FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2024

Wale

Says debt service costs dipped from 97% to 68% Insists subsidy on PMS 'technically gone' Govt set to float $500m dollar-denominated local bond Cites impediments to immediate implementation of Supreme Court verdict on local governments

Ohanaeze President, Iwuanyanwu, Passes at 82, Tinubu Declares Death Irreparable Loss

Buhari, Abbas, Mbah, Abiodun, Obi mourn

Arinze in Enugu The President-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, passed on yesterday. He was aged 82.

A statement signed by his first son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, said the octogenarian died after a brief illness.

"The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru local government area of Imo announces the demise of their patriarch,

Traditional Rulers, Clerics, Ulamas

Mobilise against Hardship Protests

Oba of Benin calls for patience, Ooni of Ife, Sultan, other traditional rulers, Afenifere sue for caution

Tinubu says protests sponsors don’t love Nigeria, have alternative passports

Insists no govt will tolerate violent protests Says he has no cabal, election self-sponsored Confident economy on steady recovery path

Govs quote NSA, say protest gaining momentum, military warns, DSS uncovers sponsors

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale, Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna, James Sowole in Abeokuta and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Prominent traditional rulers, clerics and renowned, Ulamas in the country, yesterday, stepped into frenzy occasioned by the proposed hunger protests by Nigerians and opposed the idea of demonstration because of the ease with which it can spiral out of control. The Islamic leaders took this position after they met with the president at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, to discuss the current state of affairs in the country.

representing NNPCL; Engr. Sadeeq Abubakar Mai-Bornu; Ms. Doyin Adelabu; and Chief Akin Ricketts,

Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja James Sowole in Abeokuta, Amby Uneze in Owerri and Gideon

Stakeholders Express Divergent Views on Proposed NDIC Amendment Act

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Stakeholders in the banking and insurance sectors on yesterday expressed divergent views on the bill seeking for amendment of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act , 2023 . The bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions , Senator Adetokunbo Abiru.

It aims to enhance the corporation’s effectiveness, independence, and autonomy and proposes amendments to sections 2, 3 and 4 of the principal Act substituting the word “collaboration” for the word “concurrence” .

But at the public hearing held by Abiru-led committee , stakeholders expressed divergent views in support and against some provisions of the proposed legislation . The most contentious provision in the bill which was either supported or opposed by some of the stakeholders , was the removal of the "Concurrence" role for the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) and substituting it with a rather "collaborative" role in an attempt to make the NDIC more independent in taking decisions bordering on its policy objectives.

While the Managing Director of NDIC, Bello Hassan; former Chairman of NDIC Board, Mrs Ronke Sokefun

and Banks Directors Association of Nigeria supported the provision, the CBN kicked against it . Bello in his submission , said the provision will strengthen NDIC . Similarly, Sokefun in supporting the provision, said it will restore the traditional role of NDIC taken away by CBN.

She said: "We thank the Senate for taking a look at the traditional role of the corporation, which is to act as the liquidator in the event of a bank's winding up.

"From the traditional role which the corporation has always executed, was all of a sudden, made to be at the whims and caprice of the CBN by

deciding another liquidator."

Also expressing his views in support of the provision, Chairman of Banks Directors Association of Nigeria , Mustafa Chike-Obi, said the proposed removal of CBN concurrence requirement in Section 32 was a welcome development .

According to him, "The proposed amendment aligns with the NDIC’s mandate to independently regulate insured deposit liabilities."

But the CBN represented by its Acting Director , Financial Policy and Regulation, Mr John Onoja, said the meaning of collaboration was that NDIC takes the decision and not collaborating with CBN.

The Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC), in its memoranda to the Senate Committee , also protested against amendment to section 16, increasing the capital base of the NDIC from N50 billion to N500 billion which shall be subscribed and held only by the federal government.

It also proposed that the authorized share capital from N50 billion to N500 billion and fully owned by the federal government render the additional capital redundant as it would not be yielding the required return on investment.

It also proposed that the extant share capital structure should be between the Ministry of Finance and CBN as

TRADITIONAL RULERS, CLERICS, ULAMAS MOBILISE AGAINST HARDSHIP PROTESTS

Rallying support for the position of the Muslim leaders, foremost traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also called for caution, because the idea of protest was inauspicious.

At the same time, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare, in a last minute push, appealed to youths across the country to shelve their planned nationwide protest against hardship.

But President Bola Tinubu, has said those instigating the protests against the country at this time did not actually love Nigeria.

He said they were were people with alternative passports, not resident in the country, and vowed never to allow them turn Nigeria into another Sudan.

Tinubu, who disclosed that his campaign was self-sponsored, said it was without strings, or indebtedness to any cabal, individual or institution.

He declared that the nation’s economy was on a gradual but steady path of recovery and assured citizens that his administration would do more to meet their needs.

Also, speaking at a meeting where he received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., Tinubu recognised protests as integral parts of democracy, stressing that no government would condone demonstrations that could lead to the destruction of lives and property.

Emphasising the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions, Tinubu but told the US envoy that, ''Our relationship with America is rich, we believe in democracy and freedom.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF),also yesterday, disclosed that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has briefed them on

Engr Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

"Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri People's Assembly.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was survived by his wife Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grand children including Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Managing Director, Champion Group Newspapers. Details of his burial would be announced later by the family after due consultations," the statement added.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, who was amongst the earliest persons to condole with the family has described his demise as an irreparable loss, and also extended his heartfelt commiserations to his family.

Further describing him as an accomplished businessman and notable politician, the President, in a release issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo “over

growing momentum for the planned protest, which required government’s attention.

Similarly, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has told the organisers of the protest that it would not tolerate any form of lawlessness, or actions that could lead to state of anarchy in the country, from any group.

But, the Department of State Services (DSS), said it had identified sponsors of the protest, as well as the motive, which it claimed was to pit the people against the government.

This was as a pan-Yoruba sociocultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has appealed to Nigerians to be circumspect on the issue of the nationwide protests being contemplated by some people in the country.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on his part, read a riot act to the organisers of "End bad governance protest" on August 1, saying the nation's capital was not available.

This, nonetheless, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has asked the federal government to ensure that security agencies maintain peace and protect citizens including those participating in any protest.

However, assuring the President of support with prayers and more sensitisation, the cleric and Ulamas, led by Sheikh Bala Lau, advocated peace and God’s guidance in handling the situation.

“Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,’’ Lau noted.

Traditional rulers drawn from all the six geo-political zones in the country, appealed to those plotting the protest to be wary of actions that could plunge Nigeria into anarchy.

Hinting at their meeting with Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, who is co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, urged protesters to exercise their civic rights peacefully,

this irreparable loss.”

President Tinubu affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his remarkable legacy, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

On his part, former President Muhammadu Buhari, also described the passing of Iwuanyanwu as a sad event for Nigeria, even as he highlighting his contributions to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building.

In a release issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said, “He was a visionary who revolutionised the nation’s media and sports. He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business, and politics.

“I had several opportunities to interact with him to know about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria.

“His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.

“My condolences to his family, friends and associates, and the entire people of the South-east. His death

warning against its being hijacked by individuals with sinister motives.

According to him, the nation's traditional rulers condemned violent acts, looting, and breakdown of law and order, stressing their role as parents and leaders in engaging with youth.

He however, advocated dialogue, voting out unpopular leaders, and collective nation-building, acknowledging Nigeria's challenges.

The Sultan of Sokoto said, “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds. At our meeting on Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation. We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.”

He said an executive council meeting

was held on Monday, and the Council, composed of all State Chairmen of the 36 States and the FCT, met to deliberate on the economy.

Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba, also appealed to Nigerian youths to refrain from destructive protests, urging them to work with the government to find solutions to the country's challenges. He expressed concern about the nation's direction, acknowledging the passion and pain of the youths, even as he emphasised the importance of listening to the youths, who hold the country's future, and working together to avoid destructive consequences, citing Libya as a cautionary tale.

The Emir of Zauzzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and patient, urging

them to listen to the government's plans to address the country's challenges.

The Emir expressed hope that the government's blueprint would bring positive change.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare II, in a statement, appealed to youths across the country to shelve their planned nationwide protest against hardship.

The statement was endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro.

He also appealed to aggrieved Nigerians to give the federal government enough time to implement its economic policy, expected to alleviate the present hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

“For things to get better, it has to be tough for a while for the federal

sustained in the principal Act. Also , the Legal Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nestok Ikeagu, objected to the amendment removing the SEC Director-General from the NDIC board. He emphasided that the SEC’s role in investor protection justifies its position on the board, and removing it would hinder interagency collaboration.

government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”

Responding first to Lau, Tinubu said, “The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually.

“We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.

“The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,”

Continued on page 43

WALE EDUN: FG SURPASSED HALF-YEAR NON-OIL REVENUE BY 30%, EXITED WAYS AND MEANS TRAP

economic situation in the country, disclosing that the federal government has exited the controversial Ways and Means trap after paying N7.3 trillion.

Assessing the impact of the reforms, Edun stated that Nigeria now stood at a strategic position globally to attract massive investments as a result of the government’s efforts.

He said, "I think we already can see macroeconomic stability. We have stable exchange rate. The budget deficits, as I will show, is reducing, the trade balance that measures how we are doing internationally is positive.

"The investment flows are positive, and there has been a root and branch reconfiguration of the finances of the federal government to achieve increased revenue across the board, as well as to achieve greater expenditure control.”

The minister also stated, "The pace of inflation is slowing. The goal target is to achieve food reducing inflation. The coordination between

is a loss to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the former president said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, while commiserating with the Igbo people over the demise of Iwuanyanwu. described hia death as shocking and painful.

Abbas said this in a condolence message to the Iwuanyanwu family and the entire Ndi'gbo, issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi.

The Speaker described the late Nwanyanwu, who in 2023 succeeded Ambassador George Obiozor as the 11th of the umbrella socio-cultural body as a famous businessman and politician.

He added that Iwuanyanwu was an elder statesman and a pan-Nigerian, who used his leadership of Ohanaeze to seek peace and stability in Nigeria.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, described his passing as the fall of a great iroko and an incalculable loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.

Mbah said Iwuanyanwu was unapologetically Igbo, yet a consummate nationalist and quintessential statesman, who gave his all-in service to the nation and to the Igbo race.

both fiscal and monetary policies are beginning to yield fruits. There will be reduction in food prices. As part of reforms, CBN has been tightening lending rate to rein in inflation and it's achieving impact.

"Investment climate is improving both by the foreign and local investors. There is a growing confidence in the economy, driven by CBN action.

“Domestic capital market is upswing, resulting in improved returns on Investment.

"On the fiscal side, more than the 2023, both oil and non-oil revenue have improved largely due to resorting to the use of technology applications in the revenue drive."

Edun stated that oil revenue was 30 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 11 per cent in 2023, adding that non-oil revenue in 2024 has been surpassed by 30 per cent, half-year.

He said, "We are moving to ramp up oil production. The target is two

Reacting to the unfortunate incident, he said, “I received with a deep of grief the shocking news of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an icon, pan Nigerian, national colossus, and an absolute patriot, who gave his all for the peace and progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria.

“Ahaejiagamba, as he was popularly known, took up the mantle of leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a very difficult time, and acquitted himself most creditably as a courageous leader, whose vision was to chart a new roadmap for Igbo renaissance in the Nigerian commonwealth.

“His politics was no less remarkable. His views were candid and unpretentious, but never divisive. His maturity shone brightly, as he often sought to build bridges. Indeed, Chief Iwuanyanwu, a pan Africanist, would be missed by not only Ndigbo and Nigeria, but Africa as a whole,” he said.

Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF) and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has described his death as a profound loss to the nation.

In a statement yesterday, Abiodun described the news of the death of the businessman, publisher, and politician as shocking.

million barrels per day. The NNPCL has taken that challenge. In terms of tax reforms, there has been tax efficiency without an increase in tax to date."

He explained that debt sustainability remained key to the government, adding that government has been honouring its obligations both domestically and externally without recourse to Ways and Means for funding.

The minister said, "We exited Ways and Means by paying N7.3 trillion obligations. Nigeria is in good position in terms of debt service to GDP from 97 per cent in 2023 to 68 per cent in 2024.

“The budget deficit is moving in the right direction. We are closer to a lower budget deficit than we met."

According to him, debt is down in dollar terms, from $108 billion to $91 billion.

Amid allegations that the federal government was still paying subsidy

Abiodun said as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Igbo people, Iwuanyanwu worked tirelessly to preserve the unity of the country with his various, timely interventions at critical times when contentious issues were raging.

"I received with shock, the news of the death of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. His passing at this critical time when his counselling as an elder statesman is needed is saddening.

"Chief Iwuanyanwu was a remarkable leader, statesman, and patriot who dedicated his life to promoting the unity, progress, and well-being of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.

"His contributions to fostering interethnic harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding between the diverse peoples of our country were huge. His death is a profound loss not only for the Igbo nation but Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, said he was greatly disheartened by his death, adding that the devastating report of his death hadleft all who

on premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, after announcing the cessation of subsidies, Edun said subsidy was technically gone.

On whether the Federation Account received proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) since the government announced removal of fuel subsidy, the minister said, “Subsidy is gone technically. We do not have provisions for subsidy in the 2024 budget. What we have is a situation in which we have a combination of factors.

“The spike in the exchange rate as a result of the foreign exchange market reforms sent the exchange rate to the roof. It left NNPC in its role, by law, to ensure energy supply with fuel supply.

"We must remember that a resolution will come and while looking at the whole resolution of

Continued on page 42

knew him heartbroken.

Writing on his X, Obi said, “He was not just a father to many, but a bridge builder who remained committed to the peaceful coexistence of all groups in the nation.

“He was undoubtedly a deeply patriotic Nigerian whose desire for justice, equity, progress and development of the nation transcended tribal boundaries. Chief Iwuanyanwu was one of those revered father figures who have always given me useful advice.

“I recall visiting him at the hospital, on the 11th of this month with the Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchey.

“He promised me that he would soon be alright, to continue with his contributions to the progress of the nation. Since then, I continued to pray for his quick and full recovery, till I received the sad news of his death.

“I sincerely condole with his immediate family, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the entire nation over the death of this revered patriarch. May God grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad loss and grant him eternal rest.”

Abiru

RULERS...

Dangiwa: FG Planning 1.25m Jobs with 50,000

Housing Estates Nationwide

Quantity surveyors decry low patronage by govt

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa yesterday said the planned 50,000 housing units nationwide will help generate over 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs.

Speaking at the 2024 Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) conference in Abuja, the minister noted that the ‘Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme’ is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth.

“The construction and

development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments. The 50,000 units that we plan to deliver under phase 1 will create 1,250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs for architects, engineers,

quantity surveyors, surveyors, masons, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, iron benders etc.

“This is in addition to the value chain effects of purchase, supply of building materials, businesses around the construction sites, etc,” Dangiwa stated.

Transcorp Power Grows Revenue by 142% to N135.4bn in H1 2024

Peter Uzoho

Transcorp Power Plc, one of the power subsidiaries of Transcorp Group, has announced its financial performance for the first half (H1) ended June 30, of 2024 with its revenue growing by 142 per cent to N135.4 billion.

The power company disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, saying the 2024 unaudited results showed an impressive year-on-year growth for the period ended June 30, 2024.

Transcorp Power said based on the positive performance, it had delighted its shareholders with an interim dividend of N1.50k per share.

"The company's H1 2024 revenue grew from N55.9 billion in H1 2023 to N135.4 billion, showing a growth of 142 per cent year on year, while profit before tax grew by 214 per cent to N50.9 billion.

“These results demonstrate the company’s resilience in the face

of challenging macroeconomic conditions", the company noted. It said its Net Finance Cost fell by 37 per cent to N1.3 billion, a reduction from N2.1 billion in H1 2023.

On its Profit Before Tax, Transcorp Power stated that it recorded a growth of 214 per cent to N50.9 billion, compared to N16.2 billion in the previous year.

It revealed that its total assets grew by 45 per cent to N322.9 billion as of June 30, 2024, up from N223.3 billion at the beginning of the year, driven by robust operational performance.

The company said shareholders’ funds increased by 64 per cent to N94.6 billion as of June 30th, 2024, up from N57.8 billion as of 31st December 2023, boosted by retained earnings.

Commenting on the outstanding H1 2024 performance, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Power, Mr. Peter Ikenga,

attributed it to the company’s strategic vision and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“This positive performance across key indicators emphasizes our agility and ability to navigate complex market dynamics effectively. We recognize the criticality of power to unlocking the value in our dear country, Nigeria and we remain committed towards our goal of bridging the energy gap in our country.

"We will continue to execute our maintenance program and make the necessary investments to increase our power generating capabilities,” he said.

Chairman, Board of Directors of Transcorp Power, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, noted that the company’s impressive results in the first half of the year underscored its resilience and operational excellence while navigating the complex power landscape.

He added: “The interim dividend of N1.50 is a testament

to our commitment to create value and spread wealth to all our shareholders. The half year performance also further reinforces our consistent upward growth trajectory year on year and confidence that Transcorp Power will continue to deliver exceptional performance in the future.

“Our shareholders are assured of sustained high level of performance and superior returns for their investment in Transcorp Power."

Transcorp Power, which was listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) earlier this year, has continued to show impressive growth, attaining a market capitalisation of N2.8 trillion up from its listed market value of N1.8 trillion.

With a clear strategic direction and a strong foundation, Transcorp Power@ said it is a leading power generation company and paving the way for the future of energy in Nigeria and beyond.

Dangiwa argued that Nigeria’ was at a juncture where skills and innovations must align with the evolving demands of the society, thereby requiring a robust assessment and periodic appraisal of current capabilities.

According to the minister, the current state of housing in the country is far from where it ought to be, with the dual challenge of inadequate housing supply to meet population growth and sub-standard housing.

He stated that this does not meet the conditions of habitability, safety & security, comfort, sanitation, accessibility, infrastructure, social amenities, and socio-cultural adequacy as set out by UN and World Health Organisation (WHO).

Since assumption of office, Dangiwa said that the ministry has developed and commenced the implementation of a comprehensive and holistic plan of action to guide it in the implementation of reforms and initiatives that will help rewrite the housing and urban landscape.

“So far, we have done groundbreaking for two Renewed Hope Cities under public and private sector (FCT and Kano), and Renewed Hope Estates in 12 States (Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Osun, Benue, Nasarawa, Oyo, Katsina, Yobe, Gombe and Sokoto) making a total of 6,612 homes,” he added.

In his remarks, President QSRBN, Obafemi Onashile, said

that one of the major challenges was the lack of patronage and commissioning of its members in government projects, stressing that other professionals in the construction industry were suffering the same fate.

“And so the first major challenge is getting work, getting commissions for QSRBN to earn a living. The second challenge is the perceived lack of full understanding of the importance of QSRBN to the economy of the nation.

“And that's one of the reasons why we have chosen the theme for this year's annual assembly to showcase the capacity and capabilities in contributing to the economy, and for the government to understand this, and ensure that they get the board to adequately contribute.

“The contribution of quantity surveyors to the economy is exponential compared to the compensation or remuneration of the quantity surveyors,“ he stated.

He said that while there could be billions in budget, but the eventual disbursement is barely less than 40 per cent.

“Quantity Surveyors are very important to capital projects. They're very important to budgeting. And that's, again, one of the things we're advocating for the government to be aware of.

Let quantity participate in infrastructure development, in budgeting for them, and in also executing them,” he advised.

Akinnawo Takes Over at NBET after Ewelukwa’s Exit

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Mr. Johnson Akinnawo has taken over in acting capacity from Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, who completed his four-year tenure at the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc on July 24. A statement from NBET described Akinnawo as a consummate professional with over 25 years of experience, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a seasoned energy contract management specialist.

As the pioneer Financial Controller of NBET in 2012, the statement said that he was responsible for pioneering the seamless setting up of NBET's accounting systems. It said that he also designed as well as implemented transparent controls and instituted a culture of transparency and integrity in all NBET energy market settlements.

“He has been an integral part of the NBET management team since inception, successfully manages all NBET market receipts from Distribution Companies (Discos),

as well as payments to Generation Companies (Gencos), including government intervention funds and the federal government’s World Bank Power Sector Recovery Operation (PSRO) funds.

“Prior to this appointment, as the General Manager, Origination, Contract Management and Administration, he was responsible for directing IPP planning and procurement activities through contract negotiations, managing portfolio risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“Among other achievements, he led the team that successfully completed the negotiation of several greenfield IPP projects and closed out on the Trans Afam 726MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), facilitating the FGN's privatisation of the power plant and paving the way for additional investments of up to N105.3billion,” NBET added. According to the statement Akinnawo also finalised a 50MW power purchase contract for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project, restoring electricity to the region after

insurgency disruptions.

Additionally, it said he achieved the successful implementation of the first-ever industry-wide synchronous capacity test of power plants in NBET's portfolio, to ascertain the plant's net dependable capacity alongside gas sufficiency/availability in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“Mr Akinnawo now leads NBET at a time when the company is implementing measures to stabilise the electricity market and address liquidity in the electricity value chain.

“He is working collaboratively with the regulator, other critical sector participants and the Federal Government of Nigeria, to ensure sustained and continuous settlement of all obligations to Gencos, including those from Discos and the government,” it stressed.

As the Chairman of NBET's Working Group on the implementation of an energy exchange, Akinnawo the statement said, is also leading the company's efforts to facilitate a more sustainable electricity market in the country.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

TINUBU MEETS TRADITIONAL

L-R: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar lll, and Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja ll, during the meeting of Traditional rulers with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

ECONOMY ON PATH TO RECOVERY...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Ministry of Finance, Mr Ekanem Udo; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Permanent Secretary Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu; and Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, during a press briefing in Abuja...yesterday

LG Autonomy: INEC Has Capacity to Conduct LG Polls, Says Chairman

Aborisade

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has said the electoral body has the capacity to conduct the local government elections in the country if provided with necessary resources.

He stated this on Thursday when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on the INEC and Electoral Committees.

He was reacting to a question from members of the National Assembly joint panel on the position of the commission on the Supreme Court verdict regarding the financial autonomy for local government areas.

Yakubu said he was aware of the calls for the unbundling of INEC or creation of a new federal agency for the purpose of conducting council polls.

He however, declared that INEC under his leadership has the capacity, competence, human resources and adequate experience to conduct local government elections across the 774 councils across Nigeria.

He justified his position with the successes already recorded by the commission in the six Federal Capital Territory Area Councils, including frequent off season and bye elections.

The INEC boss also said the fact that the commission had been conducting elections at the federal and state levels

NCS Comptroller: Onne Customs Generated over N48.056b in July

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State, said it generated over N48.056 billion in the month of July this year.

Comptroller of the command, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this yesterday, during a briefing with journalists at the Onne Port, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking on their achievements in terms of revenue, the Comptroller disclosed that the command generated over N312,094 billion in the first half of the year, which according to him, translate to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the command.

Babandede recalled that on July 1, the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, on a visit to the command, recounted the significant developments in their operations to secure the nation's borders and ensure public safety.

He said despite the warning by the CGC, "some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures".

He regretted that notwithstanding the security situation in the country, the Area 2 Command of the NIS has continued to step up its security function in the area of policing the sea port to prevent further economic sabotage.

Speaking on the feat achieved by the command under his watch, Babandede said: "It is with joy that I inform you that the command has again recorded another significant breakthrough over these unpatriotic people who do not have the interest of our nation at heart as attested by the seizures on display today.

"In line with the CGC policy thrust

of collaboration and consolidation, the command, on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers, swung into action.

“In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Onne Port Chapter, these containers were identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.

"A total of seven seized containers were made. These containers were found to contain: 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg), and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg).

"The above seizures is estimated at N1I,200,000,000. which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation".

The Comptroller expressed worries that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose, saying that the seized cough syrup codeine and tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation.

He also reiterated the resolve of the command under the present Comptroller General of Customs not to tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of the nation.

Babandede revealed that "the command in the first half of the year generated a total of N312,094,367,124.58 which translates to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the command. As at this morning, the command has generated N48,056,806,692.00 in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month".

over the years successfully was an indication that it has all it takes to conduct council polls.

Yakubu said: "So if this responsibility for the conduct of local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope? The answer is yes, INEC can cope. What are we? By definition, INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission.

"Right now, we do national elections, we do state elections, we do local government elections.

"A national electoral commission may be expected to implement only the presidential and National Assembly elections. We also do governorship elections, we do state assembly elections, and we do the area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

"Our track report actually proves that we can do it. Take the case of the Federal Capital Territory. I would like to say one or two things about the FTC local government elections.

"There are six area councils of the FCT. So, there are six chairmen of area councils, there are 62 wards in the FCT. Each ward has a councilorship for the

election of councils.

"This is one part of the country where INEC has conducted local government elections and it has resulted in the following.

"First, it is perhaps the only part of the country where local government elections are held regularly.

"Second, there has never been a caretaker committee for any area council in the FCT. INEC has been conducting the elections regularly.

"Thirdly, there is stability of tenure or security of tenure. It used to be three years, but in 2022, the National Assembly amended the Electoral Act to provide for a four-year tenure for area councils in the FCT. So they enjoy security of tenure.

"No single political party has ever won elections in all the constituencies in the FCT, not one.

"In fact, what is interesting now is that out of the six chairmen of the FCT, actually the council and the constituencies are evenly split between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party which won three councils each."

The chairman also noted that FCT councils are made up of urban and rural communities, an indication that it has adequate experience to do so in any part of the country.

He said: "So in terms of capacity to do it, we can do it, we have been doing it in the federal capital territory.

"However, if the decision of the National Assembly is to amend the constitution. I need to put that responsibility back to you we need an engagement with the National Assembly.

"There are certain special amendments that are to be done for us to be able to handle those additional responsibilities.

"For instance, will the federal government continue to fund the elections for the states and the local government will fund this?

"The second proposition we have had is that there should be a new federal electoral commission for local government elections.

"Sadly, there is another argument that does not want the state electoral commissions to conduct local

government elections in the spirit of federalism, but they should find a way of ensuring that they improve on the conduct.

"Right now, the law has not been amended. The same constitution that creates INEC also creates the state independent electoral commissions.

"So, it is up to the National Assembly to amend the law to transfer that responsibility to INEC. If that is done, the question is can INEC cope? Yes, we can.

"We have said that we should not be unbundled beyond the conduct of electoral activities rather than elections. There are two activities we handle. That is what is called electoral activities, not necessarily related to elections.

"We believe that some of these responsibilities can be handled by other agencies. And this point has been made consistently since 2008 by committees established to reform our electoral processes beginning with the Justice Mohammed Uwais Commission in 2008, that some responsibilities should be removed from the Independent National Electoral Commission."

Deputy Senate President Hails Tinubu Over North West Development Commission Bill Assent

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Deputy Senate President, Jubrin Barau, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for according presidential assent to the North West Development Commission Bill. With the presidential assent, the federal government intervention agency will address the deleterious state of infrastructural facilities in the region.

Speaking with journalists last night, Deputy Senate President and

Senator representing Kano North who sponsored the Bill commended President Tinubu for signing the Bill into law.

He noted that it would mitigate the poor state of infrastructures in the region destroyed by the terror gang, Boko Haram.

He said: "The President has signed the North West Development Commission Bill into law. It has come to light that the commission is going to assist in the development of the North West.

"You are all aware of the development of that zone that is in the forefront of food production in this country but it has been ravaged of recent by activities of Boko Haram that has destroyed health, education and infrastructures. With this Commission, we can rebuild this region.

"Mr. President has showed that he loves the people of this region and whatever is done for North West, he has done for the entire country because we are all interconnected.

"He has shown that he has foresight

and goodwill to develop this country. I appeal to Nigerians to cooperate with him he has been showing to us what he did in Lagos. We appreciate what he has done.

"What he has done is a demonstration that he is a leader to be trusted; we have to be patient with him. We know that Rome wasn't built in a day. Let us continue to pray for him.

"This is just his one year. Let us support him and sideline away those who want to distract him."

Tanker Drivers: Count Us Out of Planned August 1 National Protest

Addeh

The national secretariat of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Thursday said its members would not be part of the planned national protest scheduled to start on August 1.

The National Chairman of PTDNUPENG, Augustine Egbon, in a statement in Abuja, also stated that the organisation was not considering going on a strike in support of the public demonstration.

He further raised the alarm over alleged moves to infiltrate the union's ranks by some individuals he said were bent on making themselves

available to promote the protest.

The statement said that Egbon's declaration was made on the heels of an online report attributed to a member of the union, Olaitan Idris, who vowed that an industrial crisis was imminent.

Idris was also said to have remarked that the recent special delegates’ conference held in Lagos, where Egbon and Oluchi Chinagorom were elected as the national chairman and national secretary respectively, along with 15 others did not enjoy the support of majority of the members of the union.

He also demanded a fresh election to forestall a major industrial crisis in the country.

But the National Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, Egbon, maintained that the declaration of the impending crisis was not true and that it was a ‘wild claim’.

Egbon declared that members across the zones and the 150 units of the PTD- NUPENG were fully represented in the election held in Lagos with representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour in attendance.

He alerted the security agencies to invite Idris whom he alleged was being ‘used by forces’ bent on collaborating with masterminds of the August protest for interrogation.

He said: " There is no truth in the claim made by Idris who claimed to be a member of the

union. We don't even know him in any of our units. Nigerians should disregard rumours of strike by our union.

“Those persons saying that are people planning for August protest.

The PTD-NUPENG under my leadership is not going on strike as there is no reason for it. We are not going to partake in any August protest. We urge the federal government to fish out those issuing threats of strike at this critical period in our industry,” he added.

The PTD-NUPENG chairman restated that the election held in Lagos was done in compliance with due process, insisting that if they have a genuine case, they should seek redress in court.

Emmanuel

in Abuja

Sunday

in Abuja

FIRS Clarifies Taxation, Adjustments to Foreign Currency Transactions

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has issued clarification on relevant adjustments that may henceforth be required to determine the tax position from foreign currency (FCY) transactions.

The clarification was contained in an information circular to taxpayers, tax practitioners and tax officials and the public on the appropriate tax treatment of FCY transactions in line with the provisions of the relevant tax laws.

The service noted that the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) prescribed the treatment of FCY transactions in the financial statements of an entity for accounting purposes.

It said though the treatment prescribed by the IFRS may be sufficient for accounting purposes, however, such treatments may not be in accordance with extant tax rules which would necessitate making relevant adjustments when computing tax payable.

The revenue agency pointed out that generally, only expenses that are wholly, exclusively, necessarily and reasonably incurred in the production of a taxable income may be deducted in order to ascertain the assessable profits for the relevant year of assessment, in line with Sections 24(1) & 27 of the Companies

Income Tax Act (CITA), Sections 20 & 21 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and Sections 10 & 13 of the Petroleum Profits Tax Act (PPTA).

It stated that Foreign Exchange (FX) difference arises where the rate used in booking a foreign-currency transaction differs from the rate used on a subsequent reporting or settlement date.

FIRS stressed that exchange differences on any item which is monetary in nature is treated as taxable income or deductible expense for income tax purposes It further stated that FX differences arising from hedging transactions are not taxable income or deductible expenses until the hedged item is realised.

It said realised exchange differences occur when a FCY transaction is closed at an exchange rate different from the booking rate, thereby resulting into payment or receipt of the revalued sum.

The service further explained that unrealised exchange differences do not increase or decrease the tax liability as they must be ignored in the computation of the assessable profits.

It said, "Where unrealised exchange loss is charged to statement of comprehensive income account (i.e., Profit and Loss Account), such unrealised losses are not tax deductible,

while unrealised gain are equally not taxable income.

"However, realised exchange differences will increase (in the case of a gain) or decrease (in the event of a loss) tax due as they are included in the computation of the assessable profits."

The service further provided a template for taxation of monetary and non-monetary items.

It stated, "Exchange differences on the settlement or recovery of a monetary item is a realised exchange difference.

"Exchange differences on foreign currency cash balances are realised upon conversion to another currency or another class of monetary or non-monetary."

FIRS also stated that unrealised exchange differences recognised for accounting purposes shall not be adjusted in computing the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) levy at 0.25 per cent of the Profit Before Tax (PBT) for eligible companies.

Same applies to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Levy at one per cent of PBT payable by companies specified in the NITDA Act as well as minimum tax payable under section 33(2) of CITA at the rate of

0.5 per cent of gross turnover as defined under section 105 of CITA (less franked investment income) where applicable.

On tax exempt items, the service said exchange differences arising from an item which is exempt from tax is not taxable in the case of a gain, and not deductible in the case of a loss.

It said, "For instance, any exchange gain or loss on the disposal of Federal Government of Nigeria's (FGN) Eurobonds will not be a taxable income or deductible expense for income tax purposes regardless of the nature of the taxpayer's business.

"Note that income and expenses relating to tax exempt items shall be disclosed in the tax computation statement or schedule, and shall be segregated by type.

"For example, expenses relating to FGN Naira Bonds and FGN Eurobonds shall be shown separately."

On documentation and returns, it stressed that a company must keep detailed records of all foreign currency transactions stating the dates, amounts, counterparty, applicable exchange rates.

Furthermore, every company must provide a reconciliation of exchange differences recognised in the income statement, statement of comprehensive income or equity including associated deferred tax analysis.

FMBN Disburses N440bn Mortgage Loans, Refunds N84bn to Exiting NHF Contributors

Reiterates plan to embark on N500bn recapitalisation drive Recovers N12bn wrongly deducted by finance ministry

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has disclosed that it has so far disbursed over N440 billion in various housing schemes and has refunded over N84 billion to persons exiting the National Housing Fund (NHF).

Speaking in Abuja on the occasion of the FMBN Day at the 18th Africa International Housing Show , Managing Director and Chief Executive of the bank, Mr Shehu Osidi, stressed that the bank also recovered about N12 billion wrongly deducted by the Ministry if Finance.

“Since its reestablishment in 1993, the bank has delivered

about 39,000 new homes, about 25,500 mortgages and over 120,000 micro housing loans, all within a single-digit interest rate lending regime.

“Under the NHF scheme, it has registered 26,350 organisations and over 5.8 million cumulative contributors with over 1 million accounting for the self-employed sector.

“The bank has disbursed the cumulative of N440 billion under its various loan windows to drive affordable housing finance for the Nigerian economy. To its record, the sum of N84.8 billion has been refunded to 492,604 contributors who exited the scheme in line with the provisions of the NHF Act,”

Osidi said.

Over the years, Osidi said that the bank had expanded its bouquet of loans from mortgage financing, to housing construction, to micro housing financing and more recently, a rent-to-own product.

With the rapidly changing landscape and growing need for affordable housing financing, FMBN's clientele base, he stressed, has widened from solely primary mortgage banks to private and public real estate developers, housing cooperatives and now to individual NHF contributors for home self-construction.

The latest additions to its loan products, Osidi disclosed, are the home improvement and

rent assistance loans, which are micro housing loans specifically intended for but not exclusive to the non-salaried informal sector.

He quoted Vice President Kashim Shettima as last year projecting Nigeria's housing finance gap at about N21 trillion, while a 2018 PwC survey revealed that over 75 per cent of the nation's housing stock of 42 million units failed to meet UN Habitat standards.

The report, he said, further estimated the value of 'dead capital', that is, unrealised earnings from housing assets with limited earning capabilities at about $300 billion, translating to 60 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It further explained that where the service determines that a taxpayer is artificially realising or deferring the realisation of foreign exchange gains and losses with the principal purpose of tax avoidance especially in a related party transaction, necessary adjustments shall be made to the tax due.

FIRS also stated that commissions, fees and other charges associated with foreign exchange transactions including a split or second invoice (where applicable), FX hedging or the application of unofficial exchange rates shall be subject to the wholly, reasonably, exclusively and necessarily (WREN) test to determine tax deductibility.

It said any income earned, including consequential realised exchange gains shall be taxed irrespective of the circumstances unless the income is exempt from tax.

Also, peer-to-peer exchange rates agreed for transactions between related parties shall be subject to transfer pricing rules, the service added. Moreover, it said offsetting of exchange gains or losses shall be segregated by line of business and by tax regimes.

"For instance, exchange gains arising from a taxable item or business operation shall not be offset against the loss from an item or a business operation that is exempt from tax."

NSE Confers Fellowship on 116 Engineers, President Charges Awardees on Integrity

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) yesterday conferred the fellowship of the 66-year-old organisation on 166 engineering professionals, with the President of the organisation charging awardees to serve with integrity.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the NSE President and Chairmanin-Council, Margaret Oguntala, urged the conferees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, serving as role models for the next generation of engineers.

Highlighting their contributions to the profession and to the nation, Oguntala said that their fellowship was a testament to their exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment to the advancement of engineering.

“This fellowship is not merely an acknowledgment of your past achievements but a charge to continue serving with excellence and integrity,” she said, describing them as leaders of the NSE.

Oguntala told the new fellows that it was imperative that they uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, serving as role models for the next generation of engineers.

“Your actions, decisions, and contributions will reflect not only on your personal and professional reputations but also on the reputation of the NSE as a whole. Let your work inspire and set benchmarks for others to follow.

“Embrace this honour with a sense of responsibility and

commitment. Be the torchbearers of progress, the champions of quality, and the advocates for sustainable development. Your role as fellows extends beyond your individual achievements to the collective advancement of our profession and our nation,” she explained.

The society’s first female president stressed that the nation now stands at a critical juncture where the collaboration between government and professionals, particularly engineers, is essential for sustainable development.

Our expertise is crucial in assisting federal, state, and local governments to tackle the numerous infrastructural challenges we face. Whether in the design, construction, or maintenance of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, or energy systems, our input is invaluable.

“We shall continue to offer our commitment and expertise to ensure that engineering projects are of the highest quality and meet the needs of our communities,” she stressed.

Oguntala said that the recent granting of financial autonomy to local government areas presents a unique opportunity for grassroots development.

“This autonomy allows local governments to directly manage their finances and prioritise projects that will have the most significant impact on our people. However, financial autonomy alone is not enough; it must be coupled with effective leadership and strategic planning.

NEW US AMBASSADOR PRESENTS LETTER OF CREDENCE TO TINUBU... President Bola Tinubu (R) and the new US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Merrill Mills Jr. who presented his Letter of Credence at the Presidential Abuja....yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

James Emejo in Abuja

Nkwocha: With Life-changing Projects Like RSPIC, It’ll be Unfair to Protest Against Tinubu

Senior Special Assistant to the on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, in this interview sheds more light on the benefits of the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict recently launched in Kaduna by President Bola Tinubu, maintaining that this and many other ongoing projects across the country are enough reasons Nigerians should ignore the brazen planned nationwide protest by some group of persons. Deji Elumoye brings excerpts.

President Bola Tinubu recently kicked off the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) launched in Kaduna State. Why is the President passionate about the scheme?

For this first phase of the RSPIC, we are targeting around 294,000 people in each of the seven states chosen. But aside the states, it’s beyond resettlement; it’s about giving dignity to human life as enshrined in our Constitution. It was also the promise President Tinubu made during the 2023 campaigns, that his administration will give meaning to the life of every Nigerian.

So, for the President, it is about giving meaning, it is about giving succour, and it is about giving life. And if you remember, in his inauguration address last year, the President said, “Look, we will give you the power to dream to become like every other human being.”

Again, if you take it further, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) pegs the total number of displaced persons in Nigeria at three million. You might begin to think this number, out of our total population of about 250 million, is too microscopic to worry about, but a country like Rwanda with its right has a total population of 14.4 million.

So, if you pull out three million from that country’s population, imagine the impact it would have on its workforce and the national economy. So, for President Tinubu, resettlement is key, given its correlation on one hand with poverty and on the other with human capital and development.

For Vice President Kashim Shettima - a man with track records and driving the scheme - he has brought in his enormous experience in conflict management and resolution to bear on the scheme. Don’t forget that it was during Senator Shettima’s time as governor of Borno State that Nigeria, for the first time, had a state ministry of Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation. Given his commitment and devotion, many persons displaced by insurgency moved back to their natural habitat. Now, you hardly see IDPs camps in Borno State because his successor, Prof Babagana Zulum, who was his Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, finished the work his predecessor left for him.

On the larger view that wealth of experience and commitment is rubbing off on this initiative and we shall succeed no doubt.

Why is it that the North West is the zone favoured for the kickoff of the resettlement programme? You and I know that it is not the geopolitical zone that is the worst hit in terms of conflicts compared to the North East where the Vice President hails from.

The RSPIC is not just a programme for the North West. The first phase of the scheme focuses on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by banditry and farmers-herders conflicts. Among them are Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara in the North West, as well as Niger and Benue States in the North Central. For instance, Benue State has had it very tough in terms of conflicts, especially the herders-farmers clash that has taken its toll on the agrarian state, popularly referred to as the food basket of the nation.

Now, you will agree with me that the RSPIC is part of a holistic approach to tackling insecurity, with a focus on addressing food insecurity. As a food basket of the nation, it is simply strategic that Benue is among the seven states given priority as one of the takeoff points for the scheme. Look at Niger State, another agrarian state in the North Central; you don’t need more information about the havoc caused by bandits in this state. There is a need to bring these two states of the North Central into the first phase of this crucial scheme, even if it was meant to be undertaken zone by zone.

So, the beauty of this scheme is that it is a national project spearheaded by Mr. President and rigorously driven by the Vice President. The scheme will be executed in phases - from the North West, gradually to the South South, North Central, to the South East, the South West and the North East, encompassing a broad base national agenda. This is the drive, this is the promise, and this is the vision of Mr. President.

Do the people being resettled have the buy-in into this project? In resettling them back in conflict-prone areas, the issue of vulnerability must be taken into consideration. How are you going to assure them of their safety in a place where they have fled from due to conflict?

That is why I told you that the RSPIC is part of a holistic approach to combating insecurity. It takes into cognizance the nation’s economic growth as well as the living condition and welfare of the citizens. You have roads being constructed, you have schools being built and you have empowerment projects under this scheme. Of course, most importantly is the issue of security which is guaranteed, with police stations, military bases and formations being established alongside the infrastructures being built within these resettlement areas. It is a must that these resettlement areas are going to be dominated by military and

security presence as a way of providing security in these areas. So, like I earlier said, it is going to be an all-encompassing, holistic and non-kinetic scheme. There is also the issue of education. I can remember the Vice President saying under the scheme, the federal government is going to build model schools equipped with modern technologies. And you will agree with me that education is priceless and life fulfilling.

But are Nigerians considering such projects as necessary in the face of what they have described as hardship that has led to plans for a nationwide protest? Some are saying it is irrational to think of resettling displaced persons when those in place

are facing untold hardship?

You have just put forward one salient question, and I’m going to answer it objectively as possible. Your question has re-echoed a very critical question well-meaning Nigerians are asking out there: why the protest against a government that is putting everything in the works to turn around a battered economy it inherited?

Looking at the array of people-oriented project being initiated and executed by the administration, all in a bid to give Nigerians a new lease of life, is it not hypocritical for a microscopic few in the camp of the opposition to instigate a protest against a government that is working round the clock to fix the nation’s economy that had already wobbled and tottered towards an eclipse when it took over?

Of noble priority to this government is the building of strong institutions all across board. Whether it is in the education sector as exemplified by the Students’ loan scheme, the enforcement of Nutrition as a policy directive in the health sector, the commendable innovations in the aviation sector, the immigration and tax reforms, the unifying of our exchange rates, massive infrastructure going on in the country like the Lagos - Calabar, Lagos - Sokoto coastal highways, and now under this administration you have the North West Development Commission and the South East Development Commission.

So with just these few thrives that I have mentioned, you can see the deliberate building of institutions with multipronged goals.

Let’s the take the RSPIC, for instance; the Tinibu administration embarked on the scheme because it will create jobs, empower Nigerians and restore peace and security in the country. It is not just about resettling and reintegrating displaced populations. The scheme will address the root causes of insecurity and ensure farmers return to their farms. It is part of efforts by the President and his deputy towards economic transformation. If we had a significant cut-down on insecurity and poverty, as well as increased provision of infrastructures that would enhance the living condition of Nigerians before now, would there have been all this noise about protest under any guise? It is quite obvious that what you call planned protest is a calculated attempt by opposition elements to throw the country into chaos? Those behind

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

As House M embers Cut Salary Over Planned Pro tests...

Last Thursday, the House of Representatives resolved to slash the salaries of lawmakers by 50 per cent for the next six months, while some see it as a panic button due to the planned protests against bad governance, others see it as a good gesture. Adedayo Akinwale writes

In the last few weeks, Kenyans have taken to the streets protesting against plans by the government to hike tax in the East African country. The youth-led demonstrations that erupted about a month ago against planned tax hikes have continued even after President William Ruto withdrew the legislation and fired almost all members of his cabinet.

However, Kenyans, frustrated by years of stagnating wages and corruption are seen as worse than ever. But the tax hike plan was the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

Despite the Kenyan government yielding to their demands, activists want the president to step down and are demanding systemic changes to fight corruption and address poor governance.

Recall that in October 2020, there was a similar mass protests against police brutality in Nigeria tagged #EndSARS. The movement’s slogan called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit of the Nigerian Police known for its long record of abuse against Nigerian citizens.

The protests originated from a Twitter campaign in 2017, using the hashtag #EndSARS

to demand the unit’s disbandment by the Nigerian government. The movement experienced a resurgence in October 2020 following further revelations of the unit’s abuses, leading to mass demonstrations across major cities in Nigeria, and

widespread outrage on social media platforms. Though, the protest was later hijacked by elements believed to be sponsored by the government and subsequently failed when compared with the success achieved with the Kenyan protest.

Taking a cue from the success recorded by the Kenyan youths, another protest is in the offing in Nigeria. The planned protests tagged, “End bad government in Nigeria 2024: 10 days of rage” is scheduled to kick off on August 1 and end on August 10.

It was against this background that the House of Representatives appealed to the proponents of proposed nationwide protest to maintain peace, eschew violence and open the windows for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels in order to address their issues.

The House made the call following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved at plenary by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka.

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Flooding: FG, Experts Seek Solution to Mitigate Climate Change Disasters, Cholera Outbreak

Arthur Eriye

Experts have tasked the federal and state governments on the need for a system-wide solution to mitigate risks associated natural disasters.

The effects of climate change are stark in Nigeria, including frequent massive floods, which experts linked to the rapid spread of Cholera outbreak in the country.

The call is coming at a time where the outbreak of cholera in flood-prone communities and states has fueled the number of casualties recorded so far.

According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO),

cholera outbreak has resulted in over 1,900 deaths, with almost 195,000 cases reported in 24 countries in several regions of the world since the start of this year.

Globally, 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera are recorded annually with 21,000 to 143, 000 deaths, according to WHO.

Joining forces in the fight against climate change, the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has emphasised the need for collaboration among policymakers, government

departments, and Agencies to mitigate flood risks.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the call at the launch of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) held in Abuja with the theme, “Promoting the use of Data Analytics and Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security,” to bolster nationwide flood preparedness by providing early warning signs.

According to Utserv: “It should be noted that some states have started experiencing varying levels of flooding and its associated disasters as early as April this

year. So far, more than ten states of the Federation and the FCT have experienced one degree of flooding or the other with several casualties recorded including displacement of people and loss of property. For example, the torrential downpour in the early hours of 24th June, 2024 in the FCT resulted in flooding of Trade More Estate in Lugbe where two deaths were reported and several houses submerged.”

He highlighted the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about flood risks and preparedness

measures, aiming to reduce threats to both lives and infrastructure

He said, “AMAC, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Kwali LGAs have also been flooded. Other affected states and LGAs are: Anambra (Onitsha North), Edo (Benin), Benue (Makurdi), Kwara (Oke-Ero, Moro), Lagos (Agege, Alimosho, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Eti-Osa), Ogun (Ijebu-Ode), Osun (Oriade), Nasarawa (Doma), Taraba (Takum, Sarduna), Yobe.

“It is important to note that as rainfall increases both in frequency and intensity, particularly in the southern part of the country, this will increase the level of flooding

and may worsen the ravaging cholera outbreak. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the cholera outbreak has resulted in 82 deaths and 2,809 suspected cases, case fatality 2.9%, State reporting cases 33, LGAs Reporting cases 148 as of Sunday, July 7, 2024.” However, he stated that 2024 river flooding will commence July, and 19 states are predicted to be affected, which include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba and the FCT.

NCAA: Domestic Airlines Need Financial Stability to Operate Safely

The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo has said domestic airlines operating across the country must be financially healthy in order to achieve maximum safety operations.

To check the financial health of the airlines, NCAA carries out regular audit of the operators and ensures that those whose financial status does not meet the acceptable standards are grounded.

Najomo who made this known in Lagos, said as a former operator and now a regulator, he understands the challenges airlines face and also what they will do to ensure continued safe operation as well as how to maintain strong

interface with regulatory authority.

“Let me tell you one thing about the relationship of the airlines. Since I was an operator and now a regulator, I must let you know that yes, I know where it bites. I know where they are coming from and I know that because I have been an operator, I have worked with X amount of airlines. I was an MD-CEO of an airline, so I know where it pains.

“So now, being a regulator here and I am looking at them, I know what to expect. And that is why I put the word, ‘Ease of Doing Business’ as my mantra. But that is not to say that the regulations are not followed. The regulations must be followed. It must be followed because of safety and security. The airlines cannot come and tell me otherwise. No, no. I have been

there before, and I know their capabilities,” Najomo said. He stressed the need for sustainable liquidity to maintain the safety standard that will guarantee safe operation.

Najomo said the first thing to determine how safe an airline is, was to carry out financial audit of the airline, recalling that NCAA had to withdraw the Air Operator Certificate (AON) of Dana Air few months ago because it did not pass financial audit carried out by the regulatory authority. NCAA, he said, is also carrying out the financial audit of other domestic airlines, reiterating that anyone that does not meet the acceptable standard of financial health will be withdrawn from operation.

“If you are not financially

viable, I will know. Recently, we suspended the AOC of an airline. Everybody knows, Dana Air. Because when we did our audits, we found out that right there, at that time, the financial health is not up to par to be able to operate safely. And that is why we suspended the AOC. So, we are doing these same financial audits and technical audits with all the other airlines periodically. As we speak, there is one going on right now. We will move from one airline to another. From Air Peace, we will go to Ibom. From Ibom, we will go to Arik. From Arik, we will go to United Nigeria. Go to Overland. Go to Green Africa. So, we are going to audit all these airlines periodically. And we are doing continuous surveillance. We are doing enhanced surveillance.

Every time you see an airplane coming into park, you see our vehicle coming in with our inspectors. They are coming in. To come and do a ramp check,” he said.

Captain Najomo said part of the safety package would be the recertification of technical crew that work at the airlines and airports, saying that it is NCAA that certifies and recertifies them to ensure that the right skill and the right people are engaged in the critical work of air travel in Nigeria.

“If your license expires, you will get it renewed. If there is any hindrance you have to go through the normal certification, simulator trainings, simulator re-currency training to get your license correct and renew it. There is no halfway

measure. I have had my elder ones. I have my seniors in the industry. But I have trained a lot of people too. I have trained a lot of pilots in my career. I was a simulator instructor. I was an aircraft training instructor. I was everything when it comes to flying the airplane. So, I have a good relationship with the pilots and my colleagues,” Najomo said. He acknowledged, however, that since he became the Director General of NCAA, the airlines have been abiding by the Civil Aviation Regulation.

Najomo said Nigeria’s airspace had never been safer as it is now, remarking that for several years air safety in Nigeria has continued to improve but the current safety status remains unparallel under his management of NCAA.

Chinedu Eze

How VistaJet is Redefining Nigeria’s Private Aviation Sector

Stories by Chinedu Eze

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, two things about the Nigerian private aviation sector have become common knowledge: Revamp in aviation business and Perception shift towards flying private.

President, VistaJet, Philip Scalabrini said that while the global aviation industry was one of the worst hits when the pandemic struck in 2019, the Nigerian private aviation sector is still yet to recover from the catastrophe, having lost $1 to$5 billion in estimate.

Reports indicate that as of

August 2022, private jets in Nigeria were less than 100 compared to 146 inAugust 2015. The current market situation shows that regulatory challenges and lack of innovation have set the sector in a tailspin.

Despite these lingering problems, Scalabrini said business aviation operators in Nigeria have experienced a surge in client patronage since the pandemic, as more Nigerians are now flying privately. the Managing Director of Leading-Edge Aviation Company, Funmi Fabunmi, remarked in 2023 that many Nigerians realised during COVID-19 that flying privately

transcends pleasure and classbut is a necessity to beat the hassles of delays and uncertainties linked to commercial airlines.

Last year, the percentage of flight delays in Nigerian airports rose to 21.79 per cent – a slight increasefrom 20.67 in 2022. Abrupt cancellation of flights and safety concerns are other issues associatedwithcommercial airlines in Nigeria.

The inescapable necessity of private jet charter in Nigeria keeps gaining momentum. The country has the third largest private aviation operators in Africa, only behind South Africa and Kenya.

AIR WATCH

Addressing Industry Challenges at Farnborough Airshow

The Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), preparing the way for the entry-into-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer.

The Type Certificate was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

Commenting on the certification, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus, Christian Scherer, said: “Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our

airline customers and passengers. With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus.”

FG Urged to Save Aviation Sector from Multiple Taxes

To end the current low passenger capacity and the high cost of airfares, the federal government has been advised to step in to save the aviation sector by moderating the over 20 taxes paid on every ticket purchased by travellers as well as reign in the astronomical rise in the foreign exchange regime.

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, gave the advice while speaking on Arise TV Programme, PrimeTime, said airlines operating in Nigeria were overburdened by multiple taxation.

He also disclosed that the forex regime, which stood at about N1,605.00 to one dollar,

is impacting negatively on local airlines as operators are forced to buy spares and fix their aircraft in dollars even without increases in the cost of such spares abroad.

According to Okonkwo, government must act fast to salvage the industry as the forex regime threatens to push up ticket prices further. He called for a review of taxes on each air ticket as some of them are repetitions.

“As long as the government does not understand the importance of aviation and make the appropriate investments in the sector, investments like creating the enabling environment for the aviation sector to survive, which means access to single digit capital,

reduction in all the charges and taxes that impact negatively on air travel business, we will still see increases in ticket prices.

“We just came back from South Africa on an IATA (International Air Travel Association) conference and it is on record that Nigeria still has the highest cost of aviation services. Every airline here pays higher than what is even paid by their peers in the western world, and we the local operators are victims of these,” he said.

Noting that the taxes are just too many, the United Nigeria Airline boss said: “For every ticket that we sell, we have about 20 to 22 deductions. Some are even repetitions.”

Avetium Consult, ManageEngine Harp on Advanced IT Control Solutions

Avetium Consult, a leading Business Technology Solution and Business Process

Outsourcing (BPO) company, recently hosted the TechExec Brunch Session, focusing on ‘Transforming the IT Landscape with Management Solutions’.

The event, which held in Lagos, highlighted innovative solutions poised to revolutionise the IT sector.

In collaboration with ManageEngine, renowned for its comprehensive suite of over 120 IT management software products and free tools, the session attracted notable CIOs, CTOs and Heads of IT from different industries. The event provided a platform for discussing cutting-edge IT management solutions and their potential to enhance business processes.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Avetium Consult, Mr. Adeyinka

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)

Adedokun, highlighted the critical elements necessary for modern IT operations.

“In today’s world, it’s essential to focus on data security, system agility, and cost optimisation in IT operations,” he said.

“Our partner, ManageEngine, is dedicated to these priorities. This gathering aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas, strategies, and goals, allowing us to explore and standardise improvements in IT operations across our organisations,” he added.

Good Mama Detergent Rewards Customers

Good Mama, one of Nigeria’s leading detergent brands manufactured by Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria Limited, recently hosted the first of its kind “Naija Queen Open Market Fashion Show” across markets in Nigeria, and rewarded customers with over 10 million Naira worth of prizes.

Brand Manager for Good Mama, Ramat Haruna, stated, “This tour is our way of appreciating and inspiring our core customers - courageous women who balance their aspirations with family responsibilities. We believe that strength comes from within every Nigerian woman. The Naija Queen Open Market Fashion

Show allows us to celebrate these women, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere, introducing our enhanced product, and reward loyalty while recruiting new customers. We want to show that with Good Mama, you can have powerful cleaning at an affordable price, without compromising on quality or your dreams.

“Participants and spectators alike were excited by the fusion of fashion and functionality. One winner noted, “This event has showed how Good Mama makes laundry easier and more enjoyable. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about taking care of your clothes easily.”

Chinedu Eze

Aerospace leaders convened at the Farnborough Airshow in southern England this week for aircraft exhibition, to make firm orders and to review prevailing scarcity of aircraft, spares and workforce plaguing the industry.

The event showed significant developments and agreements that would address the industry’s current challenges.

Devdiscourse.com reported that on Tuesday, numerous plane orders were confirmed, even as jetmakers face supply chain pressures and airlines voice concerns about delivery delays. Notably, Qatar Airways ordered 20 more Boeing 777-9s, and RollsRoyce is developing a smaller version of its Ultrafan engine demonstrator targeted at the narrow-body jet market.

Boeing’s production flow at its 737 MAX factory is showing significant improvement, according to its new commercial planes chief. Meanwhile, Airbus’s CEO mentioned exploring opportunities to scale up in defence, space, and satellite markets. In the realm of commercial plane and engine deals, Japan Airlines finalised orders for 20 Airbus A350-900s and 11 A321neos, among other significant transactions. The defence sector also saw crucial announcements, including the UK’s efforts in advancing its Global Combat Air Programme with Japan and Italy.

Airbus and Boeing have different views on when, or whether, Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC will become a competitive threat. Aviationweek.com reported that at last year’s Paris Airshow, then- Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO, Stan Deal, said he did not believe COMAC would become a viable competitor for at least the next 10 years. However, Airbus Commercial CEO Christian Scherer believes COMAC is already a serious competitor. Speaking at a pre-Farnborough Airshow briefing in London on Sunday, he said the state-owned Chinese company was already making inroads into the market, albeit in a limited way. “It’s not when, or if, they’re a competitor so far; they’re very much influential in the PRC (People’s Republic of China) and perhaps in the surrounding areas and countries,” he said.

“There’s significant sustained demand not only in China … for the cake to be split up between all the contenders,” he added.

“COMAC has brought an aircraft to market: it sells. In very, very small quantities, but that’s where you start. But COMAC hasn’t really brought anything new, of differentiating substance, to the market, compared to the ‘reference product’ that I would say is the Airbus A320/321 (or) from what Airbus was 50 years ago,” he further said.

The original A320 introduced fly-by-wire and sidesticks to the commercial airliner market.

“Trying to develop a technological sovereignty here in Europe, Airbus didn’t imitate a product already in the market; it brought something new, and that accelerated our (market) penetration.”

Aviationweek.com also reported that Korean Air CEO, Walter Cho remained confident that Boeing would meet its delivery commitments after the airline placed an order for up to 50 widebody aircraft.

Korean signed a firm order on Monday for 20 777Xs and 20 787-10s, with options for a further 10 787-10s. Cho said the first delivery slots would be in 2028 and continue from there.

Asked if Boeing would honours its delivery commitments, Cho replied: “If I wasn’t assured, I wouldn’t have ordered the aircraft. I know Boeing will pull through whatever they’re going through right now. I have full confidence in Boeing. They’ll get through it.”

Korean has 20 737 MAX-8s, seven 787-9s and 16

787-10s on order with Boeing, according to CAPA Fleet Database. The airline took delivery of its first 787-10 on July 22, which it initially plans to deploy between Seoul Incheon and Tokyo Narita, before using it on long-haul routes to destinations including Vancouver.

Korean Air also placed a widebody order with Airbus in March for six A350-900s and 27 A350-1000s. However, Cho said the 777X was likely to become its flagship aircraft.

Looking backwards to the COVID-19 lockdown, air travel has rebounded since 2020, increasing airlines’ demand for new aircraft and parts for current fleets. Boeing and Airbus—and companies that supply them with parts and materials—have faced challenges increasing production to meet demand.

Gao.com indicated that the aviation manufacturers reported shortages of workforce and materials. Some said they were offering financial incentives, working with local schools to build interest in aviation careers, increasing oversight of suppliers and adding new suppliers.

To adapt to difficulty getting new aircraft and parts, airlines reported reducing the number of flights and working to safely extend the life of some parts.

THISDAY learnt that orders for new commercial aircraft have rebounded since they declined in 2020. However, the two main manufacturers of commercial aircraft—Boeing and Airbus—have faced challenges in increasing production of their most popular models—the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320—to meet demand. Steps Boeing and FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) are taking to ensure safety after a January 2024 in-flight failure of a section of the fuselage have also affected Boeing’s production levels early in 2024. Additionally, of the 15 companies GAO reported that it interviewed that supply components to Boeing and Airbus, nine said that they have likewise had difficulty filling orders with the rebound in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.

GAO also reported that manufacturers attributed these production challenges to workforce and material shortages and are working to mitigate them. Fifteen of the 17 manufacturers who spoke on this said they or their suppliers have had difficulty hiring enough skilled workers to enable them to satisfy the demand for their products. Six manufacturers said that difficulty hiring sufficient workers may be related to difficult or hazardous working conditions that some of these jobs entail, such as the use of toxic chemicals. Some manufacturers reported offering financial incentives and working with local schools to build interest in aviation careers to address their workforce needs. Further, fifteen manufacturers said that they or their suppliers have had difficulty procuring materials needed to complete their orders. Material shortages included a broad range of items, such as engines and semiconductors as well as raw materials like aluminum. To address these material shortages, manufacturers said they have increased monitoring of suppliers and established additional sources for some supplies.

Gao.com also reported that airlines are making changes to scheduled flights and developing ways to safely extend the life of some parts, among other actions, due to the difficulty obtaining new aircraft or the parts needed to maintain their current fleet. Some of the airlines have reported delays of new aircraft they had expected to receive in 2023, saying they have had trouble obtaining a broad range of parts needed to maintain their fleets. Parts in short supply included small hardware like nuts and bolts as well as specialized items like cockpit windows and engine components.

Tasks Before Bello at FCCPC

Raheem Akingbolu tasks the newly-appointed Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, on the need to make consumer protection his priority, by putting structures in place to prevent gouging and consumer exploitation in the prices of food and other items

The agitations for the defence of consumer rights in Nigeria have grown in leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. The current drive and vibe started shortly before what was then known as Consumer Protection Council (CPC), metamorphosed to Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Modupe Atoki, a Lawyer, who handed over to the immediate past EVC, Babatunde Irukera, laid a strong foundation for her successor. Interestingly, Irukera, also a Lawyer of over two decades, worked closely with Atoki while she held sway as DG. This, coupled with Irukera’s serious-mindedness and accomplishment as an experienced legal practitioner positioned him well for the task ahead.

In February this year, President Tinubu drew the curtain on the tenure of Irukera, whose times and term at the helm of the commission, were described by many stakeholders as marked by impactful actions and undeniable accomplishments. Under him, the commission didn’t only earn a new status, it got more power and dropped the toga and labelled ‘a toothless bulldog’.

BELLO IN THE SADDLE

Fortuitously, another lawyer, like his predecessors, and media executive, Mr. Tunji Bello, was recently appointed by President Tinubu to replace Irukera. Bello, who is a long time ally of the country’s number one citizen, at various times, served as Secretary to Government of Lagos State, Commissioner for Environment and Managing Director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA). With this background, many are of the strong opinion that the new helmsman has the prerequisite qualification and experience to consolidate on the successes recorded at FCCPC by his predecessor. Bello is, definitely, no stranger to public office, having garnered over 20 years experience in public service.

However, his recent appointment by President Tinubu as EVC, FCCPC is certainly a call to further

prove his administrative acumen to serve the people at the national level. Whether or not he will succeed depends on his ability to know where to draw the line between politics and regulation. One, consumer Protection should be his priority, especially the challenges associated

with the cost of living and rising food prices. While he is not responsible for fiscal policies, Bello can put structures in place to prevent price gouging and consumer exploitation in food prices. It’s believed that his impact in this area will directly benefit President Tinubu’s image amongst the public. This mandate is urgent!

Bello has the mandate to protect the rights of the consumers. It is not so fashionable a tradition in this part of the world to see consumers as idols that actually propel the wheels of prosperity in every business. Realising this and ready to defend their rights and to get value and commensurate quality for every purchase made for their consumptions, Bello has been advised to put the consumers as his number one priority in his new calling.

For efficiency, the new EVC needs technical experts to assist him in building upon his predecessor’s legacy in competition. He has big shoes to fill here because his predecessor was recently reported to be in the top three Competition experts in Africa. He needs to grow the institution’s professional capacity in this area and ensure that the compliance ratio in mergers and acquisitions does not wane.

Closely related to this is the need for Bello to draw a line between politics and regulation. As much as possible, he must avoid political interference when it comes to mergers, acquisitions, monopolies, oligopolies and all anti competitive practices.

The new helmsman will also need to create ways to ensure the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (“CCPT”) is fully engaged by providing for a process through which unresolved matters at the commission may proceed to the Tribunal as stipulated by the Act. This would enhance the work of the Commission significantly.

FCCPC FUNDING

Funding is also an area of concern since the former EVC had taken the commission off the national budget, and, in consequence, made it a revenue generation organisation. Bello must bring creative ideas to the table to generate revenue. Under Irukera, the job was done without gagging members of the public, not even the manufacturers of goods and service providers. The commission rejected levying other consumers, so that it can develop a complete resolution portal where there is a USSD fee, the consumer space, and tokens. It also didn’t charge consumers for complaints. It didn’t license companies and didn’t approve products. A source in the commission told THISDAY in confidence that FCCPC didn’t take any money from companies in the name of registration or licence so that it would not resort to conflicts and the commission would be able to go against them if they flout the law. The source also revealed that till date, the only fees the commission charges is merger notification fees which is a global standard.

But, for effective regulation, there is the need to work more closely with other sectors’ regulators with concurrent jurisdiction on consumer protection with the FCCPC; especially in key areas where consumer complaints are high- CBN, NERC, NCC, NCAA, NAFDAC, SON and other related agencies. There must be increasing collaboration that puts pressure on these regulators to improve consumer protection against the background of harsh economic conditions.

As a regulatory agency, Staff welfare at FCCPC should be given a priority to prevent the temptation of the commission’s workers being compromised by unscrupulous manufacturers. Employees are a major determinant of the success of any organisation, therefore, the success of an organisation like FCCPC will not only be measured by the revenue it is generating or the number of consumers the agency is protecting, but also by its workers’ well-being.

Innovation as Elixir for Market Growth

Technology innovation and market agility have been described as strategic business models that will drive market growth and leadership according to experts who participated at the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days conference, which held in Lagos recently, writes Emma Okonji

In today’s world, innovation is no longer considered an amenity as it has been proven over the years that it is the bedrock for sustainability. For organisations aiming to lead and thrive, cultivating a culture of innovation is crucial. Successful innovators prioritise understanding market needs and trends while aligning their strategies to capitalize on the inherent opportunities. To ensure scalability and sustainability, they continuously evolve their business models while anticipating market shifts and adapting swiftly. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also positions them strategically in competitive markets.

An empirical application of this approach is typified by one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, Interswitch. The digital payments giant’s strategic approach has dubbed it a leading fintech innovator in Africa. From its inception, Interswitch has navigated the financial landscape with agility and resilience, pioneering digital payment solutions that have revolutionised the financial industry. Interswitch has continued to blaze the trail with its innovations, solving payment challenges while collaborating with other key industry players to drive prosperity across Africa, making payments one less thing for Africans to worry about. By anticipating market shifts and adapting their business models accordingly, Interswitch has not only sustained its growth but also expanded its footprint across diverse sectors and verticals.

Executive Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group, Dr. Cherry Eromosele, encapsulated

the essence of Interswitch’s innovative strides into five essential principles during her keynote address at the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days event in Lagos recently. According to Eromosele, for businesses to thrive and remain competitive, they must adopt a marketled approach; continuously customize and future-proof their business models; leverage foresight and unique insights; intentionally maintain resilience and agility, and consciously cultivate an innovative culture.

Her address, themed: ‘Fostering a Culture of Innovation within Organisations, Navigating the Challenges

of Market Entry, and Scaling Innovative Solutions’, underscored the importance of adaptability and foresight for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Using Interswitch as a case study, she emphasised that Interswitch serves as an inspiration for organisations striving to navigate challenges, scale solutions, and foster a culture of innovation in today’s dynamic business environment.

Eromosele went on to describe how the company has consistently stayed ahead by predicting and adapting to market needs swiftly. This approach, rooted in a market-driven strategy, has allowed the fintech giant to secure a leading market

position while maintaining the relevance and responsiveness of its solutions in the face of evolving market conditions.

She said: “Our success is a testament to our innovative approach in foreseeing market changes and adapting swiftly, which positions us ahead of competitors and ensures our solutions consistently meet market requirements. Interswitch leverages strategic collaborations to drive business growth and innovate topnotch payment solutions to meet the unique needs of customers and provide them with invaluable experiences.”

The Executive Vice President also revealed that Interswitch’s culture of innovation and continuous improvement significantly contributes to the company’s capacity to pioneering cutting-edge solutions. She noted that the environment nurtures creative thinking and the relentless pursuit of excellence, traits that are evident in the company’s innovative payment solutions and digital offerings.

“Our culture empowers our teams to think creatively and act decisively, driving our mission to lead the market with transformative solutions,” she buttressed.

Eromosele further stated that Interswitch remains committed to developing worldclass technology solutions and platforms that enhance multiple industry ecosystems, fostering commerce, business expansion, and individual prosperity.

As customers continue to seek innovative, safe, and convenient payment solutions, Interswitch’s success underscores the imperative for businesses to consistently identify opportunities and explore innovative ways to unlock growth and profitability.

PHOTO: NN

Bello

Many Challenges of Airline Business in Nigeria

Domestic airlines are facing unusual antagonism and disincentives beyond the regulatory frameworks and professionalism, a development that could undermine the sustenance of airline operations in Nigeria, writes Chinedu Eze

Nigerian airlines are facing major challenges, among which is low capacity, as most of the airlines are negotiating to have more aircraft from lessors.

At the cusp of these negotiations a major report was published falsely indicating that lessors have blacklisted Nigerian airlines from obtaining dry lease from lessors.

Dry lease is long term leasing whereby the airline is fully in control and as such, leasing could last for as long as six to 12 years. The lessee is not responsible for all operational aspects, including flight crew, insurance, maintenance and fuel. Almost all the airlines existing today have never engaged in dry lease, except Arik Air, which had since denied ever having been blacklisted by lessors.

Another challenge facing the airlines is callous demarketing, whereby anonymous sources would use social media to falsify stories, indicating that Nigerian airlines are not safe. This has been a trend over the years and it is suspected that some people push this narrative against their rivals.

But recently, this has gained a momentum against Air Peace, whereby the anonymous sources would warn travellers not to patronise the airline, lying that arrangement has been made to bribe air traffic controllers to misinform the airline’s pilot, a warning aviation experts, including air traffic controllers have described as cooked-up stories that are not tenable.

DRY LEASE AND BLACKLISTING

There is no doubt that there is tacit understanding among lessors not to lease aircraft to Nigerian carriers, but recent industry developments have changed that decision. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, shortly after assuming office as Minister, started real negotiations to end the decision by lessors not to offer dry lease to Nigerian carriers.

Before the false report of the blacklisting (which had since been withdrawn by the newspaper house and apology tendered), the Minister has advanced in his negotiation that some airlines were already on the table to take in some aircraft on dry lease. That report retarded the effort, but with goodwill, evidential track records, some airlines were able to secure dry lease afterwards.

THE GENESIS

Around 2008 and 2012, some lessors that leased aircraft to Nigerian airlines faced hard times repossessing their aircraft from these airlines, which allegedly reneged on terms of agreement for the lease. When the lessors made efforts, the airlines went to court to stop the lessors to take over their aircraft.

This action soured the image of Nigerian airlines and prompted the lessors to stop offering dry lease to Nigerian carriers. So, what happened some years ago still affect Nigerian airlines of today, which industry insider described as the sin of the father being visited upon the son, as almost all the airlines involved in the aircraft leasing brouhaha, no more exist.

In 2018, the then Director General of NCAA, the late Captain Usman Muhtar wanted to rebuild the image of Nigeria so that existing airlines would stop suffering the sin of their fathers.

Usman aided a leasing company to repossess its aircraft from a Nigerian carrier (name withheld). The Nigerian carrier sued NCAA and the lessor involved. Usman said that the Nigerian operator of the aircraft violated the agreement it reached with the lessor.

The late Director General declared that the regulatory authority’s action was in line with the Cape Town Convention, adding that the lessee (the airline) already signed an agreement with the lessor and NCAA before taking possession of the two aircraft as required by the law.

He disclosed that the deregistered aircraft had already been flown out of the country in line with the agreement the airline had with the lessor, stressing that NCAA would always abide by the law.

The issue was reinforced last year in Nigeria when Airbus Africa and Middle East Marketing Manager, Prajyoth Krishna Mirajkar, during a media briefing organised by the renowned aircraft manufacturing company, said in the past lessors found it difficult to repossess their aircraft easily and this has become a disincentive to leasing aircraft to the current domestic airlines. This was why lessors, international insurers and others involved in aircraft acquisition business described Nigeria as high risk. High risk means that not many leasing companies will like to do business with airlines in that country.

They refer to this as jurisdiction risk. Also, those that will be willing to lease aircraft to airlines in Nigeria do so at outrageous price and most often may not lease aircraft on long term.

Mirajkar said the solution to the situation was for the Nigerian government to come in and save the airlines by directing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make forex available to airlines so that they will be able to pay for their leases.

Also, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority will give guarantee to lessors that they can easily repossess their aircraft without legal restraint, noting that with the collaboration of government and its agencies, Nigeria will be able to break the negative perception that portrays the country as high risk environment for aviation business due to actions of the now defunct airlines.

FG’S

EFFORTS

Explaining his efforts to erase the bad image and stigmatization, Keyamo explained that the federal government was working with the Aviation Working Group on a practice direction to enable domestic airline operators to dry lease aircraft. He said: “So I went around to enquire about what guides aircraft leasing around the world, and I discovered it was the Cape Town Convention, which regulates aircraft leasing across the world.

“Nigeria is a signatory to that convention. We have signed and ratified that convention. And there is a group responsible for the observance and compliance of that convention. The group is co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing. The group is called the Aviation Working Group, headed by Jeffrey Wool.

“I called all of them and held a meeting to ask why our local operators are not getting these aircraft. According to them, they have blacklisted Nigeria because it didn’t comply with the convention.

“So I told them I would do that. I spoke with the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President and Vice President, who is the head of the Ease of Doing Business; all of them have agreed that it is a critical issue.

“We are in the process of drafting a practice direction to satisfy the Aviation Working Group that once we give a practice direction that says, please, our judges, don’t grant injunctions to detain aircraft that are on dry lease in Nigeria because it gives us a bad image and it is against the Cape Town Convention of the Aviation Working Group,” the minister promised.

UNHEALTHY MARKETING STRATEGIES

Since Air Peace started operating to London, there have been all types of acceptable and callous marketing strategies employed by rival airlines or those working for the other airlines that also operate directly and indirectly to London to use appeal on fear to discourage potential passengers from flying Air Peace. Anonymous posts on social media, especially X such as the one sent by ‘Anonymous Groups’, read: “A host of meteorologists have been contacted to provide wrong weather forecasts to Air Peace flying to London in the coming weeks. The NWS meteorologists have been paid heavily by External Airlines who feel Air Peace involvement in international operations is a threat to their operations…”

Although a senior air traffic controller in Lagos told THISDAY that such threat is impossible and untenable, observed, however, that ignorant people could take the threat seriously and got frightened, but an informed source told THISDAY that Air Peace is unperturbed and has never reacted to such threats because it has prioritised safe flight service and it

is confident in the safety and security of its operations.

“The airline’s internal checks are superb. They take seriously safety protocols and they have in-built processes that make it impossible to release an aircraft without layers of checks,” aircraft engineer close to the airline, told THISDAY.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Industry insider and the Managing Director of Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, said the airlines involved should seek the help of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to identify those behind those toxic messages.

The NSA should direçt the investigative agencies to trace the origin. The originator, when tracked, must be apprehended as suspect intending to breach security. Aviation, indeed airline operations, is directly linked to national security. After the report, the airlines should not join issues with these people on the social or mainstream media.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

“Air Peace and indeed all airlines mentioned should send copies of the audio and video messages to the National Security Adviser with a written complaint.

Thisday Afrinvest Index Down 0.6%

Thisday Afrinvest 40 index dipped 0.6% to print at 4,246.72 points due to price decline in GTCO (0.6%), ZENITH (-2.6%), and FBNH (-2.8%). CumulaASI down 0.2%

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE CANON “WOMEN WHO EMPOWER” PROGRAMME...

R-L: Nigerian Lifestyle photographer and Canon Ambassador, Emmanuel Oyeleke; Executive Secretary for WISCAR, Ekemini Akpakpan; B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa Rashad Ghaniand; and Nigerian Cinematographer/Director and Canon Ambassador, Daniel Ehimen, at the graduation ceremony of the Canon “Women Who Empower” programme in Lagos, Nigeria... recently. Photo: Canon Central & North Africa

TINUBU: PROTESTS SPONSORS DON’T LOVE NATION, HAVE OTHER PASSPORTS

"I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work.

“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,” he said.

Tinubu stated that the interventions to bring the government nearer to the people were already yielding results, with the activation of the student loan programme, the consumer credit scheme, and the affirmation of fiscal autonomy for local government councils.

Protests Are Crucial to Democracy, But No Govt Will Tolerate Violent Demonstrations

Addressing Mills Jr, the president said, ''During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.

Yesterday, the NGX-ZENITH (-2.6%), FBNH (-2.8%), and UBA (-2.8%)amidst increased regulatory spotlight. Consequentlevel strengthened as volume and value traded in-

"We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.

He said the ministry of finance would continue to ensure that funds go to the grassroots for human and infrastructural development.

“Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking of banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.

“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energizer. From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.

“The economic viability of infrastructure has to be studied before we embark on projects. How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry? From there, we can energize electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms.

“Even if it is two million hectares of arable land, you can create opportunities for farmers on a small scale. Then you have to find capital for them.

''In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,'' President Tinubu stated.

Welcoming the U.S. State Department's acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, the President called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.

In his speech, the Malaysian High Commissioner said ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, the country looked forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.

''We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,'' the High Commissioner said.

In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop a robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.

demanding government attention. The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level.

“The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated its commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational.”

The NGF chair said governors received Ndiame Diop, new country director of the World Bank, and his team.

“They introduced themselves to the Forum and presented the Bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security,” he said.

plan” by some people to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and violence in Nigeria.

Afunanya noted that the secret police has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political, adding that the plotters desired to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments and pit them against Nigerians.

“The Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario.

Military: We Won't Tolerate Anarchy

He said, "Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.

''We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.”

According to him, "Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries.

“But we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides. We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow."

Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy, and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.

Performance across our coverage sectors was negathe laggards, the Banking price decline in Zenith (-2.6%), FBNH (-2.8%), and UBA (-VERITASK (- -2.6%), and NASCON (-2.2%) dragged the and and AFR-ICT-

"We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,” he told the traditional rulers.

The President added that security was getting more attention and will be enhanced, saying, “Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.

''Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.

''I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,'' the US envoy said.

worsened to - -

“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period of time. We are still recalibrating our oil usage,” he stated.

Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Earlier, Tinubu had also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Mr. Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng.

Acknowledging Botswana's progress on livestock development, President Tinubu said he had received briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.

''The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa's solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,'' the president said.

Tinubu described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.

High Commissioner Kereng said Botswana was committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and was prepared to partner Nigeria in this area.

She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria's youth-driven creative economy.

''My coming to Nigeria fulfills my president's vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,'' she stated

NGF: NSA Told Us Protest’s Momentum Growing

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), quoting the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), observed the growing momentum for the planned August protest, which demanded government’s attention.

NGF, however, said the NSA was committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has warned organisers of the planned nationwide protest that it would not tolerate any form of lawlessness, or actions that could lead to state of anarchy in the country, from any group.

Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj Gen Edward Buba, gave this warning at a press conference at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, yesterday.

Buba noted that the level of violence envisaged was best described as a state of anarchy, adding that the nation's armed forces would not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels.

"There are essentially several factors to be thoroughly examined on the planned nationwide protest. Some of which are whether or not the planned protest is motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference, terrorist groups or any numbers of organizations that have feed on the frustrations of Nigerians to create the situation.

"However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved. The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces.

“On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy in order to unleash terror," he said.

Buba noted that the contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya, which has so far been violent and unresolved to date.

“It has instead, variously applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.

“Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

“While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”

Oba of Benin Urges Youths to Shelve Protest

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to youths across the country to shelve their planned nationwide protest against hardship.

The Oba of Benin gave the appealed in a statement endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro.

He also appealed to aggrieved Nigerians to give the federal government enough time to implement its economic policy, expected to alleviate the present hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, urged protesters to exercise their civic rights peacefully, warning against its being hijacked by individuals with sinister motives. According to him, the nation's traditional rulers condemned violent acts, looting, and breakdown of law and order, stressing their role as parents and leaders in engaging with youth. He, however, advocated dialogue, voting out unpopular leaders, and collective nation-building, acknowledging Nigeria's challenges. In at the meeting with Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto said: “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds. At our meeting on Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation. We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.”

He said an executive council meeting was held on Monday, and the Council, composed of all State Chairmen of the 36 States and the FCT, met to deliberate on the economy.

Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba, also appealed to Nigerian youths to refrain from destructive protests, urging them to work with the government to find solutions to the country's challenges. He expressed concern about the nation's direction, acknowledging the passion and pain of the youths, even as he emphasised the importance of listening to the youths, who hold the country's future, and working together to avoid destructive consequences, citing Libya as a cautionary tale.

The Emir of Zauzzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and patient, urging them to listen to the government's plans to address the country's challenges. The Emir expressed hope that the government's blueprint would bring positive change.

Afenifere Calls for Caution

Afenifere, pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, has appealed to Nigerians to be circumspect with the protestsbeing contemplated in the country.

“For things to get better, it has to be tough for a while for the federal government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”

ish performance, owing to policyre-assessment (in major sectors) and upward yield -free instruments.

President Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.

Tinubu told the High Commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.

"Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia," he said.

The President acknowledged that many Nigerian students found studying in Malaysia attractive, and that Nigeria looked forward to their

In the communique issued after a meeting of the governors on Wednesday, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, chair of the forum and Kwara State Governor, said the NSA briefed them on “growing momentum” for the protests.

“The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) office on the current security situation in the country.

“The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest

According to him, there are already indicators that, unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes.

DSS: We’ve Identified Protest Sponsors

The Department of State Services (DSS), yesterday, disclosed that it had identified sponsors of the protest.

Hinting at the development in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, the DSS said while peaceful protest was a democratic right of citizens, it haduncovered a “sinister

Also, traditional rulers drawn from all the six geo-political zones in the country have appealed to those plotting the protest to be wary of actions that could plunge Nigeria into anarchy.

The royal fathers, who spoke to newsmen after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, were led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. The Ooni of Ife, who is co-chairman

National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, said while the people have inalienable right to protest, consideration should be given to the general atmosphere surrounding the planned protest. He noted that information at the disposal of Afenifere was that the planned protest was to draw the attention of the government to the excruciating situation in the country.

“As the saying goes, those who feel it, know it. In other words, Nigerians consider protest as a way of registering their displeasure, perhaps disenchantment over what many are going through. It's in order.

"But there are some factors that need to be put into consideration. First is

While citizens have rights to protest, government must be up to its responsibilities, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

PROTESTS: DENIAL AND DISAPPEARANCE

In a black and white world where nuance is a threat, I understand those who prefer to stay mute where their voice would have provided clarity and balance. Following elections elsewhere, I read how some people decided that those who once invested in their companies were no longer allies because they dared to choose a candidate that was not their preferred candidate. As though, democracy wasn’t intended to also be about the right to investor; you also want to decide who I vote for.

Nuance is dead, almost. Will be survived by neo-fascism. Debating has become anachronistic, because to even dare to suggest why a phenomenon is what it is is to approve of its existence. To disagree with something yet understand why it exists is to agree with it.

Just follow the crowd.

poor and mediocre governance have come to roost. The political cycle moves faster than the economic cycle, so, it is not impossible that the good outcomes being experienced under an administration were the inputs of a previous one. The same often applies to bad outcomes too. As expected, people and their followers are quicker to claim responsibility for good results than they would for the bad results that were on the back of their judgments and deci-

have the capacity to succeed, others have the capacity to fail you. Failure cannot possibly be your fault.

Our schools aren’t worthy of the name, opportunities remain limited, the police are still badly paid, and they remain a menace on our roads, corruption stays rife, no coherent development plan for sports let alone entertainment, primary health care stays elusive, medical tourism? Tick. These are our realities. Denial is not disappearance.

Citizens have the right to protest. It is a right enshrined in the constitution, a human right. Protest is a right we must always, irrespective of political leaning, defend.

There are always fears of protests being hijacked by subversive elements. Recent history suggests that such fears aren't unfounded. More so when you listen to the rhetoric of some elements of X/twitter users who have been clear that their own intention is to change government. Pretending that these fears are unfounded is exactly that, refusing to see the obvious. Denial is not disappearance.

Considering the high cost of living in Nigeria (as it is and has informed agitations, protests and electoral choices elsewhere), it should not come as a shock to anyone that people want to use protests as an outlet to let their government know how they feel. Most of these Nigerians do not care about a change of government, they just want to see the cost of living come down. It is a valid desire.

The state has a responsibility to protect these citizens and other Nigerians who may not be inclined to join any protests. The security agencies have had more than enough time to prepare for this. They cannot claim to be unaware of the subversive elements desperate for a change of government, who by design will look to hijack the protests, destroy lives and properties and look to make the country ungovernable. We've been here before, so there will be no excusing incompetence or negligence.

State governors of select states who have previously been pointed out for destruction

by these elements must be at alert. It is their responsibility, as it is that of every government the world over, to protect protesting citizens and those who aren't protesting. They must, based on experience, intentionally look to fortify security around certain institutions, businesses and places of interest.

As a people, especially considering the foundation of our formation as a country, it is clear enough that we will not always agree. However, we must agree on certain fundamentals to be able to build a union capable of protecting every citizen, a state able to guarantee our individual rights and a country that’d always optimise for the collective progress of the Nigerian people.

A lot has been said about the protests being sponsored by some politicians or that some politicians will jump on it. This fear is the norm. Every government generally assumes that protests are sponsored by politicians, even when there are people in such governments who know that protests do not necessarily need the backing of politicians to happen.

-cacy isn’t. It informed why Femi Falana, SAN said to Seun Okin on Channels TV that he wasn’t going to join the protest because, “I do not know the organisers. I’m a political person. If I’m going to take part in a programme or an event, I must know what it is about. The people behind it.”

There will also be those who do not care about the details, they just want to be heard. Their rights must be respected and protected from people like this twitter user who said, “we will do what Africa has not done before. We don’t care about the constitution…We will change the leadership. We will change everything that came with the 2023 election…” to virtual applause whilst speaking in a Twitter/X Space.

We cannot all sleep with our heads on the same spot. However, we must protect each other’s right to sleep or be awake. The right

There will be people on the protest grounds who share a lot more with some who won’t be protesting, than they do with those they assume are fellow protesters. Because when people step out to protest, there will be those who just want to cause chaos and then advance their intention amidst the inferno. They exist and they thankfully are quite loud about their objectives. Protesters and non-protesters alike must be protected from their likes. Citizens must retain their rights, government must be up to its responsibilities. Denial is not disappearance.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/ BGX Publishing

AMBROSE NWANDU contends that Nwoko’s crusade for Anioma State is in order

NED NWOKO’S STATE CREATION BILL

I was delighted the other day when I read the position of the Igbanke people of Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State on the state creation bill brought before the Senate by Senator Ned Nwoko. The upper legislative chamber has before it a bill for the creation of Anioma State out of Delta State. The bill has since gone through the first reading on the floor of the senate.

In a well considered position paper published in national dailies a few days ago, the Igbanke Strategic Group indicated their interest to be included in the proposed Anioma State. Their reason was straightforward. The Igbankes are the same people with Ika communities such as Agbor and Mbiri in Delta State. They do not just share a common boundary with these Ika communities in Delta State, they have a common linguistic and cultural affinity. Since their kith and kin in Delta State are about to be grouped into a distinct state called Anioma, the Igbankes of Edo State see it as a historical opportunity to be united with their kinsmen from whom they have been severed for more than two decades following the splitting of Bendel into Edo and Delta States. In other words, the Igbankes are asking for proper placement in a federal Nigeria that is gradually going regional. They are commending Senator Nwoko for his effort in seeing to the creation of an Anioma State that will bring all the people of the same linguistic and cultural group West of the Niger into one fold so that, together, they will take their destiny in their own hands. The Igbankes, being of the same language and cultural group with the Ikas of Delta State, do not want to be left out. They want to be part of Anioma State. This move by the Igbankes is both strategic and sensible .

Let us recall that Senator Ned Nwoko brought a bill for the creation of Anioma State to the senate. The proposed state will be made up of the nine Igbo-speaking local government areas of Delta State which form Delta North senatorial district. Nwoko represents the area in the Senate. Since this bill was tabled before the Senate, it has generated so much interest. In fact it is as if the bill for the creation of Anioma State is the only one before the National Assembly. Whereas one or two other state creation bills are just being heard, Anioma is the only one that is being fervently discussed. The reason for this is simple. Senator Nwoko brought strategic thinking to bear on the bill. He is not just asking for an Anioma State that will bring together all the Igbo-speaking people of Delta State, he wants the state, when created, to be included in the south east geopolitical zone. This is the catch. It is the strategic turning point in Nwoko’s bill.

By proposing that Anioma be included in the south east zone, Nwoko was looking at the big picture. He sees the sense in having people of the same linguistic group come together under one umbrella. This will not only make for cohesion, it will make for strength. When a people are balkanize in different language groups and regions, they will not be able to speak with one voice. Consequently, they will be weak. This is not what Senator Nwoko wants for his people. He wants an Anioma State that will stand strong by being part of a larger Igbo group.

Significantly, the big picture which Nwoko is seeing through association with the south east is what the Igbankes are seeing through their desire to belong to Anioma. The dissenting voices in the Anioma State creation exercise should learn from the position of the Igbankes. Their position is wise and well thought out. They know what is good for them and they are going for it. Even though a minuscule few are raising eyebrows over Nwoko’s idea of Anioma State, they have not been able to advance any argument that should dissuade anybody to the contrary. If anything,

the naysayers are living in denial. Some are trying to run away from their roots. They want the world to believe that they do not belong to the Igbo ethnic stock. I pity those who have pushed themselves into this pitiable corner. They should wake up to the reality of the situation and put their hand where their mouth is. A people cannot wander forever in the wilderness of rootlessness.

It is for this reason that many believe that Ned Nwoko struck the right chord when he brought the south east dimension to bear on Anioma State creation. He has a product to sell. What he needs to get that done is the right marketing strategy. Senator Nwoko is doing well in this regard. He has demonstrated that representation is a serious business. Whereas many go to the National Assembly and spend years on end without making an impact, Nwoko is a true representative of his people. It takes a man who is well schooled in the history and sociology of his people to go into strategic thinking as he has done.

The situation of the Aniomas is such that they need a lot of bonding to be able to recognize their full selves and true identity. While some like the Ika stock are under threat of assimilation by the Binis, the Ndokwa and Ukwuani people tend towards the Urhobo. All of this has been to the detriment of their true Igbo origins. Over the years, this anomaly has festered apparently because the Igbos of the East who form the bulk of the Igbo population are an endangered species in Nigeria. The fallout of the Biafran war has made them objects of stigmatization by nonIgbo Nigerians. They have been grappling with state policies that are clearly skewed against them. Given this state of affairs, the Igbo outside the south east stock feel it is safer to stay off the Igbo radar for the sake of survival.

But this tendency by some Igbos of the western bloc has not helped their cause. They have never succeeded in changing who they are. Rather, they have only succeeded in making themselves objects of derision. They are caught in a web of dilemma. They are neither here nor there.

Now, Nwoko, the man who understands his environment, is set to bring his people out of this state of confusion. He is out to bring them back to where they belong. He seems poised to end decades of identity crisis that his people have subjected themselves to. He is ready to bring his Anioma people into one big umbrella so that they will, henceforth, be proud to say who they truly are and own up to it. For this alone, Senator Ned Nwoko deserves commendation. He is a man for all times.

Dr Nwandu, a sociologist, writes Abuja.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Health authorities could do more to contain the scourge

The socio-economic challenges being experienced by many Nigerians have serious implications on their mental health. “These challenges go beyond the regular stresses that people are meant to go through and would surely impact people’s mental health,” said Taiwo Obindo, a professor of Psychiatry and President, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria. “It’s a stressful experience for virtually every Nigerian irrespective of their status.” Despite a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that one in four -

to tackle this health emergency.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Like diabetes and heart disease, it is a medical condition which is treatable. Many people with mental health illness return to a producafter promptly seeking help. But the country is not doing enough to tackle this public health challenge and it is responsible for the growing cases of depression and suicides. Stemming the tide requires a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach involving various government ministries, agencies, and departments especially that of health, labour and employment, and social services.

to grow because there is no commensurate plan in place to address it.

According to health professionals, mental health includes the emotional, psychological, and social individuals think, feel and behave. There are more more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. They attribute the cause of mental illness to three factors: biological, which include genes or brain chemistry; life experiences, such as trauma or abuse, and family history.

The number of Nigerians suffering from one mental illness or the other – from the mild to the severe - is likely to grow because there is no commensurate plan in place to address it

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

Early outward signs of mental illness include eating or sleeping too much or too little; pulling away from people and usual activities; having low or no energy; having unusual aches and pains; smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual. Others are confused thinking, severe mood swings, hearing voices or believing things that are not true; inability to perform daily tasks such as taking care of kids or getting to work or school. The number the other – from the mild to the severe - is likely

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE 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

With only few federal neuropsychiatric hospitals in the country, budget constraints amid serious socio-economic problems, the exodus of many experts for greener pastures abroad, and ignorance, it comes as no surprise that mental illness is on the rise. Indeed, Dami Ajayi, a member of West African College of Psychiatry, said the dearth of mental health professionals in the country is problematic. “The few doctors who are working are not getting

health nurses to 100,000 Nigerians, and with only eight neuropsychiatric hospitals. The few mental facilities are run-down. It is therefore no surprise that the country is heading towards a mental health crisis.

To contain the problem, the authorities must do more, including the urgent need to leverage on social media at least to address the issue of stigma while an awareness campaign is also important for the prevention of social habits that are detrimental to mental health, especially among young people. While measures should be put in place to improve access to mental health services through de-criminalise the challenge in Nigeria.

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.

APPLICATION OF AI IN LEGAL RESEARCH IN NIGERIA

Legal research is a basic function of the legal sector. It is the act of researching and obtaining the evidence required to support legal conclusions. This approach has traditionally involved lawyers to comb through lengthy legal documents, case law, statutes, and regulations, which has taken a great is associated with the fact that a legal practitioner is as good as his/her research. In law, the research speaks for the legal practitioner.

been deployed and employed in various facet of the human in legal research and drafting is however unpopular, espe-servative and traditional in their approach to legal research.

The merits of the adoption and application of AI are numerous. Application of AI in legal research boosts the accutime legal practitioners spend manually examining materials. AI can also be deployed in the drafting of correspondenc-

es. Furthermore, AI enhances search operations by allowing users to conduct contextual searches rather than keyword searches. This means that even if the precise keywords are not there in the documents, attorneys can still locate contextually relevant facts.

LegalDigitalNG as a legal reporting and digital publishing company, has embraced AI on its digital platform. LegalDigitalNG seeks to improve the legal environment in Nigeria by delivering cutting-edge tools to legal practitioners and boosting access to legal information through the introduction of AI. The AI component of LegalDigitalNG helps users to undertake detailed legal research more quickly. The platform uses AI to review statutes, case law, and draft relevant information. As a result, completing legal researchcus on more strategic elements of their professions.

Taiwo A. Balogun, Lagos

SHARK ALERT

After watching Skarknado, by accicouldn't get any weirder but the factual world has surpassed it.

A story about sharks testing positive for cocaine would seem farcical except that it was published in National Geographic and a number of reputable newspapers. Basically the use of cocaine is so pervasive that it is damaging our environment when it gets into the water systems. If there was ever a point where we realised we need to protect the environment then the thought of a shark going through drug withdrawal must be it.

our world from human frailty and greed.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Chinyere Gloria Iroegbunam: More Women in Positions of Power Would Be Helpful

Chinyere Gloria Iroegbunam, General Manager, Legal and Company Secretary for Lekoil Nigeria Limited, is a member of the New York State Bar Association. She’s also a proud member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators and the Nigerian Bar Association. Iroegbunam holds firmly to the conviction that the world would be a better place if more women held the reins of power. Iroegbunam, an alumnus of the University of Uyo and Columbia University School of the Arts, in this interview with MARY NNAH, talks about her role as a female leader in Lekoil and how she leverages the position to ensure women thrive just as their male counterparts

As a woman in top management, what would you say are some of the critical areas of your role as Head, Legal and Company Secretary at Lekoil?

My roles are very broad and they cover a wide scope but for the sake of this interview, I think I could summarise it as follows: I report directly to the CEO and I’m responsible for advising the CEO, and general executive management, of which I’m a member, and also advising the board on corporate issues.

Other things I’m responsible for are our litigation and dispute management, and contract advisory roles to some degree. However, we have a contractor team that does reporting-like legal functions as well - general advice on transactions, legal strategy, contract negotiations to some degree, and corporate governance and compliance.

As a leading career professional, what is your approach towards mentoring and encouraging younger women to attain the pinnacle in their careers?

To offer valuable advice, it should stem from practical insights gained through personal experiences. It’s crucial to avoid dispensing guidance in a vacuum and instead ground it in realistic and pragmatic considerations. If I were to advise a young career professional, reflecting on what I wish I had known earlier, I would emphasize the need to acknowledge that the professional landscape may not always offer a level playing field. Anticipating this reality can be empowering; understanding that the journey might not be tailored to one’s preferences and may entail challenges and inconveniences.

A key mindset shift involves recognizing that expectations should be tempered, minimizing the potential for disappointment. Being aware that the path may not always be convenient prepares individuals for the obstacles they may encounter. This awareness fosters a proactive approach, understanding that some effort, perseverance, and perhaps even a bit of assertiveness might be necessary, especially when compared to male counterparts. It’s essential to clarify that this perspective is not rooted in sexism but rather an acknowledgement of existing dynamics.

In seeking a mentor, my preference would be for someone firm and demanding. I’ve observed that women often thrive under pressure, and having a mentor who challenges and pushes can lead to substantial growth. The ideal mentor, in my view, is someone who identifies my strengths and weaknesses, guides me to enhance my skills, and offers direction when needed. Whether through direct instruction or by pointing me toward resources for self-improvement, a mentor should actively contribute to my professional development.

Crucially, I seek a mentor who not only recognizes my shortcomings but provides constructive feedback on how to address them. This involves challenging my mindset and fostering an understanding that the journey will not always be smooth. I believe that such an approach, grounded in constructive challenges and support, aligns with how women tend to perform at their best – under pressure. This perspective has proven valuable in my journey, especially when mentored by accomplished women who employed a similar approach. Emphasizing challenging mindsets, pushing for improvement, and imparting practical skills, has significantly contributed to my growth. This approach, I believe, holds the potential to positively impact the lives of younger women navigating their careers. It’s not about making the path easier but equipping them with the mindset and skills to navigate challenges and strive for excellence, recognizing that, indeed, women often excel under pressure.

A lot of work has gone into increasing the number of women in management positions, what would you advise the government to do to improve it further?

When you want to tackle a problem or when you want to provide a solution, my advice would always be to go to the root cause. So, if we’re advising the government or making some propositions on what they can do to support women, this would be my approach. Why do women feel they are not supported? Why are women having challenges? For example, you know that women are required, and expected, and it is our nature, to raise children. It’s a heavy responsibility, and you’re expected to be great at your career at the same time. One should not negate the other or draw from the other. So, we want to have a government that does not just design policies, but a government that will also be serious about implementation.

Even if it’s going to take little steps at a time, we’d like to see a government that would define policies that will help and be serious about implementing them across the board. For example, you could spread this approach across the board, so you look at it from the root cause. Like what are the challenges we may face while balancing home responsibilities and careers? How can you help? Very simple things can be done. Governments could encourage or mandate certain employers to have creches within their workplace

environment, for instance. Although it seems like a small effort, what that does for you as a young woman who lives in, let’s say Ajah and works in Victoria Island, is that when she leaves her house in the morning, she can leave with her children, keep them in the creche where they are nearby, have somewhere she can pop in and just take a look, making sure that they are okay and then get back to work. With this, you solve several issues. You solve transportation issues; you solve expenditures on home care. You’ve also solved security issues because at the very least, you’re not leaving your children somewhere and then maybe there’s somebody not watching them properly or there’s a risk of somebody’s going to kidnap or molest them and all of that stuff. That way, your productivity will increase.

And that’s just one small thing, having a creche nearby. That’s a little effort that would go very far in helping women. So that’s a lot of peace of mind. Then for other issues, like women that are still in school. I think the government needs to be more serious about protecting women against sexual assault.

In the universities, and workplace environment, the way they can do this to ensure that is to have quick implementation of laws. And then when you make an example of one person, make sure that it’s clear to all the others so that nobody goes around harassing women. Women need to feel safe in their workplace, they need to feel that

there are things that protect them. When they know that there is going to be accountability for anybody who goes against any of those things, women will feel safer.

I think also the idea of paternity leave should be implemented. Lekoil is a great practitioner of this, I think every firm should emulate that, it is a serious thing. The first few months of raising a child can be challenging so if women have their partners supporting them, the feeling that there is someone always there with them along the ride keeps them going. There should be specific tribunals, not just the National Industrial Court, but maybe tribunals that are dedicated to ensuring that women’s issues in the workplace are quickly prosecuted. We want to be sure that there is accountability for anybody who goes against the laws regarding women.

Regarding management positions, I’m not going to go as far as saying that a certain percentage of the workforce should be dedicated to women even though that would be helpful. But I think what is also important is that companies should be encouraged or compelled to ensure that women are supported to get to these management positions. I think our labour laws need to be updated, especially for the management positions, because as far as I’m aware, labour laws in Nigeria are mostly for junior cadre staff and nothing designed towards management staff. So, things that will ensure companies push and ensure women get to those positions would be good. Lekoil exhibits a culture of inclusivity with a notable emphasis on gender diversity in management. A distinctive template is in place, demonstrating a commitment to empowering women in leadership roles. The board and senior management positions at Lekoil are predominantly occupied by women, exemplifying a progressive and inclusive approach toward fostering gender equality within the organization. Women can attain the positions, it’s just that they’re so busy juggling work and life and it’s hard for them to make the push.

How would you encourage young women looking to follow a path like yours?

It is nice to be admired but I wouldn’t like them to just tow my path; I’d like them to do better. You don’t reinvent the wheel; you improve the wheel. That’s the way I’d like them to think about it. What can they do better? What can they do that I didn’t do? Or what can they do to leverage some of the experiences I’ve had? I’d say, first of all, put yourself out there.

I think some of the challenges that we have and I think this may stem from our style of education, is that we focus a lot on precedents, what has been done before. What did this person do? What was the law here? What was the case decision here? What that does is that it stifles creativity. And I think it also stifles innovation.

So, what I would say to people coming after me who think that okay, you have attended a certain height and I’d like to do the same, is not to be compelled to stop at what has been done. Push the envelope a bit further, don’t feel caged by the examples of women who have come before you. Everything that has been done is done based on what somebody else has done before. Push further. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Don’t think that what somebody has done is the only way. There are several other ways and you would only find out if you push yourself a little bit out there. I would also say don’t be too self-conscious or worry too much about what people think, that also cages you. You don’t know the depths of or the extent of just how much you can achieve until you make the push. The last thing I would say would be regarding work-life balance, I’d say don’t expect a level playing field. It’s not there. I’m not saying it should be accepted but don’t expect it because you will never see past the solutions that you can provide if you are fixated on that.

Iroegbunam

PMG- MAN Commends FG Executive Order on Pharmaceuticals, Seeks Timeline for Implementa tion

Chiemelie Ezeobi

ThePharmaceuticalManufacturers Group of Manufacturers AssociationofNigeria(PMG-MAN),while commending the federal government for the recent executive order it signed on medicals and pharmaceuticals, has however, said a clear timeline for the implementation was crucial.

The Executive Order signed by President Bola Tinubu was aimed at boosting local production of healthcare products, thus reducing costs.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming 7th Edition of the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo, slated for September 4th to 5th, 2024, Patrick Ajah, made this advocacy recently in Lagos.

While also lamenting that the recent fluctuations in the value of the naira have made it difficult for companies to plan and invest, including the Pharmaceutical sector, he said government needs to take proactive steps to achieve 70 per cent local drug production.

Speaking, Ajah, who is the ManagingDirectorofMay&Baker Nigeria Plc, warned that delays in the implementation of the order could lead to the drug shortages, which is an aberration, given that the executive order seeks to boost local manufacturing of medicines and reduce importation as well as

foreign dependence.

Stressing that the most critical factorforthesuccessofthedomestic pharmaceutical industry is a stable exchange rate, he said the governmentwillneedtoputthingsinplace to achieve 70 percent local drug production, especially with that the ongoing fluctuations in the value of theNaira,addingthatwiththeright backing,Nigeriacanproduce70per cent of the medicines it consumes.

He went on to state that if Implementation is delayed, “ the things thatcompaniesshouldhaveplaced order for, there will be scarcity.And if the implementation doesn’t start immediately, we’ll have a situation where you do not know where we’re going.”

“This is one major reason why multinational companies are leaving. It’s not the fear of subsidy removal. If we didn’t tamper with the currency, all the multinational companies would be here and they would still be making more investment.

Pointing to India as a perfect example of a country that has successfully supported its domestic pharmaceutical industry, he said the Indian government has provided financial and technical assistance to local manufacturers, and has even intervened to secure technology from other countries. Thus, he posited that the most effectivewaytocombatcounterfeiting is to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.

Although Ajah acknowledged that some progress has been made in terms of local capacity, he however said many companies lack the financial resources to invest in new facilities or upgrade existing ones. This was just as he called for a reduction in interest rates, stating that current rates, which are as high as 30 per cent are a major barrier to investment in the industry.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of PMG-MAN, Pharm Frank Muonemeh, said Nigeria is already on the right track, with local manufacturerscurrentlyproducing 40 per cent of the medicines used in the country.

Highlighting partnerships between state governments and local companies, he tasked for government support similar to that which has been provided to other sectors, such as cement and petroleum given that a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry is essential for national security.

On the 2024 Edition of NPME, with the theme “40 Years of Advocacy: Fostering Partnership and Innovation to Unlock the Pharma Manufacturing Value Chain in Nigeria, Central & West Africa”, the executive secretary said their ambitious goal is to drive Nigeria towards self-sufficiency and medicine security, aiming to reverse the country’s dependency on imported medicine.

He said the 7th NPME 2024 is the flagship expo and the largest

pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition in Central and West Africa, organised by PMG-MAN and partners, GPE India.

To biennial Pharma Expo and Exhibition focuses on the latest pharma technology, machinery, equipment, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and showcasing locally manufactured medicines, diagnostics, and consumables.

“The recent economic challenges have pushed us to innovate, repurpose, and upscale our facilities to be more competitive and responsive in closing the gap in medicine access.

“Members are making SMART investments, building new greenfield facilities, acquiring machinery, and exploring innovative partnerships and technology transfer opportunities,” he added.

He said the event which is a must-attend event for all actors in the pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem and potential investors in the pharmaceutical space offers a rare opportunity for productive networking and B2B engagement among all stakeholders, including regulators, policymakers, professionals, ancillary companies, academia, students, development partners, bilateral organisations, researchers, and NGOs. Participants are also expected to visit the PMG-MAN’s website for registration.

Ruthless Ambition in ‘House of Gaa’: A Historical Epic with Contemporary Relevance

On July 26th, Netflix will release “House of Gaa,” a film that is expected to be an addition to the platform’s expanding repertoire of African historical dramas. Directed by the acclaimed Bolanle Austen Peters, the film stars a stellar cast including Femi Branch as the formidable Bashorun Gaa. Joining him are notable actors like Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and Ibrahim Chatta, among others. This film explores the history of one of the most infamous figures of the old Oyo Empire and also resonates deeply with contemporaryAfrican politics.

“House of Gaa” is set in the 18th century, a period when the Oyo Empire was one of the most powerful states in West Africa. Bashorun Gaa, the head of the Oyo Mesi, is remembered for his ruthless ambition and tyrannical rule, which saw the execution of several Alaafins who dared to oppose him. His story is a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, drawing parallels to Shakespeare’s Macbeth in its exploration of ambition, power, and the moral corruption that follows.

The film’s relevance extends beyond its historical setting. The

Ruthless Ambition in ‘House of Gaa’ Director, Bolanle Austen Peters

themes of ruthless ambition and the quest for power are strikingly analogous to the political turmoil experienced in various African countries during the mid-20th century. The bloody coups d’état of the 1960s and 70s, which saw the overthrow of numerous governments, mirror the chaos and power struggles of Bashorun Gaa’s era. Mobutu of Zaire, Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Idi Amin of Uganda, Eyadema of Togo, Campaore of Burkina Faso, along with several others across the continent, led some of the bloodiest coups

detat that Africa has experienced. These coups, driven by similarly ruthless figures, often resulted in significant political upheaval and the establishment of dictatorial regimes, leaving an indelible mark on the continent’s history.

In “House of Gaa,” Femi Branch delivers a powerful portrayal of Bashorun Gaa, capturing both the charisma and the malevolence of a man whose ambition knew no bounds. The film does not shy away from depicting the brutality and the Machiavellian maneuvers that characterized his rise to power. The supporting cast, featuring actors like Funke Akindele, MikeAfolarin and Dele Odule, brings to life the complex interplay of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a court teetering on the brink of chaos.

Director Bolanle Austen Peters, fresh from the success of her Funmilayo Ransome Kuti biopic, has created another film that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking. The elaborate costumes, intricate sets, and authentic depiction of Yoruba culture provide a rich backdrop for the story, immersing viewers in the world of the Oyo Empire.

“House of Gaa” serves as a poignant reminder of the cycli-

cal nature of history. The story of Bashorun Gaa is not just a tale from the past but a reflection of ongoing struggles for power and control. In manyAfrican countries, the shadow of past dictatorships and the memory of violent power transitions continue to shape contemporary politics. The film’s exploration of ambition, power, and moral complexity ensures that Bashorun Gaa’s story will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.

In a bid to promote global health equity and accessibility, Annomo Health Concierge extended its 2024 Health Week MedicalMission to the prestigious IBB Golf Club in Abuja, providing members with a unique opportunity to engage with world-renownedspecialistsinbone and joint health.

Led by the esteemed Dr. Chichi Menakaya, the team shared valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining optimal musculoskeletal wellbeing, enabling golfers to enjoy the game without the burden of pain.

The event, which took place at the IBB Golf Club, was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from

CHIOMA OKEREKE’S NEW BOOK,

‘WATER

BABY’ SHINES, A LIGHT ON THE DARK SECRETS OF MAKOKO SLUM

Acclaimed Nigerian writer Chioma Okereke has launched a searing new novel, “Water Baby”, which lays bare the harsh realities of life in Makoko, a floating slum off mainland Lagos, Nigeria. This gripping tale of aspiration and identity follows 19-year-old Baby, a strong and determined young woman who dares to dream of a life beyond the confines of her community. Inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit in the face of adversity, Okereke masterfully weaves a narrative that exposes the systemic issues perpetuating the struggles of those living in Makoko.

Through Baby’s story, Okereke sheds light on the dark secrets of this marginalised community, revealing the devastating impact of climate change, urbanisation, and digitisation on their lives.

“I hope that readers will be moved to consider the lives of those in underrepresented communities and the systemic issues that perpetuate their struggles,” Okereke said. “I believe that by sharing Baby’s story, I can inspire a sense of empathy and social responsibility, urging readers to join me in envisioning a world where compassion guides our actions.”

Okereke’s writing is a clarion call to action, urging readers to look beyond their immediate surroundings and recognise the interconnectedness of our global community. By bringing attention to Makoko and similar under-resourced and often overlooked communities, Okereke aims to inspire a desire for social justice and motivate individuals to contribute to meaningful solutions.

“I hope that the book will encourage readers to become advocates in their own right, working towards a more just and equitable world for all,” Okereke said. “By telling Baby’s story, I aim to humanise the issues and bring them to the forefront of readers’ minds, fostering a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.”

The novel has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing Okereke of exploiting the struggles of the people of Makoko for her gain. However, Okereke remains unapologetic, insisting that her goal is to amplify the voices of those often silenced.

GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU SEEKS DIVINE INTERVENTION FOR LAGOS STATE

In a remarkable display of spiritual leadership, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made a heartfelt appeal for divine intervention, urging the congregation at The Lord’s Chosen Church crusade to intensify their prayers for the state’s prosperity, harmony, and sustainable growth.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Akinde, the Governor acknowledged the crucial role of religious bodies in connecting with the people and fostering a conducive environment for religious tolerance and harmony.

“We need your unwavering commitment and prayers now more than ever to fight for this state and the country. A gathering like this provides us with the unity and purpose to do what we pray for”, Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

With a theme of “And the Enemies Submitted,” the two-day crusade, held on Sunday, witnessed an outpouring of fervent prayers, heartfelt testimonies, and remarkable miracles, setting the tone for a renewed sense of faith and unity among the people. Sanwo-Olu’s appeal for divine intervention comes at a critical juncture in the state’s history, as Lagos faces various challenges. The governor’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for religious tolerance and harmony has fostered a sense of unity among the people.

“The Lord’s Chosen Church is a God-answering church, and this crusade has shown me that we serve a living God”, the Governor said, thanking the church for their fervent prayers and dedication.

The event brought together millions of worshipers from across the globe, all united in their quest for divine guidance and intervention.

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Church, delivered a powerful message emphasizing the importance of practical Christianity, urging the congregation to repent and surrender to Jesus. “If you shall surrender to Jesus today, the abundance of life shall be your portion, for Jesus came that you may have life and have it more abundantly,” he said.

His words resonated deeply, inspiring countless testimonies of salvation, healing, and deliverance. “We serve an awesome God who will not fail us, and the challenges we face in Lagos State and Nigeria will become a thing of the past,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said, his faith strengthened by the crusade.

The crusade featured soul-stirring songs from the church choirs, including the national choir and the Duet Sisters, setting the tone for spiritual motivation and upliftment. Testimonies of God’s goodness and mercy flooded the gathering, including remarkable healings and deliverances.

members, who recognised the significance of prioritising their health and wellbeing.

Dr. Menakaya, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and CEO of Annomo Health Concierge, highlighted the strategic importance of the visit, urging golfers to absorb the valuable insights on bone and joint health.

Withawarmsmile,shedescribed herself as a “daughter of IBB,” commending the club for keeping her father, Dr. Tim Menakaya, former Minister of Health of Nigeria, healthy as he celebrated his 90th birthday earlier in the week. She emphasised the relevance of the theme: “Twist Without Pain,”

explaining, “This evening is designed to address bone and joint health issues, enabling golfers to play without pain. The knowledge you gain will help you modify your existing techniques, such as stance, grip, swing, alignment, posture, driving, chipping, and putting, to ensure you do not sustain any damage while enjoying this amazing game.”

In the words of Dr. Menakaya, “This visit is a testament to our dedication to connecting clients with the finest doctors and hospitals worldwide. We are proud to be part of this journey, enabling golfers to enjoy the game they love without the burden of pain.”

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming 7th Edition of the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo, Patrick Ajah, flanked by Executive Secretary of PMG-MAN, Pharm Frank Muonemeh, and others, at the recent press conference addressing the executive order on Pharmaceuticals by President Bola Tinubu

Mary Nnah

Why Does EFCC Treat Lottery Business as Criminal Offence?

Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Iyke Bede report that one of Nigeria’s leading operators in the sports betting space, Bet9ja, is currently facing a court trial initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Sokoto State Zonal Command for engaging in lottery business for which the Company is licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and many other state regulatory agencies. This legal battle could have significant implications for the gaming industry in Nigeria, with the outcome potentially setting new precedents for regulatory practices and compliance within the sector

The entire gaming industry in Nigeria is currently following with keen interest a matter before the Federal High Court, Birnin Kebbi Division, where KC Gaming Networks Limited, widely known by the moniker Bet9ja, along with two of its agents, are being prosecuted for engaging in lottery business.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (the Sokoto Zonal command) has leveled an eight-count charge against the company and its agents, Sunday Ochonu and Gabriel Ochonu, for their alleged involvement in lottery activities in Sokoto State which has now been tagged as illegal.

The indictment in charge No FHC/ KB/CR/19/2024 includes receiving of stakes and payment of lottery winning which they allegedly knew were derived from unlawful acts to wit : lottery.

GOD IN THE DETAILS

Odeyemi Yemi Tunde, a punter, staked N200 on a series of games with ticket number B9TH64669473444–12110749 in April this year. The ticket, which turned out to be a winning ticket with potential winnings of N5,323,256.33, has since become a focal point in legal proceedings. The investigation into handling this substantial prize has led to charges against KC Gaming Networks Limited (Bet9ja) and its agents.

Upon reaching out to Gabriel, the shop’s manager, Tunde was informed that such winnings could not be redeemed and would require approval and payment by Sunday, who owns the shop. After a meeting with Sunday a couple of days later, Tunde received N323,000 and was told he would receive the rest of his money in installments. Sunday was subsequently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after it was revealed that the enforcement unit had arraigned his manager.

After several investigations, Sunday revealed that Gabriel, who also had access to the admin account, had looted funds from his account to stake games, resulting in a series of losses after exhausting the funds wired to Sunday by Bet9ja. Note that Sunday’s wallet was used because the ticket in question was not played with Tunde’s personal account. According to Sunday, he noticed transactions on the account on April 27 and 28 and

reprimanded Gabriel.

In a statement dated 06/05/24, Sunday pledged to pay Tunde the sum of N2,000,000 and to spread out the payments of the remaining N3,000,000 in N500,000 installments between June and November. A subsequent statement dated 09/05/24 revealed that Sunday had paid Tunde N2,500,000, promising to pay the remaining sum by the end of the month.

In his account, Gabriel revealed that he had made several withdrawals from the wallet to stake games. In three consecutive successful moves, he staked N1,000,000 but lost. In a frustrated attempt, he staked another N500,000 and lost. Additionally, he moved N1,000,000 (two transfers of N500,000) to his SportyBet account, staked, and lost. He also admitted to transferring N150,000 to his OPAY account N40,000 to a

customer he owed, and could not account for how he squandered the remaining funds in the account.

INTRIGUES

This case exposes the challenges of doing business in Nigeria, where the cultural and religious practices are not in alignment with aspects of the law of the federation, sometimes giving the impression that there might be a different set of laws in operation in different parts of the country. This particular case is intriguing because it brings to the fore some of the daring questions which confront us as Nigerians daily. Can agencies of the federal government EFCC, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), all established by acts of the National Assembly, confront themselves in an embarrassing manner before a court of law?

It might have been tolerable if the Sokoto government instituted the matter in court, saying it does not want lottery activities within its jurisdiction. But this is not the case. Curiously, the EFCC, an agency of the federal government, is seeking to get rid of the lottery business by prosecuting Bet9ja. Is it possible that the EFCC is ignorant that

Nigerians Set to Win Big in Learn2Win Quiz on Tinubu’s Policies

Iyke Bede

Today, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Nigerians will have the opportunity to test their knowledge of the policies, programmes, and projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in an exciting event called Learn2Win. With N5 million in airtime up for grabs, this initiative promises to reward participants and enhance public awareness and engagement with the government’s policies and programmes, encouraging them to stay informed on current national developments.

Organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and spearheaded by the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, participants will be quizzed on a wide range of topics, including economic reforms,

infrastructure projects, social welfare programmes, and other key initiatives.

Interested participants in the Learn2Win initiative are welcome to visit the NOA’s official website or follow its social media channels.

Issa-Onilu explained that the contest is targeted at the younger generation whose zeal for learning may be fired up when it is tied to enticing rewards and recreation.

“Government has a of programmes conceived and executed for the benefit of the populace, but if they are not aware, they can’t benefit from it. The money on offer will continue to grow. We are starting with N5 million, but it will definitely get bigger. We are hopeful that we can partner other agencies of the Federal Government and corporate Nigeria,” said the NOA boss.

the CAC has approved the business of KC Networks Limited or that the NLRC licenses the company to carry on the lottery business all over Nigeria?

Bet9ja is a legally operating company that significantly contributes to Nigeria’s economy. With over 1,200 direct employees and 15,000 agents, Bet9ja provides employment to over 200,000 individuals across Nigeria. The company is known for its significant tax contributions, paying tens of billions of naira annually in company income, value-added, and education taxes, directly benefiting all states, including Sokoto and Kebbi. Moreover, Bet9ja is also actively involved in corporate social responsibility activities, furthering its positive impact on Nigerian society.

The actions of one individual, Gabriel, should not overshadow the company’s adherence to regulatory standards and its contributions to the economy. Bet9ja’s commitment to resolving this issue transparently, as demonstrated by Sunday’s efforts to reimburse Tunde, highlights the company’s dedication to maintaining trust and integrity in its operations.

Every segment of the gaming industry is waiting to see how the Bet9ja case at the Brinin Kebbi Division of the Federal High Court pans out. At the end of the day, the pronouncement of the judiciary may not be limited to that jurisdiction only. It is expected to have far-reaching effects on the lottery business in Nigeria.

The case has now been slated for 17th September 2024.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola

Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede

Onilu

ETRANZACT HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...

L-R: Executive Director, eTranzact International Plc, Olayiwola Okunola; Independent Non-Executive Director, Rtd Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu; Non-Executive Director, Uche Val Obi (SAN); Deputy Managing Director, Hakeem Adeniji-Adele; Managing Director/CEO, Olaniyi Toluwalope; Chairman of the Board, Wole Abegunde; Company Secretary, Uloma Okoro; Independent Non-Executive Director, Binta MaxGbinije, and Non- Executive Director, Afolabi Oladele, at the Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos...yesterday.

Root Causes of Oil Theft: House C'ttee Begins Probe

Says Nigeria lost $10bn to oil theft in 7 months Lawyers seek Farouk, others suspension as committee starts investigation

The House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft and Losses has begun investigation into illegal lifting of crude oil in Nigeria in order to address the root causes of challenges facing the sector.

The committee revealed: “The statistics on crude oil theft are very alarming and its negative impact on the economy is quite monumental. For instance, it is estimated that between January and July 2024, Nigeria lost an average of 437,000 barrels of crude oil per day due to theft, vandalism and other criminal activities.

“At the current price of oil, this translates to over $10bn over the same period. "

Even as the Reps Committee digs in, no fewer than 20 constitutional lawyers, Thursday, urged the House of Representatives' Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream and Midstream), to recommend to President Bola Tinubu, the suspension of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over alleged corruption, incompetence amongst others.

The suspension according to the lawyers would prevent interference with the job of the committee which is conducting a forensic investigation into the state of the NNPCL and the downstream sector.

The House Committee was

mandated to investigate oil theft and the actions of criminal gangs, militia groups, local communities, companies and security agencies.

The chairman of the special committee, Hon. Alhassan AdoDoguwa, during his remark at the committee meeting on Thursday, promised on behalf of the committee to do a good job in the interest of Nigerians.

Ado-Doguwa said: “Our ultimate aim is to employ every legislative tool to unearth the root causes and immediate factors contributing to this crime, bring those complicit to justice and develop sustainable solutions that will safeguard the integrity of our oil sector and promote national development.

“To ensure a thorough investigation, our methodology includes inviting memoranda and presentations from key stakeholders within the oil industry and security sector and engaging in further discussions with international and local oil companies, host community leaders, and relevant agencies.”

Speaking on the challenges to be addressed, he said: “Our committee has noted several critical issues, including vessels transporting stolen crude oil undetected, collaboration among government and security agencies in illicit activities and the inefficiencies of current measures to combat oil theft.

“We have identified that firepower and other weapons of engagement are inadequate compared to the number of

security operatives drafted to combat armed crude oil thieves.

“The NNPC Ltd. has reported 900 infractions on its pipelines and delayed judicial processes have resulted in the abandonment of cases, allowing culprits to return to their criminal activities.

“In light of these findings, our committee has resolved to enact adequate legislation, including budget allocations to support security agencies, improve existing laws to combat crude oil theft and collaborate with security agencies to prioritise the protection of national assets and critical infrastructure.

“We also emphasise the importance of involving indigenous youths in ownership initiatives and converting seized refineries for legitimate use rather than destroying them."

The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Idris Wase, urged Ado-Doguwa to brace up for what will come his way, noting that the oil thieves will come after him and reminded the Kano lawmaker that his job is a dangerous one.

His words: “Mr. Chairman, you are involved in doing a very dangerous business. It is more than dangerous. Don't take it lightly. It is not going to be easy for you and the committee members because you are going to face people who are sabotaging Nigeria's economy.

“In other climes, these people are supposed to be on the gallows and face the death penalty. They will go

after you; they will come after your life but God will shield you. He will protect you."

Earlier, Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, lamented the negative impact oil theft is having on the nation’s economy as he decried the daily losses of crude due to the activities of criminals.

According to him: “Apart from reduced government revenue to address the multi-faceted challenges of national development, other problems associated with crude oil theft include environmental degradation, heightened insecurity in the form of piracy, kidnapping, militancy and vandalism and the shut-down of production by many companies, among others.

“The reduction in government revenue has invariably been responsible for government borrowing to address budget deficits over the years."

He identified corruption as one of the factors working against sustainable development in the oil sector and pledged the readiness of the parliament to assist anti-graft agencies to rid the sector of various economic crimes.

“We are determined to strengthen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and other anti-corruption agencies to frontally combat corruption in the oil and gas sector," he said.

The Secretary to the Government

Lagos State Tops the Pack in ‘Climate Governance Performance’ Ranking

Gombe, Ebonyi bag second, third best; Oyo, Kano, Zamfara are stragglers

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Lagos State has been ranked top among the 36 states of the country on Climate Governance Performance.

Gombe State was ranked second with Ebonyi State taking the Number 3 position, both Borno State and Ekiti State jointly ranked fourth.

Oyo, Kano and Zamfara States were ranked 34, 35 and 36 respectively, in the result announced on Thursday in Abuja at an event organised by the Department of Climate Change in the Federal Ministry of Environment, in conjunction with Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).

Speaking at the event, SPP President, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, decried Nigeria being ranked as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world even though its contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is minimal.

He noted that the country is vulnerable due to its complex

agroecological zones, burgeoning urban and rural populations, extensive coastlines which is susceptible to sea level rise, and weak climate governance systems.

He added that with its significant impact on health, food security, livelihood, and economic development, climate change is emerging as a hot topic in Nigeria, increasingly featuring in national discussions and political debates.

He observed that the Nigerian government is committed to achieving net zero by 2060 and has initiated some projects at different levels to facilitate the process.

He said: “The effective climate change governance at the subnational level demands the consideration and mainstreaming of climate action into all aspects of government policymaking and development planning.

“This must be strategically done with clearly set goals and an articulation of the method that will

be used to attain the spelt-out goals.”

Okereke disclosed that the template for effective climate governance at the subnational level are vision and objectives, political will, institutional arrangements, policy framework, legal and regulatory framework.

Others, according to him include climate action plan and policy implementation, financial mechanisms, stakeholders’ engagement, training and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, communication and awareness and integration with national and global efforts.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said: “Climate governance at the sub-national level is essential for several reasons. It is at this level that the impacts of climate change are acutely felt.

“Lands in coastal communities are devastated by erosion while desertification is rampant in the Northern region of the country. The

sub-national governments are often at the forefront of implementing policies and actions that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of the people at the grassroots level, therefore, their role in driving climate action is indispensable.”

He noted that the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking was more than just a ranking, but a tool for motivation, collaboration, and accountability, adding that: “It highlights the best practices, identifies areas for improvement and fosters a spirit of healthy competition among our states and local governments.

“By celebrating the achievements of the top performers and providing support to those lagging behind, we can collectively elevate our national climate response. The criteria for this ranking are rigorous and comprehensive, reflecting the multifaceted nature of climate governance.

of the Federation, George Akume, also reiterated the commitment of the federal government to secure the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, noting that in the past four years, over $1.5bn has been spent in this regard.

Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the SGF, Maurice Nnamdi, said: “The government has invested considerable resources in combating this menace.

“Since 2020, expenditure aimed at addressing crude oil theft and securing our oil infrastructure has exceeded $1.5bn. These funds have been allocated towards enhancing surveillance capabilities, securing pipelines, and increasing the presence of law enforcement agencies in critical oil-producing areas."

Meanwhile, besides Kyari and others the twenty constitutional lawyers want those to be suspended to include: the Managing Director of NNPCL Trading Company, Lawal Sade, and the Chief Upstream Investment Officer

of NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti.

The lawmakers had few days ago also called for the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, over his comment on Dangote Refinery. According to them, their suspension will give room for uninterrupted investigation because the officials would no longer have access to sensitive information and documents to derail the crucial exercise, aimed at addressing the stunning allegations of sharp practices being perpetrated right under their nose.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the legal practitioners led by constitutional activist, Comrade Tijani Usman, accused Kyari and others in the NNPCL management of sabotaging the efforts of President Tinubu to salvage the nation's economy.

Building Collapse: Foundation Calls for Integrity Tests and Safety Measures

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Ike Odoeme Foundation, an Abuja based Non-Governmental Organization, has organised a walk to create awareness on the importance of school building integrity.

The move was aimed at stressing the need for the school owners and other stakeholders in providing safe learning spaces for children.

Speaking at the event, the foundation’s Projects Officer, Suzie Agas, said the procession was to advocate for improved policies and investments in school infrastructure for the safety of school children.

Agas said that the foundation launched the campaign, following the collapse of a two-storey school building in Jos, which tragically resulted in the loss of 24 children’s lives.

It will be recalled that a two-storey building at the Saints Academy School, located in Busa Buji in Jos North Local Government Area collapsed on July 12, where 24 lives were lost and 132 injured.

She said concerted efforts were required in advocating safe spaces for children, which was why the walk was in partnership with key stakeholders in the education sector.

“Education is fundamental and the basic rights of every child in Nigeria, yet school children are unsafe with dilapidated, and overcrowded learning environments,” she said.

Agas said the school building

collapse in Jos could have been averted, if periodic integrity tests were conducted on school buildings, and professionals engaged in construction works.

According to her, the walk is also to enlighten and encourage stakeholders on playing active roles to address threats to the well-being of school children.

“We are part of governance, and we are here to play our part in holding relevant stakeholders accountable for that occurrence.

“It is also to ensure that the unfortunate incident does not occur again.

“The procession is to create awareness that everybody can take part in governance. If you see something wrong, you speak up,” she said.

Mrs. Salome Pam, a civil engineer, who spoke at the event, described the school tragedy as an avoidable one, saying it would have not happened, if professionals in the building industry were engaged in the construction of the school. She advised parents to pay attention to their children, as reports indicated that many complaints were made by the children, after their observations of the school building before its eventual collapse. She said: “When we visited as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, we noticed numerous structural issues. The foundation of this school is not appropriate for the soil type in this area, nor is it suitable for a two-storey building.

Juliet Akoje and Alex Enumah in Abuja

NEWS CONFERENCE ON ALLEGATIONS OF SABOTAGE IN PETROLEUM SECTOR...

Nigeria’s First FLNG Company Inaugurates Board of Directors, Projects Production to Start 2028

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s First Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) has inaugurated its board of directors, including representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) led by its Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye.

Also in attendance were the General Manager, Gas Development, NNPC, Dr. Salihu Jamari, while the Delta State Government was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Mr. Gibson Pinnick.

Other Board members included the Managing Director of UTM FLNG, Dr. Julius Rone; Chief Akin Ricketts, Ms. Doyin Adelabu and Sadeeq Mai-Bornu who acted as Protem Chairman of the meeting.

A statement from the company said the growth followed the consistent focus of the government of President Bola Tinubu to ensure gas-based prosperity was yielding positive results through the rapid

progression of the UTM Floating LNG project.

The progress, it said, was further enabled by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari and support of the NNPC leadership, including ongoing coordination to positively close out the Exxon MobilSeplat divestment in conjunction with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The Board of Directors of UTM FLNG Ltd, developers of the first floating liquefied natural gas facility in Nigeria, said it had its maiden meeting on July 23, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

“The meeting thoroughly evaluated and approved the progress of the company, particularly the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) phase and noted that the company is on track to achieve Final Investment Decision (FID) by Q4, 2024.

“The board which has full representation from the founder shareholders, NNPC Ltd, Delta

Edo PDP Alleges APC Planning to Attack Govt Infrastructure

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of planning to take advantage of the planned nationwide protest to attack some government infrastructure, cause mayhem, and distort peace in the state.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, yesterday, the Deputy Director General of the PDP Campaign Council for the Edo State Governorship Election, Olu Martins, called on the Police and other security agencies to call the party to order.

Martins was flanked by the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie.

The Campaign Deputy Director General, noted: "Edo State is in the twilight of an election and the opposition party, the APC has a clandestine and evil agenda especially as the youths are planning a

nationwide protest on August 1st 2024.

“Their plan is to burn down legacy projects of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government. They plan to go to the Benin City Mall, Edo State Government Secretariat along Sapele Road, and a couple of other such projects.

“The plan to destroy such projects and we thought it wise to bring it to the attention of the media especially to help us inform the security operatives.

Whatever this government has done regarding these facilities is done for Edo people, not for any political party.

“Edo people are fully utilising these properties and as such want to put the security agencies on red alert and bring it to the notice of Edo citizens as security is the responsibility of all.

“The opposition party has not bothered themselves with what they will do for the Edo people and have had no serious engagement for their campaign. Edo people want to know what they want to do for them but it appears the APC has nothing to offer Edo people.”

On his part, Nehikhare noted: “We are here to emphasise why the APC wants to create chaos in the State as they are desperate to create a state of emergency in the State.

“The leadership of APC held a meeting planning to recruit thugs and unleash mayhem on government infrastructure and citizens of Edo State.

State Government and the UTM Offshore Ltd, expressed delight at the strict adherence to international standards, best practices and quality assurance at all levels of the project.

“It directed the company to expedite action on the management and organisational structure to ensure smooth take-off of the construction phase of the project,” the statement added.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UTM FLNG, Rone assured that the company had laid all processes to ensure a smooth

take-off and targeted production capacity of 2.8 million metric tonnes per annum by Q4, 2028.

He added that the company was concluding all the necessary approvals from appropriate agencies and regulators.

“The board met today and evaluated all the processes and progress the company has made in the effort to develop the first indigenous floating LNG in Nigeria and in fact in Africa.

“Board members were delighted by the progress made so far particularly on the EPCIC phase.

It directed that the management should ensure the FID is taken by the fourth quarter of the year.

“So, our company is set for FID before the end of this year and on completion in Q4, 2028. It will have a production capacity of 2.8 million metric tonnes of natural gas, 450 metric tonnes of LPG and other liquids per annum for export and domestic consumption.

"This is a huge step which we believe will leapfrog the economy by ensuring availability of gas at lower cost for household, automobile and industrial uses. It will also

generate massive employment and multi-million Naira business opportunities for Nigerians”, he said. Rone stressed that gas resource was a key driver of economic growth and development for Nigeria with her nearly 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas reserves which ranks as the 9th highest in the world. The UTM boss also commended President Bola Tinubu for encouraging private investments and creating the enabling environment for companies like UTM FLNG to thrive in the overall interest of the country.

Edo 2024: Ighodalo Storms Ovia South West as PDP Begins Ward to Ward Campaign

Defectors declare support for Asue-Ogie

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, on Thursday, stormed Ovia South West as the party commenced Ward to Ward Campaign.

As the PDP/Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie campaign train continues to cruise through the length and breadth of the state canvassing votes, the people of Ugbogui and Evobongbon in the local government area rose in unison to declare their total support for the governorship candidate and the PDP in the September 21 election.

In his opening remarks, the PDP local government chairman, Mr. Ihaguebor Ajiki, welcomed the PDP campaign team and the governorship candidate to the local government area, urging supporters to vote massively for the candidate of the party, saying only the PDP can bring true development to them.

The carnival-like rally featured different cultural displays and was attended by thousands of supporters as well as returnees to the party led by Mr. Yomi Oladepo, the Yoruba leader of the local government area and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. John Obasuyi and other APC stalwarts.

Addressing the crowd, Dr. Asue Ighodalo appreciated the people of

the local government area for their show of love and support and assured everyone that if elected into office in the forthcoming elections, the peace, security and development in the area would be sustained.

He stated that education would be a major priority in the state adding jobs and wealth to be created.

Ighodalo also affirmed that there will be micro-credit schemes to support women, as well as capacity building programmes targeted at the youths.

Earlier in his address, the Edo State chairman of the People's Democratic Party PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, reiterated PDP commitment to good governance in the state.

He told the people that PDP has

put forth the best team to take Edo to a greater height and urged the people to vote PDP and its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo come September 21. Aziegbemi who appreciated the defectors, assured them that they will not be disappointed as the PDP umbrella was very accommodating and able to deliver the dividends of democracy.

While appreciating the people of the area for their support, the Director General Asue Ogie/Peoples' Democratic Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, urged them to vote for the PDP come September 21 to further cement the peace, security and development of the state.

Tinubu Orders IGP to Prioritise Cyber Security

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to prioritize the security of the nation's cyberspace, as his administration is committed to enhance the social security of Nigerians and tackle the economic and security challenges facing the country.

He also pledged to provide the country with a platform to improve its credibility as a safe destination for foreign direct investment.

The president noted that since 2020, Nigeria has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the use of social media to spread subversive messages and incite violence and unrest.

Tinubu who gave this directive,

while commissioning the ultramodern and digitalized National Cybercrime Centre and Nigeria Police Resource Centre, in Abuja, also called for the elimination of inter-agency rivalries urging the law enforcement agencies to embrace a coordinated and collaborative approach.

Represented by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, the president also disclosed that the federal government has taken a number of major policy decisions, including the review of the National Cybercrime Strategy, which will work towards mitigating multifaceted threats posed by cybercrimes.

President Tinubu also urged the Inspector General of Police to effectively

utilize the facility to protect Nigeria's cyberspace and ensure that it is used for the enhancement of national development and economic progress.

He said: "It is my hope that this center will complement the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), in the protection of our critical national infrastructures by enabling a greater level of scrutiny of the online activities of those who seek to cause damage to our national interests. The security situation in the country is a complex blend of threats posed by well-organized non-state actors".

He noted that addressing this threat requires a concerted approach by all stakeholders within the security architecture. President Tinubu expressed hope that the Nigerian Police Force

National Cybercrime Center will surpass the projected expectation of the Nigerian people and the international community and serve to help rid the nation of the effects of cyber-enabled crime.

He noted that the Nigerian Police Force National Cyber Crime Center, is built to strengthen the operational efficiency of law enforcement agencies, to improve national security, in line with his policy objective of reforming the Nigerian Police Force. He expressed commitment to invest further in the Nigerian Police Force, through procurement of sufficient arms, weapons, and other critical equipment, as well as recruitment and continuous training to boost the number, quality, and preparedness of police personnel.

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour $ Productivity, Senator Dikey Plang; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno; Leader of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, at a news conference on the allegations of economic sabotage in the petroleum industry held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Tuesday

CONSULTATIVE MEETING...

Airtel Africa Recorded $1,156m Revenue Loss, 155.4m Customer Growth in Q2

Emma

Airtel Africa, provider of telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 African countries, Nigeria inclusive, yesterday, released its second quarter result for 2024, recording 155.4 million

subscribers and 64.4 million data customers, with revenues decline of $1,156 million.

According to the result for the quarter ended 30 June 2024, strong fundamentals and focused execution continue to support operating performance despite challenging

macro-economic environment.

Highlight of the report shows that the total customer base grew by 8.6 per cent to 155.4 million. Data customer penetration increased, driving a 13.4 per cent increase in data customers to 64.4 million. Data usage per customer increased by 25.1

per cent to 6.2 GBs, with smartphone penetration increasing 4.7 per cent to reach 41.7 per cent. There was increase in mobile money subscription and the transaction value increased by 28.7 per cent in constant currency with annualised transaction value of $120

Mass Trial of Suspected Terrorists, Others Begins, Says NCTC

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The federal government has said it has resumed mass trial of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian state, in pursuance of its commitment to promote social justice by entrenching transparent administrative system.

The FG also said the ongoing trial which is in line with the international criminal justice system is being administered by the Federal High

Court of Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

This is in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA).

A statement by Head Stratcomm, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, said that more than 300 suspects are on trial with five reputable judges manning

the five courts and chambers set up for speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.

According to the statement, the trial involved multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).

"Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.

"Between 2017 and 2018, the trials resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges and five acquittals. Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained," Abu said.

He said the NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and to boost the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.

We Will Continue to Adopt, Integrate Evolving Innovations to Outwit Adversary, Says Army Chief

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday said that as technologies continue to advance, the Nigerian Army will continue to adopt and integrate evolving innovations in order to maintain a competitive edge and standardized operations in the theatres of operations.

that situation, we must be reminded that as of today, an important factor is that the cost per litre of petrol in our neighbouring countries in West and Central Africa is three, four times of what it is here."

The minister disclosed that there were impediments to the immediate compliance to the recent Supreme Court verdict that monthly federal allocations should now be paid directly into the accounts of local governments in the country.

In a case brought before it by the federal government against the states, the apex court had ruled that in line with constitutional provisions, federal allocations to the local councils should henceforth be paid directly to them, as opposed to the extant practice of paying into state/local government joint accounts in the 36 states of the federation.

Gen. Lagbaja, also pledged to vigorously promote equipment maintenance to enhance operational readiness in the Nigerian Army.

billion in reported currency.

Data ARPU growth of 9.6 per cent and mobile money ARPU growth of 8.8 per cent in constant currency continued to support overall ARPU’s which increased 9.3 per cent YoY, according to the report

The report further said the reported currency revenues declined by 16.1 per cent to $1,156 million reflecting the impact of currency devaluation, particularly in Nigeria.

Across the Group mobile services revenue grew by 17.4 per cent and mobile money revenue grew by 28.4 per cent in constant currency.

"A substantial increase in fuel prices across our markets and the lower contribution of Nigeria to the Group after the naira devaluation contributed to a decline in EBITDA margins to 45.3 per cent from 49.5 per cent in Q1’24 and 46.5 per cenr in Q4’24," the report said.

However, constant currency EBITDA increased 11.3 per cent whilst reported currency EBITDA declined by 23.3 per cent to $523 million.

resilient demand for our services, with sustained growth in our customer base and usage. Our superior execution enables us to capture these opportunities, whilst retaining our reputation as a cost leader across the industry.

“Having visited most of our OpCos since I joined Airtel Africa, I am encouraged by the scale of the opportunity available across our markets in both the GSM and mobile money business. A key priority for us is to look for new opportunities to further grow our business especially in the enterprise, fibre and data centre businesses across our footprint in Africa."

A statement by Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, quoted the army chief as saying that the NA has a lot to gain when the research findings of well researched paper by the participants are implemented.

This is as Nigerian Army

The COAS, said this when Nigerian Army participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 32, presented the outcome of its research work, titled “Equipment Maintenance and Operational Readiness: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Army by the year 2035”, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

expressed concern over the jailbreak and escape of hardened insurgents from the high security Katukane prison in Telabari region of the Niger Republic on the 11 July 2024.

Gen Lagbaja added that the NA will adopt some of the recommendations in the maintenance of its vehicles in the various theaters of operations for effective operational performance.

Profit after tax of $31 million was impacted by $80ml million of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses (net of tax), arising from the further depreciation in the Nigerian naira during the quarter.

Analysing the report, the Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said:

“The continued revenue growth momentum once again reflects the

According to him," We will build on the strong foundation established over many years to deliver on these new business opportunities. Most importantly, our emphasis is on significantly improving customer experience by simplifying customer journeys and providing best in class network experience to our customers, whilst remaining focused on driving efficiencies across the business." We have initiated a comprehensive cost optimisation programme across the Group. We have already seen success in this project, with savings arising in network and distribution costs, and continued opportunities as contract renegotiations continue. We expect sustainable savings to continue as the year progresses, Taldar further said.

numbers are depreciating.

"There is a committee of the Attorney-General and representatives of states and local governments within the conference of the Federation Account Allocation Committee that is looking at the practicality of moving to what the Supreme Court has said.

“There are practical impediments to the implementation and the governors have moved immediately to hold local government elections because the funds have to be released to elected governments.

"But also in practical terms, there was a FAAC meeting just last week, but it could not yet implement

Edun said part of the impediments was the fact that elections must be held to democratically elect local government administrations in the country. But he assured that the impediments were being addressed, stating that President Bola Tinubu believes in fiscal federalism, and would adhere to the apex court’s ruling. He said, “As far as the Supreme Court ruling is concerned, Mr. President is a democrat. He believes in federalism. He believes in fiscal federalism. What has come to pass now is a new fiscal regime where, through the State/Local Governments Joint Account, funding goes directly to the local governments.

the judgement because the actual proceedings had not yet been handed down. It was not in the hands of the Attorney-General for him to start implementing.

“What is going to happen is that under a presidency that believes in the rule of law, the judgement on the local government is going to be faithfully implemented.”

The minister also disclosed that the federal government would float the much advertised $500 million dollar-denominated local bond in the next four weeks.

Edun said the bond would enable Nigerians to invest their funds locally in foreign-denominated currency.

He said, "We have an open exchange rate system, it’s not illegal and so we have the issuance of a dollardenominated security, not depending on the financial architecture of the western world, not depending on the kind of architecture that you use to raise Eurobonds.

“We’re using the Nigerian financial system, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the banking system,

the investment bankers to issue $500 million in the first instance that will be available and will attract foreign currency held by Nigerians abroad and anybody else who buys into the macroeconomic reform efforts of President Bola Tinubu.

“That issue is a challenge to the best and the brightest in the financial markets. It is due to open in the next three to four weeks, maximum.”

Edun clarified that there was no plan at the moment to float Eurobonds, saying doing so will be tied to the performance of the dollar-denominated local bonds.

He stated, “Right now, depending on the success of that issue, there is no talk of looking to go to the international markets to raise the Eurobond.

“It is one of the options that we have. The markets are open to us. Our ratings and our performance merit it.

“The market is open to us, but we prefer, in the first instance, to challenge Nigerians to come home with their money and be part of the Nigerian reform success story that we believe, that is where the economy is headed."

Embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, whose status is still under consideration, Philip Shaibu, has said boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was on its way to victory ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Shaibu disclosed this Wednesday night while speaking with newsmen after a visit to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC.

He said with the coming of Anslem Ojezua and the Deputy State Chairman of APC, Kenneth Asekhome, and himself back to APC, the party was assured of victory.

“The chances of APC is getting brighter and better everyday, because we that left APC to join the PDP to win in 2020 are back. We are the major factor that left APC including the state executive and the local government executives.

“I can authoritatively tell you now, the same state executives of APC that moved are back to APC. Election is about number, and if the game is about numbers, APC numbers are increasing and PDP

“So, obviously, who will win the election are those whose numbers have appreciated not those who are declining. I can tell you that PDP is gone in Edo State. Even those that are still in PDP like Chief Dan Orbih, they affirmed that what is right must be done.

“Chief Dan Orbih is still in PDP, but he is not with them as far as this issues are concerned, because he is standing for what is right. And he is still insisting that until what is right is done, Asue Ighodalo is not the candidate of the PDP.

“We that have left for APC are now making APC stronger. Those in PDP are still there saying the right thing must be done, that Asue Ighodalo is not the candidate.

“A house divided against itself you know will not stand and my short journey to PDP was a terrible experience and I prayed that we never had such again.”

Shaibu stressed that he has never been a member of PDP until 2020, when he left because of Governor Godwin Obaseki, saying, “and because of the governor again, I have left PDP back to my home.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Okonji

Guyana's opposition leader, Aubrey Norton, (L) and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, during a consultative meeting at the latter's Ikoyi residence …yesterday

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE CANON “WOMEN WHO EMPOWER” PROGRAMME...

TRADITIONAL RULERS, CLERICS, ULAMAS MOBILISE AGAINST HARDSHIP PROTESTS

the President told the religious leaders.

Ngelale, in a release, quoted Tinubu as saying, his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning, and diligence in getting support from Nigerians.

“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked.

“But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God. One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.

“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen,” the president stated.

The president reiterated that protests fuelled by anger and hate, could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards.

“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.

“The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually. We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent.

Speaking with the traditional rulers, Tinubu, according to a release by Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, said "Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun."

He urged the royal fathers to reach out to citizens on the genuine intentions of the government to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope.

“Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens.

“I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper,’’ the president emphasised.

According to him, the plight of citizens remains a deep concern, and will receive more attention.

“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look backwards.

“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern.

"I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place

and then continue with the work.

“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,” he said.

Tinubu stated that the interventions to bring the government nearer to the people were already yielding results, with the activation of the student loan programme, the consumer credit scheme, and the affirmation of fiscal autonomy for local government councils.

He said the ministry of finance would continue to ensure that funds go to the grassroots for human and infrastructural development.

“Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking of banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.

“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energizer. From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.

“The economic viability of infrastructure has to be studied before we embark on projects. How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry? From there, we can energize electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms.

“Even if it is two million hectares of arable land, you can create opportunities for farmers on a small scale. Then you have to find capital for them.

"We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,” he told the traditional rulers.

The President added that security was getting more attention and will be enhanced, saying, “Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.

“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period of time. We are still recalibrating our oil usage,” he stated.

President Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.

Addressing Mills Jr, the president said, ''During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without

resorting to the destruction of property.

"We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.

“In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,'' President Tinubu stated.

Welcoming the U.S. State Department's acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, the President called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

He said, "Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.

''We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.”

According to him, "Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries.

“But we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides. We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow."

Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy, and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.

“Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.

“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” the US envoy said.

Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Earlier, Tinubu had also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Mr. Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng.

Tinubu told the High Commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.

"Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia," he said.

The President acknowledged that many Nigerian students found studying in Malaysia attractive, and that Nigeria looked forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.

In his speech, the Malaysian High Commissioner said ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, the country looked forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.

“We are pleased with our

cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,” the High Commissioner said.

In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop a robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.

Acknowledging Botswana's progress on livestock development, President Tinubu said he had received briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.

“The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa's solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,'' the president said.

Tinubu described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.

High Commissioner Kereng said Botswana was committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and was prepared to partner Nigeria in this area.

She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria's youth-driven creative economy.

''My coming to Nigeria fulfills my president's vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,'' she stated

NGF: NSA Told Us Protest’s Momentum

Growing

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), quoting the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), observed the growing momentum for the planned August protest, which demanded government’s attention.

NGF, however, said the NSA was committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level.

In the communique issued after a meeting of the governors on Wednesday, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, chair of the forum and Kwara State Governor, said the NSA briefed them on “growing momentum” for the protests.

“The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) office on the current security situation in the country.

“The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention.

The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level.

“The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated its commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational.”

The NGF chair said governors received Ndiame Diop, new country director of the World Bank, and his

team.

“They introduced themselves to the Forum and presented the Bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security,” he said.

Military: We Won't Tolerate Anarchy

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has warned organisers of the planned nationwide protest that it would not tolerate any form of lawlessness, or actions that could lead to state of anarchy in the country, from any group.

Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj Gen Edward Buba, gave this warning at a press conference at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, yesterday.

Buba noted that the level of violence envisaged was best described as a state of anarchy, adding that the nation's armed forces would not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels.

"There are essentially several factors to be thoroughly examined on the planned nationwide protest. Some of which are whether or not the planned protest is motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference, terrorist groups or any numbers of organizations that have feed on the frustrations of Nigerians to create the situation.

"However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved. The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces.

“On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy in order to unleash terror," he said.

Buba noted that the contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya, which has so far been violent and unresolved to date.

According to him, there are already indicators that, unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes.

DSS: We’ve Identified Protest Sponsors

The Department of State Services (DSS), yesterday, disclosed that it had identified sponsors of the protest.

Hinting at the development in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, the DSS said while peaceful protest was a democratic right of citizens, it haduncovered a “sinister plan” by some people to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and violence in Nigeria.

Afunanya noted that the secret police has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political, adding that the plotters desired to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments and pit them against Nigerians.

“The Service has identified, among

others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario.

“It has instead, variously applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.

“Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

“While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”

Afenifere Calls for Caution

Afenifere, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has appealed to Nigerians to be circumspect with the protestsbeing contemplated in the country.

National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, said while the people have inalienable right to protest, consideration should be given to the general atmosphere surrounding the planned protest.

He noted that information at the disposal of Afenifere was that the planned protest was to draw the attention of the government to the excruciating situation in the country.

“As the saying goes, those who feel it, know it. In other words, Nigerians consider protest as a way of registering their displeasure, perhaps disenchantment over what many are going through. It's in order.

"But there are some factors that need to be put into consideration. First is whether protest is the only means by which the government's attention can be called to the perceived hardship in the land. And, if the protest path is to be taken, what form should it take?" Ajayi asked.

Wike to Protesters: Stay Away from FCT

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned organisers of "End bad governance protest" that the nation's capital was not available.

He gave the warning yesterday after an emergency FCT Security Council meeting that had in attendance the FCT Minister of State, the Area Council Chairmen, FCT Management team and heads of security agencies domiciled

R-L: Nigerian Lifestyle photographer and Canon Ambassador, Emmanuel Oyeleke; Executive Secretary for WISCAR, Ekemini Akpakpan; B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa Rashad Ghaniand; and Nigerian Cinematographer/Director and Canon Ambassador, Daniel Ehimen, at the graduation ceremony of the Canon “Women Who Empower” programme in Lagos, Nigeria... recently. Photo: Canon Central & North Africa

AFRICA SOCIAL IMPACT SUMMIT "ASIS 3.0" IN LAGOS...

Nigeria, Africa Still Exploited by Global North, FG Cries Out

The federal government has cried out that Nigeria and in fact the whole of Africa is still in pains over decades and centuries of exploitation mostly perpetrated on the continent by Global North countries.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Izaq Salako, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Validation Workshop on the National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators for Early Action Support Project to Implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

While lamenting that Africa is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than other continent, the minister said the African environment and resources, including Nigeria, is hard-hit by decades and centuries of exploitation, mostly perpetrated by other countries, especially in the global north.

Salako while giving assurance of the Nigerian government readiness to have a different narrative, said the country is firm in its resolve to collectively protect species threatened by over-exploitation, expand and strengthen protected areas, set smart targets and indicators as effective measures in the recovery of a natural world.

He noted that: “It is clear that we must use all of the tools at our disposal to reduce the threats to biodiversity, and the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework is guiding our way.

“Nigeria and the rest of African nations are leading the way to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Because Africa will be the most affected by the biodiversity and climate crisis, we are united in being the most ambitious in protecting our lands, our seas, our wildlife, and our people.

“This is our role today, as trustees of the Nigerian people to shine the beacon of hope for the natural world. Let ambition guide you as you validate the goals, targets and indicators that will guide the Nigeria response to the biodiversity crisis.”

He added that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is the policy instrument for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and to accelerate action towards achieving the vision for biodiversity and living in harmony with nature by 2050.

He noted that NBSAP must be rapidly aligned and validated with the new goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Further according to him, “The

KMGBF must be translated into bold action. National goals, targets and measures must match the urgency of the crisis. Let us unite to ensure that our call for ambition for the expansion of protected areas is matched with equal ambition on finance, on halting human-induced extinction of wild species, on mutual accountability to halt forest loss and

degradation, on securing species recovery and the restoration of jeopardized ecosystems.”

The Minister said that having seen the strength of Nigeria’s ambition and technical expertise, there is belief that it can implement the ambitious National Biodiversity Targets, promising that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria

would continue to support the effective implementation of such instruments like the NBSAP which is crucial to building sustainability and conservation in our country.

“We will keep the momentum in the ECOWAS coordination process particularly in the alignment NBSAP National targets to global targets and subsequent updating of NBSAP as well as in the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty.

“I am counting on all of you to rise to the occasion in the spirit of collective action so that our country can continue to deliver on its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and other related multi-lateral agreements.”

Climate Change: Shettima Canvasses Pan-African Collaboration

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged African nations to unite in addressing climate change and social impact challenges facing the continent.

He also called on African leaders to work together in developing sustainable practices and protecting ecosystems as a means of securing a greener future and springboard for the continent's overall development and progress in the face of existential climate realities.

Speaking on Thursday during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 in Lagos, Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment,

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stressed the urgency of collaborative action.

The Vice President who delivered the keynote address said: "The brunt of climate change that Africa faces can only be mitigated if we stand together".

Noting that climate change is an existential issue, Shettima described it as "the elephant in every social impact room."

He stressed the need for joint efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as technological innovation in the agriculture and energy sectors.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of investing in quality education and skills development across the continent, calling for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare systems in African nations.

His words: "Whatever blueprints we promote must focus on innovation. That's the compass of social impact."

Shettima urged African nations to empower local innovators, invest in research, and create ecosystems that foster ground-breaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.

He stressed that from agricultural to energy solutions, harnessing technology and creativity is crucial for saving today and preparing for tomorrow.

According to him: "We may gather in meeting rooms and conferences to philosophise about changing our world, but the truth remains that we can never guarantee social impact without an educated society".

He called for investments in quality education, vocational training,

TINUBU: PROTESTS SPONSORS DON’T LOVE NATION, HAVE OTHER PASSPORTS

in the FCT, ahead of the impending nationwide protests.

While he conceded that it was the right of the citizens to protest, he insisted that he would not allow the protesters to set the nation's capital back.

He added the day proposed for the protest had been set aside to honour the FCT Traditional Rulers and to give certificates to them.

"Mr. President has given FCT so much support, that is why all of us can attest to the fact that there is a lot of changes going on in the FCT, and therefore we will not allow anybody to set us back.

“We are looking forward to make sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be, as one of the major cities not only in Africa, but also in the world.

"So we will not anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest," Wike said.

TUC: Security Must Protect Protesters

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), has asked the federal government to ensure that security agencies maintain peace and protect citizens including those participating in any protest.

It said government should ensure that the action of the security agencies did not lead to the degeneration of the situation they are deployed to control.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the TUC President, Festus Osifo, said though the union was not behind

the planned hunger protest, security agencies should be careful so that it did not lead to chaos.

He called on the leadership of the security agencies and the Inspector General of Police to ensure a peaceful protest by protecting the protesters and other Nigerians so that there will not be loss of lives.

"So, we don't want a situation whereby the protests goes on and at the end of the day, it leads to violence.

So, once again,we call on the Inspector General of Police and the entire security agency to do everything possible to provide security for whoever wans to carry out protests,” he said.

We Won't Support Planned Protest Whose Intention is Unknown, Says S’East Group

A group, South East Youth Development for Good Governance and Better Development (SEYDGGBD), has said it would not support the protest because it didn't know the true intention.

The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Hon. Henry Ejiofor, after an emergency meeting of stakeholders, urged the people of the region against the protest because the sponsors were unknown.

“As a forum, we are making this national call to South East youths and others across Nigeria not to allow faceless individuals to use them.

"As a region, we are grateful to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for signing South East Development Commission Bills, and also to South East leaders that facilitated the bill.

The group added that the region should not pay good for evil even as President Bola Tinubu recently d to the South East Development Commission Bill.

Kalu: Shelve Protest for Economy’s Sake

Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the youths to shelve plans to hold a national protest, saying such action would affect the economy immensely.

He said though it was within the rights of every Nigeria to protest, embarking on such exercise now would have huge effects on the country.

Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, and immediate past Chief Whip of the Senate, said “while embarking on national protest may be beneficial to our democracy, it is not expedient to our economy.

“I am appealing to our youths to consider suspending the planned August protest to save possible damages and liabilities on the country’s infrastructure and private businesses.”

Shelve Protest, Join Hands With EFCC to Fight Corruption, Fatoba Advises Youths

Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values in the House of Representatives, Hon. Fatoba Steve Olusola, has advised Nigerian youths in to shelve the proposed protests.

Fatoba representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 made this appeal during an interactive session with journalists in Ado Ekiti.

He said even though the country was currently going through some challenges, he believed it was a structural adjustment that would enable the country to find a lasting solution to the economic challenges facing it.

He appealed to those planning to protest to rather go to the dialogue table and by supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he believes is on the right track to Nigeria is back on track.

"I implore our youths to rather form a pressure group which will join hands with the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to make sure whoever is alleged to have embezzled public funds be made to face the consequences without any interference in the course of judgement, " he said.

Kaduna Group Distances Self from Protest

Coalition of Concern Citizens of Kaduna State (CCCKS), has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, Convener of the group, Aliu Sanni Mohammed, said the group “completely stands against this maliciously stage managed planned protest in Kaduna state and across the country.”

According to him, the decision against the planned protest was taken following series of consultations and painstaking analysis of the dangerous consequences of the protest.

He said, “We categorically distance ourselves and say no to any protest aimed at destroying the nation and destabilising the relative peace Kaduna state has been experiencing in the last few months.

“This decision became necessary following series of consultations and painstaking analysis of the dangerous consequences of this protest, how it will drive us backward economically and possibly plunge the state and the country into crisis, chaos, terror and anarchy.”

NYCN: Cost of Living at Alarming Level

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has said the grinding hunger suffered by Nigerians as a result of soaring inflation, high cost of living and insecurity, has reached alarming levels.

According to the NYCN, which comprised over 100 youth organisations, the unsettling economic hardship, has triggered the agitation and call for the impending nationwide protests planned to start on August 1. This was contained in a communique signed by the youth council’s President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, after its meeting held via zoom. The meeting was attended by the youth council’s national officers and 36 state chairmen and other critical stakeholders.

and lifelong learning, and reiterated the need to equip African youths with relevant skills for the digital age.

The Vice President described education as "the bridge to a system that works" and "the secret ingredient of every development."

Shettima praised Lagos as a model for successful urban development and public-private partnerships saying "Lagos is a template for the synergy of private and public sectors to build a system that works."

He called for a unified approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that "only as a unified front can we create an all-inclusive approach to achieving the SDGs and deliver social impact across the board."

It expressed deep concern over the severe socio-economic challenges and widespread hardship faced by citizens, especially the youth.

“NYCN leaders acknowledged that the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and the general hardship experienced by citizens, particularly the youth, have reached alarming levels,” the youth council said.

Ogun Workers Call for Dialogue Instead

Ogun State workers, under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria(TUC) and the Joint Negotiation Committee(JNC), have dissociated themselves from the planned protest over alleged unremitted pension fund in Ogun State.

The unions, which were represented by Comrade (Amb) Hameed Benco Ademola, the Chairman of NLC; Comrade Akeem Lasisi, TUC Chairman; and Isa Olude, the Chairman of JNC, averred that the threats through a news broadcast on the proposed industrial action by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) was not only condemnable but highly uncalled for in all ramifications.

The unions said they had never at any point in time engaged any groups or individuals to agitate over any issue whatsoever on behalf of them, saying the organised Labour in Ogun State was not in anyway privy to the said broadcast by CDWR.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe; Special Adviser to President Tinubu on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Board Member, Sterling Foundation and Managing Director Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman at the Africa Social Impact Summit "Asis 3.0" in Lagos. Thursday

TOWARDS EFFECTIVE POLICING…

L-R: Managing Director(MD) of D Lite Care Limited, Babalola Owolabi; MD, Abelinis Limited, Abiodun Oshinibosi; Commander, Area G Police Command, Ogba, Lagos, Assistant Commissioner of Police Yomi Faniyi; MD, Ritemate Technologies and President Rotary Club of Omole Golden, Jide Ogunleye; MD, Privet Limited and Chairman of Ijaye Medium Housing Estate Ogba, Idowu Afelogun, and Public Relations/ Media Strategist, Tope Akande, during a courtesy visit by “Friends in Rotary “ to offer community support to the Police Command in Lagos...yesterday

Your Palliatives Economy Pushing Nigeria to Disaster, Tinubu Told

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The opposition African Democratic Congress(ADC) has come hard on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu over his economic policies, saying that he is running a “palliatives economy,” which would eventually ruin the nation completely.

The National Chairman of ADC, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, yesterday in Umuahia made

known the party’s position on the current strangulating economic climate in the country since Tinubu administration came on board over a year ago.

He gave a damn verdict, noting that contrary to the optimism in the Presidency, there’s no visible light at the end of the tunnel for Nigeria in the foreseeable future.

“The problem (economic crisis) will continue in the next seven years if APC continues in power.

Women Sue for Peace in Rivers

Blessing IbungeinPortHarcourt

Women across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for Sim, have called for peace and calm in the state for unhindered development.

The women made the call in their monthly prayer session, yesterday, at the Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs, Port Harcourt.

They urged detractors of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to exercise caution as their violent acts may instigate crisis that will not be good for the State.

A cross section of the women leaders, who prayed for God’s intervention in the ongoing impasse in the state, warned that the state should not be thrown into crisis as women and children suffer in times of crisis.

According to them, they will not be silent in the presence of conflict but continue to seek the face of God for peace. In her sermon, Mrs Rachael Minima explained that the purpose of the prayer meeting was to thank God for sustaining Rivers State Government and Governor Fubara despite the provocations targeted at causing political crisis in the State.

Army, DSS Partner Ministry for Youths Reorientation

Tony IchekuinOwerri

The Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela, has sought the collaboration and synergy of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze of the Nigeria Army for strategic interventions towards empowering young people and steering them away from vices detrimental to societal progress.

The commissioner, while interacting with Brigade Commander, Brigadier General U. A Lawal in his office, expressed

expectations for partnership with the Army formation towards actualising set goals of the ministry. He explained that such partnership would explore avenues for towards harnessing youths potential through structured programmes that promote skills development and talent discovery.

The commissioner also commended the the Command for their seamless efforts in maintaining peace and tranquility in the state which boasts a huge youths population as a result of over four tertiary institutions within and around Owerri, the state capital.

Osun Consultant Accuses Telecoms Companies of Non-Compliance, Unpaid Bills

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The consultant to Osun State Government has decried the attitude of telecoms companies operating in the state, accusing them of non-compliance with relevant laws, regulations and unpaid bills.

The state consultant and Chairman of Global Transactions Limited, Mr. Rotimi George Taylor, who is the sole consultant to the Osun State Government on telecommunications infrastructure, made the allegations

against telecommunications companies operating in the state at a press conference in Osogbo.

According to Mr. George - Taylor, “Many telecoms companies are not complying with the law. He singled out MTN, one of the largest mobile network operators in Nigeria, stating that the company has outstanding bills in Osun State totaling over N900,000,000.”

He posited that “MTN has laid over 270 kilometres of cable in Osun State without paying a dime to the state government.”

Nigeria will go down,” Nwosu warned.

The ADC national leader, who was in Umuahia to officially open the newly acquired state secretariat of the party, blamed Tinubu for

plunging Nigeria into spiraling economic and social upheaval with his adoption of palliative economy.

According to him, it was because of Mr. President’s belief in

palliative economy that “without consultation he caused a major confusion by removing fuel subsidy” hence the economy is now running out of control. Nwosu said to make matters

worse, the Presidency “is not owning our realities” and has continued with extravagant spending, citing the N21 billion spent on renovation of the vicepresident’s residence.

NEDC Builds Mega Schools to Fight Out-of-School Menace

Segun Awofadeji inBauchi

Managing Director/CEO of the North-east Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali, has explained that the commission has embarked on construction of mega schools across the six states of the sub-region in order to reduce the number of

out-of-school children.

Alkali was answering questions from journalists at the end of twoday inspection visit by the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC as part of its oversight functions.

He stressed that the issue of out-of-school children has become a menace in the sub-region and it

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The joint Downstream and Midstream Committees of House of Representatives yesterday said they would investigate the alleged importation of toxic fuels into Nigeria.

The federal lawmakers stated this yesterday in their separate speeches at the opening ceremony of a three-day retreat for House Committees on Downstream and Midstream in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

must be tackled from all angles. According to him, “Without school structures you cannot fight out of school syndrome. There must be a place to take the children to in order to keep them on school. That is what we are doing here in Bauchi and in the other states.” Alkali added that the commission will do everything possible to join the six states to fight the menace and ensure that children have conducive environment for learning.

He assured them that the project will soon be completed and handed over to Bauchi State Government for use, stressing:, “The children are from the State, so, the school belongs to the state.”

House Committee to Investigate Alleged Importation of

Toxic Fuels

Following the misunderstanding between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery Limited, there has been allegations on the quality of fuel imported to the country. This has led to discussions on the safety of Nigerians if the allegations turn out to be true. However, in his speech at the retreat, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, said the two committees would be transparent in carrying out the investigation.

Niger Begins Payment of Retirees 21 Years after Leaving Service

Laleye Dipo inMinna

Twenty one years after leaving service, 335 retirees from the Niger State civil service yesterday smiled home as they received their gratuities from the state government.

Each of the recipients received

the cheque for their entitlement and will draw their benefits from the N500million released for the purpose by the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who had on May 29 announced that he will release N25 billion for the payment of the gratuities to state and local government retirees.

The state Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, flagged off the presentation of cheque to the retirees in Minna yesterday thanking them for their patience with the government and solicited for their support for a seamless exercise.

Garba said pensioners, who retired from the local government areas, will be issued their cheques from today, but added that the payment will be done in batches According to him, “This is a new era for our pensioners who retired twenty one years ago and could not get their gratuities, I want to appeal to you to forget what you have passed through.

‘Poor Nutrition Causes Low Birth Weight, Stillbirth on Infant, Children’

Ayodeji Ake

Nutritionists have explained that low birth weight and stillbirth among others are consequences of poor maternal nutrition for infants and children, prolonged labour, maternal mortality, and lower income for women.

Orienting nutrition stakeholders at the sensitisation meeting on Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS), Lagos State Coordinator, Alive&Thrive, Olawunmi Ajayi, emphasised the importance of women’s diet, especially during pregnancy.

Sunday Okobi

Foremost South-east group, the Igbo Think-Tank (Aka Ikenga), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for the passage and assent to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill.

She said: “In Nigeria, women’s diets are often poor in quality and lack nutrients; deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like - folate, iodine, iron, and zinc, are rampant.

These nutritional deficiencies undermine women’s health and threaten the survival and development of their children

“Maternal nutrition is critical to ensuring that women have healthy pregnancies and that children grow into healthy adults, yet evidence shows that women in low-resource settings find it difficult to meet their daily dietary requirements leading to the high proportion of Women of Reproductive Age with low minimum dietary diversity (MDD) across the country.

Igbo Think-Tank Commends Tinubu,

In a statement issued by the Director of Publicity of the Igbo foremost group, Collins Steve Ugwu, the President of Aka Ikenga, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, said: “It is indeed noteworthy and gratifying that finally, after 54 years of deliberate delays and barriers for a structured reconstruction of the South-east

IDB, Others Set Asides N2.5bn

Ahmad Sorondinki inKano

The Kano State Governor, Mr. Abba Yusuf, has granted approval to Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSAPDP), for the development of 419 irrigation infrastructure at Kafin Chiri dam

National

Assembly on SEDC

region ravaged as it were by 30 months of civil war, the swing of history fell upon President Tinubu to actualise the elusive process with his salutary presidential accent making the bill an Act of law for real action.”

He stated further that “we are also proud and grateful to the members of the National Assembly

for this significant support; the entire South-east national legislators for their unique virtue of cohesion, and quite deservedly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Benjamin Kalu, whose zest in leadership inspired the energy and charisma that saw this to its fruition.”

to Develop Irrigation Farms in Kano

in Garko Local Government Area at the cost of N2.5 billion.

The project was funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF). The Coordinator of KSAPDP, Mr. Muhammad Garba, yesterday told farmers that the initiative is aimed

to boost agricultural production in the area and create more jobs for the teeming youths.

Garba said that 419 hectares of land would be developed in the area to enable farmers to engage in both dry and rainy season farming.

He said: “Initially, our plan was to

develop additional 1,000 hectares of land at the Watari Irrigation Project. But shortly after the commencement of the work, we discovered that the federal government had awarded a similar contract in the vicinity, which extended to a portion of our designated area of work.

Suspected Kidnappers Abduct Three in Kwara

Hammed Shittu inIlorin

Three persons were suspected to have been kidnapped at Alabe Town in Ifelodun Local Government Council, Kwara State and the sum of N300 million demanded for their release.

The incident, according to THISDAY’s investigations, happened on Monday in the sleepy town.

During the incident, the suspected kidnappers were said to have invaded the town in the night, shooting sporadically to create

Anambra

fear and tension in the community.

Following this development, it was learnt that the suspected kidnappers were said to have kidnapped three persons and took them into the forest.

Sources close to the town told journalists yesterday that the vigilante groups invaded the forest to rescue the victims.

A senior police officer, who sought anonymity, confirmed the incident and said that the men of the command have been drafted to the community.

Meanwhile, the State Police Command, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), successfully thwarted an attempted kidnap in the early hours of yesterday.

A statement that was issued in Ilorin and signed by the command’s spokesman, DSP. Adetoun EjireAdeyemi, stated that “a distress call was received from the Oluwalose community of Ilorin-west LGA; along the Okolowo-Jebba Highway, alerting the authorities of an invasion by a group of armed assailants.

Judiciary Workers Suspend Strike

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Judiciary workers in Anambra State under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have suspended its ongoing strike.

The suspension came after paralysing court activities in the state for two weeks as a result of protest over nonpayment of Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).

A letter to Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars In-charge and staff of the Anambra State judiciary announcing the suspension, which was signed by the chairman and secretary of JUSUN in Anambra State respectively was also sighted by THISDAY.

The letter read: “Sequel to the meeting held between the governor of Anambra State and the executives of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State branch, on July 24, being in respect of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS), the governor promised to set up a committee to address the issue of CONJUS after the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

“After much deliberations and consideration of the matter by the congress in her emergency meeting held at the judiciary headquarters, the High Court of Justice,

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUMA CYNTHIA CHIDIMMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIMAIFE CYNTHIA CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as NDUKWU OLIVE AMARACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as UNAGHA OLIVE AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as RAIWE HYCENT, now wish to be known and addressed as RAIWE HYCENT OKONKWO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MOJI ELIZABETH DAHUNSI, now wish to be known and addressed as MOJISOLA ELIZABETH ALI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as EGWU PROMISE JUDE now wish to be known and addressed as EGWU RUTH JUDE. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Awka, the congress reached a decision to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the branch.

“In accordance with the

decision of the congress, all staff of Anambra State judiciary are by this notice directed to resume work on Friday, July 26, 2024.”

Edo 2024: Women Group Calls for Inclusion

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election, the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV) has emphasised the need for candidates vying for the governorship position in Edo state to include the issue of women in their manifestos to enable them benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, chairman of the planning committee of NILOWV, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, who hinted of the group’s upcoming programme bill to hold next week, said they want candidates that would recognise the critical role of women in the democratic process and ensure their active participation in public space.

Professor Omorogbe asserted that their primary goal is to engage with the frontline gubernatorial candidates of Edo State, provide a platform for them

to express their commitment to advancing and promoting female inclusion if elected.

She also said through the programme, they expect that each candidate will formally commit to uphold and support policies that enhance the role of women in politics and governance

Earlier in her remarks, spokesperson of the body while speaking ahead of the event billed to hold next week with the theme: “The Edo State Gubernatorial Candidates, with the theme:” Gender Agenda: Promoting Inclusion and Women’s Participation in Edo State”, Mrs Anthonia Asagba, said they envisioned a Nigeria where every individual possesses the desire, right, knowledge, and confidence to participate in the democratic process.

She said, the NILOWV was founded by Dr Dame Esther Uduahi which is modelled after the esteemed League of Women Voters in America.

New Homecare Firm Launches Services in Lagos

A new home care provider, ST. Micheal Care Services Limited, has launched operations in Lagos, Nigeria, offering a quality and affordable services to individuals and families in the local community.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to state that I formerly known and addressed as VERONICA AMEH now wish to be known and addressed as VERA AMEH AGBO. All former documents remains valid. General public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as OLUWAYOMI MOROLAKE ABIOLAOLAWAIYE, now wish to be know and address as OLUWAYOMI MOROLAKE ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid, Access Bank PLC, Nigeria Immigration Service, American Embassy and the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH IBIRONKE AJAYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ELIZABETH IBIRONKE AJAYI. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKALONU OGADIMMA GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONITA OGADIMMA GLORIA. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Commenting, Managing Director of the ST. Micheal Care Services Limited, Ogunleye Fadekemi, said:

“We are excited to breathe fresh air into elderly care with high international standards. Riding on the wave of dignity, empathy, and personalised care, our aim is to improve the quality of life for the elderly, enabling them to enjoy their golden years in the familiarity of their homes.”

Fadekemi explained that the company will provide a wide range of home care services including: personal care assistant (bathing, dressing, grooming); companionship; mobility assistance; assisted daily living;cognitive and social engagement and medication management.

“The reality of modern living has led to a break in the traditional way of children caring for their aged loved ones. Hence, ST. Micheal Care Services is here to the rescue. The company’s team comprises dedicated and qualified caregivers who share a commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve. We are proud to be a part of this community and look forward to making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of local residents,” Fadekemi concluded.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

What is the Secret to True Luxury? (I) WORLD OF ISLAM

Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

Free time is the ultimate luxury everyone desires, but only a few achieve and even fewer truly enjoy. The teacher of all teachers, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), said that there are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time (narrated by al-Bukhari).

The Prophet (pbuh) also advised that people should take advantage of five things before another five come about and undo the former. One of those five is free time, which ought to be optimized before a person becomes occupied (narrated by al-Bayhaqi).

Similarly, the Qur’an instructs the Prophet to labor hard, worshiping Allah, after he becomes free from his tasks, or after he finishes his everyday pure religious and otherwise duties (al-Sharh 7). This indicates that free time should be used productively.

The Arabic word used in the above two hadiths (traditions) of the Prophet is “faraagh,” which as a noun implies “space left empty or to be filled, emptiness, vacuity, nothingness, and space.” The word used in the mentioned verse of the Qur’an is a verb “faragha,” which means “to be empty, be unoccupied, be vacant and be void.”

Related to these two are the words “afragha” as a verb and “faarigh” as an active participle, which mean “to pour, to unload, to vacate and to empty” and “something that is free, empty, vacant and idle,” respectively. The words derived from the trilateral root f-r-gh appear six times in the Qur’an.

Misunderstanding Free Time

Free time is often misunderstood and, as a consequence, misused. People do not want to lose but are made to miss and underutilize free time. Hence, the Prophet warned against such an unfortunate scenario.

People think that free time constitutes events and conditions around them, which is only partially true. As a matter of fact, free time is more about happenings, experiences, and conditions inside people. There is no such thing as free time in the absolute sense of the term.

What is even more astonishing is the fact that there is no time either. Everything is just a relative notion that plays second fiddle to a different absolute reality. The world of matter and its time is almost like a mirage; real is the world of spirit with its equally – and matchlessly – real and truthful idea of time.

Both time and freedom exist only because people can conceive, relate and apply themselves to them. Free time, it follows, is a relative (subjective) construct. It lacks independent external existence. It is merely a state of mind and soul.

This is why vacations (as a symbol of free time and everything that goes with it) are sometimes turned into the busiest times and most dismal experiences, and why work and daily routines (as a symbol of the lack of free time) are sometimes turned into sources, as well as means, of joy and happiness associable with free time. Indeed, escapes can easily become confinements, and free time circumstances can become a platform for anxieties.

The Paradox of Free Time

What is the point of having free time but spending it trying to cope with myriads of mental and emotional grinds? What furthermore is the point of going on a holiday if one cannot shake off the burden of inner perplexity and confusion? And finally, what is the point of seeking physical peace and joy, only to be weighed down by the millstone of stress and depression?

Work is not an obstacle to “free time” and the prospect of pursuing freedom-related happiness, just as holidays and their imaginary “free time godsends” are not a guarantee of the same. Neither work nor holidays are to be taken to heart. The heart should remain free of them and of all their corollaries.

They are not worthy of the heart’s exceptional

status and role. The idea of free time is worthwhile; hence the heart is its repository, facilitating its proper conception and ultimate fulfillment.

Free Time Equals Freedom of Mind and Soul

In this way, a person is expected to be in control of external accidents, such as work and vacations, and of intrinsic substance, at the core of which stands the idea and perceptible reality of free time.

This way, in addition, a person is expected to be in control of himself, not to be controlled, and to preside over his feelings and decision-making, rather than being presided over. Without a doubt, how a person manages his free time plays a crucial role in making sure that freedom remains the driving force behind his overall lifestyle and mindset.

All things are only what people make of them. Their internal worlds dictate the external world around them. People can run from everything except themselves. Once veered off or lost, the thorniest path for people is the one leading back to their true selves.

Free time – and freedom in general – signify the freedom of the mind and soul. They signify that the essence of a human being is not attached to, nor restrained by, that which is bent on getting in the way of its intended actualization.

Enjoying inner free time signals that the illusory boundaries of external time have been surmounted and that the higher planes of existence with different time dimensions (zones) have been engaged in. This spiritual time, whose pale imitation is its external counterpart, is a true asset; the latter is a liability.

Moreover, the possession and agreeable experience of the latter is predicated on the possession and agreeable experience of the former. Indeed, the free time of the heart and soul, away from undesirable worldly disturbances, is the root cause of the existence of one’s external free time.

People Are Born Free and with Free Time

All human beings are born free and with free time, after which they either sustain their freedom and make the most of their free time or lose the freedom to various forms of subjugation and, consequently, fail to take advantage of their free time, eventually losing it as well.

The Qur’an is unequivocal that time is relative and that there are different dimensions and measurements of time. The external time, with man and his physical world as its focal point, is not faring impressively in the hierarchy.

The more a person is detached from the deficiencies of this world, the freer he becomes and the more free time he has, both internally and externally. This will allow him to concentrate on the dynamics of the endless spiritual growth journey, which in fact is the raison d’etre of human existence to whose ends the rest of life’s aspects are to be subjected.

The success, or otherwise, of one’s life mission and purpose is the backdrop against which the extent of one’s free time and its optimization is to be measured. Positive outcomes will indicate that a person was in charge of his free time, using it properly, while negative ones will point towards the idea of free time being in charge of its client, gradually destroying him.

For the successful accommodation and utilization of inner free time, a pure heart and a peaceful soul are needed. That is why, as part of the Islamic spiritual terminology, the concepts of soul purification, healing the heart from heart diseases, the blindness of the heart, and the tranquility of the heart and soul have been coined and widely used.

Once liberated and afforded ample free time, a person is destined to grow from strength to strength and, unimpeded, can keep elevating his spiritual standing from one station to another. The sky (heaven) is the limit, literally.

Brazil Edge Super Falcons in Battle of Bordeaux

Femi Solaja

Nigeria Super Falcons began their return to the Olympic Games the same way it ended 16 years ago.

It was a hard-fought defeat to Brazil, the same team that beat them 3-1 in Beijing has come again to inflict a 1-0 defeat at the Bordeaux Stadium in France.

The Brazilian side who had suffered an embarrassing early exit at the last FIFA Women's World Cup last year came into the contest with 10 wins out of 15 matches played, no doubt was the better side but struggled in the early stage of the match as Rashidat Ajibade tormented the South American side.

The Super Falcons were full of guts but a 37th-minute strike by Gabi Nunes separated the two-time Olympic silver medallists from the nine-time African champions.

Ajibade led the Falcons to the turf of the Stade Matmut Atlantique, as Nigeria’s flag was flown at the tournament for the first time in 16

HOW THEY STAND

PARIS 2024

years, and truly led from the front with some excellent runs down the left of the South Americans. But her teammates at the fore failed to read her moves correctly on the several occasions she sent the ball into the box.

Her final pass, after a brave run down the line in the 7th minute was blocked, and in the 16th minute, she was the initiator of a double-barrelled attack on the Brazilian goal that saw

WOMEN FOOTBALL RESULTS

Canada 2-1 N’Zealand

France 2-0 Colombia

Germany 3-0 Australia

USA 3-0 Zambia

Spain 2-1 Japan

Nigeria 0-1 Brazil

D L

GA GD Pts Spain 1 1 0 0 2 2 1 3

1 1 0 0 1 0 3 3

Anu Opeyori Feels Honoured as Team Nigeria Captain

Ahead of tonight’s official opening ceremony of Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Anuoluwapo Opeyori whose appointment as the as General Team Captain for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Games sets a record as the first badminton player to lead the country at the Olympic Games continues his record-making spree.

His qualification for Paris 2024 has made him Nigeria’s first back-to-back badminton player at the Olympics. He is one of the 173 badminton players at Paris 2024. He featured at the delayed Tokyo 2020 and will thus made a back-to-back appearance.

The gold medalist at the last African Games in Accra said he is elated to be named to captain Nigeria and gave his gratitude to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) for the honour. “I see it as a higher call to service”, remarked the badminton player who is out to make history to become the best African badminton player at the

Olympics.

Before now, he had told BBC:

“My target is to get to the quarterfinal because once I’m able to win one game, I believe that will be a big upset for everyone and I should be able to achieve more than that.”

From being out to end Africa’s Olympic badminton jinx comes the additional pressure to meet his aspirations. “No sir”, there is no additional pressure. It is a higher call to service”, he pointed out.

“I assure you that Team Nigeria shall make great marks at these Games.” He remarked that the captainship has inspired him to be a role model to the athletes and youths of his generation.

“I am now compelled to be a leader and take care of the athletes’ welfare and lift their spirits. I am out to inspire them with the ‘can do’ spirit.

“We are moving from the realm of just participants to being strong competitors”, said Opeyori.

Moments later, the Nigerian defence was again caught napping, and Gabi Nunes, set free by a wonder of a pass by Marta, fired past Nnadozie, the ball cantering in from the underside of the bar.

In the closing moments, the

Chinwendu Ihezuo’s shot blocked and Christy Ucheibe’s follow-up punched away. In the 20th minute, Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from the rampaging Portilho, and again read well a long-range drive by Gabi Nunes five minutes later. In the 36th minute, ageless Brazil captain Marta thought she had given her team the lead when she struck past Nnadozie as the Falcons’ defence failed to clear, but she was ruled offside.

Falcons broke forward with a sweet team move, only for Jennifer Echegini’s lift to rise above the opposition goalpost.

On the hour mark, Marta’s dipping curl from the left was thwarted by the upright, and Nnadozie saved from Ludmila three minutes later.

Ajibade forced another smart save

world champions Spain – who defeated Japan 2-1 in Group C’s opener in Nantes on Sunday evening.

Romanian, Iranian Hurdle Awaits Omotayo in T’tennis Tomorrow

Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo has been handed a tough duel against Iran’s Noshad Alamiyan in the first round of Men’s Singles in the table tennis competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games tomorrow.

At the South Paris Arena and witnessed by coaches and team managers also handed Africa’s flagbearers, Egypt a big hurdle in the team and mixed doubles events.

Like Omotayo, Offiong Edem will lock horns against Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi while debutant Fatimo Bello will face a Herculean task against the Chinese-born French star Jia Nana Yuan in the first round of the Women’s Singles.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games mark a momentous occasion for table tennis: its 10th appearance as

an Olympic sport, since its debut at Seoul 1988 in South Korea.

According to the head-to-head between Aruna and Romanian, both players have met once and that was during the semifinal of the European Champions League in which the Romanian defeated Aruna 3-2 and Paris 2024 will be their second meeting in any competition.

Like Aruna, Omotayo will face south-paw Iranian whose style most times confuses opponents and has also taken down some of the finest players in the world with his awkward style of play. Omotayo will have to be at his best if he hopes to win his first match at the Olympic Games.

It was a mixed fortune for other African stars at the draws as Egypt’s

Omar Assar will face Madagascar’s debutant Fabio Rakotoarimanana while Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa will take on Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar.

Nigeria-born Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu will square up against Sweden’s Anton Kallberg, while the only African starting his campaign from the preliminary round of the Men’s Singles is Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw who will take on Nepal’s Santoo Shrestha.

In the Women’s Singles, African champion Dina Meshref of Egypt will face Spain’s Maria Xiao while her compatriot Hana Goda will confront returning nursing mother Britt Eerland of the Netherlands. Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi will take on world No. 2 Chen Meng of China.

Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou will start her quest for a place in the first round when she takes on Guyana’s Chelsea Edghill in the preliminary round of the Women’s Singles. However, it was a tough task for Africa’s representatives in the team event as Egypt was handed Chinese Taipei and China in the first round of the Men and Women’s events. Just like it is in the Team draws, Assar and Meshref will face World No. 1 Wang Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha of China in the first round of the Mixed Doubles event. With the draw now complete, the table tennis world waits eagerly for July 27, when table tennis kicks off as the world’s best table tennis players are poised to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.

Troost-Ekong Scores UCL Qualification Winner for PAOK

Super Eagles defender William Troost Ekong gave PAOK a crucial first-leg win in their Champions League playoffs clash against Borac. Super Eagles on-pitch captain William Troost Ekong continued his recent trend of heroic goals, as he scored the winner for PAOK Thessaloniki in their UEFA Champions League qualifying clash against Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka.

By winning the Greek top division, POAK earned a place in Round 2 of the UCL qualifying playoffs. The Greek side hosted the first leg and thanks to Ekong’s strike, they will take a 3-2 first-leg win into the second leg. The hosts drew first blood, with young defender Konstantinos Koulierakis firing the Greek side ahead in the 17th minute. Five minutes later,

however, Sebastian Herrera drew Borac level from 12 yards. Koulierekas restored PAOK’s lead in the 39th minute, but just before half-time, the Bosnians restored parity through an Enver Kulasin strike.

Five minutes after returning from the break, PAOK’s stalwart Ekong, emulating his centre-back partner, fired his team ahead. He went on to lock down their defence, ensuring the lead did not slip away.

Ekong showed his clutch goalscoring capabilities for the Super Eagles at the AFCON earlier in the year. He scored two goals in the tournament, the winner against Cote D’Ivoire in the group stage and the Super Eagles’ solitary goal against the Elephants in the 2-1 final defeat.

from the Brazilian goalkeeper in the 71st minute, and Ucheibe did the same with minutes left. But the Canarinhas held on to pick all three points in the evening. Next up for the Super Falcons is a clash with

Super Falcons players in aerial battle with Brazilian defender Tarciane during their Paris 2024 Group C match in Bordeaux...yesterday

Badminton star, Anu Opeyori

Friday, July 26,

MISSILE

NECA to Central Bank of Nigeria

“The CBN had informed the public that some of the FX Forward claims are not genuine and that the EFCC is investigating the issues. But the FX Forward is a transaction that involves the companies, their banks and the CBN with definite documentations and approvals. Therefore, due diligence by the CBN should be sufficient in determining the genuine cases” –NECA D-G, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, urges CBN to act in the interest of the fragile economy.

ERIC TENIOLA

GUEST COLUMNIST

Best Way to Defend the Presidency

“It is totally false to suggest, as we are apt to do, that Nigerians are fundamentally different from any other people in the world. Nigerians are corrupt because the system under which they live today makes corruption easy and profitable; they will cease to be corrupt when corruption is made difficult and inconvenient…. The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely is a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership… I am saying that Nigeria can change today if she discovers leaders who have the will, ability and the vision” -Chinua Achebe, in his book, “THE TROUBLE WITH NIGERIA”.

“Nigeria could, however, follow another path. Its potential is huge. Its tremendous wealth, if properly channeled, holds out the hope that a stable government could unleash the unquestioned energy and talent that pulsates through the rich ethnic mosaic. The human capital is there. Thousands of Nigerian professionals are well educated and skilled enough to drive the country forward. Anyone who visited Nigeria’s markets and witnessed its people endure the constraints of bad government and the sinking economy can testify to the country’s resilience”.

“Nigerians spend a good part of their lives trying to get the better of the government for their own benefit or that of their family, their village, or their region. Rare is the head of state who acts on behalf of the entire nation. The people are not so much governed as ruled. It is as if they live in a criminally mismanaged corporation where the bosses are armed and have barricaded themselves inside the company safe. Nigeria’s leaders, like the colonialists before them, have sucked out billion of dollars and stashed them in Western banks” -Karl Maier wrote in his book, “THIS HOUSE HAS FALLEN—NIGERIA IN CRISIS”.

In the last couple of years, Nigeria has been confronted with enormous national crisis that could only be compared with the crisis of the 1960s, which eventually led to civil war. In fact, if one reflects on what the country went through from after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election up to the demise of General Sani Abacha, one must thank God that Nigeria still survives as one united nation.

Nigeria’s problem is not just economic. Indeed, it is largely political. Nigeria is still undergoing the crisis of nation building.

It is important that Nigeria policy makers appreciate the enormity of the crisis of nation building still staring at us as a nation. I don’t like to sound alarmist or pessimistic but some of the unresolved conflicts in our country have the potential of escalating into unimaginable proportions at any given time.

The events leading to the return to democracy in Nigeria could only be understood as a divine intervention. Before then the fate of Nigeria, as a country, was precariously hanging in the balance. The country was a pariah nation among the international community. The economy was in doldrums.

The Obasanjo’s Presidency experienced chaos in many fronts. These included communal violence, notable case include, Ife-Modakeke, Umeleri-Agulri, Huasa-Zango-Kantaf, Kuteb-Jukun clashes,etc. There was also the Bakassi issue, the Niger Delta crisis and ethnic separatism.

The second major crisis of the Obasanjo’s Presidency was the issue of oil subsidy which was triggered by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), then led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The strike action paralysed the country for days if not weeks. Former President

Olusegun Obasanjo was forced to set up a special committee on the review of Petroleum Products supply and distribution. The committee was inaugurated on August 14, 2000 by the then Secretary to the government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette. The committee was headed by my friend, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi while the secretary of the committee was Chief Segun Ogunkua from Akure in Ondo state, who retired later as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance. The other members of the committee were Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Sylvester Ejiofor, Issa Aremu, Mr. Lucas Damulak, Mr. Joseph Akinlaja, Umaru Ndanusa, Chief Rufus Giwa, Dr. Imo Itsueli, Dr. Pat Utomi, Alhaji Abba Gana, Chief Nkem A. Ekwechi, Mr. S.O. Luwoye, Professor Emmanuel Edozien, Professor Dotun Phillips, Alhaji Ahmed Chanchangi, Chief D.K.O. George Taylor, Chief (Dr.) E.O. Ilodibe, Pastor E.O. Ogun, Mrs Emily Aig-Imokhuede, Chief Richard Uche, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Chief M.O. Onoja (M.M. Jir), Mr. A.S. Okoye, Dr. Samaila M. Kewa, Mr. Funso Kupolokun, Mallam M.S. Bashar, Dr. Titus Adeboye, Mr. C.O. Iwuozor, Mallam Wada Maida, Alhaji A. Umaru, Mr. G.D. Loma, Dr. S. Usman, G.M. Anyanwu and Alhaji G.Hamman.

The following recommendations were made—there is a concentration on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the detriment of Kerosene and Diesel, which are equally critical. All sectors and people should be satisfied; there is need for major maintenance of industry infrastructure to stem the tide of low-capacity utilization and output. Non-availability of needed fuel to power the machines was identified as one of the biggest problems; bureaucracy and politics could be a hindrance to running an efficient and profitable oil sector. Government overbearing influence on the sector should be reduced.

Persistent sabotage of the pipelines, though a new phenomenon, has overwhelmed and tasked the ingenuity of the leadership of the nation’s petroleum agencies. Unless a quick solution is found to this problem, it would be extremely difficult to truck fuel to all parts of the country; government’s involvement in the downstream sector of the oil industry requires a new and more pragmatic approach that gives more opportunities to the private sector. In order words, the sector should be deregulated just as we have seen in the Nigerian Airways and the upstream sector of the oil industry.

Dislocation in the production, supply and distribution of petroleum will continue for as long as government takes the commanding heights in the economy. Prices should find their level based on supply and demand; If and when a decision is taken on the issue of the inevitability of deregulating the oil sector, timing and

adequate public enlightenment would be the key to success; Repair of the Nigerian four refineries is very essential as continued massive importation is merely a way of keeping the foreign refineries working. If they are brought back on stream, they will put many Nigerians back to work with the added advantage of better-quality fuel; the government agencies concerned with the petroleum sector, the Department of Petroleum Resources in particular and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to a lesser degree requires greater autonomy to perform their jobs creditably. Government should explore the possibility of using more foreign crude and sell more of Nigeria’s high quality crude to bring down the price; to curb the problem of vandalization, the principal actors in the oil sector would need to intensify their community relations programmes such that it creates employment, quality life and sustainable development in their operational areas; if and when the oil sector is deregulated, there would be need for a price monitoring agency that would be saddled with making public the movement in the prices of fuel just as obtains in the money market today.

The three tiers of government stand to gain immensely from a deregulated oil sector as they can introduce taxes that would help the economy grow; the availability of petroleum products in the right quantum and time are the only determinants of the performance of the major and independent marketers; the government should develop a comprehensive Energy policy to guide the oil sector and also to provide a basis fir evaluation; the private sector is not necessarily the panacea of the problems bedeviling the oil sector. Both the public and private sectors would complement the other for a better and well-integrated economy; government should restrict itself to providing the necessary infrastructure and enabling environment for good business in the downstream and upstream sectors of the oil industry.

If the recommendations by the committee had been fully implemented, I am sure the Petroleum crisis would have been resolved by now. As it is customary, we have a government in Nigeria that does not listen to itself.

The earlier crisis was the Shari’a issue which was regarded as purely political. The then governor Zamfara state, Ahmed Sani, was the first to introduce Shari’a for criminal law, within a year of the 1999 elections which brought President Olusegun Obasanjo and new state governors to power. The Shari’a Establishment Law was introduced in Zamfara State on October 27, 1999, and came into force on January 27, 2000. The introduction of Shari’a in Zamfara State attracted a huge amount of attention, and Ahmed Sani became the self-appointed champion of Shari’a in Nigeria.

The Zamfara state governor had accurately judged the mood of population. The introduction of Shari’a was initially very popular, for several reasons. Foremost among these was public disenchantment with a government and a legal system which were failing people in many respects. There is widespread poverty across Nigeria, and the north is especially underdeveloped. There was the expectation among the general public that Shari’a, with its emphasis on welfare and the state’s responsibility to provide for the basic needs of the population, would go some way towards alleviating their plight.

People also felt frustrated with the law enforcement agencies and the judiciary: crime was increasing, yet the police and the courts were paralyzed by inefficiency and corruption. Shari’a was seen as an alternative to these problems, offering a system which promised to be faster, less cumbersome, and less corrupt. Finally, the introduction of Shari’a was no doubt attractive to many as a re-affirmation of their religious identity, especially in the context of recurring tensions between Muslims and Christians.

form of Shari’a into their criminal legislation: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. These twelve states were so far the only states in Nigeria where Shari’a courts have the jurisdiction to try criminal cases. However, some Muslims in other parts of the country, particularly in central and western states, such as Nasarawa and Kwara, where there are large Muslim populations, have been agitating for Shari’a to be introduced there; to date, these state governors have resisted the pressure. However, in the southwestern state of Oyo, it was reported that on October 31, 2002, a man was sentenced to flogging for extra-marital sex and the punishment carried out, even though Shari’a is not in force in the state. He was sentenced not by a Shari’a court, but by an Independent Shari’a Panel. In all these twelve states, Shari’a applied only to Muslims. State governments have not attempted to coerce non-Muslims into being tried by Shari’a courts. However, non-Muslims are not prevented from accessing the Shari’a jurisdictions and may choose to take cases through the Shari’a courts if they wish. Some have done so in the belief that their cases would be treated faster, but overall, such cases are rare. Normally, non-Muslims accused of criminal offenses continue to be tried under the common law system by magistrates’ or High Courts, which operate in parallel with the Shari’a courts. A third type of court, customary courts, also deal with cases of non-Muslims in the south, as well as in Kaduna State. At the level of state governments, the state attorney general is responsible for the operation of both the common law and Shari’a systems in the state; there is also a Shari’a section in each state ministry of justice. Most of the twelve northern states have adopted a Shari’a penal code and a Shari’a code of criminal procedure, based, in most cases, on that of Zamfara State. Some, such as Niger State, have opted to amend existing legislation to make it comply with Shari’a and have not introduced a separate Shari’a penal code or code of criminal procedure. There is still considerable confusion about which legislation is in force in the northern states, even among judges, academics, and other people described as Shari’a “experts.” In any event, there is an overlap between the Penal Code for Northern Nigeria and the Shari’a laws, as the Penal Code includes elements of Islamic law and provided the basis for whole sections of the Shari’a penal codes. However, there are some critical differences. In particular, the Shari’a codes contain provisions for death by stoning and amputations which were not included in the Penal Code.

These issues forced Obasanjo’s Presidency to be jittery at that time. It was then suggested within government that a central figure must be brought in to defend the Presidency. The lot fell, on Dr. Ibrahim Alkali Ayagi (1940-2020), who later served as the chairman of National Economic Intelligence Committee. Between 1975 and 1978, Dr. Ayagi served in the cabinet of Colonel Sani Bello, then governor of Kano state, as Commissioner of Economic Development and later that of Education. In his tenure at the education ministry, two science high schools were built. His interest in education continued after his retirement, when he co-founded Hassan Ibrahim Gwarzo Secondary School, Kano.

In 1984, Dr. Ayagi was appointed acting director of Continental Merchant bank, formerly Chase Merchant Bank of Nigeria. As Managing Director, he was critical of the adoption of the IMF approved Structural Adjustment Programme by the Babangida administration. The same government owned majority equity in the bank, and after, a lawsuit filed by Continental Merchant Bank against the central bank, he was relieved of his position.

Capitalizing on the mood in Zamfara State, other state governors soon introduced their own Shari’a legislation. By 2002, twelve states had adopted some NOTE:

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Tinubu