THURSDAY 27TH JULY 2023

DSS Probes Assault on Judiciary, Correctional Service Officials

Secret security agency says incident unfortunate, declares respect for judiciary NBA condemn DSS, NCoS personnel brawl over suspended CBN gov Falana urges Tinubu to sanction officers involved Re-arrest of Emefiele contempt of court order, ACJHR, lawyers declare

Alex Enumah, Kingsley Nwezeh, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie in Lagos

About 24 hours after its men clashed with officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) at the premises of the Federal High Court, Lagos on Tuesday, over the custody

of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday said it had commenced investigation into the

incidence.

While apologising to the judiciary, the DSS said the sacrilege at the temple of justice was "unfortunate.”

However, the Nigerian Bar As-

sociation (NBA) yesterday, decried what it described as "despicable", the clash at the premises of the Federal High Court, Lagos, just as it condemned the brazen disrespect

Buhari: I Haven't Enriched Myself with Nigeria’s Wealth

for the judicial process and sanctity of the court premises.

Also, in his reaction on the

...

Page 16

ECOWAS Moves to Restore Democratic Order in Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken steps to restore democratic order in Niger Republic by dispatching the president of Benin, Patrice Talon,

Subsidy: Labour, FG Meeting Continues, Tinubu Pleads for More Time

Speaker to meet resident doctors, others today NLC insists on

As the federal government and members of the organised labour continued their dialogue as they seek measures and policies to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal on workers, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, made a passionate plea to the organised labour centres to give him more time to look into their grievances, rather than embark on a planned nationwide protest.

The president stressed that he is relatively new in office.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, conveyed Tinubu’s appeal while addressing newsmen at State House, Abuja. Abbas led House principal officers to brief the president on the outcome of their engagement with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which had declared

Continued on page 9

FASHOLA, OTHER NIMR FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS VISIT FACILITY...

L-R : Director of Administration, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) , Alhaji Abdullahi Yunusazazzau, member of the NIMR Foundation's Board of Trustees , Prof. Emmanuel Oni Idigbe, Chairman, Board of Trustees of NIMR Foundation, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, another member of the Board, Mrs Moji Makanjuola,Director General/CEO, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) , Prof. Babatunde Salako during a working visit to the Institute in Yaba, Lagos by the NIMR Foundation Board of Trustees on Tuesday

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, Dike Onwuamaeze and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos

August 2 protests despite meeting with govt's negotiation team Declares the poor already missing Buhari Faults attempts to criminalise Emefiele’s dual exchange rate policy Olu Verheije explains delay in rolling out interventions

Deji Elumoye and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

L-R: Wife of Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; First Lady of Lagos State and Convener of JUMEJILO Multi-Birth Assistance Programme (JMAP), Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Consul General of Republic of Cameroon, Madame Manga Bessem Elizabeth and Secretary to Lagos State Government, Bimbo Salu-Hundeyin, during the launching of JMAP and presentation of cheque to beneficiary parents, at the launch of the Society Health Initiative, held at the First Lady's Banquet Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, ... yesterday

TOWARDS A RESOURCEFUL LAGOS ECONOMY...

L-R: Ms Adesola Adeoye shows her craftworks with recycled materials to

Governor,

’Towards a Circular and resourceful Economy: The Future Lagos’, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, ... yesterday

Dele Alake: Federal Universities in Nigeria Remain Tuition-free

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government has cleared the air on the reported increase in tuition fees paid by students in public universities, saying there was no iota of truth in the report as federal universities remain tuition-free. Rather, it said some universities decided to raise fees payable by students on sundry charges and not tuition fees.

The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, in a statement issued yesterday, emphasised that federal universities in the country remain tuition-free.

He added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, have access to quality tertiary education.

The SA further stated that the Students' Loans Scheme for indigent students which was an offshoot of the Students Loans Bill signed into law last month by Tinubu, would become operational in September, 2023, when a new academic session begins in tertiary institutions nationwide. According to him, although some

federal universities announced some increase in discretionary fees paid by students on accommodation, registration and other charges, it had nothing to do with tuition fees.

Alake in the press release stated inter alia:

"It was widely reported earlier this week across some news media outlets that the federal government had increased tuition fees in federal universities in the country.

"These reports are inaccurate and not correct.

"We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced increase in the amount payable by students on sundry charges.

"However, the fact remains and we have confirmed that these are discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges. They are not tuition fees.

"Authorities of these universities even made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees.

"For avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuitionfree.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise

of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, have access to quality tertiary education.

"In addition to the Students' Loans

Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu last month, which will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September,

the Federal Government will also strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students.

"Parts of the government's plans to make sure all diligent students

complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents' financial situation, include workstudy, merit-based scholarships and grants".

Post Subsidy Removal: PWC Predicts Mergers, Acquisitions of Oil Marketing Firms to Drive Asset Optimisation

Says FG's palliative should reflect living cost adjustment occasioned by policy

Peter Uzoho and Oluchi Chibuzor Pricewaterhousecoopers (PwC) Nigeria has predicted that the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu would see the downstream sector of the nation's oil and gas industry witness mergers and acquisitions by petroleum marketing companies in other to drive asset optimisation in the sector.

The professional advisory services firm also urged the federal government to ensure that any palliative effort being formulated takes cognisance of the natural living cost adjustment that is affecting all

income levels of the population.

The PwC analysts made these assertions yesterday, in Lagos, at a press conference to discuss the outlook for the downstream oil sector post-subsidy era.

They underscored that the subsidy removal and downstream deregulation policy remained a transformative opportunity for Nigeria's oil and gas downstream sector, adding that the marketing companies must begin to look at how to optimise their cost better.

Partner and Africa Oil and Gas Leader at PwC Nigeria, Mr. Pedro Omontuemhen, who was represented

Governments Asked to Reduce Cost of Governance

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Governments at all levels in the country have been asked to work towards reducing their cost of governance, not only in reduction of pecks of office but also the retinue of appointees.

Addressing journalists yesterday, in Abuja, the Lead Director of Speak Out Africa Initiative, a Non- governmental Organisation, Kenneth Eze, said government needs to look beyond politics now and reduce the cost of governance.

Eze, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prune the government spending including streamlining ministerial, commissioner, adviser

portfolio to sizeable numbers with particular call to abolish minister for state position and cut down on their luxurious convoy.

He said: “As part of our mandate in deepening democracy and promoting good governance through accountability checks and evidence-based advocacy, Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) has yet again kick-start a ‘Governance Tracker called CRIG. ng’ project on a mission to torchlight government activities, checkmate and promote cost effective governance at federal, state and local government amongst public office holders with overall goal to reducing cost of governance in Nigeria."

He added that: “It is notable that Nigerians are groaning under the effect of the untold hardship inflicted upon them by successive leaders ranging from subsidy removal of premium motor spirit (PMS) without fixing of the existing refineries and no proactive provisions to cushion its effect, to unimaginable school fees hike with direct impact on the poorest of the poor who are faced with option to drop out of school, to already perfected planned electricity tariff increment and, many other cacophonies of unpleasant difficulties without no solution in sight.

“Sadly, the reverse is the case as we see political office holders/our

leaders enjoying barrage of benefits without recourse to the plight of the ordinary citizens, example is the selfallocation of the N70 billion from the World Bank loan which should have been channeled to the poorest of the poor- a situation that is best described insensitive and unjustifiable.”

He recommended that as matter of urgency, the government should provide measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on the ordinary Nigerians, noting that subsidy removal hiked the price of petrol which has in turn raises inflation to an unbearable 22.79 per cent as at June 2023 (NBS), thereby reducing cost of living and increasing hardship.

by the Partner and Mining Leader at PwC, Mr. Cyril Azobu, noted that with the subsidy era coming to an end, the nation's oil and gas downstream sector faces a transformative opportunity.

Omontuemhen explained that subsidy shielded companies from the reality of their profits, maintaining that now, companies would confront the true market dynamics.

"In addition to navigating risks from global economic shifts, fluctuating energy prices, Nigeria's macroeconomic conditions and forex regime, companies must embrace operational excellence to stay competitive.

"We are going to see a lot of mergers and acquisitions going on in the industry. That means bigger players will emerge that will command larger margins. The era of fixed margins is gone. The market right now is in a situation where your cost must be very low to be competitive", Omontuemhen stated.

In his lead presentation, Partner, Energy, Utilities and Resources, PwC Nigeria, Akinyemi Akingbade, said the oil and gas downstream sector would evolve rapidly post-subsidy removal. He said the government needed to respond with policies that would aid quick alternatives in other options that would help the nation to achieve its energy transition plan. He noted that key alternative areas remained the gas market which was not deep enough, pointing out that

with the subsidy removal, it presents an opportunity to tap the potential of the sector.

Akingbade explained, "We anticipate a consolidation of players in the sector as size and economies of scale will play a major role in shaping competition in the market.

"As the sector becomes more competitive, companies would need to review their supply chain management, leverage digital technology and have a sound risk management system to manage cost and deliver value to their stakeholders.

“For growth and sustainability, they should invest in other energy options e.g. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and auto Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as the world embraces low carbon energy."

While examining the opportunities the subsidy removal policy presents, PwC also made a number of recommendations which players in the sector should consider, especially around reviewing their strategies.

Admitting that the policy presents an opportunity for alternatives, it however, contended that building local refineries remained the best option on the long-term view.

Akingbade further explained, "If your refineries are not working, it actually means that you are subsidising production in another country. Local production must come on stream and this means there must be strategic policies around the downstream sector."

Lagos State

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Barr Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; General Manager, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency, LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, during the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 themed

COUP IN NIGER ON THEIR MINDS...

House Shuts Down Motion Seeking to Reverse FX Unification Policy

Oniha: Subsidy removal, FX unification have immediate gains, pains

Ndubuisi Francis and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday, shut down a motion that sought to reverse the naira unification policy introduced by the federal government.

But the Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, yesterday declared that the removal of subsidy on petroleum motor spirit (PMS) and unification of the exchange rates of the naira have yielded immediate benefits as well as created some pains.

Moving the motion titled, “Need to Stabilise Nigeria's Foreign Exchange Rate”, Hon. Beni Lar, recalled that on 14 June 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange market.

She said, however, on July 17, 2023,

the US dollar was trading at N815 to $1. The lawmaker added that in July 1980, the exchange rate was $1 to 0.80 Kobo, while as of July 2022, the rate was $1 to N670, adding that as of July 2023, the exchange rate is now about $1 to N815.

Lar, added that in the 80s, most of the food and products consumed were grown or produced in Nigeria, whereas today, the Nigerian economy is mainly dependent on importation and there lies the source of the terrible exchange rate the country is now experiencing;

She noted that the importation of vehicles and other commodities have dropped, since the floating of the naira exchange rate.

The lawmaker pointed out that the impact of the unified exchange rates has made Nigerian students abroad to suffer tuition fees increment by over 60 per cent making the money

in their bank accounts insufficient to pay school fees due to devaluation of the naira.

Lar, expressed concern that the naira has been on a rapid decline against the US dollar, Euro and Pounds Sterling, thus leading to hike in prices of goods and services, thereby worsening the inflationary situation and the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

She noted that if the policy was not reversed, $1 could be exchanged for N1,000 by December 2023, saying the current economic situation may throw Nigeria into economic recession and depression.

Leading the debate on the motion, Lar added: “We all know that the foreign exchange rates depend on market forces. What is triggering the increase in the decline of the naira is due to the fact that Nigeria depends heavily on importation.

“We do not produce our own homegrown indigenous products and services that we can market to the outside world and earn foreign exchange from it. Rather, we are a country that is dependent largely on“Thereconsumption. is inflation all over the world but that of Nigeria is higher than normal and this is so partly because of the floating exchange rate policy, which is actually a good policy.

“I have nothing against the unified exchange rates system but the government must put in place deliberate policies to stimulate economic growth in the country. We have to stimulate our own domestic production.”

Contributing, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, commended Lar for presenting a motion that considers the suffering of Nigerians as regards the issue of exchange rates. He opined that they should be

Job Racketeering: FCC Commissioners Accuse Agency’s Boss of Nepotism, Corruption

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Some Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) yesterday accused the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Muheeba Dankaka, of nepotism, corruption and highhandedness.

They made the accusation during their appearance before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing the Mismanagement of Personnel Recruitment, Employment Racketeering and Gross Mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The Ad-hoc Committee which was chaired by Hon Yusuf Gagdi, is saddled with the responsibility to probe Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as tertiary institutions of the federal government.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mureeba Dankaka while responding to the accusations levelled against her by some of the Commissioners of the commission said the Commissioners lied against her because she refused to do their bidding, including selling slots for employment.

Moses Anaughe, who the Commissioner representing Delta State, had accused Dankaka of collecting 10 per cent from MDAs who came for employment and also accused her of giving “juicy” jobs to her children.

While accusing her of signing appointment letters for 24 ghost workers, he said “If there is any

request for recruitment, the Chairman of Federal Character, Dr Dankaka will request the Chief Executives to come to her office and discuss 10 per cent. She does collect 10 per cent from all MDAs of all the employment she is signing. All those 10 per cent she collects, those are the slots that she employs agents that are selling.

“I have two employment letters here of her children in juicy agencies where the annual salary is N6.1 million, the other one is N8.2 million. I have the appointment letters here. And I just also want to inform this committee, if she finds any agency doing employment that is paying more than these MDAs, she will move them to that MDA. She moves them from MDA to MDA."

He further alleged that there were, “letters of appointments she signed for 24 ghost workers. I call them ghost workers because they are receiving salary after paying for the job and when they get the appointment letter, they also refuse to resume work.

“I have the account numbers. If this committee requests for the account statements of all these transactions of jobs selling of the agents of the chairman, it will receive all of them.

“She has a lot of agents selling slots for her. After selling they have a central pool where they remit all the monies to, whereby they will withdraw and collect dollars and give to her. I have all the account details here. In my submission, we

have a lot of things to reveal."

Also, the Commissioner representing Nasarawa State, Mamman Alakaye, in his submission said, “I align myself totally with all the documents submitted in respect of the issue at stake. I want to however add more that we couldn't have gotten to this point if the chairman was a listening chairman. We have taken far reaching steps to internally resolve these issues; to draw her attention to follow procedures and rules, but she wouldn't listen.

“She rather wants to operate as a

sole administrator. She has always said nobody will touch her. This she said verbally.

“Mr Chairman, I want to tender a document to support what my colleagues have said so far. For example, her son was employed in NCC, which I am aware of. Just last week she transferred him from the NCC to Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. He did his documentation with IPPIS just this week. I have the document to tender."

fair to the current government which was just barely 60 days old.

“The cabinet has not been formed, we should give this government the benefit of the doubt for some time before assessing the performance of the government,” he added.

On his part, Hon Leke Abejide, said the exchange rate cannot be done by fiat, saying it has to be done by market forces.

In his submission, the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsely Chinda urged the lawmakers to look at the prayers of the motion. He was of the opinion that the prayer was in support of the government and not against the government.

Before ruling on the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ben Kalu who presided over the plenary said the motion presented by Lar wasHedisjointed. stressed that the title of the motion was different from the body and the prayers of the motion.

Kalu, noted that one of the points in the body of the motion was asking the House to reverse a policy it once supported.

After putting the motion to vote, there was kind of a tie between the "Ayes" and the "Nils", but Kalu ruled in favour of the "Nils."

DMO: Subsidy Removal, FX Unification Have Immediate Gains, Pains

Meanwhile, Oniha, yesterday declared that the removal of subsidy on petrol and the unification of the exchange rates of the naira have yielded immediate benefits as well as created some pains.

Oniha, stated that government was trying to alleviate the attendant pains,

particularly for the most vulnerable in the society.

In a goodwill message, which she presented at a one-day technical roundtable on Tinubu’s economic blueprint, organised by ActionAid Nigeria, the DMO boss noted that the reversal of these policies by the president had resulted in much higher revenues for all tiers of government.

She said: "I would like to highlight that during the campaign, a Manifesto and an Economic Plan were made available to the public.

"We have also witnessed implementation of some aspects of the plan such as the removal of subsidy on PMS and the unification of the naira exchange rates.

"The implementation of these has yielded immediate benefits but has also created some pains which the government is trying to alleviate, particularly for the most vulnerable in the society.

"Over the past few years, the economy has been the subject of intense debates with suggestions from many experts and analysts on what the government should or should not do to remedy the situation. "However, it is essential to recognise that the situation of the economy needed critical and urgent attention to avoid a deterioration in major economic and social indices.

"Thus, some of the measures that have been taken so far were not only needed but essential to propel Nigeria towards sustainable development. In this pursuit, we must aim for a development model that leads to increased employment opportunities and higher income levels."

Nigerians Relish Experience Studying in China

Nigerians who have participated in various educational programmes in China have shared their stories and achievements at the inauguration ceremony of the Confucius Institute Alumni Association of Nigeria (CIAN) held recently in Lagos.

The alumni expressed their gratitude to the Chinese government and the Confucius Institutes for providing them with the opportunity to learn Chinese language and culture, as well as to pursue their academic and professional goals in China.

One of the alumni, Mr. Efe Best, who is the founder and CEO of Efe Best Chinese Training School in Lagos, said learning Chinese language boosted his career and opened many doors for him.

He recounted his journey from being a student at the Confucius Institute in Nnamdi Azikiwe University to studying for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in China, where he also worked as an interpreter, a tourism researcher and planner, and a business development manager.

He said that learning Chinese language also enabled him to become the president of the International Students Association of his university in China and later the president of CIAN. He encouraged young Nigerians to see learning Chinese language as a great opportunity and assured them that his school is here to help them actualize their Chinese dream.

Another alumna, Ijeoma Ezenwa,

who is an administrative manager at Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company (ZTC) in Lagos, said learning Chinese language has enriched her life and broadened her horizons. She said that she was fascinated by the similarities and differences between Chinese and Nigerian cultures and enjoyed exploring various aspects of Chinese culture, such as history, art, music, dance, martial arts, and calligraphy. She said that she was also impressed by China’s remarkable achievements in development and construction and that she learned a lot from China’s experience and best practices. She hopes to use her skills and knowledge to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding

between China and Nigeria.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mrs. Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos; Dr. Anas Elochukwu, Deputy Director of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Dr. Adetoro Olaniyi Banwo, Deputy Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos; teachers of the Confucius Institute; Zhao Liang, Southwest Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation; Ni Mengxiao, Director of the Huaxing Art Troupe, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and various sectors of Nigerian society.

President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic ( L ) meets with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the situation in Niger coup attempt at the Presidential Villa , Abuja .....yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI .

9TH EDITION OF THE ICTEL EXPO...

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees and past President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), John Odeyemi; President & Chairman of Council, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Alkasim Umar; Deputy President, LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa; Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, and Vice President, LCCI, Leye Kupoluyi, during the 9th edition of the Information, Communication Technology and Telecommunications (ICTEL) Expo hosted by LCCI in Lagos…Tuesday

Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Operators Push for Clean Energy to Replace $20bn Generators’ Spend

Seek removal of barriers to investment in sector

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations-Alliance (REEEA-A), the umbrella body of all clean energy organisations in Nigeria, yesterday stated that clean energy sources could replace the $20 billion spent on fuelling generators in the country annually.

In a communiqué in Abuja after its international energy conference on: ‘’Accelerating Private Sector Investment in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Sector,’’ President, Governing Council of the group, Prof Magnus Onuoha, called on the authorities to create a level playing field for operators.

The conference, the president said, came against the background of growing public concerns over issues of epileptic power supply and the need to transition into the renewable energy efficiency alternative in Nigeria.

At the end of the meeting, Onuoha said the players identified solutions which could significantly address investment barriers in the clean energy sector in Nigeria and enhance its growth.

“With the Electricity Act recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, the need to change the status quo has become imperative, considering that epileptic power supply has slowed developmental progress and killed lots of businesses dependent on power.

“For example, every year Nigeria spends $15-$20 billion to buy petrol for generators, that’s an investment

waiting to be catalysed by the energy sector.

“Currently, for 200 million Nigerians to depend on 3,500 megawatts is extremely deficient and this calls for more dogged measures to ensure meaningful change,” REEEA-A stated.

One of the solutions, the alliance stated, will be to start funding more projects with the local currency, the naira and leveraging to enable growth of community-based developers for off-grid communities

The alliance also called for technical assistance and capacity building accelerator programmes for renewable energy entrepreneurs and developers, revenue assurances to support and fund large scale solar projects and payment mechanisms to support clean energy expansion.

It further called for policy recom-

mendations to build social acceptance for Nigeria to use natural gas as a transition fuel and leverage on the Electricity Act recently passed into law by engaging the 36 states for integrated electricity within their states to generate power.

Other solutions to spur clean energy growth in the country, the group said, include accelerating investment in the emerging green hydrogen space, Electric Vehicle (EV) opportunities in Nigeria and quick wins as well as development of carbon market opportunities and revenue arising therefrom.

The REEEA-A maintained that renewable energy has been identified as the most proactive option to address the challenges of electricity instability at the moment.

It stated that for Nigeria, with

adequate financing, investment and support by government and all relevant stakeholders, a lot can be achieved to transition from the present abysmal electricity supply to a more sustainable alternative. Government agencies present at the event included the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Lagos State as well as Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) Onuoha lauded the REEEA-A Board of Trustees led by Prof. Abubakar Sambo for providing effective guidance and stability windows for the alliance.

Flanked by his lieutenants, Onuoha argued that as an emerging sector which is not being subsidised by the

government, there has to be fairness for everybody in the energy space so that the market forces of demand and supply will be allowed play out.

“We are looking at the market mechanism that when you have a level playing ground for everybody, there will be healthy competition, and prices will find their levels.

“By the time you see the competition and people are no longer interested in getting fossil fuels, they will go into renewables with time, and they'll forced by the interplay of demand and supply.

“You should have a free market and when the market chokes you, you leave. Oil and gas is so monopolistic...there are other sources or alternatives. The point I'm trying to make is that we need to situate ourselves and that's why the alliance

has come to stay.

“We have the mindset that what happened to oil and gas must not happen here and we are very much engaging with the government and civil society and the media.

“The level playing ground is in policy issues, and all that. When subsidy was there, it was not a level -playing ground. Government was subsidising oil and gas but they were not subsidising renewables. So, policies are in place now. We have got the climate change Act, electricity Act etc.

“Part of the things we want to talk about is that there are some waivers we are looking forward to, because it’s not cost effective to begin to embark on it because the dollar is so high, but we are getting there,” he stated.

House to Investigate IOCs Disobedience to NDDC Act

Decries upsurge of Flood in FCT Urges NEMA to provide relief materials to victims of erosion disaster in Aba North

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged flagrant disobedience of the international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta Region to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act 2000.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion

moved at plenary yesterday, by Hon. Donald Ojogo. Moving the motion, the lawmaker said the establishment of the NDDC Act, 2000, was in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the following oil-producing States: Abia, AkwaIbom, Anambra Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers as enshrined in Section 2 (1) of the subject under debate.

He stressed that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process.

The lawmaker expressed worry that the EFCC in its recovery process, has continually held on to all such recovered monies without remitting the same to the NDDC for the Commission to meet its obligations.

ExxonMobil, NNPC Inaugurate Host Community Trusts in A/Ibom

Peter Uzoho

In compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil and operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)/MPN

Joint Venture has inaugurated two Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) covering its Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) in Akwa Ibom State.

The international oil company (IOC) disclosed that the formal inauguration events took place yesterday, in Akwa Ibom State.

The Trusts are the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (Eket, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi,

Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo communities), and the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (Ibeno community).

Speaking during the unveiling ceremonies, the General Manager, Joint Venture Operations of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Mark Fraser, noted that the inauguration events signalled a significant milestone for the NNPC/MPN JV and its host communities in Akwa Ibom State.

He said the unveiling set in motion the commencement of a new era of organic and sustainable community development.

Fraser said, “With the inauguration of these Trusts, our communities in Akwa Ibom State will now be in the

driver’s seat and determine the pace, nature and impact of community development projects and programs in the respective host communities.

“We are delighted that the collaborative efforts involving our company, partner, communities, regulator and state government have resulted in the success we are witnessing today.

“We are confident that with the quality of individuals selected by the communities to serve on the Trusts, the people will enjoy the benefits as envisioned by the framers of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“The ultimate objective is for the Trusts to help enhance peace and further accelerate development and prosperity in our host communities.”

He further stated that the Joint

Venture had enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the host communities and continued to play its part through significant revenue contributions and community development initiatives.

He noted that the JV has consistently remained the highest private sector employer of labour in the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Manager, Stakeholder Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Julie Utang, representing the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Bala Wunti, commended all stakeholders for successfully harmonising various interests, culminating in the eventual incorporation of the two Trusts.

The House therefore resolved to “Constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the flagrant disobedience of the aforementioned Section of the NDDC Act 2000 (as amended) by the International Oil Companies operating in the Niger Delta Region.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday, decried the alarming upsurge of flood in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the years leaving tales of woes in the minds of the affected families.

The Green Chamber also lamented the periodic flooding in Lokogoma, Galadimawa and particularly Trademore estate and other adjourning estates on the airport road which had led to loss of lives and properties;

Moving the motion at plenary yesterday, Hon. Joshua Obika explained that Trademore Estates currently houses over 20,000 people and have been in existence since 2007, when the first set of residents were allocated houses through a mortgage process administered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria;

He said the perennial flooding was on the increase geometrically bearing in mind the recent havoc at Trademore Estate as a result of heavy rainfall on 23 June, 2023, when houses were submerged in water, while some were pulled down and killing a lecturer at the University of Abuja;

The House, therefore, called on

the FCT Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials to the victims of Trade Moore Estate, and also mandated the Committee on FCT Administration (when constituted) to ensure compliance

However, the House has called on the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of the erosion disaster in Ogbo Community in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State.

It also urged the Ecological Fund office (EFO) to release adequate funds to solve the erosion challenge in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State. The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Wednesday by Hon. Emeka Nnamani.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said due to torrential rainfall which damaged economic crops and washed away farmlands, Ogbo Community in Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State had suffered devastating gully erosion which has brought with it untold hardship, poses an imminent threat to lives and property of the residents;

The House called on NEMA to provide relief materials and provide a temporary camp for the affected Communities as a temporal succour to alleviate their sufferings pending a permanent solution to the erosion menace.

Report: Nigeria Increases Share of ECOWAS GDP to 62.7%

Says regional body has 142.3 million working poor people

Dike Onwuamaeze

Nigeria’s share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) grew to 62.7 per in 2022.

This was revealed in the 2023 West Africa Development Outlook (WADO) released on Monday by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

The report also revealed that poverty worsened in West Africa in 2022, as the number of the working poor increased by 3.9 per cent (5.4 million persons) to 142.3 million persons in 2022.

The theme of the report was, “A Mixed Bag Outlook: Debt Distress, Flagging Growth and Declining Inflation.”

According to the report, “Nigeria increased its share of the sub-regional GDP to 62.7 per cent in 2022 from 60.6 per cent in 2021 at the expense of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and the rest of ECOWAS, with Ghana being the biggest loser from 10.9 per cent in 2021 to 9.6 per cent in 2022).

“Ghana’s loss is attributable mainly to a weak growth in economic activity and a weak domestic currency, which fuelled an inflation spiral.”

It added: “Furthermore, Nigeria, which accounts for approximately 62.7 per cent of the sub-region’s nominal GDP recorded back-to-back growth in 2022, after its economy plunged into negative territory in 2020.”

The report, however, added that, “on a more positive note, no ECOWAS Member State recorded a

negative growth in 2022, in spite of the very turbulent socio-economic environment.”

It added that, “Liberia continued on a path of positive growth, which began in 2021, after two consecutive years of economic downturn while five countries, Mali, Niger, Togo, Cabo Verde and The Gambia, recorded superior growth in 2022, compared to 2021, with Guinea maintaining its 2021 growth in 2022.”

Furthermore, the report stated that the, “high cost of living and the attendant decline in real incomes also led to an increase in the size of the working poor across the West African sub-region.”

It also stated that, “the size of the working poor increased by 3.9 per cent (5.4 million persons) to 142.3

million persons in 2022. Niger (4.9 per cent) recorded the highest increase, with Ghana (2.8 per cent) recording the lowest increase in the size of the working poor.

“The projected low sub-regional GDP growth for 2023 and the still elevated price levels are expected to lead to a further deterioration in the size of the working poor and overall poverty.”

Commenting further on the rising poverty in the West African sub-region, the report noted that “the escalating debt situation notwithstanding, poverty has remained endemic.

“This is partly because the socioeconomic shocks of the times have led to a worsening of the unemployment situation in the sub-region, with most

SUBSIDY: LABOUR, FG MEETING CONTINUES, TINUBU PLEADS FOR MORE TIME

a nationwide strike.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commenced mobilisation of its affiliates, state councils, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to hold mass protest rallies across the country from August 2, in protest against what it described as the hardship imposed on workers and the masses by the removal of fuel subsidy and other anti-poor policies of the Tinubu government.

Head of Information and Public Affairs, NLC, Benson Upah, who was a guest on ‘The Prime Time’ a programme monitored on ARISE NEWS Channel, said Nigerian workers were already missing former President Muhammadu Buhari, and were concerned the dual exchange rate by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was being criminalised, when in fact any sane CBN Governor should protect the poor like Emefiele did.

Upah, also said at the time Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inaugural speech, the policy was expected to run till the end of June, so he was breaching the appropriation act without recourse to the National Assembly. and a few days after that, the pump price in

Nigeria was raised.

Upah mentioned that the NLC was going to go on a protest after the subsidy had been removed and pump prices had risen. Nigerians were outraged and waiting for the protest, but the government reached out to the NLC.

“We had two meetings, and while the second meeting was held, the government acted in bad faith by procuring a restraining order from the court to stop the protest while it lured the NLC to the villa for negotiations.”

For the benefit of Nigerians, we had to listen to the government and their promise to meet the demands of the NLC, which they breached.

The Head of Information and Public Affairs, Nigeria Labour Congress, further said that no reasonable government leaves its national currency to the forces of the market because if you do, there will be unintended consequences, and causing the naira to float began with increasing Nigeria’s debt stock from 72 trillion naira to 81 trillion naira. He said any reasonable CBN governor must be able to manage their currency and not leave it to the forces of the market, and to that

end, he gives credit to the Buhari administration and Emefiele as CBN governor.

Upah concluded by saying Tinubu is a new president who had one month to consult with critical stakeholders but instead took major decisions on a whim without any consultations with a cabinet.

He further made it clear to Nigerians that the NLC decided not to protest the first time, not because they are friends with the presidency but because the government spoke to them in good faith but they ended up not holding their end of the bargain.

He called the Tinubu administration an autocratic government for acting in defiance of their written and signed promises.

Relatedly, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Assembly (NECA) called on the federal government to commence talks with organised labour on a new national minimum wage to forestall an industrial action.

Tinubu, according to Abbas, stressed that he was new in office and would require some time to evaluate the issues being raised by workers.

Abbas said, "What he said is that he's just coming on board. We

should ask them and beg them to, please, give him a little more time. The things that they mentioned, he is completely unaware of them, he is yet to be briefed about all those issues. "But from what he heard from me, he also advised that we should channel some of those issues to the Chief of Staff to look at them one after the other.

"I believe the next coming days, some concerted actions will be taken."

The speaker explained that the House leadership invited the resident doctors following their intention to go on strike, saying the legislators succeeded in persuading them to shelve the plan.

He said, "Sequel to the meeting we had with them, there were series of conditions that they gave, that we felt we need to share with the president."

Abbas maintained that the purpose of the visit to State House was to notify the president of the progress made with the doctors’ association. He said the new House leadership also used the visit to familiarise themselves with NARD.

On what the House was doing to halt the August 2 protest by organised labour, Abbas said, “In

EMEFIELE: DSS PROBES ASSAULT ON JUDICIARY, CORRECTIONAL SERVICE OFFICIALS

development, human rights law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sanction the DSS officials involved in what he termed a show of shame.

Other senior lawyers and public affairs analysts also expressed disappointment over the act displayed by the DSS, just as the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) described the re-arrest of suspended CBN Governor as laughable.

Operatives of the DSS on Tuesday, re-arrested the suspended Governor of the CBN in the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos, few hours after he was granted bail by Justice Nicholas Oweibo. The re-arrest attempt turned riotous when Emefiele came out of the courtroom led by a squadron commander from the NCoS, but was intercepted by DSS operatives, which made Emefiele to retreat back into the courtroom. While Emefiele's lawyers were busy perfecting his bail conditions, DSS sent for reinforcement. The mood in the court immediately changed as DSS personnel engaged in fisticuffs over who should take custody of the governor.

A statement signed by the spokesman of DSS, Peter Afunanya, stressed that the DSS had tremendous respect for the institution of the judiciary.

The DSS statement added: "The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS. The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference.

"The service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it.

"The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management".

It said the service had robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement

agencies, including the NCoS.

The agency further claimed that the personnel from both agencies exhibited undue overzealousness.

"The service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.

"For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary", it said.

The agency said it had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership.

"In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and high sense of discipline. The service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism.

"It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.

"It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it", it said.

However, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, yesterday, the NBA particularly denounced the DSS for its peculiar part in the disgraceful and unlawful conduct, considering the fact that the court had earlier ordered that the suspended CBN governor be kept in a Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The statement quoted the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, to have said, "the courts and judicial processes remain the barometer by which the conduct of persons or agencies of government are gauged in assessing the rule of law."

The NBA President also described

the incident as, "further evidence of the lack of discipline and absence of professionalism that continues to plague key security institutions in Nigeria, which, without doubt, is largely responsible for the limited progress in achieving a coordinated response to security concerns across the country."

He added: "A situation where officers of federal government agencies engage in a fight as witnessed by

the public, for whatever reason, is antithetical to our security as a nation and creates a recipe for anarchy and chaos.

“Both the DSS and the NCoS are important institutions dealing with national security and administration of justice respectively, and the need for them to work in concert towards attaining justice in a secured Nigeria

Continued on page 35

countries experiencing an increase in the rate of unemployment in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Average unemployment across the sub-region stood at 4.32 per cent at the end of 2022.

“The International Labour Organisation (ILO) forecasts that the situation will worsen in 2023, as countries work towards navigating the rather harsh socio-economic challenges. Average unemployment across the sub-region is projected to increase marginally to 4.42 per cent in 2023.”

The report also submitted that the sub-region would continue to experience a slowing but still high inflation in 2023, which would pose a monetary policy dilemma to fiscal and monetary authorities.

The President of the EBID, Dr.

the same manner, same way, we will also invite them to come and sit so that we hear their grievances and then we follow the same pattern of engaging and persuading them to give us a little time so that we can meet their expectations.”

Abbas also clarified his two visits to State House in 24 hours, saying, “Yesterday's visit was primarily to brief Mr. President on our engagement with the national residents’ doctors association, whom we got wind of, were planning to embark on strike.

“So, we invited them and we persuaded them to withdraw that plan. Sequel to the meetings we had with them, there were series of conditions that they gave that we felt that we needed to share with Mr. President. And that is what brought me yesterday, to intimate him on what we have discussed and the agreements so far reached with them and issues that they have raised that need his attention.

“And today's visit, as you can see, we are together, the whole leadership of the House is here. Since our election as leaders of 10th House of Representatives, we didn't come formally to present them to Mr. President.

“So, today, we requested for this audience primarily to bring and introduce them for him to get to know them and for them to get to know him. That's just what we are here for.”

Asked what the next step would be since the House intervention had not stopped the doctors from declaring industrial action, he said, “Well, it's a work in progress. I'm sure some of the issues that they have raised, if we can meet some of their expectations halfway, of which we are on it, we already set up an ad hoc committee

ECOWAS MOVES TO RESTORE DEMOCRATIC ORDER IN NIGER

on an intervention mission to the troubled nation. This followed reports yesterday morning that President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, had been seized by his presidential guards, with the Presidential Palace in Niamey, the capital of Niger, cordoned off by military vehicles.

President Bola Tinubu, who is also Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, reacted to the development with a warning that ECOWAS would not tolerate untoward acts that could hinder smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

A high-powered delegation from Nigeria, yesterday, arrived in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, to engage with the coup plotters, amid the ongoing political crisis. The delegation reportedly comprised former governors, a top diplomat and military leaders.

Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, titled, "Unpleasant Developments in Niger Republic", pledged to be undeterred in his pursuit and defence of constitutional order in the region.

The Nigerian president, who met with his Beninese counterpart at State House, Abuja, directed that the Beninese president immediately proceed to Niger on an intervention mission.

Speaking with newsmen after the

meeting with Talon, Tinubu affirmed that the meeting had to do with the political unrest in Niger, and that the Benin president was heading to the troubled country already.

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, Tinubu said it was on the situation in Niger, and "of our neighbour and the military misbehaviour in that particular country and that is what he’s here for."

Asked if the sub-regional commission would launch an immediate action on the development or plan towards it, Tinubu said, "He’s going there now, he’s on his way to Niger Republic."

The president’s statement observed, in part, "Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country's highest political leadership.

"It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.

"The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

"I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation

George Agyekum Donkor, stated that the theme of the 2023 edition of the West African Development Outlook, which was “A Mixed Bag Outlook: Debt Distress, Flagging Growth and Declining Inflation,” underscored the mixed fortunes that would confront the West African economy in 2023. Donkor said member states would, “face increased fiscal pressures as inflation remains elevated and growth stutters, indicating that revenue generation could continue to suffer.

“The financial markets offer near-prohibitive rates, imposing medium-to-long-term fiscal costs on the fiscal authority and constraining the growth in overall economic activity. The slowdown in the growth in economic activity will lead to job losses and increased poverty.

chaired by the Majority Leader of the House to look at those issues.

“I'm sure one or two interventions in their areas of concern, we will prevail on them to come back to the negotiating table and also accept to withdraw that strike.”

Abbas would today again meet with relevant stakeholders over the differences between the federal government and NARD.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Mr. Musa Abdullahi Krishi, and Majority Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, made this known at the plenary, which Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, presided.

The meeting at State House came after the speaker met with Tinubu, in fulfilment of his promise to NARD earlier on Monday, as part of efforts to resolve the crisis.

At the plenary, the leadership of the House expressed displeasure with NARD’s decision to continue with its planned strike, despite the intervention of the legislature.

A member of the House, Hon. Unyime Idem, during the plenary, attempted to move a motion of urgent public importance on the strike declared by NARD on Tuesday night. The immediate past Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase, however, raised a point of order to note that the speaker was already working on the matter.

The majority leader noted that the lower chamber’s interventions would continue, despite that the resident doctors’ decision to downed tools.

In the meantime, President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, insisted that the August 2 nationwide protest by labour unions would go ahead if

Continued on page 36

and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

"I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

"As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order."

Talon said he came to reason with Tinubu on the development in their mutual neighbour's territory, so that the situation could be summarily dealt with. Speaking in French, he said steps would be taken swiftly, starting immediately, to restore constitutional order in Niger.

Talon said, "I am here with President Tinubu because of the situation for the ECOWAS and President Tinubu, who is President of Nigeria, Niger's neighbour, with President of Benin, equally Niger's neighbour, so we take things seriously and act rapidly.

"I believe all the means will be employed, as needed, for consti-

tutional order to be re-established in Niger, but the goal is for there to be peace and unity.

"So, as the president has already said, the mediation actions will be reinforced even starting this evening, so that the situation is regulated peacefully.

"Even when what is not acceptable is being done, it is necessary for us to correct that by peaceful means. It's our first option. And we assure you that it will be successful."

Nigerian Delegation Arrive Niamey, Engages Coup Plotters

A high-powered delegation from Nigeria arrived in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, yesterday, to engage with the coup plotters, amid the ongoing political crisis.

Sources confirmed that the delegation included the immediate past Governor of Katsina State, Senator Aminu Masari; Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Hassan Abubakar.

The delegation was in Niamey to facilitate dialogue and to seek a peaceful resolution to the coup attempt in Nigeria’s northern neighbour.

FLOURISH AFRICA GRANT AWARD CEREMONY...

Buhari: I Haven't Enriched Myself with Nigeria’s Wealth

AFAN extols ex-president’s agricultural policies

Francis

Sardauna in Katsina

Former President Muhammadu

Buhari, yesterday, said he did not corruptly enrich himself with the country's wealth during his eight years as president. Buhari disclosed this when he received the Katsina State leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Daura.

The former president said nobody could blackmail him for illicit enrichment while in office.

Buhari, who spoke in Hausa, said, "I haven't enriched myself with the nation's wealth and nobody can accuse me of such act; anybody who accused me is only wasting

his time.

"Apart from this house and the other two in Kaduna, I have no house in other parts of the country or outside Nigeria. Farming is my major occupation and I have cattle and other animals in my farm. That is all."

Earlier, the state chairman of AFAN, Ya'u Umar Gwojo-gwojo, commended the ex-president for revitalising the agricultural sector through various intervention programmes.

Gwojo-gwojo said the Nigerian economy registered positive growth under the Buhari administration in spite of the gloomy outlook in the global economy and the outbreak of

COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that Buhari's programmes and policies had significantly improved agricultural activities and boosted food production and security in the North-west and other regions

of the country. The AFAN chairman urged the ex-president to advise the federal government to sustain the ban on importation of food for the success of the current agricultural transformation

agenda of the government.

He extolled Buhari's contributions to agricultural transformation and nation-building, adding that Buhari's back-to-back policy led to the attainment of the country's

food sufficiency.

Gwojo-gwojo submitted a letter to the former president soliciting his acceptance to be the state patron of the association in view of his contribution to agricultural activities.

Yusuf Advocates Stiffer Penalties against Bandits, IPOB, Boko Haram, Others

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

A former Chief Executive officer of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, has

urged government at all levels to take stiffer penalties against Bandits, Boko Haram and IPOB members, who operated under the influence of drugs to unleash terror on innocent

CBN Lures Investors with Higher Treasury Bills Yield

Stock market losses N187bn

Kayode Tokede

The average yield on the 356-day Nigerian Treasury bills (NTB) increased to 12.15 per cent yesterday, from the previous 5.94 per cent auction, just a day after the Monetary Policy Committee of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised in its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 18.75 per cent from 18.5per cent.

According to the CBN NTB auction result obtained by THISDAY, the 91-day interest rate increased to six per cent from 2.86 per cent, while 180-day auction interest rate was at eight per cent from 3.5per cent.

The CBN offered to raise N261.3 billion at the 364-day NTB auction, but recorded total subscription and allotment of N383.88 billion and N255.4 billion respectively.

Consequently, at the 91-day NTB auction, the CBN offered investors N1.73 billion and it recorded total subscription of N7.84 billion and CBN eventually allotted N2.85billion.

Commenting on the development, the CEO, Wyoming Capital and Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, “the essence is to encourage foreign inflows that could help improve dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market and cause a moderation in naira exchange rate until the market attains equilibrium level.

"I have no doubt that it was the most appropriate decision on the part of CBN and government at this time. There's need to improve dollar liquidity that will eventually force domestic interest rate to moderate subsequently.”

On their part, analysts at Cordros Research, noted that bullish sentiments have dominated the fixed income market amid the structurally buoyant system liquidity.

Commenting on the implication of MPR hike on fixed income market, they stated: “We expect the financial system liquidity profile to remain healthy in the near term, partly driven by increased FAAC inflows.

“With our expectation that the MPC is at the end of its monetary policy tightening cycle, risk appetite for mid to long-dated bonds is likely to improve. Nonetheless, we maintain our expectations that yields in the fixed-income market are still bound to rise further from current levels.

“Our prognosis is hinged on our expectation of a sustained imbalance in the supply and demand dynam- ics, more so that the FGN's 2023FY borrowing needs remain high.”

Meanwhile, the stock market arm the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday ended its four-day winning streak with a decline of N187 billion on investors' profit-taking in MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) and 23 others.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) was down by 303.86 basis points or 0.46 per cent to close at 65,687.16 basis points. Also, market capitalisation declined by N187 billion to close at N35.746 trillion.

The downtrend was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which were MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN), Unilever Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria, Nigerian Exchange Group and Lafarge Africa.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 32 stocks gained relative to 24 losers.

Courteville Business Solutions, NCR Nigeria and Seplat Energy recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at 66 kobo, N3.96 and N1,693.60 respectively, per share. FTN Cocoa Processors followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N2.66,

while Japaul Gold & Ventures and Livestock Feeds rose by 9.90per cent each to close at N1.11 and N2.11 respectively, per share.

On the other hand, Cadbury Nigeria and Unilever Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to close at N15.30 and N15.75 respectively, while Multiverse Mining and Exploration followed with a decline of 9.97 per cent to close at N2.71, per share.

Omatek Ventures depreciated by 9.62 per cent to close at 47 kobo, while Champion Breweries declined

by 7.45 per cent to close at N3.48, perTheshare.total volume of trade declined by 9.59 per cent to 500.430 million units, valued at N7.144 billion, and exchanged in 7,345 deals. Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) topped the activity chart with 58.309 million shares valued at N871.359 million. Access Holdings followed with 55.244 million shares worth N991.195 million, while Universal Insurance traded 32.665 million shares valued at N7.639 million.

citizens.

Yusuf made the call while delivering a keynote address during a one-day symposium on drug abuse and moral decadence organised by Initiative for Community Action Against Drug Abuse. He equally called on the government against sparing defaulters whether settlers or indigenes as they should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

"Bandits, IPOB, Boko Haram, phone snatchers among others perpetrated the crimes under the influence of drugs, so, there is need for urgent action against the menace of drug abuse as it is ravaging our the"Sheikhsociety.Gumi and I went into the deep forest to meet with the bandits in states across the north, we saw the bandits were mainly kids between the ages of 10-13 years carrying big guns, smoking marijuana and pushing Pentax.

"The bandits, IPOB, Boko Haram, phone snatchers among others

perpetrated the crimes under the influence of drugs. Sexual offences are recorded and marriages are breaking down because of drugs,” he said.

According to him, all hands must be on deck, because "My message is nobody will solve the problem for us. The problem is ours. We have to stand up and solve the problem ourselves. Pentax, Boska, Sudrex, codeine, tramadol are not manufactured here, we know where they were brought from. We must mitigate (cut off) the supply chain.

"And anybody in any community, whether a settler or an indigene that is found selling any of these drugs should face the full wrath of the law. We must be serious about this; it is destroying our society and our children.

"I call on our community leaders, traditional rulers and others to all get involved. The parents too must keep their eye on their wards on the kind of peer groups they keep," Prof. Yusuf said.

Halt Diphtheria Spread, Senate Tells Health Ministry, Disease Control Agency

Bauchi confirms two deaths, outbreak in 6 LGAs

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Senate yesterday, passed a resolution, calling on the Federal Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to put an end to further spread of Diphtheria in Nigeria.

The Upper Legislative Chamber also urged the federal government to increase funding of all institutions involved in the production and distribution of vaccines.

This it noted, was to effectively tackle the prevalence of communicable diseases in Nigeria.

The red chamber as part its resolution, directed relevant agencies to carry out a nationwide vaccination

to curb the spread of Diphtheria in theThecountry.Senate's decision followed the consideration and adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial district.

Katung, raised alarm over the spread of Diphtheria in Kaduna State which had resulted to several deaths in the state and its environs.

He noted that the airborne disease which could also be transmitted via fluid exchange had become a major health challenge that requires urgent government attention.

He said Kaduna State Government hasdconfirmed that the death toll from the diphtheria outbreak in the State has risen to 17 with 68 suspected cases identified across

the state as at Sunday the 23rd of JulyHe2023;noted that a breakdown showed 10 people had reportedly died from the disease in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while three children died in Makarfi Local Government Area, while seven others were hospitalised.

He also disclosed that diphtheria is a highly contagious, infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria rendering infected people struck with serious breathing and swallowing problems that may develop sores on the skin.

He said, "The highly contagious nature of the disease means that without immediate and concerted

efforts towards curbing it, the disease would spread at a devastating rate especially considering the communal and poor living conditions in most rural communities in Nigeria."

In his contribution to the motion, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, representing Abia Central Senatorial district lamented the state of government control hospitals in the country especially the National Hospital in Abuja.

He said Nigeria should stop fire brigade approach to issue of health in the country while urging the Senate to suspend plenary one day and pay visit to the national hospital to assess the level of decay and poor medical facilities.

L-R: Group Head, Gender Business, Bank of Industry (BOI), Oruma Adebola; Founder, Flourish Africa, Apostle Folorunso Alakija; West Africa Regional Head, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE),Em Ekong and Dean of School, International School of Management, Professor Olugbenro Oyekan at the Flourish Africa Grant Award Ceremony held in Lagos… recently

Nwoga: I’ll Change Imo Narrative If Elected Governor

Why are you in the race?

I am involved in running for Imo governorship seat because Imo people want a different type of government from what they have been experiencing. Not just presently, but for a long time now.

I am here because there is harmony between where Imo is and where Imo ought to be.

Imo is that same state that has the highest literacy rate in Nigeria. Imo is the state that produces the highest number of people seeking admission. Imo is a state that has the third busiest airport in Nigeria. Imo is the state that has the fourth highest destination for packaged goods in Nigeria. Imo is a state that has the fourth busiest GSM switch in this country. For that kind of state, that state should not come anything outside the fourth or fifth position in the indices of living, in the indices of labour, in GDP, revenue collection, in income per capita, in terms of employment, in infant mortality, in maternal and child mortality.

But where do we find Imo? Ease of doing business? Everything is all down, down, down. We’re in double digits, sometimes in the thirties in each of these. Very surprising but very painful. And this state obviously is living far below our potential. That’s why I’m in the race. I want to realign Imo where Imo belongs.

What it means is that all these things that Imo has, it means that the government that has come into Imo state has not built on any of these. Imo is a natural home of tourism, Imo has the highest number of hotel rooms per square mile in the whole of West Africa, Owerri in particular.

Now, you do not find government policies, you do not find government programs that

are actually doing anything at all to encourage any of these things. Instead, we even have policies that are pulling them back. So, we need to realign. What it tells you is that if we put the right government in Imo state, Imo can assume. When you mention Lagos, you mention Port Harcourt, you mention Abuja, and to see anywhere that should come before Imo state. And we can do it and we can be there by deliberately encouraging and building on the natural strengths of the state in terms of education, in terms of tourism.

In fact, Imo people want the good things of life. Today, the biggest challenge in Imo state is security. Imo is so insecure that even this gathering we have today, it is not a gathering

we can easily have in Imo state and Imo people want to be secured. It is when we secure Imo people that they can have the free education they’ve always yearned for, Imo people can have the jobs they should have. So it’s unfortunate that in spite of the challenges of security we have, you would expect that everybody will be looking for solutions. Especially those at the helm of affairs should be looking for how to calm the state down and pull us out of this insecurity mess.

Unfortunately, painfully, certain policies of the government threaten to make everything even worse. Apparently, government doesn’t seem to be sensitive to the security challenges of the state. This election season, I’ve just sent some documents to you what you’re going to share with them. These are complaints that have been made by all political parties. The opposition is not allowed to breathe. I cannot go and put up a billboard today because when I tried, they were telling me to pay N54 million to put up a billboard. It means I cannot put up a billboard. I don’t know any state anywhere, even if you need to convert it to dollars, nobody can charge this kind of money.

It’s obscene, it’s atrocious, it’s sinful.

That’s what they’re asking the opposition to pay. And I intend to ask, since the entire state is filled with the billboards of one particular person, I really want to know how much the state has made from that one person if this is how much you have to pay for billboards. So this is one.

If you brand cars, you will see them (state agents) obstructing cars, picking up and confiscating cars that are politically branded. They call it a gubernatorial advert permit. How on earth do you have something called a gubernatorial

advert permit. They have somehow appeared to cow everybody, because I expect everybody to be speaking out. It just appears to be quiet, the labour Congress is quiet, even the press is quiet. What’s going on? A healthy opposition is very important for governance. And when you succeed in stifling opposition, it means you are never going to have proper governance. And by the way, if this country is going to allow people sitting in office, whether it’s president or it’s a governor to sit and determine and make it impossible for people to even campaign, to advertise themselves, is there any bigger rape on democracy than that? If one person can get away with it, people will do worse than that.

You are contesting on the platform of ADP, a relatively unknown party in the South-east people would say. How acceptable is this party in Imo state?

Imo people are advanced. Imo people have learnt and can learn to live above party. On February 25th, Imo people voted Labour Party, 80 percent. Labour has never won a single councillorship election in Imo before then. Imo followed the candidate and voted.

I believe I am the candidate that Imo people need at this time and Imo people will follow. By the way, I’m sure you remember that PPA won the governorship election in Imo state some time ago. APGA won the governorship election in Imo state some time ago. As a matter of fact, the last time the PDP won election was in 2003. So, what I’m trying to say is that Imo people will follow who they want and go to their party.

Agbese: 10th House of Representatives Remains Focussed and United

The 10th House of Representatives is gradually settling down but the question on the lips of most Nigerians is what manner of parliament do we expect under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas?

Hon Tajudeen Abbas was overwhelmingly voted as the Speaker of the House on June 13 when the 10th Assembly was inaugurated. He polled a total of 353 votes to defeat former Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase and former chairman of the House Committee on National Intelligence, Sani Jaji, who scored three votes each. Apart from the trio, others who aspired to lead the 10th Assembly included Alhasan Ado-Dongowa, Muktar Betara, Yusuf Gadgi, Mariam Onouha and a host of others but at the end Hon Abbas emerged as the speaker. What this means is that the 10th House is united. Nigerians should expect a wellcoordinated, people-friendly and united House focused on their interests.

The endorsement of Hon Abbas by the ruling APC generated furore in the House, with many arguing that it was an attempt by your party to weaken the Green Chamber in the current dispensation. What is your reaction to this?

Let me make this clear to you. The leadership of Speaker Abbas is the best thing that has happened to the 10th National Assembly. In as much as we under his watch are prepared to work in harmony with the executive arm, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will not relent in upholding the principles of checks and balances.

The collaboration of the 10th Assembly will be anchored on transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

We shall work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve. We stand at a crossroads in our nation’s history,

where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislations that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social Justice, and drive sustainable development.

Don’t you think the Speaker owes a debt of gratitude to his colleagues for their massive support during the contest, especially those who were at the forefront?

Well, I don’t understand the measure of gratitude you are trying to paint up here, but I believe that the 10th National Assembly found true leadership in Hon Abbas and that informed the massive support he attracted during the contest. His emergence was a product of a unanimous decision by members and so, he does not owe anyone in particular, but service to humanity and Nigerians.

Recall that critics had dubbed the 9th Assembly a rubber stamp House because of its subservient posture to the executive arm of government. Don’t you think the 10th Assembly would likely fall in the same shade considering its leadership conflagration?

The 10th National Assembly will never be a rubber stamp. Speaker Abbas will never be a rubber stamp. Before his election, he interacted with many people.

For the APC, our party is to endorse him because he enjoys the support of members. The leadership of the APC was just very smart to have endorsed him.

Speaker Abbas is a man of his word and he has promised not to disappoint Nigerians.

He is not going to disappoint the 10th assembly. He will never be a rubber stamp rather he will do what will benefit Nigerians.

I am sure, he will not be a rubber stamp, he is going to be a man of his own. He is a man of integrity. He will stand with the masses.

What should be the expectations of Nigerians as the 10th Assembly settles down?

Expectations are high, not only from Nigerians but defenders of democratic principles and ethics across the globe.

This is more so because the legislative arm of government has a crucial role to play in fostering the development of a people-oriented government.

The 10th National Assembly is set to move the nation forward by making laws for the overall national interest. From inception, it was very clear that the 10th assembly was the hub of representation of the Nigerian people, and so every effort will be channelled towards making the country a better place to live and prosper.

The good news is that Speaker Abbas possesses a great wealth of experience anchored on a commendable track record of achievements. He has appreciable public relations talent which he has deployed at national and international levels. He is an astute team player who has hit the ground running in many areas of Nigeria’s socioeconomic growth.

The 10th Assembly will be a win-win for the President Tinubu administration with Nigerians and Nigeria as the main beneficiary.

In your opinion, what do you think the 10th National Assembly should do differently in order not to earn the toga of a rubber stamp assembly like the 9th Assembly?

No, no no! I think the 9th National Assembly did very well. The good governance-driven performance of the immediate-past National Assembly stemmed from the harmonious working relationship with the executive arm of government.

I am sure that some Nigerians have only wrongly labelled the last Assembly as a rubber stamp. It is a misconception and misunderstanding. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila-led ninth House of Representatives was exceptional in engaging with the executive. The harmony and collaboration with the executive were intended to provide a safe atmosphere for national development.

And so, it is my candid opinion that the 10th Assembly which I am privileged to be part of will build on the legacies of the last Assembly. We shall consolidate the achievements of the ninth National Assembly in making democratic governance more beneficial to Nigeria and Nigerians.

The governorship candidate of Action Democratic

with Adedayo Akinwale , bears his mind

where it rightly belongs if elected.

Nwoga

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, in an interview with Emameh Gabriel, expresses optimism about the leadership of the 10th House constituted in June, 2023.

Agbese

Patrick McMichael: How We Utilise Innovation, Technology to Deliver our Brand Promise to Customers

Since it launched in Nigeria in 2012, Eat ‘N’ Go has maintained its vision as the premier food operator in Nigeria, and Africa. The company which occupies the market leader position in the quick service restaurant, QSR, business is popular for constantly innovating, leveraging the latest technologies to sustain its excellent service delivery to customers. In this chat with Patrick McMichael, Group Managing Director & CEO, Eat ‘N’ Go Limited, he discusses how the franchise has maintained its brand promise to customers over the years. Precious Ugwuzor brings excerpts

It’s been five years since you assumed the role of CEO at Eat ‘N’ Go. How has the journey been so far and what are some of the factors that have helped the company maintain its position as the leading QSR operator in Nigeria?

The journey has been challenging yet exciting. We have had to adapt and innovate continuously to maintain our leadership position. This is supported by our strong brand portfolio, the quality and consistency of our products, our extensive presence nationwide as well as our strong supply chain management. We are also very customer-centric in our approach and ensure continuous training and development for our employees. These factors, combined with effective leadership and strategic decisionmaking, have contributed to Eat ‘N' Go's position as the leading QSR operator in Nigeria despite the competitive landscape and evolving market dynamics.

Our strong brand portfolio includes three popular international QSR brands in Nigeria: Domino's Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, and Pinkberry. These brands have established a strong presence and have a loyal customer base, contributing to the overall success of Eat ‘N' Go. In addition, we emphasise high-quality product delivery and maintain consistency across the brands. We have also strategically expanded our operations across Nigeria, targeting both major cities and smaller towns. This widespread presence has allowed us to tap into various market segments and capture a larger customer base and we have sustained this with continuous innovation. We have demonstrated a commitment to innovation by regularly introducing new menu items, promotions, and initiatives to cater to evolving customer preferences.

We have also been able to establish a reliable supply chain network, ensuring the availability of quality ingredients and products across our outlets. This enables us to consistently deliver on customer expectations. We place a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and engagement. We actively seek feedback, listen to customer preferences, and incorporate those insights into our operations. This customer-centric approach helps us build strong relationships and maintain customer loyalty.

We also make it a priority to invest in employee training and development to ensure high service standards and operational excellence. By empowering our workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can consistently deliver a positive customer experience. Lastly, we have demonstrated commitment to social responsibility through various initiatives, such as supporting local communities, promoting environmental sustainability, and engaging in charitable activities.

With the evolving market dynamics, what are the key innovations and technologies that Eat ‘N' Go is using to deliver quality products and give its customers a seamless experience?

Implementing online, mobile and WhatsApp ordering platforms allows customers to conveniently place their orders, customize their meals, and select pickup or delivery options. This technology streamlines the ordering process, enhances customer experience, and increases efficiency. This is why we partnered with Jumia and Glovo for some of our brands in addition to our existing online application. We also partnered with 9mobile to launch a call center 090-8888-9999 for faster service delivery.

We have also implemented the 20 Minutes Free Delivery guarantee with Nigeria as the only First and only market in the world to guarantee pizza delivery under 20 minutes

to consumers. We have also utilized digital menu boards to enable quick and easy updates to pricing, promotions, and menu items. This allows for dynamic content and visuals, making it easier for customers to explore options and discover deals. Digitalising our processes also allowed us to deploy a QR code for taking customer feedback while our data system helps us gather and analyse customer data and understand customer preferences, track trends, and tailor their offerings accordingly.

With innovation and technology as key drivers in Eat N Go’s operational strategy, what are the company's other plans in terms of product innovation and expansion?

As the major drivers of our strategy, we plan to continue innovating and leveraging modern technology with our products and services portfolio taking huge considerations for customer satisfaction and local taste preferences. Our investment in technology will continue along the lines of customer satisfaction through – our one-number call centre for all brands, data warehouse and cyber security, strong digital coverage and feedback, business Intelligence and artificial intelligence, and e-commerce platforms.

Currently, Eat ‘N' Go is well positioned as the regional consolidator for Dominos (the strongest performing QSR brand in public markets globally), Cold Stone, and Pinkberry in Nigeria and Kenya with

a view to further expansion more additional African countries over the next five years.

Eat ‘N' Go has one of the largest store networks in Nigeria. What is your strategy for growth?

We have pursued a strategic growth strategy to establish a strong presence in Nigeria and other African countries, which has been successful in expanding our reach across the region. With 10 years of success on the continent, Eat ‘N' Go has cultivated the unique capacity to develop global QSR brands into African success stories and has one of the largest store networks on the continent, with 200 stores across Nigeria and Kenya, by the end of 2023.

You have accumulated impressive years of experience. What are your thoughts on the future of the QSR industry in Africa?

The industry in Africa holds enormous potential and exciting opportunities. It is important to note that the QSR industry's future in Africa will be influenced by numerous factors such as economic growth, consumer behavior, regulatory environment, infrastructure development, and technological advancements. Adapting to local market dynamics, understanding consumer preferences, and staying

agile in response to evolving trends will be key to success in the industry.

We should also expect growing consumer demand, localisation and cultural adaptation, technological integration, emphasis on health and sustainability, and online ordering dominance. Most of these factors is owing to the rising middle class, urbanization, and changing lifestyles which are driving increased consumer demand for convenience, affordability, and dining-out experiences. As disposable incomes continue to rise across various African countries, more people are likely to explore QSR options, leading to market growth.

International QSR brands, as well as local players, are also expected to continue expanding their presence in African markets. With the emergence of new shopping malls, urban developments, and transportation hubs, QSR outlets can tap into a larger consumer base and expand to underserved areas. As a result of the growth, QSR brands will be forced to adapt their menus.

Brands that successfully adapt their menus, flavours, and offerings to local tastes and cultural preferences are likely to thrive. Embracing local ingredients, traditional flavours, and incorporating regional dishes can help create a stronger connection with African consumers. There is also room for local QSR brands to succeed. These brands can leverage their understanding of local tastes, cultural preferences, and market dynamics to gain a competitive advantage and capture market share.

Technology will play a vital role in the future of the QSR industry in Africa. Digital ordering platforms, mobile apps, delivery services, drive thru’s , single number ordering, and online payment options will continue to evolve and become more prevalent. The convenience of food delivery and online ordering will continue to drive growth in the QSR industry.

With the rise of third-party delivery platforms and in-house delivery fleets, more consumers will opt for home delivery or takeaway options, necessitating robust logistics and efficient operations. As a result, QSR brands will be forced to innovate their customer experiences to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

This may include interactive technology, personalized promotions, loyalty programs, and creative marketing campaigns that engage and retain customers. Additionally, data analytics and customer insights will drive personalized marketing efforts and enhance operational efficiency.

Lastly, as consumer awareness around health and sustainability grows, there will be an increasing demand for healthier food options and eco-friendly practices. QSR brands that prioritize fresh ingredients, nutritional transparency, and sustainable sourcing will be better positioned to cater to this demand.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are looking to enter the QSR market in Africa?

It is important to note that the African QSR market is diverse, and each country has its own unique characteristics. Tailor your approach based on the specific market dynamics and customer preferences of the region you are targeting. Consulting with local experts, partners, and advisors can provide valuable insights and guidance as you navigate the African QSR landscape. Conduct market research, understand local regulations, adapt to local tastes and preferences, Lastly, I will say establish strong supply chain partnerships, embrace technology and innovation, build relationships with local communities, prioritize customer experience, plan for scalable growth, stay agile and adapt.

McMichael

As the major drivers of our strategy, we plan to continue innovating and leveraging modern technology with our products and services portfolio taking huge considerations for customer satisfaction and local taste preferences

THE NATIONAL SOCIAL REGISTER IS A

FRAUD

EMMANUEL OBARO

OHWADUA canvasses the scrapping of the national social register

See page 21

ZERO HUNGER GOVERNANCE FOR NIGERIA

Adequate security is required to provide an enabling atmosphere for safe farming, argues

EMMANUEL NNAMDI OSADEBAY

See page 21

EDITORIAL

BRIGANDAGE WITHIN COURT PREMISES

On July 27-28, St Petersburg will host the second Russia-Africa Summit and RussiaAfrica Economic and Humanitarian Forum. On the eve of these large-scale representative events which will bring together heads of state and government, entrepreneurs, academia and the development of Russia-Africa relations with the readers of the leading media on the African continent, outlining priority cooperation areas for the coming decades of the 21st century.

The partnership relations between our country and Africa have strong, deep roots and have always been distinguished by stability, trust and goodwill. We have consistently supported African peoples in their struggle for liberation from colonial oppression. We have provided assistance in developing statehood, strengthening their sovereignty and defence capability. Much has been done to create sustainable foundations for national economies. By the mid-1980s, with the participation of our specialists, over 330 large infrastructure and industrial facilities have been built in Africa, such as power plants, irrigation systems, industrial and agricultural enterprises, which are successfully operating to this day, and the continent’s economic development. Tens of thousands of African doctors, technical received education in Russia. traditionally close cooperation on the world by the USSR and then Russia to African countries at international fora. We have always strictly adhered to the “African solutions to African problems” principle, standing in solidarity with Africans in their struggle for self-determination, justice and their legitimate rights. We have never tried to impose on partners our own ideas about the internal structure, forms and methods of management, development goals and ways to achieve them. Unchanged remains our respect for the sovereignty of African states, their traditions and values, their desire to independently determine their own destiny and freely build relationships with partners.

We highly value the honestly-gained capital of friendship and cooperation, traditions of trust and mutual support that Russia and African countries share. We are brought together by a common desire to shape a system of relations based on the priority of international law, respect for national interests, indivisibility of security, and recognition of the central coordinating role of the United Nations.

Today, the constructive, trustful, forwardcentres of economic and political power and asserting themselves more and more insistently, are sure that a new multipolar world order, the contours of which are already seen, will be more just and democratic. And there is no doubt that Africa,

Russia looks forward to welcoming African leaders for constructive dialogue and cooperation, writes VLADIMIR

PUTIN

RUSSIA AND AFRICA: JOINING EFFORTS FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

along with Asia, the Middle East and Latin colonialism and neo-colonialism, rejecting its modern practices.

Russia welcomes the rising international authority of individual states as well as Africa

problems into their own hands. We have always supported the constructive initiatives of our partners. We stand for granting African countries their rightful place in the structures that determine the world’s fate, including the UN Security Council and the G20, as well as institutions in a way that meets their interests.

Regrettably, we see that the situation in the world today is far from stable. The longregion are deepening, and new threats and challenges are emerging. And Africa feels

with our African partners to shape a nondiscriminatory agenda for cooperation. The strategic areas of our interaction are set Summit held in Sochi in late October 2019. The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was We have set up bilateral intergovernmental and technological cooperation with many of Russian embassies and trade missions in are being actively developed to better more dynamic.

Russia’s trade turnover with the African countries increased in 2022 and reached almost 18 billion US dollars. However, we are all well aware that the potential of our trade and economic partnership is much higher. more actively on the continent in the sphere of

nuclear power, in the chemical industry, mining and transport engineering, agriculture world require the search for solutions related to the establishment of new transport and logistical chains, the formation of a monetary mutual settlements that are safe and free from We understand the importance of uninterrupted food supplies for the socioeconomic development and political stability of the African states. On this basis, we have always paid great attention to issues related to the supply of wheat, barley, maize and other crops to African countries. We have done so both on a contractual basis and free of charge as humanitarian aid, including through the United Nations Food Programme. Thus, in grain to Africa, and almost 10 million tonnes which severely hamper the supply of Russian food products to developing countries, complicating transport logistics, insurance Many have probably heard of the so-called “grain deal,” whose initial purpose was to ensure global food security, reduce the threat of hunger and help the poorest countries

place. This “deal,” however, while it was publicly advertised by the West as a gesture of shamelessly used solely for the enrichment of large US and European businesses that Judge for yourselves: in almost a year, a total of 32.8 million tonnes of supplies were high- and upper-middle-income countries, including in the European Union, whereas such countries as Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia, as well as Yemen and Afghanistan, received less than 3 percent of the supplies, i.e. less than one million tonnes.

sanctions of Russian grain and fertiliser

Moreover, barriers have been mounted even to our attempts to supply free of charge mineral fertilisers to the poorest countries in European ports, only two shipments were and one of 34,000 tonnes to Kenya. The rest is still unscrupulously held by the Europeans. And this is a purely humanitarian initiative from any sanctions as such.

Putin is President of the Russian Federation

EMMANUEL OBARO OHWADUA canvasses the scrapping of the national social register

THE NATIONAL SOCIAL REGISTER IS A FRAUD

ZERO HUNGER GOVERNANCE FOR NIGERIA

federal ministries of agriculture and water

is organized, stored, and managed in a way

to identify and maintain information or system designed to identify and maintain of database/register, it can be concluded

tendencies to increase crime rates and social

Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian

to dirty or bad data, we are referring to data mindset, data must undergo a transformation Ohwadua, PhD, emmohwadua@smartechinfosec.com

declared state of emergency and

we can transform agrifood systems and

Amb. Osadebay, Executive Director, T200 Foundation, writes from Lagos

Adequate security is required to provide an enabling atmosphere for safe farming, argues EMMANUEL NNAMDI OSADEBAY

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

BRIGANDAGE WITHIN COURT PREMISES

The clash between factions of the state agencies is shameful

Adisgraceful melee ensued on Tuesday at the premises of the Federal High court in Ikoyi, Lagos

is the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of legitimate approach would have been for them to formally apply to the court and make a case for their continual disobey the court order after creating a violent for more than a month was arraigned in court on a two-count charge bordering on possession of a single barrel shot gun, as well as possession of was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N20

KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D 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

ordinarily remains innocent in the eyes of the law order only portrays the level to which lawlessness also a further devaluation of our already debased which security agents believe they can beat, bully, and strip people naked in open court premises tax money are allowed to behave like common motor park touts in a with security chiefs after Bola Tinubu reportedly warned against interagencies must work to achieve one single with each other is not something that I will in court on Tuesday, the presidential charge is factions of state enforcers is a disgraceful display of lawlessness that would attract severe sanctions in institute an inquiry into this disgraceful episode example needs to be set so that such disgraceful in this shameful act, we must remind the federal government that such public conduct sends very negative signals to the world about our respect for basic human rights and dignity of citizens under

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.

LETTERS

APC: ELECTING THE NEXT CHAIRMAN

The recent movements in the top national leadership of the opened a discourse on an apparent rush to appoint or elect a Understandably, the apparent rush was informed by con-

Many stakeholders have suggested that rushing the process of selecting a new national chairman and secretary at avoid making such an important decision in a tense atmo-

The calmness that follows the cooling down period can be an auspicious time to strategise properly, think clearly and act in the best way to heal wounds and foster a sense of belong-

The acting national chairman and secretary should be given time to stabilise the national secretariat of the party,

Both Senator Abubakar Kyari, the acting national chairalong with the likes of Malam Salihu Lukman, an acknowledged asset to the party and its outspoken Vice National -

And when it comes to appointing or electing substantive persons to the posts of national chairman and secretary, it

in setting up a standard for other political parties to emulate in terms of giving genuine recognition to women as capable clout and administrative prowess that can contribute in sus-

Given the wisdom of party elders, builders and leaders, selecting a new national chairman and secretary should be

that a woman should be considered for the position of either

en a chance to practically demonstrate their ability to lead po-

Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, former APC’s national spokesman

Such public conduct sends very negative signals to the world about our respect for basic human rights and dignity of citizens under the law

Amid CBN FX Reforms, 21 NGX Most Capitalised Stocks Beat Inflation Rate

Kayode Tokede

As the Nigerian equities market continue to rally following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) foreign exchange (FX) reforms, about 70 per cent of the 30 most capitalised companies on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), have outpaced Nigeria’s inflation rate, which has surged to its highest level in more than 17 years.

According to THISDAY investigations, about 21 out of 30 companies listed stocks on the

NGX-30 yield as of July 25, 2023 surpassed the inflation rate that reached 22.79 per cent in June 2023, according to data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The inflation rate in Africa’s biggest economy rose to a new 17-year high of 22.79 per cent in June 2023 from 22.41 per cent in the previous month.

The Bola Tinubu’s All Progressive Congress (APC) led-administration and country’s monetary policymakers have since been more aggressive in recent months in curtailing multiple

foreign exchange rates. The unification of foreign exchange rate have attracted more participation in stocks from foreign investors.

The nation’s headline inflation raced to 22.79 per cent in July, the highest since September 2005, from 18.60 per cent in June, according to the NBS.

The Naira now trade at N788.424 against the dollar from N448.55 at the Investors & Exporters (I & E FX) market window, with capital analysts saying the reforms have boosted investors’ confidence.

THISDAY analysis of market

data showed that the NGX 30, which tracks the top 30 companies in terms of market capitalisation and liquidity, has gained 30.49 per cent Year-till-Date (YtD) to 2,404,25 basis points from 1,842.50 basis points, while the overall stock market has appreciated by 28.76per cent YtD from 51,251.06 basis points to 65,988.81basis points as of July 25, 2023.

Ananlysts belive the stock market rally started way back in November 2022, when it was obvious that the contest for Nigeria’s presidency was between

the current President Bola Tinubu and the duo of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

“It was obvious we were going to witness a possible transition from government of President Muhammadu Buhari that had public sector dominance as his economic focus, to a new regime that could favour private sector dominance.

“So, all along, market was bullish on transition, and when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became president and started with a policy thrust that was in agreement with his campaign promises of removal of subsidy and

unification of Naira exchange rate, market went agog. Market is actually bullish on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy thrust, ”said CEO, Wyoming Capital and Partners, Tajudeen Olayinka. The domestic stock market has maintained its bullish momentum so far this year, gaining N8.02 trillion in market capitalisation as of July 25, 2023 to N35.933 trillion from N27.915trillion it closed for trading in 2022.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Tetconsult Harps on Data Protection, Confidentiality to Earn Citizens’ Trust

Emma Okonji

Five weeks after the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) Act was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tetcosult, a technology empowerment and transformation company, has stressed the need for data protection and confidentiality awareness among Nigerians in order to build trust between citizens who generate data and those who control and process citizen’s data.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tetconsult, Shola Taylor, made the call during the ongoing training

on data protection for a select number of staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), organised by Tetconsult in Lagos.

Taylor, who is the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), spoke on the theme: Data Protection-Policy, Regulation and Practice.

According to him, it is important to take advantage of the country’s data protection law to train organisations on data protection and compliance strategies.

“When people are informed about the benefits of data protection and the importance of keeping data in high confidentiality, they will be able to protect people’s data that are in their custody, and ensure that people’s data are not compromised.

“It will also enhance the trust of citizens who give out their data in trust to those that keep such data. When their data is protected, government will have enough data to work with when making policies on national development and growth,” Taylor said.

He therefore advised NDPC

to create awareness about data generation and data usage, through collaboration with government agencies like the NCC to deepen the awareness strategies. NDPC has to get the private sector involved in the awareness creation and the emphasis should be on the need for data protection. Those that generate data and process data should be conscious of data protection and confidentiality, he said.

He explained that digital technologies have had tremendous and radical impact on society over the past few decades, adding that

the entire industries have been transformed by new data generated from the use of the internet.

“A new hyper competitive business environment has emerged where innovation is prized and super changed startups can take significant market share from even the most established and successful household names. Data generated must therefore be kept protected in high confidentiality by those who control and protect data.

“In the case of data hack, citizens that own the data must be informed in a most transparent way and in the case of data breach of organisations, appropriate penalties

MARKET DATA AS AT WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023

must be applied,” Taylor said. Head Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Babatunde Bamigboye, who represented the CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji at the on-going training session, said data protection remained key to individuals and organisations, and stressed the need for Data Processing Officers (DPOs) and Data Controlling Officers (DCOs), to always protect the volume of data that have been entrusted in their care.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

How DBN’s N23bn MSMEs Support Bond Will Deepen Access to Finance

Nume Ekeghe writes on recent bond issuance by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the pivotal role it

play in fostering SME growth in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Micro, Small, and MediumScale Enterprises (MSMEs) have long been recognised as crucial drivers of economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. However, accessing adequate and affordable funding has remained a significant challenge for many MSMEs, limiting their ability to expand and contribute fully to the country’s economic development.

Opening up funding channels for MSMEs in the country has continually been a topic for discourse amongst stakeholders in the sector, financial institutions, regulators as well as the government. As a financial institution focused on growth and development, Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) had to this end opened up lines of funding through a medium term bond programme.

As part of achieving its goal of deepening access to finance and supporting the growth of MSMEs in the country, DBN recently raised N23 billion through local bond issuance which is part of its N100 billion medium-term bond program.

According to DBN, the primary objective of the bond issuance is to expand the bank’s capacity to provide funding to critical sectors of the economy, with a particular focus on MSMEs. Funds realized from the bond issuance is expected to further enhance DBN’s ability to meet the substantial funding needs of the MSME sub-sector, thus promoting job creation and wealth generation in the economy.

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM INVESTORS

The N20 billion series 1 bond issuance witnessed remarkable demand from investors and was oversubscribed, attesting to the market’s confidence in DBN’s mission and initiatives. With a maturity period of five years, the bond was issued at a competitive 14.40 per cent coupon rate, making it an attractive investment option for both domestic and institutional investors.

The successful N23 billion bond issuance was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various financial entities. DLM Advisory served as the lead issuing house, with Standard Chartered Bank as the joint issuing house. Other parties involved in the transaction included G. Elias, Meristem, First City Monument Bank, Access Bank, Deloitte, Zenith Bank, Agusto & Co., GCR Ratings (an affiliate of Moody’s Investors Service), Olaniwun Ajayi, and ARM Trustees.

At the official signing ceremony held in Lagos recently, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of DBN, Dr. Tony Okpanachi reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting MSMEs. He emphasised that the issuance of the N23 billion bond was a pivotal step in deepening DBN’s access to funds, empowering MSMEs, and enabling them to create employment opportunities for the nation’s unemployed youths.

Vice President, Investment Banking at DLM Advisory Limited, Mr. Nwabu Okonkwo, expressed his satisfaction with the bond issuance, noting that it attracted diverse investors, including domestic pension funds, asset managers, and insurance companies. The impressive subscription rate of 1.26 times oversubscription, with total subscriptions of N25.37 billion against the initial target of N20 billion, signifies the market’s enthusiasm for supporting MSMEs through DBN’s initiatives. The Executive Director of Standard Chartered Capital & Advisory Limited, Amaka Nsofor, hailed the bond issuance as a significant milestone

that fosters both diversification and financial inclusion.

LOCAL CAPITAL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

For nearly six years since its inception, DBN had sourced its initial funding from development partners outside the country. However, with the successful local bond issuance, DBN has demonstrated its ability to raise capital within the Nigerian economy, signaling a strategic shift towards diversified funding sources. This move not only enhances DBN’s financial sustainability but also fosters financial independence and resilience.

FOSTERING INCLUSIVE GROWTH

As a specialised development bank, DBN’s core purpose is to alleviate financing constraints faced by MSMEs and small corporates in Nigeria. Through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries, DBN seeks to bridge the funding gap and create an enabling environment for the growth of MSMEs. By working with partner institutions, DBN ensures that financing reaches the hands of those enterprises that need it most, while adhering to market-conforming principles.

With funding lines now increasing for MSMEs, Okpanachi urged young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity presented by the bond issuance to upscale their businesses and build sustainable ventures. Stressing the importance of being “bankable,” he emphasized that both the funds provided to MSMEs and those borrowed from development partners are loans that need to be repaid. Hence, being credible borrowers is essential for gaining access to funding and building a track record of successful ventures.

To gauge the impact of funds provided to MSMEs and assess the effectiveness of the financing, DBN has put in place robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These measures will track the utilization of funds by financial institutions and determine how they contribute to the growth and development of

the supported businesses. By staying accountable and evaluating outcomes, DBN aims to continuously improve its funding programs and better serve the MSME community.

By enabling MSMEs to access funding and establishing sustainable partnerships, DBN’s efforts are set to accelerate the growth and success of these enterprises in Nigeria. As more MSMEs gain access to the necessary capital, they will be better equipped to drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to the nation’s overall prosperity.

TRANSFORMATIVE MOMENT FOR MSMES

The successful N23 billion bond issuance by the Development Bank of Nigeria marks a transformative moment for MSMEs in Nigeria. With increased access to finance, these enterprises are poised to thrive, unlocking their potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. DBN’s unwavering commitment to fostering financial inclusion and supporting the growth of MSMEs serves as a testament to the bank’s dedication to the nation’s economic development. As the bonds’ proceeds are directed towards empowering entrepreneurs and advancing economic prosperity, Nigeria is well-positioned to witness a flourishing landscape of thriving small businesses, shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the bank, Dr Tony Okpanachi, at a media parley in Lagos recently noted that DBN plans to continue to leverage its strengths, whilst building viable partnerships and exploring new opportunities for impact to ensure that it remains a catalyst for sustainable development.

According to him, the drive to provide funding for MSMEs in the country had seen the DBN providing financing support to its participating financial institutions to the tune of N631 billion as of December 2022. “Over 313,000 MSMEs have benefited from this support, leading to the creation of more than 900,000 jobs. These numbers signify hope and prosperity

for countless individuals and families across the nation.”

SUPPORTING MICRO, SMALL BUSINESSES

Okpanachi noted that the support for SMEs in the country had become expedient as more than 80 per cent of the entire population of Nigeria, “which is more than 160 million Nigerians, depends on the informal economy. This means that the Trade and Commerce sector is the hope of daily survival and livelihood for most Nigerian families and entrepreneurs. DBN recognizes this critical need. As such, more than N230 billion have been channelled to support small businesses in the Trade and Commerce sector over the past five years leading up to December 2022.”

Aside from this, Okpanachi said in addressing the food challenge in the country, the DBN had provided facilities towards the agricultural sector. The DBN CEO quoting the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), noted that Nigeria is at the cusp of a food crisis and millions of Nigerians will likely experience acute hunger in 2023 as climate adversely affects the production of food crops.

“Indeed, supporting small businesses in the agriculture sector is crucial for improving food security in Nigeria. The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) recognizes the significance of agriculture in the country’s economy and has allocated substantial funding to agro-MSMEs. As of December 2022, the Bank has provided N27 billion to Agro-MSMEs.

“This funding has played a vital role in supporting agricultural activities, empowering farmers, and promoting agro-entrepreneurship. The financial support provided by DBN has helped agro-MSMEs to enhance their operations, invest in modern farming techniques, acquire machinery and equipment, expand their production capacity, and access new markets. The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has extended its financing support beyond just agriculture to various other sectors, recognizing their importance in the overall development and prosperity of the Nigerian economy, “he said.

“DBN has provided N13 billion in financing support to MSMEs operating in the hospitality and tourism sector. This funding has helped these businesses to expand their operations, improve infrastructure, enhance service quality, and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s tourism industry. We have also allocated N12 billion in financing to support quality education in Nigeria. This funding has been instrumental in improving educational facilities, promoting skill development programs, and enhancing access to education across the country.

“DBN has channeled N11.5 billion in financing support to the health sector, aiming to improve access to healthcare services and enhance the health conditions of the Nigerian populace. This funding has supported the development and expansion of healthcare facilities, the procurement of medical equipment, and the training of healthcare professionals, “he added.

Okpanachi furthered that “DBN recognizes the immense potential of technology and innovation in driving development and digital transformation across sectors. Therefore, it has allocated N11 billion to the technology sector, supporting businesses involved in technology and innovation initiatives. This funding aims to foster increased efficiency, productivity, and expanded market access for Nigerian businesses.”

would

Okpanachi

Inq to Boost Nigeria’s Energy Sector, Save Cost with AI Solution

Emma Okonji

Inq, a global leading-edge solutions provider of innovative services in Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoTs), is set to boost Nigeria’s energy sector with the launch AI solution.

The AI solution, which will enhance data analytics, will be used for predictive analytics in the entire process of energy generation, transmission and distribution, and it has the capacity to reduce wastages and revenue loss.

Designed to enhance operations in the energy sector, the AI-driven solution will also serve other African countries from Nigeria.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Lagos, the Executive Chairman at inq, Andile Ngeaba, said the company decided to launch the solution in Nigeria because Nigeria has become the largest economy in Africa in terms of GDP growth, with the largest

distribution of fibre optic cables in Africa, which he said, would drive development faster than imagined.

According to him, inq Nigeria developed the unique AI-driven solution locally in Nigeria, specifically for the energy sector, which no other company has developed.

He said the solution would serve the Nigerian energy sector and would be taken from Nigeria to other markets where inq operates.

Managing Director, inq Nigeria, Valentine Chime, said the Energy AI solution from inq, would address financial losses in the energy sector, which is incurred during electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

“The energy sector has suffered great financial losses because of its inability to use emerging technology like AI to analyse energy data. With our AI-driven solution, we are able to make the smart metres installed at base

stations, at feeder pillars and homes of electricity consumers, to work better and smatter, using Internet of Things (IoTs) to produce real-time accurate energy readings and results. It identifies high energy usage areas and cut down on financial losses. Average financial loss in the Nigerian energy sector is about 40 per cent, but our solution is able to cut down on the loss and completely eradicate it,” Chime said.

Addressing the issue of connectivity, the Group Chief Executive Officer at inq, Glad Dibetso, said inq would tap into the vast fibre optic cable distribution in Nigeria, to provide high speed internet connectivity in cities and remote areas of Nigeria. According to him, ing is building connectivity infrastructure within the African continent, and all Fintech companies will be connected to its network to deliver innovative services to their customers.

Hotel Owners Warn Abuja Disco against New Electricity

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Hotel Owners Forum of Abuja (HOFA) has opposed the proposed move by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to increase electricity tariff. The owners voiced their opposition recently at the scheduled DisCos rate review hearing called by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

HOFA President, Mrs Funmi Kassim, said the new tariff would spell doom for the hospitality industry and do nothing but bring their businesses down.

The AEDC said the plan to increase tariffs was due to the fluctuating exchange rate in the country which now stood at about N792 to a dollar.

During the hearing on the proposed average tariff build up, the Managing Director of AEDC, Adeoya Fadebiyi, said in light of current reality the DisCO would charge N150.43/ Kwh electricity tariff in order to be able to collect its revenue required.

Kassim however disagreed with the upward review, which she said would not augur well for the hotel owners.

“If you have to increase this tariff, it will run so many hotels in Abuja down. We talked about carpet and so many other things that we mentioned here. I know there is a mandate as regards the carpet but is AEDC following the mandate? We were told that if we are on Band A we are to pay more so that we can get more power but are we getting it? We are supposed to have 20 hours of electricity per day but we don’t get up that per day. A lot of us run our hotels on generators,” Kassim said. Also the Chairman Network for Electric Consumers Advocacy of

Tariff

Nigeria (NECAN), Chief Temilola Akingbogun, said electricity is taking almost 35- 40 per cent of the cost of running the hotel in Nigeria aside from other cost centres.

“This same thing applies to

manufacturing which is why manufacturers have left Nigeria. So, if we continue to allow the cost of our business in Nigeria to be so high, the future will be very doom for tourism and all our potential will be wasted,”

Cowrie Creek Estate Residents Lament Upsurge of Shanties Around Vicinity

Residents of Cowrie Creek Estate, Ikate, Lekki Lagos are worried over the increasing number of shanties springing up around the estate.

Cowrie Creek Estate, a highend residential estate, in Ikate, Lagos was conceived in 2007 by Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Cooperative Society as a private sector-led investment in the real estate sector of Lagos state.

However, the estate residents are now expressing concerns over the upsurge of makeshift shanties built with plywoods, woods and roofed with a combination of nylons and abandoned vehicle tyres defacing its surroundings, making the environment an eyesore.

The inhabitants of the shanties have also become a major source of security concerns around the estate community.

The shantytowns, at the back of Alia, and one at Caterpillar, by Spar Shopping Mall, in Ikate, Lagos are providing their own amenities like water, toilets, security, bathrooms, fast food joints, restaurants and even pharmacy.

But activities of the thousands of inhabitants across the two shanties, which lack proper drainage facilities have continued to be a source of worry to the Cowrie Creek Estate residents.

During a visit to the shanties by our correspondent, it was discovered that some its residents pay N50 to use toilet facilities while those that cannot afford the fee go to nearby bushes around the vicinity.

One source within the shanties said residents pay N7,000 monthly to rent makeshift houses built on water platforms; N20,000 to buy space for building the makeshift houses while outright purchase of completed makeshift houses costs N70,000.

However, the source said the risk is on the buyer of such houses, should the government eventually demolish the structures.

Speaking on the state of the estate neighborhood, one of the the Cowrie Creek Estate residents, Richard Dozie, said the springing up of several ghettoes around the estate has worsened security challenge around the estate.

Huawei Demonstrates 5G Use Cases, Experiences

Emma Okonji

Huawei Technologies recently hosted the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Fellows to an exciting day of 5G demo experience and its penetration in Nigeria.

The session, which held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring innovation among the Fellows.

The MTN Media Innovation Programme is a fully funded 6-week long programme spread across six months for media practitioners in the Nigerian space. The second edition, which

commenced in May 2023, has enlightened the Fellows on the necessary convergence between ICT and the Media, Sensationalism and Fake News, Advanced Media Reporting, Corporate communication strategies, Media laws and Taxation, Business Journalism, and Digital skills, among other subject matters, so far.

During the 5G demo, Huawei’s technical team presented a series of enlightening use cases that explained the wide-ranging impact of 5G technology outside Nigeria, and the plans for expansion in the country. From healthcare to transportation to smart cities,

the presentations highlighted the power of the technology in revolutionizing connectivity and enhancing everyday experiences.

Addressing the penetration of 5G technology, the Director, Business Solutions and Service Experience at Huwaei, Aihao Yin, said: “The 5G penetration in Nigeria is still low, but it has changed the society so far, especially with the use cases such as hologram from MTN, Internet of Things (IoT), AR/VR, etc. However, the main advantage is the speed, which is three times faster than 4G. Nigeria still has the potential for wider 5G connectivity.”

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FORUM…

L-R: Founder and CEO, Nonconform Productions, Folashade Anozie; Founder and CEO, Glann Media Consult, Njideka Agbo; Ekiti State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Hon Akintunde Oyebode; Founder and Creative Director, Africa Soft Power, Nkiru Balonwu; Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Seun Fakorede and Director, Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, Adaora Ikenze, during the Africa Soft Power forum in Lagos...recently

Report: African CEOs Identify Advanced AI, Analytics as Success Drivers

Emma Okonji

A new global study by the IBM Institute for Business Value has revealed that over 54 per cent of African CEOs surveyed identify customer experience as their

highest business priority.

They also recognise productivity as key to achieving their business goals, ranking it their second highest priority (46 per cent). However, they continue to face key barriers

as they race to modernise and adopt new technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The annual CEO study, tagged CEO decision-making in the age of AI, Act with intention, found that African CEOs

expect to realise significant value from advanced forms of AI and analytics such as cloud computing, automation, generative AI, deep learning, machine learning, advanced analytics, and more.

Spectranet Launches New Scheme to Enhance Customers’ Experience

Nosa Alekhuogie

In a bid to foster customer loyalty and give back to subscribers, Spectranet, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Nigeria has launched a new solution called ‘Spectranet Jara’. With the launch of Spectranet Jara, all data recharges done across all Spectranet’s renewal channels such as their Self Care Portal, Mobile Apps, Exclusive shops and Authorized Dealer outlets, will now be eligible to receive loyalty points of up to 10 per cent of the total value of the recharge.

During the launch of the scheme at Spectranet’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Spectranet

Jara was described as a special offer to say thank you to all her customers for sticking with the brand throughout the years. Explaining how it operates, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Spectarnet, Mr. Maneesh Kulshrestha, disclosed that the JARA initiative would enable customers acquire loyalty points of up to 10 per cent of every data recharge done, irrespective of the plan selected. The Spectranet ‘Jara’, which means extra, has been designed to reward Spectranet subscribers with loyalty points on every data recharge.

Kulshrestha further described the new offering as one that showcases Spectranet as a market leader that

will continue to introduce customer friendly initiatives that truly makes a good difference to improve the life and businesses of Nigerians.

Also, at the launch of the scheme, Spectranet rewarded five top dealers who met their targets and performed excellently in the second quarter of this year. The dealers were celebrated with awards and new incentive packages to encourage them and congratulate them for a job well done.

The CEO added that the move was a calculated attempt by Spectranet to give back to not only its customers and dealers, but also the larger society, stating that internet service is a major key to surviving and thriving in the face of the current economic challenges

Smile Ignites Internet, Data Revolution in Kano

Smile Communications, a telecoms provider, has launched its SuperFast Internet services in Kano State, a development that is geared towards igniting internet and data revolution in the state.

Following the success of its Voice services earlier this year, Smile is now poised to revolutionise the internet and data services sector with its comprehensive bouquet of products and services. The arrival of Smile in Kano comes at a time when the demand for reliable and high-speed internet services is on the rise, promising an exciting and unparalleled

experience for the citizens of Kano State

With its launch in Kano, Smile Communications is introducing a range of cutting-edge products designed to meet the diverse needs of the population. From SMiFis to Routers and Dongles, Smile offers a versatile selection of devices that cater to various connectivity preferences. Moreover, Smile has gone the extra mile by providing a physical free SIM card that can be utilised on 4G LTE-enabled smartphones. With a monthly subscription of just N5000, users can enjoy unlimited smartphone data, granting them AlwaysOn non-stop access to the digital

world.

Smile’s Chief Marketing Officer, Abdul Hafeez said: “By offering reliable and uninterrupted internet connectivity, Smile will ensure that Kano citizens can seamlessly browse, work, connect, and indulge in online activities without constraints. This commitment to reliability is coupled with affordable pricing, making Smile’s services accessible to a wide range of individuals, including students, businessmen and women, artisans, housewives, and young upwardly mobile youths.

9mobile Trains Kano Entrepreneurs on Customer Loyalty

Nosa Alekuogie

9mobile has further reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, during the Kano edition of The Hack, which is a networking and business mentorship programme for entrepreneurs desirous of scaling their businesses. 9mobile used the programme to train Kano SMEs on how to nurture customer loyalty through relationship selling during the two-day event.

The telecoms company had a practical training session on the first day and an exhibition on the second day, where the SMEs displayed their products for sale at no cost to them.

The Kano edition titled “Beyond the Talk” was a granular attempt at simplifying essential business concepts for burgeoning entrepreneurs.

The Head of Regional Sales, North at 9mobile, Babangida Mukaddas, took the SMEs on a journey in customer loyalty and

told them that while many of their strategies as business owners might focus on marketing, business continuity and the working capital of their businesses, one of the hardest things that they will not be able to do is to buy customer loyalty.

“Entrepreneurs must put a lot of processes in place to nurture customer loyalty, and at the heart of this is relationship selling which is one of the key things business owners must do to entrench customer loyalty,” Mukaddas said.

Analysing the report, the General Manager, IBM Africa Growth Markets, Julia Carvalho, said: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution has presented Africa with an opportunity to leapfrog various stages of economic development. Consequently, African organisations are leveraging generative AI and emerging innovation models to accelerate innovation, enhance customer experiences,

productivity and profitability, and environmental sustainability, to name a few.

“However, it’s critical that CEOs in Africa establish and implement clear and consistent standards as it concerns the utilization of AI across all areas of strategic focus, as it will determine the level of investment and, ultimately, an organization’s success in a rapidly advancing digital economy.” confronting Nigerians.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Strengthening Nutrition Outcomes amidst Climate Change Threats

As climate change continues to raise concerns on human survival, especially in the area of food security and good nutrition, stakeholders at the recently organised policy dialogue by the Nigeria Health Watch held in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Strengthening Nutrition Outcomes in the Face of Climate Change’, deliberated on way to ensure food security and nutrition outcomes are strengthened amidst threats by climate change. Sunday Ehigiator reports Programme, Dr Chukwuma Anene, echoed the concerns about policy implementation challenges and highlighted other persistent gaps in addressing sustainability.

In recent times, food production has become increasingly challenging and unpredictable as global temperatures increase because of shifts in weather patterns, ranging from extreme weather events to environmental disruptions.

The effects of climate change on food insecurity have now become very direct and substantial.

Negative indices

According to The World Count, about 9 million people around the world die every year of hunger and hunger-related diseases. This is more than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Globally, 822 million people suffer from undernourishment, while at least 3.1 million children die from poor nutrition and hunger every year.

In Nigeria, one in 10 children die from hunger before the age of five, and an estimated 25 million people are at risk of food insecurity. Also, 17 million people are currently at risk of food insecurity, this is according to a report from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

In the 2022 Global Hunger Index, Nigeria ranks 103rd out of 121 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2022 GHI scores. With a score of 27.3, Nigeria has a level of hunger that is serious.

SDGs and Food insecurity

Recent figures from UNICEF and the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) show that Nigeria is not on track in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, zero hunger, and SDG 3, good health and well-being, by 2030.

According to the FAO, a person is food insecure when they lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and active, healthy life.

Unfortunately in Nigeria, continued conflict, climate change, inflation and rising food prices are key drivers of food insecurity.

Food access has been affected by persistent violence in the north-east states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) and armed banditry and kidnapping in states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Benue and Niger.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, widespread flooding in the 2022 rainy season damaged more than 676,000 hectares of farmlands, which diminished harvests and increased the risk of food insecurity for families across the country.

Flooding is one of the effects of climate change and variability impacting Nigeria. More extreme weather patterns affecting food security are anticipated in the future.

The reality of climate change

The reality of climate change and the frequency of its unpleasant consequences constitute significant threats to human lives across different regions of the world. The adverse outcome of climate change has necessitated global concerns and efforts at mitigating its effects as well as advocacy for measures that would restrict human actions that induce climate change.

Climate change refers to changes in the mean variability properties of the climate, which persists over an extended period, typically within decades or longer.

Climate refers to the atmospheric condition of a particular location over a longer period. The climatic condition is the long-term summation of the atmospheric elements such as solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity and precipitation and their variations over a long period.

The persistent departure from the mean or/and variability properties of the climate is referred to as climate change. The main cause of climate change experienced in the present time is the human expansion of the greenhouse effect.

Human beings progressively utter the

concentration of greenhouse gases and aerosols, both of which influence the climate negatively; the consequence of this is the resultant effect on food production.

Climate change poses a challenge to achieving SDG 2, zero Hunger, and SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, as food production heavily relies on climatic factors like rainfall, temperature, and humidity.

Stakeholder’s prepositions

To address this menace and as part of efforts to strengthen and increase understanding of the linkages between climate change, food security and nutrition and improving policies and practices for nutrition security, experts at the 2023 Nutrition Policy Dialogue say countries must deploy mechanisms to ensure resilient food production systems that will translate to better nutrition for the populace.

The programme brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society organisations, to present issues affecting Nigerians’ public health, discuss potential solutions and opportunities for progress, and chart actionable recommendations for policy actions.

The dialogue drew participants from the government, including the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment, academia, researchers, development partners, civil society, nutrition commodities manufacturing and marketing organisations, relevant groups, associations and healthcare providers.

They said, in Nigeria, the National Climate Change Act supports the implementation of measures to curb the impact of climate change on food production; and direct nutrition interventions can reduce vulnerability and build resilience to climate change consequences.

Dangers of overlooking climate impact on nutrition

Opening the discussions, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, stressed the dangers of overlooking the impact of climate change not just on health and well-being but on nutrition outcomes.

According to her, “Hunger and poor nutrition continue to be a very pressing global issue and have claimed many lives not just in Nigeria but around the world. The impact of climate change will continue to compound our ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

“We are aware of the impact of climate change, and its impact on health and wellbeing, and nutrition outcomes, especially for children. Hence, we must work collaboratively to tackle this rising menace head-on.

“The nexus between climate change and nutrition is a formidable reality and hampers our ability to provide sustainable food, which affects our children’s access to nutritious diets. It also leads to inflation, as

it destroys farm produce and livestock.

“Stakeholders, including the government at the national and sub-national levels, private sector, farmers, and others play a very important role in shaping the trajectory of the nation’s climate and food security.”

Outlook for food security

In his keynote address, the Director and Head, Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiency at the Federal Ministry of Health, Chief John Uruakpa, stated that the prevalence of food insecurity and the burden of malnutrition will be further worsened as climate change continues to unfold in Nigeria.

According to him, “The government must ensure nutrition is addressed in climate-resilient development and national climate change processes, plans and programmes.

“We must also Increase policy coherence and multidisciplinary collaboration at local, regional, national and international levels to enhance food chain sustainability and local access to adequate nutrition, while promoting the rights of the vulnerable people to essential livelihood resources, including land rights and access to or protection of fishing grounds.”

UNICEF call for awareness

In her address, UNICEF Chief of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Dr Jane Bevan, said “If people are made more aware about the issues of climate change, and know how it affects them and their communities, then they will work towards that and demand from the government that more is done about it.

“We also need to sensitize the local governments about the issues of climate change. While there is a need for investment, we need more advocacies.”

Exploring innovative financing

In his address, the Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr Michael Ojo, stressed the importance of exploring innovative financing mechanisms to mobilise resources for climate change adaptation, agricultural development, and nutrition interventions.

“These include leveraging publicprivate partnerships, exploring climate finance opportunities, and promoting investments in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

“Access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices directly impact nutritional outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and women.”

Concerns on policy implementation

In his remarks, the Senior Programme Officer of USAID Advancing Nutrition

He identified insufficient mainstreaming, inadequate integration of climate change considerations into food security, limited capacity to interpret policies, and a lack of comprehensiveness as key obstacles against policy implementation.

“We have inadequate institutional and human capacity. We don’t have enough evidence-based data that would be a necessary action for policy development and decision making.”

He also stressed the importance of sustainable financing while also urging the government and policymakers to allocate and release adequate funding for climate change and nutrition issues to ensure the successful implementation of integrated policies and programmes.

White-paper proposition

A White-paper on Climate change and nutrition released at the end of the dialogue called for an integrated approach to be deployed and for all relevant sectors to be involved in this approach.

It noted there is a need to include climate change factors into consideration while designing interventions and/or programmes such as what stakeholders in the nutrition space like United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UNICEF and others do.

It stated that “Food production has gone down and will continue to go down if we do nothing. And will worsen diverse forms of malnutrition. Agriculture in Nigeria is largely rain-fed and climate change negatively impacts crop productivity by decreasing crop yield and soil fertility. Besides this, global hunger is not only about lack of food, currently, the world produces enough food to nourish every child, woman and man on the planet but nearly one-third of all the food products each year are lost before they are consumed.

“In Nigeria, farmers lose 50 per cent of their farm produce and 30 per cent of grains before they reach the market due to lack of many climate-induced factors such as high temperature that trickles down to moulds ruining foods, lack of technology and so on. Little wonder why one in 10 children die from hunger before their fifth birthday and 32 per cent of children less than five years old are stunted, making Nigeria the country with the second highest burden of stunted children in the world.”

On WASH, the White-paper said sanitation indices are appalling and almost a quarter of Nigerians do not have access to WASH. It observed there is a close correlation between sanitation, hand-washing and hygiene to climate change. “Also, nutrition is linked to WASH in no small way. Even though 90 per cent know how to wash hands properly, only eight per cent practice it.”

It called for enhancing the capacity of smallholder farmers by exposing them to new technology, exposing them to good agricultural practices such as diversification, introducing them to climate resistance seeds and livestock, and helping them learn sustainable farm practices that will reduce damage to the environment through harvest.

It also recommended “enhancement of community members in sustainable and environment-fr iendly method of storage; holistic approach, bottom top and top bottom for specific approached to target different levels of people; need to include the ministry of health in the steering committee for climate change; integrate climate change in the programming for food security; strengthen the capacity of both farmers (on the use of inorganic fertilizers) and the community; strengthen the leadership; prioritise evidence generation, quality data; increased funding for these climate adaptation approaches, make a budget and release funds for climate change interventions.”

Director of Programmes, Nigeria Health Watch, Kemisola Agbaoye, Managing Director Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Country Director- GAIN, Dr Michael Ojo, WASH Section UNICEF Nigeria, Dr Jane Bevan, Senior Programme Officer USAID Advancing Nutrition, Chukwuma Anene, Director & Head MIcronutrient Deficiency FMoH, Chief John Uruakpa, at the, just concluded Nutrition Policy Dialogue, held in Abuja

Group Trains Budding Health Professionals with Inclusive Curriculum

WAPHC to Curb Dearth of Medicine Security in Nigeria

Mary Nnah

Worried over the dearth of medicine security in Nigeria, West Africa Pharma Healthcare (WAPHC) is poised to address some of the healthcare challenges, and medicine security as well as promote accessibility and affordability of quality medicines in Nigeria, and other West African nations.

The group rolled out its plan to exhibit pharmaceutical products, including drugs, clinical, and other healthcare facilities from other countries to develop Africa.

To this end, West African nations would be converging with some global regulators conclave, where deliberations on pharmaceuticals would top discussion at the WAPHC exhibition, billed to hold from August 1 to 3, 2023, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mary Nnah

Young Leader of the Women Deliver and Project Lead of The WiseUp Initiative for Good Health and Community Development, Olabode

Ekerin, has successfully trained 40 budding health professionals on inclusive healthcare curriculums that address the health needs of sexual minorities. This was made possible through the Rainbow Access Project.

The Rainbow Access Project is an innovative response to the gap in sexual minority health education among health profession students in Nigeria. The project was

funded by Women Deliver. Through the project, 40 health profession students across different universities in Nigeria were trained with an inclusive curriculum that will cater for the health of sexual minorities.

Women Deliver is a leading network and global advocacy organisation that champions gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women, in all their intersecting identities. While speaking with reporters, Ekerin highlighted that this will be the first time in Nigeria that such an inclusive curriculum will be developed to train health profession

students. The curriculum included online lectures and case-based smallgroup discussions covering sexual minority terminology, inclusive sexual history taking, primary care and health maintenance, and transition-related care.

The project also included conversations with individuals who identify as sexual minorities to understand their key needs.

Students were surveyed before and after completing the curriculum to assess for an increase in confidence and knowledge related to sexual minorities-sp ecific care.

Nearly all the students

initially felt unprepared to sensitively elicit information. However, there was a significant improvement in students’ confidence in addressing sexual minorities’ health after the completion of the curriculum.

While this was a pilot project, the Rainbow Access Project is promising an intervention to improve healthcare services delivered to sexual minorities.

Ekerin called for curriculum reform e specially the curriculum used to teach health profession students. He warned that the belief that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will not be achievable if this is not addressed.

Drug Production: Pharmacists Urge CBN to Reduce DMBs to 10.0%

Rebecca Ejifoma

Critical stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in efforts to improve the local production of drugs.

This call was the thrust of St. Racheal’s Pharma Finance Forum held in Lagos on the theme: “Manufacturing Renaissance in Nigeria’’.

“I urge the CBN to reduce the CRR of DMBs from 32.5 per cent to 10.0 per cent as similar to what is obtainable in Merchant Banks.

“That way, they defreeze cash for the banks to lend money to us rather than keeping that money with CBN,” says Pharma Akinjide Adeosun, the Chairman of St. Racheal Pharma.

He further underscored how this move could help them expand their businesses and improve the capacity of local manufacturing pharmaceutical companies.

Adeosun lamented that just about 30 per cent of pharmaceutical brands were manufactured locally, leaving only about 70 per cent for importation.

While noting that with

about 80 per cent of inputs also being imported, he hinted, “There is the need for support to change the narrative, as we cannot constantly be dependent on others’’.

He also highlighted the significant role financial institutions played in the economy, especially in assisting businesses and sectors to grow.

Thus, Adeosun said it was time for the banks, notably, to support pharmaceutical manufacturing industries and the health sector in general.

“In so doing, challenging areas such as access to loan facilities need to be looked into,” adding, “Alongside, there has to be flexibility when it comes to loans and collaterals.”

The chairman also highlighted collaborations with the government to better grasp policies and smooth transition into aligning with policies.

He made a case for renewed hope, encouraging flexible credit terms, the realisation of a single-digit interest rate and a smooth transition to a possible 30 to 50 per cent of local manufacturing.

Adeosun, therefore, recommended free medical

management palliative for indigent patients and assured national security through improved and large-scale local manufacturing.

Speaking on “The Renaissance of Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector and the Role of Financial Institutions’’, the ED/Chief Finance Officer of Development Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Ijeoma Ozulumba, highlighted that only about 17 per cent of loans and advances had been made to the manufacturing industry in the country in recent years.

According to her, financial institutions had roles in helping grow the pharma manufacturing industry, including providing access to capital and investing and financing a speciality.

She listed Infrastructure Development, Power Supply, Transport and Logistics Enablement, Risk Management and Insurance, Export Financing, especially as the export share had been low, and Trade Facilitation.

Others are Capacity Building, Advisory Services, Support to SMEs, Industry Specific Financing Programmes and Policy Advocacy’.

Ozulumba assured stakeholders also that DBN

would increase funding opportunities and access for improved economic control and development.

The Managing Director of PBR Life Sciences, Pharm. Ayodeji Alaran shared more insights on “Renaissance: The Size of the Pharmaceutical Opportunities in Nigeria”.

He described the pharma industry as a strategic one, providing medication and other sectors the support to strengthen the nation’s security and citizens’ health.

Alaran, however, called for immediate intervention to support local pharma industries.

In his words, COVID-19 further revealed the sector’s vulnerability and its high import dependency with an evident shortage of supply.

He said that amid challenges, the local industries significantly increased manufacturing as they demonstrated resilience and capacity to close gaps.

“So, if given the needed support, they will continue to grow,’’ he asserted.

Representing SANOFI, Mr Dimeji Abolade emphasised the need for full capacity utilisation of factories and human resources in the local pharma manufacturing industry.

sectors. The healthcare industry, in particular, is experiencing a transformational phase, driven by rapid urbanisation and increasing healthcare awareness is vital.

“The government has recognised the significance of investing in the health sector and has implemented various reforms to improve healthcare.”

Aliyu added that one of the key investment opportunities in the country’s healthcare lies in the development and modernisation of private and public hospitals.

Speaking on the forthcoming event during a press conference recently, the Managing Director of Leoht Africa, Bunmi Aliyu, said the healthcare industry in this part of the world is set for remarkable growth while presenting numerous avenues for profitable investment, whilst making a positive impact.

“Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa offers immense potential for investment across various

“The past few years have shown us how much needs to be done in Africa in terms of medical innovation and healthcare technology advancements. The trade exhibition would provide a platform for discussions and conversations aimed at disrupting stereotypes and spearheading the progression of the healthcare industry in our region. It will expose relevant parties to the best equipment, technology, and knowledge for transformational growth”, she noted adding that the WAPHC trade exhibition is free for healthcare and trade professionals. The Director of Projects and Strategic Management, WegVoraus, Thomas James said the future of healthcare is to be on the agenda of the West Africa Pharma Healthcare Nigeria (WAPHC).

World Population Day: Uplifting the Voices of Nigerian Women and Girls

Aisha Dasgupta

Today, July 11th is World Population Day, which provides an opportunity to take a look at population dynamics affecting humanity both today and in our shared future. Late last year, the global population reached 8 billion, which is a milestone we cannot afford to ignore. The theme for this year’s World Population Day is “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”.

Nigeria today is estimated to be the 6th most populous country globally. However, the exact population size today is uncertain, because Nigeria has not had a census for 17 years. The United Nations Population Division projects Nigeria to grow to somewhere between 300 million and 475 million people by 2050, becoming the third largest country after India and China. The reason Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly is because women have on average 5 births over the course of a lifetime, amongst the highest in the world. High rates of childbearing are largely driven by gender inequalities, norms and expectations of women to have children, limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, and low educational attainment particularly of girls.

In recognition of these population dynamics, the 3rd revision of Nigeria’s Population Policy was launched in 2022 to take stock of Nigeria’s situation, and draw attention to the impact of rapid population growth for national development, including risks for education/health services, employment, poverty reduction, food security, environment, and safety and security. The Policy also outlines the strategies that are needed to initiate a rapid decline in fertility, and support

Nigeria to achieve sustainable development.

Critical to these strategies will be a focus on addressing gender inequality. Frequently, women and girls are marginalised, experience gender-based violence, have limited access to education and healthcare, and unequal economic prospects. Too often, barriers to women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, including limited access to contraception, prevents women from having the families they want. Gender equality enables women to determine their own futures, brings about freedom, boosts prosperity, and builds resilience to deal with future demographic change.

The United Kingdom is working with partners including governments, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and World Bank, across the world and in Nigeria to tackle gender inequality and stand up for the rights of women and girls. We champion women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, education of girls, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. Empowering women to have greater control over their own lives, and the tools and opportunities to fulfil their potential is at the heart of our approach. For example, empowering women and girls to choose whether, when, and how many children to have by increasing access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, gives them greater control to plan their lives and also to play a vital role in their country’s future.

Today, World Population Day serves as a reminder of the intricate issues surrounding demographic dynamics and the implications for sustainable development for tomorrow, and not just today.

Trainees at the Women Deliver training

FCTA to Audit Remittance of Payroll Deductions

Olawale Ajimotokan

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged off the auditing of the remittance of statutory and non-statutory deductions from the payroll of workers from year 2010 to 2022 to be remitted to the third-party beneficiaries.

The FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola conducted the flag-off exercise yesterday in Abuja.

He disclosed that the auditing of the remittances of payroll deductions was in line with the FCTA’s objectives and commitment to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible financial management.

According to him, the remittance of statutory deductions to be audited,

included taxes, pensions and insurance, while the non-statutory deductions fall under employee contributions to cooperative societies and various welfare programmes.

The audit exercise is also being carried out to ensure that the administration’s obligations to third-party beneficiaries are met with utmost integrity.

Adesola said the remittances of payroll deductions play pivotal roles in maintaining the welfare of the FCTA workforce, lamenting that remittances for both statutory and non-statutory deductions from the payroll of workers since 2010 had faced some setbacks.

He said some of the problems created as a result of such non-remittances, he include the failure by FCTA retirees to

claim their National Housing (NHF) funds from the Federal Mortgage Banks, due to nonposting of the deductions as a result of discrepancies in the schedules accompanying the payment of such deductions.

The auditing exercise will determine the payments made to the various receivers of the statutory and non-statutory payments by staff and on behalf of each staff of the FCTA from 2010 to 2022 for NHF, FCT Health Insurance Scheme, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Cooperative deductions.

The auditing exercise is to determine outstanding obligations for the FCTA to staff as well as ascertain individuals and officials responsible where deductions were not made and make recommendations as appropriate.

Sundry Markets Holds Free Medical Outreach in Host Communities

Leading grocery retailer in Nigeria, Sundry Markets Limited (SML), owners of Marketsquare Supermarkets, has commenced a week-long free medical outreach for residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Head Marketing, Mr Timothy Abati, in a statement said the purpose of the outreach was to support indigent members of the society with medical challenges as part of our Marketsquare cares initiatives which is about creating impact with the public most especially our host communities.

“At SML we want to help ensure inhabitants in rural and underserved communi-

ties particularly residing in Port Harcourt have access to high quality and convenient healthcare resources as part of our social responsibility initiative,”

Abati said

According to him the free medical outreach which was planned by SML in collaboration with Pro-Health International (PHI), a non- governmental organisation is offering among other medical servicesfree consultations; general and specialized surgeries; eye examinations; blood sugar checks; high blood pressure checks; dental examinations; laboratory investigations, health promotion and education.

“We are delighted that the

turnout has been in geometric progression each passing day since Monday 24th July, 2023 when the Programme started and we expect that over 2000 persons with various health issues will have been attendedto by Friday, 28th July, 2023 when it is scheduled to end.

“SML recognizes that healthcare coverage is a problem in the Nigerian society that needs to be managed. As a responsible corporate brand, we consider this medical outreach as our modest contribution in the effort to help fill the current gaps in the healthcare access and delivery in the country,” the statement said.

Sanwo-Olu’s EKOEXCEL Wins Titans of Tech Award

Governor Babajide Sanwo-

Olu’s basic education reform programme, EKOEXCEL, which was launched in 2019 to transform Lagos public primary schools through technology deployment, was honoured with the Most Innovative Digital Learning Platform of the Year at the 19th edition of the Titans of Tech Awards, held on the 21 July in Lagos.

The EKOEXCEL programme was also recognised for the same category at the 18th edition of the Titans of Tech awards, held last year, further validating the interventions efficacy.

The organisers described EKOEXCEL as not just being at the forefront of Innovative

digital learning but is also a leading e-learning provider and enabler with a history of consistency, innovation and passion for excellence with over 13,000 teachers retrained and migrated from analogue to digital teaching using the latest tech and updated curricular.

EKOEXCEL classrooms are rated excellent on two critical determinants of classroom culture: Supportive Learning Environment and Positive Behavioral Expectations among others

Receiving the award on behalf of the Lagos State Government and Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) Hon. Bayo Adefuye, permanent

board member LASUBEB, who is also the chairman of EKOEXCEL expressed how humbled and honoured he was to receive the award on behalf of His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State.

This award shows that his investment in public education is yielding positive results,” Adefuye said before dedicating it to all EKOEXCEL stakeholders.

“We are dedicating this award to all the pupils, the teachers, and head teachers for their support. I equally want to appreciate and commend our technical partner, NewGlobe, for your wonderful support. We appreciate it,” he said.

Google Partners Verve for Easier Play Store Transactions

Google and Verve have announced a partnership to make digital transactions on Google Play Store easier and more accessible for Nigerians.

As of today, Nigerians can use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store, strengthening the digital ecosystem in Nigeria. Under this new arrangement, Google will process Verve transactions within Nigeria. These transactions will be undertaken in Nigerian Naira (NG), and treated as local transactions

by the country’s banking institutions. As a result, any Nigerian with an Android device and a Verve card now has a streamlined method for making purchases on the Google Play Store, they said in a statement.

Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships, Google Play, Anthea Crawford said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians.

The introduction of local payments with Verve cards

L-R: Staffs of Sundry Markets limited, Marketing Officer, Iheanacho okoro; Assistant Branch Manager Market Square, Clement Wodu; QHSE, Ochuko iguerume; Marketing Manager, Timothy Abati; CSR Officer, Mercy Okoro; Founder of Pro-health international, DR Iko Ibanga; Retail Operations Manager, Emmanuel Onwuemenyi;

MARKET INDICATORS

is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”

Speaking about this partnership, Managing Director Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, stated that, “the integration with Google Play is a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, hence bridging the digital divide.”

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 17 JULY, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $82.06 a barrel on Friday, compared with $81.53 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Auditor Market Square, Amadi justice and Branch Manager Market Square Choba, Frank Ogbu during the week-long free medical outreach for residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Cadbury Nigeria’s Profit Decline by N14.52bn on FX Loss

Kayode Tokede

With about N20.77billion foreign exchange losses, Cadbury Nigeria Plc has declared N14.52billlion loss before tax in half year (H1) ended June 30, 2023 as against N3.35billion profit before tax reported in half year (H1) ended June 30, 2022.

The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company listed

on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) also declared N14.54 billion loss in H1 2023 from N2.34 billion profit after tax reported in H1 2022. The company’s decline in profits can be attributable to the write-down the management took due to the impact of the unification of the naira on its loans.

The company carries foreign exchange-related loans with dollar-denominated interest

rate components that triggered the losses. The depreciation of the Naira from about N460 against the dollar to about N790 against the dollar triggered the foreign exchange losses in the period under review. In terms of revenue, Cadbury Nigeria declared N35.61billion revenue in H1 2023, a growth of 27.7 per cent from N27.88billion reported in H1 2022.

Revenue generated in Nigeria stood at N34.89billion in H1 2023, an increase of 29.34per cent from N26.98billion in H1 2022, while export sales closed H1 2023 at N714.49million, a drop of 21 per cent from N2898.9million reported in H1 2022.

Cost of sales stood at N25.38 billion in H1 2023 from N22.02 billion in H1 2022 to position its gross profit at N10.23 billion in

H1 2023 from N5.85 billion in H1 2022. Amid the losses arising from the extraordinary foreign exchange losses, the multinational company posted an operating profit of N6.07 billion, representing a 113.2 per cent increase from N2.85billion in H1 2022.

The company suffered a significant increase in its operating expenses amid a double-digit inflation rate. Total operating

expenses closed H1 2023 at N4.16billion, a growth of 37.4 per cent from N3.03billion reported in H1 2022.

While commenting on 2022 financial year results, Managing Director, Cadbury Nigeria, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye, in a statement said the company continued to push the boundaries to sustain its current growth trajectory in a tough business environment.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JULY/26/23

GAMING WEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel:

Emerging Trends in Sports Betting

Davidson Abraham writes that the dynamic and ever-changing world of sport betting is driven by advancements in technology, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory landscapes

In the ever-evolving landscape of sport betting, new trends and developments continually shape the industry. As technology advances and consumer preferences change, bettors and sportsbooks alike are adapting to these emerging trends. From the convenience of mobile betting to the dynamic world of in-play wagering and

the rapid rise of esport betting, there is much to explore in the realm of sport betting. Let’s delve deeper into some of the exciting trends that are making waves in the world of sports betting in recent years.

MOBILE BETTING AND APPS

The rise of mobile technology has revolutionised the sports

betting industry. With the increasing accessibility of smartphones and tablets, more bettors are opting for mobile betting platforms and apps. This trend allows users to place bets conveniently from anywhere at any time, resulting in a significant shift from traditional brick and mortar sportsbooks to online platforms.

IN-PLAY BETTING

Live or in-play betting has gained immense popularity in recent years. This form of wagering allows bettors to place bets on various outcomes during a sporting event, such as the next goal in a soccer match or the next point in a tennis match. The availability of real-time data, along with improved internet

Bet365, Rightlander Renew Responsible Gambling Partnership

Leading online gambling company bet365 has announced the extension of their partnership contract with Rightlander, the foremost provider of innovative affiliate compliance solutions.

The agreement, according to Casino City Times underscores bet365’s sustained dedication to promoting responsible gambling and ensuring the highest level of affiliate compliance. Since the partnership began, Rightlander’s cutting-edge compliance tools have been instrumental in assisting bet365 to maintain

ethical advertising standards and abide by the strict regulatory landscape.

“We are excited to renew our contract with Rightlander,” said a spokesperson for bet365. “Their comprehensive compliance solution has become an integral part of our affiliate programme.

The extended partnership reinforces our commitment to responsible gambling and our dedication to providing a secure and fair environment for all our customers.”

The Rightlander platform offers

a host of advanced features, and the technology is designed to facilitate compliance with evolving gambling regulations, a fundamental aspect of bet365’s operations.

Rightlander’s head of customer success, Nicole Mitton, expressed her enthusiasm about the ongoing partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to extend our relationship with bet365. This renewed agreement is a testament to the effectiveness of our compliance solutions, and we look forward to continuing to

help bet365 promote responsible gambling and adhere to regulatory requirements.”

The extended contract is expected to further strengthen the robust compliance infrastructure at bet365 and drive innovation in affiliate compliance within the online gambling industry. This strategic partnership will continue to provide an example for industry standards of affiliate compliance, further solidifying the companies’ shared commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.

VIZIO Announces Innovate: Beyond the Stream Conference

As television becomes the heart of the connected home, and VIZIO products are an integral part of users’ daily lives. ‘Innovate: Beyond the Stream’ will take place on August 22 in Irvine, a master-planned city in Southern Orange County, United States and will bring together the industry’s top engineering, content, product, and technology professionals, to explore possibilities for the future of connected TVs. Attendees of the full-day event will be able to choose from two tracks of

breakout sessions to gain valuable insights on designing apps for discoverability, integrating monetization options, creating experiences that consumers love and learning best practices for Connected TV (CTV) app development.

Business Wire reported that the event would feature a keynote from VIZIO leadership, immersive workshop sessions and discussions led by VIZIO product, engineering, and technical account management teams as well as

a thought-provoking roundtable discussion. The panel will include respected executives from Accedo, Ottera, Sling and Warner Bros. Discovery, who will share their experiences and explore the transformation taking place in the streaming industry and advancements made in partnership with VIZIO.

“At VIZIO, we are committed to driving innovation and what is possible with Smart TVs and that means moving beyond video and looking at what’s

next with the biggest screen in the home,” said Katherine Pond, Group Vice-President, Platform Content & Partnerships at VIZIO. “’Innovate: Beyond the Stream’, serves as a forum for connecting with innovative content partners, developers and industry experts who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of streamed content to include gaming, fitness and more. Together, we can shape the future of TV and provide audiences with extraordinary entertainment experiences.”

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

speeds, enables quick decisionmaking and dynamic betting opportunities.

ESPORT BETTING

Esport betting has emerged as a rapidly growing market. As competitive gaming gains mainstream recognition, more sportsbooks are offering odds and betting options on popular esport titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Esport betting presents unique opportunities for bettors, with its own set of factors to consider, such as team performance, individual player skills, and meta shifts within games.

CASH-OUT OPTIONS

Cash-out features have become increasingly prevalent in sports betting. This functionality allows bettors to settle their wagers before the completion of an event, offering the chance to secure profits or minimize losses. Cash-out options provide greater flexibility and control over bets, particularly in situations where the outcome is uncertain or when bettors want to lock in a portion of their potential winnings.

VIRTUAL SPORT BETTING

Virtual sport betting involves wagering on simulated sporting events generated by

computer algorithms. These events mimic real sports, such as virtual horse racing, soccer, or basketball. Virtual sports provide a continuous stream of betting opportunities, independent of real-life sports schedules. This form of betting appeals to bettors looking for fast-paced action and frequent wagering options.

The integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is gaining traction in the sports betting industry. Some sportsbooks now accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as a form of payment, offering benefits such as faster transactions, enhanced privacy, and reduced fees. Blockchain technology also provides transparency and immutability, ensuring the fairness and integrity of betting processes.

The world of sport betting is a dynamic and ever-changing one, driven by advancements in technology, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory landscapes. As we look to the future, it is clear that emerging trends such as mobile betting, inplay wagering, esport betting, cash-out options, virtual sports, and the integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain will continue to shape the industry. These trends provide new opportunities for bettors and sportsbooks, while also presenting challenges and considerations.

2023 NATIONAL DIASPORA DAY CELEBRATION...

Senate Charges FG to Seek Simon Ekpa’s Extradition

Rejects plea urging obedience to court orders on Kanu Ohanaeze raises alarm over activities of Ekpa, Dokubo

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Senate, yesterday, approved a prayer urging the federal government to collaborate with the Finish Government to extradite and prosecute Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of Independent People's of Biafra (IPOB), currently championing the sit-at-home orders in the South East part of Nigeria.

At the same time, the Senate rejected a prayer calling on the Federal Government to obey all court orders, which had granted bail to the substantive leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, including dismissing political solution approach in handling Kanu's case.

This came as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has decried the activities of Ekpa and ex-Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, saying they were perpetrating insecurity in the Southeast zone.

The Senate agreed to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs (when appointed) and relevant stakeholders to carry out thorough investigation into the crises in the South East as well as bring other sponsors of the act to book.

The red chamber condemned the "sit at home" in totality as well as the nefarious activities of Ekpa, who is the gang leader.

The resolution followed a motion jointly sponsored by all the Igbo senators and presented by Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West Senatorial District.

The motion read: "Aware that thousands of Innocent lives have been lost since this action started, and properties worth a trillion have

been destroyed, which has resulted in investors leaving the region.

"Further aware that the ‘sit-athome’ civil disobedience actions in the South East has led to the disruption/destruction of economic activities. It has also led to immeasurable financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy.

"This is because, when people are forced to stay at home and businesses remain closed, productivity declines, and income is reduced, thereby affecting livelihoods and economic growth

"The ‘sit-at-home’ protests disrupts the education of students, leading to missed classes and delays in academic progress. Such prolonged disruptions have long-term effects on students' learning outcomes and educational development.

"The Senate is disturbed that disruption of essential public services, such as healthcare, transportation, and waste disposal, continues to have severe impact during ‘sit-at-home’ protests.

"It adversely affect the well-being and safety of the general population living in the South East. The Senate is further disturbed that the ‘sit-at-home’ protests continues to lead to acts of violence and clashes with law enforcement agencies which has led to uncountable loss of lives of innocent people, security agents and the protesters.

"As this increases the potential for criminal elements to take advantage of the situation to engage in looting or other unlawful activities while the people stayed at home.

"The Senate is worried that if the activities of Simon Ekpa, who is issuing the illegal ‘sit at home’ orders is not checked, he may succeed in

corrupting the minds of Nigerian youths and turn them against the government which is tantamount to treasonable felony."

The Federal High Court, Abuja, had Tuesday, 28 2023, dismissed the bail request filed by Kanu. It was the second time in a row the court would turn down the bail request by the IPOB leader, facing seven terrorism-related charges.

Ruling on the latest bail application, the judge, Binta Nyako, held that Kanu’s second bail request amounts to an abuse of court

process, after a similar application was rejected on May 18.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, yesterday, at Azumini, Ukwa East Local Government of Abia State, said the duo of Ekpa and Dokubo "are waging war against the Igbo nation."

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said the pervasive sit-at-home has plunged the Igbo nation into "a very sad situation", which was unnecessary for a people that

had passed through a harrowing exerience of war.

According to him, "It is painful to observe that we have groups both within the Southeast and beyond, in fact outside the shores of Nigeria that are waging war against the Igbo nation.

"Time has come to say enough is enough (because) the three years of pains of civil war and the pains of recovery are being shredded."

Emuchay stated that Ekpa was engaging in mercantile activities that were not in the interest of IPOB or

connected to the ongoing efforts for the release of Kanu.

On Dokubo, he expressed concern at a trending video showing an armed gang being trained by the ex-militant for unknown purposes, saying Ohanaeze was worried at the activities of an armed group very close to Igbo land, which was presently contending with insecurity.

Ohanaeze, therefore, called on the federal government "to investigate the activities of Asari Dokubo" and unravel the purpose for which he is training an armed group.

Jonathan: I’m Not Planning to Nominate Minister for Bayelsa

Chuks Okocha in Abuja President Goodluck Jonathan, has denied any involvement in the struggle to appoint a minister to represent Bayelsa State in the President Bola Tinubu cabinet, saying assertions to the contrary were from his political enemies from the past in the state.

Tuesday in Yenogoa, Chairman of the Elders’ Council of the APC, Chief Michael Adomokeme, wondered why the former president was angling to produce a minister after actively and openly supporting the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 presidential election."

But Jonathan in a statement by his Special Assistant, Ikechukwu Eze,

said, his political enemies had not given up in their past activities to dent his character, "We would have ordinarily ignored the falsehood, given that neither the authors, who are shadowy characters nor their nebulous organisation, Bayelsa APC Elders Council, which is unknown to the structure of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, command any credibility. "However, we have continued to receive calls from friends and well-wishers, who are concerned that some innocent Nigerians might be misled by the duplicitous fabrication; hence this rebuttal.

"We state without equivocation that the publication is false, malicious, preposterous and unnecessary. It is instructive that the authors of the

Jibrin, Ex-PDP BoT Chair, Lashes Leaders Using Religion to Divide Nigerians

Condemns El-Rufai’s unguarded utterances Narrates how bandits attacked his Abuja residence

John Shiklam in Kaduna

A former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Walid Jibrin, has condemned leaders, who use religion to cause disharmony among Christians and Muslims for selfish political gains.

He also lamented the security situation in the country, narrating how bandits invaded his Abuja residence about two weeks ago demanding N5 billion.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, Jibrin specifically condemned the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El- Rufai over his comments that

he promoted Muslims-Muslim rulership.

He decried the religious divide among Muslims and Christians in Kaduna, the former capital of the defunct Northern region, where according to him, adherents of the two the religions coexisted peacefully.

He said the late Premier of the Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello never discriminated against Christians as he carried both Christians and Muslims along and promoted harmonious coexistence.

Jibrin said Nigerian leaders of those days ruled successfully without discriminating against anybody on the basis of religion or tribe, and called on Nigerian leaders to avoid

using religion for their selfish interest.

“I am calling on all Nigerians to be very careful in using religion to solve their selfish activities. In Nigeria, today, we have Muslims and Christians, who live peacefully by working together with every one practicing his or her religion based on the belief of their Koran and Bible.

"Since Independence, we had devoted leaders, who ruled Nigeria successfully without using religion to ginger their successes and they were fully accepted by Nigerians. Recent pronouncements by a former governor from the Northern part of the country that he used MuslimMuslim agenda successfully to rule in the best way in his state contrary

to the behaviour of some Christians is unfortunate.

“He further announced that he used Muslim governor and Muslim deputy governor successfully in his state in the North. May I point out that Kaduna was successfully used by some Northern leaders for total advancement of the North using both Muslim and Christian leaders.”

Lamenting the security situation, Jibrin said, bandits invaded his Abuja residence in broad daylight and ransacked everywhere. He said he was not home at the time of the attack, adding the bandits tied Awwolu, his House Boy and told him that they came to take the N5 billion kept in the house.

hackery who are quick to spin such unfounded narrative could neither provide any clarification on the nature of the alleged consultations nor name the beneficiary of the envisaged nomination.

"We can only guess that a handful of faltering low profile politicians might have wrongly misinterpreted Jonathan’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, even when the former President, who is ECOWAS mediator in Mali and Chairman of

ECOWAS Council of the Wise, clearly explained that he had gone to brief President Bola Tinubu, who has just been elected as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, on the recent developments in the sub-region."

Jonathan said the publication was simply a tactless ramble by some benighted politicians seeking to draw attention to their hopeless plight by raising malicious allegations against him.

UNICEF: High Rate of Out of School Children Worrisome

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has expressed worry that despite the importance of education, at least, over 10 million school-aged children in Nigeria were out of school.

It however, reiterated its commitment to engaging traditional/ religious stakeholders, School Based Management Committees and youths in Bauchi State to ensure effective awareness and mobilisation of parents, guardians, communities on the importance of enrolling all school-age children in schools.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office Bauchi, Dr Tushar Rane, who was speaking in his welcome remarks at a Media Dialogue on "Out of School Children in Bauchi State", held at the Chartwell hotel, Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, stressed that education played a vital role in the development of

any country.

"And quality education, especially at basic level, is integral to socio-economic development; no nation can rise above its educational level,” he said.

Rane emphasised that though education was a fundamental right that empowered children to reach their full potentials, however, lamented that, "It is deeply concerning that, due to varying factors, a significant number of children in Bauchi State are unable to access this fundamental right, robbing them of their dreams and aspirations.

"This is a major challenge to all of us. But at UNICEF, we are committed to improving the lives of children and women in Nigeria, especially in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Education for All (EFA) goals of educating all children at all levels and in all groups.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, General Service, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Maurice Mbaeri; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman, Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Europe, Mr. Bashir Obasekola; Chairman, Nigerian In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa; Special Adviser to the President on Health Services, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Hon. Saviour Enyiekere, during the 2023 National Diaspora Day celebration held in Abuja...recently

A SOUVENIR FOR ADENIYI...

L-R:

Comptroller-General,

Frustrated By Recent Devts, Lukman Resigns as APC NWC Member

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

National Vice Chairman, North-west, of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Dr. Salihu Lukman, has resigned his position as member of the National Working Committee

(NWC) of the party, apparently frustrated by some of the recent developments in the party.

Lukman made this known in a letter dated July 26, 2023, and addressed to the Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator

Abubakar Kyari.

Lukman had expressed strong reservation following the speculation that the APC governors and President Bola Tinubu were pushing for the immediate past governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje,

to emerge as the next party chairman following the resignation of former National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

He noted that his resignation became necessary given his conviction that the atmosphere in the party

EMEFIELE: DSS PROBES ASSAULT ON JUDICIARY, CORRECTIONAL SERVICE OFFICIALS cannot be over-emphasised.”

While it was difficult not to hold the leadership of the two federal government agencies directly responsible for the shameful and disgraceful conduct of the personnel, the NBA President particularly called on the two agencies, "to take immediate disciplinary measures against the officers involved in this disgraceful conduct."

In addition to this disciplinary measure, Maikyau also called for, "a complete overhaul of the institutions and a total reorientation of the personnel, to achieve professionalism and ensure synergy in the discharge of their respective constitutional responsibilities.

“The NBA remains committed to the promotion and protection of the principles of the rule of law and due process, within a safe and secured Nigeria.”

In his reaction, Falana called Tinubu to immediately sanction the DSS officials involved in the show of shame.

“Notwithstanding the avowed commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration to operate under the rule of law, a team of State Security Service officials brazenly disobeyed the orders of the Federal High Court this morning at the Federal High Court,“TheIkoyi.court had admitted Mr. Godwin Emefiele to bail in respect of the offence of illegal possession of firearms. For daring to comply with the orders of the Federal High Court, officials of the Correctional Centre were attacked by gun-toting officers of the SSS.

“In view of the stern warning of President Tinubu that inter-agency physical attacks would not be permitted under his administration, the security officers who attacked officials of the Ikoyi Correctional Centre ought to be fished out and sanctioned. The federal government should also ensure that the orders of the Federal High Court are obeyed

forthwith.

“However, all public officers should draw the necessary lessons from the current travails of Mr. Emefiele. As Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he recklessly displayed arrogance and impunity by disobeying the orders of several courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

Also, Convener of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, Kingdom Okere, who spoke yesterday on ‘The Morning Show’ on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, criticised the DSS Director General, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, over his action in the re-arrest of Emefiele, suggesting that he should be charged for contempt of court due to his disregard for the court order.

"It is very unfortunate that Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to start on a very bad footing and make lawlessness the order of the day," Okere said, condemning the show of force and what he termed as the DG's overzealousness.

He further emphasised that no one, including the DSS DG, was above the law.

Okere, called for the immediate removal of Bichi from his position, stating that the DG had no right to countermand a federal high court order and undermine the principles of justice.

Accusing Bichi of being the president's attack dog, Okere urged the Nigerian judiciary to take a stand by directing all federal high courts in the country to boycott DSS-related cases and prosecutions.

Weighing in on the matter, Amb. Joe Keshi, a former Nigerian Diplomat, who was also a guest on ‘The Morning Show,’ also criticised the unprofessional conduct of the DSS within the court premises. He argued that the DSS's role should be limited to matters of national security, sabotage, and terrorism, and questioned their need to display

such power during the arrest of a civilian.

Keshi, expressed concerns over the misuse of security agencies' power, stating that in a peaceful country like Nigeria, such display of force was unnecessary and merely served their bosses' interests.

Speaking further, Keshi stressed that the incident raised issues of justice, fairness, equity, and intimidation of Nigerians.

He explained that Emefiele had not been charged with any known crime, and the matter being attributed to him was a police affair.

“The DSS came out to show power when a civilian who has committed no offense is involved. He had no army or troops that will evade the law court so why were so many armed men in court?” he lamented.

It has become a pattern in this country for security agencies, including the police and the military to leave their normal functions and follow people, Keshi said.

He, therefore called for accountability, urging Bichi to retire as he had been in power for eight years.

He also emphasised the need for respect for the rule of law and the protection of citizens' rights in Nigeria.

In its contribution, the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) described the re-arrest of Emefiele by the DSS as laughable.

The group said a court judgement had earlier voided the terrorism allegations, barring the secret police from arresting Emefiele.

The organisation in a statement by its strategic communication consultant, Mr. Abubakar Isa, said it was laughable that a supposed intelligence agency, rearrested someone on claims of something that had already been ruled on by a competent court of law.

Part of the statement read, "it is laughable that a supposed intelligence agency, rearrested Emefiele on claims of something that has already been ruled on by a competent court of law.

“Is the DSS now saying that the judiciary is wrong, incompetent and their judgement doesn't matter so long as it doesn't favour them?

"Months ago Justice M. A. Hassan of a High Court of the Federal Capital

was completely at variance with the founding vision of forming a progressive party.

The letter read: "I hereby kindly resign my position as National Vice Chairman, North-West of our great party, All Progressives

Territory (FCT) restrained the DSS and four others from arresting or detaining

"Emefiele over alleged terrorism financing. The judge held that the DSS acted wrongfully and illegally in instigating President Muhammadu Buhari against Godwin Emefiele in respect of the exercise of his statutory duty relating to the issuance of monetary policies and directives in the interest of the National Security and economy.

"Again recently a High Court sitting in Abuja presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu ordered DSS to immediately release Emefiele, from detention or charge him to court.

"It is clear that the secret police have a vendetta against Emefiele because despite several court rulings the operatives have refused to obey any and has continued to disrespect the judiciary.

"It is a huge disgrace what happened at the federal high court Lagos yesterday. President Tinubu should not allow the DSS to tarnish his hard earned reputation as a world renowned democrat."

Congress (APC).

"My resignation is with immediate effect, which becomes necessary given my conviction that the atmosphere in the party is completely at variance with the founding vision of forming a progressive party.

"Rather than remaining in the leadership of the party and become a source of distraction for leaders and especially for the young government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is better to excuse myself and take time off from politics.

"I will however retain my membership of the party in the hope that our leaders, especially President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will retract from acts that will be unjust and illegal, which is crucial to any alaim of being democratic or progressive, whether as politicians or as patriotic Nigerians.

"I Wish to convey my sincere gratitude to our leaders in Kaduna, especially Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai for finding me worthy of nomination to serve at the highest of the party's leadership.

"I do hope all our leaders will appreciate that I am left with no option in the circumstance. I wish the party and all our leaders, especially President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu all the best and will continue to give my modest support towards the success of the party from the background."

Guber Polls: Bayelsans Urged to Reject Candidates with Questionable Character

In the bid to ensure good governance and to attract more foreign investments, the people of Bayelsa State have been called upon to reject candidates with questionable character and background in the forthcoming governorship election in the state Bayelsans were specifically challenged to protect the image of the state by not voting for people whose antecedents would scare investors and development partners away from investing in the state. The fresh appeal was made yesterday, in a statement issued in Abuja by a group, Network of Bayelsa Professionals (NBP).

The statement signed by their spokesman, Mr. Deinmobofa Tantua, stated that Bayelsa as a state yearning for genuine development should not be allowed to be governed by people with integrity deficit. The statement noted that if elected, the horrible past of “some of the candidates and their running mates which is now hunting them will create a lukewarm attitude for those who are already interested in investing in the state because of the current peace and stability being enjoyed.”

They described Bayelsa as a unique state that deserved to be governed not only by the best brain's with genuine concern for the overall

development, but with also sound character and unblemished record in academic qualifications.

"Let the point be made here that we are not partisan professionals. We are concerned professionals genuinely pursuing good governance for the good of our state.

"The era of unnecessary political upheavals has in the last four years paved way for peaceful atmosphere with the people now operating as one big family.

“Our prayer is that the people of Bayelsa should build on this peaceful atmosphere created by the current government to open more door's for foreign and local investments.

"With Bayelsa's unique location

coupled with the prevailing peaceful atmosphere and the efforts of the Douye Diri led administration, joblessness and hunger would soon be reduced in the state".

The Network of Bayelsa Professionals pleaded with the people to use the November governorship election to solidify the peace, tranquility and harmony and take the state to greater heights by investing their votes for continuity.

They urged the people not to allow the influence of money and material gains sway them into wrong side during the gubernatorial election, but to remain purposeful and resolute in ensuring sustainability of the prevailing peace in the state.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Acting

Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adeniyi receiving a state plaque from Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Marina, ... on Tuesday

HANDOVER CEREMONY OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT TO SOME UNIVERSITIES...

Air Strikes Decimate Terrorists in Zamfara, ISWAP Kills 21 Herdsmen in Borno

Zulum orders crackdown on “Marlian” group at emergency security meeting

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force, yesterday, said several terrorists loyal to the notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Nashama, were eliminated by air strikes undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) at Alhaji Nashama’s enclave in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State. This was as at least 21 herdsmen were reportedly killed by fighters of the Islamic State for the West African Province (ISWAP) in separate attacks in Borno State.

In another development, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, has directed security operatives to crack down a notorious “Marlian” group believed to be terrorising residents in some parts of Maiduguri and Jere within the metropolis.

A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the air strikes were carried out on the heels of credible and actionable intelligence reports that the terrorists were massing up at Tsamre in Birnin Magaji with the aim of attacking locals.

Accordingly, the fighter jets struck the location in successive passes, eliminating scores of terrorists as well as destroying their structures and enclave.

"Similar air strikes were also conducted on terrorists’ enclaves at Hanawanka in Shiroro LGA and Palele, a village on the borders of Shiroro and Munya LGAs of Niger State.

"This became necessary after intelligence had revealed a migration of terrorists from Katsina and Zamfara State who had come under intense heat from military onslaught," it said.

In the North-east, air strikes were also conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai at a terrorists’ hideout located about 1.5Km East of Arra in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Arra was once a well-known terrorists’ hideout near Sambisa Forest that was cleared of terrorists by the Land Component of Operation Hadin Kai.

It said the intelligence-driven strikes followed days and weeks of careful observation of the location, which had revealed suspected terrorists armed with various firearms, who

used the covers of trees and other vegetations to hide their motorcycles and trucks to evade detection.

The statement said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed delight with the heightened level of morale and commitment among NAF pilots and other support staff while also encouraging them to maintain the momentum.

Meanwhile, at least 21 herdsmen were reportedly killed by fighters of the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) in separate attacks in Borno State.

It was gathered that the terrorists, who rode on 17 motorcycles attacked and killed 14 herdsmen in the axis of Kukawa in the evening of Tuesday 25, July 2023 after accusing them of trespassing.

ISWAP leadership had recently placed a ban on fishing, farming and cattle rearing within some of its hideouts after accusing the people of spying on them for the Nigerian military.

The terrorists were said to have beheaded many of the herdsmen.

Speaking to State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting with federal government’s Steering Committee on Palliatives, led by Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, Ajaero said, “The outcome is very brief. We met based on N520 increase and the committee that was set up based on that and we agreed to work to realise the objective that was set during the last moment.”

Asked about organised labour’s position on the palliatives yet to be provided, the NLC leader said, “The two centres have made their position known and it is before Nigerians, the TUC, the NLC, our position is known. And its public knowledge.”

Asked if labour was going ahead with the August 2 planned protests if the federal government did not reverse its anti-labour policies, Ajaero said, “We are going ahead with the protest because we have to be emphatic on what we put in our communique, to say we're commencing protests from the 2nd.”

On whether NLC’s tone meant organised labour was not satisfied with the outcome of yesterday’s meeting, Ajaero said, “This meeting has no relationship with the protest and I want you to be careful about it. There is N520 increment, which gave birth to this meeting. Nobody is discussing about N617 as at now and this meeting didn't have the competence to address that.”

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, also, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Festus Osifo, said, “Okay, we've had a meeting and the meeting majorly is to listen to the presentations that are coming from the secretariat of the steering committee, so they have made presentations to us. We made our robust inputs into it.

“Some of the things they presented, we did not agree with them. So the areas we did not agree, we also made our inputs known because when you come to such meeting it is for government or its representatives to do a presentation. But it's left for us to either agree or disagree.

“So during the meeting, we gave them sufficient feedback. And they also agreed to go and look at those feedbacks and get back to us on Friday.”

However, Ajaero did not mention the areas of disagreement with government.

He said, “We are still discussing, I don't think it is quite good for us to be discussing those particular subjects now, more so because they told us that they will come back to us by Friday and Friday is about 48 hours away.

“So it is better we hold on; we wait till Friday for them to give us a feedback then we can go into the nitty gritty.”

On what labour really wanted from government, Osifo said, “What we want government to do is to address the plight of Nigerians. Nigerians are suffering, just as we said in our press conference few days ago, that Nigerians are suffering, that things are hard, that things are difficult, because things are difficult today in Nigeria, you must roll up programmes that will ameliorate the suffering, because at the end of the day, it is about Nigerians, because government exists in order to take care of the downtrodden, majorly.

“So all we are saying is that government must as a matter of urgency, because we don't have that time anymore. So as a matter of urgency they must roll out various programmes that will create alternative to PMS, and also palliatives.

“So these are the two focus, alternative to PMS, that is about the CNG and also the palliatives that must be brought out to ameliorate

these sufferings Nigerians are passing through.”

Regarding the timelines, he said, “We are meeting again on Friday. So, when we meet on Friday, we will hear from them, they can tell us that by Monday morning, they will start rolling them out here so we meet on Friday.”

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, who spoke on behalf of the federal government, said progress had been made in the discussion.

According to her, "We've agreed to continue to make progress. It was a very productive meeting. The focus was really around how we fast-track a lot of the interventions that will bring relief, particularly around CNG, mass transportation, cleaner energy, transportation, and reduce the impact of the cost of transportation, the increased cost of transportation.

"So we've made good progress. And we're going to continue to do so and so that we can start rolling out these opportunities and this relief and measures as quickly as possible."

On why government seemed to be foot dragging on the rollout of the palliatives, Verheijen said, "We have to get it right. It's important that we do this well, and we keep our promises. So, it's important that whatever is announced actually gets done. Because we don't want to make big announcements that will continue to lose people's trust.

"It's important that we build trust, and that most of the announcements and the plans that we roll out are credible and impactful.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working assiduously to address all of these issues. And as quickly as he can. He's very empathetic, he is concerned about it, as you've seen all of us working round the clock here to make sure that we are able to announce these measures as quickly as possible. It's a whole package of issues that we're rolling out as quickly

as possible."

SUBSIDY: LABOUR, FG MEETING CONTINUES, TINUBU PLEADS FOR MORE TIME nothing was done to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians brought about by increase in the price of petrol.

NLC Mobilises Workers, CSOs for Nationwide Strike

Earlier yesterday, NLC at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Abuja, announced the commencement of mobilisation of all its affiliates, state councils and civil society organisations (CSOs) to hold mass protest rallies across the country beginning from next Wednesday. It said it was in protest against the hardship imposed on workers and the masses by the removal of fuel subsidy and other anti-poor government policies.

NLC said the planned nationwide protest would be to compel government to reverse its harsh policies, including the hike in the pump price of petrol.

The labour movement accused the federal government of abandoning its own committee, which was a product of dialogue between the government and workers organisations.

Rising from the meeting, the labour movement gave the federal government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse its decision on fuel price hike and other anti-poor and anti-workers’ policies or it would embark on a nationwide strike.

The communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, stated, "The NLC has resolved to give the federal government a seven-day ultimatum within which to meet all our demands and to embark on a nation-wide action beginning Wednesday, the 2nd of August, 2023 to compel the government to reverse its anti-poor and anti-workers policies.

"To consequently direct all affiliates and state councils to begin immediate mobilisation and closely work with associations, individuals and other entities, including the ones already on the streets, to ensure that government

listens to the people."

In the communiqué, NLC argued that the federal government had shown enormous disdain and contempt for the Nigerian people and workers, having acted and continued to act without regard to the welfare and cries of the citizenry.

NLC also accused the government of declaring a war of attrition on Nigerian workers and masses without any care, thereby, “leaving them to the throes of hopelessness and helplessness."

The labour union said since the president’s “subsidy is gone forever, ‘Fuel Subsidy is Gone,’ speech on inauguration day on May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.”

It said, “Government has continued to treat Nigerians as slaves and a conquered people, which it treats with impunity without any concern on the consequences.”

In addition, the NLC accused the federal government of refusing to put in place safeguards to protect Nigerians from the harsh economic situation that its policies had inflicted on the people.

It said the government decided to insult the sensibilities of Nigerian masses, “by offering us N8, 000 per family and offering themselves N70 billion.”

In the communiqué, NLC demanded an immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government, including the recent hike in petrol price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salaries of university lecturers and workers, and the increase in VAT.

It also demanded the immediate inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee as agreed in the earlier consequential dialogues.

The labour congress urged all civil society organisations and Nigerians wherever they might be to begin

mobilisation to take action on their own to save the country.

It said the CSOs should be prepared to lead and organise mass protest rallies across the country to demonstrate outrage against the inhuman actions and policies of the government. NLC stated in the communique, “That the federal government has continued to promote the gang up of the ruling elite against Nigerian people and workers. Observes that the federal government has continued to churn out without relenting policies designed to emasculate Nigerian workers and people via not just increases in PMS prices with its spiralling affect but also increases in VAT, increases in school fees across all publicly owned secondary and tertiary institutions of learning.

“That the NNPCL has turned itself into the forces of demand and supply and fixes the price of petroleum products while mouthing deregulation. That government's conduct suggests it does not intend to commit itself to the MoU it signed with NLC and TUC.”

But reacting, while speaking to journalists yesterday, on the side-lines of the Registrar of Trade Unions Workshop on challenges facing trade union administration in the country, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollum Daju, said, "I think for now, I will just say that federal government has been doing its best dialoguing with labour unions and stakeholders to resolve the issues and this dialogue will continue."

On the nationwide strike embarked upon by National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the permanent secretary said it was rather unfortunate that the doctors did not exercise patience for the new government to settle down and address their grievances.

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Prof. Samson Duna; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. James Sule; Representative of University of Calabar, Prof. Odeh Osha and Former Director General, NBRRI, Prof. Danladi Matawal, during the hand over ceremony of laboratory equipment to the selected universities in Abuja yesterday

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

HONOURING LIVERPOOL FC LEGEND…

L-R: Company Secretary and Head of Legal Services, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited (SCBN), Mrs. Sola Mabadeje; Executive Director, Finance, SCBN, Mr. Dayo Omolokun; Liverpool FC Legend, Mr. Patrik Berger; Guest, Dr. Ifedolapo Adejare, and Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, SCBN, Mrs. Dayo Aderugbo, at the clients’ dinner in honour of Berger’s first visit to Nigeria in Lagos…recently

Police Lose Two Personnel as Hoodlums Attack Commissioner’s Convoy in Abia

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State Police Command yesterday lost two personnel following an attack on the convoy of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, at Aba. The police public relations officer(PPRO) of the Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said in a

statement that “the distressing incident” took place at about 4.00pm on Tuesday at SAMEK Junction along Faulks Road Aba.

According to the police spokesperson, a group of hoodlums had launched an attack on the commissioner’s convoy during his familiarisation tour of markets in the commercial city.

The convoy of the

Odu’a Reinforces Commitment to Education, Health, Youth Development

Chinedu Eze

Odu’a Investment Company

Limited (OICL) has reinforced its determination to promote education, health and youth development in the South-west region of Nigeria.

To take off this objective, the group has officially launched the Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF) and inaugurated its Advisory Council.

Making this known in Lagos, the group said it acknowledged the fact that there is a universal correlation between business

commissioner was said to be en route to Ekoha shopping plaza “when the armed assailants opened fire.”

“Regrettably, amidst the

chaos, two police officers lost their lives in the line of duty,” the PPRO said. She identified the victims as a police constable who was part

of the security convoy and a police inspector, who was not initially part of the convoy but happened to be on a separate assignment with a police Hilux.

The commissioner and other people on his entourage, including some members of government house press corps escaped the attack unhurt.

Protesters Reject Lagos State’s Mass Burial of #EndSARS Victims

Segun James

The Coalition of #EndSARS protesters and supporters have described as horrific the planned mass burial of 103 protesters and civilians who lost their lives in the October 2020 by the Lagos state government. The coalition, in a statement made available to THISDAY by

performance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and that firms that contribute meaningfully to solving societal challenges, such as education, job creation, health and youth empowerment, often reap the dividends from generation to generation.

Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu will serve as the chairman of the Advisory Council, while Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, Chief Onikepo Akande, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Dr. Victoria Adunola Samson, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and Aderami Makanjuola are members of the Council.

Ojodu LCDA Launches Free Public Transport Intervention for Residents

Ayodeji Ake

The Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Hon. Segun Odunmbaku, recently took delivery of buses meant to ease movement for residents and commuters as part of the palliative measures of his administration to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the people of Ojodu and environs. While taking delivery of the first batch of buses, he said they would be distributed to ply community routes across Ojodu LCDA and convey

passengers free of charge as his administration is working with other tiers of government to provide more palliatives to reduce the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the people.

Odunmbaku said: “As a government committed to the welfare of its people, we aim to provide more palliative measures to our people through access to free transportation, food banks and free GCE/Jamb Forms to alleviate the conditions of our people.

Punuka Foundation to Open Childcare Centre for Autistic Children

Wale Igbintade

The Punuka Foundation Childcare Centre will be opened on July 30, 2023, as part of the year-long events to mark the centenary of the late Supreme Court Judge, Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe. The former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess OrelopeAdefulire, will inaugurate the centre, while a Kano State-based medical professional and Public Health Specialist, Dr. Amina Abdullahi Umar, will deliver

the keynote address. The Foundation was founded by the Senior Partner of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Dr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), and the Managing Partner, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, in 2004 to help the needy, particularly challenged children.

The Foundation is focused on children and young adults with developmental needs such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), among others.

Mr. Akindeji Aromaye of EiE, a non-governmental organisation (NGO)on behalf of the coalition, lamented that the “state-sponsored violence and murder at the Lekki toll gate, and the callous and insincere statement by the Lagos State Government in response to the leaked memo approving the contract for the mass burial.”

The coalition accused the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led Lagos State Government of “disinforming” the global community in an attempt to manipulate public perception and evade justice and accountability.

“Between October 21 and 23, 2020, Mr. Sanwo-Olu had contradicted himself thrice, first, he said, ‘Nobody died at Lekki toll gate’; next day,

‘One person died and it was from blunt trauma to the head’; and on the third day, he said, ‘Two deaths have now been confirmed among the protesters in Lekki.”

According to the coalition, “EndSARS protesters and investigative journalists are convinced that many people died at Lekki toll gate.”

Court Rules in Favour of Female Inheritance in A’Ibom

Okon Bassey inUyo

An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has ordered an indigene of Itiam Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area, Mr. Sampson Silas Udoh to pay N20 million to two of his nieces for breaching their fundamental rights of stopping them from inheriting their late father’s

property. The court presided over by Justice Ntong Ntong gave the order yesterday in a judgment delivered in a suit brought by Mr. Sampson Silas Udoh for the enforcement of his fundamental rights against his nieces.

In the suit filed 16th August, 2022, were the respondents, Mrs Bakabasi Victor James and Miss Ndantiabasi

Isaac Silas, as well as Mr. Williams Ubetem, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) attached to the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia and the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command. According to the court, “the main contention of the applicant is that his nieces being female children of his late elder brother, Mr. Isaac

Silas Udoh, should not inherit their father’s property”, because they are women, while the respondents said their father built his own house on his own land between 1976 and 1980, which they live from birth till date without any problem, until they attempted to appropriate the inheritance and their uncle unleashed mayhem on them.”

Jigawa State Seeks Investigation into Ganduje’s Misappropriation Allegation

Sunday Okobi

In the wake of numerous allegations against former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Auwal

Sankara, has made a formal request to the Kano State, Office of the Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, seeking a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of land and houses belonging to the Jigawa State Government by

the Ganduje-led administration.

The request contained in a letter issued and signed by the commissioner, addressed to the commission, raised concerns over the status of a specific land parcel, identified as plot number 133, part of TP/UDB/173 at Farm

Centre.

Alongside the land, the letter also highlights the need to investigate the status of several GP houses allocated to Jigawa State during an assets-sharing process between the sister states on May 5, 1993.

Plot to Attack Atiku: APC Chieftain Urges FG to Unravel, Punish Sponsors

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chukwuemeka Eze has condemned the recent attack on the Yola residence of the former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Atiku Abubakar, by suspected terrorists.

This as the APC chief has called on the President Bola Tinubu led-federal government to order for an urgent investigation to unravel and punish the sponsors and perpetrators of the act accordingly.

In a statement made available yesterday, to THISDAY in Port Harcourt, the APC he said:

“the cowardly and dastardly attack signals a palpable gloom of apprehension that may have been schemed by some undemocratic forces and class, to capture the entire civil society in a bid to usurp democracy and

stifle the desire of majority in the pursuit of private vendetta”.

The party Chief recalled that one Jibrilla Mohammed was arrested at the residence of the former Vice President in Yola, and while being interrogated by security agencies confessed to being a member of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Cultists Kill, Behead Rival Member in Anambra Market

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Suspected cultists yesterday reportedly killed a member of a rival cult in the Eke Awka market, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident happened in the morning as traders were opening their shops for the day business,

a source said.

The source alleged that the slain man identified as Igwe Omeli, was also a notorious cultist, who was always used by the leadership of the market to collect toll.

According to the source, “He was hacked down in the market around 7a.m. yesterday. He sighted members of the rival

cult, and made efforts to escape and also alert his gang members, but he was not lucky.

“His head was cut off, including his manhood, and his assailants took them away, leaving the trunk lying in a line in the market.”

The spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, DSP

Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, saying operatives of the Command have been dispatched to the scene for investigation.

THISDAY learnt that the incident caused traders who had come out for their businesses to hurriedly shut down their shops for fear of reprisal by the rival group.

Makinde Swears in New SSG, HoS, 16 Commissioners

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, sworn in newly confirmed 16 commissioners and the new Secretary to the Government of the State (SSG), Prof. Kudirat Adeyemo.

The governor also swore in the

acting Head of Service(HoS), Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, into substantive position as HoS Oyo state.

Similarly, Governor Makinde swore in 13 newly promoted Permanent Secretaries of Ministries in the state’s civil service as well as the newly appointed Accountant General of Oyo State; Mrs.

Kikelomo Adegoke.

Makinde, after administering the oath of office and allegiance to the new appointees Ibadan, expressed confidence in their selection and capacity to bring their wealth of professional experiences to bear on governance.

The governor, while disclosing

that it was the first time that the state recorded a cabinet well represented from all the 14 federal constituencies in the state, also tasked the new cabinet members to see their appointments as a call to service, urging them to shun personal interests for the common good of the state.

ETOP UKUTT

DISCUSSING E-BUSINESS BANKING…

L-R: Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku; Chairman, Committee of E-Business Banking Industry Heads(CeBIH), Celestina Appeal; Vice Chairman, CeBIH, Mrs. Folashade Femi-Lawal, and Chief Digital Officer, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, at the CeBIH 2023 meeting hosted by Wema Bank Plc in Lagos... yesterday

High Exchange Rates, Taxes Killing Private Businesses, Tinubu Told

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

A Lagos-based businessman and Chairman and Managing Director of Atlantic Bisco Motors, Mr. Banji Akinola, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to save the private business from collapse by reducing the current high import duty and taxes.

Speaking at the sideline of the reception organised in honour of his late mother, Madam Janet

Funmilayo Akinola, in Ado-Ekiti, Akinola urged the government to consider a downward review of the duty and other taxes being imposed on private businesses in the country.

Among the dignitaries who graced the burial service were Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, Hon Gbenga Omotosho, and former

Police Jail 500 Phone Snatchers in Kano

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Police in Kano have prosecuted and secured the conviction of about 500 phone snatchers who are currently serving their jail terms at various facility centres within the state.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammad Usaini Gumel, told journalists yesterday that phone snatchers are being treated as armed robbers in Kano State.

Gumel said that treating phonesnatchers as armed robbers has drastically reduced the rate of

phone snatching in the metropolis as residents could now sleep with their two eyes closed.

He said: “We have succeeded in reducing the menace of cell phone armed robbery in the state. As I speak to you, over 500 cell phone armed robbers have been prosecuted and are currently serving their jail terms at various facility centres within the state.

“Out of 16 hoodlums (Yan Daba) invited for dialogue by this office, nine who submitted themselves have also promised to produce their followers.”

Glo, Palmpay Unveil Recharge and Win Bonanza

Nigeria’s total telecoms solutions provider, Globacom, and top fintech platform, PalmPay, have unveiled a new promotion campaign, PalmPay Bonanza - Recharge Glo and Win, which gives Nigerians who purchase Glo data and airtime bundles via the PalmPay platform opportunity to win exciting rewards.

The promotion runs between July 21 and September 14.

Globacom in a statement said:“At Glo, we always seek innovative avenues to enrich the lives of our subscribers. Teaming up with PalmPay for this campaign aligns with our goal to provide unparalleled

Ambassador to Canada, Dare Bejide, among others.

The Nigerian importer lamented that the incessant

upward review of taxes and customs duties coupled with the harsh economic condition in the country is pushing many

Nigerians out of business.

Akinola, who the chairman of Atlantic Bisco Motors, with subsidiaries in construction,

haulage, and property, lamented that duty for the clearance of a car has been jerked up by 500 percent.

Protest Rocks Enugu as Govt Seals Shops over Sit-at-home Exercise

Gideon

A protest has rocked Enugu, Enugu State, following the decision of the state government to seal shops belonging to business owners who refused to come out for business on July 24. The state Governor, Peter

Mbah, had since June 5 banned Monday sit-at-home exercise in the state, urging residents to go about their legitimate duties on that day.

During the monitoring of the compliance to his directive in several major markets and government offices last Monday,

he expressed displeasure that a good number of the residents still stayed at home. The governor also threatened to seal shops and institutions that refused to open.

On July 24, the state government sealed at least 100 shops belonging to business owners who refused to come

out as well as two banks.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, said 106 shops and two banks were sealed by the officials of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority in line with the governor’s order.

Edo Govt, APC in Blame Game over Poor State of Federal Roads

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The controversy generated by the bad condition of federal roads in Edo State continued yesterday, with the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing Governor

Godwin Obaseki of failing in his responsibilities to the people of the state.

Obaseki had earlier accused the federal government of abandoning the fixing of its roads in the state. However, yesterday, the

Edo State Chairman of the APC, Col. David Imuse (retd), while addressing journalists in Benin, said “I am addressing you today with regards to the recent statement made by the Edo State government regarding the state of Federal Roads in

the state. We want to use this forum as a vehicle to bring the attention of the good people of our state to the failures of the current administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, which greatly exacerbated the issue at hand.

Ekiti First Lady Rallies Students against Gender-based Violence

Gbenga SodeindeinAdoEkiti

value and experiences. We encourage our subscribers to make utmost use of the opportunity provided by PalmPay Bonanza - Recharge Glo and Win and enjoy many benefits that lie in store.”

“PalmPay has transformed the digital payment landscape with its easy to use and reliable payment app. Offering free transfers, access to over 300 different services on its app, and a network of 800,000 mobile money agents and merchants, it has rapidly grown to be a preferred payment platform for over 25 million users across Nigeria,” the statement added.

52 Communities to Benefit from FG Water Project in Rivers

The federal government has officially inaugurated a 500,000 cubic metres of potable water scheme in Barako Community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The 500,000 liters of reticulated water scheme is the first phase of the project executed by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), while 14 more of such projects

have been awarded in the phase 2 of the water project scheme.

The project is in line with the recommendations of the United Nation’s Environmental Project (UNEP) report on Ogoni cleanup project.

Inaugurating the project yesterday, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Yusufu, said 52 Ogoni communities will benefit from the ongoing phase 2 water project of the federal government, in Ogoniland.

The Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has enlisted school-age boys in the fight against Gender-based Violence (GBV) to prevent the occurrence of the menace among students in the state. Speaking in Ado Ekiti recently

while delivering an address at the ‘Training of Male Students on Gender-based Violence Prohibition in Public Secondary Schools’ in the state, Oyebanji stressed that male students needed to be equipped with the basic knowledge on the menace in order to curb it in the society.

The governor’s wife noted that the battle against the scourge of Gender-based Violence in schools in particular and the society in general may not be totally won if schoolboys are not given the right orientation and enlightenment on its evils.

The training, which was sponsored by the World Bank-

assisted Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), was attended by school administrators, teachers, officials of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Ministry of Education, among others.

NCF: Climate Change Amplifying Inequality in Nigeria

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Director General of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr Joseph Onoja, has clamoured for a united

force to address climate change because it is amplifying inequality and affecting lives and livelihoods across the country.

He made the call yesterday at

a workshop on strengthening civil society voices on climate justice and the inauguration of Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance.

Onoja said the

coalition of voices which is funded by Ford Foundation and UNDP as a hub, decided to come together because climate justice was affecting the dignity of human kind.

Soludo Begins Construction of Ekwulobia Flyover after Demolishing 500 Buildings

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State Government has commenced the construction of a flyover in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, which has been witnessing burgeoning commercial activities, leading to regular vehicular traffic in the

town.

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, demolished over 500 buildings to give way for the construction of a dual carriage way and flyover bridged.

A visit to the town by THISDAY yesterday showed that work

had commenced in earnest for the construction of the flyover to the delight of indigenes of the community, who had earlier protested the demolition of their buildings.

The handler of the project, A.G Vision Construction Company, was already drilling various spots that

would habour the pillars for the bridge.

The Site Engineer, Mr. Nawar Deeb, told journalists that “we started this project just two weeks ago, and we are sure that we will deliver on the job. The project is for 18 months, and we are hopeful of delivery.

Finalists Unveiled for Muhammad Sanusi II SDG Challenge

MichaelOlugbodeinAbuja

The Muhammad Sanusi II Sustainable Development Goals (MSII SDG) Initiative has unveiled the finalists of the third round of the MSII SDG Challenge.

A press statement yesterday noted that about 1,500 applications were

received from 19 African countries, with an extensive evaluation process leading to the selection of 25 innovative educators who will join the esteemed 3rd Cohort of the MSII Incubator.

The statement read that: “Focused on empowering teachers with essential skills and funding, the MSII Incubation programme aims

to nurture solutions that will positively impact sub-Saharan education systems. These finalists represent a diverse group of educators dedicated to driving meaningful change in the field of education and contributing to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the region.”

The statement added that: “In this year’s incubation programme, a total of 25 educators were selected, representing eight countries from Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa. Among the participants, there are 16 female educators and nine male educators, creating a diverse and inclusive cohort.

ETOP UKUTT

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Arinze in Enugu

Tinubu Wishes Super Falcons Well as They Take on Australia Today

Matildas to miss three key players against Nigeria in Group B cracker

face Australia today in their second group match at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

is 11.00am.

The President, according to a release issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, like other football-loving Nigerians,

Messi Scores Double in Inter Miami’s 4-0 Crushing of Atlanta Utd

Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted once on his first start for Inter Miami in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United.

The Argentina star, 36, scored two inside the opening 22 minutes before setting up team-mate Robert Taylor in the second half.

After netting his second, Messi celebrated by pointing at Inter Miami owner David Beckham.

His performance follows a matchwinning stoppage-time free-kick on his debut last week.

"He can do everything on the ball. He can keep it in tight spaces, and

he makes the right decision 100% of the time," said Taylor.

"Most of the time he'll find one of his team-mates. He brings so much quality to the team, so much. I mean, he's the best player in the world.

"This is what he does - he scores two goals, he scored last game, gets another assist. It's a dream come true to play with him."

Messi, who is a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, only trained with his

team-mates for the first time last week after moving to the Major League Soccer side following the end of his contract at Paris St-Germain.

The 2022 World Cup-winner scored 32 goals in 75 games during a twoyear spell with the French champions and turned down lucrative offers from other countries to play in the US.

Messi opened the scoring in the ninth minute, firing home a rebound from his own shot after controlling

2023/2024 NPFL Season to Kick off August 26

In the bid to align the Nigerian club football season along with the European schedule, the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been fixed to kickoff on August 26.

Chairman of the Nigeria NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, announced this in Lagos last night. The prize money for the winner is N150 million.

Enyimba International FC of Aba are the champions of the 2022/2023 season played on an abridged format with the season ending in a Super 6 playoffs in Lagos.

Kanu,

a ball over the top from former Barcelona team-mate and fellow new arrival Sergio Busquets. He doubled the lead 13 minutes later, combining with Finland midfielder Taylor to slot home a low cross from close-range.

Taylor added a third before halftime, before Messi put the 28-year-old through on the break in the second half to complete the scoring.

Messi was substituted in the 78th minute to a standing ovation, with a number of fans leaving the 20,000-seat DRV PNK Stadium shortly afterwards.

takes immense pride in the Super Falcons’ impressive performance in the opening match against Canada, a formidable opponent and the reigning Olympic Champions. He firmly believed that the upcoming match today will be a thrilling encounter that will culminate in victory for the Nigerian team.

Acknowledging the Super Falcons’ remarkable achievements as a dominant force in women’s football in Africa, President Tinubu expressed confidence that the blending of new talents with seasoned veterans will propel Nigeria’s success in women’s football to even greater heights in this tournament.

He assured the players and the coaching crew of the enthusiastic support of all Nigerians, urging the team to continue exemplifying Nigeria’s spirit of determination and excellence both on and off the pitch, serving as worthy ambassadors of the nation.

Meanwhile, Australia Head Coach, Tony Gustavsson, has confirmed that Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik will join

the likes of Sam Kerr on the sidelines, ruling the trio out of the all important Group B clash with the nine-time African champions Nigeria. Both players were ruled out after suffering mild concussions in training on Tuesday. The Aussies are now set to miss the two important players of their squad, along with Kerr – who had earlier missed their victory over Ireland in the opening match.

Fowler played 85 minutes in their 1-0 win over debutants the Republic of Ireland while Luik was an unused substitute for the Matildas.

Canada currently tops Group B on four points after their 2-1 win against Republic of Ireland yesterday. The result means that both Nigeria and host Australia will have a lot at stake this morning before the final group match next week.

Although a draw may not not be a bad result for the Super Falcons, an outright win will however put Nigeria on the road to qualifying for the Last 16 round. Only the top two teams from each of the eight groups will make it to the knock out phase

...Japan, Spain Cruise into Last 16 as Zambia, C’Rica, Ireland Eliminated

Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup last 16 phase yesterday as they both won group games with relative ease.

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Alexia Putellas, started for Spain despite her serious knee injury and played her part in a 5-0 demolition of Zambia.

Japan also reached the knockout rounds following their 2-0 win over Costa Rica earlier in the day.

In the final match of the day, Olympic champions Canada took a step towards the next round by fighting back from a goal down in soaking-wet Perth to win 2-1 against Ireland, whose hopes of progressing are over.

Japan and Spain will meet on Monday to decide who wins Group C, and with it a theoretically easier draw. Both have a perfect six points from two games and are yet to concede a goal.

Costa Rica and Zambia play the same day in the fight to avoid

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League Club Owners Association, Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, has said the body will support the newly inaugurated NPFL board for the growth of the league.

Dr. Kpalukwu stated this in an interview shortly after the inauguration of the NPFL board by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

Kpalukwu who doubles as the General Manager of Rivers United reiterated the commitment of the body to the NPFL board towards the development of the league.

“Club Owners will support the new board inaugurated recently by the NFF to see to the development of the league in its entirety,” he assured at the inauguration of the NPFL board in Abuja.

The newly inaugurated NPFL Board Members include; Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye as Chairma; Mr Domnic Iorfa; Mr Daniel Amokachi; Dr Okey Kpalakwu; Mallam Suleiman Umar; Barr Pourbeni Ogun; and Mallam Muhammed Nasiru Sa'idu as members. Barr. Ibrahim Danlami will serve as Secretary/ Legal Adviser of the board.

Lionel Messi... fires double and provided assist as Inter Miami hammered Atlanta United 4-0 yesterday

Ajilore Endorse Adedayo Benjamins –Laniyi Unity Tourney

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Chairman of Enyimba Football Club, Aba Nwankwo Kanu and a board member FCT FA, Femi Ajilore, have thrown their weights behind the Adedayo Benjamins–Laniyi Unity Championship that kicked off yesterday at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.

About 1,200 players, drawn from 80 teams from the six Area Councils of the FCT are participating in the tournament.

While the former Super Eagles

Captain Kanu was not in the stand during the opening ceremony, Ajilore, who was a member of the Flying Eagles team that won silver at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in The Netherlands in 2005 was among the dignitaries that graced the event.

In her remarks, the sponsor of the tournament, Mrs Benjamins-Laniyi urged youths in the territory to use sports to promote national unity and peace in all the Six Area Councils that constitute the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. According to her, sporting activities

cement relationships within and outside one's immediate environment.

She noted that although mobilising the young people across communities for the FCT football tournament was tough for her, she carried out the venture to contribute to the unity of the residents.

“The future of youths is hinged on the lifestyle they live, which will only be achieved through activities that will promote national cohesion.

“We have initiated the unity championship tournament to bring together to FCT youths. Sports does

not know tribe, religion and political affiliation. So the younger ones, who are the future leaders need to be given the desired attention. Where there is no unity, there would not be a nation where we can call our own,” she said.

On his part, the Director, FCT Sport Development, Mr Lukas Istifanus, commended the organiser for investing in the development of youths in sporting activities, especially at the grassroots level.

He pledged the commitment of the FCT Administration to the promotion of sports development.

finishing bottom of the pile.

Barcelona's Putellas came off at halftime at Eden Park in Auckland but Zambia were already dead and buried by then with Spain two goals in front against the lowest-ranked team in the tournament.

Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice in the victory in front of just over 20 000 spectators, but Spain coach Jorge Vilda warned their best was still to come.

"We haven't seen the best version of Spain, that is absolutely clear," said Vilda.

"After the second goal we took our foot off the pedal and that is something we need to correct. We can't settle for this," he added.

The 2011 champions Japan beat an error-prone Costa Rica comfortably in front of 6 992 spectators in Dunedin, the smallest crowd at the finals yet. Japan, who began their campaign by thrashing Zambia 5-0, were never in trouble against an outclassed Costa Rica at the nearly 30 000-capacity Dunedin Stadium.

MGI Scrabble Premier League Enters Final Stage

The annual MGI Scrabble Premier League, a competition modelled after the game of football, the first of its kind in the world, had its preliminary stages concluded at Homeville Plus Hotel Benin, in Edo State on Saturday.

Ewarah Squiz and Whiskey Godsfavour came out top of their respective divisions at this stage of the competition.

Speaking on Match Day 3 of the competition, the founder of Mind Games Incorporated (MGI), Mr. Lukeman Owolabi, expressed joy at the turnout of players for the event.

“The launch of the MGI Scrabble Premier League (MSPL) in 2019 has proved to be the best thing that has happened to Nigerian scrabble in recent times. The inaugural edition was highly successful and within a year, the MSPL experienced over 85 per cent growth, expanding to a two-division league.

“The 2023 season have 18 teams, two divisions, and 205 rounds with over N6 million in prize money to

be won,” he clarified. He further called on potential sponsors, individuals, and brands alike to come on board with the team to achieve the full potential of the MGI Scrabble Premier League (MSPL). Match Day 3 of the league featured two major divisions; A & B with six teams, 30 players in Division A with 12 teams. There are 60 players in Division B. Division A teams played a total of 10 games while Division B teams played 12 games.

At the end of match-day three, teams topping Division A in individuals and teams levels include; Ewarah Squiz and Hurricanes respectively while Whiskey Godsfavor and D. Warriors sit at the top of Group B tables.

This year’s MSPL grand finale will hold on October 6 and 7, 2023, at the Golfview Hotel and Suites at Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The MGI Scrabble Grand Slam comes up between October 13 and 15, 2023 at the same venue.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended best wishes to the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they prepare to

Kickoff time

Captain Onome Ebi (centre) leading Super Falcons at training yesterday ahead of the crucial Group B clash with cohosts Australia in Brisbane...this morning

Felix Morka to PDP

“It’sdownrightirresponsibleforthePDPtocontinuouslypoliticiseseriousmattersof securityandnationalimportanceforitsvainandmacabrehumor.Asanage-oldParty,this ceaselessdisplayofegregiousincivilityintheconductofitsaffairsisdisgracefulandsad. Actsofterrororinvolvementinaterroristplotareheinouscrimesunderthelawandthe PDPcannotcontinuetobandyallegationsaroundwithoutjustification”—APCspokesman, decryingthepoliticizationoftheattackonformerVicePresidentAtikuAbubakar

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

Ministerial List: To Serve or To Eat?

Tomorrow, 28th July, will mark exactly five months since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected. Yet he still does not have his cabinet in place. This says a great deal about his preparedness for office as well as the nature of ministerial appointments in our country. If the basis for appointment was about service to the people and delivering the public good, the issue of ‘pressure’ to which we hear the president is being subjected (an excuse for the delay) should not arise. But perhaps we should cut the president some slack. The Constitution which makes it mandatory that a minister must come from every state already presupposes that such appointment is little more than a distribution of spoils.

Going by Section 42 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) “the nomination of any person to the office of a minister for confirmation by the senate shall be done within sixty days after the date the president has taken the oath of office”. With that provision, the president has only until tomorrow to submit his ministerial list to the Senate. Since the Senate ordinarily does not sit on Friday, it then goes without saying that the list must be released today. But the entire process has become ridiculous. Aside the blatant lobbying by individuals and groups in the media, there are also reports that religious clerics and marabouts are making a killing to ensure that certain names emerge on this list that can catapult someone from penury to prosperity. After all, we know those who used to travel by Night Bus and now travel by Private Jet, simply because they were once on ‘The List’!

On Monday, I was the reviewer at the public presentation of a book, ‘Reclaiming the Jewel of Africa’ by former Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga. The keynote speech was delivered by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He spoke about so many things but of particular interest is this line: “If you ask most of our leaders why they want to be in the position they are craving for, you will weep for your nation over their level of emptiness as far as development issues are concerned.” While that may be true, there are those who would also argue that the tone was set by President Obasanjo’s government.

When in 1999, he chose Second Republic Governor of the old Oyo State (now Oyo and Osun), the late Chief Bola Ige, among his ministers, not a few people were surprised. Even though Ige was played out of the presidential ticket of the opposition Alliance for Democracy (the dominant party in the Southwest) which he formed along with others, it was clear that working in a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government was bound to be problematic for the famed ‘Cicero of Esa Oke’. When he started to attack the then ruling party, it did not sit well with some, including his former deputy, Chief Sunday Afolabi (now deceased), who was also a minister. It was Afolabi who made the Freudian Slip about public service in Nigeria while attacking Ige. He said: “The PDP wanted Bola Ige to come and eat. I don’t believe we have done something wrong to warrant such insults from him. Although President Obasanjo is not bothered, we have to tell him (Ige) to stop insulting us.” Ige of course shot back that he was invited to government to serve, wondering what Afolabi was ‘eating’ in his own ministry.

Meanwhile, as it is with the federal government, so it is in the states. In Osun State for instance, Governor Ademola Adeleke is currently being accused of appointing into his cabinet a nephew who graduated from the family’s (Adeleke) University just two years ago—“a boy who has never worked before who goes about in

dreadlock to direct the affairs of our Osun State local government service commission.” I don’t know what crime the governor has committed by offering a big job (and plenty of ‘food’) for

his young and inexperienced nephew.

Of course, what concerns the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is that the list of commissioners contains seven Muslims and 17 Christians. “We condemn this wanton blockage of privileges that should go to Muslims and their diversion to over-pampered and over-fed Christians in Osun State,” an angry MURIC Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, wrote in his statement. “By deceiving Muslims in the state and engaging in spiritual hide and seek, Governor Adeleke has exhibited qualities odoriferously short in honour and dignity but egregiously long in infamy and bohemianism.”

Stripped of all the ‘odoriferously bohemianism’, what Akintola is telling us is that you cannot allow some to be ‘over-fed’ from public treasuries while encouraging ‘blockage of privileges’ for others. Unfortunately, it is this misunderstanding of public service that accounts for the state of our nation today. The challenge of leadership in Nigeria is also based on this warped notion that being elected or appointed to public office is simply to find ‘something to eat’. The misallocation of scarce resources that follows most of these appointments can then be easily explained by the same logic. When in April 2020 former Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State approved the appointment of 427 additional aides to join more than a thousand special assistants already working for him, this was the explanation from his spokesman, Christian Ita: “The governor has said repeatedly that he only needs about five per cent of his appointees. So, he deliberately

creates these jobs to put food on the table so as to reduce social tension.”

But we should not blame Ayade for using public offices to ‘put food on the table’ for cronies. That is the philosophical underpinning for government in Nigeria. Which is why it is always about ‘sharing the national cake’, and not baking it. Leo Tolstoy’s ‘How Much Land Does a Man Need?’, Chinua Achebe’s ‘NoLongeratEase’ and George Orwell’s classic, ‘ShootinganElephant’ , are popular literature in Aspen Institute Leadership classes. They are also standard readings in the seminar series of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) founded in 2006 by Aganga. While the first is used to interrogate the place of greed in the public arena, the other two speak to public expectation and the kind of pressure elected and appointed officials face, especially in an environment like ours. I have interrogated this issue before and will come back to it in future. But for now, all eyes are on the Villa and the Senate.

After weeks and months of waiting, ‘The List’ will finally be out today. And we are going to witness congratulatory messages for these eminent Nigerians. Yet, it is trite to say that our country is today going through one of the most difficult periods in our history. And if only for that reason, I hope the men and women who make ‘The List’ for the next federal executive council will be those who will contribute ideas to improve the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people and influence social change. God save us from the perpetually ‘hungry’ characters who are always looking for what to ‘eat’!

The Emefiele Lesson

There is a scene in ‘The Queen’, a multiple award winning 2006 British film starring Helen Mirren, that I love so much. The fictional account of the drama at Buckingham palace, following the death of Princess Diana, is a lesson for all power handlers. While Queen Elizabeth II (now of blessed memory) saw Diana’s death as a private family affair, then newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair exploited the situation by reflecting the public’s wish for an official expression of grief. This instantly earned Blair public acclamation while the Queen became so unpopular that many were even calling for the abrogation of the monarchy.

In the instructive dialogue from the encounter (as depicted in the film), the Queen had asked Blair, “You don’t think that the affection people once had for me, for this institution, has been diminished?” The PM replied, “No, not at all. You are more respected now than ever.” Apparently fishing for information, the Queen then said, “I gather some of your closest advisers were less fulsome in their support.” To this, Blair replied, “One or two but as a leader, I could never have added my voice to that chorus.” The Queen was unrelenting: “Because you saw all those headlines and you thought: ‘One day this might happen to me’...” Before the PM could respond, the Queen added, “...and it will, Mr. Blair; quite suddenly and without warning.”

The message speaks to the transient nature of power and how fortunes can change. But that is a lesson those who hold the levers of power in Nigeria never seem to learn. They believe they are invincible until they lose out

in the power game. In an untidy bid to rearrest the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, after he had been granted bail by the Federal High Court on Tuesday, hooded operatives of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) engaged officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in a physical scuffle. They pushed and dragged the NCoS squadron commander out of the courtroom, molesting him in the process. In the sordid drama that played out in an open court, it was almost as if Emefiele was a merchandise. This clear abuse of power is being orchestrated by some who believe they are now above the law. And that what they are

doing to Emefiele can never happen to them. They must be poor students of history.

Just about six months ago, Emefiele himself defied the Supreme Court ruling that the deadline for exchanging old banknotes for the so-called redesigned notes be extended. Emefiele considered himself to be above the law at a time many Nigerians were suffering from his Naira confiscation policy. Today, the emperor is naked. But as I wrote in my column last week, we must see beyond the person of Emefiele on this matter if we are to build a society governed by law and order. What is happening to the suspended CBN Governor is neither right nor defensible, whatever may be our feelings about him.

Under democracy and the rule of law, as I pointed out last week, accused persons are presumed innocent until evidence is adduced in a court of law to secure conviction. Revenge, as I also stated, is not the same thing as justice and state institutions should not be used for such perversion. The lesson is simple, when the most fundamental element and requirement of a civilized society, the rule of law, is trampled upon, we all have no defence against tyranny.

Since democracy is built on the principle of rule of law, no agency of government (or their heads) should be allowed to take the law into their hands on any issue. Besides, when those who ordinarily should enforce the law begin to treat court orders with impunity, anarchy is not too far away. I hope President Tinubu and his handlers can see beyond the person of Emefiele to the danger posed to the larger society by their contempt for a court order.

Akpabio...Senate President

Emefiele...Suspended CBN Governor