment further exacerbates inefficiencies and delays in decision-making.
Interestingly, the term "bureaucracy" has humble origins—it comes from the French word "bureau," meaning "desk" or "office." At the start of the twentieth century, German sociologist Max Weber used the term to describe a specific type of organizational structure.
Improving communication and transparency within the organization can also alleviate the problems associated with bureaucracy. Ensuring transparency in decision-making processes helps employees understand the rationale behind decisions, making them feel included and valued. Strengthening communication channels between different levels of management and staff ensures alignment and reduces misunderstandings.
See page 21
EDITORIAL
BEYOND THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE
One of the most evident dangers of bureaucracy is inefficiency and delays. Prolonged approval processes can stall timely decision-making, thereby delaying project implementation and the organization's response to market changes. “We’ve always done it that way” is my least favorite sentence in the English language. The extensive time and resources required to navigate bureaucratic procedures detract from productive activities, leading to overall inefficiencies.
Some of the largest and most innovative companies known for excellent employee relations operate as bureaucratic entities. They have done these with transformational leadership strategies. Companies like Toyota, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald's, and Whirlpool are billion-dollar organizations that have thrived for decades. These companies are known for their innovation and regularly introduce new products. Yet, at their core, they utilize standard inputs, process them consistently, and produce standard outputs.
Regularly reviewing and adapting bureaucratic processes is vital for continuous improvement. Organizations should periodically assess their procedures to identify areas for enhancement and make necessary adjustments to align with evolving needs. Implementing feedback mechanisms to gather input from employees on process efficiency can provide valuable insights for ongoing optimization.
Employee frustration and demotivation are also significant consequences of excessive bureaucracy. Persistent delays and perceived red tape can lead to reduced morale among employees, as they grow frustrated with the constant hurdles in their workflow. Furthermore, a stifling bureaucratic environment discourages innovation. Employees may refrain from proposing new ideas if they believe that the approval process is too cumbersome and time-consuming.
Bureaucracy also reduces organizational agility and competitiveness. A lack of responsiveness due to bureaucratic
To overcome the challenges posed by bureaucracy, organizations can inculcate these leadership strategies. By simplifying approval procedures and eliminating unnecessary steps, organizations can reduce bottlenecks. Streamlining processes is crucial. Empowering employees by delegating decision-making authority to lower levels of management can also speed up responses and foster a sense of ownership among staff. Leveraging technology can significantly mitigate the inefficiencies caused by bureaucracy. Automating workflows and using digital platforms for
In conclusion, while bureaucracy aims to maintain order and control, it often leads to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making. By streamlining processes, leveraging technology, fostering a culture of agility, improving communication, and regularly reviewing procedures, organizations can overcome the challenges posed by bureaucracy. This enables them to be more responsive, innovative, and competitive in today's fast-paced environment.
Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.
LINUS OKORIE lists strategies for a more responsive organisation
President Tinubu's directive on oil theft is in order, reckons ISUMA MARK
TACKLING OIL THEFT
President BolaTinubu recently gave marching orders to security chiefs to end oil theft in the country. Just a few days after the order, the military has swung into action, eliciting hope that as the country pumps out more oil, more foreign exchange will be available to grow the economy and also strengthen the naira.
The administration has been smartful in the way it picks the challenges and confronts them. This is because the challenges it inherited are massive and required careful study, the government has been careful in the way it is tackling them. This is because those who want the status quo to remain would create impediments, especially when all the challenges are confronted at the same time.
Take for instance, the issue of oil subsidy. Once the government decided to money began to accrue to government of government are now receiving more allocations from FAAC than before. This has brought relative stability to the system.
Though more complex and has some elements of external connection and variables, the government has continued to confront the issues to strengthen the naira and instil sanity with better monetary management.
However, of all the issues confronting the country, oil theft is one of the the economy and depriving the country needed resources for infrastructure, not to mention health and education.ated by oil gangsters whose only creed is to tamper with our common patrimony and corner them. No country enjoys peace let alone grows when its premium commodity is cornered by a few gangs.They care not about the consequences.
Every successive government has made some commitment, promising to end the crude assault on the wealth of the nation but with very limited success.
country loses almost half a quantity ofcording to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria loses about 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to local and international thieves.
At $85pb at the current price of oil at the international market, it means Nigeria is losing about $34,000,000 a day and one billion dollars a month. No country survives this kind of grand scale assault on its economy.
Armed Forces have swung into action. destroyed six canoes loaded with sto-
len oil products.
The crew also destroyed overhead tanks and over 300 piled-up sacks containing stolen oil products in the creek of the Niger Delta. This was in sites at Obenibokiri, a settlement 15km from Port Harcourt. Complementing the Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC) also destroyed an illegal oil bunkering operation in Abia State with about 50,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil ( AGO). The president has spoken and the orders must be obeyed.
The country that used to enjoy a 2.2 million barrels per day allocated to it by the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC) could only produced 972,000 bpd in August 2022, and even less at some other times. We cannot continue to pretend all is well.
Tension is rising yet those opposing the government policy do not care how and why we got here. Since President Tinubu came to power oil production has oscillated between 1.2 and 1.5 million bpd. This is some improvement.
But with the challenges in the system, Nigeria needs to pump more oil for export. Unfortunately, oil theft has been a great impediment, hence the order by the president to security chiefs to tackle them forthwith.
Nigeria can barely survive on this massive shortfall. The president’s economic policies have largely targeted balancing social services and resolving the inherent rot in the system..
That was why a few words into his inauguration in May, 2023, he succinctto because the subsidy regime and oil theft were two -pronged assault on the nation’s resources, which threatened our national security.
The painstaking assessment of the challenges the president met is paving the way for the solutions as each requires. The rot was monumental. Only a president with a clean hand and resolve to turn a new chapter in
· Mark writes from Abuja
Even with the new minimum wage, the condition of the average worker will get worse, argues MUTIU ABIMBOLA OYINLOLA
N250,000 MINIMUM WAGE: WERE THE LABOUR UNIONS DAYDREAMING?
Globally, the number of people living in extreme poverty has increased following the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst subdued economic growth. According to the World Bank’s Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2022 report, a total of 712 million people globally were living in extreme poverty in 2022, using the monetary extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. The majority of these poor people, almost 500 million, live in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria accounting for at least 83 million. In other words, four out of every 10 people in Nigeria are extremely poor and this may have worsened since the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate devaluation policies introduced in the last one year by the new administration in Nigeria.
The World Bank has advised that for Nigeria to lift millions out of poverty through pro-poor initiatives, the fiscal space has to be unlocked by reforming the expensive subsidies, including fuel subsidies, alongside countervailing measures to protect the poor as the reforms take effect.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has followed this direction by wasting no time embarking on these reforms as soon as he assumed office in May 2023. The now popular phrase “subsidy is gone” and the easing of the foreign exchange market have led to an increase in the price of premium motor spirit (petrol) from an average of N238.11 per litre in May 2023 to N750.17 per litre in June 2024 and a depreciation of the foreign exchange rate from N461.26/US$1 in May 2023 to N1584.5/US$1 in June 2024. These reforms have since exacerbated the inflation rate in the country, rising from 22.41 percent in May 2023 to 34.19 percent in June 2024, with food inflation reaching 40.87 percent. The excruciating and debilitating effect of inflation has led to the “Ebi n pawa o” outcry by Nigerians, which literarily means the Nigerian masses are hungry.
Indeed, life is now cruel for many households, a reality that has pushed the leadership of organised labour to remain resolute in fighting for a living wage for Nigerian workers. The labour unions had earlier proposed N494,000 as the minimum wage that the federal government should pay Nigerian workers. After a lot of stalemated negotiations, organised labour stood at N250,000 as the minimum wage based on the economic realities of the time, while the federal government proposed between N62,000 and N65,000, using the abilityto-pay principle. There are divergent opinions on the stand of the labour unions that some regard as extreme. The debate as to whether the minimum wage proposed by the labour unions was really obnoxious or not begs for deeper reflection and contemplation.
To provide insight into the argument of the labour unions and understand their position, it is necessary to focus on the value of the real wage or income, otherwise called the purchasing power of income, which is a gauge of the worth of income in terms of the commodities or services obtainable at a given point in time. Using inflation-adjusted wage as the basis for analysis, as inflation rises over time, the quantity of commodities that a given income can buy reduces. To keep the discussion in proper context, therefore, this discussion is centred on minimum wage between 2009 and 2024, taking 2009 as the base year. In other words, the price levels of the subsequent years are compared to the 2009 level. The real minimum wage or the purchasing power is observed by accounting for price changes, usually an increase. It should be recalled that the minimum wage has undergone several revisions, from N5,500 in 2000 to N18,000 in 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan, and then increased to N30,000 by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
For instance, the real value of the minimum
wage of N5,500 in 2009, the base year, was reduced to about N4,824 after accounting for the price increase of commodities between 2009 and 2010. In simple terms, the N5,500 in 2010 could only purchase products worth N4,824 in 2009. Again, in 2011, when the new minimum wage of N18,000 was introduced, the real income or its purchasing power was only worth N14,285.71, the highest value in the last 15 years. By 2019, when the new minimum wage of N30,000 was introduced, the real value of the wage was barely N9,868.42. The worth of the minimum wage diminished considerably in 2023 to a mere N5,025.13.
Therefore, the real value of the proposed minimum wage of N250,000 by organised labour is only N31,249.21 going by the current inflation rate. Moreover, the federal government and organised labour, after consultations with other stakeholders on July 18, 2024, agreed to a minimum wage
of N70,000, which is now expected to be reviewed every three years. This newly agreed minimum wage of N70,000, after accounting for the price level, is barely about N8,750 in real terms.
The magnitude of the problem at hand is enormous. Most government workers are currently earning less than the extreme poverty level of $2.15. Effectively, either in real or dollar terms, the condition of the average Nigerian worker in 2024 has not changed from the previous year. If anything at all, it has worsened, even with the agreed new minimum wage. Indeed, it can be concluded that the labour unions were not daydreaming by insisting on the N250,000.
The foregoing underscores the need for the government to re-evaluate and modify its approach to tackling the root cause of the current predicament to alleviate and eventually reverse the severity of the misery wreaking havoc on Nigerian workers and the general population. To ensure sustainable economic growth and resilience, the government needs to pursue immediate, far-reaching measures. It should be noted that the federal government has taken some preliminary measures to ease the hardship by releasing food to the different state governments for distribution to the people. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria had earlier made available over 2.1 million bags of assorted fertilizer to the Ministry of Agriculture for onward distribution to the states, and about 20 trucks of rice have already been supplied to each of the states of the federation. In addition, workers were also awarded N35,000 for six months only.
Oyinlola,
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
BEYOND THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE
The agreement between government and labour on minimum wage is commendable
After series of negotiations that ended with the personal intervention of President Bola Tinubu, the federal government, Organised Private Sector (OPS) and labour leaders have settled for N70,000 as the new national minimum wage in the country. Explaining
president promised incentives that would lessen the burden that workers are currently passing through, “but you can see that we are taking this with mixed Trade Union Council (TUC) president, Festus Osifo added that part of the compromise reached includes a reduction in the number of the years in which the minimum wage would three) because of the rate at which both micro and macro economic indices change in the country. With the agreement of N70,000 per month, we expect the president to send a bill to the National Assembly to repeal and replace the subsisting 2019. But we must commend all the stakeholders who participated in the process that led to a consensus on the issue. Beyond the fact that the last minimum
amount of salary that employers of labour, whether in the private or public sector, can legally pay their employees so it is not about government. And that is the point often missed in this conversation. That
Union Congress (TUC) were considered unrealistic. “While it is important to note that socio-economic conditions over the years have rendered the N30,000 minimum wage inadequate, the same conditions
Labour leaders must isolate the peculiarity and operating environment of each state in the coming weeks and months
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
in costs of living, including prices of food items.
One of the grounds often advanced to support review of wages in the country is that the workforce is comparatively in the category of the least paid in Africa. So pitiable is the take home salary of a Nigerian worker that it pales in comparison to what workers in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Angola earn in the salary equation. Even the currently proposed minimum wage of N70,000 (less than 50 dollars) per month is not enough for a decent living. Meanwhile, a minimum wage is the lowest
T
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO
TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Letters to the Editor
Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and OPS spokesperson on the minimum wage negotiation, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, had argued. However, we must note that given the meagre internally generated revenue (IGR) by most states, it is apparent that only a few of them can comfortably pay the new minimum wage. Therefore, labour leaders must isolate the peculiarity and operating environment of each state in the coming weeks and months. We have always argued that state governments should be at liberty to negotiate what they can pay with their workers. That, of course, is not a licence for the where governors appoint thousands of idle aides for political reasons.
We are delighted that the government and organised labour have been able to reach a consensus on the issue of minimum wage. Incessant strikes are hugely inimical to the health of the economy and, in many ways, disruptive of the social order. But President Tinubu must also understand that the living conditions have become desperate for most Nigerians. Amid dwindling resources, the president challenge of poverty and underdevelopment but must also show greater commitment to transparency and accountability.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
ETHICAL REVOLUTION FOR FCT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
This is a clarion call for an ethical revolution in the FCT healthcare system. I was recently asked, ‘how can we create a more friendly primary health care, focusing on the FCT?’. In response to this I want to urge a change in the attitude of health sector stakeholders, including patients.
First of all, accountability is of prime importance in getting it right, so institutions and individuals responsible for primary health care (PHC) and others must be held accountable to
When I was appointed Permanent Secretary, I told myself we need a team that would elicit accountability by being in Centres, but if you ask me, we need village healthcare. If we can go down to the hamlet level, it will reduce the pressure at the topmost level. Any form of sentiments should be discarded in ensuring equitable PHC service delivery.
We need to be religious-plus, it doesn’t have to be Islam or Christianity. Even if you’re a traditional worshipper, we need the Chinese mentality. Up till now, I don’t know if they’re (the Chinese) Muslims or Christians, but most of the time, for them it is work and their work ethics.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying the Chinese are not
corrupt, but I think we need an ethical revolution. 'Change
We need to stop paperwork, signing two-page, well-crafted memos, and giving approvals, and become more practical.tops, or tablets. The potential of smartphone technology even in rural areas cannot be overemphasized. Even the villager develop special apps for healthcare reporting and responses that can elicit serious responses.
I wish to also urge less dependency on foreign donors, advocating for a more balanced approach to resource mobilization. We should relate with donors, but we shouldn’t rely governments all contribute, and let there be an accountability system.
Another vision for reform includes stringent training and a culture of accountability. Some people think they have a birthright to act without consequence. But when you know you will account for your actions and face serious punishment, people will stop what they are doing.
A comprehensive commitment from all stakeholders, gov-
ernment, citizens, and communities. When recruiting for primary healthcare centers, ensure that locals with the necessary skills are trained and engaged. There would be accountability in the system.
We should rally stakeholders not only in FCT but nationwide towards an ethical revolution to usher in accountability as a way of life in the vital sector.
We also call for more training of health personnel; digitization of systems and processes to eliminate graft opportunities, more recruitment for PHCs from among skilled localsmunities so as to boost commitment to accountability to the system, as well as other novel approaches.
The emphasis therefore should be on grassroots involvement, digital innovation, and stringent accountability, this will lay a solid foundation for transforming healthcare delivery, ensuring it truly serves the people it is meant to protect and heal.
Dr. Baba Gana Adam, Permanent Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY
Rising from Slumber, PDP Govs Tackle APC in Enugu
With the bold move and statements made by the PDP Governors Forum in their recent meeting in Enugu, the main opposition party appears to be rediscovering its old self, writes Gideon Arinze
For far too long, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been a ghost of its old self. Although it rose to the challenge of providing strong opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) between 2015 and 2019, the party descended into deep slumber post-2019 election, ridden by self-inflicted crises and unable to keep the ruling party in check or stamp its foot hard on its errant members, who openly work against its interest.
The unity and resoluteness of what remained of the PDP after it lost the presidency and majority hold on the National Assembly was best demonstrated by how the defeated party rallied its National Assembly members-elect to a political masterstroke by trumping the APC in the race to the leadership of the 8th National Assembly.
That manoeuvre saw the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate, while Senator Ike Ekweremadu emerged as Deputy President. Likewise, the PDP greatly decided the emergence of Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Speaker, etc.
It was also an era that saw some PDP leaders show character, refusing to join the bandwagon of defection to the APC allegedly, to either ensure that their bread was buttered or to escape the sledgehammer of what many saw as a selective anti-corruption war of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Those party leaders like Ekweremadu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, Ahmed Makarfi, David Mark, Olisa Metuh, and Uche Secondus, among others, not only held the ruling party to account but helped the PDP regain its mojo. So revived was the party that the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dogara, Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, Samuel Ortom and a host of others, who had abandoned it, saw it as attractive again and returned home.
Fast-forward to 2019, the PDP gradually retrogressed to a weak opposition, unable to chastise the ruling party or stand up to those bent on undermining the party from the inside.
Worse still, the party undermined its constitution when it became obvious that it was scheming to hand the presidential ticket to the North even when it was clear that it was the turn of the South East. This led to the exit of Mr Peter Obi, striping the PDP of its holds on the South-South and South East. And for dividing its votes between Atiku and Obi, many analysts believe, and rightly so, that the PDP snatched defeat from the jaw of victory in the last presidential election.
A THUNDER FROM THE BLUES
It was against this backdrop that many, including
the Federal Government, were taken by surprise by the recent outing of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Enugu with 12 out of the 13 governors in attendance.
Those physically present were Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who is also the Chairman of the Forum, as well as Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and the host, Dr. Peter Mbah. Only Governor Ademola Adeleke was unavoidably absent.
Analysts believe that the fact that it was the first time the PDP governors were coming together in such large numbers and outside Abuja in recent years was enough threat to the APC. Likewise, the uncommon camaraderie they portrayed, including the trended video of them dancing to Enugu traditional music all dressed in the Igbo Isiagu, spoke volumes.
Also, they were strategic in holding the meeting in Enugu where one of the poster boys of the party, Dr. Mbah, is acknowledged even by the presidency, which had bestowed two successive awards on him in recent times for doing so well.
As the Chairman of the Forum rightly pointed out, there could not have been a
better place to hold the meeting given the governor’s giant strides that are acknowledged nationally and by the United Nations, which recently decorated him as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion. Mbah’s sterling performance, he noted, was the true character of the PDP.
THE ENUGU DECLARATION
Rising from their extraordinary meeting, the governors denounced what they described as an abysmal and lacklustre performance of the All-Progressives Congress -led Federal Government, while also commending the Governors of PDP-controlled states for their innovative approaches resulting in developmental projects across the country.
Presenting the communique, the Chairman of the Forum, Mohammed said: “Forum notes with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government.
“The Forum regrets that the 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, during which the country witnessed single-digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and a higher standard of living for every Nigerian has been eroded during the life span of the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government.
“The Forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back those good old days, of the low inflation rate, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI inflows resulting in high naira value and the greater quality of human life as recorded.
Whether life is better for Nigerians under APC than it was for them during the PDP’s 16-year rule, is a question every citizen will answer based on individual experiences under the leadership of both parties at different times. But what is not in doubt is that the PDP governors scored a bull’s eye in their Enugu meeting. Their coming together in their numbers and making bold and consequential statements paint the picture of a party back with a bite, determined to regain its old self. But how far the Forum and the party can go is left to be seen soon.
“The Forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.”
On the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections, PDP governors admonished all the parties to “ensure that campaigns are issues-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.”
“The Forum urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and unimpeachable elections as any act of bias will be resisted.
“The Forum also urges Mr. President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.”
The governors equally frowned at the protracted minimum wage negotiation in the face of extreme hardship, urging the Federal Government to expedite action on it. They, however, noted that the ability of other tiers of government to pay should be taken into consideration.
“Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the Forum. “While the Forum fully supports Labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government.
“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy,” the opposition governors said.
Instructively, the governors threw their weight behind Governor Fubara in the crisis rocking Rivers State and pushed for a political solution. This came to many as a surprise, especially given that Wike allies were very much in the meeting.
“The Forum notes the crises in the Rivers State Chapter of the party and commits to ensuring peace. The Forum has resolved to stand by Sir Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State; while at the same time employing wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises,” they said.
The governors while welcoming the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy, promised to continue to support LG autonomy, but urged that “the implementation of the court decision must be done in a manner that does not create a trust deficit
Mohammed
Mbah
Makinde
Saraki: A Burial With Enduring Political Effects
An otherwise status burial for Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, ended up a statement event for her son and former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, writes Olawale Olaleye.
His political networth is quite intimidating and of class preference – both elitist and retail. Masked, often, by an infective smile, contrasting a personality that quivers not to terrorisation, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is a model chip off the old block.
Although the eventual outcome of his mother’s burial might have been chiseled by the universe, ultimately, Saraki, too, by his likely disposition, has exhibited through distinctive personal example, that politics without bitterness is not just a political catchphrase, but a possibility by choice.
The moment his mother, 89, passed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Ikoyi, Lagos home of the Sarakis, became an instant tourist’s locale, where he and his siblings daily hosted visitors, who came on condolence visits.
From the political class to the business and international communities, as well as their mere acquaintances, Saraki could hardly take a day off from the barrage of visitors, who daily besieged their home.
At some points, he had to change location and moved briefly to Abuja, to honour and host other visitors at the federal capital city. Perhaps, one of the costs of being a man of many parts.
President Bola Tinubu didn’t just send his condolences to the family through a statement made public by his media team, acknowledging the place of the family in the political artery of the nation; his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, physically visited the Sarakis so the message from the first family could sink in better.
The current leadership of the Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, came, too, with several other principal officers of the senate, to honour a man, who once occupied that office with excellence, confidence and elan. It was a full house. Soon after, all past leaderships of the Senate and the House of Representatives called at their home.
Of note, again, was the visit by national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, the embattled former governor of Kano State.
This was after the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had come to identify with one of their own. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, combined with the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, visited Saraki and his siblings.
How do you then start listing the incumbent governors from far and near as well as their former colleagues, who visited from time to time, and in their numbers to honour the family and identify with an individual, who had built a strong network across all divides?
It was interesting to hear the title of the host governor, being moved between
the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Ondo State counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. While Lagos was the city that majorly hosted the visitors, Ondo is the state of origin of the deceased.
Nevertheless, anyone could have been excused if he or she had thought that the condolence visits, with all its glitz and blitz, were all that Saraki and his family would get and deservedly so. But the shocker was yet to come. The two-day and threelayer event was a carnival of sort. Lagos literally bit more than it could chew.
From the service of songs held on Thursday, July 18, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel, to the burial service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, on the morning of Friday, July 19, and back at the Convention Centre, for the reception proper, after the internment, the whole of Nigeria took a break for the Saraki family, and Lagos, as it were, rocked the whole weekend
in celebration of mama’s worthy life.
The size of the reception party was huge and bullying. The crowd, a combination of the high and might as well as the lowest in the social strata, moved from the church to the burial ground and berthed at the reception. The list was endless, and it disrupted the flow of the party mood as they were being rolled out, time after time.
Saraki, who would pass for an introverted-extrovert, knew and understood his crowd. He is both a strategist and tactician. Deep and slow to speaking, he is also adept at reading situations very clearly. He is just another cosmopolitan leader, whose currency, assets, and sustaining power are ensconced in networking.
Of course, the observing public is at liberty to interpret the honour extended to him in the wake of the passing of his mother differently. But the thrust of that analysis cannot be detached from the fact that even if he inherited an active dynasty, he has continued to improve the status of that inheritance through personal capital.
Maybe this reader should look
Although the eventual outcome of his mother’s burial might have been chiseled by the universe, ultimately, Saraki, too, by his likely disposition, has exhibited through distinctive personal example, that politics without bitterness is not just a political catchphrase.
around and tell how many Nigerian leaders can attract the sort of quality crowd that identified with Saraki outside office. Here’s a man who has been out of office for over five years and boasts no means of dispensing any patronage whatsoever for anyone to want to identify or stand by him. But the reason is simple. It speaks to a mind that despises bitter politics and does not thrive on the mischievous back of the pull him down syndrome. He loathes the idea of demonising other people to make oneself look good. Yet, his greatest strength is located in healthy competition. It didn’t matter, therefore, whether or not anyone summoned or recalled any traditional ruler from the event on account of envy or petty politics. The fact that such a decision failed to blight the beauty of the day was enough feedback that should send such a shallow mind into endless shame and regrets.
However, it always brings Saraki joy to compete in a marketplace of ideas, where the best emerges, based on the quality of debate and the contributions everyone brings to the table. He thinks strategy every minute-on-the-minute. His ability to read equations very lucidly is endearing, and his inputs, which are usually context-based, are naturally irresistible.
Another takeaway from his brand of politics is the decency of engagements. Saraki is not the type of politician that indulges in a pig or dog fight. Urbane, with a very high degree of standard and exposure, he knows too well the implications of avoidable political fisticuffs and would never let anyone with inferiority complex drag him into such ignoble bout.
As you read this, if your recollections did not fail you, maybe you should cast your mind back in time and see if you’ve ever found Saraki, no matter how desperate the situation was, doing some dirty fighting? He would rather resort to an intellectual falling out and make it an issue-based debate, yet unseen. For him, it’s about class and pedigree.
This is why, away from mama’s status burial, which was deserving, having passed on to the great beyond at an enviable age of 89, less than two months to her 90th on August 8, the message of Saraki’s undeniable stature cannot be lost on all, including those who might consider themselves avowed enemies of the Kwara-born political powerhouse.
Certainly, whenever names are being tossed up in the push for the country’s leadership in the foreseeable future, it is yet to be seen how this one name – Abubakar Bukola Saraki – will be missing.
He is a living proof that it is not enough to lay claims to being around for so long a time. What matters are the things that account for the times in question.
Saraki
BUSINESS WORLD
AS AT JULY 19,2024
Banks Defy Stiff Competition from Fintechs, Grow
Kayode Tokede
Despite fierce competition from Fintechs, individuals and institutions are increasingly entrusting their funds into the safekeeping and management of Nigerian banks as total deposits in the banking sector increased to N115 trillion in 2023 financial year, about 63 per cent growth from N70.5 trillion reported in 2022 financial year.
This is according to THISDAY analysis of the 3023 audited results of banks operating in Nigeria, which showed an aggressive increase in low-cost deposits amid severe challenges posed by Fintech companies.
Nigerian banks have in the last few years faced fierce competition from Fintech companies such as; MoMo Payment Service Bank
Analysts
Ekeghe
Following the recent injection of foreign exchange sales to Bureaux De Change (BDCs), by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN), analysts have predict that the naira will stabilise around N1,500 in the second half of the year.
United Capital, in its HalfYear Economic Outlook titled, “Balancing Act: Nigeria’s Path to Economic Stability,” released over the weekend, stated; “The CBN will continue to intervene in the FX market; nevertheless, due to lack of confidence, hoarding, and speculation, the naira will remain weak for the remaining part of the
(MoMo PSB), Fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria. Airtel SmartCash, PiggyVest, Opay, Palmpay, among others that offer lucrative interest rate on deposits.
As technology evolves, customer demands continue to affect how businesses operate especially in the banking sector.
In recent times, fintechs have raised the bar, offering customers easier, faster, and cheaper financial services particularly in areas such as zero transfer fees, more attractive interest rates on savings, full online banking experience, speed and simplicity.
The competitive advantage is endearing Fintechs to an increasing number of customers and strengthening their position in the industry.
With the emerges of more Fintechs, electronic payment
year. Notably, due to CBN’s efforts at increasing FX inflows into the economy, curbing speculation and hoarding activities, we expect the naira to moderate at N1,500/$ in H2-2024.”
Furthermore, United Capital noted that external reserves might hover around $34 billion due to continuous FX injections. They added. “Foreign reserves will hover around $34bn+ for the remaining months of the year. However, due to the continuous defence of the naira by the CBN, foreign reserves may remain at current levels with the possibility of improving slightly as the government’s efforts to attract foreign inflows materialise.”
transactions in Nigeria hit an all-time high in 2023 as it rose by 55 per cent to N600 trillion, compared to N387 trillion in 2022, according to Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
However, a data, provided to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and others made available by industry association, showed impressive growths across all cadres and tiers of banks, with the middle tier and newly established banks competing well with the first generation and largest banks.
THISDAY analysis showed that Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc and Access Holdings Plc, two Pan-African financial institutions, led the deposits chart last year- both banks have branch network in over 30 African countries.
ETI led the chart with over N20.52
The CBN recently disclosed that it sold $106.50 million to 29 Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) between July 18 and 19, 2024, as part of efforts to improve supply in the foreign exchange (FX) market. The Director of Financial Markets Department, Dr. Omolara Omotunde Duke, confirmed in a statement that the CBN would continue to support various segments of the official markets with liquidity over the next few weeks. She added that the CBN would closely monitor compliance with existing trading rules and regulations by authorised dealer banks to promote ethical conduct and support the drive to achieve stability in the foreign exchange market.
trillion deposits in 2023, about 91 per cent increase from N10.73 trillion in 2022, while Access Holdings reported N19.76 trillion deposits in 2023, representing an increase of 76 per cent from N11.26 trillion declared in 2022 financial year.
Another pan-African financial institution, UBA declared N17.36 trillion customer deposits, a growth off 93 per cent from N8.99 trillion in 2022. Zenith Bank’s deposits moved to N15.18 trillion in 2023, an increase of 69 per cent from N8.98 trillion reported in 2022.
On its part, FCMB Group grew deposit by about 63 per cent from N2.07 trillion in 2022 to N3.4 trillion in 2023,
Further investigation by THISDAY revealed that Polaris Bank, an unlisted financial institution declared N1.09 trillion deposits in 2023, Premium Trust Bank, a
Duke also mentioned that the bank had commenced regular sales of FX through ADBs and licensed Bureaux De Change (BDCs) in line with its price stability mandate and commitment to ensure a well-functioning and liquid market.
In its outlook, United Capital noted that despite the 2.98 per cent growth recorded in Q1-2024, the economy is expected to record marginal growth in the remaining quarters of the year. “We expect government initiatives to positively bolster productivity in the economy. Consequently, we align with IMF’s 2024 full-year growth projection of 3.3 per cent.”
The report also highlighted that
national commercial bank which commenced operations in April 2022, grew deposit base by 382 per cent from N55 billion in December 2022 to N265 billion in December 2023.
A general review of the deposits by banks showed considerable cost management, with banks recording substantial increases in low-cost deposits.
Deposit is a key ratio to measure public confidence and popular participation in a financial services sector. It is the basic building block for a banking sector’s funding and liquidity. Deposit size, growth and structure are key analytical instruments for banks’ examiners and analysts.
Commenting, the CEO, Wyoming Capital and Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka stated that the increasing deposits in the banking sector is driven by industry competition and
the government would continue to borrow to finance its 2024 budget due to low revenues.
“Government will continue to borrow to finance its 2024 budget.
This is because government’s revenues are low, and the 2024 budget can only be financed through borrowings. Meanwhile, the government plans a supplementary budget of N7.24 trillion to finance the budget. Local borrowings will constitute a major portion of government’s debts.”
The report estimated headline inflation to settle at 27.5 per cent by December 2024, “assuming no significant shocks to domestic prices. We anticipate that prices may
excess liquidity in the financial sector. He noted that banks are beginning to explore other alternatives to grow deposit in a move to remain relevant and lend to real sector. The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) described deposits as, “the primary funding source for most banks and, as a result, have a significant effect on a bank’s liquidity. Banks use deposits in a variety of ways, primarily to fund loans and investments.” There is a correlational relationship between deposit and loans and expenses, and as such, national economic growth. A report by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had shown that Nigerian banks’ loans and supports for the private sector had increased by about N30 trillion over one-year period.
moderate in Q3-2024 due to the unwinding of statistical base effects and the primary harvest season in late Q3-24 and early Q4-24. However, risks to consumer prices remain on the upside, including potential below-average harvests, minimum wage increases, and FX volatility.”
The report predicts that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may maintain the interest rate at current levels throughout H2-24. However, there could be a first interest rate cut in March 2025 as prices of goods and services taper modestly. Headline inflation is not expected to meet the CBN’s 21.4 per cent target by December 2024.
Nume
In a bid to boost the federal government’s aim to achieve a N1 trillion economy by 2026, the Institute of Directors Center for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG) has joined force with Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and Institute Of Chartered Secretaries And Administrators Of Nigeria (ICSAN) to issued new Code of Corporate Governance guidelines for the public sector in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of 2024 summit tagged, “Institutionalizing Corporate Governance for National Transformation: The Imperative for Public-Private Sector Collaboration,” the Chairman, IoDCCG, Mr. Urum Kalu Eke acknowledged that the organisation established 2006 has impacted the Nigeria’s corporate
space with extensive workshops, training, to advance the course of corporate governance.
He noted that IoDCCG over the years has witnessed reforms in the nation’s economy and beginning to see the public sector play more significant roles, stressing that it is important to highlight the changes that occurred and give initiatives.
Speaking the FRC Chief Executive, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, noted that the theme is apt due to the importance of the public sector, stressing that corporate governance is important to the sustenance of public and private economy.
According to him, “It is high time that corporate governance also looks into the public space. We have enjoyed the success of corporate governance in the private sector, and that’s why the summit will expose the public to the work that the Financial Reporting Council
Alaro City is Pivotal to W’African Industrialization
industrialisation, housing businesses across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, and renewable energy.
Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, he emphasized the city’s predictable and secure environment that leverages free zone benefits.
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
Chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Senior Correspondent
Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)
Correspondents
Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)
KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
Reporters
Peter Uzoho (Energy)
Ugo Aliogo (Development)
According to him, these advantages enable many companies to achieve up to 43per cent annual profit growth, reducing market uncertainties and de-risking business development on both national and global scales.
‘The company is making significant strides in transforming the industrial landscape of the country. Through initiatives aimed at job creation and addressing housing deficits within West Africa’s fastest-growing corridors, Alaro City is becoming a beacon of hope for local and foreign direct investments (FDIs), profoundly impacting Nigeria’s economic development. Situated on 2,000 hectares of prime land, Alaro City is home to 73 leading companies, including BUA Group, Mantrac Caterpillar, Ariel Foods, TY Danjuma Holding, Kenol, SANA Group, and many others, “he said.
is doing to develop a code of corporate governance for public institutions.
“The National Corporate Governance Summit is designed to be a distinguished and impressive gathering of minds examining changes, trends, challenges, and best practices in corporate governance in
Nigeria, with a focus on the impact on national transformation.”
The Managing Director, MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang stated that the Corporation holds the commonwealth of the nation as its was recently restructured to manage the FG’s investments and assets.
He stated that there is a direct correlation between the success of managing the commonwealth of the country and corporate governance.
He said, “At the moment, we have over 40 companies, and by the end of this year, we would have incorporated no less than
seven-eight new companies and have perhaps more than N2-3 trillion in terms of assets under management. We know that at the heart of making that work and delivering that value is ensuring that we design these institutions with the right corporate governance from day one.”
Nigeria Launches Guided Trade Initiative Under AfCFTA for Economic Growth
Emma Okonji
Nigeria has embarked on a historic endeavor with the launch of the Guided Trade Initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signaling a pivotal moment in boosting intra-African trade and fostering economic diversification.
Spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, the initiative is anticipated to unlock an estimated $50 billion in economic opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, has called on the federal and state governments to invest more on data as lack of adequate data can hinders planning, economic growth and development.
Speaking at the quarterly media engagement of NESG over the weekend, Aduloju called on the government to prioritise data, and advocated for more funding for National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which according to him, is under-funded.
President Tinubu underscored AfCFTA’s transformative potential, positioning it not merely as a trade pact but as a catalyst for industrialisation, equitable growth, and continental prosperity.
“We are pleased to witness Nigeria’s official commencement of trade under the preferential regime established by AfCFTA,” stated the GIZ country director. “Germany acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive stance in advancing regional economic integration and pledges support in aligning national efforts
He said, “Generally speaking, we are under-collecting data to plan Nigeria and that must change. If you don’t have data to plan your local, state and federal activities then what is the basis of development. We can be working with approximate guesswork. The wider the guess, the more off track we would be. If you look at education, health agriculture and so on, you would still be working with approximate values of data. We must resolve this.”
On food crisis, Aduloju called for a collaborative effort among
with ECOWAS-coordinated AfCFTA strategies,” country director said.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, National Coordinator of NACO, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, highlighted the transformative impact of AfCFTA on Nigeria’s economic landscape. “The conversion of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA into NACO underscores Nigeria’s commitment to effective AfCFTA implementation, including finalizing tariff concessions to enhance competitiveness within
governments to address the increasing food crisis in the country, which according to him could lead to higher inflation.
According to Aduloju, Nigeria currently cultivates far lesser land than what it used to produce adding that this was affecting general food output.
He noted that the nation’s population was growing faster than its ability to produce food.
“The first question we must ask ourselves is whether we are producing enough food. Is the availability of food at the scale
the continental market,” Awolowo said.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging AfCFTA for industrial growth and job creation. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, emphasised the strategic importance of the Guided Trade Initiative in propelling Nigeria’s economic growth and fostering regional integration.
we require? We’ve also pointed to all the security threats, we’ve broken security threats beyond human security to soil security, water security, land security, input security, so fertilizer, pesticides, etc. And pull that together to say that the system is under stress and it will be tackled with a system approach. There is also an affordability problem, what has been driving inflation is more than just the production of food, it is that the effects pass through on anything we import, “he said.
Owolabi: Finance, Skills Deficit Bane of Interior Design Sector
James Emejo in Abuja Founder/Chief Executive, Black Pelican Group, Mr. Michael Owolabi, has identified the limited access to capital, unreliable power supply, shortage of skilled labour as the key challenges hindering the interior design sector.
Speaking at a media briefing to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary in Abuja, he said that the firm had pursued an ambitious vision of entering the manufacturing sector since 2018.
However, he stated that the current banking practices imposed exorbitant costs on borrowing, making profitability difficult.
He said securing patient capital, which is essential for the long gestation periods in manufacturing remained a critical concern.
Owolabi said, “For you to make any appreciable return, you need to be making a minimum of 100 per cent profit on anything you sell. So it is difficult. And the kind of capital required to build a factory and the gestational
period from when you borrow the money to when the factory starts producing, is probably three years. It is very tough.”
He also said access to reliable power was a major issue, noting that for industries such as tiles and ceramics manufacturing, uninterrupted 24-hour electricity was indispensable.
He pointed out that the reliance on diesel generators as an alternative adds significant operational costs, compounding the financial burden.
He said, “The continuous
operation of ovens demands a constant power supply” adding that scarcity of skilled technical personnel posed another obstacle.
He said, “The availability of skilled people keeps shrinking as people emigrate to the West.”
Owolabi said, “Our success is due to our people, our commitment to excellence, and our ability to adapt to changing market trends.
“We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to transform spaces and lives.”
Kayode Tokede
The Managing Director of Alaro City, Yomi Ademola has said that Nigeria’s most business-friendly free zone has a pivotal role in West African
L-R: Chairman of the Executive Committee, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Sade Morgan; Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Ajayi Kadiri; Associate Director and General Counsel, PwC Nigeria, Ugochi Ndebbio at the presentation of a road map on plastic waste management in Abuja… recently
Report: Recovery Costs for Energy, Water Infrastructure Sectors Reach $3m Yearly
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has released a sector survey report, titled: ‘The State of Ransomware in Critical Infrastructure 2024’, which revealed that the median recovery costs for two critical infrastructure sectors, Energy and Water, quadrupled to $3 million over the past year.
The figure is four times higher than the global cross-sector median. In addition, 49 per cent of ransomware attacks against these two critical infrastructure sectors started with an exploited vulnerability.
Data for the State of Ransomware in Critical Infrastructure 2024 report comes from 275 respondents at energy, oil and gas, and utilities organisations, which fall under the Energy and Water sectors of CISA’s 16 defined critical infrastructure sectors. The results for this sector survey report are part of a broader, vendor-agnostic survey of 5,000 cybersecurity/IT leaders conducted between January and February 2024 across 14 countries and 15 industry sectors.
Analysing the report, Global Field CTO at Sophos, Chester Wisniewski, said: “Criminals focus where they can cause the most
N30bn Lawsuit: ARCON Explains Reason for Withdrawal Suit against Meta
Raheem Akingbolu
Contrary to the views in some quarters that the Advertising Regularly Council of Nigeria (ARCON), was compelled to withdraw the N30billion Lawsuit it instituted against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), the Director General of the council has announced debunked the rumour and stated that it was a deliberate decision to re-strategise over the lingering issue.
ARCON instituted the lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated, in Abuja High Could in 2022.
In a statement issued at the weekend, Fadolapo said, “This withdrawal is not a retreat, but a tactical redeployment. Since October 13, 2022, when the writ was filed, we’ve observed continuous violations of the Nigerian advertising code by Meta and its subsidiaries. The lack of progress in bringing the case to trial over the past two years has necessitated a reevaluation of our strategy.”
He added that, “Management is doing this to ensure that all social media platforms are operating within the ambit of the law.”
This unexpected move followed the regulatory body’s filing of a notice of discontinuance before Justice
Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The legal battle which began on September 23, 2022, with ARCON filing Suit FHC/ABJ/ CS/1701/2022 against Meta Platforms Incorporated and AT3 Resources Limited as party was initially presided over by Justice A.M. Mohammed before it was later transferred to Justice Peter Lifu in 2023 following Mohammed’s retirement.
The roots of this legal confrontation trace back to when the House of Representatives passed a resolution directing ARCON to implement measures controlling advertisements on social media platforms.
According to sources, ARCON’s subsequent outreach to various platforms reportedly met with resistance from Meta, prompting the initial legal action.
A legal expert with bias in media and advertising law, Oloyede Lateef, explained the significance of ARCON’s move. “There’s a crucial tactical difference between a case being dismissed and one being struck out. A dismissed case is essentially dead and cannot be revived. However, a struck out case, which is what we have here, can always be brought up again. This gives ARCON the flexibility to reintroduce the case in the future if necessary.” Lateef elucidated.
pain and disruption so the public will demand quick resolutions, and they hope, ransom payments to restore services more quickly. This makes utilities prime targets for ransomware attacks. Because of the essential functions they provide, modern society demands they recover quickly and with minimal disruption.”
Wisniewski further said: “Unfortunately, public utilities
are not only attractive targets but vulnerable to attacks on many fronts, including the requirement for high availability and safety, as well as an engineering mindset focused on physical security. There’s a preponderance of older technologies configured to enable remote management without modern security controls like encryption and multifactor authentication. Like hospitals
and schools these utilities are frequently operating with minimal staffing and without the IT staffing required to stay on top of patching, the latest security vulnerabilities and the monitoring required for early detection and response.”
On top of growing recovery costs, the median ransom payment for organisations in these two sectors jumped to more than
$2.5 million in 2024, which is $500,0000 higher than the global cross-sector median. The Energy and Water sectors also reported the second highest rate of ransomware attacks. Overall, 67 per cent of the organisations in these sectors reported being hit by ransomware in 2024, in comparison to the global, cross-sector average of 59 per cent, according to the report findings.
Adisa Emerges 20th AAAN President as Association Elects New Leaders
Managing Director/Chief Creative Officer of Noah’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa has emerged as the 20th President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN). Adisa emerged as president on Saturday at the association’s 51st Annual General Meeting/ Congress in Abeokuta. He will lead the AAAN Executive Board over the next two years and succeed Mr. Steve Babaeko,
whose two terms have ended.
Adisa promised to build on the current successes recorded by the association and move it forward in the right direction.
Adekoyejo Abiola of Imaginarium emerged Vice President, while Creativexzone’s Mr. Sola Adegorioye will serve as Treasurer. Other members of the new board include Mrs. Fumibi Fayo-Adeleye of Prize Communications and Mr. Sam
Ochonma of The Hook Creative Agency who emerged as Publicity Secretary and Assistant Publicity Secretary respectively.
Babaeko, under whom the association gained significant relevance over the last four years, will serve as an ex-officio member along with Miss Funke Adetola of Dentsu, Mrs. Bisi Olusanya of Prima Garnet, Ms Marie Awolaja of Oglivy Nigeria, Mr. Omoraro George of Rage Media
and Raphael Idu of Poke Limited. The AGM/Congress, which began with a courtesy visit to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo Aremu 111, came to a close with a Gala and Award Night at which three of the industry’s brightest lights and five legends were recognised. The Rising Star Award went to Popoola Oluwatobi of The Hook Creative Agency and Williams Jonah of SO&U.
Swiftlink to Deepen Financial Inclusion with Payment Services
James Emejo in Abuja
Speaking at the recent launch of Swiftlink in Abuja, he said the platform will provide a robust, accessible, affordable, efficient, and adequate financial solution for the under- banked and un-banked in the nooks and crannies of the country.
He said the company seeks to
Chairman, Swiftlink Global Services Limited, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, has said the company remained committed to supporting the significant achievements in financial inclusion driven by the initiatives, programmes, and policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
become the major digital payment service provider especially in the North East where such footprints are almost non-existent.
Abdul Mutallab said the platform will engage in collections, payment and value-added services, terminal management, and agency banking services.
He said, “This is a journey to create harmonies for a system where even the everyday traders and farmers in villages can effortlessly access financial services from the convenience of their surroundings in a language that resonates with them and also access disbursements on social intervention programmes of the government and other development partners.”
Stanbic IBTC Expands Securities Lending
Nume
Ekeghe
Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, has announced the extension of its securities lending services to include fixed income securities.
This development marks a new milestone in the Nigerian capital market, providing clients with enhanced opportunities for income generation and increased market liquidity. With this development, institutional clients, both local and international, can now borrow and lend not
just equities but also fixed income securities such as Federal Government Bonds and Treasury Bills, offering them greater flexibility and diversified investment options.
Head, Investor Services at Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, Babatunde Majiyagbe, in a statement said: “Expanding our securities lending services to include fixed income securities provides our clients with broader opportunities to generate income and enhances overall market liquidity. This
to Fixed Income Securities
expansion not only broadens the scope of our offerings but also a provides our clients with wider range of assets to optimise their investment strategies and achieve their business objectives, enhancing the overall liquidity and efficiency of the Nigerian capital market. This move underscores our commitment to driving innovation and growth in the Nigerian capital market.” Majiyagbe added: “Securities lending facilitates continuous trading and
liquidity, which are essential for a vibrant market. Our expansion into fixed income securities will attract more investors and foster a more robust and resilient capital market. In 2023 alone, we facilitated the lending of assets worth 150 million naira,” Majiyagbe noted. “This reflects the growing trust and demand for our securities lending services and underscores our role in enhancing market liquidity and efficiency.”
Emma Okonji
L-R: Former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ed Balls; Executive Director, Business Development, FirstBank UK, Olalekan Adel ekan; Executive Director, Corporate Banking Directorate, FirstBank, Oluwatosin Adewuyi; Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank UK, Olukorede Adenowo and Editor, Euromoney, Lou ise Bowman, at the dinner and award ceremony, where FirstBank was named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Corporates 2024 and Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG 2024 by Euromoney in London… recently
eTranzact Plans Merchant Acquisition to Boost Operation
The Chief Executive Officer, of eTranzact, Plc, Niyi Toluwalope has stated that the company is set to enhance its operational performance by focusing on merchant acquisition and the direct-to-consumer market. He revealed this during the company’s virtual Facts-Behind-theFigures (FBF) presentation, where
he outlined his firm’s strategy titled ‘Engage and Win,’ which is built on three core pillars: Full-Service Switching, Merchant Marketplace Play, and Direct to Consumer Play. Toluwalope also eTranzact’s impressive transaction growth, noting a transaction volume of N79 trillion in 2023, a significant 40 percent increase from the previous year. He also emphasized
FAAN Launches Acculturation Programme to Foster Excellence
Chinedu Eze
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially launched its Acculturation Programme aimed at transforming its organisational culture towards efficiency and excellence.
Speaking at the event, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised the programme’s significance in cultivating a work environment where excellence, efficiency, and integrity are paramount
The agency said the initiative was driven by the Director, Special Duties, Mr. Henry Agbebire, and it includes a comprehensive culture change training for all staff, guided by the new handbook. In addition, FAAN has introduced skyward shift, a monthly bulletin to keep staff informed and motivated.
It announced there would be the Managing Director’s Prize and Award
for excellence and productivity to recognize outstanding performance.
Kuku highlighted the programme as a commitment to continuous improvement, urging staff to fully engage with the training sessions and materials.
“Change is never easy, but it is necessary for growth and progress,” Kuku stated, expressing confidence in the staff’s ability to drive FAAN’s vision forward.
FAAN said the Acculturation Programme would reflect the forward-thinking approach of the Minister of Aviation and Aeronautical Development, Festus Keyamo, in transforming organisational culture by equipping the ministry’s workforce with the essential values, skills, and mindset.
“With this programme, FAAN aims to exceed stakeholder and passenger expectations, positioning itself as a leader in the global aviation community,” the agency said.
the company’s consistency in transaction processing, boasting a 99.5 percent success rate and a maximum processing speed of 1.2 seconds per transaction.
Also, the Chief Financial Officer, eTranzact Plc, Emmanuel Ogunji
provided further insights into the company’s financial health, reporting significant growth in cash and cash equivalents from N11.5 billion in 2022 to N19.6 billion in 2023. He also highlighted a gross
revenue growth of N33.9 billion, a 50 per cent increase, and a net revenue of N9.2 billion, a 51 per cent rise from 2022, saying that the company’s gross profit for FY 2023 stood at N8.3 billion.
Toluwalope affirmed, “Our strategy is to continually engage our stakeholders and win their trust through exceptional service and innovative solutions. We are committed to driving growth and delivering value to our investors.”
Poultry Farmers Urge FG to Save Industry from Collapse
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Poultry Association of Nigeria, (PAN), has called on the federal government to rescue the poultry industry from what it described as total and imminent collapse.
The National President of PAN, Chief Sunday Ezeobiora, who made the call while addressing journalists during a stakeholders meeting, held in Ibadan, said the poultry industry needs further intervention in form of grants and loan to restore the industry to normalcy and bring back farmers who have lost their means of livelihood as a result of fluctuating economy
and inflation.
He added that insecurity, high cost of basic raw materials such as maize and soya beans and inadequate mechanized farm inputs have hampered the operation of the industry in recent times.
According to him, “Another worrying issue affecting the industry is the issue of petroleum price deregulation, floatation of the naira. Although the implications cut across all sectors of the economy, it has affected production and marketing of the products of the industry. All we have witnessed in all these have been increased high cost of production and a dwindling purchasing power of the
people to buy poultry and poultry products.”
Ezeobiora, however, lauded the Federal Government for the creating the Ministry of Livestock Development to address the issue of farmers and herders conflicts, stating that the association will come up with robust contributions and inputs that will reposition the industry for a better performance.
The National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Mr. Godwin Egbede, in his own remarks, said PAN has the capacity to produce chicken and eggs for the country, urging government at all levels to
support the poultry industry with funds and subsidized maize.
The South West PAN Chairman, Rev. Gideon Oluleye, highlighted that high level of insecurity is a major factor that has contributed to the less production of maize in the country, urging the Federal Government to take proactive actions in order for the industry not to collapse. He maintained that conflicts between farmers and herders have contributed greatly to shortage of maize, disclosing that the industry is the second largest employer of labour in the country.
Advertising Practitioners Urged to Mobilize Nigerians Towards Embracing CNG
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the weekend called on members of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), to leverage their platforms and creativity to galvanize Nigerians Towards accepting the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper and more sustainable energy source.
Labule Marks 10-year Milestone with Expansion Enterprise Life
Labule Restaurant, a renowned Nigerian cuisine chain, has marked a decade of delivering authentic and nourishing meals with the launch of its fourth outlet in Ikorodu, Lagos.
This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture, while catering to the diverse culinary needs of the Ikorodu community. The event, which coincided with the company’s 10th anniversary, was attended by dignitaries from various walks of life, including traditional rulers and Muslim clerics.
Managing Director and Chief Chef, Binta Adisa, reiterated the company’s passion for raising the standards of local delicacies, stating, “At Labule, we are dedicated to promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture. Our expansion into Ikorodu is a testament to our
dedication to delivering exceptional dining experiences to a wider audience.”
Adisa attributed the company’s success to its loyal customer base and dedicated team, saying, “Our customers have been with us for 10 years, and our staff have been instrumental in our growth. We are grateful for their support and hard work.” She also spoke about the company’s plans for future expansion, stating, “We are committed to expanding our reach across Nigeria and beyond. Our goal is to make Labule a household name, synonymous with Nigerian cuisine and culture.”
The new outlet in Ikorodu promises to offer a wide range of local delicacies, carefully crafted to cater to the diverse tastes of the community. With its commitment to quality and excellence, Labule Restaurant is poised to remain a leader in the Nigerian food industry for years to come.
James Emejo in Abuja
Leading digital insurance company, Enterprise Life, has announced significant strides in its operations and digital offerings.
The company’s Managing Director, Funmi Omo, said the organisation remained committed to its mission of improving accessibility to insurance through innovative digital tools that will deliver value to all stakeholders,
Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the 51st Annual General Assembly/Congress of the association with the theme, “Breaking the Mould: Creativity and National Development,” Idris, who was represented by the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, described the Advertising industry
as a driver of growth and therefore appealed to the players not only to influence consumer behavior but also to assist the government in mobilizing the entire population towards collective goal.
While admitting that the rising cost of transportation is a significant burden on the average Nigerian, Idris stated that the Presidential CNG Initiative
offers a promising solution capable of reducing transportation costs by more than 50%.
Earlier in his welcome address, the outgoing of the association, Mr. Steve Babaeko had commended the Federal Government for the respect accorded the industry and pledged on behalf of AAAN to always remain committed to issues related to national growth.
Embarks on Branch Expansion, Unveils Portal
including insurance brokers.
Speaking at the recent Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Professionals’ Forum held in Abuja, she revealed the company’s strategic expansion to Abuja and Port Harcourt, underscoring its commitment to transforming the country’s insurance landscape while enhancing its reach and service delivery.
She said, “We are excited about extending our services to these
states. More people need to be aware of the numerous benefits that comes with having an insurance policy that suits their lifestyle and needs.
“This expansion shows our dedication to providing accessible, reliable, and tailored life insurance solutions to Nigerians.”
Omo further disclosed the company’s plans to introduce the Brokers’ Portal, an innovative digital platform designed to streamline the operations of
insurance brokers. The portal will enable brokers to onboard themselves, generate codes and proposals, and access records of their transactions and NAICOM UID.
She said, “The Brokers’ Portal is a game-changer for the insurance industry, a tool that will transform how brokers interact with our services,” Omo stated. It illustrates our commitment to digitizing the insurance sector and making processes more efficient.”
Firm Set to Host Webinar on Renewable Energy
Oluchi Chibuzor
One of the leading Nigerian law firm, Streamsowers & Köhn is organizing a webinar on, “Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption in Nigeria: Legal Framework, Fiscal
Incentives, and Practical Solution.”
This informative webinar, which will be held on Friday, 26th July 2024, at 10:00 a.m. presents a platform for energy industry stakeholders, business owners, investors, government officials, and environmental sustainability enthusiasts to gain valuable insights
into the legal structure, financial advantages, opportunities, and challenges associated with generating and utilizing renewable energy in Nigeria.
The panel will feature esteemed industry experts including Chiagozie Hilary-Nwokonko, Kabir Garkuwa, Abraham Mohammed, Onyinye
Anene-Nzelu, and Lamide Niyi-Afuye and will be moderated by Hafeezah Salau.
The webinar will explore the obstacles to accessing renewable energy in Nigeria and share insights on challenges and achievements in neighbouring African nations.
Mary Nnah
Nume Ekeghe
L-R: President/CEO of Avila Naturalle Limited, Dr. Temitope Mayegun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Geo rge Akume representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Wamkele Mene, during the presentation of the Certificate of Origin to Avila Naturalle at Nigeria’s Inaugural Shipping Through AfCFTA GTI event in Lagos… recently PHOTO: NN
HOMES & DESIGN
The Galilee: Welcome to Nigeria’s Iconic Affordable Luxury in Banana Island
The
Galilee is designed as an iconic building with luxury apartments that are affordable, but for only a few discerning people. Bennett Oghifo writes
The Galilee is designed and is being rendered as a functional luxurious building that rises up to 18 floors and is spread on 2,000sqm of prime land in Banana Island, Lagos.
The edifice is located on Kwara Street in Banana Island, Lagos; a prestigious gated community that is also the most sought-after piece of luxury real estate in this part of the world, according to its promoter, Gloch Stylistic Limited that provides services in all real estate sectors. “We have, therefore, spared no expense in designing the architecture of this building, paying special attention to the details that make the difference and in the same vein unveiling the world’s
best technology,” said the company.
The environment is serene, wellplanned and secure with lovely waterfront areas, designated children’s play areas and estate facilities that are provided for the comfort of its residents.
“The security in this area is second to none, with very strict adherence to safety codes and conducts,” the firm added.
The building is designed to have 38 apartments.
“We have 20 floors of pure luxury which will make it one of the tallest buildings in Banana Island at completion. We have 28 units of high-luxury four-bedroom maisonettes
with two BQs sitting on 456sqm.
There are also two units of fivebedroom maisonette penthouses with two BQs which measure 1000sqm.
“Each has three designated parking spaces with the generous multi-level car park available in the building,” the company stated.
Amenities in the edifice include centralised air conditioning, centralised water heating system, fully smart homes with automatic control systems and CCTV. Other features are fully equipped kitchen and laundry, powered by MIELE, 24/7 concierge services; smart-home technology, passenger and service elevators, and recreational facilities,
including a pool bar located on the fourth floor.
Gloch Stylistic Limited is “a rapidly growing indigenous real estate and property development company committed to bringing the dreams of people to life.”
The firm has created a niche for itself by focusing its expertise on luxury high-rise apartments keeping in mind its mission statement of “We make luxury affordable.” It added, “We have improved on standards by harnessing the new building technology available and designing more efficient projects that are not only affordable but also imbibe structural and environmentally safe construction processes. We also painstakingly adhere to all building codes as required.”
BUSINESS SPECIAL
Wahab: Youths Are Playing Major Role in Promoting Sustainable Climate in Lagos
Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, recently spoke to journalists on moves to take meaningful action on climate change through education, advocacy and community engagement. Ayodeji Ake presents the excerpts:
How does the ‘Lagos Youth Climate Campaign’ aim to empower youths to become advocates for climate action, and what role do you see them playing in driving positive change?
The Lagos Youth Climate Campaign is committed to empowering the youths in Lagos to take meaningful action on climate change through education, advocacy and community engagement.
As youths represent a substantial portion of the national population, with the majority based in our dear state Lagos, and are also affected by the consequences of climate change, their involvement is crucial for driving meaningful action. By empowering youths to become advocates for climate action, we will not only amplify their voices but also foster a sense of responsibility and ownership in tackling environmental challenges. Also, youths bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy to the table, especially the Gen Z and Millennia’s who are very conversant with the use of the digital space to amplify the campaign, which can inspire new approaches and solutions to address climate change effectively. Overall, the Lagos Youth Climate Campaign will play a vial role in nurturing the next generation of climate leaders and mobilizing collective action towards a more sustainable future.
Can you walk us through the overarching goals of the ‘Lagos Youth Climate Campaign’ and how it aims to engage and educate young people about climate change?
The goal of the Lagos Youth Climate Campaign aims to mainstream environmental consciousness into the minds and behavioural patterns of the youth through a three-pronged strategy of Education, Enlightenment and Empowerment.
The first move, we did was to unveil a Climate Ambassador in person of Maryam Apaokagi popularly known as “Taaooma.” She will be producing a skit to educate the populace on the dangers of improper waste management, air pollution amongst others as they relate to global warming. This would be followed by digital campaign and use of the social media space to amplify the climate campaign and ends with a talent show tagged “Lagos Has Talents.”
How do you plan to leverage social media platforms to effectively communicate the causes and impacts
Wahab of climate change to the youth demographic?
The social media is a veritable platform, especially amongst the young generation. We will be leveraging on their affinity for digital conversation tools educate, create enlightenment and sense of belonging as part of solution provider to the climate change challenge. And we plan to do this through the use of skit, X (formerly twitter) space conversations, graphics, video contents and music.
Can you elaborate on the collaborative efforts between Lagos State Government and C40 Cities to implement climate action plans? How does this partnership support
“We are excited to unveil our mainstreaming document and greenhouse gas emission inventory for 2023. Lagos State will also play host to about 15 African countries in the month of August on African Cities for Clean Air. C40 Cities is our long-time partner, and we intend to continue the partnership in the years to come.”
the city’s sustainability goals?
It is imperative to state that the President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bold Ahmed Tinubu, who was the Governor of Lagos State then, signed Lagos State to join the C40 Cities in 2003. The relationship between C40 Cities and Lagos has been instrumental to the development of the Lagos State Action Plan (CAP) and so many technical supports to implement actions identified in the CAP. of which this youth campaign is one of them. As well as capacity development of staff members.
How does the Lagos State Government plan to ensure that the ‘Lagos Youth Climate Campaign’ reaches a wide audience and leaves a lasting impact on youth engagement with climate issues?
The Lagos State Government has an ambitious plan to ensure that the campaign reaches as many young people as possible and truly makes a difference in how they engage with climate issues.
First of all, we are teaming up with forward-thinking businesses that are already championing green initiatives.
By partnering with them. We are not only expanding the campaign’s reach but also tapping into their expertise and resources to make a bigger impact. We are also going to tap into the power of youth influencers. We know that young people often look up to their peers, so we are getting influential young leaders on board to spread the word about climate action and inspire others to get involved. And when it comes to geography, we are not leaving anyone out. We are taking the campaign to every corner of Lagos State, making sure that young people from all backgrounds and areas have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in their communities. Also, we are super excited about the C40 Youth Forum that kicked off earlier this year. It is all about giving young people the chance to come up with their own creative projects to tackle climate change. And the best part is? These projects aren’t just local, they are part of a global movement, with young climate advocates from all over the world collaborating and sharing ideas. So, whether it is through partnerships, youth influencers, grassroots engagement, or global initiatives, we are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the Lagos Youth Climate Campaign leaves a lasting impact on young people and their engagement with climate issues
Looking ahead, what are some upcoming initiatives or projects that Lagos State Government and C40 Cities are working on together to combat climate change and promote sustainability?
We are excited to unveil our mainstreaming document and greenhouse gas emission inventory for 2023. Lagos State will also play host to about 15 African countries in the month of August on African Cities for Clean Air. C40 Cities is our long-time partner, and we intend to continue the partnership in the years to come.
Finally, how do you envision the long-term effects of the campaign on the attitudes and behaviours of Lagos youths towards climate change and environmental sustainability?
The long-term effects of the Lagos Youth Climate Campaign on the attitudes and behaviours of Lagos youths towards climate change and environmental sustainability are promising. Through our efforts in education, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to instil a deep sense of awareness and responsibility among youths regarding climate and environmental issues. As they become more informed about the impacts of climate change and the importance of sustainable practices, we expect an attitude towards proactive action. Also, with increased awareness and understanding, we foresee Lagos youths adopting more sustainable lifestyle choices, such as reducing energy consumption, adopting eco-friendly transportation options, and participating in local environmental initiatives.
Euromoney Awards: Chapel Hill Denham Named Best Investment Bank in Nigeria
Oluchi Chibuzor
Chapel Hill Denham has been named the “Best Investment Bank in Nigeria” at the 2024 Euromoney Awards for Excellence held in London, United Kingdom, over the weekend.
The company in a statement said this is its ninth award as Nigeria’s Best Investment Bank in the last 13 years and the second time it has won this highly coveted award for three consecutive years.
The Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun in the statement said, “We are honored to be the Best Investment Bank in Nigeria, once again. In a year marked by limited activity prior to elections, significant transaction subsequently resulted in another very good year in which the firm maintained its culture of excellence, delivering results to our clients. This achievement is a tribute to our clients who entrust us with their most significant work and a recognition for all at the firm, whose hard work and dedication made this possible.”
Chapel Hill Denham has a simple and powerful model focused on investment banking and investment management. The firm is Nigeria and Africa’s leading independent investment bank and Nigeria’s leading alternative asset manager, as well as impact investment rm. Chapel Hill Denham’s business is focused on areas accretive to Nigeria and Africa’s economic development, namely Renewable Infrastructure, Real Estate, Digital and Financial Inclusion, Gender and SMEs, Healthcare, Education, Creative and Media.
Haastrup Receives African Female Business Leadership Award in UK
The Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup, last week received the African Female Business Leader of the Year Award in London, the United Kingdom.
Haastrup, who is also the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of leading terminal operating firm, ENL Consortium, and Patroness of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), defeated Beata Habyrimana of Rwanda’s BK Group; Sibongile Moyo of Zimbabwe’s Nedbank; Kadijah Amoah of Ghana’s Pecan Energies and Seinye Lulu-Briggs of Moni Pulo Nigeria to clinch the prestigious award organised by UK-based African Leadership Magazine.
The award is coming a few weeks after the STOAN Chairman
was conferred with the Leadership Award of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The African Business Leadership Awards was organised to recognize and celebrate outstanding business leaders in Africa. Haastrup was particularly recognised for making significant contributions to Africa’s development through her leadership, innovation, and dedication through the maritime sector.
“I want to say a big thank you to Africa Leadership Magazine for this award. This is not the first or second award, and I can’t but dedicate it to God almighty for making me to be the strong woman that I have grown to be today.
“I grew up in a very small
village in Kwara State, Nigeria. I grew up as a normal child from a very humble beginning. I never knew I could be who I am today but I thank God for his strength in my life.
“I dedicate the award to my husband who has allowed me to spread my wings and fly as much as I could, and to my wonderful management team at ENL Consortium.
“My wonderful management team has supported me to excel. ENL Terminal has been one of the best terminals in the subregion, and we wouldn’t have done that without their support. I am grateful to Africa Leadership Magazine for the recognition that you have accorded me,”
Haastrup said shortly after receiving the award.
Laurent Favier Speaks on France-Nigeria Cooperation
As France celebrated its National Day recently which is known as the Bastille Day, The French Consul General in Lagos, Laurent Favier has shared that beyond the values and the ties that unite Nigeria and France, both countries bilateral cooperation dates back to many decades and he is proud that it is thriving in almost all sectors.
He further expressed that,
“During the recent period, we have established new partnerships, primarily for the brilliant and talented youth and women of this country, whose energy inspires us. With the
objectives of job creation and entrepreneurship, we eagerly support the development of vocational training, creative and cultural industries, digital and technological innovation, e-sport, student mobility and university cooperation.”
He also noted that the goal of the recently completed cultural collaboration was to provide guidance, structure and support for the growth and development of a number of high-potential Nigerian entrepreneurs both locally and internationally.
Adding further he stated that, “In June, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Group also celebrated its 15th anniversary in Nigeria with a successful event in Abuja. Since 2009, the AFD Group has asserted itself a major technical and financial partner of Nigeria, investing 3.3 billion euros in over 57 projects, including 800 million euros through its private-sector subsidiary Proparco. Under the patronage of the French Embassy, the partnership between AFD and Nigeria aims to promote a sustainable and inclusive development model that generates employment, improves infrastructure, and supports education and skills development.”
ChamsSwitch, Wema Bank Partner to Launch U nionPay Card in Nigeria
Agnes Ekebuike
ChamsSwitch, a leading financial technology company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Wema Bank to launch the UnionPay card in Nigeria.
The collaboration is set to revolutionise the payment experience for Nigerians travelling abroad, especially to China and other Asian countries, as well as for those conducting international online transactions from the comfort of their homes.
Speaking on the development, Managing Director, ChamsSwitch, Dumebi Obodo, said: “We are excited to partner with Wema Bank to bring the UnionPay card to Nigeria. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide innovative and seamless payment solutions for Nigerians. The UnionPay
card offers unparalleled convenience and security for our customers, whether they are traveling abroad or making international online purchases. We believe this product will significantly enhance the payment experience and meet the diverse needs of our users.”
UnionPay, recognised as the largest card scheme in the world by card volumes, brings an array of benefits to Nigerian consumers. With the introduction of the UnionPay USD Prepaid card, ChamsSwitch and Wema Bank are poised to meet the growing demands of Nigerian travellers and businesspeople.
The UnionPay USD Prepaid card ensures a seamless and hassle-free payment experience, allowing travellers to load their cards in Nigeria and withdraw
cash from ATMs in their destination countries. This is especially advantageous in regions like China, where other card schemes may face acceptance issues.
The UnionPay card is not only beneficial for travellers but also for business professionals and online shoppers in Nigeria. The card facilitates secure and straightforward international purchases, providing a reliable alternative for those who wish to buy products from global online marketplaces.
ChamsSwitch and Wema Bank are committed to offering a cost-effective and secure payment solution. The UnionPay card is designed to provide lower transaction fees, enhanced security features, and a seamless user experience, making it an attractive option for Nigerian consumers.
Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),
L-R: Executive Director, ENL Consortium, Mark Walsh; Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup and Lydia Agbashe when Haastrup received the African Female Business Leader of the Year Award in London, the United Kingdom…recently
In Major Clean-up, NGX Delists 14 Companies for Non-compliance
Kayode Tokede
Niger Insurance Plc, Resort Savings and Loans Plc, and RAK Unity Petroleum Plc are among the list of 14 companies that are delisting from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) this year over non-compliance to post listing requirements.
The Exchange recently announced to the investing public the delisting of three companies from its daily market activities,
failing to submit 2023 financial year results.
The Exchange officially delisted three companies, according to a statement signed by head of the issuer regulation department at NGX, Godstime Iwenekhai.
Goldlink Insurance Plc, Medview Airline Plc, STACO Insurance Plc, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, Greif Nigeria Plc, Union Dicon Salt Plc, and Austin Laz and Company Plc, are companies
delisting from the Exchange this year.
Others are: ASO Savings and Loans Plc, Union Homes Savings & Loans Plc, Capital Oil Plc and The Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc.
The board of NGX RegCo, the regulating body of the Exchange at a meeting in June 2024 had approved the commencement of the delisting process of these 14 companies.
THISDAY investigation
revealed that most of the affected companies are faced with operational and regulatory bottlenecks, making it difficult to submit audited result and accounts on the Exchange.
Until it was delisted, the stock price of Medview Airlines on the floor of the NGX has not moved below or above N1.62per share in the last two years.
As at October 15, 2021, data obtained from the local bourse
disclosed that the company recorded 0 trade and 0 volume within the period under review.
Also, the airline has been among companies listed on the NGX’s free float deficiencies of 14.16 per cent.
Chairman of the airline, Sheik Abdul-Mosheen AlThunayan, had blamed the performance on political tension and tight liquidity.
On the other hand, RAK Unity Petroleum completed its liquidation process on
September 26, 2023 and has since been dissolved “and on that note no longer needs to remain listed on the platform of NGX”.
THISDAY further gathered that, The Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, have failed to submit 2020 audited results.
Union Homes Savings & Loans Plc, Aso Savings & Loans Plc have not submitted over six years audited result and accounts to the Exchange.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JULY 18/24
Lamentations as Landmark Beach Demolition Leave Micro -businesses in Ruin
Even though the contention over the demolition of the popular Landmark Beach to accommodate the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, might have died down, Sunday Ehigiator writes that perhaps the worst hit were about 80 businesses, mostly micro ones and jobs, providing about 4,000 direct jobs. Some of the affected small businesses, while lamenting the devastating impact on their source of livelihood, worry over their future as the major income source is gone
It all began sometime in April 2024, when the CEO of Landmark Group, Paul Onwuanibe, received an unexpected letter from the Lagos State government.
The letter delivered a shocking seven-day eviction notice and demolition warning for the $200 million Landmark Beach Resort, citing its location in the path of the nine-state coastal highway connecting Lagos and Calabar. The sudden notice threw Landmark Group and the numerous businesses at the beach into turmoil, as it came without warning.
For better context, over 80 businesses providing 4,000 direct jobs were left uncertain about their future, as many rely heavily on the beach location for their operations.
The constant fear of sudden displacement began to loom, as buildings were marked for demolition with “RIGHT OF WAY” graffiti on them. Since then, the once-thriving beach became anxious, with sober faces and palpable tension replacing its welcoming atmosphere.
To gather every possible support to save the looming demolition of the beach, A giant “#SAVE LANDMARK BEACH” banner was erected on the sand, pleading with tourists to join the cause and urge the government to spare their livelihoods. Unfortunately, this all fell on deaf ears.
In a swift and poignant six-hour demolition exercise on April 29, 2024, portions of the beloved resort, painstakingly built over six years by Paul Onwuanibe, were reduced to rubble.
The destruction left Onwuanibe heartbroken and impacted thousands of families and over 50 small and micro businesses that relied on the beach for their livelihood. The once-thriving resort, a hub of activity and beauty, was silenced, leaving behind a trail of devastation and uncertainty.
Following the demolition, a post on X from Landmark Africa, the parent company of the beach, in reaction to the exercise, read, “What we built in six years was destroyed in six hours”, alluding to their investment believed to be around $200m that has been turned to ruins.
After the demolition, a visibly worried Onwuanibe, revealed in a press interview that about 70 per cent of the beach was destroyed by the government bulldozer, describing the action as “insensitive.”
According to him, “What is left of these businesses are the rubbles you can see (in video clips he captured while the demolition was going on). Those are people’s investments and means of livelihood reduced to mere rubbles; so many jobs have been lost and many Nigerian families are in for it,” Onwuanibe said.
FG’S JUSTIFICATION
Justifying the Federal Government’s action, The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi stated that Landmark Africa has no claim to the 250-metre shoreline, which is part of the Right-of-Way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway being built by the Federal Government.
He stated this during the demolition of properties at the beachfront of the Landmark Resort, where he accused the owners of the properties of playing politics and pandering to public sentiments.
Sen. Umahi stated that the Federal Government made efforts to spare the properties of the company, noting that the core of the facility was spared.
According to him, “No claim for
Landmark, He has no claim. We spared his entire infrastructure; we don’t pay for shanties. The shanties are on our Right-of-Way which is 250 meters from the shoreline. So, he has no claim.
“We made all the efforts to spare his entire infrastructure and that is why I say he is a politician while I’m an engineer. I don’t know the attention he is seeking.”
IMPACT ON SURROUNDING SMALLSCALE BUSINESSES
Weeks after the demolition of Landmark Beach Resort, THISDAY embarked on a fact-finding mission to assess the impact on small businesses within the Landmark ecosystem.
Our investigation aimed to gauge the resilience and adaptability of these petty enterprises as they navigate the challenges arising from the sudden loss of their operating environment.
Speaking to a petty trader opposite Landmark, Mr Haadu Hassan, he said: “It affected us because the majority, if not all, of our customers are visitors to Landmark. They are the ones that used to buy our product and everything but now a majority of Landmark customers are gone. So we are just managing ourselves with little patronage. Before,
I used to sell like eight to 12 cartons of biscuits a day, alongside other products. But with the incident, I struggle to sell two cartoons per day.”
A food vendor, Mrs Cecelia Ogar lamented, “I sell Eba, Fufu and Rice just outside the Landmark. Before I used to cook and sell about 2 paints of rice and beans respectively daily. But now, I cook and sell only one device for rice and half the paint of beans.”
A former receptionist at Landmark Beach & Resort, Mr. Mobolaji Saheed, said he now charges phones for people and sells recharge cards by the side. He said: “ Formerly, I worked as a receptionist at the Landmark Beach and Resort, till the demolition happened which eventually led to me losing my job. To be candid, it hasn’t been fair and easy at all. I prefer working at Landmark to staying here. This is my business. I stay here by myself. Life has not been easy. Although having the freedom to be your business manager is fine before you get things gathered up, you would go through a lot.”
Another food vendor, Abasiama Utomi said the demolition affected her business so much, adding that “I am not happy with what happened to Landmark because my business so much depended on people patronising
Landmark. I don’t cook like I normally do before again. Before I cooked one paint of rice and some swallow but now I manage to cook a derica because there is no more patronage. In no time, I will be shutting down this business and returning to my village because there is nothing again for me here”.
Ms. Aisha Adeyanju, another food vendor said: “This business belongs to my mother, but I help her to run it. The Landmark incident has affected it so badly. Before we used to cook two paint rubbers of beans but now, we cook just one.”
Corroborating, a drink vendor, Mrs Biola Balogun added, “I sell drinks and food opposite Landmark. The demolition affected all of us; before now, when they had events on Saturdays and Sundays, traders were usually very happy. Now, there is nothing like that. Formerly, I could move my wares towards the roadside from my shop here because sales move faster by the roadside but now there is nothing like that. All these have made us know that the beach is no longer here.
“Now, only the rich are enjoying it. The poor have been left behind. May God help us. If for instance, we were making sales of N30,000, it’s now N15,000. On weekends, we make a lot of sales with the beach here but like this past Saturday, I went to sleep. When the beach was still here
Before and After Picture of Landmark Beach
and functioning, on some Sundays, you wouldn’t want to go home. Some of us just stay here for the weekend especially when there are shows because we know we would make sales but there is nothing like that anymore. Last weekend, I went to sleep, because there was no market.”
Qudus Alade, an automobile mechanic said demolition affected him because some people who came to Landmark also brought their cars. I had a lot of customers that I got to know through Landmark. Like this car that I am working on, the owner wants to use it to be a dropping boat, but because of the incident, the owner has not returned for it, because the business he wanted to be using it for is now gone.
“Since the incident, my business has been slow. At weekends, people that their car got faulty while attending events at Landmark would call on me to help fix it, but that has stopped. Before, I could work on 10 to 15 cars in a week, but now we manage to see four customers in a week. The difference is clear.”
A vulcaniser, Mr. Idowu Alex-John said: “This Landmark incident affected everyone outside here. You know, we depend on Landmark customers to survive. Their customers come here to fix their bad tyres, and that is what my business survives on. But as they have scattered Landmark, everything has reduced. We don’t get patronage as we used to anymore.
A POS operator, Ms. Peace Christopher said: “I am a POS Operator. They demolished where I work inside Landmark, Watercraft. The POS is not my own business. I am helping somebody. I don’t have a job for now. When I was working there, there was a whole lot of difference because I was more comfortable there than here. Most of my former colleagues are still jobless. I am jobless too. I’m not being paid here as I work for my brother.”
THE TRAILING CONTROVERSIES, REVERSAL TO ORIGINAL ALIGNMENT
The over 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has generated heated debates over its cost, possibility of completion, and the destruction of properties and businesses along its Right-of-Way.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described it as a white elephant project and called on the Federal Government to use the funds to repair abandoned projects littered across the country.
Also, former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has described the project as fraudulent considering the cost and funding model.
Some critics have also alleged that the project has an unpopular ethnic dimension, suggesting that it was initiated to target Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark Group, due to his perceived political leanings.
Recent comments by Senator Umahi suggesting that the government has reverted to the original gazetted plan for the road have also sparked speculation that the project’s initiation may have indeed been motivated by political retribution.
At a meeting between the government and community stakeholders on Thursday, May 23, the Minister for Works, Sen. Umahi, said the government had decided to revert
to the old gazetted plan for the road in favour of historic homes and submarine cables.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have our proposal here and we have the old alignment, the gazetted alignment,”
Umahi said. To the glory of God, to solve MTN, 2Africa and Okun Ajah community (complaints), we are diverting completely from the new alignment and we are rejoining back to our new alignment at kilometre 25.”
To put things into perspective, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is currently financing the 47-kilometre pilot phase of the ambitious 700-kilometre coastal road project, which will span across nine coastal states.
However, the project has already sparked widespread concern, resulting in the loss of lives and displacement of numerous individuals.
While the recent announcement has brought respite to some affected parties, particularly the residents of the Okun Ajah community, many Nigerians remain baffled as to whether the demolition of multiple structures, including a portion of the beachfront at Landmark Beach, was indeed necessary in the first place and whether it remains relevant to the road project.
According to the minister’s statement, the reversion to the old alignment will only impact a specific section of the project, spanning from kilometres 16 to 25 of the currently funded 47-kilometre stretch.
This means that the initial 15
kilometres, which include the location of Landmark Resort, will proceed according to the new alignment. When construction reaches kilometres 16 to 25, where sensitive undersea cables and ancestral lands are situated, the road will be rerouted to follow the original alignment.
This adjustment will result in the government utilizing 9 kilometres of the old design and 38 kilometres of the new design for the first 47 kilometres of the coastal highway.
Notably, this reversion does not retroactively render the demolition of Landmark Resort unnecessary.
Additionally, THISDAY understands that the Okun Ajah community has a long-standing tradition of burying their revered traditional leaders, known as Olumegbon, in the area. Had the new plans not been revised, there was a high likelihood that the remains of past Olumegbon and other historically significant sites would have been disturbed, unsettling the resting places of the deceased.
As it currently stands, numerous communities will still face the loss of their properties and livelihoods as the construction progresses. Already, tens of properties have been demolished in communities such as Magbon, Iberekodo, and Eleko, among others, leaving property owners uncertain about when they will receive compensation and how much they will receive. This uncertainty only adds to the distress and disruption caused by the project.
FG PAYS N2.75BN IN COMPENSATION
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the Federal Government on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, paid N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway spanning from channel 0 to channel 3.
According to him, “To show sympathy for people who voted for Mr President, we would do everything possible to pay the human face compensation. Today, we are paying over N2bn in compensation just from channel 0 to channel 3.
Umahi noted that the compensation being done was a flag-off for 10 people, directing that the rest of those to be compensated should go to the Secretariat of the Compensation Committee for payment. He added, “All tenCoastalants within the Landmark premises, today, have all been shortlisted and they will get the alerts by 2:00 pm. Most of them are here and that closes the politics of Landmark.”
The first phase of the compensation flag-off included 10 property owners, which were: Olaotan Olamuyiwa of Checkmate; Kemi Osinibi of Landmark Kids Club by Maxtivity; Mide Adegbite, Peter Oladipupo of FX Lounge; Bukola Oloko, Abiodun Oguntunde of Xchange Lagos; Dapo Oniru of Moist Beach; Mustapha Olatunji of G12 Beach; Dr Bashir Oshodi, and Bestrock.
The Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, noted that the aforementioned property owners were the first 10 to be compensated, adding that subsequently, other compensations would ensue.
However, the management of Landmark Beach said it is seeking compensation from the Federal Government over the demolition of its properties estimated at N42 billion.
In a statement signed by the management of Landmark Group, the company noted that the demolished properties included supporting buildings and infrastructure to the Landmark ecosystem.
The statement also disclosed that the demolition resulted in the loss of nearly half of the company’s revenue.
It also highlighted that they are actively pursuing appropriate compensation from the Federal Government. This marks the first time the resort centre has quantified the financial sum of its demolished properties in a public statement since its demolition in April.
“We are currently picking up the pieces following the demolition of almost N42 billion worth of supporting infrastructure and buildings, and the loss of nearly half our Company revenue.
“We are focused on working with the Government to receive adequate compensation required to jumpstart the rest of the once thriving Landmark part of the Landmark Ecosystem and a new family-centric beach in a different waterfront location.
“This will help to preserve the sustenance of the thousands of families whose livelihoods have been threatened by the demolition as well as recreate a platform for many of the small and micro businesses that were incubated on the Landmark Beach and adjoining beach resorts that were recently demolished,” the statement read in part.
Affected Auto-mechanic Mr. Qudus Alade
Affected Petty Trader, Mr Haadu Hassan
A food vendor’s shed opposite Landmark Beach and Resort
Affected Food Vendor, Ms. Aisha Akintayo
Affected Point of Sale Operator (POS), Ms. Precious Christopher
PSHAN AND WHO MOA SIGNING...
L-R: Director, Policy, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Dr Anne Adah-Ogoh; Founder, Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Dr. Kemi Dasilva-Ibru; MD/CEO, PSHAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe; Chairman, Access Holdings and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; WHO Nigeria Representative and Head of Mission, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo; Executive Vice-Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede; Deputy Director, National Health Insurance Authority, Aisha Haruna; Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya; and Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Lagos, Weert Borner, at the PSHAN X WHO Project Collaboration Signing Ceremony in Lagos….. recently
Pat Utomi Tasks Presidency on Evidence of His Alleged Involvement in Planned Protest
Obi’s supporters tackle Onanuga over arrest
Chuks Okocha and Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
Professor Pat Utomi has challenged Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to substantiate his claims that the renowned professor of political economy is one of those sponsoring a planned nationwide protest.
Supporters of the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, also yesterday, dismissed as divisive and reckless allegations by Onanuga about an alleged plot by Obi and his followers to cause mayhem in the country.
Onanuga had on Saturday accused Obi and his supporters, including Utomi, of masterminding the planned protests.
Utomi, in a post on his verified X handle, expressed disappointment in Onanuga over the unsubstantiated allegation and challenged him
to provide proof of his alleged involvement.
The renowned management expert said he was unaware of the protest until recently when he called a civil servant in Abuja, with respect to a project, who then advised him to be cautious of potential flight disruptions due to the demonstrations.
Utomi said he had for some months been in Washington D.C., where he was engaged in intensive fellowship and working on a book project. He said he used to think Onanuga was a journalist of some standing until he began to receive calls about the accusation in connection with the protest planned for August.
Utomi wrote, “Esteem just collapsed before me. I used to think Bayo Onanuga was a journalist of some standing until I began to receive calls this morning about his accusing me of planning demonstrations for August.
Residents of Makurdi Lament as Flood Sacks Many Settlements
A three-day heavy downpour has wreaked havoc in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, flooding over a thousand house. The flood destroyed houses, roads and farms in the areas affected.
The areas badly affected include the media village Achusa, Jerome Hwande Street, Ankpa Quarters extension, Ankpa Ward by Demekpe, Living Faith Church, Naka Road, behind Customary Court of Appeal, opposite first gate Benue State University, Gboko Road, Federal University of Agriculture Road North-bank Makurdi and behind Modern Market.
Other areas affected include, Wurukum Roundabout, Logo1 Akpehe Vilage, Ide Village, opposite zone 4 Police Headquarters and Kasho Village along Otukpo, Makurdi.
A resident of Achusa Community, Mr. Henry Iorkase, lamented the devastating effect of the flood.
He said the flood has destroyed properties in the settlement and asked government to come to the aide of the residents by opening up the drainages and access roads.
Another resident of Kighir Community, along Naka Road Makurdi, Mr. Benjamin Apaa, disclosed that the devastation
caused by the rain is unimaginable, maintaining that it would take the affected households time to recover from the damage done by the rain.
He urged government at all levels as well as good spirited individuals and corporate organisations to come to the aid of the affected people.
He said the rain started at about 8pm on Thursday and continued throughout Friday, till Saturday afternoon.
“We have suffered heavy damage. Our foodstuffs have been destroyed, many fences brought down by the terrestrial rain. My house has been taken over by water,” he lamented.
Another victim, Honourable Mercy Ameh, said that some of the affected residents had begun moving out of the affected areas.
She maintained that the 1.5 km drainage constructed and commissioned by the federal government could not help as the channel was not properly constructed to empty water into the canal.
According to Ameh, “We thought that the drainage system would help, but it further worsened the situation.
We are calling on government to come to our aid because as it is now, we don’t know what will happen next.
“I have been resident in Washington D.C. and occupied by an intense Fellowship for months with additional work on a book project such that I did not even know demonstrations were being planned until I called a senior civil servant in Abuja.”
Utomi, however, stressed his support for citizens’ right to protest, in spite of his lack of involvement in the planning, even as he stated that the accusation by Onanuga
might be a deliberate falsehood to justify a sinister plan.
He said, “This morning, when I heard about Onanuga’s comment, my inclination was to ignore it. But another caller suggested it could be deliberate falsehood to rationalise a sinister plan.”
Utomi challenged Onanuga saying, “I would like Mr. Onanuga to present any evidence to justify his comment.”
A statement by National
Coordinator of the New Nigeria Now group, a Peter Obi supporters’ group, called on Tinubu to caution his media aide against use of threat and inflammatory language on respected and peaceful leaders and Nigerians.
The statement said, "It is crucial to reiterate that Mr. Peter Obi is, without a doubt, the most humble, tolerant, and peaceful politician in Nigeria today. His exceptional leadership qualities and
commitment to peaceful coexistence are exemplary.
“Even his greatest enemies and opposition parties can attest to his unshakable dedication to maintaining a high level of decorum and respect, even in the face of provocation.
"Despite being subjected to daily insults, character assassination, and name-calling by political attack dogs, Mr. Peter Obi consistently chooses to maintain issue-based politics."
Cocaine, Loud Consignments Hidden in Incense Candles, Ladies’ Wears Seized in Lagos
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted frantic bids by drug syndicates to smuggle consignments of cocaine and loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis concealed in incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves and ladies’ native wears - in and out of Nigeria - through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA and some courier firms in Lagos.
According to the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, a businessman, Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu was last Thursday arrested at his Horizon Court, Lekki, Lagos residence, after a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud weighing 20.3 kilogrammes hidden in packs of
chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker set, brought in from Canada on a British Airways flight was intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of MMIA, Lagos, during a joint examination of the cargo with men of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said a search of his home also led to the recovery of more exhibits including some drug paraphernalia, such as, weighing scale, and cannabis potency test kit, while four vaping machines were recovered from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki. A Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was also recovered from his house. the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA, last Friday, intercepted two jumbo bags going to Pakistan. The bags contained dried hibiscus
leaves, dried bitter leaves and other food items, which were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing 1.36 kilogrammes, and further investigations leading to the arrest of MMIA Lagos, NDLEA operatives attached to Terminal II, Departure Gate, last Thursday intercepted a male Beninese passenger, Orobi Adoubi travelling with a bag containing some female native dresses. The suspect was going to Dubai via Accra, Ghana on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airline.
He said a thorough search of the bag revealed eight parcels of Loud weighing 2.1 kilogrammes were concealed in the ladies’ native wears. The suspect claimed he was
given the consignment for a fee of N600,000 on successful delivery in Dubai.
Babafemi said not less than 4.5 kilogrammes of the same substance concealed inside the door panels and boot of an imported Toyota RAV 4 vehicle was on Sunday 14th July recovered from a container marked MSDU 5656394 from Canada during a 100% search of the container at Tincan port in Lagos. aHe revealed that two suspects: Dada Kole and Alaba Oladewusi have been arrested in connection with the seizure. Meanwhile, a 48-year-old one legged man, Amadu Garba was arrested by NDLEA operatives in his house at Yawuri town, Kebbi State with six bags of cannabis weighing 67 kilogrammes Tuesday 16th July.
INC Explains Visit to PAP Boss, Says PND Criticism Malicious
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The apex body of Ijaws worldwide, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has explained a recent visit to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, by its President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba. INC frowned at the criticism elicited by the visit by a Niger Delta group, the Project Niger Delta (PND), saying their outburst was quite unfortunate, malicious and not in the best interest of the Ijaws.
Explaining to newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said contrary
to reports that the INC endorsed the PAP Boss, the visit to Otuaro, was not a private visit and neither did the apex Ijaw body endorse Otuaro. PND had faulted media reports credited to the Special Assistant on Media to PAP Administrator, Igoniko Oduma that the President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba commended and endorsed Dr. Denis Otuaro.
In the statement signed by Princewill Ebebi, Executive Director/Coordinator of Project Niger Delta, made available to newsmen on Saturday, the group stated that Prof. Okaba did not inform any of his EXCO members before going ahead to endorse Dr. Otuaro.
But Okaba, while reacting to the
statement by PND, said the visit to the PAP Boss in Abuja was not planned but a visit to an Ijaw brother by his Ijaw brothers, adding that it has no bearing to the incoming scheduled visit to the PAP office by the INC executives
Okaba said rather than trying to cause dissatisfaction among the ethnic nationality, those criticizing the visit should see the positives from the meeting as lots of developmental initiatives including the planned visit by the INC executives were discussed.
He said: "In fact, I even called the Publicity Secretary when I was with the amnesty boss. I called him that I'm here with the amnesty boss and
even spoke with him, but he is now masterminding the mischief because he did not follow me.
"We cannot keep this low because it is not good for the Ijaw image. It’s not also good for the amnesty boss.
"We didn't go there to endorse anybody; if there is any contention that is when you want to endorse. So, endorsement is way out of it.
"The visit was never planned, the amnesty engagement with the entire exco is still intact and will come up in a short while and the president did not go there to talk about himself and endorsement. There was no endorsement because there was no need for any endorsement.
George Okoh h in Makurdi
COURTESY VISIT...
L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Executive Director Keystone Bank Limited, Mrs. Nnenna Anyim Okoro, when Keystone Bank management team paid a courtesy visit to the OSGF in Abuja…recently
Police Officer, Two Gunmen, Three Civilians Killed in Aba Attack
As
troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, recover arms, bullets in Imo, Abia
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
It was a dark Sunday for residents of Aba, the commercial nerve center of Abia State as six persons, including a police officer were killed in a deadly attack on a police patrol.
The state police command confirmed the attack and the resultant casualties in a statement issued by the state police public relations officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka.
In another security related development, the High Command of the Nigerian Army, yesterday said, its troops deployed for counter terrorism operations in Abia State, successfully dislodged and destroyed a terrorist camp belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the Ezere Forest of Umuawa Aku, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Nigerian Army also noted that the major operation, which extended into Akawa Nnneato and Lomara communities in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State,
resulted in the capture of a GeneralPurpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and other assorted items.
According to the Abia State Police Command public relations officer Chinaka: "armed men" driving in ash-coloured Toyota Sienna vehicel had attacked a police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on patrol about 11.28am on Sunday along Ngwa Road in Aba.
"The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome," the police spokesperson said.
However, she stated that "during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralized, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries", adding that a police Inspector, Shehu Oyibo lost his life in the encounter.
Chinaka further stated that three civilians, including a teenage girl that were caught in the crossfire "were killed by bullets from the assailants".
According to her, the victims "were later identified as Chika Godliveth ‘m’, Onyenaturuchi
Jonah ‘m’ 32 years old, from Item, in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old, from Akwa Ibom State.
"Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums," the PPRO said.
She said that the situation has been brought under control and urged the public "to go about their lawful activities without fear, as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of life and property".
"Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station," she added.
Abia has since May witnessed increased attacks on security personnel mostly in Aba axis with all the three recorded attacks resulting in casualties.
The spate of deadly attacks started on May 30, 2024 when an army post was attacked by gunmen killing five troops at Obikabia junction in Obingwa Local
Government Area, close to Aba.
On June 28, 2024 gunmen launched another attack, this time, on police checkpoint at Opobo junction also in Obingwa Local Government Area within the greater Aba metropolis.
Meanwhile, a statement by Nigerian Army, yesterday, said troops acting on actionable intelligence regarding the harassment and intimidation of local residents by the terrorist elements, swiftly mobilized to neutralize the threat.
"On arrival, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce shootout, dislodging them from their camp.
Troops exploited their success as they gave the fleeing terrorists a hot pursuit, compelling them to abandon a significant cache of arms, including one GPMG, assorted rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two communication radios," the statement further revealed.
The NA said the operation underscores its undeterred commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, adding that troops will be decisive in dismantling any threat to ensure the safety of the communities.
House of Reps Committee Inspects Projects by NEDC in Bauchi
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
The House of Representatives Committee on North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has assured that it would facilitate more legislative actions that will strengthen the activities of the commission for effective service delivery.
The committee led by its chairman, Hon. Usman Zannah, stated this during an inspection visit to ongoing projects in Bauchi State, weekend, as part of its oversight functions.
Chairman of the committee who commended the commission for executing projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the residents in the state urged the federal government to continue to support the commission with funds that will enable it reach out to other states in the Northeast
region considering what the region had experienced due to activities of insurgents.
He urged the contractors working at the site of the projects to ensure that they abide with the terms and reference of the projects, stressing that in doing such, the projects will last a long time and the commission will have value for the funds expended in their execution.
While conducting committee members round some of the projects in Alkaleri and Kirfi Local Government Area, the Managing Director/CEO of NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, said that the commission was in the state to supervise how the work was progressing in order to ensure the projects were executed in line with the specifications and contractual agreements.
Mohammed Alkali also said that all the projects are very strategic to the growth and development of Bauchi State and its people assuring that the commission will do its best to ensure timely completion of all the projects.
Our correspondent reports that some of the projects inspected include the ongoing construction of the 53km Kirfi-Gombe Abba road linking Bauchi and Gombe State, reconstruction of three bridges at Kalajanga, Bara and Tashan Turmi Bridges along Bauchi to Gombe highway.
Other NEDC projects in Bauchi State include construction of Institute of Ophthalmology Complex in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, rehabilitation of Shira Healthcare - in Alkaleri LGA, completion of community healthcare center in Dagudi, Alkaleri
LGA, construction of surgical ward and equipping, rehabilitation/skills acquisition of National Obstetrics Center in Ningi. Additional projects include the construction and equipping of a triage (medical emergency complex) center at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, reconstruction of culverts and drainage along Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Construction of Kirfi-Gombe Abba Road – Kirfi Gombe, establishment of three new forestry nurseries with general silvicultural services through: drilling of solar powered boreholes, reticulation of water supply, chain-link fencing of borehole areas in each of the new nurseries in Yashi (Alkaleri LGA), Bogoro LGA, Bununu (Tafawa Balewa LGA) and Kafin Madaki (Ganjuwa LGA).
According to the statement, this significant operation serves as a testament to the army's dedication to protecting civilians and combating terrorism.
The NA concluded that the
successful operation has not only served to disrupt the activities of the terrorist group but also sends a strong message on the army's resolve to restore and maintain order in the affected areas.
Bauchi Malnutrition Cases: Medecins Sans Frontiers Raises Alarm
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
A medical humanitarian organisation, Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), has raised alarm over the increasing number of malnutrition cases in Bauchi State and how it is carrying out community-based solution to curb the menace.
The organisation also lamented that in Bauchi, 5,787 and 17,223 children were admitted in its ITFC and three local ambulatory therapeutic feeding centres (ATFCs), which support malnourished children before they need to be admitted to an in-patient hospital.
MSF added that between JanuaryJune 2024, the number of admissions was 127% and 123% higher than during the same period in 2023 respectively.
These statistics were disclosed by MSF Bauchi State Coordinator, Mrs. Rabi Adamou, yesterday, at an interactive session with journalists held at Bagari Hotel and Suites Conference Room, Bauchi.
According to her, “We are very concerned by the catastrophic increase in malnutrition admissions we have seen in Bauchi in the first half of 2024. Although there may be many factors compounding this increase in admissions, the numbers we are seeing are incredibly high."
She added that, "We are only just entering the peak season for malnutrition and our facilities are over capacity and having to expand.”
"MSF has been supporting the local health system in Bauchi State since 2012 by responding to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, and Lassa fever, providing medical care, training medical staff, and conducting health promotion activities amongst the
community.
MSF Coordinator said: "Since 2022, MSF has been responding to the huge numbers of children suffering from malnutrition and currently runs a 250-bed ITFC and an in-patient paediatric department (IPD) in Kafin Madaki General Hospital, just as it also operates in three ATFCs in Kafin Madaki, Kafin Liman and Miya primary healthcare centres.
"In addition, new communitylevel activities are planned. Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM/iCCM+), which aims to expand on the existing community approach and include the treatment of malnutrition at a community level. This will be piloted in eight villages in Miya, starting in mid-July.
MSF added malnutrition to the conventional iCCM activities which include malaria, diarrhoea, and malnutrition diagnosis to respond to the increasing number of admissions for malnutrition in the region.
According to Nathalie Avril, Nutrition Advisor MSF, “Given the multifaceted causes of malnutrition, it is imperative that the response is equally comprehensive and span multiple sectors. This includes not only treatment but also preventive measures and livelihood enhancements. Recognising the geographically widespread nature of the needs, the response must mirror this extent, ensuring a broad and multidisciplinary approach”.
The ‘Parent MUAC’ (mid upper arm circumference) activity will also be implemented in Bauchi State. This activity is to train the parents and caretakers of the children to use the MUAC at home, to monitor and detect malnutrition at early stage, before it develops into severe cases.
INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ...
Shaibu: I’m Fighting to Be Reinstated to Protect Deputy Governor’s Office in Nigeria
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, who recently defected to All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, said the fight against his impeachment was to protect the office of deputy governor in Nigeria.
Shaibu spoke to journalists after a thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Catholic Church, where he said his reinstatement by the court was an act of God. He said the office of the deputy. governor had been ridiculed by some governors since 1999.
from the airport. He stated that the officer was an orderly to the governorship candidate of APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The deputy governor said he wanted the federal government and the Inspector General of Police to investigate the killing of a policeman while on his way
Shaibu said regarding Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, “The governor said he will destroy me and that is why I decided that the office of the deputy governor of Edo State, I will fight to make sure that sanity and respect is
brought back to that office.
“All these I am doing is not to earn anything but to make sure that the sanity of the office of the deputy governor is restored in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What other deputies cannot fight, I will fight on their behalf so that governors will start respecting that office.”
HURIWA: FG Must Stop Criminalising Peaceful Rallies to Avoid Arbitrary Options
Chuks Okocha in Abuja Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked the federal government to stop the attempt by some presidency officials to criminalise peaceful protests and other civic actions advocating accountability, transparency and good governance.
HURIWA also condemned the unsubstantiated claims made against the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, by Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The rights group affirmed that the statement by Onanuga amounted to careless rumour mongering, which was overheating the public space unduly.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, asked Tinubu to call Onanuga to order and caution him to stop behaving and speaking like a fascist because it was only in fascism or totalitarianism that peaceful assembly by citizens was criminalised. Onwubiko stated, "Democracy thrives on hearing the positions
of all sides and any democracy that doesn't allow peaceful protest is sick.”
He described as unconstitutional and illegal the security services alert for the arrest and arbitrary detention of Mr. Junaidu ‘Abusalma’ Abdullahi, a Kano-based TikToker, for mobilising mass protests over the country’s widespread hunger.
HURIWA said it completely backed Amnesty International in demanding the immediate release of Mr Abdullahi, accusing the Nigerian government of punishing him for exercising his fundamental rights.
The statement said, “The
Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release social media activist Junaidu Abdullahi (Abusalma), who was imprisoned in Kano for posting a viral TikTok video calling for a peaceful protest against widespread hunger across the country. #FreeAbusalma.”
HURIWA said peaceful demonstrations were legitimate and legally recognised means of passing on a message from the citizens to the government on the way forward in framing and implementation of economic and socio-political policies that would culminate in the enthronement of good governance.
Court Orders INEC to Probe Cases of Electoral Violence against Govs in 2023 Polls
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to probe cases of electoral violence against some Nigerian governors and their deputies during the 2023 general election.
Delivering judgment in the suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, also ordered the electoral body to “identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors and ensure their effective prosecution.”
This was contained in a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
On his victory in court, Shaibu said, “I challenged God and I told Him that I want him to prove His power in my life, that people who are anti-God and anti-democracy are at it again and they want to use me as scapegoat. I told God to show to the world that I am truly His son.
“They said they will impeach me and I will go to court and that by the time judgement will come the tenure would have been over. I now challenged God to it, to prove to them that they have touched His anointed and that the judgement will come faster than expected, I said I will need the judgement to come before the election.
Medical
“By the grace of God, democracy has come to stay and we that fought for democracy will protect it. Anti-democratic forces must be flushed out and, by the grace of God, we will succeed.” Shaibu said ahead of the coming governorship election in the state, the youth should not allow themselves to be used for violence, but should vote to remove “anti-democratic people”. He stated, “This election is the time to change anti-democratic forces and you must do it through the ballot. Don’t engage in violence. I have been preaching this for the past year when the intimidation and harassment against me started.”
Tourism Abroad: CMD Tasks Wealthy Nigerians to Support Healthcare Delivery
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Yussuf Abdullah Dasliva, at the weekend called on the wealthy individuals in the country to continue to support the government at all levels in the efforts to improve healthcare delivery for the populace.
Dasliva however said that, such support would also reduce medical tourism overseas in the country.
processes.
"Thus, once donations are made to Government/Government establishments, such donations automatically become the responsibilities of government/ its establishments to manage, in accordance with the intended purposes, without any individual/ group of individuals wanting to take control of such donations or sharing the accruals; nor constituting any Board of Trustee (BOT) for government properties. Such acts are absolutely illegal and should not be contemplated".
Apart from electoral violence, the court wants INEC to investigate bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy that were believed to have taken place last year.
Justice Egwuatu also ordered INEC “to swiftly prosecute all arrested offenders in the 2023 general election in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other law enforcement agencies.
“The appointment of independent counsel to investigate cases of electoral violence and other electoral offences against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general election,” the court held.
“I have compassionately evaluated the depositions in the affidavit of SERAP and I have no reason not to believe the depositions more so when there is documentary evidence in support of the depositions,” Justice Egwuatu said.
“In the circumstances, therefore, I find merit in the application. The sole issue of whether this Court ought to grant the relief of judicial review and orders of mandamus is resolved in favour of SERAP. Accordingly, I grant the prayers sought.
Justice Egwuatu’s judgment, dated 18 July 2024, read in part: “Being citizens of this great country, SERAP and its members have the legal interest whose enjoyment or enforcement
directly or substantially depends on the performance of public duty by INEC.
“In requesting the performance of the public duty imposed on the electoral body, SERAP has demonstrated a great zeal of patriotism.
“The substance of SERAP’s grouse is the violence associated with elections in Nigeria which tends to prevent citizens from exercising their franchise during elections, thus preventing credible elections and in the long run credible leaders.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that electoral violence and the associated crimes committed during elections in Nigeria is a great bane to the development of this country both democratically and economically.”
Speaking in Ilorin during the official commissioning of multi billion naira the Batuli Ajiferuke Shagaya Burn Intensive Care Unit (BAS-BICU) building in the UITH, Prof. Yusuf, stated that, apart from this, it would also boost the quality of healthcare delivery in the country.
The facility was donated by Alhaji Sheriff Shagaya and he is the son of the wealthy woman, Alhaja Muina Shagaya.
He said that, "Let me reiterate that we should endeavour to delineate donations from PublicPrivate-Partnerships (PPP).
"Donations are usually made to support various government activities/functions in order to improve/expand services to the citizenry/humanity without any anticipatory accruals (personal/ groups).
"Whereas, PPP are aimed at accruals to parties involved, and are usually not done by fiats but through laid down rules/due
The CMD appreciated the donor, saying that the project would ensure provision of quality health care and attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to the populace.
The CMD, who solicited more donations (in whatever forms) to UITH, llorin, added that such donations would enable the hospital (with its abundant expertise) to continually improve and expand its quality healthcare provisions; and further contribute to reducing the tides of the increasing medical tourism overseas.
Earlier, the donor, Alhaji Shagaya said that, though, healthcare is a basic human right, but it is far from being equally accessible to all.
Alhaji Shagaya, thus, called on Nigerians to bridge gap in health care provisions and provide quality healthcare to those who need it most, since governments cannot shoulder the responsibility alone.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
L-R: Executive Secretary, East Africa Communications Organisation (EACO); Dr. Ally Simba; Permanent Secretary, African Telecommunications Regulatory Network (ARTAC), Otye Bernice; Executive Secretary, Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), Bridget Linzie; and Executive Secretary, West Africa Communications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), Aliyu Aboki, at the International Telecommunications Union’s Global Symposium for Regulators 2024 (ITU-GSR-4), which held in Kampala, Uganda…recently
LAFARGE ECO PLANET CEMENT LAUNCH...
L-R: Commercial Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Gbenga Onimowo; Hon. Commissioner for Works, Ebonyi State, Engr. Stanley Mbam; GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; and Mr. Special Adviser on Legal Matters and representative of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Osinachi Nnajieze, at the official launch of Nigeria’s first low-carbon multipurpose cement, ECOPlanet by Lafarge Africa Plc, held at the Carlton Swiss Hotel, Enugu…. recently
After Eight Years, High Court Clears Saraki’s Aides of Alleged N3.5bn Fraud
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has discharged Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola and Kolawole Shittu, both former aides to former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, of N3.5billion fraud.
Speaking with journalists after the ruling, Makanjuola, who was accused of fraud alongside two others, expressed relief and gratitude to God over the outcome of the suit filed against him.
“To God be the glory, I have been vindicated. It’s been a tough
journey for me for almost eight years, but at the end of the day, I just want to thank God for seeing me through,” Makanjuola said.
He praised the court’s decision, citing a recent Supreme Court judgement that deemed the funds in question to be a source of legitimate
and valid commercial transaction.
“The court confirmed that with the Supreme Court judgement, the criminal charges cannot proceed again, and that’s the end of it,” he said.
Makanjuola and Shittu were represented by Mr. Paul Erokoro
Military Dismantles Eight Illegal Refining Sites, Destroys Canoe with Stolen Crude Oil
Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said the Air Component of Operations Delta Safe in Niger Delta Area, uncovered and destroyed six canoes loaded with suspected stolen petroleum products, during a surveillance and interdiction mission within its area of responsibility.
This was as the President, Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj Gen Abdullahi Maikano, said Nigeria had all it would take to host the Africa Military Games Abuja (AMGA).
This, he stressed, came with some benefits especially to the event managers, transport companies, hotels and other vendors.
The NAF also revealed that
flying overhead Obenibokiri, a settlement about 15 Km away from Port Harcourt, the crew spotted and destroyed eight active illegal refining sites with overhead tanks and one with over 300 piled up sacks containing suspected stolen oil products.
A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the air operations against the activities of oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta and in support of ground forces would continue across the region.
Gabkwet tasked law abiding citizens to key into the efforts of security agencies to deter the activities of economic saboteurs, adding, it would go a long way in checkmating their activities.
Narrating the effort that led to the destruction of the canoes and illegal refining sites, in line with the renewed efforts geared towards reducing to the barest minimum, the activities of crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta region, Gabkwet said the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, on 18 July 2024 carried out reconnaissance missions along Kolo Creek trunkline and Soku Sambarth lines in Rivers State.
"At the start point of Kolo Creek trunkline, the crew scanned the Right of Way of the pipeline with no sign of breach observed. Midway along the line, a leak was observed with some persons suspected to be staff of
an oil company attempting to fix the leakage.
“Extending the patrol towards the end of the line revealed no sign of illegal activities. Thereafter, the aircraft proceeded to SokuSambarth, identified Soku Gas station, and carried out further scan of the general environment with no sign of illegal activities observed".
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said, it was set to promote greater cooperation amongst African members of the armed forces through sporting activities.
The Chairman Local Organizing Committee of the 2nd Africa Military Games (AMGA), Abuja 2024, AVM) Abidemi Marquis, said this during a press conference in Abuja.
(SAN) and Mr. Ojukwu (SAN), respectively, who led other lawyers.
The third defendant was represented by Mr. Wale Adewumi Esq and his colleagues.
In 2018, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had arraigned Makanjuola and three others before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on charges bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and payment of funds without going through financial institutions.
During their arraignment, the EFCC lawyer, Mr. Iheanacho, alleged that the defendants, including Melrose General Services Limited and Robert Chidozie Mbonu (now at large), conspired to disguise the origin of N3.5 billion paid into Melrose General Services Limited’s Access Bank account in December 2016.
Iheanacho further alleged that Melrose General Services, Obiora Amobi, the operation manager, made a cash payment of N300 million to Robert Mbonu from the N3.5 billion without going through a financial institution.
Additionally, it was alleged that Makanjuola, Saraki’s Deputy Chief of Staff at the time, and Kolawole Shittu, a cashier in the Senate President’s office, made cash
payments of $500,000 without using a financial institution in December 2016.
The EFCC claimed that the offences violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and were punishable under the same Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N250m each with two sureties.
The defendants in 2020 challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the criminal charges, same being an invalid charge which violated the principles of law. The court, having listened to arguments of both parties, struck out the case based on an invalid and improper charges.
However, in January, 2021, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), re-filed the criminal charges against the defendants at Federal High Court, Abuja.
In May 2024, they were rearraigned before Hon. Justice P.O. Lifu after the third amended charges bordering on conspiracy, accepting cash payments beyond the threshold and stealing.
The defendants, again, pleaded not guilty, and their counsel made applications for bail, which were granted.
Gov Kefas Lauds 6 Brigade, Police for Tackling Insecurity
From Wole Ayodele in Jalingo
Taraba State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has commended the Commander, 6 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa and commanders of other security agencies in the state for their giant strides in tackling insecurity in the state.
Speaking in Jalingo on Sunday during the official decoration of newly promoted officers of 6 Brigade, Kefas lauded Gen. Uwa and all the officers and soldiers of the brigade for their unrelenting efforts in curbing the activities of criminals in the state, particularly
kidnappers, armed robbers and others criminals.
The governor, represented on the occasion by the State's Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, noted that efforts of the brigade commander has afforded farmers across the 16 local government areas of the state to return to their farms which they earlier abandoned due to insecurity.
According to him: "I must commend the Commander, 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa and his officers and soldiers
in Taraba
as well as other security agencies in the state for their giant strides in tackling insecurity in our dear state.
"They have really succeeded in curbing the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of criminality which has afforded farmers across the state to return to their farms which some of them abandoned more than 2 years ago."
Commending the newly promoted officers, the governor stated that their promotion was a testament to their dedication to duty, hard work and diligence just as he enjoined them to continue
to maintain high professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
Decorating the officers, Captain Olubodunde Oni who is the Brigade's Public Relations Officer and Captain Chinedu Nsiegbunam, Brig. Gen Uwa noted that the 2 officers earned their elevation due to their dedication and commitment to duty.
He urged the officers, whom he stressed have assisted him in achieving his mission and vision for the brigade to be wary of banana peels they're likely to encounter as they progress in their career.
Max Air Aircraft Disabled after Losing 4 Tyres While Taxiing to Take Off
Chinedu Eze
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that Abuja-bound Max Air flight from Yola with about 119 passengers became disabled when it lost its four tyres while taxiing to take off yesterday evening.
NSIB disclosed that the aircraft lost two tyres first while taxiing to take off, the pilot realising the incident aborted the flight and while returning to base the aircraft lost the second set of two tyres, thus disabling the aircraft.
In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the agency said a loud bang was heard during the incident.
“This evening, Max Air's flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and 6 crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja.
“During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres. Initially, two tyres burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A go-team, led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr., will visit the incident site tomorrow (today) morning to conduct an investigation,” it added.
INVESTITURE CEREMONY OF SITU AS THE 57TH PRESIDENT...
LP NTC Warns Abure against Conducting Congresses, Says He Risks Going to Jail
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The National Transition Committee of the Labour Party, has warned former national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, not to risk jail terms by respecting court’s judgement regarding the expiration of his tenure.
The LP-NTC leadership said the court judgement disqualified Abure-led NWC from organising legitimate elections within the party.
Consequently, the LP-NTC urged the general public, especially members of the
Labour Party throughout Nigeria, to avoid any risk that could jeopardise their political careers by dissociating themselves from sudden unconstitutional wards, local government, and state congresses being conducted by Abure and others.
A statement by Chairman of
the LP-NTC, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Omar, asserted that any ward, local government, and state elections conducted in all the states of the federation by the Abure-led NWC – particularly in states like Anambra, Imo, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Ondo, Kaduna, and Adamawa—
Labour Accepted N70,000 Minimum Wage to Avert More Fuel Price Hike, Says Ajaero
More revelations have emerged on how the organised labour agreed to the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, said organised labour had to back down on its demand for a N250,000 minimum wage for workers in order to prevent the federal government from further increasing the pump price of petrol.
Speaking on the BBC Pidgin
English programme, Ajaero said the government gave the unions a condition that for it to agree to pay N250,000 as minimum wage, Nigerians should be ready for another hike in the price fuel.
"The reason we accepted the N70,000 was that the federal government told us that if they meet our demand of N250,000, they will be compelled to increase the price of fuel in the country.
"But because we know that if government is allowed to increase the price fuel further, it will cause more suffering for Nigerians.
“As labour, we don't want Nigerian people to suffer more because of the high cost petroleum products, that was why we decided to accept that position so that Nigerians will not be made to suffer.”
Ajaero said the organised labour reasoned that even if the government approved the N250,000 as minimum wage because of the hike in petrol price, the workers would not benefit from the exercise.
He said the effort by Labour to get government to reverse
the hike in electricity tariff did not yield expected result as the Distribution companies (DISCOs) had surreptitiously gone ahead to further raise the tariff.
Ajaero said the NLC had written to the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the issue, adding it was taking its time in order to pursue many things at a time.
He also said that the labour movement has started mobilising for effective implementation of the new minimum wage when it is eventually signed into law.
IG Denies Involvement in Alleged Land Dispute, Dismisses Rumoured Rift With EFCC
Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has denied involvement in the alleged land dispute involving Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family, insisting that the Nigerian Police Force is a professional and disciplined organisation.
A statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police Force noted with amusement the recent allegations made against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in connection with a land dispute involving one Ms. Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu and the Yesufu family.
Adejobi said the police finds it necessary to address these
unfounded claims and provide clarity on the matter, more so that the claims painted the police as an irresponsible, meddlesome, and lawless agency. He recalled that the AIT in their publication of 10th July, 2024, titled 'Yesufu Family Seeks Justice as Police Authorities Fail to Investigate Bilikisu Ishaqu', distorted the facts in the case in question and thus misled the public.
"It is important to emphasize that the IGP shouldn't be dragged into civil matters such as this land dispute. The NPF’s role is primarily to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. The police only intervene in disputes when there are clear criminal elements involved.
"Similarly, the assertion that the police are at odds with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unfounded, laughable, and without merit,"
Adejobi said.
He added that the NPF maintains a cooperative and professional relationship with the EFCC, and there are no conflicts between the two agencies on this extant case or any other matter whatsoever.
According to him, any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension between both agencies.
Adejobi noted that if the parties involved in the dispute in question feel aggrieved and require the intervention
of the IGP, there are proper channels to follow, instead of resorting to media blackmail and attempting to malign the IGP’s reputation or ridiculing the police institution.
Advising the concerned parties to make an official contact through the appropriate channels, Adejobi said the NPF is always open to addressing legitimate concerns and providing assistance where necessary, provided the correct procedures are followed. He urged the public to disregard these unfounded claims in the media and continue to seek intervention from the police on issues capable of triggering crisis and violence, as the force is committed to promoting peace, unity and progress in Nigeria
remained null and void in the eyes of the law.
The LP-NTC further pointed out that the ward, local government areas, and state congresses allegedly being organided in several states by the Julius Abure-led NWC would be futile, as Abure had lost the authority to organise further legitimate elections for the Labour Party.
The Party stressed that such efforts would only be a waste of funds and human resources.
It warned that any elections organised by Abure were illegal and represented another scheme to extract money from innocent, misinformed members of the Labour Party and the general public.
“The reported congress venture by Barr Abure and l others are also acts of blatant disobedience to an irrevocable court judgment of the Abuja Federal High Court delivered on March 20, 2018, by Honourable Justice Gabriel Kolawole,” he said.
Navy, NIMASA Clash over Proposed Senate Law on Maritime Security
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
There was a disagreement between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) over the weekend during a public hearing over the proposed law on Maritime security by the Senate .
The Senate had in a bid to strengthen maritime security, drafted a bill to repeal and amend the NIMASA Act of 2007.
The bill, when passed into law , would empower NIMASA to impose fines on maritime security offenders without taking them to court .
The Public Hearing on the bill was organised by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola , commended the Senate for coming up with the proposed legislation which according to him, was in line with international best practices . He said, "The proposed amendments would empower us at NIMASA to impose fines on offenders without needing court actions, thus streamlining enforcement processes which are clearly in line with international best practices.
However, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel
Ogalla, in his speech on the occasion, as recorded by the Senate panel, raised concerns on behalf of the Nigerian Navy. The Naval Chief supported some of the proposed amendments but noted that a section of the proposed law mandating NIMASA to provide security could lead to conflicts on responsibilities between NIMASA and the Navy. He said: "Maritime security is largely ensured by the Nigerian Navy while other relevant agencies like NIMASA , complement.
"Therefore as observed in a section of the proposed amendment , given Maritime security to NIMASA is wrong because the Nigerian Navy fundamentally defends the territorial water space of Nigeria," he said . The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun ( APC Lagos Central), said the proposed amendments, were not targeted at Nigerian Navy's fundamental mandate of territorial water protection but empower NIMASA to be more effective on its own mandate . "The proposed amendments to the NIMASA Act, aim to bolster Nigeria's maritime security framework, ensuring safer and more efficient maritime operations in the country", he said .
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
L-R: Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, Emeka Ibe; Past President, Muyiwa Fagbola; Past President, Adeniyi Adelaja; Irresistible President of Rotary Club of Ikeja, Kayode Situ; Past President, Gbenga Badejo; and the Doyen of all the Districts in Nigeria, Past District Governor, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at the recent investiture ceremony of Situ as the 57th President of the club...in Lagos.
REWARD FOR INNOVATION…
L-R : Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority(NSIA), Kolawole Owodunni; Learning and Development Manager, Kunda Kids, Cynthia Emenike Chimereze; Managing Director/CEO, NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq; Co-Founder/ CEO, Sycamore and winner, NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0), Babatunde Akin-Moses; Honourable Commissioner, Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake; Co-Founder/CEO, PaveHQ, Lanre Ogundipe , and Managing Partner, Verod Capital Management, Danladi Verheijen, at the NPI Demo Day in Lagos…recently
Kwara Community Raises the Alarm over Banditry, Kidnappings
Hammed ShittuinIlorin
The National President, Isolo Opin Development Association in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, Mr. Joseph Alaba Kumuyi, at the weekend raised the alarm over the incessant banditry and kidnapping attacks on the people of the town by suspected gunmen. Kumuyi, therefore, said that the development has led to the fleeing of many farmers in the town
‘Yoruba
from their farms adding that it is high time the federal government deployed more armed security agents to the community in order not to hinder food production in the country.
He disclosed this at Isolo Opin town during the official inauguration of the two Area Command buildings donated by the community to Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDS) as effort to upgrading their facilities
Festivals are Not Fetish’
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Queen Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, yesterday disclosed that Yoruba festivals are not fetish as people perceived them, adding that they are a means of honouring great people.
The queen made the disclosure at the grand finale of the two-day Ayan Agalu festival by the House of Oduduwa in collaboration with Aafin Ilu and the Queen Moremi Initiative.
Ogunwusi at the event, which was held at the Ojaja Resort in Ile-Ife, Osun State, noted that the festival was aimed at celebrating Ayan Agalu, the deity of the talking drum.
She said: “His Majesty, Ooni of Ile-ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is trying so hard by making sure that these
festivals portray in a way that, because a lot of people perceive our festivals as fetish, they are not fetish; we are just honouring those who did the great things.”
“Our Orishas are human beings who did exceptional things. And we remember them when we celebrate them; when we do festivals, it’s just to honour them. We don’t worship them, but we remember them and their great deeds.”
“The exceptional things that they did were when they were alive.”
“Ayan Agalu Festival was the patron deity of drumming, especially the talking drum. So we’re here to celebrate the rhythm. The beats of drumming remind us of our ancestors, who worked so hard to ensure that our culture doesn’t go into extinction.
Sycamore Emerges Winner of NSIA Innovation Prize
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has announced Sycamore as the winner of the second edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0). This followed an assessment of pitches from 10 innovators to an expert panel of judges drawn from the business and technology ecosystem. The evaluation was based on key metrics including market potential, team composition, traction and competitiveness of the solution proposed.
Sycamore, led by Babatunde Akin-Moses is a peer-to-peer lending fintech platform which leverages technology to connect lenders and borrowers. Founded in 2019, Sycamore primarily exists to empower African businesses and propel economic growth by bridging the credit gap with technology. Sycamore won a combined prize value of $100,000. Kunda Kids, followed closely at the second position with a combined prize value of US$70,000. KundaKids is an edtech media company focused on providing well illustrated
engaging African inspired digital content to children, parents and libraries globally. PaveHQ, a learning and career ecosystem that support students to achieve a successful career came third with a total combined prize value of $50,000, bringing total combined prize value to $220,000.
Commenting on the NPI, Managing Director & Chief Executive of NSIA, Aminu UmarSadiq, said: “The NSIA Prize for Innovation was conceptualised in recognition of the pivotal role that technology plays to shape positive socio-economic outcomes, strengthen multiple sectors, significantly expand opportunities across multiple sectors and re-position homegrown talent for global relevance. Now in its second year, it has so far received commendable attention from the tech ecosystem as the registration of credible start-ups across Nigeria to join the programme has grown from 2,000 to over 7,000 entries within the current year.”
in the area.
Kumuyi stated that the incessant attacks on the community by these gunmen had also led to the kidnapping of many residents of the
town while some have been killed for their inability to provide ransom payments in the recent times.
He said: “Without secured environment, there can’t be
development, so that’s why we spent so much to provide the buildings for the use of NSCDS Area Command.
“We have suffered so much
in the hands of kidnappers and bandits as they frequently attack us. It wasn’t like this before. About two weeks ago, one Fulani man was kidnapped and killed.
Nigerian Passengers Protest Alleged Maltreatment by Qatar Airways
Chinedu Eze
Nigerian passengers have called for the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in an alleged maltreated meted to them by the Middle East carrier, Qatar Airways.
The passengers, who were 12
in number, narrated how they boarded Qatar Airways flight from London to Port Harcourt en-route Doha on July 13, 2024, but on arrival to Nigeria, they were routed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, instead of Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
The passengers narrated that the flight landed in Lagos at about 9:00 a.m but the airline management in Lagos told them that instead of taking them to Port Harcourt with Qatar Airways flight, they would now use domestic airline to the Rivers state capital and the schedule for the flight was 18:30 (6:30 pm, Nigerian time). They alleged that the airline breached the agreement to fly them directly to Port Harcourt, which is contrary to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and that they were dumped at the Lagos airport, where they waited for nine hours before the local fight that would take them to Port Harcourt took off.
Rivers to Modernise Public Boarding Schools
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Government has expressed plan to modernise public boarding schools in the state, especially graduating students with high discipline and character excellence.
The Commissioner for
Education in the state, Ovy Chukwuma, stated this at the 2024 graduation and passing out parade at the Navy secondary School in Borokiri, Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner said the government would model the state boarding schools along the system by the Navy college. Appreciating the model of the Navy college, Chukwuma said: “We want this to happen in boarding schools in the state. We see it will help improve results in our schools. I wish all Nigerian children pass through this level of discipline and grooming. This is the right foundation of any nation, a college system that drills the students into high discipline, character, and best practices of doing things. I am happy this school is in Rivers State. It is very neat and wellordered with neat compound.”
Army Reaffirms Ban on Unauthorised Use of Military Camouflage
The Nigerian Army (NA) has reiterated that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage remains in full effect.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement yesterday while
reacting to a video depicting a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing Army Desert Camouflage uniform.
Nwachukwu said the video footage was a stale audio-visual being circulated by individuals with malicious intent to create tension between the military
and the civilian populace.
He said that only personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force were legally permitted to wear military camouflage.
Nwachukwu said the regulation became expedient as terrorists, insurgents, and other imposters had exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes, thereby posing significant security threat. “The Nigerian army remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
Northern Youths Urge Ndume to Help Fight Insurgency
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Northern Ethnic Youth Assembly (NEYA) has urged Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, to help in addressing the issue of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east.
The group also pleaded with the former Senate Chief Whip to use his wealth of experience as an accomplished lawmaker to fight for good governance in the country.
NEYA, in a statement yesterday, also pleaded with Ndume to collaborate with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration which is making frantic efforts to fix the nation and make it to function again.
The statement was signed by the Spokesperson for the group, Mallam Ibrahim DanMusa and made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday. NEYA said: “Senator Ndume should please work with the federal and the state governments in the North East to find a lasting solution to the insurgency.”
Yusuf: Kano Ready to Conduct Local Govt Elections
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, has said that preparations are under way to conduct elections at the grassroots, involving 44 local government councils and 484 wards in the state.
The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson,
Sanusi Bature, dropped the hint during a stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano.
Yusuf revealed all the plans to conduct the council poll in compliance with Judgment of Supreme Court that affirmed financial autonomy to the third tier of government. He registered his unwavering respect to the rule of law and commitment to financial prudency, accountability and transparency in governance at all tiers.
Yusuf assured the people free, fair and credible local government elections, urging opposition parties to try their luck as his government will not interfere with the electoral process. He said: “Our administration has allowed the previous LG Executive Councils in the 44 LGAs to finish their tenure despite pressure from within, this is out of respect we have for the rule of law.”
RT Briscoe Launches Money Market Fund
Sunday Okobi
RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc has launched the R.T. Briscoe Savings and Investment Fund, following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In a statement, it was noted that the milestone marks a
significant step in R.T Briscoe’s commitment to providing innovative opportunities to its existing and potential shareholders to invest in the company. The statement also highlighted that the approach ensures that investors can own a stake in R.T.
Briscoe Nigeria Plc with very little initial capital, making it accessible to a broader range of investors and democratising investment opportunities within the company. The statement remarked that the R.T. Briscoe Savings and Investment Fund is an open-ended money market fund
designed to offer unit-holders a steady stream of income and capital preservation. The statement further explained that by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality money market instruments, the fund ensures low risk and competitive returns.
NABU/HP CREATIVE LAB UNVEILED…
L-R: Global Director of Operations, NABU, Mr. Ayodeji Cuthbert; Country Head/Director, HP Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Asika; Country Manager,NABU Nigeria, Mr.Olushola Aromokun, and Sales Support, HP Central Africa (CAF), Josephine Kolawole, at the unveiling of NABU/HP Creative Lab in Lagos… recently
Kogi CJ Admonishes New Judges to Shun Acts against Administration of Justice
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has admonished the newly appointed Judges in the state to shun all forms of acts inimical to the process of administration of justice, stressing that their offices are scared and revered.
Justice Majebi gave advice while officially presenting the 10 new judicial officers to the
Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the state judiciary at court proceeding held in honour of new Judges at the premises of High Court in Lokoja at weekend.
He said: “To the 10 Judicial Officers, I congratulate your Lordships on your elevation after a rigorous process.
“The office of a Judge is sacred one that is revered and respected, and therefore, places a duty on you to maintain the integrity and
Lawyer Stabbed for Handling Divorce Case in Ondo
Fidelis David in Akure
A legal practitioner, Abayomi Oladire, has been allegedly stabbed by a middle-aged man, kunle Kuteyi for handling a divorce case between him (suspect ) and his wife, Taibat, at a court in Ondo town, Ondo State . THISDAY gathered yesterday that Kuteyi allegedly stabbed the lawyer, who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in the town.
Specifically, THISDAY
gathered that the suspect who is said to be at large, accosted the lawyer on the road and accused him of having an affair with his wife, saying it was the reason the lawyer was helping his wife to file a divorce suit in the court.
The matter was said to have generated argument between the duo, leading the suspect to allegedly stab the lawyer severally on his body but the lawyer was quickly rushed to the hospital while the suspect flee from the scene.
Zulum to Resuscitate Moribund Tomato Factory in Borno
Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
Borno State Government is set to revive the state-owned tomato factory. The plan of the government was announced by the State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, when he paid an unscheduled visit to the factory located along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
During the visit, Zulum directed that while the state would resuscitate the existing facilities at the factory, additional modern facilities would be procured to enhance its operational capacity.
Zulum noted that in preparation for reviving the factory, the state has established five hectares of drip-irrigated tomato farms, which will be expanded to about 100 hectares when it starts full-capacity operation.
He said: “My main intention is to see how we shall resuscitate the moribund factories at the Borno industrial park, particularly the tomato paste factory. I understand that the challenge is the lack of raw materials that would provide a feed stock for the tomato factory.”
Bauchi APC Accuses PDP of Plans to Rig Local Govt Elections
Segun Awofadeji inBauchi
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has alleged that it has uncovered plans by the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to rig the forthcoming local government elections slated for August 17, 2024.
This was as the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP dismissed the allegation by the APC that the coming local government elections in the state will not be free and fair.
It described the APC in the state as a non-existent opposition party.
In a statement signed by the
state APC Publicity Committee Chairman, Malam Saadu Umar, and made available to journalists in the state at the weekend, the APC said the state governor should demonstrate true leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process
The party recalled that Governor Bala Mohammed in October 2020 conducted the worst local government election ever in the history of Bauchi State, alleging that the elections were marred by irregularities and manipulations.
sanctity of the office above all other considerations.
“Your Lordships must remember always that justice is one of the attributes of God which
you are called upon to administer for men. Therefore, you must deal fairly with litigants, recognising the equality and dignity of all.
“You must ensure that every
person is treated accordingly to the same standards and with the same respect regardless of class, religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or any other
social category.
“I urge you to uphold justice, equity, fairness and the rule of law in the discharge of your responsibilities as Judges.
Ex -Federal Perm Sec Sues for Better Funding of Public Educational Institutions
Dipo in Minna
A former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, has sued for better funding of public educational institutions in the country, saying most of the schools are in the worst state of dilapidation.
Aliyu also claimed that most public schools lack the necessary facilities for teaching and learning resulting in poorly prepared students.
The PS, who spoke at the 40th anniversary of the 1984 set of Government Secondary School Kontagora, lamented that teachers in public schools are poorly remunerated, a development that does not make them to put in their best in the teaching of their students.
“As a result of the decay in our educational system, most parents now take their children to private schools or institutions abroad,”Aliyu said.After improving the funding of the schools, Aliyu said a monitoring mechanism should be put in place to ensure monies released are not diverted.
Specifically, the former permanent secretary urged the Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, to place renovation of schools in the state on his priority list because “most of them are nothing to write home about.”
Keyamo: Osubi ‘ll Become International Airport Soon
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, assured the people of Delta State over the weekend , that plans were underway to upgrade the Osubi Airport to international standard.
He made the disclosure at the inauguration of a newly constructed Police station at the Osubi Airport in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta.
The minister, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr. Voke Oshasha, also inaugurated a fuel depot at the airport.
Speaking with journalists shortly after cutting the tape, Keyamo said that the project would enhance safety and security in the Airport, noting that the Osubi Airport Manager, Mr Winston Egwuatu has done very well in keeping with the safety standard of the Nigeria Airport.
“This initiative will enhance the safety of passengers in the airport in particular and the Osubi Community in general. We are already working on the expansion of the Osubi Airport to an international standard, it is a process,” the minister said.
Widows, Widowers Declare Support for Fubara
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Widows and widowers in Rivers State have declared their support and loyalty to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing him as a peaceful leader who
listens, cares and shows empathy and compassion to those he governs.
The group under the aegis of Rivers Widows and Widowers’ Forum (RWWF), declared the support during their solidarity visit, at the Government House, Port Harcourt
Leader of the group, Mrs Victoria Omoniyi, who led the delegation on the visit, stated that though the governor is a man of few words, his leadership of the state has renewed and restored hope in the minds of all residents.
Omoniyi said: “Governor
Siminalayi Fubara leadership restored hope of Rivers residents who are also benefiting from the peaceful atmosphere and economic opportunities created, as well as other programmes in the health, education and agriculture sectors.”
Ex-Governorship Candidate Warns against Politicians Who Offer Money during Elections
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
A former governorship candidate for Action Alliance in Anambra State, Ben Etiaba, has warned Nigerians to reject politicians who offer financial gratification during elections if they must get the leadership right moving forward.
Etiaba gave the warning yesterday in Enugu State at the end of the 2024 Annual General Meeting and inauguration of new executives of the Zenith Environmental and Social Protection Network (Zespronet), a non-governmental organisation.
In his keynote address, Etiaba said that Nigeria has not had credible leaders over the years because the electorate is always on the lookout for aspirants who offer money rather than individuals who are committed to delivering quality representation.
According to him, “We have a leadership problem in Nigeria but the followership problem is even bigger.
“We have allowed politicians who deploy excess ill-gotten wealth and are concerned about enriching themselves when they get in to take over the political space.”
204,413 Students Seek Placement into Lagos Public Secondary Schools
Oluchi Chibuzor
A total of 204,413 pupils, over the weekend, sat for placement examinations into Lagos public secondary schools across the state for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Speaking during a tour of
some centres across the state, the Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu, acknowledged that the number shows more students are seeing the quality in public schools
According to him, “We did a placement examination for
students in Primary Six going to Junior Secondary School One(JSS1) to assess them to know that they are fit to be in the JSS classes.
“We have about 204,413 students involved. Yes, it’s normal because some of the students who have attended private primary school, they want to go to secondary school too in the public schools.
Ignore Critics of Tariffs Suspension on Food Importation, APC
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore those criticising him for the suspension of tariffs, duties and taxes on the importation of foods, grains and other products to the country.
“Quite a number of students from private schools are moving to public schools now. So we have to encourage them and you know our own is we should leave no child behind. Everybody should be accommodated.”
Chieftain Tells Tinubu
The APC chieftain, who made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, said that Nigerians were highly hopeful and eager to get the dividend of the democracy as quickly as possible.
Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said it is either those criticising the policy were benefiting from the economic challenges that the Nigerian masses are facing or are planning to push the masses against the president by causing unnecessary unrest in the country.
He, however, said that the global economic crisis, couple with unavoidable policies introduced by the present administration was mitigating against Renewed Hope Agenda of the president, but steps taken in recent time to revamp the economy are beginning to yield desired results.
Laleye
ETOP UKUTT
FOUL TONGUE OF DANBILKI COMMANDER
State Government House denied that Governor Uba Sani had anything to do with it and called for an inquiry. Some commentators said Danbilki staged the flogging, but it is doubtful if an elderly man could stage his own flogging just to make a political allegation.
Other questions quickly came to the mind. One was, could a state governor stoop so low as to order the flogging of a man who criticized him on social media? To many Nigerians, the answer to that question would be yes, some powerful Nigerians could do that, perhaps even order a murder. But there is no direct evidence right now that Governor Uba Sani ordered the beating. However, if a powerful politician expresses anger in the presence of his aides and supporters at a video, it is enough, I think, for some of them to take the law into their own hands in order to impress him. I am not saying that was what happened, but that it could happen. Many years ago in this Republic, there was a state governor who expressed anger that opposition party supporters were mocking him with a sign on their fingers, and a band of his supporters offered to sever and bring to him on a platter the fingers of anyone who did the offending sign. Mercifully, the governor told them not to. But thugs don’t always tell you before they act.
I was at first puzzled that whoever did this crime had the temerity to videotape it. But then, it made sense because if it was done in order to impress a political master, he needed to see the tape of what they did. Why did they allow the tape to leak to the social media? Again, that could be for deterrence purposes; it should serve as a warning to any intending sojan baka, praise singer or party thug who intends to insult the
governor to think twice.
Danbilki himself alleged that it was policemen who did the beating. There is circumstantial evidence to support the allegation. One was the handcuff that was clamped on Danbilki’s hands; only policemen are supposed to have handcuffs. The other was the rather professional manner of the interrogation, calm and methodical. Some other people say that the Kaduna governor’s name was mentioned in the video by the attackers in order to set him up and blackmail him. Well, anything is possible in Nigerian politics, though I had second thoughts about that allegation when I later saw the offending videotape that Danbilki made.
In summary, it appeared to be a hatchet job in the service of former state governor Nasiru el-Rufa’i, Uba Sani’s once very chummy friend, political ally and benefactor-turned-deadly foe. It all started, publicly at least, when Governor Sani said at a townhall meeting that his predecessor left behind huge debts in hundreds of billions of naira and hundreds of millions of dollars, deductions on which were making it hard for the state to even pay workers’ salaries. It was a wholesale repudiation of his predecessor and an attempt to demolish his entire legacy, which was supposed to be the building of key infrastructure.
While nobody will be happy to inherit a state treasury bedeviled by such huge debts, many people thought that Governor Sani was in no position to complain because he was el-Rufai’s very close political associate during his entire eight years in office, four years as Political Adviser, the remaining four years as Senator representing Kaduna Central. He was railroaded
BOOKS FROM THE HEART OF A NATION
cohesion, when post-independence political leaders first took control of the government in 1960, there was great hope for Nigeria's future both within and outside the country. Given the size of its market and the presence of oil resources, Nigeria had a robust, diversified economy with significant growth potential.
One lesson from the book is that the successor generation of Nigerian leaders abandoned the founding fathers and any dreams they had for the country. Another important lesson is that conducting free and fair elections over the years in Nigeria can be compared to a camel passing through the proverbial eye of a needle. To date, it does not appear to be a priority for us as a nation, while it is evidently at the root of our problems.
Adebise's 'The Transformational Leader' shows that Nigeria's issue with inept leaders can be reversed with visionary and prepared leadership . This is one lesson we can easily munch from Adebise's
into the Senate, people said, in order to upstage Senator Shehu Sani, whose capital offence was that he opposed Senate approval of the Kaduna loans. Malam Uba Sani became Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking in 2019 and speedily helped to approve the loans, so why complain now? Well, the Kaduna State Assembly committee that probed the matter seems to say that the loans were not applied properly, which is a different matter.
Danbilki Commander’s viral, acidic, acerbic, bitter and somewhat uncouth video tried to take the governor to the cleaners, saying he owed his entire political success to el-Rufa’i and could not compare himself with his predecessor’s towering legacies. This is a watered-down summary of what he said; I am not a Sojan Biro and do not intend to attract flogging a la Danbilki.
In previous Republics in the North, there were no Sojan Baka, most obviously because there was no social media to democratise and amplify political skullduggery. Politicians of the Second Republic, especially, had very sharp tongues of their own and they did not need any surrogates. You couldn’t have a sharper tongue, dazzling oratory or a little bit of recklessness more than Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Mohammed Abubakar Rimi, Mamman Abubakar Danmusa, UPN’s Mamman Nasir, Gambo Sawaba, Asabe Reza, Muhammadu Danjani Hadeja, Zagi Dass, Zom Maigida Kwoi, Abdulkadir Young-Sidi, Shehu Maigidaje Funtua, Sule Lamido, not to mention the father of Establishment oratory, Yusuf Maitama Sule. In this Republic, politicians have ceded that job to Sojan Baka.
Should governors, ministers, senators or even presidents organize the flogging of anyone for saying something, however
book. According to the book, Ademola Adebise led two critical business model revolutions that established him as a transformational leader. The first was captured in Chapter 5 of the book. Segun Oloketuyi, Moraf Oseni, and the author midwifed the launch of ALAT, the first fully digitalised bank in Nigeria, in 2016. The message is clear: vision, innovation, and disciplined execution will propel you beyond mediocrity.
The second big lesson from the book is that prepared leaders are critical to an institution's or nation's success. Adebise was prepared for leadership, and this enabled him to lead Wema Bank through three crises: EndSARS, COVID-19, and the Naira reconfiguration cash crunch, back-to-back, all of which resulted in the bank emerging strong. The takeaway is that Nigeria is on a free fall because we need prepared, selfless, and visionary leaders. There is something fundamentally wrong with our leadership recruitment process and the transaction mindset of those in leadership positions.
harsh? Of course if it is slanderous, the courts are always there to adjudicate. So far there is none, but it will be extremely embarrassing if the promised investigation ever turns up evidence that the Governor of Kaduna State organized or even knew about the flogging of Danbilki Commander. A governor might have immunity from arrest and prosecution but it could be a very big image dent and a future criminal case. It is bad enough if, for example, a governor becomes an accessory after the fact of flogging. For example, if some people come to him with a tape after the flogging and say they did it, he should immediately hand them over to the police for prosecution, otherwise it could be akin to the “cover up” that consumed US President Richard Nixon in 1974. Nixon didn’t know that his re-election campaign team burgled the Watergate Hotel in obtain to steal information from Democratic Party chairman Larry O’Brien’s office. But when he learnt about it from his White House counsel, he ordered a cover up. Again there is no evidence that anyone took a tape of the beating to Uba Sani, but just in case!
In turn, what words of advice could we offer the Sojan Baka? It is probably legal to use your wits and sharp tongue as a weapon in the service of a political master in order to feed your family. However, knowing that this country is full of unsolved cases of political murder over many decades, it is good to be wary. Most political leaders will respond to such attacks by unleashing sharp-tongued responses of their own, but a few may not be so patient. Luckily, Sojan Baka are mostly for sale. One can easily turn them around to say the opposite of what they said yesterday. Governors and senators, what is the use of your security votes, constituency and padded project funds?
This underscores the urgent need for visionary leadership in Nigeria.
Onwenu’s memoir is a thought-provoking firsthand account of the Nigerian civil war. Her human-centred account shows our political elite's insensitivity in the face of citizens' sense of helplessness. "Given the political chain of events unfolding up until then, no one needed to be told that war was imminent," she narrates on page 115 of the book. It is easy to draw a parallel to the fact that, to date, our leaders are still insensitive to the cries of the people. Another perspective she captures is that during a war, lives, property, peace, values, and innocence are lost and never found. In our current political experiments, this is a path we must avoid at all costs. Civil disturbances that lead to civil breakdown and unrest are evil winds that do us no good. We all are casualties of such devastation, both the victors and the vanquished.
It is indisputable that books have the potential to shape, challenge, and change
our perception of our country. These books will provide you with "new eyes" and reasons to reflect on where and how we went wrong. A nation's history and challenges often find expression in the life stories of its most exposed citizens. Thus, the memoirs of prominent national elite members highlight a nation's life journey so far and its road ahead.
Carl Sagan posits that "books are the repositories of the world's knowledge. They allow us to travel through time, to tap into the wisdom of our ancestors, and to shape our understanding of the present and future." The books here examined lead us into Nigeria's past and present. They also light the way forward through outright suggestions. They inadvertently leave us with a ghost: how to tackle the significant social, political, or economic issues confronting us. By learning from these narratives , we can understand the root causes of Nigeria's challenges and inspire future leaders to build a more equitable and prosperous nation.
Awoniyi Joins N’Forest Pre-season Session in Spain
Femi Solaja with agency report
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has joined his Nottingham Forest teammates at their pre-season camp in Spain following a short spell on the sidelines due to an injury.
Awoniyi has been struggling with injuries since he joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin two years ago. Two seasons ago, he missed 17 games due to a groin injury. And last season, he missed 18 games because of the same issue.
The 26-year-old striker had a tough end to last season because of his injury problems, which limited his game time in the closing embers of the campaign.
However, Awoniyi seemed to have returned to full fitness in the summer, as he shared images of himself doing training drills.
But surprisingly, he did not participate in Nottingham Forest’s first pre-season game against Chesterfield. After the game, coach Nuno Espirito Santo said that Awoniyi did not play due to a slight injury.
There were also reports that the former Union Berlin man was not going to be part of Nottingham Forest’s pre-season camp in Spain.
But in a new development, the Tricky Trees shared a video of Awoniyi at the club’s camp in Spain.
However, they did not reveal if he is back to full fitness. If Awoniyi is fit, he will surely take part in the club’s remaining pre-season games against Millwall, Elche, Villarreal, and Olympiacos.
Nottingham Forest will begin their Premier League campaign with a game against Bournemouth at the City Ground.
Olympics 2024: Zenith Bank Charges D’Tigress to Make Nigeria Proud
Nigeria’s senior national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have been urged to make the country proud at the 2024 Olympic Games which starts officially on Friday in Paris, France.
The management of Zenith Bank Plc, sponsors of the annual national women’s basketball league, gave this charge at the weekend in Lagos.
Nigeria secured a berth for the games after participating in a qualifying tournament which was held in Antwerp, Belgium. D’ Tigress played in Group B against Germany, Australia, and host nation Belgium.
In Paris, D’Tigress will play their opening game against Australia on July 29, before facing the host nation France on August 1, followed by a match against Canada three days later on August 4.
The Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, said the financial outfit expects the women's basketball team to perform well at the Games.
“We know our team will be up
against top national teams but we are hopeful they will do well. We want them to work hard and get good results for Nigeria and Africa,”
Umeoji said.
“Zenith Bank is proud of D’Tigress because in close to two decades, we have been sponsoring the women's basketball league which incidentally has produced a better percentage of the players in the national team.”
Incidentally, the Head Coach of the team, Rena Wakama, is also optimistic that Nigeria will do well at the games.
“Things have been going well in the camp in the last few days, as we have had great practice sessions and the girls are in great spirits,” she told the NBBF media.
“The girls are responding well to training and getting better, every day. And that’s what matters.
“I’m confident that the girls will be able to display their talents when we get to Paris. I’m excited and looking forward to the games.”
Nigeria Cricket Teams Ready for Continental Challenge
The Nigeria Cricket Federation has announced that the national Under-19 teams (Boys and Girls), will begin their campaign for their respective World Cup tickets from July 31st, 2024.
According to Emeka Igwilo the General Manager of the Federation, the boys' team is billed for Tanzania this week. The team hopes to pick one of the two tickets at stake at the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, African Qualifier Division 2.
“Our performance at this stage in 2019 gave us the first World Cup Ticket and hence this stage has always put us in the spotlight since then. We are banking on the experience of the coaching staff and hard work to scale the next stage,” he said.
Igwilo said the board had reappointed the coach of the Men’s U19 team, (Daniel Gim), and hopes he will build on his experience to deliver results for the country.
“The team has been camping for weeks, and we are hoping this will count for the team for their tournaments that run from July 31st to August 14th Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,” Igwilo added.
Their female counterpart, the U19 Women’s Team, who are parading about eight members of the national female team is scheduled for a one-level World Cup Qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda from August 19th to 31st.
Igwilo stressed that apart from a new technical team handling the teenagers, he believes that the team parading some experienced players- who helped the country secure the African Games Silver medal in Accra, Ghana, raises hope of performing well during the event.
Igwilo added that the players in the two teams were products of different developmental programs across the country which speaks to the effort of the coaches and developmental officers driving cricket at the grassroots.
“These youngsters represent the future of the game in Nigeria. The board prioritizes grassroots engagement across the country and we know that if the game must our progress investment in the pockets of developmental activities that produced them, along with facility development and continuous upskilling our staff must continue.”
FIDE 100th Anniversary: Nigerian School, Rupetta Academy Attempts Guinness World Record in Chess Marathon
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Over N1 million was won in prizes as Rupetta Academy, in collaboration with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon based on the number of games played.
The ambitious endeavour was part of the global celebration of World Chess Day and FIDE's 100th anniversary when on July 20, chess enthusiasts worldwide celebrate International Chess Day.
No fewer than 16 professional players and about 10 kids gathered in Abuja and over 200 worldwide who joined online, to embark on an unprecedented 24-hour chess marathon.
Among the participants was Joshua Adejoh, popularly known as "The King of The North" who is the country's number one ranked chess player in northern Nigeria.
The event also brought together players from diverse backgrounds and cultures and enabled participants to demonstrate extraordinary concentration, stamina, and strategic brilliance as they aimed to establish a new world record.
Also, the youngest female player, Ms. Naomi Musa, was granted a scholarship by Rupetta Academy to complete her secondary school education to demonstrate the academy's commitment to supporting young talent and providing opportunities for academic and personal growth.
The CEO of Rupetta Academy, Katmaan Senlong said they were incredibly proud of all the players and the entire Rupetta Academy community for their unwavering dedication and outstanding performance.
"Attempting to break the Guinness World Record is a testament to our academy's commitment to nurturing chess talents and promoting the intellectual and strategic benefits
of the game.
"Rupetta Academy extends its heartfelt gratitude to FIDE for the opportunity to be part of this monumental celebration, Senlong said.
He also stressed the commitment of the academy to fostering a love for chess and empowering individuals through intellectual pursuits.
The attempt began at 9 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. as official confirmation from Guinness World
Records is still pending. Adejoh claimed the event's top prize after accumulating 23 points to beat his closest opponent Emmanuel Okhipo on Tournament Performance Rating (TPR) after Okhipo also finished on 23 points. Keyi Musa from Jos, Plateau State ended up with 22 points to settle for the third position. In the kids' category, Ivie
emerged winner, while Brian
settled for the runner-up prize.
Paris Ready for the Games, Says Organising Committee
With the Olympic Games Paris 2024 set to kick off formally with the opening ceremony on Friday night in the French capital city, President of the Organising Committee, Tony Estanguet, announced yesterday that the city was "ready" for the Games as he played down complaints from some residents and businesses about the impact of the event.
“We are ready as we head into the final phase," Estanguet told a press conference in Paris on Sunday, five days from the opening parade on Friday.
He added: "For as long as the
closing ceremony hasn't finished, we need to remain vigilant. But today we are exactly where we would have dreamed of being a few years ago."
Finishing touches are being applied to the venues across the City of Light and thousands of athletes and officials are pouring in, while the weather has also brightened up after months of rain.
In a further boost for organisers, the water quality of the river Seine – which is set to be used for outdoor Olympic swimming events – has also improved dramatically since the start of July. "All the indicators for
the Seine are positive at this stage," Estanguet added. The river is set to host the opening ceremony next Friday which will see 6 000-7 000 athletes sail down it on 85 barges and boats.
It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 300,000 ticketed spectators set to watch from stands and on the river banks and another 200,000 expected to watch from the overlooking apartments. Around 4,000 tickets are still available, Estanguet said.
Taiwo Awoniyi
A section of the chess players during the tournament in Abuja to mark the 100 years of World Chess body, FIDE
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MISSILE
Police IG to Criminals
“As the Inspector General of Police, I have the records of all reported crimes across the country and I can tell you that crime rate is declining in Nigeria. Records don't lie, the records are there. So I can assure you that we'll continue to do whatever we are doing to maintain the decline in the crime rate. Mr. President is happy with what we are doing, he's satisfied with our reports..." -Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assures Nigerians to expect improved security measures across the country.
MAHMUDJEGA
VIEW FROM THE GALLERY
Foul Tongue of Danbilki Commander
Aviral video on the social media last week of the Kano-based “Sojan Baka” [literally, soldier of the mouth] Alhaji Abdulhamid Danbilki Commander being handcuffed and mercilessly whipped caused shock, consternation and shrug in equal measure all across Northern Nigeria, where Hausa-speaking audiences have been very familiar with his foul-tounged career over the years.
“Sojan Baka” first evolved on the Northern scene in the Fourth Republic. They are extremely eloquent and articulate men, and a few women, who deploy their sharp tongues in the service of politicians, sometimes to defend rulers, other times to tear them apart. The tongue is a very powerful tool in Northern Nigerian politics. It does not have to be backed up by education or knowledge; no. All it requires is eloquence, the ability to say the same thing in many different ways, to throw in barbs and local proverbs, not a little bit of recklessness, often
pausing just short of libel and slander, sometimes crossing the boundary just enough to evade legal action, and in
many cases flip flopping, praising a politician today, only to turn around and attack him severely, probably because he didn’t pay very well for the previous service. Many soldiers of the mouth have surfaced in recent years, but Danbilki Commander is the most prominent of them all. Their coming coincided with the growth of social media; it would not have been possible without Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and You Tube.
The video I saw [I hear there are longer versions of it] showed Danbilki Commander standing lamely by the side of a jeep, his hands handcuffed. It was nighttime; while he himself could be seen, the men who captured him could be heard but not seen in the video. At first they interrogated him. They asked him where he is from, and he said Kano State. Then then asked him why he attacked the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, when he is not from that state. At first Danbilki tried to be brave; he said he is a Nigerian and a Northerner and could therefore
DAKUKU PETERSIDE
BENEATH THE SURFACE
comment on any state in Nigeria. That angered the interrogator, who called for a whip. He then proceeded to whip Danbilki, saying, “Is the governor your mate? Do you think a governor is a joke? All the suffering we did [to bring him to office], you are here attacking him!”
When the whipping continued unabated, Danbilki changed tack. He denied that he insulted Governor Uba Sani. He said he has diabetes, high blood pressure and a heart condition. When the flogging continued, he pleaded for mercy and promised not to attack the governor again.
Maybe because the video was shot in the dark, I at first thought the flogging was rather tame. After he escaped from the ordeal and returned home however, the victim stripped off his clothes and shot another video, which showed serious bumps and lacerations all over his back, chest and arms. Indeed it was a heavy beating. In its wake, Kaduna
Continued on page 46
Books from the Heart of a Nation
Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted country that elicits various thoughts and viewpoints. Yet, there is some order in disorder. My recent journey through books about contemporary Nigeria or autobiographies of Nigerians brought this reality to light. I have read many books, and in the spirit of Barbara Tuchman, I feel that "books are the carriers of civilisation and without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill." Of the many books on Nigeria's nature and essence I have read recently, four stood out as rich in insights into what makes Nigeria and Nigerians unique.
One of the books is "Made in Aba: A Life of Coincidences" by Enyi Abaribe. The title reflects the author's journey from his birthplace to his current position as a Nigerian senator.
Another is "A Polity in Transition: A Chronicle of Nigeria's socio-political and economic development 1914–2014" by Ahmed Tijjani Abubakar, with a
title that signifies Nigeria's evolution over a century. There is also Onyeka Onwenu’s "My Father's Daughter", a title that symbolises the author's relationship with her father and her country.
The fourth book is Ademola Adebise’s "The Transformational Leader: The Journey of a Tech Bro turned CEO". It captures the author's transformation from a tech entrepreneur to a corporate leader. Each book follows a different trajectory but converges at the intersection between Nigeria, promises, the glorious past, and the chequered present. Each book contains lessons about Nigeria, but I will highlight only a few for each book.
"Made-in-Aba" is an autobiography spiced with essays on critical national issues . The author weaves snippets of his life in Nigeria, covering over five decades and interspersing various regions and multi-ethnic dichotomies with significant events that shaped Nigeria's sociopolitical and economic life. Despite the circumstances of one's
birth, poor or rich, amid man-made obstacles of leadership failure, with iron-steal determination, character, and focus, one can still get to the top in Nigeria. Senator Abaribe's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of Nigerians.
Abaribe describes the Nigerian civil war as catastrophic, emphasising its profound human and material costs,and its lasting impact on national consciousness. He criticises the tendency among the elite to avoid discussing the war. However, Abaribe argues that a significant impact of the war is that it exposes our fault lines, and politicians across the breadth and width of our nation have magnified them to humongous proportions, and these fault lines have stubbornly remained with us. Besides, the book teaches us that Nigerian politics is crude and not for the faint-hearted. Any sane mind can never fathom the twists and turns. Those who want to participate must "beware".
One enduring legacy of our past is the
lack of fairness and equity in our shared national patrimony. This is evident in our federation, the massive divide between the haves and have-nots, and the nature and make-up of leadership in all ramifications – agency, structural and systemic. Since independence, we have struggled to ensure fairness and equity in allocating government offices and projects. In the last ten years, it has risen to the level of marginalisation, discrimination, subordination, and nepotism. Enyi Abaribe's book highlights this succinctly and how this is a disincentive to hard work and the spirit of excellence.
"A Polity in Transition: A Chronicle of Nigeria's Socio-Political and Economic Development" chronicles Nigeria's rapid decline from its hopeful beginnings at independence in 1960 to its current economic, social, security, and democratic challenges. This book serves as a stark reminder of the importance of learning from history. Even with low internal
Danbilki