SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST 2023

FG Secures $500m Loan to Fund Digital Economy

World Bank to provide digital IDs for 148m Nigerians by 2024

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that the federal government has secured a

$500million loan for a local funding programme.

This initiative, he said, is aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship within the country's digital sector.

Tijani, who stated this at a dinner Friday organised in his honour by the ministry in partnership with the World Bank said, “So, we've got access to about half a billion dollars to start local funding.”

This is as the World Bank has unveiled an ambitious target to provide at least 148 million people of working age with a digital national ID by the middle of next year, marking a significant step towards

See eCopy of THISDAY Style on

inclusion and accessibility.

Tijani outlined federal government's plan to domicile local funding in Nigeria and ensure that it benefits true Nigerian businesses, adding that it will be collaborating

with the Bank of Industry (BoI).

He, however, highlighted the importance of supporting and promoting Nigerian businesses,

Continued on page 5

NCDC Dismisses Scare over New COVID-19 Variants… Page 10

NSA, Service Chiefs, Ministers, NNPCL

Up the Ante in War against Oil Theft

In a bid to curb oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the Niger

Delta, President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a powerful presidential delegation to the oil-rich region to inspect the federal government’s assets and meet with the governors.

The members of the delegation, which was led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher

Musa; and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja. Others include Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence,

Bello Matawalle; Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; and Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources, Ekperipe Ekpo.

Also, senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, led

Continued on page 5

Tinubu: Niger’s Crisis will Not Deter Me from Concluding Nigeria's Economic Reform Programme

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his readiness to pursue Nigeria's economic reforms policy to a logical conclusion despite the political crisis rocking the neighbouring Niger Republic.

Speaking while receiving in the audience at the State House, Abuja, the United States Presidential Envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee, the Nigerian President, who also doubles as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasised that the crisis in Niger Republic would not deter him from concluding his economic reform programme successfully for the benefit of Nigerians.

But despite the clarification by ECOWAS that it has no plans to invade the Niger Republic in the aftermath of a coup, the junta has ordered the country’s armed forces

Continued on page 5

RENEWED WAR AGAINST OIL THIEVES…

L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of Defence, Mr. Mohammed Badaru; and Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Matawalle, during the visit of the presidential security delegation on national issues relating to crude oil assets and investments to Port Harcourt…yesterday.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Tasks US on defence of democracy in West Africa Niger junta puts troops on red alert Denies expelling Nigerian ambassador You have no authority to expel our ambassador, France tells junta Biden agrees to meet with Tinubu at UNGA

APC Holds Midnight Inauguration for NWC Members Amid Protests

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Despite the protests from the Kogi, Abia and Cross River states’ chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party on Friday night inaugurated six additional members.

The national secretariat of the ruling party was practically turned into a war zone on Thursday when men of the police force took over the secretariat to prevent a breakdown of law and order, especially from aggrieved party members.

However, attempts to swear in the officials on Thursday night were stalled following protests from Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and other stakeholders from Abia and Cross River.

Bello, who stormed the party secretariat in the early hours of Thursday waited fruitlessly for the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who tactically avoided the secretariat because of the aggrieved members.

His absence, however, forced Bello to take his protest to Ganduje's residence, where they finally reached

a compromise around 12 midnight.

At the end, those sworn in were: Deputy National Chairman, North, Ali Bukar Dalori (Borno State); National Vice Chairman, North-west, Garba Datti Muhammad (Kaduna State); National Legal Adviser, Prof. AbdulKarim Kana (Nasarawa State); National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwankpa (Abia State); National Woman Leader, Mary Alile Idele (Edo State); and the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko (Kogi State).

An earlier nominee for the North-central Zonal Organising Secretary of the party, Ikani Okolo from Kogi State was however, dropped to placate Bello whose nominee for the office of Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ismail Yahaya was dropped.

The chairman, who acknowledged that the party had taken serious notice of Yahaya, said he would be put forward for other appointments.

He said those who lost out in Abia and Cross River states would also be considered for appointments as a way of satisfying all the aggrieved.

NSA, SERVICE CHIEFS, MINISTERS, NNPCL UP THE ANTE IN WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT

by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari, and other top security personnel were part of the delegation.

Welcoming the delegation at the Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, of Rivers State criticised the federal government for awarding the contract for the protection of crude oil pipelines to “one man”.

Though the Rivers governor did not mention any name, he said the strategy of the federal government won’t yield the expected results as an individual cannot have control over the assets in another man’s territory.

Fubara, who decried the neglect of the state by the federal government, called on the delegation to ensure that the outcome of their task would be beneficial to both the federal and the state governments.

The governor said, “Security of the pipeline should not be given to one man or one person. How can someone from Kalabari be controlling the pipeline in Ogoni? There is no way it will work. We must look at bringing all the key people in the various communities.

“Two of our sons from Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom are heading the Ministry of Petroleum. We don’t want them to fail. We must give them the necessary support.”

Fubara said that Rivers waged a strong war against the illegal refining of crude oil under the leadership of the immediate past Governor, Nyesom Wike and that his administration won’t lower the bar.

Addressing the governor, the NSA said the delegation was in Rivers at the instruction of the president.

He said the delegation was billed to visit Rivers and other Niger Delta states with a marching order from President Bola Tinubu to end crude oil theft and illegal refining of petroleum.

Ribadu said the president believes that “indeed this part of Nigeria matters a lot; not just the resources but of course the people of the Niger Delta need to live in peace.”

“He has given an instruction. As you see here, this is the entire federal might. Strategic individuals and offices are here assembled.

“This is a clear demonstration of a commitment and a belief that indeed, the time has come for us to open a new chapter.

“We believe that it is time to do the right thing and we’re going to do it,” the NSA said.

On his part, Badaru said the nation needs to secure its assets, adding that the inspection of the assets will enable the delegation to

Speaking at the inauguration on Friday night, Ganduje said there was no doubt that during the last meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, the NWC was mandated to undertake some tasks on behalf of NEC.

His words: "We have succeeded. We consulted with stakeholders, governors and others. We know there are some aggrieved people and they are very important. We will discuss with them and I will speak later on that.

"We have taken a decision that

every Wednesday, we will conduct our weekly NWC meeting. It is very important. Also, we have already made a resolution that our party as an institution will be active throughout the year and not just during election periods. Our party will have operational and functional offices right from the wards, LGs, States, Zonal and national offices as you can see. We believe we will be able to abide by all these.

"Very soon we will launch the National Campaign Councils for our three states - Imo, Bayelsa and

Kogi- going into elections this year. Instead of inaugurating the councils here in Abuja, we have decided to do so in the various state capitals so that we can connect with the various stakeholders.

"All of you are competent. We have seen your credentials and you have been nominated and elected through due process by the various stakeholders and therefore we congratulate you.

"As earlier mentioned, there is no doubt that there are some people who are also competent but you

can only fill a person.

"From Kogi State, we have Ismail Yahaya. We have taken note of him and he will be engaged in one way or another. We have Ikani Shuaibu Okolo from Kogi State. He too will be engaged appropriately in our government. Mrs Obinna from Abia, she too will be accommodated. Hon. Dr Stella Ekpo from Cross River. I think she is a medical doctor. She and two others from Cross River State, according to the outcome of our dialogue, will be accommodated in our government.

TINUBU: NIGER’S CRISIS WILL NOT DETER ME FROM CONCLUDING NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC REFORM PROGRAMME

to go on the highest alert, citing increasing threats of attack.

The junta has also denied expelling Nigerian Ambassador, Mohamed Usman, from the country just as France has said that the new military leaders have no authority to expel its ambassador to the country, Sylvain Itte.

President Tinubu, according to a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, stressed that he takes a queue from no nation.

investment in Nigeria. Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address its specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families," Tinubu added.

Earlier in his speech, the US Special Presidential Envoy while pledging support for the position of ECOWAS, expressed the high regard the US Administration has for the leadership of the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu.

national territory are increasingly being felt,” it said.

ECOWAS, which has been trying to negotiate with the leaders of the July 26 coup, has said it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.

On Friday, the regional bloc downplayed this threat and said it was “determined to bend backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts,” although an intervention remained one of the options on the table.

Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The military leaders have accused Paris of planning to intervene militarily in Niger in order to reinstate Bazoum.

They also claimed that ECOWAS is in the pocket of France.

France has some 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to aid in fighting jihadist groups that have plagued the country.

see the challenges and consider the best ways to resolve them.

The minister said the team is committed to ending the menace at whatever cost in the interest of the government and the people.

“We have the marching order by Mr. President to stop crude oil theft and all other vandalism around our installations and that we promised to do.”

The delegation also visited oil and gas facilities in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking on the visit, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Lokpobiri, said the federal government was committed to putting a stop to pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

“We are here because of the problem of pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering that is going on in the Niger Delta.

“I believe that it has become an existential problem and we need to fight them. We need to fight these criminals to submission.

“What is happening here is so bad that we cannot even know the implications unless maybe when people start dying in their numbers that is when people will know that a few persons who were profiting from this crime are here to wipe all of them out.

“So, as a responsible government, we have decided that we are going to put a stop to it.

“We are going to work with stakeholders to ensure that we stop all this nonsense in our society. We are not going to allow them.

“I also want to use the opportunity to express our gratitude to Tantita that has been commissioned by the NNPCL to be able to do some work but we are going to do a lot more.”

On his part, the NSA, Ribadu, said the federal government would sustain its partnership with Tantita Security Services Limited, to curb the crime of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

He added that the federal government would soon take additional measures to ensure that things change for the better in pipeline security.

Ribadu said: “We have done very well to get to where we are now. We are certainly going to take more measures. So far, things are beginning to change. Give us little time and you will see things change for the better.”

Also, speaking, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Kyari, said the delegation was in Koko to assess the security situation so that they can respond to it in order to boost crude oil production.

Tinubu said he would only advance the interest of the Nigerian state in his approach toward ECOWAS' handling of the regional standoff.

"We are deep in our attempts to peacefully settle the issue in Niger by leveraging on our diplomatic tools. I continue to hold ECOWAS back, despite its readiness for all options, in order to exhaust all other remedial mechanisms. War is not ideal for my economic reforms, nor for the region, but the defence of democracy is sacrosanct. The ECOWAS consensus is that we will not allow anyone to insincerely buy time," Tinubu explained.

The president also advised the US Presidential Envoy to ensure that US policy is intentionally collaborative with independent African democracies at a time when they are under assault by anti-democratic forces within and outside of the continent.

He noted that the American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions, which were designed to support war-torn Europe after World War II, require swift and comprehensive reform to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments.

Tinubu argued that the legitimate yearnings of Africans should no longer be manipulated to serve the narrow aims of self-seeking demagogues through unconstitutional takeovers of power.

"Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the US Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for US industrial

The envoy extended an exclusive invitation from US President Joe Biden to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City to advance discussions further in late September.

"We know there is more we can do to incentivise large-scale American investment in Nigeria and we are committed to working closely with you to achieve that, as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy and the regional economy. We appreciate your willingness to create an enabling environment for that. President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership," the Special Envoy added.

Tinubu concluded that he accepted the invitation to meet the US President on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and that the work of perfecting democracy is never done, even in developed democracies, as seen recently in America, as well as other emerging democracies in the world.

Niger Junta Puts Troops on Red Alert

Meanwhile, the junta in Niger has put its armed forces on the highest alert, citing increasing threats of attack, according to an internal document issued weekend by its defence chief. The document, which was released yesterday, said the order to be on maximum alert would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and “avoid a general surprise.”

“Threats of aggression to the

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country, ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, told reporters.

France: Niger Junta Has No Authority to Expel Our Ambassador

In a related development, France has said that the Niger junta has no authority to expel its ambassador to the country, Itte.

Niger military had on Friday given 48 hours ultimatum for Itte to vacate the country for refusing an invitation to meet with the junta-appointed foreign minister.

The Foreign Ministry said the actions of the French government were “contrary to the interests of Niger.”

But France said Niger’s “putschists have no authority” to expel its ambassador in Niamey, as quoted by Deutsche Welle.

“The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities,” Paris said, adding: “We are constantly evaluating the security and operating conditions of our embassy.”

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, had on Thursday demanded the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum who was detained on July 26, 2023, by the coup plotters led by the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard, General

FG SECURES $500M LOAN TO FUND DIGITAL ECONOMY

saying, "We want to ensure that those businesses that will benefit are true, real Nigerian businesses."

According to him, by domiciling the funding locally, the government aims to foster the growth and development of homegrown enterprises, ultimately contributing to the country's economic progress.

The minister assured the public that the initial $500 million announced for local funding is just the beginning.

He stressed that more investors would be brought on board, to increase the funds available to support Nigerian innovators.

Tijani emphasised that the government's goal is to leverage the fund to attract additional investment and expand resources for local entrepreneurs.

He said: "Part of my responsibilities is working with BoI to ensure that we domicile that funding locally in Nigeria, work with firms who manage and invest in businesses to ensure that

those businesses that will benefit are true, real Nigerian businesses.

“And what we are going to see is that the funding is available locally and in the coming months it is going to become larger and as these funds become larger, we want to leverage that money as well.

“So, the government is not just going to put half a billion and that’s it, it can actually bring more investors to heart as we have more money and more of our innovators can have access to resources.”

Also speaking at the event, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, has unveiled an ambitious target to provide at least 148 million people of working age with a digital national ID by the middle of next year.

He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to eradicating poverty, improving lives, and creating job opportunities for the country's youth.

Chaudhuri emphasised the potential of leveraging digital

Niger Junta Denies Expelling Nigerian Ambassador

In another development, the junta has denied expelling the Nigerian Ambassador, Usman.

Niger’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had on Friday reportedly released a statement, ordering the expulsion of Usman alongside some Western diplomats.

The statement said: “In reaction to Nigerian Ambassador Mohamed Usman’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the ministry for a discussion on Friday, August 25 at 11.30 a.m., and due to other actions of the Nigerian government contrary to Niger’s interests, the ministry is giving 48 hours to Mr. Mohamed Usman’s to leave the Nigerien territory.”

The same reason was also given for the expulsion of the German Ambassador to Niger, Olivier Schnakenberg.

But in yet another development, Niger’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has denied the first memo.

The ministry described the information as false, adding that only the Ambassador of France in Niger was declared persona non grata.

“Also, the ministry reminds those who are agitated and still doubt the expression of its sovereign will, that Niger does not need an authorisation or an interpretation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, to exercise its prerogatives and have Ambassador Sylvain Itte leave, after this 48-hour period ubur D Done in Niamey on August 25.”

A source in the Nigerian embassy in Niger said the junta was embarrassed by the reports of the unauthorised expulsion of Usman.

technologies to drive transformation and outlined two key areas of partnership with Nigeria to achieve these goals.

He told newsmen about the importance of a digital national ID as the foundation for digital transformation, adding that the World Bank is collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission to ensure the successful rollout and registration of digital national IDs for all Nigerians.

According to him, "Our main mission here in Nigeria is to eliminate poverty, make lives better, and create jobs, for all Nigerian youth. One of the areas that we think have the greatest potential is the area of using digital technologies to transform. Now to do that it begins with having this digital national ID.

“So, one of the main partnerships we have is working with NIMC to ensure the rollout of the registration so that all 213/220 million Nigerians have a digital national ID, beginning

of course with all people of working age and I think the target for that is at least 148 million people by the middle of next year.

He added, “The second is helping Nigeria lead the broadband infrastructure for broadband connectivity because without broadband connectivity digital technologies will lead to a digital divide. So, their support has been for good kinds of policies and regulations that will help invite private investment into this space and then fibre optic cables.

"One thing, for example, working with states is to persuade states to reduce the right of way fees and fibre. Cable operators have to pay more when they're getting the land to lay the cable. All that is like the foundations and real potential comes from once you have the national ID, all the technologies that apps that can be built on the weather to bring services to people, to people where they get people access to finance that all of that needs skills.”

A NEW CHIEF IN TOWN…

Report: 430 Civilians Killed, 3,620 Abducted, N5bn Demanded in 582 Crimes in One Year

Nigeria missing in list of Africa’s most peaceful nations

Emmanuel

Addeh in Abuja

At least 430 civilians were killed, while over N5 billion was demanded from 3,620 persons in 582 kidnaprelated cases in the last one year, according to a new report by SBM Intelligence.

This is as the insecurity in Nigeria has led to the country’s name missing from the 15 most peaceful countries in Africa, the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), has revealed.

The SBM report titled: “The

Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry 2023 Update: Follow the Money,” also indicated that 19 security personnel were killed during crossfires while 121 of the suspects were gunned down.

In the report, SBM, an Africafocused geopolitical research and strategic communications consulting firm, stated that it got the data from respondents and publicly available information, including regulators, trade associations, research partners, newspapers and government

House Committee Vows to Order Arrest of Erring Heads of MDAs, Slams NIS, Others

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged job racketeering and mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) by federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) has threatened to invoke the provisions of the constitution to compel heads of MDAs to appear before it.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, accused the heads of MDAs of frustrating the work of the committee aimed at correcting imbalances in the public service of the federation.

Gagdi said the committee would not accept deliberate attempts by the affected MDAs to frustrate the noble assignment of the panel, describing the refusal to appear as deliberate.

Gagdi said the House of Representatives would not hesitate to invoke its legislative powers to ensure that the affected MDAs comply with the invitations of the committee.

He said invitation/hearing notices were sent to their offices to cause an appearance.

“However, to the committee’s utmost dismay, its request was disregarded. This action is considered as contempt of the legislature.

“Consequently and pursuant to Sections 62, 88 and 89 (1){a}

{b}{c} of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as the House Standing Order 18A, Rule 9, the following MDAs are required to comply with the publication and forward the information listed (i – x) below in a Flash Drive One (1) soft copy (Excel Format) and Forty (40) hard copies typed double spaced, and addressed to the Chairman should be submitted to Suite 0.01 or Conference Room – 034 Ground Floor New Building, House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja and cause appearance as scheduled below.”

He said the affected ministries which details have already been published in the national dailies are to unfailingly appear before the committee within the stipulated scheduled dates.

He said: “Please note that failure to comply with the above request/ invitation, the Committee will invoke the provisions of Section 89(1, d)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and Section 4 of the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act, to compel compliance.”

Meanwhile, the committee also accused the management of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the National Office for Technology Innovation and Acquisition of lopsided appointment of personnel to the disadvantage of other states.

agencies.

While admitting that the ransom demand figure could be far higher since many cases were unreported, SBM noted that of the N5 billion demanded, about N302 million was paid to the criminals.

In the study spanning July 2022 to June 2023, the firm stated that Nigeria currently faces security crises across all six geopolitical zones, including Boko Haram, bandits, criminal youth gangs, sea piracy and armed separatists’ agitation, with a number of the country’s security threats overlapping.

“The Boko Haram insurgency is expanding westwards, and the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra’s agitation is becoming more dangerous. Ransom payment has become the dominant motivation for kidnapping due to Nigeria’s struggling economy, rising inflation and high unemployment rates.

“Between July 2022 and June 2023, 3,620 people were abducted in 582 kidnap-related incidents in Nigeria and at least N5 billion ($6,410,256 as of 30 June 2023) were reported as ransom demands, while verified ransom pay-outs amounted to N302 million ($387,179), or six per cent of what was demanded. However, this figure could be higher due to underreporting,” it said.

In some cases, the SBM research

found that kidnappers opted for non-monetary ransom, like foodstuffs, notably, in the North-west and North-central regions.

“This aligns with Nigeria’s widespread poverty and its correlation with areas where food is commonly demanded. Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in motorcycle demands due to economic opportunities and possibly because of their potential use in terror activities,” it added.

Catholic priests took the brunt of the abductions for money crimes, encountering 21 kidnap cases during the period.

“Kaduna was the most dangerous state for priests, who were often kidnapped during services. Abductors demanded an average of around N50 million per priest in the past, but the church no longer discloses ransom negotiations to deter further attacks,” it stressed.

The document pointed out that the North-central region recorded higher ransom amounts, notably in Nasarawa, where targeted abductions yielded maximum ransoms with minimal resistance.

The South-south’s low ransom payments, it said, may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence.

“We believe that the latter is more likely as kidnap victims fear

re-abduction,” the report added.

At the state level, it noted that Edo kidnappers sought high ransoms but received little. Conversely, victims in Taraba, it said, paid the most, primarily due to a single incident.

“Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger had the highest per capita abduction rates, often involving mass community abductions. Conversely, Borno reported minimal deaths due to Boko Haram’s targeted and sophisticated tactics.

“Across the country, civilians bore the brunt, with 430 fatalities, while security agents and kidnappers themselves accounted for 19 and 121 deaths, respectively,” SBM affirmed.

It explained that the figures reflected Nigeria’s security agencies’ struggle to contain kidnappers for ransom, but noted that the number of kidnappers killed had not served as a credible deterrent for would-be kidnappers.

“This shows that the industry’s profitability outweighs the perceived threat of state intervention and police rescues. The current economic difficulties, such as high inflation and a weak currency, would lead to more desperation and a hike in ransom demands, leaving impoverished families struggling to save their loved ones,” the report said.

From previous versions of the report, it stressed that a downward

trend between the number of ransom demands and payments had been observed.

“Between June 2011 and March 2020, at least $18.34 million was paid to kidnappers as ransom in Nigeria, and a larger proportion of the figure (just below $11 million) was paid out between January 2016 and March 2020.

“Based on what we could verify, between July 2021 and June 2022, no fewer than 3,420 people were abducted across Nigeria, with 564 others killed in violence associated with abductions.

“In the ensuing period, N6.531 billion ($10.24 million based on July 2022 exchange rates) was demanded in exchange for the release of captives, while a fraction of that sum, N653.7 million ($1.025 million based on July 2022 exchange rates) was paid as ransom.

“Whereas in the current report, between July 2022 and June 2023, the reported ransom demand was the equivalent of at least $6,410,256, but the actual ransom obtained amounted to $387,179. This decline tracks with the worsening economic situation in the country,” it added.

The past year, SBM intelligence said, has also shown that one is more likely to get kidnapped in Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna than elsewhere.

Obaigbena to Moderate 60th Anniversary of Midwest Referendum Colloquium as Obaseki Hosts Delta Gov, Others

The Chairman of THISDAY/ ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, will tomorrow moderate a colloquium to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum to be hosted by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Already Governor Obaseki has invited his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other stakeholders from the two states to the event.

The referendum for the creation of the then Midwestern Region of Nigeria, later renamed Bendel State in 1976, and now Edo and Delta states was held on Saturday, July 13, 1963, following the March 29, 1963 proclamation of the

Federal Government of Nigeria, empowering the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, to conduct the referendum.

The colloquium being organised by the state government is among other activities lined up to celebrate the Diamond anniversary of the Referendum, and to bring together leaders from the two states and other stakeholders to chart a path forward.

Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Andrew Okungbowa, said in a statement that the colloquium with the theme, ‘60 Years After the Referendum, Which Way Midwest?’ will be held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City by 10

am, on Monday, August 28, 2023.

According to him, the event will have a panel session with Prof. Michael Vickers, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Uyilawa Usuanlele, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, and Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed as panelists, with Prince Nduka Obaigbena as moderator.

Okungbowa said, “The Colloquium will begin with the National Anthem (in Edo Language) by Princess (Mrs.)

Ivie Betty Uwa-Igbinoba, Zonal Director, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Edo Zonal Office (comprising do, Delta and Kogi states).

“The Edo State Governor, Mr. Obaseki who is the chief host,

will give the welcome remarks at the event, while his Delta State counterpart, Hon. Oborevwori will give the closing remarks.

“Prof. Eghosa Osaghae and Prof. Edward Erhagbe will be the keynote speakers at the event with the topics, ‘Referendums and Federal Solutions’ and ‘Restructuring Nigeria: The Fears, Challenges and Prospects’ respectively.”

He added: “The panel session will be facilitated by Chief Nduka Obaigbena, while the panelists include: Prof. Michael Vickers, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Uyilawa Usuanlele, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo and Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed.”

The Ejumotan of Warri, Mrs. Teresa Egbe Ikimi (left), and the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, during the conferment of a chieftaincy title of Ejumotan of Warri on Mrs. Ikimi at the second coronation anniversary of the monarch in Warri, Delta State…recently

CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAMME…

Constitution Backs Hannatu Musawa’s Appointment as Minister, Senior Lawyers Reveal

Say constitution superior to NYSC Act

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Abuja

Some senior lawyers have backed the appointment of Hannatu Musawa as Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, by President Bola Tinubu, saying the Nigerian Constitution also supports her appointment.

The lawyers argued that the Constitution is superior to the NYSC Act.

Musawa was among the 45 new ministers cleared by the Senate recently and sworn in by President Tinubu last Monday.

However, shortly after she was cleared by the Senate, many claimed that Musawa cannot be appointed as minister while she is still undergoing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

NYSC's Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Eddy Megwa also confirmed that the minister is a serving corps member.

Speaking on the legality or otherwise of a corps member serving as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, some senior lawyers argued that the Constitution backs such appointment.

Commenting on the issue, Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN) commended President Tinubu, saying her appointment is a youth empowerment initiative.

“However, when you look at the provisions of Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution particularly sub-section 5, it states that no person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.

"The question is what are the qualifications for election into the House of Representatives? This we find in section 106 of the 1999 constitution. You must be a citizen of Nigeria, you must have attained the age of 25 years, and you have been educated up to at least a school certificate level, or its equivalent. You must be a member of a political party and you must be sponsored by that political party.

"What is causing the conflict is as regards her status and a youth corps member that is still serving. I have looked at the law, and I have not seen any constitutional limitations. I have also looked at Section 2 of the NYSC Act, there is no law that says, she must have finished service before she can be appointed as a

Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he explained.

In his view, Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN) stated that since the constitutional requirement for those aspiring to become members of the House of Representatives is a school certificate, the requirement for ministerial nominees should not be more than a school certificate.

House of Representatives' candidates do not require a university degree. So, if the requirement for being a member of the House of Representatives and governor is a school certificate, then one will say that to be a minister, the requirement should not be more than a school certificate.

"To be appointed as a minister, the Constitution prescribes the same requirements for somebody contesting for the House of Representatives. The constitutional requirement for being able to contest an election as a House of Representatives candidate does not require a university degree. So, if the requirement for being a member of the House of Representatives and governor is a school certificate, then one will say that to be a minister, the requirement should not be more than a school certificate,” the senior lawyer explained.

A former Secretary of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr. Seyi Sowemimo (SAN), also argued that being a serving corps member does not disqualify Hannatu Musawa from being a minister.

He said: "The President has the discretion as to who he wants to appoint to a position in national interest. I don't see why she should be disqualified as a minister.

"Ordinarily, she should be posted out just as other youth corps members. However, if it turns out that there is a youth corps member that the President believes would best serve the nation in a ministerial capacity, I don't see why he cannot do that. However, it is an unusual thing, and some justifications have to be given for deviation from the normal routine.

"It appears to me that the President may not be aware of that situation, otherwise she may not have been appointed. On the other hand, it may be that he is aware of it, and it's a deliberate decision, meaning that there are more compelling reasons why she should serve the nation in that capacity, rather than being posted out in the normal NYSC

manner."

However, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) condemned Musawa's appointment, stating that a serving youth corps member is not competent to be a minister in Nigeria.

Falana argued that any person who did not participate in the national youth service is not qualified to be a member of the House of Representatives, adding that the Constitution appears to have set the same standard for those to be appointed as ministers.

He submitted that Section 147(6) of the Constitution states that no person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.

He said: "By virtue of section 2 of the National Youth Service Act, every citizen who has graduated at any tertiary institution in and outside Nigeria and is not 30 years old shall be mobilised for the one-year compulsory national youth service. Any person above 30 is not eligible to participate in

the national youth service.

"Section 13 of the Act provides that any person who fails to report for service in the service corps in the manner directed by the Directorate or who refuses to make himself available for service in the service corps is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of N2, OOO or to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Also, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), "the appointment is indubitably not in consonance with the NYSC Act". He pointed out that the Act explicitly stated that a member of the service corps shall serve for a continuous period of 12 months.

"Having been mobilised, therefore, a person cannot veer into any other public or private engagement until the expiry of the twelve months and the award of a certificate of discharge," he said.

Akinlaja noted that although there is a provision in the law for a reduction of the period of service, "that reduction and the attendant certificate of exemption must have been issued before a

serving member can delve into another engagement."

In addition, he emphasised that there are statutory procedures for the reduction of the period of service, which have apparently not been complied with in the case of the subject.

"The fact that the Directorate of the NYSC has acknowledged that she is a serving member of the corps, doubtless, attests to the fact that her service period has not ended by way of official reduction.

"All said, the appointment is inappropriate and must be brought to an end with promptitude to stave off more serious embarrassment for the government," he advised.

On his part, the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch, Mr. Moses Ebute (SAN) stated that the law forbids a person from occupying two positions and earning salaries and allowances from two places at the same time. He observed that the NYSC Act makes it mandatory for a graduate who is yet to clock the age of 30 years to serve the country as a Youth

Corps member by way of primary assignment and would be entitled to a monthly allowance from NYSC/ Federal Government of Nigeria in addition to some stipends from the place of primary assignment.

"Therefore, the appointment of such a person is certainly an aberration and amounts to double employment/enjoyment of salaries and allowances from the same federal government."

Another lawyer, Mallam Ahmed Raji (SAN), expressed doubt if it was possible to combine some appointments with the NYSC service scheme.

"There appears to be some fine distinction between being employed and being appointed. Discharge certificate may be a condition for employment," he said.

"I am not sure (and of course barring any misrepresentation) the discharge certificate may be a condition for appointment.

"It is however doubtful if some appointments can be combined with service. Where such may not be combined, the lesser one may be suspended," he added.

NCDC Dismisses Scare over New COVID-19 Variants

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that there is no cause for alarm over the emergence of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, named EG.5 and BA.2.86 in Nigeria.

It said in its statement on the new COVID-19 Subvariants, that there is nothing significantly new with the emerging variants of the virus which is now "mainly a problem for those at high risk – the elderly, those with underlying chronic illnesses'.

In a statement signed by the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, the Centre said it has been monitoring the new sub-variants (descendants) of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, named EG.5 and BA.2.86.

It also said that the EG.5 variant is a descendant of XBB.1.9.2, a descendant of Omicron.

"We urge fellow citizens including media practitioners to act responsibly and share only verified information. There is no need to cause unnecessary anxiety and panic.

"As we have consistently advised,

COVID-19 is here to stay and is now mainly a problem for those at high risk – the elderly, those with underlying chronic illnesses especially hypertension, and diabetes, those on cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients and those whose immune systems are suppressed for one reason or the other," it said.

NCDC said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had classified EG.5 as a "variant of interest" (VOI) and conducted a risk assessment which found that it poses a low risk at the global level.

NCDC further said that EG.5 has not been associated with any change in symptoms/clinical manifestation and has not produced an increase in severity of illness and/ or hospitalisations or difference in death rates in reporting countries.

"EG.5 causes symptoms like those seen with other COVID-19 variants, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat. So far, only one case of EG.5 has been seen in Africa, it has not been identified in Nigeria.

"The recently discovered/reported BA.2.86 is a descendent lineage of

BA.2 (a sublineage of Omicron, also found in Nigeria in 2022)," said the Centre.

NCDC said since there have been few cases of the virus identified so far, there is not enough information to make conclusive assessments of virulence, transmission, and severity. It said it did not expect the variants to be much different from other omicron descendants currently circulating.

"Although the ancestor, BA.2 has been previously found in Nigeria, no BA.2.86 variant has been identified in Nigeria," it said. NCDC however assured that it will keep Nigerians updated as may be required with scientifically sound and evidence-based information on any changes in SARS-COV-2 epidemiology.

NCDC said: "As of 7th August 2023, the EG.5 has been reported in 51 countries including China, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, and Spain.

"As of August 23, 2023, the BA.2.86 variant had been reported in a

handful of countries - the United Kingdom, Israel, Denmark, South Africa, and the United States. It has been classified by the WHO as a "variant under monitoring" (VUM) because it has multiple genetic differences that make it substantially different from its ancestor, BA.2 and from other currently circulating XBB-derived SARS-CoV-2 variants.

In the statement, Adetifa said that NCDC’s COVID-19 Technical Working Group (COVID-19 TWG) is closely monitoring. COVID-19 epidemiology – local, regional, continental, and global –including emerging variants.

"Our influenza sentinel surveillance sites continue to provide information on COVID-19 prevalence in patients with influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness.

"We have not observed any increase in the trend of COVID-19 in this patient group. We continue to carry out genomics surveillance even with the low testing levels and encourage testing locations in states to ensure their positive samples are sent on to the NCDC for sequencing."

L-R: Senior Special Adviser to UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Fred Eno; UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mathias Schmale; Coordinator, World Health Organisation in Delta State, Dr. Faith Ireye; WHO Zonal Coordinator, South-south, Dr. Kolude Olufunmilayo; and Wife of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, during a town hall meeting with women and youths in Warri in Delta State…recently

CONGRATULATIONS…

MAN, LCCI Groan under Rising Production Costs, Multiple Taxation

Festus Akanbi

Faced with the problems of rising production costs, multiple taxation, reduced profit margins, supply chain disruptions and reduction in consumer spending, Nigerian manufacturers have raised the alarm that the rising inflationary pressures may force many of them out of business.

The impact of the current inflationary trends on the manufacturing sector is coming on the heels of the dismal GDP performance of the sector in the

second quarter of 2023.

Consequently, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), which raised the alarm, have also called on the federal government to step up efforts to tackle the increasing costs of staple foods nationwide.

The Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who painted the grim picture, listed other challenges to include: Declining profit margins, supply chain disruptions, uncertainty in planning, and reduction of consumer spending.

Last week, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put the consumer price index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services for July at 24.08 per cent— up from 22.79 per cent in the previous month. The latest figure was the seventh consecutive rise in the country’s inflation rate this year and it’s also the highest in more than 10 years.

The sector’s contribution to the real GDP in the second quarter of 2023 accounted for 8.62 per cent, representing a decline from the 8.65 per cent recorded in the second

quarter of 2022, as well as a drop from the 10.13 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2023.

The MAN DG drummed support for a stable exchange rate, which is crucial to controlling inflation.

He also called for collaborative fiscal policy measures through budgeting and effective taxation to complement the monetary policy actions of the CBN.

Other measures he recommended include: “Reduced reliance on imports; increased targeted support to the agricultural sector to enhance productivity, reduce reliance on

Donald Duke Loses Mum at 94

Emma Okonji

Former Cross River State

Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, has announced the death of his mother, Mrs. Genevieve Umo Duke

In a statement he released yesterday, Duke disclosed that the patriarch died on August 25 at the age of 94 years old.

Duke said: “This is to formally inform you of the passing on of our dear mother, Mrs. Genevieve Umo Duke. She slipped into a coma on the 1st of August and passed onto

the great beyond on Friday, August 25.

“Incidentally and interestingly, she slipped into a coma on the 35th anniversary of the passing of her husband and our father. She was 94 years old. They both have 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren to date.

“Her earthly cloak will be laid to rest on Wednesday, August 30 on Grailland at Iju Hills in accordance with Grail Funeral Rites. I wish to invite you to this solemn occasion, which shall commence at 3:00 p.m.

“I however kindly advise you

to inform me prior, perhaps by Monday, September 28, (invitation slips are required) and plan to arrive at the venue at least one hour before, to be properly admitted, as the doors will be shut 10 minutes before the commencement of the funeral.

“There shall be a reception immediately after internment at the Assembly Hall. The dress code is a somber formal attire, dark suit or native (without a cap) and for ladies same, dress below the knee and covered shoulders and without headgear.”

Police Direct Total Unsealing of Plateau LG Secretariats

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Plateau State Police Command has directed that the 17 local government secretariats in the state be completely unsealed for resumption of activities.

The secretariats were sealed following protests as a result of suspension of the council chairmen who were accused of misappropriation, and subsequent appointment of caretaker chairmen by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

But on August 14, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Okoro Julius Awari, directed a partial unsealing of the secretariats while the chairmen’s offices were still sealed.

However, the police yesterday further directed the total

unsealing of the secretariats.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Alfred Alabo, the police said: “Following the unsealing of the 17 local government secretariats in Plateau State on 14th August, 2023 by the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Okoro Julius Alawari, after diligent assessment of the security situation in the state and intensive consultation with the Police High Command to enable workers carry out their statutory duties and since then, the state has been relatively peaceful.

“As part of efforts to ensure the effective running of the 17 local government secretariats in the State, the Police High

Command has critically reviewed the matter and has directed the Plateau State Commissioner Police to unseal all the offices of the local government council chairmen and that of the councillors to enable all the elected council chairmen and councillors go into their various offices and administer without any hindrance, pending the outcome of their case in court.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, has directed all Area Commanders and their Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under his command to immediately unseal the offices of the 17 local government chairmen across the state and allow the democratically elected chairmen have access to their offices and

resume work on Monday, 28th August, 2023.”

The police also warned political parties, parents, guardians, religious and traditional rulers to caution their supporters, wards and congregants against any form of jubilation and inciting demonstrations that could trigger a breach of peace, law, and order in and around the local government Areas of the state.

“Also, criminals and mischief makers who may want to use this opportunity to brew confusion or foment trouble in the state should note that the Plateau State Police Command is out to apprehend and prosecute them accordingly,” the command said.

imports and stabilise food prices.”

Ajayi-Kadir also wants the government to communicate effectively with the public and stakeholders about its commitment to controlling inflation which can help manage inflation expectations, which can influence price-setting behaviour and address the challenges of insecurity.

On its part, the LCCI is concerned that there may be more inflationary pressures in the coming months due to the volatility of the naira as well as the lagged effects of subsidy removal and its transmission to general prices.

The LCCI’s Director General, LCCI Chinyere Almona therefore urged the government to step up efforts to tackle food costs, especially staple food items. The chamber implores the government to hasten the provision of palliatives to lessen the impact of the rising trend in prices on economic agents.

The manufacturing sector comprises industries in cement

production, beverages, oil refining, food, tobacco, textile, rubber processing, footwear, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical production etc.

The drop in the manufacturing sector’s contribution to real GDP does not come as a surprise, considering the harsh macroeconomic environment it operated in during the quarter.

High energy costs, a hike in the exchange rate, higher interest rates and an increase in the cost of importing raw materials meant that many had to reduce production and saw reduced margins.

In the second quarter of 2023, the manufacturing sector’s real GDP growth stood at 2.20 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

This was a decrease compared to the same quarter in 2022, but an increase of 0.81 per cent points from the previous quarter and 0.59 per cent points from the quarter before that. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the sector experienced a contraction with a growth rate of -14.98 per cent.

South-west Directors of Veterinary Services Confirm Outbreak of Two Animal Diseases

The conference of South-west Directors of Veterinary Services has confirmed the outbreak of two Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) in the region namely - the African Swine fever in pigs and Anthrax in herbivores.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the conference, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, stated that TADs are a contagious epidemic of livestock that has the potential to spread rapidly across the globe with negative socio-economic and public health consequences and requires the collaboration of different countries to curtail.

The statement further said that all affected farms and slaughter slabs have been decontaminated and disinfected while modalities relating to the issuance of movement permits in the region are being worked out.

The statement added that public awareness would be intensified among high-risk groups such as butchers, hunters, animal product processors and marketers, as well as livestock farmers to further check

the spread.

The conference advised all the pig farmers to improve their biosecurity measures and refrain from stocking their farms.

For Anthrax, they implored all stakeholders to avoid contact with sick or dead animals especially if it oozes blood from the orifices while such cases should be reported to the nearest veterinary office.

The federal government had stated that the risk assessment conducted showed that the likelihood of an outbreak of anthrax disease in the country is high.

It also said that the potential impact of the disease on humans is high.

In a joint press statement signed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba Vakuru, and the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the government noted that it had activated the incident management system at level two with an incident manager appointed for effective coordination of the response.

Segun James

L-R: Chibuike Emenike: Director Christojas Couture Nigeria Limited, Lady Stella Emenike; Adaobi Emenike; Chairman, Christojas Couture Nigeria Limited, Sir Chris Emenike; Uche Emenike; and Uzoma Emenike at the graduation ceremony of Adaobi from the University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom…recently

Mrs. Genevieve Umo Duke

NIPR CONFERENCE…

Abuja…recently

FG: No Immediate Threat of Floods in Nigeria

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has said there is no immediate threat of flooding, calling on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies.

Utsev told journalists in Abuja at the weekend that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency

(NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters on the day.

According to him, reports from inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also showed a consistent flow regime.

“In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue

EFCC Has Powers to Investigate Allegations against Ibeto, Companies, Says Court

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Boma Diepiri, has ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has the statutory powers to investigate the allegations of fraud made against Chief Clement Ibeto and his companies by the Executive Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie.

In a ruling on the fundamental rights enforcement action filed at the court by Chief Clement Ibeto, who

alleged that he was detained by the operatives of the EFCC when he honoured their invitation at Abuja, the court held that the EFCC is vested with the statutory powers to investigate the allegations of fraud relating to title documents in respect of a failed land transaction between Ibeto and Chukwudozie; and that the court would not hastily interfere with the statutory powers of law enforcement agencies in the exercise of their statutory right to investigate alleged offences and detain where necessary for proposes of such investigations.

Afenifere Chieftain, George Akosile, for Burial Sept 8

The burial arrangement of an Afenifere chieftain and the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Asiwaju George Olanrewaju Akosile has been released.

A statement by the family of the deceased revealed that Akosile, who passed on to glory at the age of 90 years, would be buried on September 8 after funeral and thanksgiving services at St James Anglican Church, Igbara Odo, Ekiti State. According to the statement, an evening of hymns will be held in Igbara Odo, the country home of the deceased on Tuesday, September 5. Also,

an evening of tributes will be in his honour in Adetiloye Hall, Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, September 6.

The statement further said there would be lying-in-state and wake-keep on Thursday, September 7 at his Igbara Odo residence Akosile, the Asiwaju of IgbaraOdo Ekiti was until the time of his passage Chairman of the Ekiti State Government Appointments Committee created by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to search for and recommend the best and most qualified indigenes who will serve in his administration.

rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters.

“The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.

“As of today, there is no threat to lives and properties,

especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.”

The minister called on all tiers of government to ensure preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy

season.

He called on states to increase sensitisation on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during the peak period of rainfall.

“States and Local Governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages

and also construct new ones where they do not exist.

“Removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, the general public, especially road users, should desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood,” he said.

Kwankwaso, Gov Yusuf, Others Hold Special Prayer to Seek Victory at Election Tribunal

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Thousands of supporters of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State attended a special prayer session organised yesterday to seek peace and victory at the Election Petition Tribunal which is expected to deliver its judgment in the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The Kano State Government organised the special prayer to call on God to frustrate alleged

plans “to steal the mandate of the people through the back door.”

The prayer which was held at the Filin Mahaha, along BUK road, was attended by the National Leader of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Aminu Abdussalam along with other top dignitaries of the state government.

It was led by Dr. Sani Ashir, Imam of Kofar Nassarawa Jumaat Mosque in the state.

Addressing the gathering shortly after the prayer, Ashir thanked Almighty Allah for his numerous blessings to Kano State and prayed for the ruling party’s success in the state at the ongoing Election Petitions Tribunal in Kano.

The Imam also enumerated some of the successes achieved by the state government since its inception and prayed that the government be guided aright by the Almighty Allah.

“In Kano State today, we are blessed with leaders that have

started changing the landscape of the state: Pipe-borne water has started gushing in all parts of the state, and streetlights have been restored.”

“Hospitals are being renovated and equipped; schools are being renovated; assistance and support are being extended to the most vulnerable in our communities and Auren Zawarawa (mass wedding for divorcees and widows) has reached an advanced stage of preparation,” he said.

NCC: Nigeria’s Telecoms Industry Attracted $399m as Foreign Investment in 2022

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian telecommunications industry generated $399.9 million as foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2022, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This figure represents a decrease of $353.1 million (46.9 per cent), relative to the foreign investment of $753 million recorded in 2021.

The NCC disclosed this in its latest ‘2022 Subscriber/Network

Data Annual Report’.

The commission said that based on the responsive service providers such as MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, the industry had a capital expenditure or domestic investment of N785.77 billion, an operating cost of N2.092 billion, and a revenue of N3.85 billion as of December 2022.

NBS also said the telecoms industry contributed 13.55 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter

(Q4) of 2022, compared to the 12.61 per cent made in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

In terms of the number of subscribers, the commission said it recorded a total of 222,571,568 active voice subscriptions at the end of 2022. This is an increase of 27,107, 670 (13.86 per cent) subscriptions compared to the 2021 record (195,463,898).

The NBS report disclosed that Nigerians exchanged 25.93 billion text messages locally in 2022.

Globacom Emerges Nigeria’s Most Popular Brand

Nigerian telecommunications multinational, Globacom has again emerged the most popular brand in Nigeria.

The company, which marks its 20 years of operations on August 29, was voted “Nigeria’s Most Popular Brand” in a Top of Mind (TOM) Survey conducted by brand and marketing firm, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, as

part of its comprehensive 2023 Top Brands perception assessment.

Chief Executive Officer, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede said the survey “is a qualitative, non-financial evaluation of top corporate brands in the country done with a special purpose model, the Brand Strength Measurement.”

He explained that Globacom

came out tops in the survey in which respondents were asked to mention10 brands that came to their mind or that they could easily recall. This year’s survey had as respondents Chief Marketing Officers and Heads of Corporate Communications of major companies across the country.

“This annual top brand

Giving a breakdown, it said 14.09 billion SMS messages were sent, and about 11.84 billion were received. “The total number of national SMS both sent and received as of December 2022 was 25,928,704,567,” the NBS said.

“This is an increase of 28.82 per cent from that of the total SMS sent and received in the year 2021 which stood at 20,126,551,822 SMS.

“There was a 48.84 per cent increase in the number of SMS sent in 2022 compared to 2021.

evaluation provides a qualitative, non-financial assessment of the value of leading corporate brands in the country. It gauges consumers’ perceptions of brands and their impact on overall brand strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement, a model designed to assess a brand’s ability to deliver on its promises from the consumer’s perspective.”

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, SAHCO Plc, Mr. Basil Agboarumi; Vice Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Samuel Ayetutu; Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu; Chairman, NIPR, Edo State Chapter, Mr. James-Wisdom Abhulimen; and former Chief Press Secretary to former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr. Ismail Omipidan at the 2023 Annual General Meeting/ Conference of the NIPR in

Low-hanging Fruits for Tinubu’s Economic Team

It wasn’t a surprise that the enormity of the economic challenges confronting the nation dwarfed the euphoria of the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet last week as anxious Nigerians expect the president’s economic team to hit the ground running immediately, writes Festus Akanbi

With the inauguration of his 45-member cabinet last week, commentators said the coast is now clear for President Bola Tinubu to bring his much-touted magic wand to bear on the economy which has continued to haemorrhage despite the initial since May 29.

Analysts have argued that unlike in the past when attention was usually focused on three key ministries of Finance, Petroleum and Industry, this time around, the president has through his body language indicated spread to other ministries capable of aiding the anticipated recovery.

These key ministers have the herculean task of formulating measures to strengthen the Nigerian economy, ranging from stabilisingup budget implementation and empowering the informal economy.

President’s Economic Team

The list of such cabinet ministers includes those of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bunmi Tunji; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Others include Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyar; Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon B. Lalong.

Without any doubt, all eyes will be on Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, who also doubles as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy. Edun, an England-trained economist, started at the defunct Chase Merchant Bank, the International Finance Corporation. He founded the credit rating agency, GCR Ratings, now backed by New York-based Moody’s, has chaired the investment bank Chapel Hill Denham and was an executive director of Lagos merchant bank, Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited, the precursor of Stanbic IBTC Bank.

He is a former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, where he succeeded in pioneering strategies that enlarged its internally generated revenue from an average of N1.2 billion to around N7 billion monthly between 1999 and 2007.

However, analysts said that, in his current assignment, Edun will oversee an economy crises, already N46.3 trillion ($60.4 billion) deep in debt with more than 96 per cent of its revenue for last year devoured by debt servicing. Observers said Edun’s bigger headache lies in convincing investors to buy bonds at a time when the country lacks potential for debt sustainability although he has indicated his resolve to attract investment

funds, equity funds, not debt from those around the world interested in investing in the Nigerian economy.

Economists believe that rebuilding invesEdun and his counterpart in the Industry, Trade, and Investment ministry collaborate to attract more foreign investors. They contended that issues like multiple taxation, port congestion, and regulatory bottlenecks associated with registering businesses are expected to be part of his agenda.

Edun is also expected to drive legislation that will boost mineral production across the states. Analysts said having worked with Dele Alake, a fellow Tinubu man, who now superintends the solid minerals ministry,

Pressing Economic Issues

The complexity of the assignment before Tinubu’s cabinet was succinctly summed up in a report by the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) last week. The report signed by the CPPE’s Director, Muda Yusuf explained that the government should be ready to tackle macroeconomic issues, establish adequate economic governance, added that ensuring foreign exchange policy reforms, industrialisation, trade reforms, and regulatory reforms should be sacrosanct. He noted that adequate policy changes in the core sectors would bring the required economic prosperity to the country.

The centre believed that the enormity of the current challenges has made it necessary to look beyond the resumes of the cabinet members. According to the report, now that down, “The administration should establish quality economic governance consistent with tested economic principles, empirical

evidence and contextualised within socio-economic peculiarities. From the onset of the administration, signalling

Analysts also suggested that security apparatuses need to be deployed to safeguard production and prevent foreigners from turning the mining trade to national disadvantage by aiding arms proliferation as has been seen in the alleged gold-for-arms deals in Zamfara State.

They maintained that large-scale commercial agriculture targeting crops with export prospects is equally imperative for Nigeria’s economic overhaul.

Foreign Exchange Accretion

For a country in dire need of foreign African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) already presents itself as a low-hanging fruit for the actualisation of the dream of reshaping Nigeria into an export-oriented economy, easing Nigeria’s access to a regional market worth $3.4 trillion in combined GDP. According to them, what is perhaps paramount beyond scaling up export size is quality assurance of made-inNigeria goods, which is a major factor that will make the country’s output competitive particularly in much more sophisticated markets like South Africa and Egypt.

According to Fitch Ratings, Nigeria needs to solve its acute shortage of foreign currency that is slowing down its economic growth if it wants to improve its sovereign rating after being downgraded deeper into junk a fortnight ago.

one level to B-, six notches above default and on par with Ecuador and Angola, citing government debt-

service costs, worsening external liquidity, low oil production and the expensive subsidy on imported gasoline.

Last week, the CBN announced the reinstatement of Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in a bid to stabilise the foreign exchange (forex) market.

FX market operators said bringing back the BDCs can help increase the supply of forex in the market, which can also help meet the demand for foreign currency and potentially ease pressure on the exchange rate that had been on a roller coaster these past few weeks.

Stakeholders said this step would enhance transparency and accountability and introduce competition into the forex market, which could lead to more competitive exchange rates.

However, some analysts argued that depending on the level of demand and exchange rate, especially if there are other factors contributing to the high exchange rate. Observers said Nigeria’s high debt burden is another obstacle that must be urgently surmounted by the government’s economic team. Already, members of the organised sector say the debt burden is killing their business.

They alleged that the government was using the country’s debt crisis to impose anti-growth manufacturing taxes in its bid to curb the debt problem, arguing that this has put the manufacturing sector at the receiving end even though the borrowed money was not invested in areas that would have a positive impact on the performance of the manufacturing sector.

Now that the cabinet is in place, it is natural for Nigerians to be in a hurry to experience the transformation of the nation’s economy which the new administration promised with its renewed hope mantra, as anything short of this will dash their hopes in the Tinubu government.

Edun Anite

Bagudu

Kyari

Tijani

Adelabu

SOFT FINANCE

About Thisday Life Lessons

In the past couple of days, I have received enquiries from a number of the readers of this column wanting to know what THISDAY LIFE LESSONS are all about and how they could be admitted onto the platform. The requests to join THISDAY LIFE LESSONS started to stream in shortly after publishing the story of one of the elders on the platform who shared prison experience and how that experience shaped his spiritual life thereafter.

THISDAY LIFE LESSONS, a part of the THISDAY MEDIA GROUP is a LEARNING and NETWORKING platform specially created to allow the free, undoctored, uncluttered flow of concepts, ideas and information on all the key wheels of life: Spiritual, Finance, Health, Business, Career, Relationship, Fun -Time, Community Contribution and Mind Development.

At the top end of the information, chain are successful individuals in the country who have reached (or almost) reached the pinnacle of their endeavours and are ready and volunteering to share the lessons of life

they learned on their way to the top. They also take questions posed by members of the forum around the lessons they have shared. We call them THISDAY –LIFE LESSONS MENTORWS (LLM).

Typically, people in this category are people who are above 60 years of age, but in some cases, we also accommodate individuals who are younger but have outstanding lessons of life they are willing to share with others.

At the second level of the chain is another category of individuals called THISDAY LIFE LESSONS ADVISORS (LLA) who have developed expertise in specific areas of the wheels of life. They help to expand and give perspectives on issues and questions raised around the life lessons shared by the Life Lessons coaches.

The third category consists of career professionals, entrepreneurs, small business owners, senior-level executives in government

and private sectors and a host of others who simply want to drink from the wealth of knowledge made available by the mentors and amplified by the advisors.

Apart from sharing Life Lessons from successful people, the forum also initiates some debates around policy issues from time to time and the summaries of viewpoints are circulated to a wider audience.

What makes the platform unique is that all members have kept to the rules we mutually set from the beginning. It is instructive that no single member has opted out since 2018 when it was created.

I was scanning the contact dashboard for the platform recently and I was amazed at the galaxy of highly-placed individuals that we have been blessed with in the platform. On how to join: We usually insist that current members recommend individuals they believe could be admitted.

Special Report on Mutual Funds

“Investing

a

it is like engaging the services of the very best experts in investment to work for you without being asked to pay for the real values they deliver. It is like eating your cake and still having it back”

-Abimbola Olashore, Director, Lead Advisory Partners Limited.

“One key advantage of investing in mutual funds is the low investment threshold: You can invest in Nigerian mutual funds with as little as N5,000. Due to the relatively low investment threshold, the market has grown because of the industry’s appeal to retail and individual investors”

-Aigbovbioise Aig_Imoukhuede, President, Fund Managers Association of Nigeria

On Monday, September 18, 2023, THISDAY ECONOMIC INSIGHTS UNIT (TEIU) shall be publishing a special supplement on Mutual Funds in Nigeria. With many Nigerians now more aware of the dangers of Ponzi schemes, guided investments have now become a clear alternative investment option for individual and corporate investors.

The report will be answering these questions:

1. What is a mutual fund?

2. What differentiate investment in mutual funds from investing directly in stocks and financial instruments?

3. How can one invest intelligently in mutual funds?

4. And many more...

In the report, top fund managers will be sharing their views and perspectives on the concept. Don’t miss it.

To participate, Contact: Editorial: Oluchi THISDAY-08164722713 Adverts: Dare FMAN-08023922582

“On the question of why you think wealth builders should be willing to hire quality advisers, the straightforward answer is that if a wealth builder prefers to be selfdependent, he would be heading for failure in his quest. Human successes are best achieved through the utilisation and coordination of the expert input of others to optimally achieve set goals”

-Prince Yemisi Shyllon, a successful and enlightened st ocks investor

Olashore

Aig_Imoukhuede

Shyllon

in mutual funds is

game changer:

Thomas Olumagin: Exploring the Naija Highlandah Challenge’s Bold Narrative

Aspremium blended Scotch whisky William Lawson’s launches the second edition of its adventurous challenge ‘Naija Highlandah,’ the Head of Commercial Planning and Activation at Bacardi-Martini Nigeria, Thomas Olumagin, in a recent conversation with Vanessa Obioha, delves into the campaign’s success, the essence of the Highlander personality, and the exciting prospects awaiting audacious and unconventional Nigerians

Last year, premium Scotch whisky

William Lawson’s embarked on a quest to unearth Nigerians whose essence resonates with the whisky’s iconic character: the Highlander. Defined by Head of Commercial Planning and Activation at Bacardi-Martini Nigeria, Thomas Olumagin, as possessing the qualities of boldness, unconventionality, and good humour, the Highlander’s spirit echoes the heart of the campaign.

The themed Naija Highlandah challenge saw Nigerians flock to the event with enthusiasm, excited to be a part of this audacious journey. Over 5,000 participants registered to partake in the challenge held across Lagos, embracing the call to unlock their latent potential by conquering bold and daring trials.

Week after week, participants gathered at select bars to prove their mettle, facing challenges ranging from Spin the Bottle to the exhilarating planking. Out of the myriad contenders, only 15 advanced to the finals, where Akinwale Awatt emerged as the inaugural Naija Highlandah champion. Hailing from Lagos and holding the roles of entrepreneur and talent manager while studying Economics at the National Open University (NOUN), Awatt’s victory was celebrated with a well-deserved N2 million cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Scotland, the home of whiskey.

Building on last year’s resounding success, William Lawson’s had proudly introduced the second season of its Naija Highlandah challenge in July. With higher stakes and greater expectations, the brand sets its sights on achieving new milestones and fostering more Highlandah spirits among Nigerians.

“Last year’s edition proved to be quite interesting and adventurous for all the participants, especially our final 15 contestants. As a brand, we were quite delighted at how the campaign went because it affirmed the fact that Nigerians love our brand and messaging,” Olumagin remarked.

With roots stretching back to 1849, William Lawson’s epitomizes audacious distinctiveness. Distilled at Scotland’s iconic Macduff Distillery, this blended Scotch whisky stands tall among the world’s leading spirit brands within Bacardi-Martini’s portfolio. Recognized for its distinctive slogan “No rules. Great scotch,” the brand’s hallmark figure, ‘The Highlander,’ symbolizes courage, unconventionality, and humour. Olumagin passionately emphasised how this legacy propels William Lawson’s to flourish amidst the relentless competition in both global and Nigerian spirits markets.

“The Naija Highlandah campaign is one of the many ways we engage customers and ensure we continually stay relevant in the market. Just as the brand is renowned globally for its iconic character ‘The Highlander’, and a brand personality defined by the three unique attributes of boldness, unconventionality and good humour, we are seeking the same daring, but exciting characters amongst Nigerians. It also speaks volumes about our dominance in the market. We are a disruptive brand, a unique Scotch whisky like no other.”

Sharing more light on the campaign, Olumagin emphatically connected the qualities of the Highlander to the Nigerian spirit, a culture synonymous with courage, humour, and resilience.

“The Highlander personalities are our key brand attributes namely, bold, unconventional, and good humour. The Naija Highlandah campaign is a celebration of the shared personality traits of boldness, unconventionality, and good-humoredness of the average Nigerian and the brand. With this challenge, we are looking for the boldest, most rugged, unconventional man or woman to be the face of William Lawson’s.

“I believe this directly relates to Nigerians, judging by what the challenge is all about. Nigerians are by far one of the most humorous, bold, daring, and unconventional people in the world, and we all know of the much talked about never-say-die Nigerian attitude to life. These are qualities of a Highlandah and qualities that are synonymous with our brand attributes. Like Nigerians, William Lawson’s is known for defying the norm and being brazenly different. In fact, I believe that Nigeria is full of Highlandahs, and we are excited to see how Nigerians embrace the challenges again this year.”

Positioning itself as an inclusive brand dedicated to bringing out the best in its consumers, Olumagin emphasised that only responsible individuals aged 18 and above are eligible to join the challenge.

“The competition is open to all individuals aged 18 years and above who dare to take up the challenge. To enter, an interested participant only has to register on our website www.tnhng.com or scan the QR code on any of the campaign communications in various retail outlets. They will then receive an invitation to participate in the challenges staged at our various partner outlets, including supermarkets, bars and lounges. There they are pitted against each other to prove their Highlandah attitude. From these challenges, we will select the Top 15 contestants for the semi-final phase where they will compete at the grand finale event to be held on September 30, with one winner emerging as the Naija Highlandah 2023,” he explained.

This year’s challenges are not in any way easy compared to last year’s when competitors tackled various challenges, such as Spin The Bottle, Animal Imitation and Balloon Games. There were also bold challenges, including the walk-a-plank game involving men in high heels who were timed and needed to walk briskly on raised thin planks. The two unconventional challenges were the ‘Kaku Meter’, where contestants must guess the length of the bar counter – measured according to the length of a horizontally laid William Lawson’s bottle and ‘Pull No Spill’, where each person was allocated a William Lawson’s branded cup filled to the brim.

For this season, Olumagin stated that the challenge is embracing the ‘No Rules’ slogan.

“The challenges awaiting our participants are a mix of heart-pounding excitement and laugh-out-loud hilarity. Think Spin the Bottle, Spell William Lawson Backwards, Football Trivia, and more! Not to mention bold challenges like Planking, Ice Cube challenge, and unconventional challenges like Spin Around and Walk on a Straight Line. It is going to be quite exhilarating.”

The coveted Star Prize for the Naija Highlandah 2023 winner is an all-expensepaid trip to Scotland, the birthplace of William Lawson’s. Olumagin’s promise of an unforgettable adventure aligns perfectly with the brand’s philosophy of being brazenly different, offering a unique experience in the

Naija Highlandah Season 1 Winner, Akinwale Watt displaying his 2 Million Naira cash price.

home of this iconic Scotch whisky.

“First, this is an all-expense-paid trip to Scotland (in the UK), the home of William Lawson’s. If you know William Lawson’s brand very well, you will know that we don’t believe in half-measures. We are brazenly different. So, whoever emerges as the next Naija Highlandah is going to have the time of his or her life when he or she gets to Scotland – be prepared for

a true adventure!” A significant insight gained by the brand from the inaugural edition, as noted by Olumagin, was its role in awakening individuals to their inherent boldness and audacious spirit, fostering an environment where whisky enjoyment knows no boundaries.

“There are no conventional rules to how you drink whisky. It is about your personal preference and staying true to who you are,” he concluded.

Olumagin

Tinubunomics : Are There Not Causes?

While delivering his sermon on Sunday, August 13, my ParishPastorspoke,among other things, on the challenges David faced even from his siblings before he eventually conquered Goliath.

QuotingtherelevantBiblepassagesintheBookof

Samuel, David’s own Brother - Eliab who in company with his two other brothers were with King Saul in the battlefield and have been terrified and clueless for more than 40 days on how to tackle Goliath, joined in deriding his younger brother - David on his effrontery to challenge Goliath whom they have all been running away from out of fear.

David responded to the Army of Israel who was tryingtodiscouragehimfromtakingupthechallenge: Isn’t there a cause? By which he meant have we not gone through a lot and seen enough in the hands of this Philistine to stoke the anger in me and face this Goliath?

Truly, there was a cause- Goliath the Philistine had been taunting and deriding the God of Israel before David decided to intervene.

Eventually, he did and succeeded in killing Goliath with his catapult that bore God’s anointing.

Coincidentally, same day, I read an article written by the prolific journalist and GMD, Leadership Newspapers – Mr. Azu Ishiekwene titled Tinubu’s List, Gbajanisation and Nigeria’s Politics.

IwasstruckbyhisopeningstatementwhichIquote here, inter alia “If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hit thegroundrunning,itwasbecauseproblemschased him into office.”

Listening to the Pastor and reading Azu’s article same day, I felt driven to put down this message so that Nigerians can rightly judge whether or not the initiatives of President Bola AhmedTinubu (PBAT) policies since the inception of this administration, wereindeedborneoutoftheurgencytotackleheadlongthechallengesholdingdowntheprogressofour country and chat the pathways to the rediscovery of this nation’s lost glory.

Personally, I am of the opinion that the policies introduced since May 29, 2023 this regime are in order. There are causes to them.

The title of this write up – Tinubunomics: Are There Not Causes? Therefore, has been derived from an adoption of what David said in response to Eliab his brother.

Indeed, there were (and still are) causes for President Tinubu’s decisions since inception of this regime.

Nigeria has been punching below it’s weight in almost all performance indices.

Insecurity,unemploymentandunder-employment, hunger, lack of access to basic medical facilities, inadequacy of qualitative education, etc, etc are what the citizens grapple with on daily basis Yearin-Year-out.

Uponinaugurationintooffice,PBAThasintroduced four key major policies that I like to speak to so we will understand the urgency of the situation in this country: Withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); foreign exchange rate floating; introduction of students loans; and tax reforms.

Onwithdrawaloffuelsubsidywhichhasnowdriven the pump price of PMS to more than 300% from the subsidized rate of about N180/litre, it was a decision long overdue.

Nigeria was spending borrowed funds to finance paymentofsubsidiestothetuneofalmostN7trillion annually according to the report released by the NNPC.

Evidently, this was a major scam as the average volume claimed to have been consumed daily ballooned in excess of 65 million litres daily. And Subsidy was paid on entire volume a greater portion of which ended up in neighbouring countries.

Nigeria’s subsidised fuel was being sold in all neighbouring countries with rogue traders cleaning out big time to the detriment of the collective benefits of Nigerians.

WiththeremovalofsubsidyonPMS,theestimated annual N7trillion hitherto paid out as subsidies will now be channeled towards positive interventions in the various sectors with funding gaps..

Ontheforeignexchangerate“floating”thetruthof the matter is that the arbitrage (about N300/1USD at its peak) that existed hitherto was unsavory as some people were only benefiting from the brokerage thus denying the country the required funds for economic development.

With the floating of the rate and conversion of foreign exchange receipts from old rate of N460/ USD to about N745/USD (call it devaluation if you like) that’s almost 62% increment in Naira revenue from that source.

This has released extra Naira to the common purse.

Usersofforeignexchangearemoreinterestedin stabilityofexchangerateforplanningpurposes.The pressure on demand for foreign currency should be deliberately stemmed through massive reduction of the present situation where we import practically everything particularly PMS that is the major consumer of foreign exchange.

The immediate manifestation of subsidy withdrawal and FX rates floating combined ensured the funds available for distribution among the three tiers of government in July alone rose to an unprecedented level of N1.9TRN from all available sources.

We can see from these two bold initiatives that economic prosperity is in offing for as long as the funds are judiciously utilised.

The third initiative - introduction of students loans is one of the most profound decisions of any government in a long while.

Whoeverfeelseducationistooexpensiveshould consider the costly effects of ignorance.

The transformative power of education is not debatable. And that’s why nations pay attention to the education of their youths.

Any initiative therefore that supports access to education is a welcome one and must be supported by all irrespective of political leanings.

In the United Kingdom for example, average loan per student is about £19,000/annum which adds up to almost £60,000 in three years of study.

In the United States of America, it’s about $10,000/annum which adds up to an average of $40,000/student in four years of study.

If loans are made available to students, it will eliminate the twin-evils of ASUU/NASU strikes as well as students unrest in our tertiary institutions.

And the federal government will no longer have to allocate scarce funds directly to universities annually as is presently done.

A major factor militating against planning in this country is inaccuracies of data.

This manifested as there are no accurate data on

thetotalnumberofuniversitiesinNigeriaasattoday.

Numbers ranging from 195 to 250 have been mentioned for approved public and private universities even in the portal of the National Universities Commission(NUC)–theumbrellaregulatoryagency for these universities.

And when it comes to students enrollment, about two million students are said to be enrolled in these institutions out of which between 5% to 10% are enrolled in private Universities where they pay commercial rates.

This leaves about 1.8million student’s enrollment in public institutions.These students are the targets of the loans.

Assuming, without conceding, that all the 1.8million students will require loans, I recommend an average of N1million per student annually which translatestoN4millionforafour-yearcourseofstudy.

It is not too much a sacrifice to allocate about N2trillion to this scheme annually. Or are we implying a Nigerian student is not worthy of N1million assistance from the government annually?

In the United States, outstanding exposure on students loans is about USD1.7trillion as at 2021.

FromtheN1millionperannum,Schoolfeesshould gulpN500,000,accommodationandbooksanother N200,000andtheremainingN300,000forfeeding in addition to whatever their parents can assist with to ensure the students feed well.

With N500,000 as fees per student yearly, the Universities will have the required revenue to pay their staff well and still have funds left to improve on the facilities required on campuses for learning.

By so doing, the twin evils of incessant staff strike and students unrest would have been resolved permanently. Private universities don’t have these issues because they are adequately funded from fees paid by the students.

Endowments and Research Grants should also be vigorously pursued by these universities as is done by institutions elsewhere.

Funds from these windows will come in handy for capital projects.

I have listened to the arguments of some nay sayers that students loans will impose debts on students.

They deliberately forget to mention that repayment of these loans will only commence when the beneficiarieshavestartedtoworkuponcompletion

of their programs.

Where then is the debt burden?They are simply being mischievous. It makes more sense to be educated with debt than to remain uneducated without debt.

Iwasthereforetakenaback whenASUUopposed, in its total ramifications , the idea of students loans.

Thereisanadagethatgoes“WonngbaomoAdiye Lowo Iku, o ni wan o je ki ohun lo aatan lo je (they are trying to safe a chick from an untimely death from the hand of a hawk. But it complained of not been allowed to visit the dump site” Meanwhile, it’s at the dump site the hawks will prey on the chicks.

Why are they opposed to this noble idea that will eradicate incessant strikes and students unrest?

Are they happy with the present situation where universities close for an average of 6 months each academic year thus distorting academic calendars and elongating number of years students spend before graduating, or where professors earn an equivalent of 500$ monthly?

I think they should be well-guided and have a rethink.

Letmesoundanoteofwarningtothegovernment: Another students strike is imminent when colleges resume in September and the idea of raised school fees crystallises.

Students will go on strike if the issue of loans is not resolved in their favor before the resumptions.

It is therefore important government roll out modalities for operating this noble idea of students loans immediately.

On the issue of a tax reforms,TheTaiwo Oyedele - led Tax Reforms Committee have estimated an annual tax gap of almost N21trillion.

If whateverrecommendationsthecommitteewill put forward are well implemented, the implication is that Nigeria will no longer require humongous borrowing before having resources to execute developmental programmes.

And what is exciting about the tax reforms initiative is that Taiwo Oyedele mentioned in a recent interview that the SMEs/Nanos should ideally be exemptedfrompayingtaxessotheycangrowbeing engines of growth that require nurturing at infancy.

I therefore reckon that the committee must have taken this into consideration before arriving at the N21trillion tax gap mentioned.

The truth is that majority of eligible tax payers in Nigeria don’t pay taxes. They either evade or avoid payment of tax.

With tax to GDP ratio of about 5%, Nigeria’s is one of the lowest in the world.

The target of the committee is to achieve about 18% within the next three years.

I therefore have no doubt the N21trillion tax gap is realisable.

The reality on ground is that people are going through unimaginable pains from these policies. But these pains will be temporary.

On taming the continuous rise in local price of PMS, it is important local supply through fixing of the local refineries and licensing of several modular refineries are expeditiously looked into. I leave the modalities for subject-matter experts to handle.

The embarrassing toga of being a major crude producing nation and yet a major importer of refined products must deliberately be discarded as it is a major cause of the distortions in this economy High transportation costs impact all spheres of endeavors.

Also, with imports of refined products responsible for more than 80% of foreign exchange utilisation, reversing this trend will be a major achievement towards repositioning the economy.

For as long as we continuetodependonitsimport its price determined largely by international price of crude as well as the local value of the dollar used in importing it, local prices will continue to soar.

Governments at all levels should also deliberately invest in Mass PublicTransportation systems across the country so movement from one point to another can be accessed at minimal costs.

It is better to subsidise public transportation and deploy facilities massively across the country so goods and services can move at cheaper prices than subsidizing PMS with its attendant corruption.

Olaniran Olayinka

Tinubu

Does Killing Nigerien Babies Bring Glory to Our Name?

Femi Fani-Kayode

Adearandrespectedfriendofmine whowasonceourAmbassador to a European country, who has relatives and strong links in and with Niger Republic and who is well versed in security and intelligence matters told me that up to 40 babies are dying each day in Niger as a consequence of our cutting off electricity supplies to them.

According to him these babies die in hospitals and incubators across the country as a consequenceofthefactthatthereisnoelectricitysupply and there is no fuel to power their generators. This was confirmed by one Dr. Abdoul Djibou, a Nigerien medical practitioner, in an interview with Newsonlineng.com.

They wrote: “According to a source in Niger Republic, Dr. Abdoul Djibou, there has been reports from Dosso Regional Hospital and CominakHospitalaboutthe recentspikeininfant mortality. According to him, over 40 babies die dailyinNigersincetheNigeriangovernmentcutoff Electricity supply to Niger and also closed its borders. It has affected hospital badly as they’re unable to power their incubators and other life supporting equipment to assist these babies. He also mentioned that the closed borders has made it nearly impossible for hospitals to access petroleum productsespeciallyDiesel and Petrol to power their plants and generators.

This is aside the untold hardships that the generalpopulacearegraspingwithinNiger.Hehas made a passionate appeal for the Nigerian government to reconsider its decision even though backed by the ECOWAS. He stressed the need for the Nigerian government to remember that the people of Niger are more like an extension of northern Nigeria. In his opinion, he believed strongly that the ongoing negotiations with the Junta leaders will yield results and stressed the needforthenegotiationstobeintensifiedinstead of beating the drums of war and upholding the current stiff sanctions that has now crippled the economy and the health sector especially” (Nigeronlineeng.com: Coup Sanctions on Niger Republic Causes Untold Hardship/Starvation/ Death).

I cannot possibly confirm the veracity or accuracy of these assertions and reports but if they are anywhere near the truth it is enough to prick anyone’s conscience.

Furthermore I doubt that our President, being a humane, rational and reasonable leader, would haveallowedthistohappenifhewasawareofthe harsh and cruel consequences of the “cut off all electricity to Niger” policy and that is precisely why it is important to bring it to his attention in this article.

Quite apart from that, according to UNICEF, “more than two million children have been affected by the crisis and are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance” and millions of dollars worth of vaccines for polio and other dangerous diseases cannot be safely preserved or stored due to power outages.

On its own part Africanews.com reports that “The U.N. is spending over 20 times more money than usual on fuel for generators to keep millions of vaccines in Niger from spoiling due to incessant power cuts. The outages are the result of severe economic and travel sanctions imposed by regional countries after mutinous soldiers toppled the country’s president last month Country representative for the United Nations Children´s Fund in Niger, Stefano Savi, said it has spent $200,000 powering generators tokeepvaccines,includingforpolioandrotavirus, across the country cold during the first three weeks of August. That’s up from approximately $10,000 a month previously and might soon run out of money, he said. Niger relies on neighbouring Nigeria for up to 90% of its power, but after soldiersousteddemocraticallyelectedPresident Mohamed Bazoum in July, Nigeria cut off part of itselectricitysupplyaspartofsanctionsimposed by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS. The sanctions are taking a toll on the population with thepriceofgoodsrising,residentsunabletoeasily access cash, and people living in the dark. Now therearemountingconcernsitwillgravelyimpact thehealthsystem,particularlytheabilitytokeep some 28 million vaccine doses in the country cold. Although there were power cuts before the sanctions, they usually lasted a few hours, but now the cuts are much longer - sometimes up to

Tchiani

18hoursaday,saidSavi.UNICEFonlyhasenough money until the end of August and is appealing to donors for emergency funds, he said.”

How can we as a nation inflict such damage andunleashsuchwickednessandmisfortuneon innocent people who live just across the border from us and who are essentially our people too?

This is unacceptable and especially so given the fact that we are not at war with Niger and theoverwhelmingmajorityofourpeopleregard them as our brothers.

This begs the question: is this the way to treat our African neighbours and brothers even whilst we lay claim to seeking and preferring a diplomatic solution to the crisis? Methinks not!

If our claim and intention is to better the life of these people by insisting that they must have a democratically-elected government and by resistingamilitaryoneisourpurposetrulyserved by killing the children of the very same people that we claim we want to help?

Again does this murky and murderous course serve our national and security interests and does it enhance better relations with other African countries?

Does imposing sanctions and policies like cutting off electrical supplies and that, albeit inadvertently, lead directly to the death of innocentbabiesanddefencelesschildrenhelpour cause, bring glory to our name or give credence or credibility to our so-called fight and quest for democracy?

I doubt it very much.

I call on our leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently the Chairman of ECOWAS, to review and reverse this policy and allow us to continue to supply electricity to Niger.

Thisisallthemoresogiventhefactthatcutting off electricity to that nation is bringing death, suffering and hardship more to the women and children than to their Government officials and members of the newly-installed military junta.

SurelyNiger’ssuspensionfrombothECOWAS andtheAfricanUnioncoupledwiththeimposition ofaseriesofstrongeconomicsanctionsincluding the closing of borders and the imposition of a no fly zone, are enough punishment.

We must never forget that there is a distinction between the government of a nation and its people.

Punishing the people for the sins of their

leaders and government is not only unjust and unkind but also counter-productive.

Outside of that, it is interesting to note that our French allies and partners, who are amongst those western powers that want us to bring the Nigeriens to their knees and even attack them, recently described Russia’s targetting of power gridsinUkraineanddenyingtheUkrainiansgasto power their electricity supply as a “war crime” and “crimeagainsthumanity”yettheyareencouraging Nigeria to do the same to Niger.

When will the application of these double standards by our French friends stop?

Justincaseanyoneisinanydoubtaboutthehigh handedness and excesses of the French in Africa permit me to conclude with the strong words and powerful admonition served to French President Emmanuel Macron by Giorgia Meloni, the courageous,passionateandstunninglybeautifulItalian Prime Minister.

In a blistering and thunderous speech, she exclaimed the following words with orgasmic passion: “Macron, your France undermined and destroyed the good relationship we had with Gaddafi, destroyed Libya, unleashed a wave of refugees and immigrants into Europe and appropriated the resources of African countries and plundered their wealth. Children and the underagedworkinfeudalandinhumanconditions in Niger just for you to take a big percentage of their uranium that powers your electricity and nuclear reactors. Niger has no light and are dirt poor all because of your policies “

What a lady! She has said it all!

Now just in case we doubt her let us consider the words of a towering figure like the former French President Jaques Chirac who said the following at the 21st France/Africa Summit in Yaounde, Cameroons in 2001 where 30 Heads of States were gathered.

He said, “While speaking of Africa, we must check our memory. We started draining the continent four and a half centuries ago with the slavetrade.Next,wediscoveredtheirrawmaterials and seized them. Having deprived Africans of their wealth, we sent in our elites who destroyed their culture. Now, we are depriving them of their brainsthankstoscholarshipswhicharedefinitely another form of exploitation because, at the end, the most intelligent students do not go back to theircountries.Intheend,noticingthatAfricaisnot in a good state and as bonuses for the wealth we

made on its back, we are giving lectures” (Canard Enchainé, January 24, 2001).

Iftherewereeverapublicadmissionandconfession of neo-colonial and imperialist malfeasance andmalevolencebyareveredandhighlyrespected French leader and collossal figure, this is it.

He was honest, candid and forthright about his nation’s egregious and pernicious atrocities and outrageous policies in Africa and we commend him for that.

Yetthisbegsthequestion:arethesetheFrench on whose behalf ECOWAS is considering fighting a war and invading a brother African nation?

The west may have many African leaders in their pockets and eating out of their hands but the hearts, minds and souls of the overwhelming majority of the African people are with Vladimer Putin and the Russian Federation who are now perceived, rightly or wrongly, as the champions of the oppressed and the architects of a new and just world order.

There is a wind of change blowing in Africa and indeed the world today and every vestige ofneo-colonialism,imperialism,pseudo-fascism, economic bondage and fiscal subjugation shall be blown away with and by it.

We have seen this happen with the meteoric and laudable rise in power, glory and influence of the formidable BRICS block of nation’s which includeChina,Russia,India,BrazilandSouthAfrica and the admission of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia into thateliteclubofrisingeconomicpowersandgiants just a few days ago.

They seek to set themselves free and shatter the shackles of economic dominance and fiscal tyrannyoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,theUnited Kingdom, the European Union and all the other western powers and their allies.

Again we have seen this happen in Mali, Guniea, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Sudan where the quest for freedom from the bondage of former colonialmastersliketheFrench and corrupt puppet African leaders and Governments led to military coups.

Regardless of the legitimate concerns of ECOWAS I expect the same to happen in Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroons and possibly one or two other Franco-phone countries in the not too distant future simply because each is bedevilled with sit tight, vicious, undemocratic, unelected rulers and tyrants, because the resentment against the French in those countries is palpable and overwhelming and because the desire for Russian support and friendship is astounding.

Nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal and Liberia may thankfully not be in danger of military intervention because they have a measure of legitimacy and because they came to power through an ostensibly credible democratic process but their governments and leaders MUST be very wary of the level of suspicion, hatred, disdain and contempt that the ordinary people have for the Western neo-colonialists and imperialists that appear to bring so much power and influence to bear over their nations’ affairs and for those that are seen as weak, corrupt puppet-leaders who are prepared to put western interests before that of their own country.

These leaders and governments cannot and must not make the mistake of being seen or regarded as the Chief Poodle, Chief Enforcer, Chief Slave, Chief Slave-Driver or the grovelling and snivelling “yes bwana”, “yes massa” Chief House n*gger of the western powers in the West African sub region.

ECOWAS MUST be perceived as a body that brings Africans together and settles their differences in a diplomatic and civilised manner and not a body that can be used by the French, Americans, British, EU or anyone else to exploit us, to further and protect western interests and to fight proxy wars on their behalf.

Frankly the only ones that I can vouch for in this respect are Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo who I do not believe would ever consciously and willingly sell their people down the river.

Whatever the case we must not allow any country in the West African sub-region to be turned into a Zaire under Mobutu Sese Seko or to a Central African Republic under Jeane Bedie Bokassa.

That is the French formula and it must never take root here.

Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Aviation

BRICS: WHY NIGERIA WAS SNUBBED

world affairs, contends ETIM ETIM

Its vision is to serve as champion of the needs of the Global South. This growth, sustainable development and the reform of the multilateral systems.

According to South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, BRICS is committed to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. The presence of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres at the Summit and his poignant message on the need to uphold multilateralism supports this position.

A NEW THEATRE FOR VIOLENT EXTREMISM

In a week full of high drama on the international scene - the murder of Yevgeny Prigozhin in Russia; Donald Trump’s mug shot in a Georgia prison; India landing a spacecraft on the moon and the cable car rescue in Pakistan – the 15th Summit of the BRICS nations in South Africa managed to grab a few headlines. For Nigeria, the meeting turned out to be another humiliating moment as its application to Instead, Ethiopia, Egypt; Argentina; UAE effect from January 2024. Twenty countries, including Nigeria and Indonesia applied to be members, and 20 others had expressed interest, but had not applied. So, why did

was Ethiopia, a relatively smaller economy currently wracked by civil war, chosen? embarrassment for this country which had suffered severe mismanagement in the hands of its corrupt political leaders? Is administration?

Vice President Kashim Shetima who attended the conference in the place of the President said Nigeria wanted to be a member because we are seeking a partnership that provides opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity and shared progress with no marginalization based on geography, race and legitimate he read at the event, the VP said: ‘’We want a partnership that guarantees a world governed by acceptable rules and norms. These nations confront historical developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are beyond their control. Thus, it is imperative for us to unite within regional groups and forge a novel form of international cooperation’’.

is to foster global economic governance reform while enhancing the representation and voice of emerging economies or developing countries. But the government is yet to make any statement on why our request was turned down. As in many other degrading instances, our leaders if nothing happened. But at the heart of this snub is decades of mismanagement, corruption and incompetent leadership that have weakened this country. The world can no longer tolerate us. The among the worst diplomatic humiliation that we have suffered as a country. It is the ultimate chastening of a nation once referred to as the giant of Africa. Among others, it will deny us the opportunity to access capital in the group’s soon-to-be formed global development bank. How I wish we did not even bother to apply. Nigeria’s political class should cover themselves in sackcloth and weep in shame for one month. they have damaged this nation irreparably.

Many developing countries have often chafed against what they see as US imperialism and an unequal international system, and so, they like the idea of a group challenging the status quo. This is why BRICS appears so appealing and many want to belong despite the diverseness and oddities in its composition. Two of the founding members are the world’s largest democracy (India) and the world’s biggest autocracy (China). But BRICS is determined to forge ahead as a veritable alternative to western alliances. The Summit has asked member-states’ Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to work on the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back at the next Summit, which will hold in Russia. In other words, BRICS is considering an alternative currency to the dollar as the global reserve currency. That is a tall dream that would take years and a lot of hard work to materialize.

Before it expanded its membership this week, BRICS was already a politically and economically diverse group with 40% of the world’s population and 25% of global GDP. The expansion of its membership should make it a powerful economic and political force that would further serve as a counterweight to what it perceives as US dominance. BRICS is also setting up a development bank as alternative to the IMF and the World Bank. But it is unclear how the new members will affect the acronym by which the group had been known.

Relations among the BRICS nations have not always been chummy. China and India squabble over a section of their border, and now with six new members, the eccentricities are visible. Iran and Saudi Arabia are old political foes, although they have managed to patched things up lately. There have also been tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over hydroelectric dam on the Nile.

Unlike the G7, BRICS are also ideologically diverse. India is pro West with an extreme right-wing leadership which believes in neoliberal economics. It is also pursuing an independent international economic policy. India is one of the top 10 global industrial powers; its huge population is matched by a strong industrial base and a powerful military. Though a huge segment of the Indian population is very poor, the country is a and pharmaceuticals. It builds its own main battle tanks and warships. India is week landed a space ship on the moon, the fourth country to be able to do so, and of the moon. This was a very proud week for the country whose, science and technology are very advanced. The country has nuclear capability. It c annot be dictated to, and it adamantly refuses to be.

Ethiopia is not pro West. Its economy is smaller than Nigeria’s but it has a record of defiance of the West. For some time now, the US has been pressing Ethiopia to privatize its banks, threatening to kick it out of AGOA but Ethiopia has refused. Ethiopia is not paying much heed to the US over its ongoing civil war either.

The group started as BRIC, an acronym for Brazil; Russia; India and China, in 2009 and in 2010, South Africa was admitted. Etim is a Journalist

Violent extremism is reported to be the beliefs and actions of people who support or use violence to achieve ideological, religious or political goals. It is becoming an increasing threat to national security of African countries and the rest of the world. A wide range of actors and movements compose the threat matrix. They include sovereign citizens, militia groups, issues based extremists, such as ideologically linked gangs/organized criminal networks, eco-terrorists and Islamist extremists, such as ISIS, al-Queda, Al-Shabab and Hizballah.

These violent extremist groups have grown over the years because some powerful states use them even as they condemn their activities, to achieve their political goals in their countries of interest, thus creating hotbeds of tension and inciting islamophobia and inter faith hatred around the world.

On June 22-23 this year, the U.S Department of State Bureau of Counter-terrorism and the U.S. Department of Justice hosted the eleventh meeting of the Law Enforcement Coordination Group (LECG) on countering Hizballah global terrorists and other illicit activities. Hizballah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party with exceptionally strong military group, formed in 1982 in response to the Israel invasion of Lebanon. Hizballah’s primary goal is the elimination of the US-backed Israel. Participants at the meeting reportedly discussed how schemes, and weapons procurement have evolved since the last global LECG meeting in 2022.

That Hizballah’s terrorist plotting keeps evolving over the years is equally in response to the US determination to eliminate them to achieve its goals in the Middle East. Washington and its allies support opposition and nationalist groups in other countries to pressure the governments to achieve their geopolitical goals. For example the US supported opposition parties in Syria during Assad in order to have unhindered access to the country’s natural resources.

This led to war, numerous civilian casualties countries. Even now the US is reported to be actively recruiting some members of international terrorist groups, including the Islamic State group, as mercenaries to participate in the hostilities in Ukraine.

In fact during the conflict in the east of Ukraine, privately-funded ultraextremist groups were created such as the National Squads, SS Bears, Asker, Azov (uses Nazi era symbolism), Right sector, Aldar, Donbas, Tornado, C-14

(name refers to a C14- word slogan popular among white supremacists) and Sich, who committed crimes and massacres against civilians living in the eastern part of Ukraine. Reuters News reported that “Kiev must contend with far– right vigilantes who are willing to use intimidation and even violence to advance their agendas, and who often do so with the tacit approval of law enforcement agencies.” Amnesty International has even warned that the “Ukrainian state is rapidly losing its monopoly violence.”

Also recently there have been reports of the intention of Ukrainian ultra nationalist groups under the control of the US and its allies to go to Africa to counter the the continent by committing sabotage and eliminating leaders and representatives of political elites who are neutral on the Russian rhetoric.

The more extreme of these groups, according to Reuters, “promote an intolerant and illiberal ideology that will endanger Ukraine in the long term.” And their use by the US, Ukraine and Turkey to serve their own purposes and interest is contributing to the Islamophobia, being actively promoted by the west in its campaign to create anti- muslims sentiments. In particular the creation of fake news by the west and the presentation of the Islamic world as a terrorist movement are equally contributing to the growth of inter religious hostility and the emergence of new hot beds of tension in various part of the world.

groups in Turkey as the promoter and protector of terrorist network, including the remaining members of ISIS whose and carry out crippling terror attacks across the world, including the US and India has to Indian security service reports, Turkey is channeling funding into the activities of former ISIS members in India that are seeking to radicalize Indian muslims and achieve large scale destabilization through a transfer of Know-how.

Despite the fact that Turkey has long opposed Kurdish separatist movements such as the Kurdistan workers party (PKK), there are facts of Ankara’s active through its self – serving support of various terrorist cells. Particularly, Turkey, according to reports, supports the Islamic

AMINU AWURU argues that extremist groups are exploiting grievances and inequalities around the world

Nigeria is not in a position to assert itself as an independent player in

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

SOLDIERS AND AMBUSH KILLINGS

The bandits are as dangerous as ever. The military must go all out and rout them

Tn recent times, the Nigerian armed forces have suffered heavy casualties from both insurgents and bandits who now seem focused on attacking troops and laying ambushes on military convoys. On Friday at the national military cemetery in Abuja, the 22 soldiers who died in combat on 14th August were buried. According to defence headquarters, 36 personnel were slain during an ambush by terrorists at Zungeru-Tagina Road and the subsequent jet crash in Chukuba area of Shiroro, both in Niger State. “I use this opportunity to call all commanders, all troops all over Nigeria, that we must avenge this,” Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said at the burial. “Those that did this and those that have continued to kill our men wherever they are, we will get them.”

We commiserate with the families of the fallen heroes, even as we hope that they will be accorded the needed attention at this most difficult period. We also commend our military for the critical role they have

of the nation. But they must also interrogate the ease with which criminal gangs take out their men and women in uniform. Given the timing of recent attacks and the choice of location, the intention of the perpetrators was to send some sinister message about their capacity. If gunmen could so cynically ambush our troops to kill dozens, it is very telling of the boldness they have mustered to thumb their noses at authority. That this has become a consistent pattern is why the military high command should be concerned. In one such attack in March 2020, rocket-propelled grenades at a lorry load of soldiers at Gorgi village in Borno State.

Since taking out Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, insurgents from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have engaged the military in serious confrontations. Two years ago, they ambushed and killed the commander of the 28 Task Force in Chibok, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu in Bulguma, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. Shortly after, dozens of people, including soldiers, mobile policemen and civilians

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

were killed in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State by terrorists who wiped out an entire military platoon. In July last year, Captain Attah Samuel and four other soldiers, were killed when terrorists ambushed the Guards Battalion during a patrol in Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The list of soldiers killed after being ambushed by bandits or insurgents is long. Yet, we do not need to enlist in the security agencies to realise the efficacy of pre-emptive and preventive intelligence in the situation we have found ourselves. In fact, any combat operations in such an environment of volatility, and complexity as we have in Shiroro must be intelligencedriven. But that would entail cooperation from the civil populace by volunteering information to the military. Shiroro is right in the heart of Nigeria. The bandits have been there for some years now and some people must know them.

We must accept that the insecurity confronting the nation is no longer a series of random and opportunistic attacks. There is now a strategic selection of targets, well-coordinated attacks as well as careful map reading by terrorists and bandits. In the pattern of these attacks, their timing and precision, there is need to interrogate the issue of possible sabotage and failure of intelligence. Besides, we must be resolute in our approach to dealing with the challenge. The idea of dialogue as a non-kinetic option of dealing with bandits being muted by the Gov ernor of Niger State is a recipe for disaster, given the experience of Katsina and Zamfara States.

in Nigeria speaks to a national psychology that has devalued human life to the lowest level. From North to South and East, hundreds of people are being killed almost daily either by criminal cartels or lone wolves who seem to have overpowered the capacity of the state. But the situation becomes more worrisome when criminals target our military personnel for extermination. The time has therefore come to realise the severity of the threat to our national security by reassessing the current strategies which have proved ineffectual.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

Letters to the Editor LETTERS ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRLS AND WOMEN

For many decades, resilient women and girls who have survived abuse have been leading the charge against violence. Their advocacy has led to the enactment of laws and policies, yet implementation remains a challenge. The rise of feminist movements, including the renowned #MeToo movement and the Every Woman Treaty, has held several men accountable. Despite these efforts, the stark reality persists for countless women and girls worldwide, who continue to suffer rights violations.

The scourge of violence against women and girls not only violates their fundamental rights but also corrodes the very foundation of our communities. To confront this complex issue, a comprehensive approach is needed that delves into its root causes, including a significant but often overlooked factor: men’s mental health.

In 2020, I launched the Men Can End Violence Campaign, aiming to educate men and boys about healthy masculinity and to mobilize them against violence towards women and girls. Through my work, I discovered that men and boys are also deeply impacted by societal norms,

often concealing their pain and trauma, which contributes to lower reported cases of violence against them.

While I firmly advocate for offering female survivors of abuse free access to psychosocial support, as a survivor of child sexual abuse myself, I can attest to the transformative power of the right support in recovery. Yet, I equally emphasize that extending mental health support to men could yield a more sustainable impact than merely addressing the surface symptoms.

The perpetration of violence against women and girls often stems from men grappling with emotional turmoil, unresolved trauma, and societal pressures. Men struggling with mental health issues can become trapped in cycles of aggression and violence, harming themselves and those around them, particularly women and girls. It is essential to recognize that not all men with mental health challenges are violent, but untreated issues can heighten the risk of abusive behavior.

To genuinely eradicate violence against women and girls, global leaders must

acknowledge the significance of providing men with accessible psychosocial support and declare the decline in men’s mental health a worldwide crisis.

Effective solutions require understanding that men’s mental well-being is integral to combating gender-based violence. World leaders have a vital role in raising awareness about the connections between mental health and violence. Designating men’s mental health as a global crisis would underscore the urgency and commitment to building a safer, more equitable world.

Men’s mental health should be integrated into policies and programs targeting gender-based violence. Adequate resources and funding must be allocated to establish comprehensive support networks for men’s mental health, preventing their struggles from escalating into violence.

By facilitating men’s access to psychosocial support, encouraging open dialogue, and weaving mental health initiatives into broader policies, we can shatter the cycle of violence, promote healthier masculinity, and forge a world

where fear and oppression no longer hold sway.

I hereby make a clarion call to world leaders in the imminent UNGA session themed “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” by addressing this critical dimension, we can decisively curb violence against women.

Let’s seize this opportune moment to propel change, recognizing that mental well-being is pivotal to dismantling aggression and promoting healthy masculinity.

Elevating men’s mental health in policy agendas aligns with our pursuit of global solidarity and a safer, equitable future. Together, let’s champion this cause and translate words into transformative actions.

Halima Layeni, Men’s Mental Health advocate, Founder & Executive Director, Life After Abuse Foundation

The situation becomes more worrisome when criminals target our military personnel for extermination. The time has come to realise the severity of the threat to our national security by reassessing the current strategies which have proved ineffectual

DAYO AKINBODE Nigeria’s Queen of Marathon

After a long walk in the corporate world and retiring from the petroleum industry at the age of 50, Dayo Akinbode has engraved her name in the sands of time as a marathoner of great repute, breaking and smashing personal records. She has traversed 77 countries and ran 112 marathons over the last 10 years. Nigerian renowned marathoner and holder of two Guinness World Records, Akinbode, in an encounter with Funke Olaode and Sunday Ehigiator, speaks on her quest to participate in marathons in 195 countries

My Dream is to Run Marathons in 195 Countries

Her appearance contradicts her track and field accomplishments. Petite and vocal, her professional antecedents point towards a giant ambition. Adedayo Akinbode, a Nigerian marathoner with two Guinness World Records in her kitty, has gradually carved a niche for herself in the world of athletics. To date, she has visited 77 countries and run 122 marathons. Akinbode’s consistency and unrelenting zeal to excel and conquer new heights in a field is proof that she is Nigeria’s Queen of Track and one of the nation’s flag bearers.

It has been 10 years since she embarked on this journey. Still, Akinbode’s efforts have been self-funded. Remarkably, she takes delight in raising the Nigerian Flag at every finishing line, her unique way of rewriting the nation’s narrative on the global stage.

“My plan was to run a marathon in every country, lifting the Nigerian flag as I cross the finishing line, thereby pushing Nigeria to the forefront in my own little way. I have done this in 77 countries, all from my personal funds. With the passion still burning in me, I am wondering if I can get sponsors to help me complete this mission,” she said during a recent encounter.

Not soliciting for personal gain, Akinbode’s mission is simple. It is her quest to take Nigeria to the world, create health awareness through her Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon Organisation and bring non-Nigerians to experience Nigerian hospitality through the same organisation.

In her own words, Akinbode never chose marathon, but marathon chose her as a child of necessity, battling life-threatening health challenges yet unbothered. The health concerns vanished eventually while she was busy competing in a ‘Global Corporate Challenge’ instituted by her company.

“I would say that running marathons didn’t choose me, but rather I stumbled onto running back in 2012. It happened during my annual checkup when my doctor informed me that I was obese and had high cholesterol levels. He advised me to change my lifestyle, eliminate certain foods, and warned that if I didn’t make these changes, my life could be at risk. However, I struggled to make those necessary changes and simply ignored the report.

“Fortunately, in 2013, my company introduced the Global Corporate Challenge programme. This initiative involved participating in a global event where each individual was encouraged to achieve 10,000 steps per day. Companies like Chevron and Shell were also involved in this programme.

“Before the challenge began, we were given speedometers to track our steps without making any immediate lifestyle changes. After two weeks, I found myself constantly recording 700 to 800 steps, making me one of the highest achievers in my company.”

Still treating the exercise with levity, two weeks later, Akinbode gained access to see the step counts of participants from other parts of the country and the world. She noticed that people from Canada and Germany were recording an impressive 20,000 to 30,000 steps per day. Being a highly competitive individual, she didn’t like being at the bottom rung of the ladder. This egged her on.

“There was a particular person in the forum who recorded over 27,000 steps, so I asked him if those steps accumulated over two weeks or how long. He clarified that it was just the step count for yesterday. Surprised, I only recorded 700 steps. I asked him how he managed to reach 27,000 steps. He explained that he avoids using the elevator, walks to work, and even runs sometimes.

“By making these adjustments, I started increasing my step count even before the day officially began. Initially, it wasn’t easy, but I gradually became accustomed to the changes. My daily step count went up to 5,000 and then 6,000, and I was quite pleased with my progress. However, one day I arrived home with nearly 9,000 steps, and I realised I was so close to reaching 10,000. Determined, I decided to walk up and down my street to achieve my very first 10,000 steps. It was a success.”

She soon discovered that it was relatively easier to reach 9,000 or 10,000 steps on weekdays, but her step count would decrease on weekends. Recognising this pattern, she decided to make a change.

“On Saturdays, I intentionally started walking around the streets, not necessarily running but maintaining a brisk pace, to ensure I reached my 10,000 steps. On Sundays,

home and stay dry without reaching my goal or continue walking in the rain and achieve my target.”

By then, she had started receiving side comments from neighbours who thought all was not well. Unperturbed, Akinbode would later find a partner in progress that catapulted her to the world stage of marathon. “While contemplating this, I noticed another woman walking towards me in the rain. I felt relieved and excited to see her. She expressed her gratitude, saying she was glad that people wouldn’t consider her crazy for walking in the rain.

“Her name is Tayo Badejo. That’s how we became friends, and then we started meeting up and walking. Since she had been into exercise before me, she graduated from walking to jogging. She would pick up her pace and encourage me to do the same. Then we moved from jogging to running. She would say, ‘Oh, let’s do five kilometres,’ and she was hand-holding me.

“One day, when we were out running, she said, ‘Oh, do you know we can register to run a marathon?’ This was in the middle of 2013. I asked, ‘What is a marathon?’ She explained, ‘It’s when people run 42 kilometres’. I questioned her why anybody would run 42 kilometres. She replied, ‘When you get home, go to YouTube and search for the New York Marathon or Boston Marathon.’

“I got home, watched it, and I liked it. I did a lot of research and read somewhere that only one per cent of the world’s population has run marathons or can run marathons.

“Then, in September of 2013, we all went to Accra to run a half marathon. It was my very first race in this world, and we had a big number. My name was on that big number as well. On the streets of Accra, there were people lined up, especially towards the finish, and they would be shouting your name. My number was 607.

From being an amateur runner, she has risen to become a globetrotter. Akinbode has moved on to impress her name on the sands of time as a marathoner of great accomplishments, breaking and smashing personal records. She has traversed 77 countries and run 112 marathons over the last 10 years, holding Two Guinness World Records. She sheds more light on the Marathon Globetrotters Club.

“The Marathon Globetrotters Club operates on a tiered system, where entry is granted upon running in 10 countries, but the more countries you run in, the higher your status. I didn’t want to settle for the lowest tier, so I began running in more countries to elevate my standing. Currently, I hold a senior position in the club, having completed marathons in 77 countries.

“My current aspiration is to run marathons in every country around the world. With a total of 196 countries, it is quite a challenging endeavour, especially considering that I don’t have the necessary funds readily available. To date, I have managed to run marathons in 77 countries, fully self-funded. However, I am reaching a point where I require additional support to continue pursuing my goal.

“The more I visit countries where Nigerians are rarely heard of or where they have seldom encountered a person of African descent, the more determined I become to explore even more of these places. It is in these less familiar locations that I see the greatest significance. Nigeria is often overshadowed by more accessible destinations, where Nigerians are frequently seen. Therefore, I am eager to bring Nigeria’s presence to those lesstravelled regions.”

On her Guinness World Records, she said, “I am proud to share that I have already secured two entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. The first record was achieved in 2019 when I participated in the highest road marathon in the world, which the Prime Minister of Pakistan invited us to. The race took place at an altitude of over 5,000 meters or feet (I cannot recall the exact measurement), and everyone who participated in that event earned a place in the Guinness record. The combination of the high altitude and intense heat made the race challenging.”

Talking about giving back to the country, Akinbode gave insight into the ‘Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon’ project. It is a project instituted by her and aimed at bridging the gap by providing marathons that meet global standards in Nigeria.

“Drawing from my extensive experience in various marathons, I have carefully observed both the positive and negative aspects. My goal is to incorporate the strengths I have witnessed into the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon. We had done it in the past, and I pray it continues with the help and support of well-meaning Nigerians,” she stated.

Akinbode on the track doing what she likes best

I attended church and danced energetically, which contributed to my step count as well. It was interesting to see the numbers increase while I enjoyed myself.

“So, one of these weekends, I was out walking when it suddenly started raining. I realized I hadn’t reached my 10,000km goal yet. I contemplated whether to return

HighLife

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Mixed Feelings Trail Senator Ekeremadu’s

Son’s

Wedding

The prevailing reason for these shadows was the absence of Senator Ekweremadu, incarcerated in the UK. Despite the glaring void left by the groom’s father, the event persevered, with loved ones stepping in to fill the roles of both parents.

A glance at the past shows the issues that drove Senator Ekweremadu into his current circumstances. Initially accused of involvement in organ trafficking, along with his wife, the former Deputy Senate President faced charges that eventually led to convictions and sentences.

Aregbesola Back to Drawing Board

Politics is an intricate and ceaseless endeavour, akin to an unending game. The triumphant player in this arena is the one who expertly navigates the labyrinth of strategies, weaving one plan atop another. Rauf Aregbesola, a seasoned figure in politics, epitomises this type of player. Having served as both the former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, bestowing upon him the title of a master strategist would indeed be fitting.

Resurfacing in the realm of Osun politics, Aregbesola’s return has swept away the myriad conjectures surrounding his apparent reticence in response to the rise of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) within the state’s leadership echelons. With this latest manoeuvre, it could be argued that the time has come to rekindle the potency of Aregbesola’s political influence.

The most recent accounts from Osun reveal that Aregbesola has orchestrated the establishment of a collective entity within the state: the All Progressive Congress (APC) Omoluabi Caucus. Contrary to assumptions of political power play or vested interests, the publicised ethos of this Caucus revolves around the advancement of civic engagement and public affairs, embodying the spirit of progressivism.

As reported, the Omoluabi Caucus comprises representatives from all 332 wards in Osun, each ward contributing five members per local government. Given this numerical strength, the Caucus undeniably emerges as one of the most influential groups within the state. It holds the potential to mount a formidable challenge against the ruling party in terms of grassroots mobilisation.

Nonetheless, Aregbesola himself has dispelled notions of cunning grassroots manipulation. He firmly asserts that the caucus is dedicated to propagating the ideals exemplified by eminent figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige. Despite its sponsorship by the APC, it stands as a coalition of kindred spirits rather than a mere extension of the party’s agenda.

Naturally, scepticism lingers regarding Aregbesola’s underlying intentions. A substantial faction of critics is convinced that his design involves nurturing a cadre of dedicated individuals poised to facilitate the APC’s resurgence to power in the near future. However, every critic agrees that Aregbesola’s Caucus strategically repositions him at the heart of Osun politics.

In the realm of human experience, the allure of good tidings is universal, yet the unpredictability of life and circumstance remains beyond human control. This truth was vividly evident when Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s son, Lloyd, recently embarked on the journey of marriage.

On August 19, 2023, Abuja basked in the radiance of a happy occasion as

Prophetess

Naomi: Back with a Bang

Marriage and dreams both play important roles in human life. For Naomi Silekunola, who used to be married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, these truths hold great significance. At this point in her life, she’s chosen to take control and pursue the ambitions she held when she was younger.

We know that Lady Naomi has faced challenges recently. She became known as the partner of the highest-ranking Yoruba monarch in the world. She also became a mother to a beautiful child. However, her marriage ended, and she returned to being a single woman. Despite this, her life continued, and recent events highlight that her original

Lloyd and Tiffany united in matrimony. The event was an exuberant display of colour, attended by relatives, friends, and close companions. Taking place at the Basilica of Grace Anglican Church in the Gudu District of Abuja, the ceremony heralded a new chapter in the couple’s lives. Yet, even amid the celebration, sombre shadows cast their pall.

Notwithstanding Nigeria’s legislative endeavours to intercede on Ekweremadu’s behalf, the UK’s justice system remained resolute, thwarting any attempts to alter the course of events. Consequently, Ekweremadu became a poignant emblem of political influence losing its grip within the confines of a British prison.

In the grand scheme, the wedding unfolded because, as the adage goes, the show must go on. Yet, this celebration was accompanied by a tapestry of public reactions, ranging from empathetic understanding to casual indifference. Nevertheless, the complexity of emotions surrounding this event cannot alter the concrete realities at play.

managed a Christian ministry called EnHeralds, which was based in Akure, Ondo State. The ministry had many members and supporters. Balancing her responsibilities as a queen and running the ministry became difficult, leading her to step back from the ministry. But now that her marriage with Oba Ogunwusi has ended, she has returned to her ministry work.

Just a short while ago, she was seen in Abuja helping people through her ministry. She was invited as a guest speaker to the Christos International Abuja Worship Centre for a two-day conference called Higher and Better. With her expertise, Lady Naomi spoke about the topic, ‘Woman Thou art Loosed!’

dreams are still alive within her.

Before becoming involved with the Ife monarch, Lady Naomi was a prophetess. She started and

With her insightful topic choice, Lady Naomi met the expectations of the conference organiser, Bishop (Prophet) David Ogudu. She shared profound insights about life, impressing the audience with her knowledge. This event marked the 30-year-old’s return to her ministry work. Clearly, she’s back in her element and is committed to her calling without any hesitation.

Bayo Adelabu … Rejected Stone is Now the Cornerstone

If there’s one thing that’s certain in politics, it’s the necessary mix of good and challenging experiences. The unpredictability of decisions and actions in the political arena is well illustrated by the attention and admiration swirling around the residence of the Federal Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu. His new elevated status has turned him into a highly sought-after figure that everyone is talking about.

As individuals designated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become ministers begin to assume their roles, there’s a noticeable shift in the atmosphere across the nation. Adelabu, among the fortunate ones, has also joined this group. However, he’s also finding himself having to navigate through various types of people who are eager to flatter and curry favour.

Adelabu’s unease due to these insincere admirers is evident, although his experience is not uncommon. Nevertheless, this situation represents a significant shift from just a few weeks ago when President Tinubu initially nominated Adelabu, the former deputy

governor of operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the ministerial position.

For those who were attentive to the reactions at the time, it’s clear that President Tinubu faced severe criticism for considering Adelabu. The loudest voices argued that Adelabu wasn’t deserving of a ministerial role because he had left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to seek refuge elsewhere.

Indeed, Adelabu had previously vied for a gubernatorial position in Oyo State under the Accord Party. His departure from the APC was reportedly motivated by a feeling of diminishing significance within the party. Despite this, Tinubu seems to see Adelabu without fault, explaining the appointment.

Now holding significant power in Nigeria, Adelabu has become a figure of immense interest. Those who once criticised him are now approaching him with admiration, ready to forsake their affiliations and connections to become his companions. This rapid change in dynamics underscores the fleeting nature of power and the importance of maintaining steadfast principles.

Aregbesola

Naomi

Adelabu

Lloyd Ekeremadu and his bride, Tiffany during their Abuja society wedding.

Senator Douye Diri Honoured Again

For remarkable individuals like Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the question isn’t to be or not to be. Instead, it is about shining brilliantly or becoming the very heart of the people’s admiration. Amidst the numerous accolades celebrating his contributions, Diri’s value to the people of Bayelsa can be compared to the worth of 10 governors.

Diri is making commendable progress, and this statement isn’t without good reason. Since assuming the position of Bayelsa State’s leader, Senator Diri has showcased honesty and dedication, skillfully utilising his authority. This skilful blend of personal integrity and effective governance has resulted in an overflow of positive outcomes, surpassed only by the immense joy he has instilled in his constituents.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the latest to acknowledge Diri’s remarkable achievements. In partnership with the United Nations

(UN) SDGs office, the SSA under the guidance of President Bola Tinubu has recognized and approved Diri’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Bayelsa. This recognition extends to his peers as an exemplary model to emulate.

According to the report detailing this recognition, Diri’s dedication to thoughtfully planned development is consistently steadfast and genuine. His established framework provides a solid platform for others to invest in sustainable development within Bayelsa, thereby efficiently fulfilling the SDGs’ mandates in the state.

The Office of the SDG SSA highlights that Diri’s diligent work forms the ideal foundation to enable Bayelsa to realise the SDG vision well before 2030. Thus, he is deemed worthy of the Icon of Sustainable Development award. Conferred upon Diri’s Senior Special Assistant and Focal Person on SDGs, Dr. Ebiwari Wariowei, this award symbolises Diri’s unwavering commitment and compassion for his people.

Olu of Warri Celebrates Second Coronation Anniversary in Grand Style

Preparation is like the heartbeat that drives achievement. When looking at someone as accomplished as the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, it’s clear that meticulous preparation underlies his endeavours. It’s no surprise then that the revered leader of the Itsekiri people has accomplished so much in just two years.

A sense of joy and positivity fills the air in Warri Kingdom at this moment. The Itsekiri community, alongside their kin worldwide, is gearing up to commemorate the second anniversary of their king’s coronation. With a concise 10-day timeline set for the celebrations, there’s ample opportunity to reflect on the Olu of Warri’s numerous achievements, particularly his vision for the future.

The anniversary festivities commenced on Friday, August 18, and concluded on Sunday, August 27, 2023. From the very outset, the monarch ignited excitement in the hearts of his people by reaffirming what they already recognized:

that his primary focus lies in advancing their ancestral domain. He also pledged unwavering dedication to elevate the Iwere Kingdom to the pinnacle of glory during this generation.

Acknowledging that the Olu of Warri has outshone many of his predecessors in terms of early accomplishments is undeniable. Thus far, he has propelled his kingdom to prominence across both land and sea, earning international acclaim as a result. Thanks to his contributions, the Iwere Kingdom has gained global recognition and is cherished for its vibrant culture.

Indeed, the initial days of his reign faced some challenges, but much of the opposition gradually faded away. Presently, fresh voices are emerging daily, expressing support for the monarch’s brilliance and commitment to serving the interests of his people, both within his domain and beyond.

Ultimately, with only two years spent in his ancestral seat, the monarch exemplifies true dedication and success. However, this marks merely the beginning of a host of promising prospects to come.

Tajudeen Adefisoye Opens New State-of-the-Art Fun Place

Ondo State is a vibrant and dynamic location, earning its nickname as the Sunshine State due to its radiant and lively atmosphere. Among those who recognize the potential for even greater brightness is Honourable Tajudeen Adefisoye, affectionately known as Small Alhaji, who has taken proactive steps to enhance this vitality.

Adefisoye is dedicated to making Ondo an even more uplifting place for its residents. However, the people of the Sunshine State have no reason to complain, as not every Nigerian state is fortunate enough to have a venture like Adefisoye’s latest creation, VATA City Centre.

VATA City Centre stands as a cuttingedge establishment constructed by Adefisoye, housing a five-star hotel and restaurant. Located in Akure, this impressive destination for novel hospitality has sprung to life in the heart of Ondo, injecting a renewed sense of vibrancy into the local community.

Upon its completion, distinguished individuals from all walks of life came together

All Eyes on Bunmi Tunji-Ojo

A new chapter unfolds in Nigeria’s ministerial landscape, introducing fresh faces to the nation’s ministerial roster under the recent decisions of President Bola Tinubu. Amidst these changes, the spotlight falls on the newcomers, particularly individuals like Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who have garnered a positive reputation. There is hopeful anticipation that these newly appointed officials will uphold their integrity and remain unwavering in their responsibilities.

Certainly, Tunji-Ojo stands out as one of the recent remarkable ministerial appointments. His track record as a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist has instilled optimism among some critics. The initial steps he has taken in his ministerial capacity suggest the potential for him to become a dependable figure.

Tunji-Ojo has taken on the crucial role of Minister of Interior. Recognising the existing gaps within the ministry, he has already demonstrated his commitment to transparency and fairness. This proactive approach carries a sense of optimism that resonates with the public, highlighting his earnestness in fulfilling his ministerial duties.

One noteworthy commitment made by Tunji-Ojo is his dedication to revamping the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), an agency that has faced allegations of corruption. This pledge underscores his recognition of the need for transformative change and his resolve to implement meaningful reforms.

to illuminate VATA City Center for the very first time. Leading the way was Honourable Akin Alabi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, who officially inaugurated the building. The momentous event took place on Thursday, August 3, 2023, leaving guests in awe of the exceptional features of VATA City Center.

Beyond its luxurious hotel and restaurant offerings, Adefisoye’s grand structure boasts an opulent relaxation lounge known as the Old Wine Lounge. Adjacent to the lounge is a poolside bar. Complementing these features is a state-of-the-art conference hall, poised to become a central hub for seminars, corporate meetings, and a range of high-profile events.

The unveiling of Adefisoye’s brainchild coincided with his birthday. Staying true to his tradition, significant celebrations are in order on such occasions. Therefore, Adefisoye extended an open invitation to all to attend the inauguration of VATA City Center, employing a staff of 130 to manage the hospitality offerings of this exciting new establishment.

The public’s reception of Tunji-Ojo’s entrance into the political arena has been largely positive. This is likely attributed to his diverse experience in managing a range of responsibilities. Beginning with a successful career in business and information and communications technology (ICT), he went on to collaborate with international organisations such as the World Bank. Subsequently, he lent his expertise to various Nigerian agencies across multiple sectors.

Stepping into the realm of politics, Tunji-Ojo was elected to represent Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo in the House of Representatives in 2019. His re-election in 2023 likely garnered the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading to his appointment to oversee the Ministry of Interior.

With substantial tasks ahead, Tunji-Ojo is well aware of the high expectations placed upon him. His commitment to ensuring equity and justice is a promise that has captured the interest of Nigerians, who eagerly anticipate observing his actions in the days to come.

Diri

Hon Tunji-Ojo

Ogiame Atuwatse III

TUNJI ABAYOMI, REMEMBER THE TIME

My brother, do you remember me?

Let me jog your brains. I was that very handsome young man who was dressed in full Akwa Ibom regalia holding your waist tightly with the Duchess also in full Akwa Ibom regalia and the delightfully beautiful Nonny Ugboma all struggling to climb the fence to attend the second inauguration of our leader Mr. Sanwo-Olu at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.

I remember very well that you were appropriately dressed in your ankara and sneakers while I was inappropriately dressed in a wrapper with nothing under.

I wanted to show the diversity that made Lagos different, hence my tying wrapper and jumping into the chaos that was that day.

As the crowd beat us, I struggled with my wrapper so that it didn’t fall off and distract the world from Governor SanwoOlu by moving the spotlight from his speech to my dangling balls.

The way you jumped on the fence, rolled on the floor, pleaded for allowance, punched and pushed that day was very impressive. It belied your scholarly mien and your world-class credentials as a well-respected scholar.

Sanwo-Olu, It’s Time to Pray

I once said that Jagaban’s foray into the Presidency was a double-edged sword for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. My argument was that it portends for him a Janus-faced situation that if not well managed could consume him. I also said very emphatically that win or lose for Jagaban, his governorship would be severely weakened. Well, time never go very far and we have been slammed with the very first slap. Seventeen of his over 30 nominees for commissionership have been rejected by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Last night, as I watched the baldheaded Speaker reel out the names with so much glee and a tongue-incheek mannerism, I shook my head. This country is truly finished, when competence and a very strong quest for a final befitting legacy is sacrificed on the table of avarice, you can only weep.

The disrespect they gave you that day was very symptomatic of the same disrespect the Lagos House of Assembly has given you with the slight of a broken gavel.

They have refused to confirm you as commissioner in this second dispensation for reasons best known to them. They have once again attempted to bully you, push you and humiliate you as their cousins did at TBS that rainy day.

They refuse to see the huge contribution you have made in health. Your spirited fight against the dreaded COVID-19 epidemic and the fact that danger not only from COVID-19 is apparent and the need to have sterling quality lead the push is very critical.

My brother, I remember very well that day as the crowd pushed and the smelly security men pushed you, your staff kept shouting: “Commissioner le eleyi oooooo, commissioner ni ooooo.” But would the rabid crowd listen? No, they were only interested in the packs of stale rice and pure water that were being shared. They couldn’t care less that this was a man that actually saved their lives. Did they even recognise him? Not at all as the sachets of pure water flew above our heads and the mad struggle for it ensued all around us. This is exactly what has happened at the

Then he ended his attack on competence by quipping “We will continue to provide our oversight function.” Which yeye oversight function? We all know where the oversight function dey for gutter in Agege.

Feelers from the streets have thrown up various reasons, the major one being a lack of “performance on the part of the dropped candidates during the elections.”

An APC stalwart who should know better screamed: “Duke, your body is too hot. You jump on issues before even dimensioning them. They did not deliver their polling units during the elections. They did not carry their weight hence this wahala.” I just listened to him and smiled. How do you turn down a world-class scholar like Prof Abayomi because he did not deliver Idimu or wherever they allocated to him? His work during the COVID

Lagos State House of Assembly. The members and its harried speaker in their mad scramble for “pure water” have climbed above, not only your head but the head of competence, the head of a spirited fight for an enduring legacy to grab at the littoral “pure water” that is being thrown all over the place by misguided puppet masters. My brother, no matter how this pans out, remember that, that day, you pushed through the crowd and emerged victorious. You finally made it to the podium where you looked back at me and by this time, my wrapper had lost its lustre and barely covered my manhood and said, “Bro, we made it.” Fingers crossed. The battle has just begun, keep the faith bro. Bless you. The Psycho-analysis of Wike’s Behaviour

You see, the problem with Nigerians is that when we are seeing serious issues we will be laughing. This Wike matter is not a laughing matter but something that the medical experts must really look into.

Pending that inevitability, let me try a little bit. So, I took some courses in psychology at the famed University of Ibadan in 1987 and did very well. So my attempt at diagnosing the minister has

epidemic was hailed globally and yet some near-literate denizens, simply because they know how to bang the gavel will now deprive us of his services for no other reason than this spurious reason adduced by insiders. See this is why me I love Sanwo-Olu, very unlike the usual grain of secondterm governors or leaders, he was gunning for his legacy. He aimed to finish strong and this was very glaring in the sterling team of professionals and experts that he had put together. Now see what has happened. For me, Sanwo-Olu has to really sit down and decide what kind of second-term governor he wants to be – a lame duck “shugomu” governor or a mad crusader that will take the fight to these “necromizers” on behalf of the long-suffering people of Lagos. The decision is his and his alone. Me, I have said my own. It’s that simple. Thank you.

some credibility.

Watching his first press conference where he was threatening fire and brimstone on Abuja people and their houses, I looked very intently. I looked at his body language, the way his mouth moved, his hands, his gravy voice and the way his eyes refused to look straight into the camera and much more, and very importantly his gestures, and I saw a man in desperate need of therapy. My brother, the anxiety, the lack of confidence, and the fear all covered up but very vainly in the boldness and “braggadocio” displayed were apparent.

My colleagues in psychology who went ahead to get degrees in the course – I stopped taking courses in psychology because the very beautiful Toyin too had moved to sociology so we followed - will have a real prognosis for this kind of psychosis. I will help you people ask them.

Mr. Wike is very confused right now. First, he belongs to another party which he has refused to leave but cannot stand. He has moved from an executive position where he can hire

Sanwo-Olu

and fire and generally behave like Idi Amin to a position where he can be hired and fired- basically an employee. The Senate screening must have really been a humiliating experience for one whose ego can only be matched by the great Idi Amin of Uganda

So, like every other bully, what is left?

Huffing and puffing with literal harmless smoke coming out of his nostrils. He knows and we know that it is over. The beautiful career is over, what he got for his work during the elections is this morsel of porridge. This meaningless appointment made him look like a fish out of water.

This has always been the Waterloo of our politicians, the fear of irrelevance. It is this fear that pushes them to continue taking up positions like this which makes them look and feel like wooden fixtures, just to remain relevant.

Wike is not a happy man and it shows. Bros should just resign and gallop away into the sunset. He don try.

JOE

IGBOKWE, MIND YOUR BUSINESS

This bro never ceases to amaze me. He came out last week with a barbel fit for the beer parlours that litter the National Theatre. He screamed: “You should not have had such a big wedding, especially with your parents in prison.” The first thing that came to my mind upon reading his quote was, “Please, how does this concern you ooo?” Is it your money, or is it your daughter? I just tire.

First, this was so low and really not surprising judging from his pedigree. If I were in Ike Ekweremadu’s shoes, I would do the same. I would want my children to have the biggest and loudest wedding to show them that we cannot be cowed by life’s vicissitudes. I will want them to use this wedding to show the world the steely resolve that runs through our blood. I will remain proud that although I broke the law, I am serving a prison term proudly because I fought to save my daughter’s life.

I, Joseph Edgar, the Duke of Shomolu, the Lord Ini of Nsit Ibom in Akwa Ibom and the only known Afang Ambassador, would under the same circumstances and God will really forbid it, willingly make the sacrifice to save a child.

So, unlike your cowardly approach to things, I will not bury my head in sack clothes and bemoan my fate. My brother Igbokwe, that was a low-down shameful statement to make and it is what our Yoruba brothers will call “agbaya.”

On behalf of the Ekweremadus, I want to thank all Nigerians who sent in their support, especially the former Senate Presidents and all the other heavyweights who not only supported but physically attended, even as I beg God to show them love for their wonderful support.

May God not test our loyalty. This is the prayer we the Ekweremadus have borrowed from Fashola to pray at this time.

Thank you so much. We remain appreciative and for you Igbokwe, let’s meet at a boxing ring. Please choose your venue.

A FERVENT PLEA FOR ABDULRASHEED BAWA

Please let me also add my tiny voice to the growing voices begging for his release. Charge or release is the mantra. I am one for due process, respect for the rule of law and much more importantly, the guarding of fundamental human rights.

See this DSS, the way they have been running around like Maliamungu’s people since this administration’s emergence is beginning to be scary and worrisome.

Please, I beg you guys, no matter the mandate given to you, do not impinge on people’s fundamental human rights. If the man has offended, charge him and let the judicial process take its course. Same with Emefiele and any free-born Nigerian in your custody. Please, this whole thing is really scary. Now, once I see a picture of your people with that huge DSS logo on their backs, I will be scared. My hands will be shaking and sweat will start flowing from every pore of my skin. That is me that is in Shomolu o, with no business with you guys

ABDULRAHMAN ABDULR ASAQ AS A QUIET REFORMER

When he announced that he had already received the first tranche of the palliative - N2 billion, many were amazed at the level of transparency. But those of us who know and have interacted with him were not surprised as this is a trait that he has come to be known with even before public service.

AA, as he is fondly called, is a different kind of public person. Very unassuming with no airs and carries himself with the perfect understanding of the role of leadership as being of service instead of being serviced. His carriage, humility and comportment remain quite impressive. In talks, you will sense the deep love and worry about the state of the nation.

Quiet, well-spoken and very engaging, you will begin to ask why we cannot produce a lot

more leaders like this. The other day, on a trip back from Abuja, I ran into him and ran to hug him. We had very brief discussions and as he walked away, I asked someone near me, “Do you know who just walked past,” and he said no. I said, “That is the Kwara State Governor,” and he said, “Common gerrout, I will slap you now.”

That is his mien. Very gentle and humble. The governor has more than most and has shown his people that he cannot only be approachable but is very well aware of what is expected of him as their governor, hence his huge popularity in the state.

I think we should r eally watch out for AA as something tells me that his trajectory into national leaders hip has only just begun.

talkless of those who are within your scope of operation.

Holding down Bawa for this long without even as much of a word as to when he would be charged is so wrong my brothers. No matter what it is that he has done. Except he is being accused of plotting a coup or waging a war against the fatherland or murdering a whole village of virgins, every other thing is bailable abeg. Let’s not get carried away abeg, especially in a democratic government where the rule of law is supposed to be the guiding principle. So, my brothers at the DSS let me offer you big bowls of afang complete with snail and “usung udai” in exchange for his release.

Thank you so much as you consider my offer. God bless.

WHAT’STHE MEANING OF BIG BROTHER NAIJA?

The whole thing is immoral. The whole thing is baseless and remains utterly meaningless to me and millions. But since it trades on sex, violence and all the bad things that easily engage and capture young minds, it remains highly popular. Its popularity continues to grow in leaps and bounds with brands fighting to position themselves in sponsoring it for filthy lucre at the expense of our children. Seyi screamed: “My sons will f….k your daughters. I will open up a miscellaneous account so they will run train with your daughters…”

That is the show we all love. Mumu nation, that is the show millions are flocking to watch and that is the show that brands are rushing to support. We never start.

CHARLES OPUTA: AREA FADA IN SEARCH OF SELF

I would advise very serious scholars to go spend just one hour with the maverick musician and activist Charly Boy now known as Area Fada as he don pass 70 years old.

This is what men like Mudi, Lanre Olushola, Yemi Shodimu, Rufai Oseni and myself did the other day at the popular Native Restaurant. My brother Ike, the proprietor of Natives, had invited me to taste his afang and I insisted on carrying my brothers. He did not object.

Rufai was the noisy one. He spoke animatedly and his angst was apparent. But Area Fada was the philosophical one. He spoke sparingly but dropped heavy morsels of wisdom. He talked about choice, freedom, morality and society. His quips on leadership were sterling and then mostly kept quiet preferably to savour the delicious taste of the afang. I have been spending stupendously long hours at his feet listening to him and refreshing myself. His thoughts on our mutual eccentricity give me courage. He once told me how he disowned his father and how his father was later strong enough to turn around after seeing his success.

Area Fada in his twilight years is in search of himself. I see the fear, the courage and the need to be better understood at this point. He is working on his memoirs but I have begged him to write his unauthorised memoirs. This icon must be understood and celebrated. I tell you.

TIMI DAKOLO IN TEARS AT TERRA KULTURE

Timi took the stage and opened his mouth and tears came out of my eyes. His gravy voice, his mastery of his art, his understanding of the audience and his powerful delivery made me break down in a way that I had not since my mother died.

Those tears were incomparable as he moved very sweetly from one song to the other, interspersing it with little quips and jokes. His jokes were perfect, selfdeprecating and on point.

By the time he brought out his beautiful wife to serenade, he had completely killed me. This Timi is a talent and all of us who sat at the free ticket zone including Alibaba, Noble Igwe, Hakeem Condotti, Yaw and the great fashion entrepreneur Ouch were more than enamoured. Well done my brother. You are truly immortal. Gracias.

AbdulRasaq

Tony Elumelu Goes Homily

Billionaire businessman and Chairman of United Bank For Africa, Tony Elumelu is definitely one of the few Nigerian business moguls that many citizens of this country are proud of, particularly for his innovation and humanitarian gesture. The high-flying banker and economist is rubbing shoulders with other renowned magnates around the world for his record-breaking activities in many spheres of life. Without a doubt, Elumelu is one of the most successful bankers who has done work worthy of recognition and emulation across the continent of Africa.

He is not just a businessman who has impacted others, he has motivated many, especially youths who have benefited immensely from his foundation. Last week Saturday, August 19, 2023, the banking godfather took his art to the top when he went homily to motivate and inspire youngsters at the RCCG TEAP Zone Teens Career Conference 2023.

Society Watch gathered that the banking giant addressed the youths with some basics of life that can help them rise to the peak of their careers. He told his story as Tony Elumelu, the businessman and the father. He inspired them with his life lessons, and the journey, hoping to motivate them as they move to the next stage of their lives. He informed his audience that having a privileged background was not actually the reason for his success in life. He narrated that he didn’t become the Chairman of UBA Group and Transcorp Group because he had wealthy parents or went to the best schools, or because he was the most intelligent in his state or country. “Your circumstances today must not define your future,” he said.

The Delta State-born man with a deep pocket also taught them to embrace hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. We also learnt that he taught them the dangers of social media, urging them to be careful, as it is not everything they see on social media that is real.

“You should not be drawn in by its influence – it can be misleading at times. That is why discipline is extremely important in your life journey,” he admon ished the youths. He concluded by telling them to have a good, healthy relationship with their parents.

“Parents correct, they nurture, they teach in different ways and styles – all done out of love and most importantly, to help create a better society for all.

“To parents, be flexible. Create the opportunity for dialogue with your kids and allow them to share their point of view,” he added.

Is Rotimi Amaechi’s Political Career on the Precipice?

To say that Rotimi Amaechi has been one of the luckiest in Nigeria’s politics is stating the obvious. The former transportation minister enjoyed and ruled the political scene like a colossus since the advent of the 4th republic in 1999. Not a few envied his power, influence as well as political clout.

Amaechi’s political light began to shine when he became Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the young age of 34. No doubt, this began the journey to his political serendipity.

However, his career took a turning point and shot up to the sky when in 2007 he contested and became governor of the state in a judgement that would remain on the lips of many for a very long time in the history of Nigeria’s legal system. It is doubtful if his predecessor, Celestine Omehia, whom he defeated at the apex court, would ever find a place in his heart to forgive him.

Amaechi’s political career grew and spread wide as his influence grew. However, the outcome of the 2023 presidential elections has shockingly deconstructed the stories of the former Speaker of the state assembly and demystified him.

Perhaps, he would have gazed well into the crystal ball and listened to the words of

the former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill who said, “Politicians need the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain.”

Or maybe if he was a clairvoyant, he would have understood where the pendulum would swing in the last presidential election when he decided to shun the candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu. Amaechi, as gathered, secretly worked for the opposition party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Society Watch learnt that his heart was filled with acidity following his loss at the APC Presidential primaries, where Tinubu emerged as the winner. He remained adamant even after Tinubu paid him a visit to his Abuja residence.

His story reminds one of the popular African proverb: “A dog determined to get lost will not listen to the whistle of the hunter.”

This was probably his greatest undoing.

Today, we gathered that his political dynasty has crumbled before his very eyes, while tongues have begun to wag in the state that his political career may be heading for the cliff.

If you are not intimidated by his profile, you would definitely be browbeaten with his unparalleled grasp of the law.

Eyimofe Atake, SAN started playing in the big league a long time ago at a very young age. Ask any lawyer about the Delta State law wizard, and you will definitely receive good stories about his sterling and unmatched contributions to the Nigerian Law School and the judiciary as a whole. Many others would definitely tell good testimonies about him. Atake eats and drinks law; he knows law like the back of his hands and he is so brilliant that many of his mates and counterparts are said to consult him

whenever they run into knotty legal situations.

The 65-year-old perfect gentleman and one of Africa’s wizards of style is a genius of the law profession. He became a silk (SAN), an equivalent of a QC in 1999, at the age of 41.

Last Tuesday, the stylish lawyer was honoured with the title of Tolugbogwa of Warri Kingdom. The title, as gathered by Society Watch, was bestowed on him by the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III as part of the second anniversary of the handsome and youthful king.

A source revealed that the title is a rare one reserved for the best and those that have contributed in no mean measure to the development of Warri Kingdom.

Like a fresh gust of summer wind; Hon. Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry; Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite has proven to be different from the crowd, especially in her pragmatic ways of handling situations and also bringing solutions to issues that look tacky.

Blessed with beauty and brains, Anite is no doubt one of the few young women with high-flying careers as a trained medical doctor before her foray into the world of banking and finance. While many are yet to get the rationale behind her crossover from the medical profession to the banking and finance terrain, she made sure she infused her versatility and ability to bring fortune out of every misfortune.

Today, she holds a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter, specialising in Financial Risk Management and Portfolio Management. Bagged a double MBA from the London School of Economics and New York University Stern School of Business.

During her screening on the floor of the senate; her intimidating résumé caught the attention of the senators

who screened her, as they commented that for a young lady to have climbed the ladder of success high at a relatively young age, she seems to have possessed some level of wizardry.

The Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State-born woman, in 2021, became the youngest commissioner in Imo State as commissioner for finance under the leadership of Governor, Hope Uzodinma. During her tenure as a commissioner, Dr. Uzoka displayed her dexterity in finance laced with exceptional interpersonal skills, which she acquired through her human resources training.

While many pundits have tipped her to have a sterling stint as Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment owning to her pedigree; she is being tipped to be a star minister as she will bring her ideas into play in attracting foreign direct investments, creating a bilateral relationship between Nigeria and other countries to further deepen the ease of doing business in Nigeria. She has been touted to create an environment where the investors and their investments are given protection

to ensure a thriving economy, which will ultimately boost productivity and strengthen the trade and commerce of Nigeria in line with the projection of President Bola Tinubu.

Amaechi

Atake

Elumelu

Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Timaya, KCee Set to Light up The Apollo

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

As the countdown to the ina ugural Naija to the World Concert in New York begins, the organisers have released an impressive lineup of Niger Delta’s brightest stars gearing up for a historic performance at The Apollo Theater. The acclaimed talents include Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Timaya, KCee, and the mesmerizing Seki Dance Drama group.

Hosted by Buckwyld Media Network and BlackHouse Media (BHM), Naija to the World goes beyond entertainment, offering a glimpse into the lives and triumphs of these artists. From Timi Dakolo’s journey from a church band to international stages, Timaya’s portrayal of Nigerian resilience, to Omawumi’s rise as an award-winning artist, and KCee’s role in cultural revival, each artist’s story adds a layer of depth to their performances.

The Seki Dance Drama group will further highlight the reg ion’s cultural richness with their unique presentation. This concert is set to not only entertain but also celebrate the Niger Delta’s

Yinka Davies, Olutayo Somide, Big B Step in as Judges for Global Icons Africa

as the show nears its much-anticipated debut.

Afrobeats and jazz singer, Yinka Davies; media personality, Olutayo Somide; and gospel artiste, Bolaji Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big B, were selected to unearth the exceptional talents from across the nation. The organisers say their blend of expertise, experience, and passion will help launch contestants on a captivating journey of discovery growth that will inspire a model career in the gospel music space.

“We are honoured to have assembled such an esteemed panel of judges for Gospel lcons Africa Season One. Each judge brings a unique perspective, a wealth of experience, and a genuine passion for discovering and nurturing talent. Their collective expertise will undoubtedly elevate the show and provide an incredible platform for our contestants to shine,” Mr Segun Oluwayomi, one of the show’s organisers, expressed confidence in the judges.

Esther Olade, the Managing Director of GIA reaffirmed that the reality show would redefine the music industry.

creative legacy and global impact.

“It’s a gr eat time to cast a beam on the stories that make Nigerian creative talents unique and we couldn’t be more excited about the lineup of stars that will grace the concert at the Apollo,’ said BHM Founder, Ayeni Adekunle. “From the journeys of these creative talents in a peculiar region like the Niger De lta, we believe that the world has a lot more to learn from Nigerian culture beyond just marvelling at the beautiful sound of our music.”

“This exhibition will serve as a testament to the incredible reservoir of artistic brilliance present in the Niger Delta region,” added CEO of Buckwyld Media Network, Efe Omorogbe. “With this edition, our goal is to celebrate the cultural and creative richness of the region and contribute to its continued influence on the world stage.”

As these artists grace The Apollo’s stage on September 16, they join a league of distinguished Nigerian icons like Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, legendary playwright Herbert Ogunde, Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti, Grammy-winning si nger Burna Boy, and Adekunle Gold to perform at the world-renowned venue.

‘Kanaani’ Hits Cinemas September

Organisers of the maiden gospel reality talent show Global Icon Africa (GIA) recently unveiled its lineup of judges

Bolanle Austen-Peters, Bello-Osagie, Others Grace Aig-Imoukhuede’s Coronation Arts Event

In a remarkable confluence of art, culture, and sophistication, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Coronation Group, recently played host to a distinguished gathering at the Coronation Art Gallery.

Amid an atmosphere teeming with creative energy, esteemed luminaries like Udeme Ufot, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Dudun Peterside, Mrs. Funmilayo Shyllon, Kazeem Bello Osagie, and others embraced an enchanting evening that epitomized the finest in art and culture. The art gallery, renowned for its steadfast commitment to promoting cultural appreciation, unveiled a curated display that resonated with artistic brilliance. Each piece spoke to the core of creative expression, igniting thought-provoking conversations.

The driving force behind the Coronation Group, Aig-Imoukhuede expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, “This evening celebrates not only art but the spirit of collaboration and unity that art embodies. It’s

“Gospel Icons Africa promises to redefine the reality show landscape by focusing on authenticity, creativity and the journey of self-discovery. Contestants from all walks of life will have the opportunity to showcase their vocal skills, receive invaluable guidance and compete for the title of the next rising star”

The highly anticipated collaboration between director Tola Olatunji, film producer Jennifer Mairo, and FilmOne, ‘Kanaani’, is set to grace the big screens from September 15, the day following its premiere in Nigeria.

A tale of love and resilience, ‘Kanaani’ is lauded for bridging the gap between Hollywood and Nollywood.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of a small fishing village in Edo state, ‘Kanaani’ follows the journey of starcrossed lovers Obehi and Gbovo, played by the dynamic duo Gabriel Afolayan and Ivie Okujaye.

Their enduring love is put to the ultimate test as they navigate a world of unforeseen twists and hardships, ultimately finding themselves in unexpected and heartwrenching circumstances. It tackles issues of migration, survival, and the search for belonging. Obehi and Gbovo’s journey traverses continents and adversities, highlighting the importance of hope, determination, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

For both Olatunji and Mairo, ‘Kanaani’ marks their Nollywood debut, a harmonious fusion of two distinct film industries, culminating in a narrative that resonates universally. It also boasts a diverse and exceptional cast including Robb Hudspeth, Ayo Kosh, and Joseph Benjamin.

Reflecting on the film’s impact, Olatunji shared on his official Instagram page,

an honour to witness the convergence of creativity and culture here at the Coronation Art Gallery.”

Dotun Sulaiman, the visionary behind the captivating private collection on display, shared his excitement about presenting his masterfully curated artworks to a captivated audience. “Art has the unique ability to transcend boundaries and connect us all,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of the evening in fostering cultural appreciation.

“The outpouring of love and appreciation for ‘Kanaani’ has been overwhelming. It’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved and the deep connection this story has made with audiences.”

‘Kanaani’ had its American premiere at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills on April 7, 2023, and fetched a nomination for ‘Best Movie West Africa’ at the 9th Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Timi Dakolo Omawumi

L-R: Big B, Yinka Davies, Olutayo Somide

R-L: Mena Ajapovi,Bolanle Austen-Peters; Dotun Sulaiman

KCee

Timaya

Iyke Bede

Afolayan and Okujaye star in ‘Kanaani’

Nigeria and BRICS’ Politics: A New Concert of Medium Powers as a Desideratum

BRICS is the name of an economic developmentseeking bloc of four countries that held a series of irregular high-level consultative meetings before it held its first BRIC summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia on 16 June, 2009 after which summits began to be held annually. BRICS is an acronym formed from the initials of the Member States: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was founded on the margins of the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

As coined and explained by the Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, Jim O’Neill, BRICS‘don’t have the same interests. The wealth per head is very different, the politics is very different, and the philosophy and their natural economic edge is different.’In other words, the BRICS is an association with many differences but which is seeking removal of the differences so as to collectively address their common challenges.

Conceptually, BRICS denotes the emerging national economies of the five Member States. The initial acronym was BRIC before the accession of South Africa to the BRIC agreement in 2010. With the membership of South Africa, and its warm welcoming to the BRIC Summit of 2011, the acronym became BRICS. Many questions have been raised on why not BRINCS to include Nigeria. If the criterion for membership is size of population, size of economy and geo-political importance, it is believed that Nigeria eminently qualifies.

In the same vein, observations have been made and questions were also raised on the true motivations of the BRICS. The Goldman Sachs school of thought has it that the economies of the Member States‘would come to collectively dominate global growth by 2050.’ The implication of this cannot be far-fetched: expectation that BRICS will become a major threat to the current advanced economies of the world. By further implication, the advanced economies should begin to prepare for the future challenges.

And true again, some other observers consider the BRICS as a major challenger to the powerful G-7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States, with the European Union serving as a non-enumerated member. In this regard, what really is the objective of the BRICS? Should Nigeria be part of it? Is it designed intentionally as an anti-West or anti-United States? Should Nigeria not revisit Professor Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi’s Concert of Medium of Powers in Nigeria’s national interest?

BRICS and the Global System

The perception of the BRICS to be capable of seriously challenging the current international financial institutions can be considered a truism, especially that, severally and collectively, they are estimated to have by January 2024 a combined GDP of about $27.6 trillion, with the Chinese accounting for about 60% of it, that is, about $19.3 trillion. The estimated share of India is put at $3.07 trillion. While Brazil is to account for $2.08 trillion, Russia and South Africa are to account for $2.06 trillion and $399 billion respectively.

Comparatively at the level of Nigeria, the GDP of Nigeria has been rightly reported to be more than what obtains in South Africa. Nigeria had a GDP of $2671.60 billion in 2020, $3150.31bn in 2021, $3,385,09bn in 2022, and $3,737.00 billion as at end of June 2023. In terms of per capita income, it increased from $1,913 in 2020 to $2,238 in 2021 and then to $2,389 in 2022 and $2,601 in the first half of the year 2023.

Based on the historiography and official declarations at the end of past summits of the BRICS, it can be rightly suggested that one major dynamic for the establishment of the BRICS is to jettison the current international economic world order and replace it or create another competing order. For instance, the Sanya Declaration made at the Third Summit of the BRICS on 14th April, 2011 in China talked about the need for a ‘comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council.’

Explained differently, the declaration made in Sanya in Hainan, China says ‘it is the overarching objective and strong shared desire for peace, security, development and cooperation that brought together BRICS with a total population of nearly three billion from different continents. BRICS aims at contributing significantly to the

development of humanity and establishing a more equitable and fair world.’ In other words, the motivation is not simply about the quest for peace, security and development, but also about the need for a more equitable and fair world.

The quest for equity and fairness is intrinsically a protest against the current order and we have no qualms with this. The objectives appear to be perfectly in order, but how does the BRICS go about the implementation of the objectives? Does it want to negotiate or confront? The same Sanya Declaration underscored the determination of the BRICS ‘to continue strengthening the BRICS partnership for common development and advance BRICS cooperation in a gradual and pragmatic manner, reflecting the principles of openness, solidarity and mutual assistance. We reiterate that such cooperation is inclusive and non- confrontational. We are open to increasing engagement and cooperation with non-BRICS countries, and relevant international and regional organisations.’ Expressed differently, emphasis is placed on inclusiveness, readiness to expand membership of the BRICS and adoption of a non-confrontational approach.

What is particularly noteworthy about the Sanya Declaration is the call for enhancement of the voice of the emerging and developing countries to be heard.‘China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status of India, Brazil and South Africa in international affairs, and understand and sup-

And probably more disturbingly, some informed sources have it that Nigeria applied to join the BRICS in 2015 but turned down. If this was true, the representation of Nigeria at the last summit of the BRICS by Nigeria’s Vice President was most unfortunate to say the least. Why should an unwanted country be still frolicking around the BRICS? Why should foreign policy makers not learn from history or forget history? Nigeria is a giant and leader not only because of her demography, territorial size and wealth. Indeed, what also makes Nigeria thick and great is a priori the dynamism of her people, the fact that Nigeria has the biggest arable land in Africa, the quality of her civil and public servants, the resource intellectuals, learned people, graduates, great professionals, historians and scientists, etc. This is the pride and strength of Nigeria. When Nigeria was boasting of hundreds of medical graduates in 1960, many African countries could not boast of ten. The World Bank Report of 1987 described Nigeria as the largest African country with a GDP of $74bn, coming after South Africa and Algeria. In the West African region, in the same 1987, Nigeria’s GDP was twice that of all other countries in the region put together. Consequently, it has become necessary for Nigeria to reconcile the postulations of the foreign policy idealists, reformists and realists. There is really the need to revisit the Akinyemi Doctrine, the idea of a Nigerian Bomb, and most importantly, the idea of another Lagos Forum. The CMP has now become a desideratum.

port their aspiration to play a greater role in the United Nations.’This first point to note is that India, Brazil, and South Africa are reported to be aspiring to play a greater role at the United Nations. The three of them are already members of the United Nations. The quest for greater role cannot but therefore be synonymous with interest to become Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with or without veto power.

In this regard, the quest to play greater roles at the United Nations implies that the BRICS is working directly to ensure that all their members become Permanent Members of the UNSC. It is equally noteworthy that the Sanya Declaration appreciated that, in 2011, the five members of the BRICS were concurrently members of the UNSC. There is no indication to suggest that the membership was coincidental or it was by strategic design, apart from Russia and China who are already Permanent Members of the UNSC..

And perhaps more disturbingly, even though the BRICS is in pursuit of economic development agenda, the likelihood of its moving beyond economic objectives to dealing with international security issues in the future cannot be ruled out. It should be recalled that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established in 1975 to promote economic cooperation and partnership, with the ultimate objective of regional integration. When the unexpected situation of insecurity began to deepen, a Protocol on Non- Aggression was done in 1978 and its Article 1 requires all the Member States to‘refrain from the threat or use of force or aggression... against the territorial integrity and political independence of other Member States.’

Besides, in 1981, the ECOWAS also adopted another Protocol Relating to Mutual Assistance in Defence (PMAD) in which its Article 2 stipulates that the‘Member States declare and accept that any armed threat or aggression directed against any Member State shall constitute a threat or aggression against the entire community.’Consequently, Article 3 further stipulates that ‘Member States resolve to give mutual aid and assistance for defence against any armed threat or aggression.’

From the foregoing, there may not be any limitation to the scope of objectives of any organisation. In fact, there cannot be any disputation about the 1957 RomeTreaty that established the European Economic Community of Six, with the set objective of a Common Market. Later, the EEC mutated to an EC (European Community) and eventually to European Union, thanks to the 1993 Maastricht Treaty. The objectives of the European Union are multidimensional and covering all facets of human survival. In other words, the vision and mission of the European Union kept changing but enriching. With the current situational reality of international politics and BRICS’ quest for membership expansion, the objectives of the BRICS cannot but have the potential to be greatly diversified.

And without scintilla of doubt, the way the BRICS drew its membership from different continents was precisely the manner the CMP’s membership was drawn. The CMP had sixteen members: Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal, as well as Zimbabwe from Africa; Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela from Latin America; Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia from Europe; and Indonesia and Malaysia from Asia. The CMP already set the leadership space. Nigeria already set the leadership space to be emulated. Currently, the BRICS, apparently, is increasingly becoming anti-West. One possible rationale might be the consideration that China and Russia are traditional rivals of the United States. Consequently, the use of the BRICS by Russia and China as an anti-United States platform cannot and should not be simply waived away with a stroke of the hand.

NCMP as a Desideratum

In discussing the need for a New Concert of Medium Powers (NCMP), there is the need to understand two preliminary observations. First is that whatever the Nigeria of today wants to achieve by seeking to join the BRICS ought to have been gotten many decades ago if policy makers had had ears that listen. Secondly, it should be recalled that Professor Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi, in his capacity as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), organised a conference, held between 25th and 30th January, 1976 at the NIIA.

Three schools of thought emerged at the conference: the idealist, reformist and realist schools. The idealist school comprises the proponents of charity should begin from home or that Nigeria must first put its house in order by particularly developing a home-grown technology capability and reducing, if not completely, removing her foreign and development policy dependency syndrome.

The reformist school of thought wanted Nigeria’s socio-economic problems modernised and revamped to be able to meaningfully respond to the challenges of being a regional power. In the case of the realist school, to which Professor Bolaji Akinyemi belonged and still belongs, the school posited that Nigeria‘could not be said to be powerful or great in the conduct and management of international affairs. However, this should not imply disinterest in becoming a regional influential or power. Nigeria should be free to aspire to be a great power and not simply being a middle power.

Professor Akinyemi not only naturally subscribed to this realist school, but also took advantage of his leadership of the NIIA to promote the realist school, with particular emphasis on ideals of self-help, self-reliancism, self-integrity and dint of perseverance as the required instruments for earning national respect, international recognition and economic growth and development.

Tinubu

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

An Art Scene Seen through a Collector’s Eyes

Even when it is yet to live up to its stated promise to “democratise” art appreciation, the recentlyheld Coronation Art Gallery’s exhibitions, whose second edition featured Dotun Sulaiman’s collection, remain a commendable initiative. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

Seething beneath the almondshaped eyes of the young lady in the jigsaw puzzle-like multihued oil on canvas portrait painting is an unmistakable glint of mirth. The lady, whose scarf-covered head is resting camera. Isn’t it interesting how the excitement in her eyes matches her charming grin?

This 52 x 42-inch painting from Rom Isichei’s patented Crossroads Series, meticulously patterned in impasto, not only featured, among other works, in an exhibition held at the lobby of the Coronation Plaza’s main building in Lagos’ upscale Victoria Island on Thursday, August 17, but it also adorned the invitation card and the cover of this year’s Coronation Art Gallery exhibition catalogue.

About this exhibition, which picked up where the previous one (held on May 13 last year and which displayed works in the collection of the Coronation Capital chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, at the same venue) had left collection of Adedotun Sulaiman, another corporate leading light who currently heads several corporate organisations as chairman. Cursory glance because it would have been impossible to display all the works in his vast collection all at once at the venue. It is, perhaps, for this reason that a statement published in the exhibition catalogue alluded to the fact that into Sulaiman’s personal desire to promote and invest in diverse artistic practices across various geographical regions on the continent.”

It is also for the same reason that the curatorial discretion of Ugoma Ebilah, on whom the unenviable lot of putting these works together fell again—having curated the last year’s edition—was highly commended at Indeed, it would have been a daunting task

sifting through the enormous collection to arrive at a thematic coherence of some sort.

Regardless of the obvious desirability of a thematic unity, such niceties would, at best, have been deemed tangential to the whole point of the glitzy event, which included availing the larger public of the opportunity to engage with these works that have hitherto been accessible to a few. Besides, it is not impossible that many, even among the collector’s close associates, could have been seeing some of Still, there hasn’t been much evidence that much progress has been made with regards to the endeavour’s raison d’être, which Aig-

appreciation and collection. Rather, the fact that the August 17 exhibition took its time

consolidating on whatever gains its predecessor might have made in terms of the sensitisation of the art public by holding over a year later might not have helped matters.

Neither does it help the cause of the organisers of the event that the excitement around the Coronation Art Gallery’s exhibitions wanes so soon after their by-invitation-only soirées. But then, these endeavours, tokenist though they may appear, still deserve commendation. This is especially true in a blossoming art scene like Lagos’s.

Of course, while a casual stroll through the exhibition hall would quickly have acquainted an uninitiated viewer with the evolution and quirks of the local art scene, it would be incorrect to assume on that account that this was an accurate portrayal of contemporary Nigerian art.

Without the works of some pivotal artists, like Olu Amoda, Raqib Bashorun, Sam Ovraiti, Olu Ajayi, and Olusegun Adejumo, among others, conjure a rounded picture of the diverse and bustling sub-sector. That, in any case, clearly wasn’t the stated objective of the exhibition. In many cases, a private collection tends to say more about the collector than it does about the art scene. And that is, after all, why it is called a private collection.

Talking about the collection, besides featuring the masterly works by Ben Enwonwu, Ablade Glover, Isaac Emokpae, and Muraina scanning across subsequent generations of Nigerian artists. Works by Abiodun Olaku, Ben Osaghae, Lemi Ghariokwu, Samuel Ebohon, Reuben Ugbine, Francis Donedo, Kehinde Sanwo (whose acrylic on canvas painting, attributed to the Revolving Art Incubator, Lagos’s founder, Jumoke Sanwo, in the catalogue), and Oyerinde Olotu jostle among the works of others like Segun Fagorunsi, Tega Akpokona, Kola Anidugbe, Fatai Adewale, UK’s Adabalu, and Oso Kehinde for the viewer’s attention. But in the midst of the Babel of artistic expressions, Marcellina Akpojotor’s 2018 48 x 36-inch mixed-media painting, depicting a young woman sitting on with her face concealed behind an open red book, asserts itself as a new discovery.

It is helpful to keep in mind that this collection took years to assemble and likely reveals much more about Sulaiman’s journey in collecting art than is immediately obvious. As for the works, whose historicity is incontestable, for more.

Meanwhile, it is with fervent anticipation that the art public awaits another Coronation Art Gallery’s exhibition.

The Coronation Capital chairman Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede with a friend at the exhibition

a multi-year interdisciplinary investigation thatcavations and supportive studies are expected ecological and cultural heritage.

materials lab is being provided with the support School of Archaeology research laboratories will help MOWAA get a head-start on archaeological analysis by utilising the existing capacity within the school. The Pavilion’s research leads will of their Oxford counterparts to develop and manage their upcoming lab facilities. “This partnership sets an example of how transformative collaboration in research and capacity building can establish a centre of excellence with extract archaeology samples from Africa and leave the continent with no training and no access relationship that will sustain both institutions into the future.”

MOWAA Partners Oxford University to Boost West Africa’s Archaeology Field

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Nigeria and Oxford University’s School of Archaeology have announced a collaboration to build a centre of archaeological excellence in is aimed at telling the narrative of the region’s past from an African perspective and developing research.

MUSEUMS

academic interest in West African archaeology world-leading graduate courses in archaeological science.

“This partnership with Oxford University sets us on an ambitious path to establish a centre of

collaboration will strengthen the pipeline for unearthing the sophistication of our shared past and powering new ideas about our possible futures.”

Hall Professor of Archaeological SciMOWAA. This partnership will help build a strong foundation for the future of the Pavilion through three core eleanalysis.

partnership will help create a pipeline to and provide opportunities for those interested in the archaeology of West Africa to conduct studies with access to resources from both institutions. This partnership launches the West

and specialist mapping.

countries or who have demonstrated a strong

The research programme will be led by Professor

opportunity for the School of Archaeology to engage with new research in Benin and West Africa and to help train a new generation of that was incorporated as a company limited by of the planned Museum of West African Art building are now under construction. The creative district will encompass multiple buildings and green spaces where MOWAA will artistic heritage of West Africa and contemporary facilities and exhibition spaces for today’s West for scholars and creative professionals across West Africa.

With a Sextet, Mydrim Gallery’s Future Masters Series Returns

EXHIBITION

Gwhich features six mid-career an annual tradition to promote mid-career and emerging artists.

whom he met during his internship at the Universal Studio of Art.

a painter but seamlessly embraced sculpting during his industrial training programme.

tion to many emerging artists through this series of collaborate with young artists who are talented and media.”

view of life despite adversity and challenges. “The thought behind that is that no matter the condition already doing art before formal training in art. There

The result is a portfolio of beautiful watercolour paintings that capture nolstagia and explore cultural everyday lives of children in Nigeria and holds a

on responsibilities that are bigger than one’s age.

art practice as a form of therapy to escape bullying by Growing up in a large household meant that he had

has evolved over the years and has always involved exploring realist and surrealist forms while cleverly manipulating the human anatomy to tell stories laden

als is an asset. The graduate of Obafemi Awolowo -

Pavilion Archeological Work

Yinka Olatunbosun

One of the paintings at the exhibition

Yinka Olatunbosun

IN THE ARENA

AU, ECOWAS and Niger Junta’s Transition Plan

Nigerien military regime’s proposal to restore democratic rule within three years has deepened the country’s political crisis, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

At last, a relative peace process has taken off in Niger. This came to the fore after an inaugural peace meeting that took place penultimate Saturday between the special envoy of the Economic Community of the West African State (ECOWAS) to Niger, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and the leaders of the military regime that truncated the democratically elected government on July 26.

The peace meeting further eased a three-week diplomatic standoff between the sub-regional bloc and the junta, as well as opened a channel of communication, which might engender desirable outcomes. With this process, the global community also looks forward to the return of constitutional order to the troubled country with a staggering record of five coup plots since it gained independence from France on November 6, 1960.

After the inaugural peace talks, the junta proposed a three-year plan to restore democratic rule in the country. Already, the proposal has triggered scepticism among key global actors about the commitment of the military junta to the peace process established by ECOWAS and supported by the African Union (AU), European Union (EU) as well as the United Nations.

The three-year plan, in its intent and purpose, contravened the resolutions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government that condemned the military overthrow of the constitutional government, demanded the immediate release of President Mohammed Bazoum from illegal detention and directed the military regime to restore the democratically elected government within seven days. Likewise, the plan dampened the expectations of other key global actors that had been working at different levels to Niger’s descent to a state of outright failure.

For this reason, the global community unanimously rejected the junta’s transition plan. The rejection was based on the ground that Niger “is a willing signatory of all international agreements, conventions and treaties that discourage any form of unconstitutional change of government on any ground and espouse democratic means to ascending political offices.”

After its summit last week, the AU responded more decisively to the proposal of the military junta, which most experts in international affairs agreed, was the first far-reaching decision the regional bloc had ever taken since the resurgence of putschists in Africa. In its resolutions, AU Peace and Security Council suspended the membership of Niger with immediate effect and directed all its members to sever relations with its junta.

Besides, the regional institution also suspended the membership of Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali, all of which are currently under military dictatorships. Like ECOWAS, AU mulled its own plan to activate the African Standby Force to restore constitutional order in Niger if the military regime refused to reinstate the democratically elected government. However, AU did not specify any timeframe for its military intervention plan.

AU’s resolutions have, again, provoked vicious resistance not only from Niger’s junta, but also from other unconstitutional regimes within the bloc. In response, the ruling juntas of Burkina Faso and Mali have deployed warplanes in support of their Nigerien counterparts. On its part, the Niger junta warned the global

community against the use of force, which according to its leadership, would not be “a walk in the park.”

At domestic level, public opinion has not largely espoused the resolutions of the AU and ECOWAS, especially their plans to resort to the use of force if diplomacy eventually fails to restore constitutional order in the Sahel country. Democratic governments, as public opinion depicts in most West African states, have not brought about sustainable development for the region.

Public opinion did not also align with justifications both AU and ECOWAS had provided to intervene militarily. Amid this ambiguity, the path to peaceful resolution of Niger’s political crisis appears invariably darker than the hope that the peace process initially presented. Now that the future of civilian rule uncertain in Africa, will this pattern of public opinion prevail over the commitments of the AU and ECOWAS to enforce conventions their members willingly ratified?

However, many analysts have argued for the indispensability of military intervention in resolving the crisis if the putschists further disrespect Niger’s commitments to various protocols and treaties on democracy. Aside its commitments to ECOWAS Protocols and Treaties, Niger is also a willing signatory to the Constitutive Act of the AU, African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Protocol Relating

POLITICAL NOTES

to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the AU. With these instruments, many experts argued, AU has the onus to enforce its protocols not just to prevent future coups, but also to exert itself as an effective institution with clearer direction and vision. They anchored this perspective to different articles, which empowered the AU to intervene militarily when need arises.

Article 3(10) of African Charter, for instance, condemns and rejects unconstitutional changes of government among its 55 signatories across the continent. Also, Article 14(1) directs all state actors “to strengthen and institutionalise constitutional civilian control over the armed and security forces to ensure the consolidation of democracy and constitutional order.”

Under Article 23 (1-5), all members agree that the use of the illegal means of accessing or maintaining political power “constitute an unconstitutional change of government.” The article defines the illegal means to include coup d’etat, intervention by mercenaries, armed dissidence, refusal by an incumbent government to relinquish power and any constitutional amendment that infringes democratic principles.

No doubt, neither AU nor ECOWAS is under any obligation to negotiate peace whether in Niger or Mali, Burkina Faso or Guinea, Chad or Sudan before moving in to restore order and stability. Rather, as stipulated under Article 13(3) of its Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, they are under obligations to deploy the instruments of force to restore the democratic governments within their precincts.

But why have they not been able to enforce their own agreements and protocols? The answer is not far-fetched. First, most of their members are still under authoritarian regimes, whose reigns have spanned more than three decades evidenced in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda and Uganda, among others. Yet, the institutions never overtly condemned such authoritarian regimes.

Second, the two institutions were not as decisive and pungent as expected when the putschists usurped political powers on August 18, 2020 in Mali; April 11, 2021 in Chad Republic; September 5, 2021 in Guinea; October 25, 2021 in Sudan and September 30, 2022 in Burkina Faso. Rather, they endured the military takeover within their areas of influence, a decision that obviously made the coup d’etat a rewarding undertaking on the continent.

For many analysts, civilian administrations in many African countries are not truly democratic and do not deserve to be restored by military intervention when sacked by a junta. By implication, as they have argued, bad governance has been a recipe for putschists to usurp political powers in many countries and the Niger coup will not likely be the last if AU and ECOWAS are more decisive.

Now that the coup d’etat is gradually gaining public support amid a gnawing governance deficit that characterises most African states, both AU and ECOWAS are now faced with an uncertain future with limited choice. If the putschists resist diplomatic overture, the institutions have the responsibility to protect the future of African democracies militarily. Even afterwards, according to analysts, they have greater obligations to reactivate their mechanisms for deepening democracy and ensuring good governance on the continent.

Another N5billion Palliative Scam

Just like the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, which gulped billions of naira without any verifiable means of confirming the beneficiaries and the actual cost, the current administration of President Bola Tinubu has come up with another scheme that will end up helping public officials to smile to the banks while administering funds meant to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal.

Following the hardship inflicted on Nigerians with the removal of petrol subsidy, the federal government had approved N5 billion for each of the 36 states of the federationfortheprocurementoffooditemsandfertilisers aspartofeffortstoalleviatethesufferingofthemasses.

Since this money was approved some states have embarkedonpurchasingsmall-sizedbagsofgarri,tubers

of yam and other food items branded as ‘palliative for subsidy removal’ for distribution to the poor.

Apart from lack of effective criteria for determining andverifyingtheactualbeneficiariesofthesefooditems and the amount spent on each beneficiary, it also beats one’s imagination on how a very small quantity of rice or garri packaged in a small plastic packet, which can barely feed a family of four, will make any reasonable impact in alleviating the suffering of the people.

Also, with 63 per cent of persons living within Nigeria or133millionpeoplemultidimensionallypoor,according to a previous report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), analysts also wonder what impact a paltry sum of N5 billion can make in a state.

WithnoeffectiveregisterordatabaseofpoorNigerians, analysts believe that public officials will randomly select

the beneficiaries and pocket the greater chunk of the money meant for the scheme.

Just like the case of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Poverty Alleviation Programme, officials saddled with the responsibility of distributing the palliatives will also serve the interest of only their friends, relatives and associates, leaving the poor Nigerians to their fate.

Nigerians witnessed how some government officials hoarded and later carted away items meant for the COVID-19 palliatives.

Itishightimethefederalgovernmentstoppedridiculing Nigeriaandenrichingpublicofficialswiththispenchantfor distributingfooditemstothepoorastheseitemsarelike adropofwaterintheocean,andneversufficienttomake any reasonable impact in the lives of the beneficiaries.

Abdulsalami

BRIEFING NOTES

Can Ganduje Mend the Cracks in APC?

With the controversy that dogged the emergence of the former governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as the sixth National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, coupled with the corruption allegations hanging on his neck, the former Kano State governor may find it difficult to mend the cracks in the party, which have cut short the tenures of his predecessors, Ejiofor Alike writes

With a turnover of six national chairmen within 10 years of its existence, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no doubt, demonstrated signs of instability, which are fuelled by persistent internal wranglings.

Before the recent emergence of the immediate past governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje as the sixth National Chairman of the party, the ruling party had been led by the former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande as its protem chairman when it was formed in 2013, followed by two former governors of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole was succeeded by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni as the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC); followed by a former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdulahi Adamu.

The dispute over the emergence of the presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly in 2015 tore it apart.

The cracks widened as the camp of the then National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu plotted the removal of Oyegun who was replaced with Oshiomhole, a known ally of the former Lagos State governor. However, Oshiomhole’s perceived closeness to Tinubu, who was believed to be nursing presidential ambition, had also cut short his tenure of office.

The anti-Tinubu forces in June 2020, under controversial circumstances, sacked the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) and imposed a legally questionable national caretaker committee led by Governor Buni of Yobe State as chairman.

With the anti-Tinubu stance of the Buni-led committee, the pro-Tinubu leaders of the party continued to mount pressure for Buni’s ouster until the committee was forced to schedule a national convention on March 26, 2022.

However, to ensure that Tinubu did not have a firm grip on the party in view of his rumoured presidential ambition, Adamu, who was his non-political ally, was adopted as the party’s consensus National Chairman by anti-Tinubu forces in the party who had the strong backing of a cabal in the Presidency.

But as soon as the then National Leader of the party was announced the winner of the February 25 presidential election, many analysts predicted that Adamu’s days were numbered in view of his anti-Tinubu pronouncements.

When the then National Vice Chairman for North-West, Mallam Salihu Lukman, wrote the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) last month to express his displeasure over

its alleged choice of Ganduje, to replace Adamu as National Chairman of the party, analysts also knew that it was Tinubu that wanted to retake control of the ruling party through the former Kano State governor, who is his staunch supporter.

Lukman had to resign his position when he realised that there was no going back on the plan to make Ganduje the party’s chairman.

He said the current atmosphere within APC was not in tandem with the vision of the founding fathers.

Lukman also warned that the imposition of Ganduje, as national chairman, would lead the party to damnation.

He said that the emergence of Ganduje would breach the party’s constitution and also raise moral questions.

“Sincerely, it simply means that we don’t attach any importance to the party if with all the corruption allegations against Dr. Ganduje, we find him to be the only one in the North-west to be recommended,” he added.

Lukman claimed that if the leaders of the North-west were asked to nominate five people for consideration to serve in the capacity of national chairman of APC, Ganduje would not

be one of the five nominees.

As governor of Kano State, Ganduje was perceived to be heavily corrupt, though no court has found him guilty. A video where he was purported to be receiving bales of dollars as bribes from a contractor, which he pocketed inside his babariga, had once gone viral but the court cleared him.

The immediate past governor of Rivers State and Minister-designate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike had once mocked him over the alleged video.

Wike had through his spokesman, Simeon Nwakaudu told Ganduje that he (Wike) was not a dollar bill which Ganduje can “pocket sheepishly and recklessly”

Ganduje had provoked the ire of his Rivers State counterpart when he threatened to institute a legal action against Wike, following claims that he ordered the demolition of a mosque in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

“Gandollars, sorry, Ganduje is still talking because he thinks that Nigerians

NOTES FOR FILE

have forgotten about his crime against his people,” Nwakaudu reportedly said.

Also speaking in a video that was apparently recorded shortly before the 2019 general election, Wike had described Ganduje as “a man who pockets dollars from contractors in his babariga”.

Ganduje was said to have threatened that Wike would be isolated until after the general election.

“He (Ganduje) said that he was going to isolate me (Wike) until the election is over. That tells you – if Nigeria is supposed to be a country, who is supposed to be isolated? Who is supposed to be isolated? A man who pockets dollars from contractors in his babariga!” Wike queried.

Shortly before Ganduje became the National Chairman of the APC, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) had disclosed that it had invited him to appear before it over the alleged dollar bribe videos.

Despite Lukman’s protests, Ganduje emerged as the National Chairman of the party at its 12th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, following Adamu’s resignation.

Barely few days after Lukman’s resignation, the National Legal Adviser of the ruling party, Ahmed El-Marzuk, also resigned from the party’s NWC, citing the emergence of Ganduje and Ajibola Basiru as APC Chairman and Secretary, respectively, as his reasons.

Reacting to Ganduje’s emergence, Lukman had in an open letter to Tinubu said his emergence had sent a disturbing signal that Tinubu was only faintly committed to fighting corruption.

“With all the uncleared corruption allegation against Dr. Ganduje, you opted to nominate him to become the national chairman of the party even, when Article 31.5(i) of the constitution of APC clearly gave Nasarawa State Executive Committee the power to nominate who should replace Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.”

Lukman said it was scandalous that Tinubu would opt for Ganduje with all the baggage of corruption allegations against him.

He said it defied every logical reasoning that Tinubu would ignore the provisions of Article 31.5(i) to nominate Ganduje, even when the same provision of the constitution was used to nominate Senator Basiru Ajibola from Osun State as replacement for Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Lukman had equally raised moral and legal issues against Oshiomhole, Buni and Adamu’s leaderships and none of them survived.

Analysts believe that Ganduje also lacks the charisma and high moral ground required to mend the cracks in APC.

Wike’s Agenda to Inflict More Pains on Nigerians

Minutes after he was sworn in last Monday, the new Minister of the Federal CapitalTerritory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, unveiled his plan of action to give Abuja a face-lift.

While addressing a press conference alongside top officials of his ministry,Wike vowed to demolish illegal structures, enforce the payment of ground rent and compliance with the Abuja master plan in order to restore the beauty of the city within six months.

The minister added that the government would no longer tolerate the indiscriminate operation of markets and motor parks by the roadside.

Wike’s remarks had angered a lot of Nigerians who took to social media to condemn his outburst onhisfirstinofficewonderingifhecametoworkand help lift Nigerians out of poverty or threaten them.

SincePresidentBolaTinubu’scommentinhisinau-

gural speech that “subsidy is gone,” Nigerians have been facing untold hardship with many resorting to all kinds of trade and menial jobs to survive the economic hardship inflicted on them by the petrol subsidy removal.

The hardship has forced many Nigerians, including the supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconsider their position and impression about the new government.

On its part, the Tinubu administration has taken deliberate steps to cushion the effects ofsubsidyremovalandimprovethewell-being of the masses.

Analysts were shocked thatWike sounded as if his agenda was to increase the level of poverty and hardship in the land and render more Nigerians homeless in the FCT.

They would have expected him to first tell residents of the FCThow he would make life more meaningful for them by promising to provide the basic needs such as security, affordable healthcare facilities, affordable transport services system, efficient and workable street lights.

The minister was reminded that he did not need to come with a vendetta spirit and vent fire and brimstone about demolition and revocation of titles. Those who spoketoTHISDAYsaidheneedstoknowthatAbujaisnot Port Harcourt where he was the chief executive officer and governed like emperor. They are of the view that if he creates chaos in the FCT he would end up creating problems for PresidentTinubu and sabotage the efforts of his administration to lift Nigerians out of the present economic predicament.

He should be reminded that demolition of any illegal structure is the least concern of FCT residents.

Ganduje

Emefiele, Bawa’s Prolonged Detention

The current travails of the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, are causing Nigerians who had anticipated a fresh era in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu to reconsider their stance, Wale Igbintade writes

Not until a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) raised the issue, many Nigerians did not remember that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, is still in detention. Bawa who is currently being held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja since June 14, 2023, is being probed for alleged financial impropriety under his watch.

Falana in a statement issued in Lagos, said the remand order for Bawa had expired hence the Department of State Services had no legal grounds to continue to detain him. He argued that Bawa’s detention for 67 days without trial is against the provisions of Section 493 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA) 2015, or Section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria. He added that under the Act, the cumulative lifespan of a remand order is 56 days.

The human rights lawyer also said the federal government should ensure that the rights of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Bawa are respected by the DSS and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the Federal Ministry of Justice, though he noted that the duo had a penchant for disobeying the orders of the courts when they were in office.

“In view of the fact that Abdulrasheed Bawa has not been charged with any criminal offence whatsoever, the State Security Service ought to have released him from custody. I am not unaware of the claim that Mr. Bawa is being detained on the basis of a remand order issued by a Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory.

“It ought to be pointed out that the remand order has become spent, invalid and illegal as no magistrate has the power under Section 493 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 or Section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria to authorise the detention of a criminal suspect for 67 days without trial.”

He added, “Indeed, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the cumulative lifespan of a remand order is 56 days. Therefore, having exceeded the detention period permitted by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Constitution of Nigeria, the State Security Service should be directed to release Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa from illegal custody without any further delay.

“The federal government should ensure that the rights of Messrs Emefiele and Bawa are respected by the State Security Service and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the Federal Ministry of Justice, even though the duo had a penchant for disobeying the orders of the courts when they were in office.

“The plight of both suspects should be a lesson for all public officers in Nigeria who always behave as if there will be no tomorrow. However, the Government which rules by law is under a legal obligation not to breach the fundamental rights of citizens except in a manner prescribed by the Constitution of Nigeria.”

Bawa and Emefiele have been held by the DSS since their arrest last June. In July, Falana urged the DSS to promptly free Bawa and Emefiele. Alternatively, he asked the government to bring the detainees to court if there was evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

Consequently, while Emefiele was charged with illegal possession of firearms before the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, nothing was said about the EFCC chairman, Bawa.

There’s widespread curiosity about the exact offence that led to Bawa’s prolonged detention without a trial. Some suspect hidden agendas from powerful figures to keep Bawa out of circulation indefinitely. Otherwise, they question whether 56 days are not sufficient to press charges against anyone.

Why is it that Nigerian security agencies would always want to detain a suspect before searching for evidence?

Emefiele, on the other hand, was apprehended in Lagos on June 10, transported in a white pickup van to a waiting aircraft and flown to Abuja, where he has been confined at the secret police headquarters.

For more than a month, Emefiele was held by the DSS without any charges being brought against him. Only under the order of a high court did they finally present a charge: illegal possession of a firearm and bullets. This sparked immediate debate, with some questioning whether possessing such an outdated weapon justifies Emefiele’s arrest, and raising concerns about how non-state actors openly carrying assault weapons are treated.

The firearms charge against Emefiele was later dropped by the DSS, and the Lagos court swiftly struck it out. Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that Emefiele should be held by the correctional service until his bail conditions were fulfilled. Despite this, the DSS insisted on keeping Emefiele and re-arrested him. Presently, the secret police have accused Emefiele and a female CBN official, Mrs. Sa’adatu Ramalan-Yaro, of involvement in a procurement fraud totalling over N6 billion. Thus, within about eight months, the accusations against Emefiele have shifted from terrorism to firearms and now to breaching the Procurement Act. These allegations are hard to unpack. Take the firearms possession matter for instance. Why did the DSS drop the

charge after keeping Emefiele for over a month? Has the secret police not infringed on his rights? Has it not left more questions than answers by first arresting and detaining a man before deciding what his offence was?

While Nigerians were looking forward to a new Nigeria where life has meaning and citizens are happy and patriotic, actions such as the one being meted to Bawa and Emefiele, regrettably, paint Nigeria black as a Banana Republic where there is no law and order.

The way the two men, who had presided over the exalted offices, are being treated like common Currently, lawyers and civil society organisations are not impressed with the DSS; some have only the harshest words for the government agency. Even the manner in which DSS officials roughened up a correctional service chief in their bid to take Emefiele away against the orders of the judge has angered the lawyers.

Some legal professionals on the platform, Lawyers in Defence of Democracy (LDD) have accused the DSS of using fabricated charges to keep Emefiele in illegal detention.

Spokesman of the group, Ahmed Yusuf Tijani, told reporters that the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos did well to grant Emefiele bail when he was arraigned on July 25 on firearms possession charges.

He said “we condemned that arraignment, and fortunately, the court granted bail to Emefiele, and you saw the show of shame that took place in court that very day. We condemned both the arraignment and the charges, and we told you that the gun in question was a dane gun. I think they went back and looked at the charges and realised that they goofed.”

Another group, the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), called the Emefiele

saga a” witch-hunt”, an “unfair treatment” of the former apex bank chief.

Questions have also been raised as to whether the words of President Tinubu have emboldened officials of the secret police to throw caution and due diligence to the winds just to bring Emefiele to heel.

On his trip to France in late June, Tinubu had told a Nigerian audience that the economic sector was “rotten” under Emefiele as CBN governor. “The man is in the hands of the authorities; something is being done about it,” he added.

Is that ‘something’ prosecution or persecution? This is the question begging for answers.

According to a public affairs analyst, Luke Onyekakeyah, “When people at that level are being treated with utter ignominy, is there any hope for the ordinary citizen? That is why Nigerians are seen as chickens that can be killed at any time by different forces acting against them. Nigeria’s ruling class has a penchant to treat people that have served the country in the shabbiest way once they lose favour. The cycle of use and dump is abhorable. Once the one has lost favour with the government, he or she is as good as trash, only good for the most inhuman treatment. No human rights whatsoever.”

Onyekakeyah submitted that while people who abused their high offices should not be left unprosecuted, lawful prosecution should follow the due process of law and order and not degenerate into witch-hunting and persecution in the manner Emefiele, Bawa and several other individuals have been subjected to in the DSS custody. He concluded that once prosecution is in place and court orders are flagrantly disobeyed, it is no longer prosecution but persecution and witch-hunting.

Late last week, two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Rotimi Jacobs and Kemi Pinheiro, added their voices to call for Emefiele and Bawa to be released, describing their prolonged detention as against the rule of law.

TinubuEmefiele

Bawa

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

PREMIER LEAGUE

Awoniyi’s Goal Not Enough in Man Utd Comeback Win

Nigerian international, Taiwo Awoniyi, has set a new record at Nottingham Forest after he scored in his seventh straight Premier League game. Manchester United fought back to seal a 3-2 comeback win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

Stan Colymore was the first Forest player to score in six straight Premier League games and that was way back in 1995.

But yesterday, Awoniyi stunned Red Devils fans at Old Trafford when he raced from his own half of the pitch before he shot past Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana after just two minutes of action for the opening goal of the match.

He has now netted three goals in the new season.

Awoniyi was Forest top scorer last season with 10 goals and manager Steve Cooper has backed him to score a lot more goals this term.

In a performance full of invention and creativity, Bruno Fernandes created the equaliser for Casemiro before driving home the matchwinning penalty after Marcus Rashford had been fouled by Danilo. The victory was particularly notable given it was the first time United had fallen two behind in a game so quickly in the Premier League era. Though clear questions can be raised about how they fell behind so meekly, criticism could be levelled at Forest for failing to take their chances whilst they were still in front, and doubt perhaps cast on the decision to award the home side their spot-kick.

Bendel Insurance Survive Shootouts in Algeria to Reach Next Round

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Bendel Insurance survived 4-3 penalty shootouts against Algeria’s ASO Chlef to progress to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup yesterday evening.

The Benin Arsenal who last week won the first leg tie of the preliminary stage of the CAF Confederation Cup 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, were dragged into the shootouts after the Algerians cancelled out that advantage barely four minutes to the first half break.

Interestingly, with the hosts pulling pressure on Insurance, Amas Obasogie in goal for the Edo team ensured that he thwarted all the tricks that ASO Chlef forwards were throwing at the Nigerians.

Coach Monday Odigie who did not want to lead Bendel Insurance to their first continental campaign in more than three

decades and crash out in the first hurdle, introduce Jude Ebhohon and Haruna Abubakar for Zaidu and Ishmael Sarki at the start of the second half. He later also pulled out marksman Imade Osarenkhoe for Vincent.

The game plan paid off handsomely as Bendel Insurance were able to ensure that ASO Chlef did not score another goal in regulation time. With aggregate scores from both legs deadlocked at one-all, the match then went straight into penalty shootouts.

Obasogie saved twice from the penalty spot to help Insurance win the game.

The Benin Arsenal will next battle RS Berkane from Morocco next month for a place in the money-spinning group stage of the competition.

Insurance will host the first leg between September 16 and 18 with the return leg in Morocco

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Bendel Insurance Football Club for their victory against ASO Chlef of Algeria in the preliminary stage of the CAF Confederations Cup.

In a statement, Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate Bendel Insurance Football Club for defeating ASO Chlef of Algeria on penalties to progress to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

“The team has continued to give an excellent account of themselves, showcasing their exceptional talent and making us all proud with their outstanding performance.

“As the they progress to the next stage of the CAF Confederations Cup; I charge them to continue on their impressive run as they continue to place Edo on the continental map.”

Another Dropped Baton Dims Nigeria’s Medal Hopes

Nigeria’s Women’s 4x400m relay quartet of Ella Onojuvwevwo, Patience Okon George, Opeyemi Deborah Oke and Imaobong Nse Uyo failed dismally last night in the event at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary .

Just as it happened earlier in the sprint relay, the quarter milers also dropped baton in an event Nigerians had hoped would salvaged the country’s pride at this edition.

The poor baton exchanges that have dogged the Nigerian teams is a recurrent phenomenon in the last decade and half.

It is a clear departure from the Golden Era when Nigeria

relay quartets were dreaded top track & field nations .

With Ese Brume’s failure to make the podium in the women’s long jump and Tobi Amusan finishing 6th in the women’s 100m hurdles final, Nigeria’s hope of winning a medal appears dim now.

At the last edition in Oregon, USA, Nigeria won two medals in addition to the world record of 12.12sec set by Amusan in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon became the first athlete to win a 1500m and 5,000m double at a World Championships after triumphing over the longer distance on Saturday.

The Kenyan, one of the standout athletes of 2023 having broken the 1500m mark among three world records, clocked 14:53.88 to beat Dutch 1500m bronze medallist Sifan Hassan (14:54.11).

Swedish pole vault star Armand Duplantis was unable to break his own world record after successfully defending his title in front of a captivated audience.

The 23-year-old, who has reset the record six times since first breaking it in 2020, was the only athlete to clear 6.05m.

He then also comfortably went over 6.10m before three failed attempts at 6.23m.

NPFL Urges Enyimba, Remo to Emulate Insurance Today

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, has congratulated Bendel Insurance for scaling the first qualifying hurdle of the CAF Confederation Cup, describing their win as another confirmation of the resurgence of the domestic league.

“The victory is a confirmation that we are getting our league on a good pedestal to reclaim our place in the top echelon of African club football and we

are determined to go higher”, Elegbeleye stressed last night . He went on to urge Enyimba International and Remo Stars to continue the renaissance of the league in their respective matches today.

Enyimba are up against their Libya’s Al Benghazi, riding on a good first leg result while Remo Stars that lost narrowly to Ghanaian side Medeama SC at home in Ikenne to overcome a slim 1-0 loss in the first leg

Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi also praised Insurance for their tenacity to make the country proud and assured all clubs of support to restore the country’s prime position in continental club Football.

“As we move towards the start of the season, I am happy that Insurance have shown that the last season produced worthy representatives to compete on the continent”, Owumi said.

Taiwo Awoniyi first Nottingham Forest Taiwo Awoniyi...first Forest player to score in seven consecutive to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches Premier matches

Bendel Insurance players celebrating qualifying for the next Round of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating hosts ASO Chlef 4-3 in Algeria...on Saturday evening

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

France to Niger Junta

Tinubu’s Feast of False Starts

NNPXa. If you consumed too much foreign media after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, you would conclude that Nigeria was finally on its way to El Dorado. From day one, when Tinubu said “subsidy is gone”, there was euphoria among the advocates of market economy who had always argued that the subsidy bill was killing public finance. Approximately N3 trillion was yanked off government expenditure with his announcement. A few days later, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) began the “unification” of the exchange rates. This got more people excited. It was not just about ending the perverse distortion of the forex market but also getting us back to reality.

The simultaneous removal of these two subsidies — the one on petrol and the other on forex — had been unthinkable all along. When Tinubu was declared winner of the 2023 presidential election and the opposition parties kicked, the thinking among advocates of economic reforms was that it would be near impossible for the new president to take certain decisions, particularly in the early days, because he would be trying to establish the legitimacy of his government. Since reforms are fundamentally political, or subject to political vagaries, no new president would want to start off on such an explosive note in the midst of a strong legal challenge to his victory. But Tinubu did.

What happened next? Petrol prices tripled and the cost of living went haywire. The naira went on a massive fall, threatening to hit a four-figure high against the dollar. You can argue that economic reforms cannot yield results within three months and that Nigerians need to be patient. True. Things could get worse before they get better. But that cannot be music to the ears of those who are daily struggling to feed and paying through the nose for transportation. The lamentation in town is how Tinubu’s policies have brought misery on millions of Nigerians. Even many who voted for him are expressing regrets. The poor are always disproportionately affected by adverse economic realities.

I have noted a series of false starts and missteps by the president. The first, which I raised after his haphazard announcement of the removal of petrol subsidy, was the way he communicated such an important message to Nigerians. I do not deceive myself that there is a neat way of announcing subsidy removal that will invoke a standing ovation. It doesn’t work like that. But I saw a president communicating such a monumental policy decision to millions of Nigerians without empathy and without strategy. Operators in the petroleum industry did not have any inkling of his overall plan and its timelines. Saying “subsidy is gone” on national TV looked like a spur-of-themoment declaration.

The ensuing confusion was glaring. The subsidy budget President Muhammadu Buhari left behind was to cover up till June 30, 2023, but by saying “subsidy is gone” on May 29, Tinubu ensured there was instant commotion at the fuel stations. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, the sole importer of the product, had to adjust pump prices immediately — from an average of N185 per litre to over N500. This was to prevent prolonged agony at the stations. Marketers would naturally have taken advantage to fleece motorists if NNPC had waited till June 30. This, to me, was a clear hint that Tinubu did not have a ground plan and was just being impulsive. That was a false start.

If you want to do away with subsidy, there are better ways of going about it. It is a sensitive policy. Critical segments of the society should have been carried along. Issues regarding the so-called

And Four Other Things…

a market-determined exchange rate? And if we are trying to please investors at all costs, at what stage should we begin to worry about the welfare of our own citizens? As long as the exchange rate continues to rise, petrol prices will continue to rise too. What are we going to do? Keep adjusting pump prices upwards? Where are we going to draw the line? What is Tinubu’s fallback plan?

As many have already pointed out, Tinubu also made a wrong call with some cabinet nominations. First, it amazingly took him an eternity to send an incomplete list. The senate overlooked the constitutional breach, which, I can bet, will now become a precedent. I was first disappointed that the cabinet positions of the nominees were not on the list. This had been an unwholesome tradition that I expected Tinubu to break, given the way he was marketed as a trail blazer. If we cannot do the simplest things, how much more the complicated ones? The senate still went ahead to interview the nominees, asking questions blindly as if we are all fools. We are being taken for a ride in this country.

Tinubu

palliatives should have been finalised. Yes, there is no nice way of removing subsidy. It will always come with pains. There will always be resistance. Nonetheless, the policy could have been better thought out, packaged and implemented with extensive and strategic public engagement. It makes sense to build trust with Nigerians so they can be reasonably assured that the outcome would be different from previous experiences. All I hear is a rehash of the old songs around subsidy removal.

Another false start was the unification of the exchange rates. The national currency had been falling against the dollar since 2015 following sustained drops in the inflow of petrodollars. Our warped way of facing the new market realities was to put an official peg and create multiple exchange rates. But in trying to address this anomaly, the Tinubu administration did not appear to have a roadmap apart from removing the official peg. The forex crisis Nigeria has been experiencing is basically a supply crisis. If demand is $5 billion but supply is $1 billion, there is no magic that “unification” can do beyond pushing the naira down the abyss. Demand management has not solved the problem either.

It took two months after “unification” before Mr Folasodun Sonubi, acting CBN governor, came out to make some pronouncements on how “Mr President is very concerned about some of the goings on in the foreign exchange market” and how the central bank would “improve the liquidity in the market” and how “speculators would lose out”. What this tells me is that there was no strategy on the ground from the get-go. It seemed “unification” was the sole tactic to attract forex inflow. Again, maybe it is too early in the day to conclude that this would not work, but I have never thought a single policy action would resolve the chronic crisis. I would be shocked if CBN thinks otherwise.

I hope we can now see that it is wrong to build the entire strategy on the assumption that once the naira was not artificially priced, investors would flood in with loads of dollars. Investors won’t come still if they are getting better value elsewhere. What other values are we proposing to them, beyond

Worse, though, is the quality of most of the appointees. I am a realist, by the way: I was not expecting an all-round world-beating cabinet. I expected political favours to be done. I expected electoral IOUs to be settled. That is the way of politics. I am not one that will sit down in my living room and be daydreaming that every single person in the cabinet will be what we call “technocrat” in Nigeria. What I cannot stomach is the assemblage of ex-this, ex-that, some of whom did not particularly set the world on fire in their previous lives. Some former governors, for instance, were not shining examples of goal getters with all the executive powers they wielded in their states.

If anyone was in doubt that many things Tinubu has done so far were not well planned or adequately conceived, the drama around the cabinet was yet another proof. For the first time since I was born, there was a cabinet reshuffle even before inauguration! I hope I am wrong, but this must be a first. What does that say about the way Tinubu is running his government? It tells us quite a lot. It is worrisome. I am seeing too much impulsiveness and ad hoc management. He is making things up as he goes. This is far from the political packaging of Tinubu as someone who was adequately and extraordinarily prepared to preside over the affairs of Nigeria. No, I expected something better.

Is Tinubu losing the momentum? For one, it does appear to me that he did not think through the different dimensions of the two reforms and did not prepare the appropriate strategy to address the impact of the shocks on individuals and businesses.

I accept that it may be too early in the day to judge him. I understand that some leaders struggle with starting well. Politics and reforms can be raucous and not usually neatly fleshed out. In the main, reform is about doing, learning and adjusting. Even with the best of plans, things can still take their own turns. I accept all that. What I cannot accept is the lack of assurance that Tinubu is on top of his game with his actions so far.

Tinubu must now ask himself the hard question: can he continue like this and expect to leave Nigeria better than he met it? It seems to me that he got carried away by the initial euphoria. He celebrated victory too early and started taking several decisions without a clear strategic plan. He needs to step back, make the needed corrections, and proceed in a more methodical way. The president must urgently change something about his style. If there was ever a time the country could use some urgency and a clear path forward, this is it. Citizens are getting overwhelmed as economic, political and security problems tear at them from all directions. Nigeria cannot afford another false dawn.

PUTIN AND PRIGOZHIN

On June 23, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, launched an audacious mutiny against the Russian government, complaining that his mercenary troops in Ukraine were being denied the necessary tools. Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly fled Moscow before Prigozhin retreated. Both men later met and made peace — and the rest of the world started waiting for when Prigozhin would, like other renegades, fall from the 15th floor of a hotel. On August 23 — exactly two months later — it more or less happened: a private jet conveying Prigozhin and lieutenants fell from the skies and burst into flames. Putin has since expressed his heartfelt condolences. Legend.

LAGOS LIFT

Do you remember Dr Vwaere Diaso? I won’t blame you if you don’t. Tragedies are two for one kobo in Nigeria and we easily move on. When she was crushed by the lift at the General Hospital, Lagos Island, on July 26, 2023, there was outrage and all that. We spoke the language of fury and made recommendations. The Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) set up a committee to investigate. Its report is telling us what we already knew: that the lift crashed. We heard nothing about the quality of emergency care she received, or if indeed there was shortage of blood. We are now waiting for the government side of the probe. Let’s hope there would be more clarity. Waiting…

WARRIOR WIKE

Among the ministers appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Nyesom Wike is already dominating the front pages. Wike, governor of Rivers state from 2015 to 2023, was welcomed to his new base as minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the building collapse on Wednesday night which led to at least two deaths. He has been talking tough and has promised to enforce standards, which would mean demolition of structures and revocation of land titles. Wike played the major role in weakening his party, the PDP, in the presidential election, and serving in an APC government will provide us some tasty duels. I would easily pick him as the minister to watch. War!

AND FINALLY…

A letter written by “APC Youth Wing” and circulated extensively made a case for the appointment of Seyi, son of President Bola Tinubu, as the minister of youth development. It brought back memories of Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha (YEAA) which, in 1997, orchestrated the campaign for Gen Sani Abacha to transmute from military head of state to civil president. I should think that was when sycophancy became mainstream and at least 1.5 million youth groups have been floated since then to praise, recommend, condemn or endorse politicians. Whoever is flying the Seyi kite should please calm down. He can be PA to his dad if he wants. Let’s not complicate matters at this stage. Caution.

“The putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassador’s approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities” – French Government questioning Niger junta’s authority to expel her Ambassador, Sylvain Itte, from Niamey.