TUESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Oando Set to Take Over Agip’s Oil, Gas, Power Assets in Nigeria

Deal awaits regulatory approval Eni to focus on offshore business in Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Nigerian energy company, Oando, is set to acquire the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), a subsidiary

of Italian energy group, Eni, after a deal was signed to that effect, both companies confirmed yesterday.

NAOC has interests in four onshore blocks and two onshore exploration leases as well as two

Subsidy:

NLC

power plants in Nigeria, Eni said in a statement, but did not disclose the financial details of the accord. The agreement is, however, still subject to regulatory approval . Apart from Oil Mining Leases

(OML) 60, 61, 62, 63, NAOC also has interests in the Okpai 1 and 2 power plants with a total nameplate capacity of 960 megawatts as well as in two Onshore Exploration Leases (OPL) 282 and 135, for which it also

holds operatorship.

transaction and will be retained in Eni’s portfolio.

www.thisdaylive.com

“Following the transaction completion with Oando PLC, Eni

However, NAOC’s participating interest in Shell Production Development Company (SPDC) Joint Venture of 5 per cent, is not included in the perimeter of the Continued on page 24

Shuns FG's Peace Talks, Insists on Strike... Page 26

Tuesday 05 September, 2023

Vol 28. No 10373. Price: N250

TRUTH & REASON

Tribunal Delivers Judgement in Atiku, Obi's Petitions against Tinubu Tomorrow

Exactly one month and four days after it concluded hearing in two separate

Continued on page 24

Sanusi: How Buhari Mismanaged Nigeria’s Economy in Eight Years

Says inexperienced rookie bought private jet under ex-president

The former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has hinted that former President Muhammadu Buhari, destroyed the Nigerian economy in the eight years that he administered the country, insisting that the ex-Nigerian leader failed to listen to expert advice. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was speaking during a virtual religious event on Sunday. Sanusi said the Buhari administration ignored his advice on how to take Nigeria out of its economic woes.

2023

“(In the last eight years), the Central Bank continues to print more money, and the naira continue to depreciate. There is too much naira in circulation because the CBN is printing the currency without restraint.

“The economy was poorly managed, and they were not willing to take advice; in the last eight years, apart from sycophancy, nothing has been done; those sycophants are those buying the dollar at the rate of N400 and selling it at the rate of N600 to N700.

Continued on page 24

Budget: FG Posts N4.6tn

Half-year Revenue... Page 5

INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE...

L-R: Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) inaugurating Mr Ayowade Peter Kayode, a visually impaired civil servant, as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social Development at a ceremony to swear in cabinet members and new Permanent Secretaries in Ilorin... yesterday

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Alex Enumah and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

L-R: Secretary to Lagos State Government, Barr Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Director, Rail-LAMATA, Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo; the First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and others, during the first commercial train trip on the Blue Line Rail from Marina to Mile 2 ... yesterday (See story on Page 25)

COURTESY VISIT TO THE FIRST LADY...

2023 Budget: FG Posts

N4.6tn Half-year Revenue

Debt service gulped N4.02tn, only 26% of capital vote released Laments poor fiscal accounting of govt inflows, outflows Blames failure to provide infrastructure on huge recurrent expenditure Budget Office targets submission of

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Oluchi Chibuzor in Lagos

The federal government yesterday disclosed that it posted a retained revenue of N4.06 trillion or 73.5 per cent of the pro-rata target of N5.52 trillion in the first half of the year.

However, it also emerged that during the review period, the sum of N4.02 trillion was committed to debt service and N2.28 trillion for personnel cost, including pensions.

The Technical Assistant (TA) to the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation (BoF) Prof. Olumide Ayodele, made the disclosure at a workshop in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the BoF to sensitise budget officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the preparations of the 2024 Budget.

Olumide, explained that the pro-rata expenditure budget up to June 2023 was N10.91 trillion, adding that the actual spending was N7.76 trillion.

Of this amount, N4.02 trillion was for debt service, and N2.28 trillion for personnel cost, including pensions.

He stated: "Only about N475.98 billion (26% of the pro-rata budget) has been released for MDAs’ capital

expenditure as of June 2023. This performance is partly explained by the introduction of the “Bottom-up Cash Plan” arrangement with effect from 2023.

“Fiscal deficit for 2023 is estimated at N10.78 trillion. As at June 2023, N3.70 trillion deficit was incurred as against a prorated sum of N5.39 trillion (N1.70 trillion below the pro-rata level). However, multilateral-bilateral debt drawdowns are yet to be accounted for," he said.

According to him, in the 2023 budget, the federal government’s share of oil revenues in the first half of the year was N604.10 billion (representing 54.2 per cent performance) and non-oil tax revenues totaled N1.14 trillion (92.7 per cent performance). Also, Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) collections were N592.68 billion and N195.08 billion (127 per cent and 101.8 per cent of respective targets).

Olumide further revealed that other revenues amounted to N2.14 trillion, of which independent revenue was N963.25 billion (60.8 per cent), Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs), N354.77 billion (29.3 per cent).

He lamented that low revenues

constituted the key risk to fiscal and debt sustainability, adding that oil revenues have continued to be low despite higher oil prices.

Factors responsible for the low revenues, he noted, included lower crude oil production, oil theft and insecurity, inadequate investment in the oil and gas sector, worsened by

2024 appropriation by Oct

Cash Call arrears in oil Joint Ventures.

Others were high crude production costs, weak actual tax collections compared to potential, as well as an unchecked rise in tax expenditures, low tax rates and inefficiencies in tax administration.

He also identified poor supervision of GOEs and weak accountability

framework, poor fiscal accounting of government’s inflows and outflows. He regretted that low revenue had been compounded by the rising cost of governance and low spending efficiency.

According to him, a direct result of Nigeria's high cost of governance was that less than 30 per cent of

federal government's resources was available to fund capital projects since 2017, when the government set its 30 per cent target. Due to funding constraints, many capital projects abandoned or uncompleted, stressing that the

House Committee Hails NSIA's Healthcare, Fertilizer, Road Infrastructure Interventions

Authority highlights ongoing aggressive expansion plan

The Ad-hoc Committee constituted by the House of Representatives to investigate the activities of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since the inception of the Authority has hailed the management of the NSIA over their intervention in the healthcare sector, fertilizer and infrastructure development.

The members of the committee commended the NSIA during an oversight visit at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC) and other

interventions by the Authority, in Lagos, yesterday. The committee members were in Lagos to inspect and to review the projects undertaken by the Authority and its impact on the Nigerian economy. Key areas of focus for the Lagos visits were healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.

The members of the House commenced their visit at the NSIA – LUTH Cancer Centre where the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, said the

Afreximbank Signs Land Acquisition Agreement for African Trade Centre in Egypt

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a formal agreement for the acquisition of land for the New Administrative Capital African Trade Centre (NAC-ATC), which would house the bank’s headquarters, along with other trade-supporting facilities and entities, in Egypt’s new administrative capital in Cairo.

The agreement provided for a complex that includes a conference centre, a hotel, an exhibition centre, an innovation hub and retail facilities.

Signed by President and

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah and the Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development Company, Mr. Khaled Mahmoud Abbas, during a ceremony at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NAC-ATC is being developed as a “landmark mixed-use modern futuristic iconic one-stop-shop business complex with broad intra-African trade character and appeal” which was expected to position Egypt as the trade and investment gateway to

Africa.

According to a statement, in addition to providing an integrated centre for trade information, trade services, trade finance and other trade facilitation services to African businesses, the NAC-ATC would bring together African and global trade ecosystems to create a powerful network that could be leveraged to explore business opportunities in those markets.

Speaking after the signing, Oramah said NAC-ATC was being constructed to serve as the headquarters of the network of

trade centres being established by Afreximbank across Africa to cover the continent’s commercial capitals.

He expressed confidence that NAC-ATC would facilitate Egypt’s trade with, and investment in, the rest of Africa and would have a significant impact on the country’s new capital city and on the Egyptian business community, noting that the centre would also host other export credit agencies, Development Financial Institutions, Exim banks, trade and investment promoting entities.

lawmakers were impressed with the quality of service being rendered to Nigerians at the cancer Centre.

Since inception, Healthcare has been a keen area of focus for the Authority, deriving from this, the NSIA Healthcare Development Investment Company was established to catalyse private sector investments to address the infrastructure gaps in the healthcare sector, improve manpower, and forge strategic collaborations to advance healthcare indicators in the country.

Established in 2019, the NLCC - an out-patient cancer center equipped with modern medical infrastructure has attended to over 10,000 unique persons living with cancer and has also deepened capacity of medical and non-medical professionals within the oncology space.

Over the years, the NLCC has reduced capital flight from medical tourism occasioned by cancer, created direct and indirect jobs and improved access to quality cancer care, thereby expanding possibilities for people living with cancer.

In addition to NLCC, the NSIA has also invested in two modern medical diagnostic centers collocated within the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Center, Umuahia respectively.

NSIA is now in the process of

scaling these interventions, with 3 additional Oncology centres, 23 additional diagnostic centres and 7 catheterization laboratories across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. NSIA’s wholly owned medical services portfolio company, Medserve has been set up to implement these projects.

The Committee Chairman said the facilities aligned with the vision and commitment of government to ensure affordable and efficient cancer care for Nigerians.

He explained, "We are investigating how much has been put into the development of this place. We have seen a lot of modern medical equipment that has been brought to this place.

“We are also seeing the quality of service being rendered to Nigerians and we are impressed and we will go back to report to the entire parliament and tell them that we need more of this in other places."

He revealed that while talking to patients that they met during the oversight, they, "admitted that the charges here are the lowest compared to what happens in other areas like Ghana and other African countries. They are still pleading that the government should subsidise it more.”

L-R; The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; with Minister of State for Labor, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; who paid a courtesy visit to First lady office at the State House, Abuja... yesterday

NEITI Unveils Solid Minerals Audit, Says Nigeria Earned Paltry N818.04bn in 15 Years

Outstanding

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

liabilities to govt hit N1.06bn in 2021

In all, Nigeria earned an underwhelming sum of N818.04 billion from the solid minerals sector in the last 15 years, despite its huge deposit of natural resources, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), disclosed yesterday.

Also, on a yearly basis, the country’s revenue from the sector was N193.59 in 2021, showing an increase of N60.32 billion or 51.89 per cent growth, when compared to the 2020 revenue flows of N116.82 billion.

For context, a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, in 2021 alleged that owners of private jets in the country were responsible for the high cases of illegal smuggling of gold outside the shores of Nigeria.

Ogah made the disclosure to the Senate in Abuja at an investigative hearing on $9 billion annual loss

to illegal mining and smuggling of gold. That amount is bigger than the entire monies realised in the 15 years from all solid minerals from 2007 to 2021.

This information, among others, were contained in the latest industry report of the solid minerals sector released by the Dr Ogbonnaya Orji-led organisation in Abuja.

“This contribution, though a significant increase over past years, is still abysmal considering the potential of the sector to the Nigerian economy,” NEITI stated.

The report, the 12th in the series , covered actual payments by 1,214 companies operating in the sector and receipts by three government agencies. It also considered the quantities of minerals that they produced, utilised and exported from the sector, reconciled the physical/financial transactions and undertook special verification on some processes.

Of the amount in the year under

consideration, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) collected bulk of the revenue of N169.52 billion, the Mining Cadastre Office generated N4.3 billion while the Mining Inspectorate Department generated a total of N3.62 billion.

The total revenue that accrued to the government during these years, NEITI said, was N818.04 billion, which the report pointed out, is significantly low compared to the economic potential of the sector.

Of the N6.62 trillion total government revenue in 2021, the solid minerals sector, NEITI said, barely contributed 2.6 per cent.

The total volume of solid minerals used or sold in 2021 was 76.28 million tons with a royalty payment of N3.57 billion, the organisation said, with the minerals with the largest production volume in the year under review being granite, limestone, laterite, clay and sand.

Dangote Plc accounted for the highest production in the year under

Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on the federal and state governments to respect the provisions of Nigeria’s constitution and International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 087 Convention, which guaranteed the freedom of association and the rights to organise for workers and employers alike.

This call was made in a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, by the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, which was titled: “Need for Government to Respect ILO Convention 087: Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, 1948.”

The letter, which was dated September 4, 2023, and copied to the NLC and the TUC, stated that governments’ continued disrespect of these provisions would mark a dangerous trend for Nigeria’s industrial relations system and its position in the international labour community where it is the current chairman of the ILO’s governing body.

The NECA said: “It is worrisome

that government, both at the federal and state levels will violate the provisions of Convention 087 of the ILO, which guarantees the freedom of association and protection of the rights to organise for workers and employers. This is equally guaranteed and enshrined in our laws i.e. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.”

The NECA noted that while it might have some ideological differences with the organised labour, it, however, “align absolutely on the need for government at all levels to respect the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the said ILO’s convention, which has been ratified by Nigeria, in order to maintain a peaceful industrial harmony in the country.”

Oyerinde observed that it was no longer news that the NLC, which is a social partner and constituent of the ILO, has continued, “to face different onslaughts by some state governments and their agents.”

He, therefore, added that NECA, “affirm, most respectably that the Articles of Convention 087 (especially Articles 1, 2, 3 and 4 among others) explicitly guarantees the rights of workers and employers to exercise these rights without

interference from government.

“This position was also strongly affirmed at the last National Labour Advisory Council’s (NLAC) meeting, which held from July 12 to 14, 2023 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.”

The employers’ association also

review with a total production of 28.8 million tons while Bua and Lafarge accounted for 8.4 and 4.3 million tons. Zeberced Group accounted for 3.3 million tons.

The NEITI report also pointed out that Ogun state recorded the highest production in the year under review, with a total of 17.5 million tons, followed by Kogi state with 16.3 million tons and Edo with 8 million tons. The least production volume was recorded in Borno State with 25,500 tons.

NEITI also noted that there were increases in the number of licenses issued within the period. A total of 2,045 licenses were issued with exploration licenses accounting for 840 (increase of 62.79 per cent), Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) 771, Quarry Lease 255, Reconnaissance Permit 139 and Mining leases 40.

On Export, the total minerals exported in 2021 was 142.54 million tons with a Free on Board (FOB)

NECA Urges FG, States to Respect ILO Conventions On Workers, Employers’ Rights

told Lalong that it was counting on his, “experience and goodwill to address this anomaly that could plunge the nation into ridicule at the international community, cause disruption in our industrial relations practice, amongst others.”

“However, the solid minerals contribution to export value in 2021 was a mere 0.24 per cent,” NEITI said.

China was identified as the principal destination of Nigeria’s mineral exports, accounting for 97 per cent and 88 per cent of the export volume and value. Other destinations for Nigeria’s minerals include Malaysia, Korea, Thailand UAE in that order.

On solid minerals contribution to the economy, the NEITI report revealed that the sector contributed 0.63 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“ While there has been some improvement compared to previous years where it contributed 0.45 per cent in 2020 and 0.26 per cent in 2019, the sector has not yet reached its full potential in making a significant impact on the overall Nigerian economy,” NEITI added.

The report identified a total sum of N1.06 billion as outstanding company liability to government within the period under review.

“The liability was as a result of the failure of some of the companies to pay their annual service fees for the respective mineral titles,” NEITI said.

Speaking at the event, Orji stated that the striking feature in the report showed courageous findings and recommendations expected to shape

Tinubu Holds National Security Meeting Ahead of Trip to India

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday presided over an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) at the State House, Abuja ahead of his proposed trip to attend the G-20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, India.

He met briefly with the nation's service chiefs where he received briefings regarding their operations.

The meeting held behind closed doors, fed the President on the general security situation in the country, including review of areas where they ( service chiefs) need to double effort as well as tie loose ends and close gaps.

The meeting, held at the

Dangote retains position as Nigeria’s foremost miner value of $101.29 million, showing an increase of 138.57 per cent from the $42.46 million reported in 2020 report, the report stated.

Council Chambers of the State House had in attendance the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja; his Navy counterpart, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Also in attendance were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Acting Inspector-General of Police , Kayode Egbetokun and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.

President Tinubu later yesterday proceeded to New Delhi, India to attend the G-20 Leaders Summit on the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the President will participate in and deliver keynote addresses at both the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and the Nigeria-India Business Conference.

President Tinubu aims to leverage this platform to attract global capital and promote increased foreign direct investments in key labour-intensive sectors of Nigeria's economy for job creation and revenue expansion.

Moreover, he will use this opportunity to highlight Nigeria's attractiveness as an investment destination, specifically outlining his cross-sectoral reform plan as encapsulated by the Renewed Hope Agenda.

future policy decisions, yield the desired impact by blocking leakages and growing government revenues if effectively implemented.

While thank the indigenous firm, Amedu Onekpe & Co that carried out the audit, , he explained that the report was based on information and data mandatorily but voluntarily provided to NEITI by relevant government agencies and companies covered by the NEITI process.

Also in his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, pledged that the lawmakers will do everything within their powers to equip NEITI with stronger statutory powers, through legislative amendments on the NEITI Act.

Abbas, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development, Awaji Abiante, noted that this will be geared towards enabling NEITI carry out its task of ensuring transparency and accountability in the extractive industry.

He also pledged that the report will be laid on the floor of the House and debated extensively.

In his comments, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, lauded Orji for providing the leadership when it was most needed in the absence of a board, especially to deliver the report.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken note of the courageous and exemplary manner in which NEITI has been discharging its responsibility, a model for other government institutions to adopt,” he noted.

Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in his office, Dr Morris Mbaeri, stated that the administration was fully committed to the fight against corruption in the extractive industry in particular and in the other sectors of the economy.

“As an administration, we are convinced that the revival of our economy and the eight-point agenda that we recently unfolded cannot yield the desired result if we do not support and strengthen anticorruption and reform-oriented agencies like NEITI,” he explained.

“It is very gratifying to note that the focus of the report is on blocking leakages and growing government revenues in the sector. Government therefore appreciates the fact that the report examined the payments that mining companies made to government, and the funds that government actually received into its coffers from all revenue streams during the covered period,” he said.

Abubakar stepping out from a security meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ... yesterday .

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Tinubu Pledges to Digitalise Public Service with Cutting Edge Technology

Expresses concern over Nigeria's bloated civil service payroll Promises to surgically apply public fund for nation's growth

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for new partnerships with global technology companies to ensure that data from public institutions are accurate and transparent. This, he said would provide templates on which proper public sector planning and accounting could occur across sectors.

Speaking yesterday, at a meeting in the State House, Abuja, with the Global Vice President of Oracle, Mr. Andres Garcia Arroyo, the president welcomed the company's commitment to Nigeria's civil service reform process and data management sector, even as he emphasised the need for greater knowledge transfer through the establishment of academies and training institutions in the country.

Aiming to promote the ease of doing business, digital innovation, effective identity management, efficient payroll administration and qualitative citizen-centred service delivery, Tinubu cited Oracle's

proven success in the automation of the Lagos State payroll system during his tenure as Governor in the Centre of Excellence and lauded the positive impact of technological solutions in enhancing accountability, and expediting timelines for service delivery without sacrificing quality in the process.

He said: "I have tested Oracle and it has worked for our success.

In Lagos State, what we did in effective collaboration with you, has been copied across the states of the federation. We can only build our institutions with accurate data and cutting edge data management capabilities that are reliable and effective.

“We can only rely upon our human resources for excellent service delivery to Nigerians, if they are well trained and ready to learn.

"The transfer of knowledge is essential for our nation and the continent. In this government, we believe that the only way to build our country is a bottom-up-approach

and from one single sheet of paper, we can create an end-to-end solution for public administration that will rid our service of its worst tendencies in favor of effectiveness and reliability," the president declared.

Expressing concern about Nigeria's bloated civil service payroll at the national and sub-national levels, the president said: "Each time they give me the payroll number, I get so frightened. Where am I going

to get the capital to develop the infrastructure we desperately require if the payroll of one per cent to two per cent of the population is consuming all the revenue?

“I think we need a tight technological control that can check and balance all necessary control points of our transaction processes. I'm looking forward to working with Oracle because I have the belief and confidence that you can do it as

you have in the past."

Earlier in his remarks, the Global Vice President of Oracle proposed a comprehensive digital transformation of work process at the federal level of administration, in order to achieve greater macro-economic visibility; streamline government processes for cost and time savings; and to provide the desired skills development opportunities for Nigerians.

"You have shown tremendous

practical leadership throughout your career, Mr. President. We have partnered with you and we know how determined you are to achieve all that you set out to achieve. This is why we are offering Nigeria a free national diagnostic of the present situation in the public service with a view to dimensioning across sectors the scale of solution required. We look forward to partnering with you again," Arroyo further said.

Rivers Govt Shuts Down AIT, Raypower’s Operations, Collapses Transmission Mast

quit notice to the management of DAAR Communications to vacate part of its premises housing the communication company.

agencies, carried out operations which resulted in the collapse of the Transmission Mast for AIT and Raypower in Port-Harcourt.

Shettima to Political Aides: Avoid Actions Capable of Tarnishing Tinubu’s Government

Warns that failure in their duty can jeopardise national security

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has advised presidential political aides to always exercise discretion in both their public and private lives and to avoid any actions that could tarnish the reputation of the present government.

Shettima, gave the charge yesterday, while declaring open the retreat and sensitisation programme for political aides on administrative procedure and governance in the public sector organised by the State House at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

According to him, “from today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny, occasionally even rigorous criticism.”

Addressing the participants which included political aides and senior civil servants on the topic

“Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides,” the vice president told them that, “the responsibility you carry isn't merely about fulfilling your role; it encompasses the aspirations of our entire nation.”

He pointed out that the, “retreat is designed to facilitate your transition and equip you with the fundamental tenets of public sector administration and governance.”

Restating the vision of Tinubu’s government, Shettima said, “Our mission too is clear: to uplift the lives of our citizens impartially and inspire lasting change.”

He emphasised that, “leadership, for us, means breaking down barriers of inequality and fostering a safe, peaceful society. To truly expand educational opportunities and empower our youth with knowledge for self-reliance, we

must fully dedicate ourselves to our duties within the State House."

The vice president admonished the participants saying, “as many of you take your initial steps into the realm of public service, especially at the federal level, let it be clear that your competence is beyond doubt. You are here because of your formidable skills, and our confidence in your potential to catalyse change.

“We yearn for fresh and imaginative ideas to harmonise with established practices."

On the sensitive nature of their roles as political aides, Shettima said, “from this very moment, you are bound by the laws of our land in all matters of official correspondence. These laws outline the consequences for both intentional and unintended mishandling of the information entrusted to your care.”

He warned them that, “should you falter in this duty, the consequences would ripple far beyond the intricate fabric of governance. They could erode public trust, jeopardise national security, and undermine the very integrity of our administration.

“Understand that your credibility, that of your team, your superiors, and indeed, the entire government, rests in the balance, and history reminds us that very few have emerged unscathed from the aftermath of such ethical lapses."

Shettima also reminded participants that, “the State House is a bastion of order. It’s the engine room of our nation's public service. Within its precincts, operations pivot upon a hierarchy, wherein each role and position adheres to well-defined protocols and communication procedures.

In the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, Mrs. Ebere Dennis Emenike, stated that the notice became necessary to enable the government demolish the structure and commence construction of the proposed Government Residential Area (GRA) phase 5, Ozuoba.

Part of the letter had stated: "Following the imminent commencement of the above project, all structure(s) impacting on the right-of-way of the project have been earmarked for demolition including your own.

"Consequently, you are by this notice requested to remove such structure(s) within 48 hours to allow for speedy progress at work please".

The land on which AIT and Raypower Radio Station built its transmission station in Ozuoba, had been a subject of dispute between the Rivers State Government and Daar Communication Plc.

Meanwhile, management of DAAR Communication has reacted to the demolition.

The management in a statement available to journalists in Port Harcourt, said the collapse of the Transmission Mast resulted in the damage of the transmitter building and the antennas.

The management stated "On September 4, 2023, at approximately 10am, the Rivers State Government, accompanied by federal security

“The collapse resulted in the damage of the transmitter building and the antennas, so AIT and Raypower terrestrial transmission are off air.

"We would like to assure our valued audience that they can still enjoy AIT's and Raypower through various alternative platforms, including DStv, Gotv, StarTimes, and the FreeTV platform and the AIT and Raypower Apps online. Furthermore, we are actively working to restore the services as soon as possible.

"It is important to note that the matter surrounding the dispute between DAAR Communications and the Rivers State Government is currently being deliberated in court. It will be subjudice to say more at this time. We will keep the public informed of any updates."

However, the management expressed gratitude to well-meaning Nigerians, media organisations, corporate interests, and political stakeholders who have extended their sympathy and support to the Board and Management of DAAR Communications during what they described as an unfortunate period. They also, "assure everyone that, despite the setbacks, we remain committed to delivering quality media services. From these difficult circumstances, we believe a new and stronger Raypower FM and AIT will emerge."

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Government has demolished the Transmitter Complex at DAAR Communications Plc Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt. The demolition yesterday,

THISDAY gathered led to the shutdown of the operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, in Ozuoba, Port Harcourt environs. The state government had on March 20, 2023, served a 48 hours

ORACLE GLOBAL VISITS PRESIDENT TINUBU...

L-R: Regional Sales Director, Oracle Global company, Oludare Ogunlade; Vice President, Oracle Global, Andres Garcia; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Board member, Tunde Badejo and Feyi Agagu during Oracle Global's courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa , Abuja….yesterday .

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.

POLITICS

Tinubu and Burden of Resetting Nigeria

Temitope Ajayi writes about steps taken so far by President Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

Former United States Secretary of State, perennial international statesman and oracle of diplomacy, Henry Kissinger, profiled six world leaders, now of blessed memories, in his most recent book, “Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy’’. These long departed leaders were the architects of the post-war evolution of their respective societies.

The leaders: Konrad Adenauer (Germany), Charles de Gaulle (France), Richard Nixon (United States), Anwar Sadat (Egypt), Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore) and Margaret Thatcher (Britain) reshaped and redefined their national purposes, having inherited a postwar world that was in turmoil and full of uncertainties.

They opened up new frontiers, confronted local political and economic challenges and significantly contributed to an enduring new world order.

Just like these global figures who shaped the circumstances of their era, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, assumed the leadership of Africa’s most populous country at a time of great economic difficulties marked by very high socio-political tension.

President Tinubu came in the mid of raging storms, inheriting legacy problems including insecurity, multi-dimensional poverty, angst, high decibel of ethnic agitations and general state of despair.

Since he assumed office 100 days ago, President Tinubu has focused on how to steady the floundering ship of state, redirect the economy and remove all barriers that inhibit productivity and growth.

The first thing he did was the removal of fuel subsidy that has become a bottomless pit for the country. A world class auditor and turnaround expert himself, the goal of President Tinubu is to reprioritise national spending.

A nation that literally flushed down over N21 trillion between 2005 and 2023 in the name of paying for cheap petrol when it could not generate the electricity to power its industries, run its hospitals and provide universal basic education to school children is a nation moving speedily towards self-destruction.

The removal of fuel subsidy now means funding becomes available to invest in critical infrastructures to develop the country and position it on the path of economic prosperity. It also means government at all levels will now have more money to spend on social services, soft infrastructures and general social amenities that will improve quality of life.

The combined effect of fuel subsidy removal and realignment of the foreign exchange markets to remove corruptionridden regime of preferential forex allocation to economic predators, that previously ruled the day, has led to high cost of living especially food and public transportation for Nigerians. Unfortunately, the hapless masses are mostly bearing the brunt of this, making many people to wonder if a government that should make life better for them had come to inflict more hardship.

Like a caring father who must navigate his family through turbulent period, President Tinubu, through national broadcasts, public statements and various interventions during meetings with groups and business leaders, laid out the issues before Nigerians and explained why the decisions he took to save the country, even when they came with momentary pains, are in the best interest of the country as doing otherwise will be accelerating the total collapse of the economy without any guardrail.

A number of intervention programmes have been unveiled as reliefs to the people. Under the intervention initiatives, the Tinubu-led administration granted N5 billion to each of the 36 States and FCT to procure food items, fertilisers and seedlings for distribution to households and farmers. To further bring immediate

relief to the people 100,000 bags of rice were also sent to the States by the Federal Government while modalities are being worked out with Governors under the National Economic Council for a new national minimum wage and consequential salary increase for public and private sector workers.

It is interesting to know that some private sector employers in the Organized Private Sector (OPS) have taken the initiative on their own to increase staff salary in line with the prevailing inflationary trend.

In conjunction with the World Bank, States and Local Governments, the Federal Government is also working on direct cash transfers targeted at over 20million most vulnerable people across the country.

The plan to deploy 11,500 CNG powered mass transit buses to make public transportation affordable for the masses is being concluded for participating mass transit companies. The government in a partnership between NNPC and NIPCO is setting up CNG mega stations

across the country that can conveniently serve 200,000 vehicles daily.

Just like he did when he became the Governor of Lagos State in 1999, where he re-engineered the finances of the state from insolvency and paltry N600 million per month to the point where the State currently generates over N50 billion in internally generated revenue, President Tinubu knew from day one in office that the current revenue profile of the Federal Government and State Governments cannot fund the kind of development that needs to happen in Nigeria.

At barely 10% Tax to GDP ratio, Nigeria ranks abysmally low compared to other African countries in revenue index. What South Africa makes in tax revenue from 1% of her high net worth tax payers in one year, is more than the entire IGR revenue of 36 States and FCT.

It is the parlous revenue profile of the country that informed the decision of the President to set up the Taiwo Oyedele-led Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms Committee. At the inauguration of the committee on August 7, 2023, President Tinubu declared that government cannot provide the social services and first-world infrastructure the people need to live a good life when it cannot generate the revenue to make them

happen. He then tasked the committee to close the N20 trillion annual revenue gap in tax collection.

Equally, President Tinubu understands that there cannot be any meaningful development and progress in an atmosphere of constant agitations and strife with the intervening primordial interests within the polity.

One of the reasons for almost unceasing agitations by a section of the country is the seeming lopsided appointments within the security establishment. The received wisdom in Nigeria is that any ethnic group without representation in the top hierarchy of the security establishment is not yet within the power arena even if all money of the country is spent to pave their streets with gold. As a leader who sufficiently understands the national psyche, in this regards, President Tinubu balanced the appointment of his service chiefs to project national outlook.

Political leaders from the South East and Ohaneze Ndigbo severely criticized the Buhari government for marginalizing the Igbos in key security and other appointments. Now, an Igbo man from Enugu, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla is the Chief of Naval Staff while a minority and a christian from Southern Kaduna, Lt. General Christopher Musa is the Chief of Defence Staff.

In the same spirit of promoting social harmony and repairing damaged social fabrics, President Tinubu also ensured geopolitical balance in distribution of key portfolios of the recently sworn-in Ministers while also ensuring a proper-fit between the professional competence of majority of them and the ministries they lead.

Connectivity of empathy between a leader and the people he/she leads and ability to communicate are essential attributes of a good leader. President Tinubu possesses these two attributes in abundance with the ways and manners he has connected with the economic hardships Nigerians are going through.

One of the best leadership and management books I ever read, ‘The Leadership Lessons of Jesus: A Timeless Model for Today’s Leaders’ was written by Bob Briner and Ray Pritchard. In the book, the authors explained why a leader must have clear vision and be able to communicate that vision clearly and concisely to the followers without leaving anyone in doubt about the ability to provide direction. This was best exemplified by Jesus Christ when he met Peter, James and John when he called them to discipleship. Jesus told the trio, ‘Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” By vocation, Peter, James and John were fishermen.

Jesus was clear about the job He was calling them unto. He didn’t leave them in doubt as to why they should drop their day time job. Just like Jesus did many centuries ago, President Tinubu has not failed in telling Nigerians about the dire strait of our national economy and what needs to be done to remake a buoyant economy that will serve every segment of the society. In his last national broadcast, he empathized with Nigerians and laid out his vision for a greater future that awaits. Part of the mark of his dexterity in political and diversity management is how he has, within 100 days in office, fostered social harmony and significantly reduced ethnic and political tensions in the country.

President Tinubu has used his first 100 days in office to set the path and a new direction for the country. Many Nigerians, 67% to be precise, according to a recent survey, trust him to deliver on his renewed hope agenda.

-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Tinubu

President Tinubu has not failed in telling Nigerians about the dire strait of our national economy and what needs to be done to remake a buoyant economy that will serve every segment of the society. In his last national broadcast, he empathized with Nigerians and laid out his vision for a greater future that awaits. Part of the mark of his dexterity in political and diversity management is how he has, within 100 days in office, fostered social harmony and significantly reduced ethnic and political tensions in the country.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

NBS AND THE UNEMPLOYMENT DATA

The new methodology of computing unemployment masks reality

Controversy has continued to dog the latest unemployment data, which was released recently by the National indicate that Nigeria’s unemployment of the year (Q1 2023), compared to 5.3 per cent in the per cent reported in March 2021. The StatisticianGeneral of the Federation (SGF)/Chief Executive disclosed that the data result from the change in the measuring template and not what the government has done. According to him, the new approach in with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standard methodology applied in several jurisdictions.

We commend the NBS for its diligence in providing regular data with which the managers of the economy can plan.

The current job survey which indicates that 93 per cent of Nigerians are employed in the informal sector is scary. Based on the methodology, the new from the age of 15 years and above, who is willing, available, and able to work and contrasts with the 15 and 64 who were willing, available, and able to work during the reference period of seven days.

The main concern surrounding the new unemployed person as anyone within the labour force who within the reference period (previous seven days) did not work for a minimum of one

a person needed to have worked for a minimum of 20 hours within the reference period of seven days. Part of the arguments against the new approach in computing is that it does not allow for a better

SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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Letters to the Editor

understanding of the actual level of unemployment in the country. This can easily be exploited by politicians who are always looking for convenient ways to excuse their irresponsible behaviour.

Admittedly, Adeniran has stated that the new numbers do not necessarily change the dire unemployment challenge in the country while stating that adopting the new methodology was to go with the current global trend. He has also urged the federal government and authorities in the 36 states not to go to sleep over the statistics. According to Adeniran, the new unemployment sort. But many still wonder why the agency would resort to such a methodology at a time like this, when it is bound to create more puzzles than clarity to economic planners. What makes the new unemployment rate more controversial stems from the disclosure by a former StatisticianGeneral of Federation/ Chief Executive of NBS, Yemi Kale, that he resisted the urge to further change the country’s unemployment data-gathering methodology as head of the statistical body. According to Kale, during his time at the NBS, the committee in charge of reviewing the minimum number of work hours to count as employed, felt one hour did not make sense because the income generated within that time frame was not necessarily liveable.

Based on Kale’s disclosure, there is a greater push for people to impute motives that the NBS’ resort to the controversial methodology could be a function of external pressures. Should that be the case, it is counterproductive and has the capacity to create credibility issues around the agency and its data. Above all, the new methodology could mislead governments and policymakers at all levels because We hope the NBS will be mindful of these concerns in future.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS

UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE NBS DATA

It is no longer news that the National Bureau of Statistics labour force statistics respectively. It was reported that the new rate of unemployment in Nigeria is now 4.1%, while 13.4% are on wage employment, and 75.4% are operating their own busialso disclosed that it was the new methodology that gave birth to respect to employment generation. Initially, the unemployment computation was 40 hours of work per week, and later moved someone as employed. However, the new methodology recognized the minimum of one hour of work in a week as gainfully employed. Again, the labour force age limit has been increased from the range of 15-65 to the range of 15 and above. It then means people who have the grace of living up to 95-100 years are part of the labour force in Nigeria by implication. The argument of one-hour minimum work a week as the baconversations, considering our peculiarity. Is one hour of work

liveable? Does the minimum of one hour of work for a week really make any sense? Is the income generated within one hour of work in a week in Nigeria realistic to justify this new methodology? With all sincerity, can two hours of work feed someone for a week in Nigeria? Does Nigeria have an hourly pay rate? Let’s assume one uses the Nigerian minimum wage of N30,000 a month, 30 days in a month, and eight hours a day; one can only generate N125 for one hour of work. Don’t forget that not all the states in Nigeria are paying the minimum wage of N30,000. Even if they all agreed to pay, can this amount feed someone for two hours, not to talk for one week? Then I ask, what is the value of a policy, guideline, or new methodology if it cannot be practicalized? In

It appears that the committee or policymakers regarding the new model for unemployment statistics have not weighed the implications before accepting the new methodology from the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The worst part of the tale-guided exercise is the fact that the number of unemployed Nigerians is still unknown, because even the current Statiswhen he was interviewed by AIT. All he could say is that Nige-

rians need to wait till after the whole year’s labour force survey in 2024. It is important to understand that any attempt to politicize economic issues will depict lies, because economic issues are more practical than theories, and any economic theory that violates the reality of life is abnormal. Because you cannot say to have a full employment level and more than half of your population wallow in abject poverty. It is totally ironic and abnormal.ology of calculating the unemployment rate with economic theories, the practical and everyday reality of Nigerians? If the new methodology is born out of consolation, or a diplomatic way of through again. I have thought it through, and to me, it does not add up. Again, surveying 35,520 households out of 200 million did I know anybody that had ever been surveyed. So, it will be Tope Fasua put it, “Don’t blame us if we disbelieve, work on your methodology”.

Omale Omachi Samuel, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja

The new methodology could mislead governments and policymakers at all levels because figures churned out do not align with actual reality

President of the NBA, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

Effect of Wilful Omission to Provide Medical Care for a Sick Person

Page IV

2023 NBAConference: The Verdict

QUOTABLES

‘Poverty is not a shameful thing, but it is unacceptable. We must banish it.’- Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Olanipekun: Dream Dreams that Will Put Us on Crest for Future Devt

PageV

Greater Schools Protests Against Alleged Defamatory Campaign and Blackmail

Page V

‘I believe that the opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty, is justice.’ - Professor Bryan Stevenson, Director of Equal Justice Initiative and Professor at New York University School of Law

COLUMNIST

Hanatu and Ifunanya: Two of a Kind?

Page X

NBA Conference: The Good and the Ugly

Lawyers: Getting it Wrong!

The theme of the 2023 Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference (NBA AGC), ‘Getting it Right, Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building’, was appropriate and extremely relevant to the phase in life which Nigeria currently finds herself in, with the precarious state of the nation and the advent of a new Government. Unfortunately, though we Lawyers are meant to be the moral compass of society, a few of us got it wrong yet again this year.

Last year, it was banditry and the looting of Conference materials; this year, it was ‘two fighting or a free-for-all fight’, as the Abuja and Onitsha football players shamelessly engaged in fisticuffs because of a football game. Naturally, since the ‘Learned Bandits’ seemed to have got away with their crime last year because they couldn’t be identified, this group of ‘Learned Fighters’ felt free to throw all caution to the wind, and exchange blows. This time around, I hope the NBA’s Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) will do the needful, and ensure that the ‘Learned Fighters’ who have not only brought the profession into disrepute, but also committed some offences by fighting are punished, to serve as a deterrent to other lawless Lawyers; if not, some worse despicable acts may be perpetrated at the 2024 AGC.

The choice of the Musician invited to perform at the Lawyers’ Concert was also a source of contention, as it didn’t go down well in the quarters that considered him to be unsuitable. While at the end of the day 100% of the people cannot be 100% satisfied, it is advisable to avoid things that will attract negative publicity, and divert attention from the positive and more important aspects of the Conference like its content.

Tony Elumelu’s Keynote Address

That said, the Keynote Speaker, Tony Elumelu, delivered a thought provoking Address, which pointed to the fact that in terms of achieving the Economic Objectives set out in Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution), the State still has a lot to do. In “Getting it Right”, Tony said: “We have already seen that tough, long-avoided economic decisions have been taken….Nation building is not a quick fix, it entails sacrifices. We cannot keep doing the same things, and expect different outcomes. Let us lead our nation building, by laying those important foundations for our nation - let us renew our infrastructure….I do not mean just roads or rail bridges, or ports, I mean the following: Investment in our youth….. Let us invest in our women…..Let us invest in our power sector…Is it not ironic that a country with abundant gas resources, cannot optimally operate its power plants due to lack of gas!…Let us invest… in our courts of law and administrators of justice….security…Let us invest in Nigeria….”. I concur. Tony gave a brief overview, on what to do, to achieve these goals.

President Tinubu’s Address

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, surprised Lawyers by doing away with his written address, and speaking mostly extempore instead, responding to what he referred to as Tony’s critical path analysis of Nigeria’s economic recovery. Agreeing that we have to get it right, Mr President stated that unless we have a change of mindset, we cannot achieve the desired progress. He stated that in order to achieve greatness, bold decisions must be taken which could be painful at the beginning, in the medium and long term, but would be beneficial to our generations yet unborn. He talked about a change of attitude to governance, and requested for the cooperation of Lawyers (along with the great minds which he claimed to be surrounded by, in form of his cabinet), to charting the right course to building a great nation.

Getting it Right! For the Attention of the Minister of Aviation: The Murtala Muhammad Airport Example

This example is a low hanging fruit because (i) the Minister of Aviation is a Lawyer, and one of the cabinet members who President Tinubu referred to as a great mind; (ii) the Minister recently announced some measures that will be taken at Lagos Airport. He must get it right! However, some decisions have nothing to do with boldness - they are simply common sense. But, then again, I have seen many Government decisions in the past, that have caused me to question whether indeed, common sense is really common, as the decisions have been senseless!

Recently, I travelled through the original terminal

of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos (Terminal I), several times in quick succession. Though Terminal I which was built in the 1970s is still solid, it requires some overhauling and deep cleaning. The travelator leading to the gates has never really been functional, while the escalator going down to immigration from the arrival gates works occasionally - such a disgrace, especially as the first impression of a country is formed from the point of entry, in this case, the airport. One time, some of the roof of Terminal I was leaking, and the plastic bowls used to ferry laptops etc through the X-ray machines, were turned into receptacles for water from leakage in the rainy season! Meanwhile, the new Lagos Airport terminal built by the Chinese (Terminal II), for which Nigeria incurred a debt of about $200 million or so, is under-utilised. President Tinubu mentioned in his address, that a situation where Nigeria uses 90% of her revenue to repay debts, is unacceptable. I concur. It therefore, behooves Government to try to earn as much revenue as possible from that Terminal II, to assist in the repayment of the debt incured to construct it. The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in a recent visit to the Lagos Airport stated that 60% of FAAN’s revenue comes from there, and therefore, Terminal II must be used optimally in order to maximise profits.

However, we understand that only a very limited number large aircrafts are able to use the Terminal II, because of two private hangars which are located on the safety envelope of the taxi way to the apron of Terminal II, thereby preventing access of large aircrafts to the four rear avio bridges, that is, only the four avio

bridges in front are utilised, as there is no space for large aircrafts to manoeuvre to the four at the back. What a waste! The irony of it is that, Government probably doesn’t receive more than N20 million in total per annum in rent from the two private hangars!

But, if the hangars are relocated (as Government can acquire the hangars in the interest of the country for a public purpose), much more revenue would come in from the full use of Terminal II, as it would be able to accommodate more aircrafts. Apparently, the mistake in situating Terminal II where it is, was made during the Jonathan Administration. Going forward, this mistake could easily have been corrected immediately, by relocating the two obstructing private hangars to another part of the airport - the Operators of the hangars would simply be compensated for their relocation expenses, inconvenience and loss of use during the time the relocation process is taking place, which would not take more than a few months. To date, this hasn’t been done! And, until it is done, there cannot be maximum use of Terminal II.

Again, instead of shutting down Terminal I completely, it’s renovation can be undertaken in stages, Finger by Finger, seeing as Terminal II isn’t even in full use. This is a prime example of thinking through our decisions properly, in order to get it right.

Plenary and Breakout Sessions

There were several plenary and breakout sessions, during the AGC. Two sessions that interested me the most, were the one on Access to Justice in which Bryan Stevenson, was the lead Speaker, and obviously, the one I moderated concerning Judicial Remuneration

and Conditions of Service.

Breakout Session on Judicial Remuneration and Allowances: Onikepo Braithwaite Moderating! Wale Fapohunda, SAN was the lead Speaker of my session, and he gave us an overview of the Report of the NBA Committee on Judicial Remuneration which he is the Alternate Chairman, in which they called for a 200% increase in Judges’ basic salary across board, and a number of allowances.

The Attorney-General of Rivers State, Professor Adangor, SAN, shared some of the initiatives which his State Government has taken to improve the lot of judicial officers in his State, including the Housing Scheme which has been enacted into law. How Judges are provided with accommodation for life, and others, including Judges of Rivers State origin who are not serving in the State, have the option of monetisation in the sum of N150 million for their accommodation. He talked about Magistrates in Rivers State, concluding that they were probably better off than High Court Judges in some other States.

The CJ of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, pointed out that in 2008, the last time the salaries of Judges were increased, what they earned was the equivalent of about $4,200 monthly. If we were to convert $4,200 to Naira today, it would be in the region of N4 million; in other words, the NBA Committee’s proposal of a 200% increase in the basic salary of Judges amounted to a decrease in their salary, since it didn’t meet the $4,200 mark of 2008. In short, at N4 million which looks like a 600% or so increase, Judges would still be earning the same as they did in 2008! Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, another member of the Panel, talked about the remuneration of judicial officers from a human rights perspective, citing the Constitution and UN Charter, as his basis for demanding decent salaries for Judicial Officers. The Kano State RMAFC Commissioner, Hon. Umaru Faruk Abdullahi represented their Chairman, Dr Shehu, was also a Panelist. We urged them to do something fast about Judges salaries and allowances, while asking the Governors do an urgent upward review of the salaries and allowances of Magistrates.

I observed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s efforts, in improving the lot of judicial officers in Rivers State while he was Governor, and hoped that such initiatives would not only be replicated, but institutionalised, instead of being dependent on the mindset of whoever is in office. In short, in ‘getting it right’, it is imperative that this administration starts to build strong institutions, as opposed to strong individuals. Certainly, getting it right entails correcting the issue of the poor salaries and conditions of service of all judicial officers in Nigeria, including Magistrates, and doing the needful immediately, while addressing their somewhat weak recruitment process..

My One-on-One with the ICPC Chairman

I also had the opportunity of having a brief one-on-one with Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, the Chairman of ICPC, and I dare say that the other agencies like the EFCC and SSS may want to take a leaf out of ICPC’s book, in terms of mapping out proper processes to ensure that they only take on cases which fall within the purview of their establishment statutes, and they follow due process - a laid down procedure where petitions go into a central pool and are given a digital number for ease of tracking and follow up; assessed for compliance, before any action is taken. Tony Elumelu referred to investing in administrators of justice, as part of getting it right. This is so true. In order to attract the FDI he mentioned, foreign investors need to know that our courts of law work, and that we uphold the rule of law. The way ICPC is trying to get it right, by strengthening itself as an institution, is what we want to see more of, across all our institutions.

Conclusion

Like most things, the 2023 AGC came with its fair share of criticism, and some rancour amongst some of the Executive it seems. We Lawyers, nevertheless have a critical role to play in nation building; therefore, we must also look inwards and aspire to build a better profession, in order to be an effective part of getting our country on the right track. Tony Elumelu identified various issues that this new administration has to address, in order to chart the course for nation building and get it right. The wave of coup d’états sweeping Africa, evinces the fact that African Governments cannot afford not to get it right, as Africans are becoming tired of corruption, bad governance and the hardship that accompanies them.

L-R: Hon. Umaru Faruk Abdullahi; Borno CJ, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah; Olawale Fapohunda, SAN; My humble self, Onikepo Braithwaite; Tony Ojukwu, SAN and Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN

“The CJ of Borno State….pointed out that in 2008, the last time the salaries of Judges were increased, what they earned was the equivalent of about $4,200 monthly….the NBA Committee’s proposal of a 200% increase in the basic salary of Judges amounted to a decrease in their salary, since it didn’t meet the $4,200 mark of 2008. In short, at N4 million which looks like a 600% or so increase, Judges would still be earning the same as they did in 2008!”

Effect of Wilful Omission to Provide Medical Care for a Sick Person

Facts

The Appellant impregnated PW1 who gave birth to a child named Abdullahi (deceased), out of wedlock. The Appellant agreed to pay N5000 monthly for the maintenance of the child, but defaulted to pay for two months. On 13th June, 2017, PW1 called the Appellant to inform him that their son had fallen sick and requested him to come and see her. When the Appellant met with PW1, an argument ensued between the Appellant and the brother of PW1 (PW2), who expressed his dissatisfaction with the Appellant’s lack of care for his child. Thereafter, PW2 ordered PW1 to hand over the child to the Appellant to take over full custody and care of his child, which she did. The Appellant collected the child and left.

However, PW1 who was concerned with the decision to hand over the child to the Appellant, informed her mother in the house. The mother (PW3), in company of a neighbour (PW4), chased after the Appellant all the way to his house to regain custody of the child. On getting to the Appellant’s house, he was not around but after an hour, the women saw the Appellant walking down with the child wrapped to his chest. Immediately he arrived, he walked straight to his room and locked himself in the room. The Appellant’s aunt, who was at home when PW3 and PW4 arrived, expressed her ignorance about the Appellant fathering a child. After hours of pleading, the Appellant opened the room and the women rushed inside to meet the lifeless body of the child with the mouth opened and his eyes closed.

Further to the above, the Appellant was arraigned before the trial court on a one-count charge of Culpable Homicide punishable with death under Section 221(b) of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 102, Laws of Borno State, 1994 for causing the death of his 10-month-old baby. The Prosecution called a total of seven (7) witnesses and tendered two Exhibits ST1 and ST2, while the Appellant testified for himself and did not call any witness or tender any exhibit. At the close of the trial, the trial court relied on the circumstantial evidence and the doctrine of last seen (because the Appellant was the last person to be seen with the deceased before his death), in convicting the Appellant. He was sentenced to death by hanging.

Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. The appellate court affirmed the decision of the trial court, and dismissed the appeal. The Appellant has further appealed to the Supreme Court, on two grounds.

Issue for Determination

The Supreme Court adopted the sole issue for determination raised by the parties, in determining the appeal, thus:

Whether having regard to the evidence led at the trial, the Court of Appeal was right in affirming the decision of the trial court that the charge of culpable homicide punishable with death was proved against the Appellant.

Arguments

Arguing the appeal, counsel for the Appellant contended that the Court of Appeal and the trial court were in error to have held that the State proved its case of culpable homicide punishable with death against Appellant, and he was rightly convicted by the trial court. Counsel argued that to ground the offence of culpable homicide, the Respondent must prove the following ingredients beyond reasonable doubt: (i) The death of a human being; (ii) That the death was caused by an act of the Defendant; (iii) That the act of the Defendant which resulted in the death of the human being, was done with the intention of causing death or grievous bodily harm; or the Defendant knew that death would be a probable, but not just a likely consequence of his action. Counsel contended that the Respondent ought to have proved that the specific act of the Appellant which caused the death of the deceased, was strangulation as alleged in the charge. Counsel also argued that the Prosecution did not establish any fact or sufficient evidence, to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the Appellant caused the death of the deceased. Counsel submitted that the finding of the court below is rooted on speculation, and hence, perverse.

Regarding the finding on the doctrine of last seen,

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja

On Friday, the 7th day of July, 2023

Before Their Lordships Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun Uwani Musa Abba Aji Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Tijjani Abubakar Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CR/276/2020

Between ABUBAKAR ABDULLAH …

And THE STATE … … … RESPONDENT (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC)

counsel argued on behalf of the Appellant, that for the presumption of last seen to apply, the Prosecution must lead evidence to eliminate the possibility of the death being of natural causes, accidents, or underlying sickness, and that the Respondent has failed to prove that the cause of death in this instance, was strangulation. Counsel relied on the case of GALADIMA v STATE (2018) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1636) Pg. 357 at 374 to argue that if the death of the deceased is not proved to be homicide, the doctrine of last seen cannot apply. He urged the Supreme Court to interfere with the concurrent findings of the lower courts, and set aside the conviction and sentence passed against the Appellant. Responding to the submissions, counsel argued that the Respondent in its charge did not specifically state that the deceased died as a result of strangulation, but rather used the words “strangulation and or suffocation” which are subject to interpretation and can be refuted by the Appellant. Counsel submitted that PW1 -4 had given evidence to show that: (i) they saw the Appellant come back home hours later carrying the baby hugged to his chest and went straight to his room;

(ii) the Appellant had a long walk from the house of PW1 to his house; and (iii) the Appellant held the child tight to his body. These evidence were never discredited nor challenged by the Appellant, even under cross-examination. Counsel posited further, that failure of the Appellant to satisfactorily explain what caused the death of the deceased shortly after he took him away from PW1 to an unknown destination was the reason for his conviction, sentence and the upholding of same by the Court of Appeal. Counsel submitted that failure of the Appellant to give satisfactory explanation on how the deceased died, renders him fully responsible for the death of the deceased. Regarding the argument on tendering of medical report about the death, counsel submitted that non-tendering of medical report to prove the cause of death by the Respondent at the trial court, cannot be fatal to the case of the Prosecution. Given the circumstances of the deceased’s death which was instantaneous and without any intervening factor, medical report had ceased to be of any practical necessity - UKPONG v STATE (2019) LPELR - 46427 (SC). Counsel concluded that there was no basis for the Supreme Court to interfere with the concurrent findings of the lower courts.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Prefatorily, the Apex Court, per Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC expressed dissatisfaction with the Appellant’s Grounds of Appeal, which His Lordship found too general and vague as they didn’t complain against any particular/ specific finding of fact or any other part of the decision of the Court of Appeal. The main body of each ground disclosed no arguable complaint, other than the conclusions of the Court of Appeal derived from its findings of

fact. His Lordship opined that, in the absence of any complaint against the reasons or findings of facts from which the conclusions that the Prosecution proves its case and that the appeal lacks merit are derived, the appeal is empty and baseless or groundless. Without appealing against the findings of facts or reasons from which a conclusion was made, an appeal against only the conclusion is not arguable and is incompetent. This is because by not appealing against the specific findings of facts, the appellant accepts them as correct, conclusive, and binding upon it - IYOHO v EFFIONG (2007) 7 SC (Pt. III) 90.

Deciding on the issue raised by the Appellant, the Apex Court reiterated the established ways of proving the guilt of an accused person, which are – (i) by direct evidence; (ii) by confession of the accused person/Defendant; or (iii) by circumstantial evidence. In this case, since there is no direct eye-witness to the murder of the deceased, the court relied on circumstantial pieces of evidence. Extolling the place of circumstantial evidence in criminal law, the Supreme Court relied on its earlier decision in the case of PAUL v STATE (2019) LPELR47386(SC) Pp. 27-28, where it held that circumstantial evidence is very often the best evidence. It is said to be evidence of surrounding circumstances, which by undesigned coincidence, is capable of proving a proposition with the accuracy of mathematics. It is no derogation of evidence, to say it is circumstantial. But, the circumstantial evidence sufficient to support a conviction must be cogent, complete and unequivocal…”. For circumstantial evidence to sustain a conviction, it must point positively and unequivocally to the conclusion that the accused person and none other committed the offence. In this case, the deceased was in the custody of the Appellant from the time the Appellant took him from his mother that same evening, to the time he was found lifeless in his custody. More so, there was no reasonable or tenable explanation by the Appellant as to the cause of the son’s death.

While PW1 insisted that she gave the deceased to the Appellant hale and hearty, the Appellant stated that the child was sick when he visited PW1 and took custody of the child. The Appellant, however, did not give evidence of taking the child to the hospital to receive medical attention. On this point, the Supreme Court affirmed the findings of fact by the lower courts, that the Appellant, by his omission to provide medical attention for his child, intended to cause his death. The Apex Court relied on the case of R v STONE & DOBINSON (1977) 2 ALL ER 341, R v MACDONALD (1904) ST. R.Q.D. ISI and R. v SENIOR (1899) I.Q.B. 283 to show that wilful omission to provide medical care for a sick child or other person in the custody or charge of a person in disregard of the fact, risk that the death of the sick child or person, is the probable or likely consequence of such omission.

In determining the argument on the applicability of the “Doctrine of Last Seen” to the facts of this case, the Apex Court agreed with the holding of the Court of Appeal that the doctrine of last seen readily comes to play in this case. If a person who was last seen alive in company of another is found dead, that other in whose company the person was last seen alive, in law, is presumed to bear full responsibility for the death of the deceased. He certainly has some explanation to give on what caused it, if he says he did not kill the deceased. The doctrine of last seen is one of the limited circumstances in criminal prosecution, in which an accused person is required to give an explanation as to the cause of death of the deceased. In this instance, it was the Appellant that was last seen with the deceased; no one else came into contact with the deceased. The defence of the Appellant is therefore, unacceptable in the circumstance.

Having resolved the sole issue in the appeal against the Appellant, their Lordships unanimously dismissed the appeal, and affirmed the conviction and sentence of the Appellant. Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Edwin Inegedu, Esq. for the Appellant. K.S. Lawal, Esq. for the Respondent with fiat of the A-G, Borno State.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

“….wilful omission to provide medical care for a sick child or other person in the custody or charge of a person in disregard of the fact, risk that the death of the sick child or person, is the probable or likely consequence of such omission”

Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC

Olanipekun: Dream Dreams that Will Put Us on Crest for Future Devt

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and immediate past Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, last Friday in Abuja, called on Nigerians to entertain dreams that will match and address not only our present shortcomings, but also put us on the crest for future development.

Chief Olanipekun was Keynote Speaker at the Colloquium to mark the 25th anniversary of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and book presentation.

Concluding his 33 page presentation at the event with the theme: “The Nigeria of Our Dream, A Call to the

Patriots” Chief Olanipekun said: “It is hoped that this Colloquium will provoke us to dreaming dreams that will match and address not only our present shortcomings, but also put us on the crest for future development”.

He said: “By applying the word future, I mean a future that will ignite and rekindle hope in our youths and generations to come. With this process in place, the present war of attrition and transferred aggression by the youths, poor and down trodden against any person or citizen who is generally perceived as an oppressor, be he a civil servant, middle class man or woman, successful Farmer, Lawyer, Doctor or any

‘No Budgetary Allocation to Settle Rising Judgement Debts’, Justice Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Justice has disclosed that, it did not receive any budgetary allocation for the settlement of judgement debts.

The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, made this known in Abuja at a dialogue on accessing remedies for human rights violations in Nigeria.

Represented by Mr Enoch Simon, a Director in the Litigation Department of the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office, Mrs Jeddy-Agba said: “Since 2019, the Federal Ministry of Justice has not received any budgetary allocation for settlement of judgement debts”.

She disclosed that in spite of the available legal framework in the country, the timely prosecution of fundamental rights cases and enforcement of the resulting judgements remained a major challenge for the Government.

She further stated that, it was unfortunate that the Ministry was often compelled to pay judgement debts from

unlawful actions of law enforcement institutions and agents.

“Most often, security or law enforcement agencies are the actual judgement debtors, since their actions and inactions occasion the infractions.

“However, the Ministry of Justice is dragged into the arena, either because the Attorney-General of the Federation is sued as a nominal party or the judgement creditor approaches the AGF to grant consent, pursuant to the provisions of Section 84 (1-3) of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.

“As a matter of due process and FGN Financial Regulations, it is the policy of the Federal Ministry of Finance, that payment of judgement debt by any agency must be based on clearance by the AttorneyGeneral and requisite budgetary appropriation.”

The Solicitor-General said some debtor agencies refer judgement debts to the Attorney-General, for intervention.

other professional, would be substantially curtailed.

“In the same vein, we would no longer see ourselves as second-class citizens of the world, for at creation, God has not made us inferior to any other race or people.”

Chief Olanipekun stated that the: “The acclaimed and celebrated successes of our youths in music and sports, bear eloquent corroboration of the foregoing testament that

our citizens are not lower in status than any other race or nation.

“Let us recall that the year 2021 marked a watershed moment for our youths in music, as Burna Boy secured the Grammy Award; Davido was singled out to display his musical craftsmanship at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in 2022; Tiwa Savage was sought out to perform at the coronation of King Charles

on 6th May, 2023, while Asake’s recent breathtaking performance at the London 02 Arena on 20th August, 2023 was most captivating, amazing and mesmerising.”

The Chairman of the event was Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC (Rtd), while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN was the Guest of Honour.

Other dignitaries at the event were: His Royal Highness, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai, Al-Amin Kanemi, Shehu of Borno; His Majesty, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyin O. Aladelusi, Deji of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State. The event was also graced by the Hon. Minister for Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong; former Governor of Bauchi State, Mr. M. A. Abubakar, SAN.

Greater Schools Protests Against Alleged Defamatory Campaign and Blackmail

An educational institution, Greater Scholars Staff School and Greater Scholars International Nursery & Primary and Secondary Schools in Lagos, is protesting against unwarranted campaign of calumny against it by a couple which the management of the School said, is misplaced and mistaken identity.

The Director of the School, Mrs Oyesanya said in a statement ‘They have alleged that their four-year old female child was sexually assaulted by a security staff of Greater Scholars Staff School. This allegation is unfounded, meritless, and is now a

subject of litigation awaiting the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP’s) Advice.

‘As a school, we take seriously the protection, safety, and well-being of our pupils. However, the staff against whom this allegation is made, has strongly denied the allegation. The innocent four-year-old child in question, was never sexually assaulted by a staff of the School.

‘The defamatory campaign launched in the media by the couple and their shadowy surrogates, are intended to blackmail the school and extort money.

‘The incident is alleged to have happened at the ‘Staff School’ facility which is entirely a separate location from Greater Scholars International Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, but this couple, for the past four months continue to misrepresent the facts on social media and in the mainstream media. Clearly, their motives are to influence the outcome of the investigations, and prejudice the minds of parents and the public at large.

‘They shall fail in their deceptive propaganda, to force the School to reach settlement of any sort.

‘We particularly call on

law enforcement agencies and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, (DSVA), Ministry of Youths & Social Development, to urgently consider filing an application for an Emergency Child Protection Order for the 4 four old child in question.

‘We are fully committed to safeguarding the best interest of the child and implementing the rights of the child, as prescribed in the Child Rights Law of Lagos State 2015.

‘We will continue to cooperate fully with the Police, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, and other agencies of Government to unravel the truth.

HON JUSTICE KATE ABIRI: SELFLESS AND GRACEFUL PURSUIT OF JUSTICE

Conqueror Queen of feel and stealth, Soft-spoken, gentle, yet hard as steel. Dexterity, devotion, weaponised to achieve, Justice for humanity, not a reward to receive.

Courts dependent not on might, Beholden to none but right. Never to dither nor shiver,Tech to lever and deliver. Hordes of words, not swords she deployed, Sloth, oppression, and injustice destroyed. Pushed, punted, pursued not to keep, Spoils and bounties, others to reap.

Laughter and banters still in the wind,Taste of warm Ube fresh on my mind.Lights-out: graceful Pharos of Bayelsa is Late, Sly and soundless exit, so, very much so like Kate.

Kashim Ebimieowei Zannah

L-R: Chairman, NBA Gusau Branch, Junaidu Abubakar; Minister of Labour & Employment, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong; Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN; Past Chairman, NBA Isiokpo Branch, HRM Luke Ihua & a Guest at the Colloquium to mark Chief Gadzama’s 25th Anniversary as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria

Greater Scholars International Nursery & Primary and Secondary Schools, Lagos

Valedictory Session of Immediate Past Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri

Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN

2023 NBA Conference: The Verdict

The flagship event of the Nigerian Bar Association, the NBA Annual General Conference held in Abuja last week from August 25–September 1. The 6-day event was the 63rd in the Association’s history, and as expected, it was a motley of events and activities. Onikepo Braithwaite who moderated one of the sessions, and Jude Igbanoi give a blow-by-blow account of the weeklong Conference, while Lawyers gave their verdict on the event

The Conference kicked off with a Jumat service at the National Mosque, Abuja on Friday, a health walk on Saturday, and a Church service for Christian conferees took place at the Bible Summit Church, Kaura District, Abuja held on Sunday, August 27th.

The Opening Ceremony followed thereafter at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, and it was fully packed with Lawyers at the Velodrome. The Conference which had as theme ‘GETTING IT RIGHT, CHARTING THE COURSE FOR NATION BUILDING’, had Tony Elumelu deliver the Keynote Address. The Conference was then declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. In his speech, President Tinubu said ‘Today, you have honoured me to address this gathering. Thank you very much.

‘I am not a Lawyer, but, I don’t make too many costly mistakes out of great respect and inducible commitment to humanity. I have been surrounded by great minds; one is Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation.

‘This is relevant to the present-day situation in our country; we have to get it right, and together is the theme you have placed in a very strategic position in the country. And strategic profession. Together, that’s all My presence here is all about:

“You are learned, and I want to learn”.

‘Where does the level of drilling done on the inquisitiveness of Nigeria’s intellectual

properties take us? Please, examine why we are blessed and yet we are lacking.’

Change of Mindset

‘We accuse our nation, and our previous leaders. We complain a lot about the past. This is not the solution. Look ahead and be determined; God has given us a creative mind and will. Africans are not dangerous people. We must respect our green back, our passport.

‘The greatness of our nation depends on our pride that we owe to the next generations, that Nigeria is our country, our motherland. Building these hopes, is our responsibility.

‘I thank you all, for your believing in me. Your love for my activism and capacity, brought us this far. Men and women of the Bar, let’s encourage each other to get it right.

‘The theme, Charting the Course for Nigeria Nation Building, is adopted, and the present members of the newly inaugurated cabinet should take a piece of this theme home. Let’s get working with a change of mindset, attitude, and a shift in approach to governance.

‘Our chief host, the landlord of Abuja, stick to your values; I want to ride on your metro line. If I ever

ask for a free land, decline, but, deliver for Nigeria’s good and great people.

‘For us, this number counts: to have approximately 16,000 legal minds, you are here not to merry but to chart the path. My trust and respect, are for all of you gathered here. So that, together, we can build our country and set Nigeria on the path of greatness.

‘I promise to do my very best, to achieve results.

Collaborators of this initiative include the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) with support from JURITRUST CENTRE, PILP, IIDEA RoLAC Program, DSN, FIDA, AWLA, among others.

Showcase Session

Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

In response, the NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Miakyau, OON, SAN, commended President Tinubu for his achievements over the years and urged him; saying: ‘We want Tinubu to replicate what he did in Lagos, across Nigeria’.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN said ‘My humble charge to all legal practitioners in Nigeria, be it on the Bench or at the Bar, is that, in the discharge of all our professional endeavours, we should be continually guided by the need to place the interest of our nation first. This is easily achievable if we follow the mission of our Association, the NBA, which is the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Good Governance in Nigeria’.

NBA Human Rights Committee Chairman of the NBA-HRI, Chino Obiagwu, SAN Declared the NBA AGC Legal Aid Clinic open to the public.

This year’s intervention, led by the NBA-HRI in Partnership with NBA-HRI

Panelists at this session agreed that, it is essential for the country to shift from a mono to a diversified economy that promotes agriculture, manufacturing and tradable services, while at the same time, professing solutions to the structural challenges facing Nigeria’s economy.

They also stressed the need for fiscal policies in the country to be strengthened, to promote economic growth. Speaking at the first plenary session of the conference, Mr Adetilewa Adebajo, Chief Executive Officer, CFG Advisory, said Nigeria’s economy was losing value and making life difficult for many Nigerians.

Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited (also a Lawyer), stated that getting the economy right, and decoding Nigeria’s strategy for growth, diversification, inclusivity and sustainability, was not negotiable.

At one of the plenaries, Director of Equal Justice Initiative and Professor at New York University School of Law, Bryan Stevenson urged the audience to read his book ‘Just Mercy’, which discusses the inadequacies in the American Justice System, including its bias against Women, Blacks and other Other Minorites. He said ‘Death row prisoners were electrocuted, on an electric chair.’ Through his numerous interventions, Stevenson as Lead Speaker for the first Plenary of Day 2 AGC, said had been able to secure the freedom of death row inmates including young people.

He said: ‘It takes courage to be hopeful, and without courage, you cannot achieve

“Please, examine why we are blessed and yet we are lacking”

2023 NBA Conference: The Verdict justice.’

Law Enforcement Session

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, called on legal practitioners and members of the NBA to work in tandem with law enforcement agencies, to curb money laundering and terrorism financing.

Owasanoye said: ‘Work with Law Enforcement Agencies, to Curb Corrupt Practices’ .

The session focused on the new NBA rules and guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and underlining the legal profession’s role in the fight against the vices.

Prof Owasanoye implored the NBA leadership to use the internal risk assessment policy, as a set of guidelines to make its own rules in determining what is ethical and what is not, stressing that any anti-corruption or anti-laundering committee must side-step the pitfalls of bureaucracy, to avoid complicity when a law enforcement agency moves against a client.

Artificial Intelligence Session

The special session on AI focused the use of AI in the legal industry, and it witnessed the official unveiling of a new app designed and developed by the team of Ope Olugasa, MD/ CEO of LawPavilion Business Solutions, the PrimeGPT and PrimsolGPT at the session titled "Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession in Nigeria."

Legal experts, practitioners, and innovators discussed the transformative influence of AI on the Nigerian legal landscape, delved into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and the legal field encompassing regulatory frameworks, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it presents.

The session’s lead speaker was Mr Olugasa, and he emphasised the urgent need for the Nigerian legal system to embrace artificial intelligence. Referencing examples from around the world, he called for a paradigm shift toward the utilisation of AI technologies to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and fairness within the legal system.

Olugasa confidently affirmed, "AI will not replace Lawyers; instead, Lawyers who harness AI will replace Lawyers who do not".

Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN even took it further, by suggesting that it should go beyond Law School, to include all Faculties of Law, to ensure adept use by the upcoming generation of Lawyers

Boma Alabi, SAN, Sworn in as Chairman of SLP

Former President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association ( CLA), Mrs Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, was on Thursday last week, sworn in as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NVA SLP) at the Section’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja. The Section’s Annual General Meeting held as part of the programmes in the just concluded 63rd Annual General Conference of the NBA.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Alabi promised to serve with dedication and honesty, to enhance the development of the member’s skills and that of Nigerian Lawyers.

Mr Omubo Frank Briggs was elected the Treasurer of the Section.

What Lawyers Had to Say of this Year’s Conference

OCJ Okocha, SAN – Former NBA President – It was Success

‘The 2023 Annual General Conference of the NBA, has so far gone very well. With the reported number of over 16,000 registered for the Conference, I have to commend the President, National Officers and the Conference Planning Committee headed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN for choosing the Velodrome and other facili-

ties of the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium as the venue, as only such a place could have accommodated the Conference.’

The theme of the Conference, GETTING IT RIGHT: CHARTING A COURSE FOR NIGERIA’S NATION BUILDING, was apt.

I have attended most of the Working Sessions held in the Velodrome, and I also attended the session hosted by the Women’s Forum on the future of Women Lawyers in the Legal Profession. The Lead Speakers and other Resource Persons chosen to make presentations on various topics performed well, and audience participation was robust and quite engaging.

The only complaint I have is the lack of transportation to and from the venue, especially in view of the high fares charged by taxi drivers. I believe that two or three buses could have been stationed at some major hotels in Abuja, to move conferees to and from the stadium.

By and large, it has been a successful Conference.’

Boma Alabi, OON, SAN –Former President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and new Chair, Section on Legal Practice - It Was a Good Conference

‘The NBA AGM is always a major undertaking, and this year's was no different. The first time we crossed the 10,000 mark in relation to the number of delegates was the Funke Adekoya, SAN led planning committee under Aketi's Presidency in Lagos. We had active support from the Government of Lagos State. Transport was provided to reduce vehicular traffic, traffic wardens were deployed, traffic diverted, residents informed and advised to avoid the Victoria Island axis which was the hub of the Conference.

As a result of the co-operation between the State Government and the NBA, it all went very smoothly and the general consensus was that this was the Conference to beat.

Sadly, this was not the case with our Conference this year, probably because of the fact that we were in political transition.

I knew it would be chaos attempting to get into the velodrome for the opening ceremony, and chose to stay away. As expected, the delegates' experience with logistics was challenging, to put it mildly.

On the other hand, the quality of Speakers generally, could comfortably be scored 9 over 10. It was great to meet up with so many friends and colleagues, from every nook and cranny of the country. The President's dinner was most enjoyable.

Conference materials in the literal sense were presumably excellent quality, judging by the bag. I got a bag sans content, so, cannot comment on what was supposed to be in the bag, if anything.

I have to commend the President Y. C. Maikyau, OON, SAN. He made it a duty to attend every session, and was very accessible to the young Lawyers. It was indeed, heart warming, to observe his palpable concern and interest in the professional development of the young Lawyers.’

Sylva Ogwemoh, SAN – The Theme was Apt

‘Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association, and attendance at the Annual General Conference is increasing by each passing year. It is imperative that we constantly improve on the mode of organising the AGC, using modern technology. In terms of organisation, there is a marked improvement this year, compared to previous years. Conference bags were distributed seamlessly,

and information dissemination about the Conference activities was good. The topics for discussion and the quality of presentation was good. The theme of the Conference was aptly chosen, as it speaks to our current challenges as a nation. The obvious truth is that, Nigeria is richly blessed with both human and natural resources. All that is needed, is a change in mindset and respect for the rule of law.’

Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN – Former NBA 1st Vice President – Prof Stevenson was Fantastic

‘It was well organised. The choice of venue, the velodrome, was fantastic. The open-air architecture, was both safe and healthy. Topics were fine, but the choice of Speakers needs to improve. Some were really good, and some flat. What is the criteria for choosing Speakers? Prof Bryan Stevenson who spoke on Tuesday morning, was fantastic. Speakers and discussants need to know that they will be speaking one year ahead, and need to submit their papers or executive summaries six months before, so discussants can prepare well ahead of time.’

Prof Ernest Ojukwu, SAN (aka Teacher) – Attendance at Money Laundering Session was Impressive

‘My session was on Ethics and Professional Conduct for Lawyers: A Closer Look at the Rules of Professional Conduct and NBA Rules and Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. The discussion at this session, was robust and interesting. But, considering that this was a plenary session on an ethics theme that included our incoming guidelines on the complex issue of money laundering, the attendance was disappointedly poor, and the session started more than an hour behind schedule.’

Mrs Folashade Alli – NBA Set the Tone to Get it Right

‘One of most distinguishing features of this year’s Annual Conference, was the large turnout of attendees which was up to 16,000 people, and resulted in the use of the National Stadium as the venue. The speeches of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Prince Abdullateef Fagbemi, SAN, set a positive tone for the Conference. The quality and intellectual prowess of the Speakers and topics addressed in most of the sessions were diverse, topical, and highly relevant to present-day concerns of all Lawyers present.

Particularly enlightening for me, was the session on Getting the Economy Right, which decoded strategies for the Country's growth, diversification, inclusivity and sustainability.’

Mrs Abiye Tam-George – There Should be Access to Justice

‘My intervention on addressing the new frontiers in enforcement of judgements and accessing remedies, opined that until our court processes are all automated, we cannot rightly be seen as being effective and efficient in enforcement of judgements. I contended that the lack of enforcement

of judicial awards, is a direct reflection of the lack of access to justice and remedies by victims of human rights violations. If an application for an emergency protection order is not granted at the same time or within the time that is urgently needed, then such remedy is not accessible to aggrieved citizens. We must always bear in mind that, justice delayed is justice denied.’

Lawrence Anyia – Former NBA Jos Branch Chairman

‘The Conference witnessed a large turn out of conferees, and the Opening Ceremony was great. The Conference bags, were also of top quality. Food was quite available, but, the service wasn’t orderly. The plenary sessions were quite engaging. The Conference venue was spacious. On the whole, I would score the Conference 75%.’

Ralph Monye – We’ll Get it Right

Every serious Lawyer looks forward to the Annual General Conference of Lawyers. Even when the registration fees shot up from as little as N5,000 to the most recent of N95,000 for early birds for Lawyers over twenty years, most Lawyers still looked forward to this yearly Conference.

So, you can see therefore, why the Conference should be well planned. I was amazed to see well dressed Lawyers standing to eat the only meal, one out of the three days, provided for the day. Meals at the mammy market, were majorly not affordable also.

In terms of getting it right, the road is not smooth yet. Well, we will get there.’

Sophia Chima –Conference Left an Enduring Impact

The NBA Annual General Conference (AGC) left an indelible mark, as it brought together legal practitioners from diverse geographical regions, States, and fields. The event not only served as a professional gathering, but also provided a heartwarming opportunity to rekindle connections with friends, family, and esteemed Lecturers. Against the backdrop of the theme "Getting it right," the Conference’s value was further enhanced by its enriching and purposeful lectures. The AGC's educational sessions, were marked by their informative content and strategic alignment with the overarching theme. A particular highlight was the discussion centred around the road map for young Lawyers, delving into the intricacies of navigating new beginnings, managing transitions, and fostering personal and professional growth. Among the noteworthy Speakers, Mr Lamar J.K. Gadzama, a Senior Associate at J-K Gadzama LLP, Nigeria, delivered a captivating lecture that left a lasting impression. His insights resonated deeply with attendees, shedding light on the multifaceted journey young Lawyers embark upon in their careers.

In summary, the NBA AGC of this year left an enduring impact by uniting legal professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions. Beyond the enriching lectures and discussions, the Conference provided a platform for reconnections and networking. The emphasis on the theme "Getting it right" ensured that attendees, including myself, found valuable guidance in navigating the complexities of legal careers.

Epilogue

The 63rd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association is, one of the fairly better ones that the body has had in recent times, despite a few hitches here and there. The Technical Committee on Conference Planning Chaired by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, with his Co-Chair, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, could only be said to be a sterling team. Given the humongous challenges, including the paucity of funds the TCCP faced, the verdict of most Lawyers is that ‘they came, they saw and they conquered.’

For the first time in the recent history of the NBA, the perennial complaints and protests over the availability of Conference bags, was manifestly overcome. This is contrary to the harrowing experience of conferees at last year’s Conference, where many conferees couldn’t get their Conference bags, resulting in the violent looting of the bags were they were kept, an incident for which the investigating Committee is yet to conclude its assignment.

“It was well organised. The choice of venue, the velodrome, was fantastic. The open-air architecture, was both safe and healthy. Topics were fine, but the choice of Speakers needs to improve”

Immediate Past NBA President, Olumide Akpata (left) and Wale Fapohunda, SAN

Chijioke Okoli, SAN (left) and Esther Jimoh

President of the NBA, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON,SAN and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

Dr Oros Okocha (left) and CEO, CFG Advisory, Adetilewa Adebajo

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

CEO, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, CON

Hon. Justice Zannah (left) and Onikepo Braithwaite

Femi Falana, SAN

L-R: Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Babatunde Ogala, SAN; Editor of This Day Lawyer, Onikepo Braithwaite and Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Committee, Anthony Ojukwu, SAN

Prof Mike Ozekhome, CON, SAN (left) and former CJ, FCT, Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello

L-R: Usman Sule, SAN; Emmanuel Ekpuda; Oluchi Uche and Dr Reuben Abati

Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN

L-R: Dayo Akinlaja, SAN; Yusuf Ali, SAN and Roland Otaru, SAN

L-R: Chairman, NBA Maiduguri Branch, Modu Grema; Yakubu Maikyau, SAN and Member, NBA, Ughelli Branch, HRH Oba Okoubi Dr Tunde Ajibade, SAN

NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, OON, SAN Former NBA President, OCJ Okocha, SAN

PHOTOS: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Chairman, TCCP 2023 NBA AGC, Afam Osigwe, SAN; Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN and former Ekiti State Attorney - General, Obafemi Adewale, SAN

L-R: Vice Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN (left) and former AGF and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN

L-R: Yewande Ahonaruogho; Prince Dr Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN and Chief Mrs Mojisola Ahonaruogho

Brigadier General Musa and Simon Loung, SAN

L-R: Olugbenga Sheba, Babakura Kaka, Chinedu Obienu, Gloria Ohia and Happiness Johnson

Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN (left) and Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN

Chairman of ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN (left) and Channels TV’s Shola Soyele

Bryan Stevenson, Director of Equal Justice Initiative and Professor at New York University School of Law

L-R: Immediate Past NBA General Secretary, Joyce Oduah; Solomon Umoh, SAN; Yakubu Maikyau, SAN; OCJ Okocha, SAN and Sylva Ogwemoh, SAN

Former NBA President, Augustine Alegeh, SAN (left) and Olayiwola Afolabi

L-R: President Bola Tinubu being greeted by Keynote Speaker, Tony Elumelu, with Boss Mustapha looking on, and former NBA President, Augustine Alegeh, SAN behind

L-R: Tonye Krukrubo, SAN; Boma Alabi, SAN; Folasade Alli and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN

L-R: Prof Joseph Abugu, SAN; Prof Biola Sanni, SAN and Yakubu Maikyau, SAN

L-R: Deputy Editor, This Day Lawyer, Jude Igbanoi; Mr. Onyema Omenuwa and Deputy Director, Legal, NHRC, Pwadumdi Okoh

Biodun Owonikoko, SAN

INSIGHT

Introduction

This might come across a bit like like comparing grapes and apples, but on a closer look, the similarities between the Minister of Arts & Culture, Ms Hanatu Musawa, and the so-called 'baddest Lawyer', Ifunanya Excel Grant, should become manifest. To start with, both of them are women; and they are both Lawyers. They are also presently in the eye of a media storm, having become enmeshed in unrelated (avoidable?) controversies. However, there the similarity ends. This is because different reasons are behind the negative publicity which has surrounded them in the past few weeks - and which rages unabated. Do they deserve the bad press? Are they ‘guilty’ as charged? Let us find out, starting with 'the baddest' of them all!

Ifunanya: Innocent Self-expression or Conduct Unbecoming of a Lawyer?

Ever since the internet was flooded with the images of a semi-nude Ifunanya Excel Grant (are the last two really her names?), apparently smoking what looked like a narcotic (marijuana?), the leadership of the NBA (and not a few of its rank-and-file) have been up in arms against what they perceive either as professional misconduct, or conduct unbecoming of a Lawyer. The former has gone as far as, initiating formal disciplinary proceedings against her. There’s been no shortage of opinions on the controversy: either for or against her.

On her own part, she has denied any wrongdoing - disowning many of the online posts as fictitious and not bearing her imprimatur. Her affirmation of several alternative personas other than her being a counsel (model, musician, artist, etc.) has not assuaged the naysayers who have continued to bay for her ‘blood’. Which side is correct? Has she broken any diktat, either professionally or otherwise? Can the NBA make the charge against her stick?

Did She Break Any Rule?

This is the most important question. The extant code of Lawyers in Nigeria is the Legal Practitioners Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023. Of its 78 provisions, none seems to be more relevant to the case of Ifunanya than its very first one: Rule 1. It provides, inter alia, that:

“a Lawyer shall . . . not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner”.

Accordingly, the real question is whether appearing in public or sharing photographic images wearing bikinis or semi-nude (not to mention brandishing or even appearing to consume a ‘smoky’ substance) amounts to conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner.

The Answer

I’m afraid, unless the rules are re-written, in the form which they are presently couched, it would be a stretch to accommodate Ifunanya’s presumed images within the spirit (if not the letters) of the RPC. Quite simply, there appears to be no precedent (at least locally) for sanctioning a Lawyer for such behaviour. It would have been different were she charged with acting (or expressing herself)

Hanatu and Ifunanya: Two of a Kind?

in that way, in the course of performing her professional duties as a Lawyer. That would have been a no-brainer: she would have been guilty as charged. Instances of such behaviour are well documented. See, for instance RE G. IDOWU: A LEGAL PRACTITIONER (1971) 1 All NLR 126; and OKIKE v LPDC (2005) 15 NWLR (Pt 949) 471).

However, as a learned colleague, Sylvester Udemezue correctly pointed out (see "Meaning and Scope of Infamous Conduct in a Professional Respect" published in the Nigerian Lawyer blog on June, 5th 2020), not every malfeasance committed by a Lawyer in the course of acting for a client is “infamous conduct". He cites as an example of unprofessional conduct which is neither “disgraceful nor dishonourable,” but is merely against established norms and traditions of the profession, a Lawyer using the word, “Barrister” as a title honorific before his name (See NBA v OFOMATA (2017) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1557) 128 at 133). Another example he cites, is a Lawyer standing surety for his client; although “unprofessional,” it does not constitute “infamous conduct in a professional respect”.

He cites the contrasting examples of infamous conduct by a Lawyer in a professional respect, the following: stealing; converting or misappropriating a client’s money or property; defrauding a client; divulging privileged professional communication; acting in spite existence of conflict of interest; colluding with a client to commit illegality or fraud or perjury, or forgery; stealing another Lawyer’s client; a law lecturer participating or engaging in exam malpractice, a prosecuting legal officer colluding with the defence to destroy

evidence or otherwise to pervert the course of justice; a Lawyer bribing the Judge or other court official to have judgement in his client’s favour; a Lawyer communicating privately with the Judge in a case he is handling, etc. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on whose side you are on), that is not the case with Ifunanya.

It is important to remember that selfexpression is a civil liberty (a fundamental right) guaranteed under Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, in the following words: “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”. Constitutional provisions are required to be interpreted liberally: NAFIU RABIU v KANO STATE (1980) LLJR – SC and BRONIK MORORS v WEMA BANK (1983) JELR 46432 (SC); (1985) 35 NCLR 296.

Without appearing to endorse criminality or immorality/indecency, I believe it is not the intention of the framers of our Constitution to sanction a person who chooses to express his or herself by posing in public, dressed in a bikini while appearing to consume what is no more than a smoke-emitting substance – even if that substance suspiciously looks like a narcotic. It must be emphasised that the key words are “appearing” or “apparently”. Appearances can be deceiving – especially in this day of photoshopped digital images and artificial intelligence, where virtually anything is possible online.

By way of comparison, it must be said that Ifunanya’s daring-do pales besides the mass brawl which erupted at the end of a novelty football match between two branches of the NBA, during it’s just concluded Annual General Conferencewhich this paper correctly described as a show of shame. This is fast becoming a disturbing trend, following two incidents a few years ago when two male and female members of the Bar separately came to blows – one in open court, the other otherwise, but, one of whom was, in the all-female encounter, heavily pregnant. The pugilists, on each occasion, got away with no more than a rap on their already bruised wrists.

Ifunanya’s is a test case. How we all emerge from it, remains to be seen.

Minister Musawa

As previously stated, Ms Hanatu Musawa

was sworn in a few weeks ago as the Minister of Arts in President Tinubu's cabinet. Hardly had she settled down, that news emerged that she is presently undergoing the supposedly compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps programme (NYSC). Since then, many have challenged the legitimacy of her appointment on a variety of grounds, mainly the NYSC Act (Sections 2 & 13) and it’s by-laws (Section 4(9) of 2011), which supposedly prescribe successful completion of the programme, as a condition for employment in the public service. Others (notably human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN), have cited at least one judicial decision (MODIBBO v USMAN (2019) LPELR-59095(SC) as establishing a precedent that completion of the NYSC programme is a condition precedent to vying for or holding elective office. Relying on constitutional provisions, they have extrapolated that decision to Hanatu's case, by arguing that the same qualifications are applicable to the appointment of Ministers as election into the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once again, I believe this might be a case of comparing grapes with apples. The following are my reasons.

That decision is not apposite; it is only applicable to contestants for elective office under the Constitution. A case is only authority for what it actually decided and it is inappropriate to cite it in circumstances which might seem logically to flow from it: O’ODUA INVESTMENT v TALABI (1997) LLJR-SC. However, assuming without conceding, that MODIBBO’S case (Supra) is applicable to Minister Musawa, to the extent that it was decided without reference to the provisions of Articles 13 and 15 of the African Charter (which confer the rights to work and to participate in government, respectively), it was rendered per incuriam. See OPARA v SPDCN (2015) 14 NWLR Pt. 1479 pg. 307. This is because, with the exception of the Constitution, the African Charter is superior to all municipal laws such as the NYSC Act and, of course, the by-laws made thereunder: IGP v ANPP (2007) 18 NWLR pt. 1066 pg. 457, C.A; and ABACHA v FAWEHINMI (2000) 6 NWLR pt. 660 pg. 228.

This view is without prejudice to Section 315 of the Constitution. This is because the NYSC Act is no more integral to the Constitution by virtue of those provisions, than the Land Use Act. Accordingly, the Apex Court has not hesitated to strike down parts of the latter law, notwithstanding it's purported ‘assimilation’ into the Constitution vide Section 315(5) thereof. See NKWOCHA v GOV. OF IMO STATE (1984) SCNLR 634.

“…. unless the rules are re-written, in the form which they are presently couched, it would be a stretch to accommodate Ifunanya’s presumed images within the spirit (if not the letters) of the RPC. Quite simply, there appears to be no precedent (at least locally) for sanctioning a Lawyer for such behaviour”

Minister of Arts & Culture, Ms Hanatu Musawa

Ifunanya Excel Grant

Omega Power Ministries Transforming Society, Gives Overseas Scholarships to over 4,000 Indigent Children

The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, has taken up the challenge of contributing immensely to the building of a responsible society by single-handedly sponsoring over 4000 indigent children on scholarships abroad, rehabilitating hardened criminals and engaging them in responsible activities, Blessing Ibunge reports

One of the fast-growing Pentecostal churches with headquarters in Rivers State, Omega Power Ministries (OPM), in the past years, has contributed meaningfully to building a responsible society through its various innovative and rehabilitating activities across the country. The Christian denomination headed by Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere (General Overseer) has removed many criminals from the streets and further ensured their rehabilitation. Through the church tithes and offerings, the church has sponsored over 40000 persons on free skill acquisitions, built free specialist hospitals, free schools, rehabilitation centres, free scholarships abroad, free accommodations, free restaurants, free boutiques, sponsored so many marriages, and others.

THISDAY visits to some facilities in Rivers revealed that the religious body has impacted more than has been publicised about it. Though there seems to be little interference from outside the church attacking the alleged morality of the founder, that did not distract him from continuing in his philanthropic act, as over 50 indigent children who have left secondary school for over 5-8years and have lost hope of furthering their education to higher learning were given a scholarship abroad on Thursday, fully sponsored by the church. It was also gathered that most of the innovations' beneficiaries are not church members. Some of the beneficiaries are Muslims.

In 2017, the current Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, as a governor of the state, described the general overseer of OPM as a catalyst for development, following the different creative and developmental activities the church has put on the ground in that state. Wike, who spoke through the then Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, at the 11th anniversary of the church, held at the University of Port Harcourt, noted that the ministry has rehabilitated children and even those the society has given up on, appreciating his starling work in the rehabilitation of militants, sex workers and provision of free medical services in the state.

He said, “Whenever the name of Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor is mentioned, it brings service to humanity. The one that touches me is the work you have done in the lives of our repentant criminals. The governor has asked me to commend you for what you have done in rehabilitating the repentant criminals. It is obvious that they have repented of their evil ways, but the polished way you took up their matters as if it is your personal matter has touched the governor of Rivers state.

“On your free medical outreach, you have saved the people and the state a lot, so the Rivers State government believes in you and supports you in what you are doing. I don’t want to go into other things like free accommodation. You have sponsored so many marriages; widows got free accommodation from your ministry. The free education you give to the less privileged is commendable.”

Education

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere has sponsored over 4,000 indigent children abroad on scholarship. While some beneficiaries were sent to study in Turkey, Cyprus, Poland, the United States, Canada, etc., over 650 persons were sent to study in the Benin Republic, fully sponsored by the church, including free accommodations and feeding. The church also built about 27 free nursery, primary and secondary schools across Abia, Rivers, Lagos and Akwa Ibom.

Kenneth Nwachi, Special Adviser on Special Duties to Apostle Chinyere, General, told THISDAY that one of the schools out of the 27 free nursery, primary and secondary schools is a special free school for autism and people with Down syndrome.

He said, “We have a total number of 27 free schools. Out of the 27, we have 26 free schools in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Lagos and one free school for children born with autism and Down syndrome. In Africa as a whole, there is no free school for autism and Down syndrome. OPM is the only church that built such a school. Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere didn't just build the school. He provided brand new buses that take the children to school and return them back home. He also employed special teachers who are teaching them. Presently, he has also acquired land in Umuahia to commence building a free school for autism and Down syndrome in Nigeria.”

The effort includes the provision of a skills acquisition programme.

Free accommodation

It was also revealed that the ministry has built about 18 free estates in Port Harcourt, Aluu community in Rivers. When visited Omuokiri-Aluu in Ikwerre LGA, one of the estates has about 72 flats erected for the homeless and those undergoing rehabilitation. Currently, over 500 children who were picked from the streets live with Apostle Chinyere in his private residence in

the Government Residential Area, Port Harcourt.

At the free rehabilitation centre in Omuokiri, some repentant criminals told THISDAY that changes became possible after they had an encounter with the church. Some of them, who claimed not to be residents of the state, said the GO has made them drop their guns and become responsible. One of them, who gave his name as Sule John-Jerry, a native of Edo and son to a prominent general overseer of a church in Benin city, said for years he had made attempts to become a better person but he could not until had got contact with the church.

He said, “On July 19, 2023, I denounced in OPM, and Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere decided to pick me up and rehabilitate me. I denounced armed robbery, stealing and masturbation of 11 years. I have gained a lot here because we have our morning-evening bible devotion. He also gave me a scholarship to the Bible School Institute. So, I am a student pastor as well; besides that, we try to encourage ourselves. We teach ourselves the scriptures because we know where we are coming from and don't want to definitely go back there.

Also, Omagbemi Great, a native of Delta state who said he was saved from criminal activities, said, “Roughly for 10 years, I was into a life of crime. I usually go from state to state doing wrong things, which is the life of stealing. I came to Port Harcourt. I was here for about a month, but I have been hearing about OPM, so I just decided one Sunday to see what is happening in the place. Precisely on June 5, this year, I was in the service that day, and I heard the apostle say, 'If you know you are tired of this kind of life you are living and want to denounce that, go to the back of the church and they will interview and will come up and denounce that life. That was how I got up, by the grace of God, I renounced, and that is how the journey started.”

Another beneficiary, Samuel Ekenam, a 42-year-old native of Akwa Ibom, said, “I was an armed robber, a kidnapper, I was into drugs, till I came to OPM in 2017. I had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and from there, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, started rehabilitation. Since then till now we have

been under rehabilitation, and God has been helping us through this ministry. I was before now living with my wife, not fully married, but when I came to OPM, the apostle had to pay for my bride price, and I had a proper marriage. Our children are on scholarship. We have benefitted from the free skill acquisition. I was trained in pipeline welding, and some have gotten jobs and are working from here”.

Free specialist hospital

Mrs Charity Chidozie, Administrator of the OPM free specialist hospital, who spoke with THISDAY at the hospital site in OmuahunwoAluu, said the healthcare facility, alongside the free specialist hospital in Ohanku Ndoki, Abia, had successfully recorded delivery of about 4944 babies since inception from 2012 till date.

The Free Specialist Hospital was established by the Founder and General Overseer of OPM in Ohanku Ndoki, Abia, in 2012, while that of Aluu was established in April 2019. In a recent chat with the media, Chinyere disclosed that about N534,730,000 was spent on Caesarean section and normal deliveries alone in the two hospitals. He explained that the free services, from registration, antenatal, drugs, and scans to all relevant medical checkups, are offered to members of the public irrespective of tribe, religion and race to help reduce the high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

A medical officer with the hospital, Dr. Chima Nwike, said the devotion to patient management in the facility is standard. He said, “I have worked in a few other private hospitals, I think the way patients are managed here, the consultant, the medical director, the administrator, and the junior cedar staff, the way they work with them has been really excellent."

He regretted that the government has not been active in their responsibilities, especially in healthcare delivery, adding, “Looking at the environment we are in, a country where health indices are bad, government involvement in their statutory responsibilities are low, we don't need to remind ourselves that maternal mortality is the highest in the world, infant mortality is just highest in the world and it rests on the government because it is in their duty to ensure optimum indices.”

A pregnant mother at the OPM free specialist hospital, Omuahunwo-Aluu, Rivers State OPM free specialist hospital, Omuahunwo-Aluu

Mr Samuel Ekenam, a repentant armed robber, at the OPM rehabilitation center in Omuokiri-Aluu

OPM free school along Ada-George Road axis, in Obio/Akpor LGA OPM free rehabilitation center, Omuokiri-Aluu

Advocating Proper Funding to Evolve NN Band to Global Standards, Demand

Although

Navy

The importance of music, as a soft power when played in military operations can never be understated. In charge of this section is the Directorate of Music, which can be found in all arms of the Armed Forces.

For the Nigerian Navy (NN) though, it has become of utmost importance to evolve this directorate and make its content more globally acceptable. This task was the recent crux of the Nigerian Navy Band annual conference organised by the Directorate of Music, Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

Themed "Music Education in the NN: Past, Present and Future", stakeholders at the event said this can only be achieved through proper funding of military bands and review of their curriculum.

The end goal being to enable them evolve into global brands capable of attracting foreign exchange through the exportation of original contents.

Also on the front burner was the advocacy to review the curriculum of military schools of music to be at par with those of universities for career development of their personnel.

The three-day conference which was held at the Nigerian Navy School of Music (NNSM), Ota, Ogun State, brought together music lecturers from reputable universities, musicians, script writers and other stakeholders in the field and they unanimously agreed that there was need for the military bands to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which they said, had limitless possibilities for teaching and learning music.

Noting the important role music, as a soft power, played in military operations, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was represented by the Naval Training Command's (NAVTRAC) Ashore and Sea Officer, Commodore Raheem Taofeek, said music provided parameters that could be used to frame experiences, feelings and comportment.

Reiterating the navy's commitment to the creation and adoption of policies aimed at improving professionalism and capacity building, he said: "I would like to emphasize here that quality training and retraining of our officers and ratings in all capacity is paramount in our military endeavours.

"The Directorate of Music from inception has been a department to reckon with in terms of

grown to be a reputable

personnel.

"The NN Band should collaborate with experienced music educators in higher institutions such as universities, colleges of education or polytechnics to ensure that their educational programmes are effective and we'll structures. This kind of initiative could have a positive impact on both the NN's image and the development of musical talent within the country.

"The NN Band should engage with local communities through music initiatives, workshops and performances. This would promote cultural awareness and appreciation...More of these community engagements can be extended to primary and secondary schools around and other educational centres. Through these kinds of educative and entertaining interactions, the NNB can further contribute to music education in Nigeria.

"It is common knowledge that music education in the NNB like other military institutions require adequate funding for the purchase of state of the art musical equipment, infrastructure as well as maintenance."

training. Judging by the array of seasoned scholars, serving and retired officers as well as important stakeholders participating in this conference, I am confident that your wealth of knowledge and experience would enrich the deliberations.

"It is my expectation that this conference would be an appropriate forum to exchange ideas and proffer views that would assist in charting a new course towards repositioning the NN Band for sustainability of creative professionalism through modern musical educational aids."

Reminiscing on the days of humble beginnings, the Director of Music, Nigerian Navy, Captain Olalekan Abiodun, said the Navy Band has grown to be a reputable and recognised entity of reckon with several international performances to its credit.

He attributed the successes to the foundation laid during its formative years which he said was based on quality training and professional education . According to Abiodun, the department started with one musical section (military band) but has added three more- the Dance Band, Steel Pan Band and Bag Pipers.

"I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the effort of the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, for his encouragement and approvals on requests concerning training.

"This year’s conference is designed to x-ray music education with particular interest in reviewing the past, improve upon the present and to make considerable and achievable plans for the future.

"It is therefore our intent to tap from the reservoir of knowledge and wealth of experience of our seasoned academia, military officers of the music department (serving and retired) and other esteemed stakeholders during the paper presentation and discussions.

"It is heartwarming to state that the implementation of the communique at the last Nigerian Navy Band Conference 2022 has contributed significantly to improving training and performances in the department," he said.

Delivering his keynote lecture, a Music Lecturer from the University of Ibadan, Dr. Toyin Ajose, said the course content and adequacy of teaching/ contact hours should be reviewed to be at par with what was obtainable in higher institutions.

He recommended collaboration and educational exchange programmes to open doors for cultural exchanges that enrich musical experience for

Emphasising the need for technology, Ajose said there were several applications that could facilitate the teaching of rudiments of music, sight reading and aural training, urging the Navy to pay adequate attention to ensuring that its bandsmen were able to use digital tools, maximally.

"Where a music computer laboratory is not present at the NNSM, it is high time that one was set up to enhance the teaching and learning in the school.

"New courses that capture the current music realities should be introduced into the programme and courses of the school. The inclusion of Nigerian indigenous and popular music studies should be given a substantial consideration in the curriculum of the school.

"Scholars have posited that for a music education programme to be seen as inclusive and diverse, such programme must accommodate different genre in its classroom design.

"While the NNB has put on great efforts in the 'Nigerianisation' of its musical performances over the years, it is expedient that same gesture should translate to its music education. This is particularly important as it will assist to indigenise music education in the NNB thus contributing to the ongoing conversation on decolonising music education in Nigeria."

Chess Tournament Heralds Advocaat's 15th Anniversary in Makoko

Precious Ugwuzor

Fifteen years ago, a full service commercial law firm, Advocaat Law Practice (ALP), started providing legal services in Yaba, near Makoko, Lagos. Makoko, sometimes described as the “largest floating slum in the world” is a unique low-income community, a third of which is built on stilts in a lagoon off the Lagos mainland.

That was where Advocaat initially pitched its tent and is definitely not forgetting the days of its little beginnings.

As part of activities to mark its 15th anniversary, it organised a mini chess tournament for pupils of Whanyinna School in the floating community of Makoko.

It was an exciting occasion as the talented school children participated in the "Chess in Communities Mini Tournament" held recently on August 26, 2023, ahead of Advocaat's 15th anniversary on September 3.

The winners, who got scholarship support, are Kisegbeji Benjamin (overall winner), Avlessi Thank God (best junior player) and Kpago Mary (best female player).

The ‘Chess in Communities Mini Tournament’, which held on the sand-filled ground of the school, saw no fewer than 48 players from primary and junior secondary classes competing for a trophy and scholarship prizes.

ALP Founding Partner, Ola Alokolaro, said the mini tournament was one of many events to celebrate the firm’s 15th anniversary.

He said that it was organised through Strictly Law Business (SLB) in partnership with a nonprofit organisation, Chess in Slums Africa. Alokolaro said: “It's our way of giving back

to our community.

"We started off the practice in Yaba, very close to this place, which is why we chose this particular community to give back to.

"We're looking for talent. Majority of these children are gifted, so it's important to harness these gifts for the benefit of the community and our country.

"The intent is to collaborate and help with the development of some of these communities and uplift some of the underprivileged.”

On the choice of chess, he said:

“Chess is a very strategic game and it helps to build the mind and it's important that the minds of these

kids are engaged from an early age.

“It is our intention to sponsor the children from first to third place and ensure that their education for the year is taken care of.

“We're definitely going to continue to partner with Chess in Slums, with some of their initiatives, both in the near and the future terms.”

He urged other law firms to consider similar charitable causes to lift the society.

“It's very important to uplift each other and that's the only way we can build the nation,” Alokolaro said.

Founder, Strictly Law Business, Olubosola Ajala, said her organisation empowers lawyers and law firms on growing profitable practices.

“Being one of our clients, we had to work together with Advocaat Law Practice on its 15th anniversary, to conceptualise the idea of giving

back to society.

"We worked with them to organise this chess tournament. It's their way of giving back.

“As a service provider to them, we had to ensure that everything that had to do with the success of the chess tournament was wellexecuted.”

Advocaat Law Practice is a leading full-service commercial law firm with extensive experience in advising stakeholders of various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

It is structured on a partnership basis, with the Energy and Infrastructure, Financing and Capital Markets, Corporate Commercial, Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT), Dispute Resolution, Shipping and International Trade, and Government Relations and Public Policy Groups as its core practice groups.

With a strong and dedicated team of lawyers and support staff, as well as a global network of consultants, the firm provides legal advisory services to organisations and individuals with business interests in Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan African region.

Its client-focused approach is renowned and further reinforced by the firms commendable transaction experience.

ALP has been recognised both locally and internationally. In 2019, it was awarded Law Firm of the Year (mid-size practice) in Nigeria by ESQ.

In 2017, the firm was voted the Law Firm of the Year (small practice) in Nigeria by ESQ. In 2016, it was recognised as the Emerging Law firm in Africa by the Law Digest Awards.

The firm is ranked for its Energy and Infrastructure, Corporate Commercial and Banking and Finance mandates.

From left: Managing Partner, Advocaat Law Practice (ALP), Ola Alokolaro; ALP Partner, Adekemi Sijuwade; members of staff and first to third winners of the chess tournament at the event

the Nigerian

Band has

and recognised entity with with several international performances to its credit, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on the need to evolve and even sustain such efforts to global standards capable of attracting foreign exchange when on demand

Commodore Raheem Taofeek (second right), Captain Olalekan Abiodun (left), Commanding Officer (CO) NNSM, Commander Olaife Olaiya (right) and former Chairman, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Chief Dele Adeniji

Globacom: Two Decades of Redefining Telecoms, Raising Champions, Building Empires, Nurturing Nationhood

Globacom understood quite early the dynamics of the African public and social spheres. Now in its 20th year, the telecommunication giant is defined by its matchless pace and incomparable milestones, writes

Lanre Alfred

Abit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives out roses. And Globacom gives out bountiful bouquets. This is why it is called the fragrant lily of the valley. The telecom giant exudes that alluring scent that charms many women and men, individuals and groups, merchants and retailers, societies and callings, and races of all demographics. Thus, its comparison to the finest commercial tulip ever to sprout on this side of the planet. Whatever the sobriquet graciously attached to Globacom, Africa profits from its presence on the continent.

The telecommunications behemoth thrives on peculiar strengths. And as they say, the strength of an enterprise subsists in its capacity to traverse unimaginable tracts in pursuit of phenomenal and unlikely payoffs. Globacom does this with unrivalled finesse. Thus, its phenomenal growth over the years. For Globacom, forging its path through Africa’s challenging telecoms sector was certainly no walk in the park. But it achieved this with unrivalled finesse and commitment to ethical engagement with all stakeholders.

The telecoms giant sought to carve its niche in the public sphere by typically engaging consumers both in their active moments and during moments of downtime, when there is a lull in their affairs - that is, when they are moving between one point or activity and the next, and their attention is free for new inputs. Such engagement tactic has a long history that dates back to the 1920s, for example, when a famous franchise discovered the power of sequential signs to deliver rhyming messages in its bid to connect with active and prospective customers.

In the virtual realm, Globacom engaged in real-time connections and dynamic execution while serving up any one of hundreds or thousands of variations of impactful messaging tailored to the consumer’s profile and, increasingly, location—within milliseconds. As its targeting of its customers improved in the public sphere, it became less intrusive in their estimation, and Globacom, in time, became more of a source of welcome messages. More important, the telecom giant created content, projects and initiatives that targeted the growth of its business public and subscribers. It ensured, for instance, that all of its messaging and corporate social responsibility projects align with the consumers’ experience when they encounter the ad.

Globacom created and sustained initiatives that helped people reach personal objectives. It integrated its business interests with various solutions for customers in every stratum of society. Globacom’s performance in the social sphere helps people forge new connections and enrich existing ones. Its many clients enjoy the exclusive privileges to profit from social interactions while serving as partners of Globacom as a provider of business solutions.

Whereas the social sphere emphasises broad, diverse networks, the telecoms giant also ventured into a communal sphere that is the domain of more focused social engagement; here, it endeavoured to use or help create consumers’ identification with groups and business solutions. It also created and sustained a business ethic that leverages social affiliation as a tool that suits the character and values of those involved. Globacom addressed and nourished desires for identity, self-expression, and growth; it provided and still furnishes an enduring social signal or status marker; ultimately, it empowers individuals, societies and groups.

Therefore, it’s not hyperbolic to state that telecommunication in Africa flourishes in the enterprise and fibre optic fixtures of Globacom. Founded by Dr. Mike Adenuga, the company is widely celebrated for its capacity to surmount the odds, shadow fortune, and harness it without losing sight of what’s important: the people.

Millions of Nigerians and Africans chattering on the Glo network’s ubiquitous SIM cards are, however, inadvertently reaping the benefits of the behemoth’s institutional savvy, ingenuity, tenacity, and both espoused and established sensitivity to their needs. Ultimately, Globacom exploits the trenches of endeavour to create connections and sacred bonds among millions of customers within and outside the African continent. This is why it is widely adjudged Africa’s finest and most efficient network.

Circa 2003, two years after the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) was rolled out in Nigeria, Nigerians had to pay between N20,000 and N25,000 to buy a SIM card. But Globacom’s entry into the telecommunications sector in 2003 revolutionised the industry by flooding the market with the cheapest SIM cards, thus empowering the Nigerian masses with what used to be the exclusive preserve of the elites.

To further affirm its belief that profit must always be sought with human feeling, Glo shocked the entire telecoms sector and disrupted the prevalent culture of profiting, at the period, at the expense of the subscribers

by crashing the price of SIM cards, bringing it down from N25,000 to N500, and then, N100. Eventually, the Mike Adenuga-owned telecom company moved on to distribute SIM cards free of charge to customers. In doing so, he made telephone services accessible to millions of Nigerians.

It would be recalled that before Globacom’s entry into the telecoms sector, the existing players claimed that per-second billing was impossible until after five years. However, to the delight of millions of Nigerians groaning under the excruciating cost of per-minute billing, Globacom made the “impossible” possible by pioneering the per-second billing innovation.

Glo was the first company to launch operations on per-second billing. It pioneered the billing system in Nigeria in 2003, even when older networks said it was impossible, thereby empowering millions of Nigerians. Courtesy of Glo, telephone users in Nigeria now pay just for actual time spent on the phone. The demystification of the SIM card acquisition and introduction of the per-second billing not only led to the exponential growth of Globacom’s customer base, but the innovative moves also ensured millions of Nigerians have access to telecommunication, a move which significantly boosted Nigeria’s economy.

In its bid to empower the greatest number of Nigerians, Globacom cancelled the N50 per minute charge for calls by crashing the tariff to as low as one kobo (N0.10) per second. The company is no doubt a trailblazer in launching a slew of futuristic products and services. For instance, it also recorded another milestone as the first network in Nigeria to launch the 2.5G GPRS technology, thus enabling multimedia convergence. This made it possible for subscribers to share pictures, audio and video for the first time in Nigeria.

Globacom facilitated international SMS connectivity to over 804 networks in 174 countries, BlackBerry solutions, international prepaid roaming, voice SMS, personal ringback tunes, and Magicplus––a comprehensive bouquet of SIM-based information services. The network also pioneered Blackberry services, which supported push-button email, mobile telephone and other wireless information services. It was also the first to launch the 4G/LTE technology nationwide, which boosted ultra-fast and reliable data service on the network.

In line with its pan-African vision, Glo has also extended operations to the Benin Republic and Ghana, with a footprint in other countries across the world. While it established its footprint across the African telecommunication landscape, Globacom also sought to affirm its repute as an advocate of financial inclusion on the homefront.

Following its remarkable foray into the financial services sector, the company has emerged as the third telecoms company to throw its hat in the Payment Service Bank ring with the launch of Globacom’s MoneyMaster PSB. This underlines its commitment to deepening financial inclusion

in the country.

Prior to its financial inclusivity venture, Globacom had pioneered a lot of innovations in the Nigerian telecommunication sector, including Mobile Banking, first to launch Mobile internet service, pioneered Vehicle tracking; first to Launch Prepaid Roaming, and first to launch In-Flight Roaming.

The company stunned Africa as far back as 2010 when it launched the Glo 1 submarine cable, a 9,800km cable stretching from the UK across West Africa with landing points in Nigeria, London, and Lisbon and connecting different countries to the rest of the world. It was launched to provide tonnes of terabytes of data per second to West Africa and many European cities. Glo became the first African telecom company to solely build such an international submarine cable. The launch of the Glo 1 cable was no doubt a game changer.

In addition to boosting the provision of services to telecom end-users, the facility currently provides much-needed connectivity to vital sectors of the economy, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, banking, commerce, education, and health, among others. Glo was also the first to extend free access lines to government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and to address Africa’s bandwidth deficit to provide enough capacity for the region, thus consolidating its reputation as a game-changer.

In recent years, Globacom has played a major role in the country’s march to a digital future by introducing a range of customised and community-driven voice and data connectivity solutions that help to manage complex networking systems. Globacom also provides secured and virtualised IT solutions such as e-health, smart cognitive learning, smart energy, industrial IoT, and cloud applications.

These solutions are particularly useful for collaborations, device management, workgroup storage, and information security, among others. Its fixed connectivity and voice products, such as Boost and Next Generation Bandwidth-onDemand connectivity, SIP-based voice trunk, and telephony, further enhance the company’s capacity to deliver advanced connectivity and fixed voice solutions to medium and large enterprises, large wholesale carriers, and ISPs in Nigeria and Africa.

Glo is also a committed supporter of poverty reduction initiatives of the government. This has been exemplified through partnerships with various state governments, NDDC and NAPEP to provide call centre packages for unemployed youths. In 20 years, besides its enviable ventures in the telecoms sector, Glo has equally made significant forays into the sports and entertainment industries, thus emerging as the biggest promoter of entertainment and African football. Besides its direct financial commitments, including massive sponsorships of sports and entertainment events, Globacom currently retains the largest number of key players in the entertainment industry as brand ambassadors while upholding that by actively

engaging these key entertainment drivers. They, in turn, can help to grow the sector and the economy. Many established and unheralded entertainers have been blessed immeasurably by this love and patronage.

Glo was the first telecom company to use Nollywood stars as brand ambassadors, thus re-inventing and rehabilitating veteran theatre and silver-screen stars. The company has asserted its purpose as a strong supporter of Nigerian music, comedy and acting. Over a decade ago, Glo took over the full sponsorship of the CAF African Footballer of the Year awards. Around the same time, the telecoms giant signed a sponsorship agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation, thus becoming the official telecommunications partner and major sponsor of Nigerian national teams. It also sponsors the Supporters’ Club in any part of the world where any of Nigeria’s national teams compete. For many years, it sponsored the Premier League, the Super Eagles and the NFF, other national teams, the Supporters Club, Glo CAF Awards and Glo Soccer Academy, among others.

The telecoms giant’s support for arts and culture cannot be underestimated. Glo has made monumental contributions to arts and literature; its support of the Wole Soyinka Prize was globally applauded, while its ‘Evening With WS’ events remain the gold standard for literature sponsorship. With a well-defined brand strategy of supporting cultural festivals and initiatives, Glo has also emerged as the biggest corporate supporter of Nigerian arts and culture with its sponsorship of the Ojude Oba, Lisabi, Ofala festivals, among others.

And thanks to Glo, the Alliance Française, committed to promoting French culture and teaching French as a second language around the world, now has a more befitting building in a choice area of Lagos thanks to the Globacom boss, Adenuga. Since it was declared open to the public in April 2018, the centre, aptly named the Mike Adenuga Centre, has been attracting commendations from far and near from artists, art aficionados and eminent Nigerians. Like a colossus with empowerment encoded in its corporate DNA, Globacom continues to initiate and implement people-oriented programmes and promotions that positively impact Nigerians.

Since it began operations in 2003, Globacom has made home-grown stars from the entertainment industry the faces (ambassadors) of its brand while making them worth their popularity in affluence and influence. At a time when entertainers were being paid peanuts for their artistry, Globacom upped the ante, dishing out millions of naira to their ambassadors and helping them to live the life they only see in the movies or on MTV.

It has also provided massive platforms for Nigerian nay African entertainers to practice their trade through direct sponsorship of concerts such as Glo Campus Storm, Glo Rock ‘n’ Rule’, Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce, Glo Laffta Fest, Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour, Dance with Peter, Glo X-Factor, Glo Naija Sings and the popular sit-com, Professor Johnbull. The Glo Battle of the Year Nigeria is the world’s biggest dance reality television show brought to Nigeria by Globacom.

Last year, the franchise attracted praise from far and wide for launching one of the grandest customer reward initiatives. As it celebrated its 19th anniversary, the company announced the commencement of its End of Year promo tagged Glo Festival of Joy. Through the promo, the telecoms powerhouse doled out 20 houses, 24 brand-new cars, 100 generators, 200 sewing machines, and 1,000 rechargeable fans as rewards to its loyal customers.

There is no gainsaying Globacom’s wherewithal as the biggest 4G network covering Nigeria’s major cities, unlike any other operator in the country. Glo is the only operator with cutting-edge infrastructure, including towers, generators, MSC and data centre buildings and does not owe anyone for its assets on which the network is running. Moreover, the network has a robust fibre network with huge nationwide reach, and it is the only private operator in Nigeria that fully owns submarine cable connecting Nigeria to Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world. Globacom network is also the most experienced and competent workforce with years of experience managing the complexities of Rollout, Integration and Operation of a Multivendor network with its employees, unlike others who rely on managed services. Bolstered by its huge strength and capacity, Globacom has demonstrated that it is strategically positioned to dominate the telecoms environment regarding infrastructural investment, limitless capacity and reach to its customers in Africa and beyond. These facts, among others, distinguish the Globacom network from its peers and cutthroat rivals. The network’s merit lies in its capacity to make forays where none of its peers and rivals would dare venture.

Adenuga

RATES AS AT AUGUST 28,2023

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has pegged the rise in average price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas at between 0.11 and 0.43 per cent month-onmonth in its latest report covering the month of July.

However, a THISDAY review has shown that since the just released report, there has been a substantial surge between August and the first week of September of as high as 9 per cent in Abuja and environs.

The recent increase in gas prices after a lull, confirms a statement recently by the Nigerian Association

Dike Onwuamaeze

Business activities in the Nigerian private sector declined in August due to severe and strengthening inflation pressures that reduced consumers’ demand of goods and services.

This was disclosed in Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report of the Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc for the month of August 2023, which stated that “the headline PMI dropped for the third month running to 50.2 in August, from 51.7 in July, and was

of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGM), that Nigerians should expect the increase on the back of rising international prices, high tax rates, high prices of vessels, forex scarcity, and naira devaluation.

In Abuja, for instance, a kilogramme of cooking gas now sells for N745 as against the N680 it sold before now.

With the surging prices, many Nigerian homes, already faced with the concerning inflation could be forced to revert to using firewood. In 2022, the World Bank reported that only about 11 per cent of Nigerians had access to clean cooking fuels.

Also, the International Energy

Agency (IEA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently noted that despite clean cooking access rates, the number of people without clean cooking solutions in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 220 million between 2010 and 2022.

However, in its report released at the weekend, the NBS stated that the average retail price for refilling a 5kg rose by 0.11 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N4,068.26 recorded in June 2023 to N4,072.87 in July 2023.

But on a year-on-year basis, this decreased by 7.39 per cent from N4,397.68 in July 2022, it added.

On state profile analysis, Kwara

recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cooking gas with N4,780.00, followed by Zamfara with N4,695.47, and Niger with N4,633.33.

On the other hand, the NBS report noted that Anambra recorded the lowest price with N3,086.67, followed by Ondo and Ekiti with N3,285.00 and N3,293.33 respectively.

“In addition, analysis by zone showed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg of cooking gas, with N4,425.56, followed by the North-West with N4,265.97, while the South-West recorded the lowest with N3,711.22.

“Also, the average retail price for

refilling a 12.5kg LPG rose by 0.43 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N9,123.25 in June 2023 to N9,162.11 in July 2023,” the report stated.

Besides, on a year-on-year basis, this fell by 6.74 per cent from N9,824.07 in July 2022.

“On state profile analysis, Cross River recorded the highest average retail price for the refilling of a 12.5kg Cylinder of LPG with N10,175.33, followed by Ogun with N9,885.12 and Bayelsa with N9,878.42.

“Conversely, the lowest average price was recorded in Adamawa with N7,586.88, followed by Zamfara and Borno with N7,939.17 and N8,020.00 respectively,” it explained.

Nigeria has a proven gas reserves of over 209 trillion cubic feet of gas and another 600 trillion cubic feet of potential discovery, but has neither the investment to get the gas out of the ground nor the transportation infrastructure to move it around. In the same vein, the average retail price per litre of Household Kerosene (HHK) paid by consumers in July 2023 was N1,260.81, indicating an increase of 2 per cent compared to N1,236.10 recorded in June 2023.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Cooking Gas, Kerosene Prices Rise as Energy Rates Sustain Inflationary Trend Report: Private Sector Pr oductivity Contracted in August amidst FX, Inflationary Pressures

the lowest in the current five-month sequence of improving business conditions.”

The index, according to the report, signaled only a marginal monthly strengthening of the health of the private sector.

The PMI’s report also stated that, “business activity decreased slightly midway through the third quarter, ending a four- month period of expansion. Sector data pointed to a drop in activity in wholesale and retail and no change

in services. Meanwhile, agriculture and manufacturing continued to see output increase.” According to the report, overall input costs and output charges increased to the largest extent since the survey began almost a decade ago.

It said that the rising inflation was occasioned by higher transportation costs as a result of the removal of the fuel subsidy, plus currency weakness, which also caused supplier delivery delays.

The PMI said: “The rate of overall input cost inflation hit a fresh record high in August as some 59 per cent of respondents posted an increase over the course of the month. Rapid rises were recorded across all four broad sectors covered by the survey, with the sharpest pace of inflation in wholesale and retail.

“Purchase costs continued to rise rapidly midway through the third quarter, with the pace of inflation ticking up to a one-year high. Price rises were often linked to higher fuel

costs and currency weakness, while a number of respondents pointed to increases in raw material prices.

“In order to help employees with higher transportation costs, firms increased pay during August. As a result, staff costs rose markedly, and to the greatest extent in the survey’s history, surpassing the previous record posted in February 2014. Just over 9.0 per cent of respondents noted a rise in employee expenses over the month.”

“In the same manner, Nigerian

companies responded to higher input costs by increasing their own selling prices accordingly. In line with the picture for input prices, the rate of charge inflation hit a new survey record in August. Exactly 55 per cent of panelists raised their output prices, against less than 1.0 per cent that lowered charges,” the report said.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Scarcity of Eggs, Chicken, Livestock Feeds Imminent FIPAN Warns

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN), has warned that there would be scarcity of eggs, chicken and livestock feeds in the country if the federal government fail to release grains to salvage the feed industry.

The President of FIPAN, Mr. Raymond Isidinaso, gave the warning during an interview where he disclosed that the rising cost of maize and soya beans is pushing many of its members out of business.

Isidinaso added that Nigerians should brace up for continuous increment in prices of livestock till the end of the year.

He also advised that it is time for the government to open up the nation’s borders to allow for the importation of grains, especially maize and soya beans.

He also called on the federal government to stop the exportation of grains and soya bean.

According to him, livestock feed millers producers are at

cross roads over the bloated prices of livestock feeds, which has clothed the future of poultry industry in Nigeria with uncertainty.

He, however, warned that many poultry firms would soon close shops unless the federal government intervened by allowing the importation of grains to salvage the ailing poultry sector.

According to him, the soaring prices of eggs, chicken, fish, and other poultry products are largely attributed to the scarcity of maize and soya bean, adding

Lokpobiri: Why Oil is Critical to Nigeria’s Economic Survival

that these two ingredients are essential in the production of poultry feeds. In order to correct the malaise, he called on the federal government to immediately intervene by releasing grains from the nation’s reserve to alleviate the challenges faced by the industry.

The association also expressed concerns about the potential increase in unemployment if the industry were to collapse, as it currently contributes approximately 45 per cent of the nation’s labour force.

Shell’s Namibia Exploration Well Fails to Discover Oil, Gas

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Shell’s exploration well offshore Namibia did not make a commercial oil and gas discovery, the company has said.

Namibia, which has yet to produce any oil and gas, has attracted strong interest from international companies after Shell and TotalEnergies recently made discoveries off the coast of the southern African country, a Reuters report said.

“The well did not make a discovery, however we are encouraged to have found indications of a working petroleum system in this previously untested area

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of our licence,” Shell said in a statement.

The well was plugged

and abandoned and Shell will now analyse the data gathered before deciding

on any follow-up activity, it said.

Oyetola: Apapa, Tin-Can Island Ports Require Immediate Rehabilitation

Eromosele Abiodun

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said there is need for immediate rehabilitation of the critical infrastructure at the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports.

Speaking after a tour of the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in the company of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, in Lagos, yesterday, he said to forestall collapse of the ports infrastructure requires urgent rehabilitation.

He called on terminal operators to collaborate with the federal government to rehabilitate the collapsed quays and other areas requiring rehabilitation

According to him, “To avoid the collapse of the port we need to rehabilitate the port as a matter of urgency and dredging must continue and we can put other things in place. I have gone round to see the things for myself. I have been having ministerial briefing since the last 10 days and I have seen a lot of

things such as the challenges and the need to activate a lot of things about our ports. Infrastructure is almost collapsing with what I have seen so far and it’s a major rehabilitation that have to be carried out and the dredging has to continue.”

The former governor of Osun state, however, applauded the management of the NPA, stressing that they needed to be supported to achieve the desired reports.

He added, “I am impressed with the management of the authority we need to support them and I am looking forward to a situation where the terminal managers will be willing to contribute to the rehabilitation of the ports. It’s important and if they do that, they will make more money for themselves, it should be in collaboration with the terminal and the government.

“We are carrying out remedial work on the quay wall very soon and I have asked them to let us have the report of what they carried out so far, we need to know the numbers so that we can get approval from the president for remedial work.

“Absolutely we need to restructure and put the right infrastructure in place and it’s a way of revitatlising the economy we rely so much on oil and there are lot of other opportunities that has remained untapped for so many years and we must commend the president for creating the ministry.”

The minister also stated that he would engage with the ministry of Works on rehabilitation of the port access roads.

“On access road, it’s important to put it in place, we need to engage the minister of works to see what we can do together and I have discussed with the ministry of Transportation to see what we can do with the rail. I believe with all those things in place, we are good to go,” he stated.

Speaking, Bello-Koko thank the minister for taking time out to visit the port to see things for himself.

He pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the minister adding that he will do what he can to work with the minister to achieve the goals set out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NIPR Mourns Akinkumi

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed grief over the death of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man who designed the Nigerian Flag in 1958, describing the death as a national loss.

A statement by the Institute’s President, Dr.

Ike Neliaku in Abuja, said Akinkunmi was a patriotic Nigerian, who exhibited the

culture of “Nigeria first, above personal interests”.

He noted that the nation currently needs a crop of Nigerians who see beyond the precinct of tribe, religion and personal gain to place this country on a sustainable development trajectory.

“Pa Akinkunmi played an early reputational role, offering creative and quality services to his nation with deep sense of nationalism.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that oil and gas remain critical to the economic survival of Nigeria, noting that it was for that strategic reason that President Bola Tinubu deployed two ministers to oversee the ministry.

Speaking on the need for effective performance to address the nation’s challenges, during a town hall meeting with staff of the ministry in Abuja, Lokpobiri stated that the current challenges must be surmounted to get maximum gains from the sector.

According to him, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) will facilitate the needed growth, assuring the staff that collaboration between him and his counterpart at the gas

ministry would lead to the realisation of the president’s directive.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, sought the support of the employees in realising the federal government’s agenda in the sector and stressed the need to reshape the narrative within the oil and gas sector.

Ekpo, who underscored the ministry’s significance in Nigeria’s economic growth, urged the staff to contribute their expertise to fulfil their mandates.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Gabriel Aduda, expressed confidence in the staff’s ability to achieve the ministers’ goals, highlighting initiatives such as providing staff buses to ease transportation and transitioning same to CNG to align with environmental concerns as key issues.

Turkish Coy Plans 40,000 Jobs Through Establishment of Industrial Parks

A Turkish company, Zeberced Group, has said that with its ongoing investments in industrial parks in Abuja and other states of the federation, at least 40,000 jobs can be created directly.

Managing Director, Zeberced Group, Adil Kurt, who took journalists on a tour of some of the company’s facilities in Abuja, underscored Nigeria’s huge potential in industrialisation.

His work gave sovereign identity to this country, and has projected Nigeria’s image at global space.

“Through the Green, White Green flag design, the late patriot made the Nigerian brand, a trademark of honour and pride in the comity of nations, which has in the past 65 years reflected fruitfulness, resourcefulness, progress and resilience potentials of Nigeria as country”.

He explained that while for instance, the company will have to dig at least 100 metres under the ground to find suitable rocks for quarrying, in Nigeria, the rocks sit directly atop the earth’s crust, making it easier to access.

Kurt explained that from the company’s facilities, indirect employment could exceed 120,000 from a single industrial park, with different skills being leant and exhibited.

He added that the ongoing parks would

have 120 shops and will be available to service the construction industry, explaining that Nigeria must take advantage of its huge resources to grow its industrial base.

“There is a huge potential in Nigeria’s construction sector which we have seen. This is a developing country and we need a lot of infrastructure to be put in place for the growth of the raw materials to accelerate development of quarry business which requires the production of aggregates for various structural designs in Nigeria,” he added.

In his remarks, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, noted that Nigeria has depended solely on oil and for too long, stressing the need to diversify the economy.

He noted that what the company is doing in Nigeria was a testimony to what it can achieve if there is massive investment in the solid minerals sector.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

How We Are Gaining Our Smartphones and Losing Our Souls

Without contemplation, you cannot achieve anything worthwhile in life. And the most profitable use of the mind is to understand earthly life as a means to attain everlasting life through salvation. Look at Isaac. He was a contemplator-Genesis 24:63. Moses found God while he was contemplating-Exodus 3:3. David meditated his way into greatness-Psalm 63:6. Yeshua (Jesus) was in deep communion with God for forty days-Matthew 4:2. And the entire book of Revelations was the fruit of John's meditation. Satan does not want you to think deeply. Because he knows that if you contemplate life, you will see through his manufactured reality of modern life. That is why billions of dollars worth of scientific research and development is going towards studying your attention, so Silicon Valley, the most atheistic places on Earth, can keep you addicted to your phone from when you wake up until you go to bed.

Watch that movie, The Matrix, again. That is you. Ten years ago, you used to wake up to pray to God. Today, you wake up to prey on your phone. Am I lying? Five years ago, you could read a whole chapter of Scripture. Today, you struggle to read one verse before going on Facebook for endless meaningless scrolling. Mo pa iro ni? A mere two years ago, you could listen to your pastor or imam for one hour straight. Today, you must check your alert every two minutes, even in church and mosque. And what is the alert even about? That one boy touched one girl's breast on #BBNaija. Is that not so? Demons went on holiday the day phones became smart. There is no need to tempt you away from God. Your phone is doing it brilliantly!

If you cannot urinate without looking at your phone, you have a severe attention deficit challenge. You are too focused on your phone, and your phone is sucking away your smartness by constantly feeding you an array of interesting but trivial information that cannot change your life.

And in case you are unaware, the attention you give to your phone is being remotely monitored by its manufacturers. They will use that data to make next year's model smarter, which will make you more addicted and, as a result, get you dumber while your phone gets smarter. They intend to have dumber humans with smarter phones. Remember that movie where machines take over from humans and rule them (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines)? You are living it. You are addicted to your phone. And until you cure that addiction, there will be a ceiling to what you can achieve in life. Help yourself by fixing a one hour period within the day where you put your phone aside and deliberately build your attention span and consciousness of life.

You see young people supposedly in the prime of their lives complaining that a post on X, Facebook, or Instagram is too long because it has 500 words. Now, how can such a youth succeed in life without having the ability to read due to diminished attention? Though it is cliché, it is still true and will forever remain valid that readers are leaders.

Many people cannot even remember yesterday correctly because endless social media scrolling with blue light has fried their brains. Their cognitive abilities are so eroded that all they seek is the stimulation of entertainment. That is why the number one content consumed on YouTube for Black Africans are skits and music. In Germany, it is science and technology, coding, and gaming. Please fact-check me.

Meanwhile, investigative reporting has shown that the children of the owners and founders of these social media giants are not allowed to binge on their parents' inventions. And in China, the birthplace of TikTok, children and young adults are not permitted on the platform. In fact, they have their own sanitised version of TikTok, called Douyin, which is focused on science and learning. For the first decade since recorded history, Millions of sub-Saharan Africans will likely become less intelligent than their parents were. While youths elsewhere are coding, our own youths are being

coded!

That is why I encourage our youths to acquire the habit of mindfulness in order to build up your attention. Learn to become hyper aware of yourself and your environment, If you want to be dedicated, prepare for people to call you petty. Dedication is impossible without attention to detail. And to the vast majority of people, attention to detail is pettiness. That is why most people are not great. Because they see the discipline that is required for greatness as pettiness.

You cannot be a perfect artiste like Michael Jackson, a quintessential athlete like Michael Jordan, or a cutting-edge innovator and entrepreneur like Michael Bloomberg if you are not attentive to detail.

God is so attentive to detail that He numbers the hair on your head-Luke 12:7. So, when next someone calls you petty, smile and be glad. A herb looks like a vegetable to the undiscerning!

Take it from me as someone who has travelled to every corner of the globe. The average Nigerian is super intelligent and physically capable. But why is Nigeria not fulfilling her potential? There are several reasons, and one of them is because our government is either unaware or does not care about the debilitating effect of negative media on the attention span and morals of our youth. Too many Nigerian youths with big potentials are quite easily distracted from their potential greatness by mundane things like big yansh and big bosoms fed to them periodically and regularly by media like Big Brother Naija.

By banning that show, and others like it, the Nigerian government can increase the productivity and morality of Nigeria's youth.

And that is not all. We must make it illegal for persons under eighteen to feature in and watch YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other video that features erotic dances and is sexually provocative. The type of sexualisation being programmed into our young children is alarming, and that is feeding the rape epidemic and abandoned children crisis in our community.

And such juveniles will grow to become Senators who fight sex toy receptionists for refusing to sell them their favourite pleasure devices.

The Nigerian Communication Commission has policies in place which provides that every GSM subscriber must be registered. So, we already know the ages of every phone user in Nigeria. Let us go the extra mile to limit access to erotica apps and websites for phones with SIM cards registered to under 18s in Nigeria. Recently, I was in Nigeria and attended a party, and the type of sexy dancing (more like dirty dancing) I saw young children dancing to the glee of their parents is appalling!

And let us spend some of these palliative billions to provide free access to apps and websites that

can teach Nigerian children and youths how to code and program.

And until that is a reality (I am optimistic about Nigeria), my message for adolescents who have not had their brains turned into mush by #BBNaija is that you can:

Learn to code free at codeacademy. com. Learn ethical hacking at udemy. com. Learn blockchain development at udacity. com. Learn marketable skills at coursera. org. Learn programming at programmr. com. And, study with Harvard for free at pll.harvard. edu/catalog/ free.

And finally The spiritual governs the physical. What is happening in your region is a response to what is emanating from the mouths of your people, especially your youth. They curse and insult so much, and Scripture tells us we are made in the Image of God. If God's Word does not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11), why do you think your words will return to you void?

Look at your children. They cannot talk for five minutes without insulting. You have filled their heads with lies from birth about how other tribes hate them. You have twisted history to give a very biased and one sided account of very unfortunate events that no Nigerian should pray for a repeat of. So your children see their fellow citizens as enemies rather than compatriots. You have, therefore, given them poison to drink and expect other Nigerians to die.

So now, they have a persecution complex. And they expect hatred. And because you get what you expect, they are never wrong. Their negative faith means that the thing they fear most will always happen to them.

They carry about the mother of all chips on their shoulders. They read meanings to innocent gestures. And then they curse and curse and curse! But those curses are undeserving because they are founded on the lies you told your children. So they hit the cursed and bounced back to return to the curser-Proverbs 26:2.

And the result is that there is violence, bitterness, unrest, displacement, tension, and tyranny in your region.

Compare your region to the region where children are brought up to respect their elders and to bless with their speech. Do you think it is a coincidence that that region is ahead in every measurable sphere on the human development index? Politically, they are ahead. Economically, they are light years ahead. Socially, they are pacesetters. Culturally, they are 'Bigger Than Africa'.

What does Scripture say?

"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil."-1 Peter 3:10.

As Bob Marley said, "Who the cap fit, (sic) let

them wear it!"

(And does not apply to every region in Nigeria).

Congratulations to Nigeria:

I congratulate Nigeria for the adoption of a Nigerian language, Yoruba, as a testing language for the Department of Motor Vehicles in the United States.

Similarly, since 2014, Selfridges and Harrods have been employing Yoruba-speaking staff, and the UK Metropolitan Police Service has been hiring Yoruba-speaking Constables and Officers since 2015. Elsewhere, I have written about traversing the American continent and studying the staying power of Yoruba language and culture in the Americas. Enslaved people were taken from all over Africa, but ONLY the Yoruba language, culture, and traditional religion have collectively withstood the acculturation by European culture to become one of the most dominant cultures in the Americas and Caribbeans.

Yoruba Ifa-based Babalawo are very popular with Whites and Latinos in the Americas, and Santeria and Candomblé are two of the fastest growing religions in North and South America. They are both based on traditional Yoruba Ifa religion, mixed with Catholicism, with saints known as Orisa.

Even in modern times, music of Yoruba origin is rebranding Nigeria's image away from 419 and romance scams. For this, we thank those who set the table and laid the foundation, especially Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey.

Unsurprisingly, all of Nigeria's Grammy Award winners have been of Yoruba descent, except Burna Boy, including: Sade Adu (1986), Babatunde Olatunji (1991), Sikiru Adepoju (1991) and Seal (1996), Burna Boy (2021), Wizkid (2021), Temilade Openiyi AKA Tems (2023).

Once again, I say a big congratulations to Nigeria.

Reno’s Nuggets

Reno Omokri Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022.

Reno You have the power to summon a stronger positive thought into your mind whenever a negative thought attempts to break into your mind

Mobile phones

FCMB Offers Parents Up to N200,000 to Make Back-to-School Easier

Oluchi Chibuzor

As students get set to resume another academic session, FastCash, powered by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), is offering parents and guardians up to N200,000 to help them cover the costs of school fees and back-to-school supplies. The credit line supports the purchase of school uniforms, books, bags, confectionaries, and other items required to enhance children’s learning experience.

Commenting on the backto-school offering of FastCash, the Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, Mr. Shamsideen Fashola, said: “We understand that back-to-school season can be financially challenging for many families. That’s why we’re offering FastCash to help make it easier. We want to ensure that all our customers have the resources to give their

children the best possible start to the new school year. FastCash is a convenient and affordable way for parents to get the money they need to make back-to-school a success.

“FastCash is a collateral-free, convenient and easy-to-access personal digital loan product that provides credit up to N200,000 to existing customers of FCMB in less than five minutes to meet emergency needs. Enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology capabilities to ensure that more individuals, households, and businesses have access to funds, FastCash also enables customers to increase their current loan without paying off their existing loan fully.”

“It is designed to significantly close the access to finance gap in the country, reduce poverty and promote financial inclusion. Customers can conveniently

access the loan through the FCMB New Mobile App or by dialing the Bank’s USSD code, *329*11#. Getting a FastCash loan requires no collateral or paperwork. Customers with a good repayment history can access the loan at a reduced interest rate. Another advantage is the ability to top-up a loan with friendly repayment terms for a specific amount. This feature benefits every customer who needs to borrow more, “he said.

FastCash, launched in 2018, has disbursed over 3.5 million loans worth N111 billion to Nigerians from all walks of life. The product has become popular among Nigerians seeking quick access to funds. It is available to FCMB customers, and repayment terms are flexible, with repayment options ranging from 30 days to three months.

ARM Labs Innovation Program Cohort 5 Celebrates Successful Demo Day

The ARM Labs Innovation Program, a flagship initiative of ARM Group, celebrated the successful Demo Day for its 5th cohort.

The event took place at the ARM Group Head Office in Lagos, Nigeria, and featured presentations from five promising startups that have completed the intensive seven-week program.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Digital Transformation at ARM, Ina Alogwu said “Entrepreneurs that have very interesting things have ARM Labs’ commitment to assist them. We don’t just try to offer financial support; it goes beyond that. Think of a venture like a growing child.

When the kid is younger, they need a lot of handholding and that is what we are trying to do. We are using our expertise to try and guide ventures while also seeking external mentors who come from several fields and backgrounds to help us achieve that objective as well.

“Following a rigorous selection process, five ventures were chosen to participate in this year’s cohort. The program, executed in partnership with Techno Vision, an esteemed African entrepreneurship support organization, provided an enriching experience for selected founders. They worked closely with a diverse range of mentors and industry lead-

MARKET INDICATORS

ers to enhance their products, expand their market reach, and maximize their potential for success.”

Deputy CEO, ARM Group, Sadiq Mohammed highlighted ARM’s goal for supporting innovation in Africa and discussed the group’s innovation initiatives and partnerships.

He discussed ARM’s role in providing platforms to nurture and develop innovative ideas within the ecosystem through programs such as the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Awards (DAAYTA), ARM Labs Innovation Program, and ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program.

Rainoil Names Directors to Oversee Subsidiaries

Rainoil Limited, aiming to bolster its growth trajectory and enhance its services’ impact, has introduced Directors to manage its subsidiaries’ affairs with immediate effect.

\Speaking at a celebratory cocktail event that marked the appointment of these new Directors, the Group Managing Director, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, announced the selection of Emmanuel Omuojine as the Managing Director of Rainoil Gas, Jude Nwaulune as the Managing Director of Rainoil Logistics, and Aliyu Buba as the Managing Director of Fynefield Petroleum.

Ogbechie affirmed that the appointees have consistently

demonstrated competence and dedication over the years, making them exceptionally qualified to lead the subsidiaries to new heights.

Emmanuel Omuojine, now leading as the Managing Director of Rainoil Gas, joined Rainoil in August 2014 as the Group Head of Strategy. In this role, he directed corporate strategic initiatives, business processes, controls, and oversaw capital projects. Progressing to the position of Executive Director in January 2022, Emmanuel has played an instrumental role in propelling the Rainoil Group into a prominent downstream energy firm in Nigeria.

Dr. Jude Nwaulune, ap-

pointed as the Managing Director of Rainoil Logistics, boasts more than 16 years of experience encompassing Sales, Marketing, Business Development, logistics, and Operations Management. Over the last nine years, he has been actively involved in Retail expansion, Liquefied Petroleum Gas penetration, and petroleum bulk storage management within the Rainoil Group.

Aliyu Mohammed Buba, now at the helm of Fynefield Petroleum as the Managing Director, brings over two decades of experience within the energy sector’s core business operations.

Mamador Urges Women to Embrace Wellness

Mamador, the premium food Brand from PZ Wilmar, has held the fourth edition of her annual August Women Meeting in Lagos.

Building on the Explore Your Flavour communication, this year’s edition themed, “Wholesome You,” was packaged to encourage Nigerian women to prioritise their welfare in order to fully maximise opportunities.

The event featured keynote addresses from Dr. Tewa Onasanya, Sola Adesakin

and Kemi Longe who spoke to the audience on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, building wealth and adopting the right mindset for success.

Addressing the gathering, which also extended to a virtual streaming audience, the keynote speakers urged women to do away with undesirable habits that may hinder their growth and embrace self-care and personal development.

In an interview with jour-

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

nalists, Head of Marketing, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo, explained the importance of this year’s edition.

She said “We live in a society where women have to do a lot of heavy lifting at great personal cost. Many of them don’t realise it’s okay to nurture their wellbeing first and so you find many women relegating immediate personal needs to the background while they continue to be there for everyone else.”

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 AUGUST,

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $85.71 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $85.84 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

2023

R-L: Founder farmer 1st, Gyena Iliya; Founder Gonomad, Uke Enun Jr.; Co-Founder Arich, Awele Akeze; Founder Wano, Charles Okala and Co-Founder Wano, Emmanuel Adebayo during Demo Day celebration of ARM Labs Innovation Program 5th cohorts held in Lagos… recently

Demand for Zenith Bank, GTCO, Others Lift Stock Market by N412bn

KayodeTokede

The stock market yesterday opened the week positive note, gaining N412billion on investors’ strong demand for Zenith Bank Plc, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), BUA Foods and 36 other stocks on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

As Zenith Bank gained 7.85 per cent to close at N37.10 per share, GTCO appreciated by 6.58 per cent

to N40.50 per share and BUA Foods rose by 2.56 per cent to N180 per share, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) gained 751.95 basis or 1.11 per cent to close at 68,279.14 points basis. Also, market capitalisation rose by N412 billion to close at N37.370 trillion. Sectoral performance was positive yesterday as the NGX Banking rose by 5.95 per cent and NGX Consumer Goods increased by 1.58 per cent, while the NGX Industrial dropped by 0.14per cent. Market breadth closed positive

PRICES FOR

as 39 stocks gained relative to 19 decliners. DAAR Communications, Dangote Cement, MRS Oil Nigeria, Dangote Sugar Refinery emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N66.55, per share. NASCON Allied Industries followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N61.15, while John Holt advanced by 9.92 per cent to close at N1.44, per share.

Oando appreciated by 9.91 per cent to close at N6.10, while LASACO Assurance up by 9.60

per cent to close at N2.17, per share. On the other side, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance led others on the losers’ chart with 9.57 per cent to close at N1.04, per share. Cornerstone Insurance followed with a decline of 9.29 per cent to close at N1.27, while SUNU Assurance shed 9.09 per cent to close at 80 kobo, per share.

UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust lost 8.22 per cent to close at N3.35, while Nigerian Exchange Group depreciated by 7.20 per

cent to close at N24.50, per share. The total volume of trades increased by 67.88 per cent to 845.681 million units, valued at N13.040 billion, and exchanged in 11,934 deals. Transactions in the shares of Regency Alliance Insurance led the activity with 100.984 million shares worth N40.392 million. Fidelity Bank followed with account of 85.144 million shares valued at N695.028 million, while Zenith Bank traded 75.411 million shares valued at

N2.798 billion. United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 60.215 million shares worth N930.201 million, while Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) traded 56.814 million shares worth N407.419 million. This week, analysts at United Capital Plc said “we expect to continue seeing the bulls dominate the local bourse. Investors will continue cherry-picking activities around fundamentally sound stocks with potential upsides, as recent corporate disclosures indicate.

TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/4/23

Jim O’Neill: Why Nigeria Shouldn’t Worry about Not Being Invited to Join BRICS

Says BRICS’ expansion not logical, group yet to achieve anything since he coined the acronym Declares Nigeria ought to focus on being included among G-20 Expresses disappointment with Nigeria’s economic performance, leadership

Obinna Chima

As the debate over the non-invitation of Nigeria by members of BRICS countries to join the club, Lord Jim O'Neill, who coined the BRICS acronym in 2001, has advised Nigeria not to be bothered about the development, saying the as the group was yet to achieve anything tangible since they became a bloc.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, yesterday, O’ Neill, a former Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs, noted that Nigeria should be more focused on being included in the G-20.

He, however, expressed disappointment with the performance of the Nigerian economy since 2013,

when he coined MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey), noting that the West Africa country was still too dependent on oil and has not been fortunate with good leadership.

The BRICS group currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. At the onset, it was BRIC, without South Africa.

But Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and Argentina, were recently invited to become members of the group of developing nations in its first expansion in over a decade.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced the countries invited at their annual summit held in Johannesburg recently.

But O’Neill, in the interview, pointed out that: “I personally think Nigeria shouldn’t worry about not being included in BRICS, because it is a club that hasn’t achieved anything yet. Secondly, I personally believe that Nigeria is probably the most outstanding country to be included in the G-20, if they are going to expand it.

“If they are going to expand the G-20, Nigeria should be one country that should be next to become a member. That is because it is the biggest country in Africa. If you want to make the global system truly representative, in my opinion the G-20 is close to being the most legitimate thing we have, because it already has 80 per cent of Gross

Domestic Product (GDP), half of the world’s population.

“So, adding Nigeria would make a lot of sense. I don’t think the BRICS group is likely going to have any global power.”

He noted that economically, only two of the BRICS countries had been successful, which he identified as China and India.

“The other two – Russia and Brazil – because I didn’t include South Africa at the beginning – had a very good decade, but since after 2010, both have been extremely disappointing and of course South Africa as well.

“In fact, each of the three countries’ share of global GDP is back to where it was when I created the acronym in

2001. So, the aggregate of the BRICS is completely dependent on India and especially China.

“China today, despite having significant problems, is twice the size of the other BRICS countries put together. So, BRICS is a club that is dependent on the importance of China and India.

“As for the expansion of the political club, I don’t really understand what they are trying to achieve, because they have never achieved anything political together so far.

“At the same time, I don’t understand the criteria they used in choosing the countries to join them. I don’t know why they want to expand when they have never achieved anything yet as a club,

TRIBUNAL DELIVERS JUDGEMENT IN ATIKU, OBI'S PETITIONS AGAINST TINUBU TOMORROW

petitions filed by presidential the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and that of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, challenging the declaration of Senator Bola Tinubu as President, the Presidential Election Petition Court will tomorrow make known its findings on the matter. This was confirmed yesterday morning by Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Mr Umar Bangari.

Recall that the five-member panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, had on August 1 announced that the date for judgement in the two petitions would be communicated to parties, shortly after all parties adopted their final written addresses for and against the petitions.

Besides the petitions of Atiku and Obi, the presidential tribunal would also deliver judgement in the petition by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) seeking the disqualification of Tinubu from the February 25 presidential election on account of alleged unlawful nomination of the vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Confirming the judgement date to our correspondent in Abuja, Bangari also assured that adequate security had been put in place, adding that only invited members of the political parties and the general public would be allowed into the courtroom to avoid congestion and security breaches.

In addition, Bangari stated that media houses interested in broadcasting the proceedings live at no cost to the court were welcomed.

Both Atiku and Obi, in their respective petitions, are claiming victory in the February 25 presidential poll, won by Tinubu of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Tinubu winner of the presidential election, on the grounds that he won majority of the lawful votes cast at the polls.

INEC said Tinubu polled a total of 8,794,726 votes to emerge victorious.

He was closely followed by Atiku, with 6,984,520 votes, and Obi, with 6,101,533 votes.

Displeased with the declaration, Atiku and Obi had approached the court to argue and prove that Tinubu did not win majority of lawful votes as claimed by the electoral umpire.

They submitted that as at the time INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakuku, announced Tinubu as winner, collation was ongoing, since many of the presidential election results were yet to be uploaded unto the INEC's Results Viewing (IReV) Portals.

They also accused INEC of manipulating the process to favour the ruling APC and Tinubu.

Besides the grounds of substantial non-compliance upon which the petitioners are seeking the nullification of the presidential poll, others are that INEC violated the law when it declared Tinubu, who did not score 25 per cent of votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as winner.

In addition, the petitioners claimed that Tinubu was not qualified to contest the presidential election on account of alleged forfeiture of $460,000 to the United States of America over alleged complicity in drug related offences.

At last proceedings, the respondents who adopted their final addresses, first, urged the court to dismiss the two petitions for lacking in merit. They alleged that the petitioners failed to prove allegations contained in their separate petitions.

INEC, which conducted the disputed February 25 presidential election, in adopting his final address as its brief of argument against the petitions, observed that the case of the petitioners was based on the misconception that the Electoral Act, 2022, provided for electronic collation of results.

INEC's lawyer, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, maintained that collation of results remained manual, adding that the introduction of the INEC's Results Viewing (IReV) Portals was to enhance the credibility of the election but that "collation remained

manual throughout the election".

The senior lawyer specifically told the panel that, "IReV is simply for public view not part of the collation system".

Similarly, the electoral umpire argued that the 18,088 blurred results sheets tendered by Obi and LP to prove corrupt practices did not in any way suggest that the original copies were also blurred "and we do not know why they are blurred”.

Yakubu noted that while parties agreed that a glitch occurred during the transmission of the results using the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) to the IReV, they disagreed with the petitioners that the glitch was deliberate and aimed at manipulating the process in favour of the second respondent.

Tinubu, through his lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, also argued along the submission by INEC that the IReV was never a part of the collation process. He also submitted that the petitioners did not show how the failure to transmit results real time with the IReV affected the results accrued to the parties.

Like INEC, Tinubu insisted that the failure of Tinubu to score 25 per cent of votes in the FCT could not invalidate the election. It added that even if the court thought otherwise and ordered for a rerun, such a rerun could only be between Tinubu and Atiku, as the law already bars Obi, on the grounds that he did not come second in the poll.

On its part, APC, represented by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, urged the court to discountenance the evidence of petitioners' witnesses on the grounds that pleadings were not linked with evidence. Fagbemi added that the petitioners merely dumped documents on the court without anyone speaking to the documents.

Fagbemi submitted that there was no part of the petition that had not received judicial pronouncement or resolution by the courts. He claimed that on the issue of mandatory requirement for the uploading of results

through the IReV, the Supreme Court, in a judgement, had settled the matter in the case of Oyetola and Adeleke. Fagbemi further cited other judgements of courts, which held that INEC had discretion to adopt any mode of transmission/ transfer of election results.

On the issue of Tinubu's forfeiture of $460,000 to the United States of America on account of narcotics trafficking and money laundering, the APC counsel pointed out that the issue was not a ground for disqualification. He said the incident occurred over 30 years ago, adding that the country's constitution provides that in such event the person is forgiven after 10 years of the alleged offence.

However, both Atiku and Obi disagreed with the submissions of the respondents in their separate final addresses.

In adopting his final written address, Atiku, through his lead lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, urged the panel to keep to its promise to deliver "substantial justice and not technical justice" in their petition. He added that

they had fully established allegations raised in their petition through the testimonies of witnesses called as well as the plethora of documents tendered.

Atiku challenged the panel to break the jinx of presidential elections having never been nullified by using the case at hand to set precedent.

Uche claimed that through documentary evidence and testimonies of witnesses it was proven that the Electoral Act, 2022, was aimed at uprooting the issue of manipulation that usually occurred during collation.

He said the petitioners agreed that the IReV technology was deployed when they admitted that there was a glitch in the transmission of the presidential election results.

"The substantiality of the noncompliance was nationwide," he said when arguing that the said glitch was as a result of human interference.

because it would be harder for them now and I don’t understand why they chose the six countries they announced,” he explained.

Speaking further, O’Neill, who in 2015, was appointed to the UK House of Lords and took up a post at the UK Treasury under the Conservative George Osborne, noted that the BRICS country’s ought to have considered the MINT countries in the expansion plan.

“So, if you are going to expand the BRICS group, economically, you would firstly include Indonesia, probably Mexico and not Argentina, because Mexico is much bigger, probably Turkey and very relevant and almost definitely, Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia or Egypt.

not dwell on technicalities but keep to its promise towards substantial justice.

In calling for the nullification of Tinubu's election, Uche submitted that, the fact that the precedent had not been created does not mean it cannot....let that precedent be created in this case".

Similarly, Obi through his lead counsel, Dr Livy Uzoukwu, SAN, observed that the respondents only laboured in vain by trying to degrade the importance of IReV, when the Supreme Court had already settled the fact that IREV is part of the electoral process.Uzoukwu further claimed that Tinubu's sole witness, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, also attested to the importance of IReV in the electoral process.

Besides, Uzoukwu claimed that INEC manipulated the election results and that was why it could not produce in court the original of the blurred copies of results sheets it certified for the petitioners.

While urging the court to consider the report of the European Union Observer Mission on the general elections, Uche noted that if the court must do justice in the petition it should Continues online

OANDO SET TO TAKE OVER AGIP’S OIL, GAS, POWER ASSETS IN NIGERIA

will maintain its presence in Nigeria through Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) and Agip Energy and Natural Resources (AENR), reiterating the company’s commitment to its employees health and safety, as well as to the environment.

“Eni continues to operate in the country focusing on operated offshore activities. Participations in operated-by-others assets, both onshore and offshore, and Nigeria LNG will remain in Eni portfolio too,” the global oil giant noted.

Eni added that the transaction is consistent with its 2023-2026 plan, wherein the upstream will supplement the core “organically led growth with inorganic high-grading activity”.

To this end, the company emphasised that it will be adding resources with incremental value

SANUSI: HOW BUHARI MISMANAGED NIGERIA’S ECONOMY IN EIGHT YEARS

“A boy who has no record of service has a private jet and owns houses in Dubai and England just because he is buying dollar at so so a rate and selling them,” Sanusi said.

According to him, economists with a fair sense of reasoning know that the current administration has made the right decision on fuel subsidy removal, to save Nigeria from the bondage of debts dug by the past administration.

“I have been, over the years, talking about the pending crisis ahead of the current economic hardship. Any economist who has studied monetary policy in the last eight years knows that Nigerians will fall into this difficult situation.

“The difficult situation Nigerians are facing is just the beginning (if the right decision is not put

in place) because Nigeria is not exceptional; such situations happened in Germany, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Venezuela.

“The previous administration turned adamant about our appeal for corrective measures (on the economic policy). I have said in the presence of the now sitting president in Kaduna state, any politician who tells you that things will be easy, don’t vote for him because he is lying. People merely dismissed my advisory as a political statement.

“If I am to be fair and just to President Bola Tinubu, he is not to blame for the current hardship; for eight years, we were living on a fake lifestyle with huge debt from foreign and domestic debts. The Central Bank of Nigeria owes over N30 trillion, which resulted in debt service surpassing 100 per cent.

“I can’t join other Nigerians criticising Tinubu on the current economic hardship, and I am not saying he is a saint free from wrongdoing, but in this current economic situation, President Tinubu is not to be blamed. I will also speak if I see any wrong economic policy of the Tinubu administration in the future.

“It’s injustice for anyone to blame the Tinubu administration for the current economic hardship because there is no other alternative than the removal of the fuel subsidy. After all, Nigeria cannot even afford to pay the subsidy,” he maintained.

Sanusi insisted that Nigerians who expected him to speak about the economic hardship deliberately wanted him to oppose the president, explaining that it would be unfair for him to criticise

Tinubu over the country’s economic hardship Nigerians.

He pointed out that he had to deviate from the religious theme of the event to remind Nigerians about his stand on the badly managed economic policies of the immediate past administration of Buhari.

He said everything in Nigeria in the last eight years was done on the basis of debt, lamenting that no country will survive in that kind economic policy.

“I can only plead with the people to endure the hardship, and those who have the means to help the downtrodden should do so.

“I am also pleading with commoners to live according to their earnings; we must not peg our lives above our earnings in this difficult situation where people are looking for what to eat,” the former Kano Emir stressed.

while divesting resources that can offer greater value and opportunities to new owners.

“The closing of this transaction is subject to, inter alia, the authorisation of all relevant local and regulatory authorities,” the company pointed out. The sale is expected to nearly double Oando's reserves to 996 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Aside NAOC, other International Oil Companies (IOCS) like Shell and Exxon Mobil, have sales underway even though they are currently bogged down with legal and regulatory challenges.

The companies have blamed rampant oil theft and spills, incessant clashes with communities, more focused exploration budgets as well as the need to embrace the new energy transition train as some of their reasons for divestment.

Also in a statement announcing its agreement with Eni for the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares of NAOC, Oando confirmed that the completion of the transaction was still subject to ministerial consent and other required regulatory approvals.

It listed some of the highlights of the deal as the increase in its current participating interests in OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63 from 20 per cent to 40 per cent.

It also increases Oando’s ownership stake in all NEPL/NAOC/ OOL JV assets and infrastructure which include 40 discovered oil and gas fields, of which 24 are currently producing, approximately 40 identified prospects and leads, 12 production stations, approximately 1,490 km of pipelines, three gas processing plants, the Brass River oil terminal, the Kwale-Okpai phases 1 & 2 power plants and associated infrastructure.

Based on 2021 reserves estimates, Oando said its total reserves stand at

503.3MMboe while the transaction will deliver a 98 per cent increase.

In addition, the transaction grows Oando’s exploration asset portfolio through the acquisition of a 90 per cent interest in OPL 282 and 48 per cent interest in OPL 135.

An excited Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu, commenting on the deal, said that the agreement underscored the role indigenous actors will play in the future of the Nigerian upstream sector.

“The synergies created by this acquisition will unlock unparalleled opportunities for us to re-align expectations, enhance efficiency, optimise resource allocation, and significantly increase production.

“ Furthermore, it is in alignment with our strategy of acquiring, enhancing, appraising, and efficiently developing reserves.

“Today’s announcement is not just an important milestone for the future of Oando; it brings to bear the important role indigenous actors will play in the future of the Nigerian upstream sector,” he stated.

According to Tinubu, having achieved the significant milestone, Oando was looking forward to closing the transaction and harnessing the full potential of the enhanced platform to accrue value for local communities, stakeholders and shareholders.

Like the other assets in contention, it was learnt that the current deal will have to be approved by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NURPC).

It is also expected that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), if interested in the deal, will have the right of first refusal of the oil, gas and power assets as per the Joint Operating Agreements (JOA).

OYETOLA'S VISIT TO SIFAX GROUP IN LAGOS...

L-R: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Executive Director, Administration, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade; Executive Director, Operations, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited. Tobi Afolabi; and Managing Director, SIFAX ICT, Ijora, Paul Linden during the inspection tour of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited by the new minister at Tin Can Island, Apapa, in Lagos….. yesterday

Sanwo-Olu Flags Off Commercial Operations of Lagos Blue Rail with 800 Passengers

Governor commends Tinubu for Lagos Master Plan Says commissioning of bridges, stations for Red Line rail starts this month

Segun James

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide

Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, flagged off the commercial operations train service in the state by riding on the maiden passenger operation on the Blue line rail from Marina Terminal to Mile-2 Station.

Sanwo-Olu, who was the first passenger at the Marina Station of the Blue Line Rail, was joined by dignitaries, which included his

wife, Ibijoke; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi; Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa; government officials and party leaders, among others to ride on train from Marina to Mile 2.

The governor, who served as the Head of the Train Operations during

the first commercial operations of the Blue Line rail boarded the train at exactly 9.10 a.m.

He boarded from the first coach and walked to the seventh coach, taking time as the Head of Train Operations to explain the requirements on how to board the train to the passengers.

The ride from the Marina Terminal to Mile 2 takes about 25 minutes, with a 90-second stoppage at each of the five stations before

Idris Lauds Nigeria’s Flag Designer, Akinkunmi as National Icon

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the late Taiwo Akinkunmi as an iconic individual who designed one of the most important symbols of Nigeria’s collective existence as a country.

He made the remarks yesterday while on a condolence visit to the family of Akinkunmi, at his Elebu, Ibadan residence.

Idris said the visit was at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, who he assured the family shares in the pain caused by the death of the icon. He added that the late Akinkunmi represented the unity and oneness of the country through the legacy he left behind.

“Mr. President has asked that we come to commiserate with the family and the state and also to tell them that he shares with them in this grief, along with the federal government, throughout this period,” he said. He assured that the requests of the family at this time would be looked into.

Earlier, Idris paid a courtesy visit to Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office, Agodi Ibadan.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, Makinde said that even though the national anthem had been changed twice, the national flag has remained the same owing to the depth of message and meaning it preaches.

“He must have had in mind a united country that would always be one. We must appreciate Akinkunmi for his rich knowledge and deep insight in that he saw agriculture as a key item that will always be relevant, especially now in the face of dwindling oil prices globally.

“ Again, the white colour on the flag symbolises the peace and unity of the nation. The unity

and togetherness of the nation remain key to us all,” said the deputy governor. He expressed appreciation to the president, on behalf of the Akinkunmi family and the entire state, for sending the highpowered delegation to condole with the state, saying the people of Oyo State were ready to cooperate with the federal government on the unity of the country.

the final destination.

Speaking to journalists at the Marina Station, Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to take ownership of the project and warned against pedestrian crossing of the rail tracks, saying they were electrified. He said: "About 800 of us have just completed the first commercial journey on the Blue Line. I think we all had a wonderful experience this morning.

“I am extremely excited about the work that LAMATA and all other stakeholders have done to ensure that we can keep our commitment to start this operation on the 4th of September, 2023.

"I am dressed as the Head of the Train Operators to ensure that simple safety and security procedures are kept throughout the journey. All of these very simple safety and security tips were complied with during and throughout the journey.

"The LASRRA (Lagos State Residents Registration Agency) card, which is our state's citizens identity card, can also be used on the train. So I want to employ all of you, especially students to go and get your LASRRA cards because you can use them to travel on the train.

"On the Cowry Card, we have almost 4 million citizens that have the Cowry cards already and the cards can be used on the train, on our buses, BRT and also on the ferry service. So, let us go out there and get our Cowry card and top it up so that we can enjoy our integrated urban mass transportation system that we have talked about."

Sanwo-Olum, also commended President Bola Tinubu for putting in place the transportation master plan in the state.

"I want to commend all of our leaders and the people that have kept faith with the modern Lagos that we have today. But more importantly, I think it is important for us to acknowledge the great work that our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the first Governor of Lagos State in the current dispensation did by starting the vision of the Lagos State Urban Mass Transportation System with the creation of LAMATA.

"It was from that master plan that we have a train infrastructure, the road master plan infrastructure, and all other deliverables that we are seeing today. So we need to thank him and we need to acknowledge all the great works he has done in Lagos. God will give him the

New NASENI Boss Assumes Office, Vows to Deploy Tech in Driving Tinubu’s Agenda

The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has said he would ensure the deployment of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in growing the Nigerian economy.

Halilu, a tech expert and entrepreneur who was appointed to lead NASENI by President Bola Tinubu, replacing Dr Bashir Gwandu, spoke while addressing the management and staff of the agency shortly after his assumption of office.

While expatiating on his marketdriven approach to management, he said his administration would

leverage on technology transfer and also domestic, home-grown technology development which he described as the core mandate of NASENI, a statement by the Director, Information and Protocol, Mr Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, stated.

He added that the agency would play critical roles in supporting the president’s economic agenda for the nation anchored on areas like food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, creating access to capital through consumer credit, inclusivity, improving security, rule of law and fighting corruption. The new EVC/CEO said in the 21st century, there were immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology,

engineering and innovation.

He promised that NASENI during his tenure would play effectively those central roles through technology transfer revolution that is coming.

“Our duty here at NASENI will be to use our resources, our talents, our capacity, and our energy to drive economic development priority areas of President Bola Tinubu administration, in line with the Act establishing this agency.

“As a preeminent agency saddled with enormous responsibilities, NASENI with its development institutes and over 4,000 members of staff, is appropriately positioned to deliver on its mandate,” he said.

The new EVC/CEO who

pleaded with the staff to put in their best, to work with full commitment and dedication, promised that the welfare of all NASENI staff will be his priority.

“We shall adopt, adapt and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, wherever we find it. We will build a pool of well-educated and talented personnel, support worldclass research and development (R&Ds), and build partnerships and collaborations across Nigeria, Africa and the world,” he said. Halilu was received by top management staff of the agency, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director Planning & Business Development, who guided him on a tour of the agency’s facilities.

opportunity to also do it bigger for Nigeria.”

Speaking on the Red Line Rail, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said the project which is 96 percent completed would be commissioned by Tinubu before the end of the year, adding that the various stations and bridges constructed for the Red Line rail would be commissioned starting from the end of the month.

He said: "The Red Line currently is about 95-96 percent and if it doesn't get to 100 percent, we won't commission it. But we are certain that before the end of the year, we will also commission the Red Line.

"By the end of this month or the first week in October, we will start commissioning the bridges - Ikeja Along Bridge, Yaba Bridge, EbuteMetta Bridge, Mushin Bridge, Ayoola Coker and all the other bridges.

“We will start opening the bridges for vehicular movements, then we will start the commissioning of the various stations; from Oyingbo Station to Yaba to Mushin, Ikeja to Agege and to Iju.

“We will commission all the stations, and then we will have a final movement, which I hope Mr. President will come to help us to do before the end of the year."

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said from tomorrow, Tuesday, September 5, partial passenger operations will start from 6:30am to 10am, for Morning Peak; and Afternoon Peak, from 4pm to 9:30pm.

These operations, according to Akinajo, would start with 12 trips for two weeks, which would later be increased to 76 trips per day.

Some of the passengers at the train stations commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government for the laudable project, saying the Blue Line rail was a relief for residents.

The Blue Line Rail project was constructed by the Lagos State Government and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), as part of the development and improved intermodal transport system in the state.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

SWEARING-IN OF ELECTED LOCAL COUNCIL CHAIRMEN...

Subsidy: NLC Shuns FG's Peace Talks, Insists on Strike

To

shutdown airports as pilots, aviation workers join Banks, ASUU, ASUP, electricity, varsity staff to withdraw services

TUC opts for dialogue FG appeals to NLC to suspend strike, asks for two weeks to address demands

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has boycotted a meeting convened by Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to try to avert the two-day warning strike declared by the congress. At the meeting, which kicked off yesterday evening, only the leadership of Trade Union Congress (TUC), represented by its President, Festus Osifo, along with other national officers of the union, were present.

Many affiliate unions of NLC and civil society allies had expressed their readiness to participate in the twoday warning strike. They included Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), non-teaching staff of universities, National Union of Banks, and Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE).

Others were National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), The meeting between representatives of the federal government and labour was slated for 3pm, but it could not start until 5.45pm, due to late arrival of the labour leaders.

The gathering, which had only TUC and federal government officials in attendance, went into a closed-door after the minister politely asked journalists to leave to allow the stakeholders deliberate on critical issues.

NLC had on Friday declared that workers across the country should embark on a two-day warning strike from Tuesday, September 5, over the current hardship being experienced by Nigerians nationwide.

But at the meeting with TUC, Lalong pleaded with the organised labour to give the federal government

two weeks to respond to the workers’ demands.

Speaking to journalists in his office in Abuja, after meeting with the leadership of TUC, Lalong said both sides agreed to use the next two weeks to work out acceptable measures to cushion the effect of

the government’s recent economic policies.

On the issue of palliatives following fuel subsidy removal, Lalong said, "We are already discussing with Mr. President and we are going to carry over from here. We now need a period of about two weeks so that

we can address those issues and bring them back again for further discussion.”

Lalong, said some of these issues raised were very urgent while others would require a long time to address.

He said, "We all agreed that there would be no strike within this two-

week period while we are doing our deliberations and, therefore, working towards realising some of these objectives. This was our discussion."

The minister said some of the

Continued on page 29

House Moves to Probe Sale of Assets Belonging to 12 River Basin Authorities

The House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on the Disposal of Public Property is set to investigate the Federal Ministry of Water Resources over the disposal of assets belonging to the 12 River

Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

The managing directors of the RBDAs who appeared before the committee yesterday stated that the ministry was responsible for sale of property in 2018 since the agencies had no governing board.

Judiciary Should Not Determine Who Wins Elections in Nigeria, Says Bode George

Declares coup in Niger has no impact on our national interest

Segun James

Former Deputy National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George has warmed the judiciary against usurping the right of the people to determine winners on any election.

He lamented that instead of allowing the will of the people to prevail, the judiciary has been making pronouncements and determining who win elections instead of asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to re-conduct the elections until the true winners emerges.

George who was a former military Governor of old Ondo State cried that what the nation is going through now is a "government of the judiciary by the judiciary for the judiciary."

He stated this at a press briefing held in his office in Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday, stressed that the judiciary should not be the one to determine the winner but the people, adding that the responsibility of the judiciary is to be fair and just and not to select.

"Our country has been doing, very little positively and very much negatively. In the last few days, I have been thinking as a former military officer and as a civilian since I have served five presidents.

"We are derailing, the British came and merged us together for their own economic gains but the separation could have been ideal. We saw the positivity of the first democratic dispensation.

"Unfortunately, it is that same national government which everybody rejected is what we are

running. The 1999 constitution, who prepared it? The constitution is not working. Thank God, President Jonathan came with amendment. but where is the report? If you are in government and people are not happy, your representation is called to question."

Speaking specifically on the last general elections, George noted, "Our electoral process is shambolic, nonsensical and make the country to be nosediving. It is the manipulation of the system.

"A glitch on the day of the election is unforgivable but INEC chairman told us they were ready but with what happened, generation to come will never forgive him.

"The most contentious issue in Nigeria today is the judiciary, it is one of the pillars of government. Is it right for the judiciary to tell

us who won or lost the election? What we understand by democracy is Government of the people by the people and for the people but in our own case it shouldn't be Government of the judiciary by the judiciary and for the judiciary. Is that democratic?" He queried.

"It is the will of the people that should prevail. If you discover any wrong, ask them to go back and conduct fresh election even if it takes hundred times. The job of the judiciary is not to tell us who lost or who won."

George also warned the federal government against going to war over the coup in Niger. According to him, "the coup in Niger has no impact on our national interest. We should go to war only if our national interest is abridged."

The leadership of the RBDAs revealed to the committee that the ministry was responsible for the advertisement and selection of auctioneers who carried out the auction of the properties, saying most of the questions about the auction could only be answered by the ministry.

But the Chairman of the committee and House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the committee was not satisfied with the explanation from the managing directors, adding that the committee had no choice but to invite the ministry.

Ihonvbere said: “I want to assure you for now that we are not very satisfied and that is because you did not preside over this process. We are not satisfied with the disconnects in the contents in some of the documents.

“We will require that you come back after we deduce some of those documents directly from the ministry on behalf of your agencies. We will also invite the ministry to deal with us directly.

"The committee is out to investigate alleged illegal auctioning of government by Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) RBDA, Railway Corporation and Nigeria Customs.

“The committee will rely on the relevant sections of the constitution, the Standing Orders of the House and inherent jurisdiction of the

National Assembly to achieve it mandate.

“In the course of this work, we have written letters to all the agencies concerned requesting for information on the subject matter, and many of you did not bother to respond to our letter.

“We hope to physically visit the agencies, examine your books and conduct physical inspection of all public properties acquired to determine the ones sold and procedures adopted for the exercise.

“ As the representatives of the Nigerian people we will deploy all constitutional means to ensure that we achieve the mandate of the House," he vowed.

The Managing Director of Lower Niger Basin Development Authority, Dr Adeniyi Aremu earlier noted that he and other colleagues were appointed in 2018, adding that that the process of auctioning of the items in their custody had already commenced before they assumed duty.

According to him, the auction process began in 2017 and because the authorities did not have boards at the time, the process was conducted by the ministry of water resources.

Aremu however said that documents on the process that were in the possession of the agency had been submitted to the committee, while the entire details of the process were with the ministry which conducted and presided over the auction process.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

L-R (front row): Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Dr. Tom Obaseki; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Chairman, Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, after the swearing-in of elected local council chairmen, at the Government House, in Benin City, ... yesterday

AFRICA BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR...

L-R: Head, West Africa of CNBC & Forbes Africa, Adeleye Fabusoro; President, Transcorp Group, Dr. Owen Omogiafo, and Group Chief

All Africa Businesswoman of the Year to the Transcorp President/GCEO...recently

DSS: Politicians, Groups Plotting Violent Protests to Discredit FG, Destabilise Nigeria

Issues universities, polytechnics security advisory

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Amid the contagion of coups spreading across West and Central Africa, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria's top secret

police, has raised the alarm that there are sinister attempts to unleash terror on the country.

The DDSS said yesterday it uncovered a plot by some unnamed persons to stage violent

protests across Nigeria.

The secret police revealed that the plotters included politicians mobilising students and tribal leaders for nationwide civil unrest.

A statement issued by the spokesman for DSS, Peter Afunanya, said it identified the plot's ringleaders and sustained monitoring around them to deter the unscrupulous elements from

Melaye Vows to Oust APC, Pledges to Reinstate Sacked Civil Servants in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyawale in Lokoja

The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dino Melaye, has pledged to reinstate all the civil servants who according to him, were fraudulently sacked from service, if elected governor of Kogi State in November 2023.

He told the stakeholders that he was on a rescue mission to right the wrong of the past seven years, saying the administration of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) was associated with poverty and hunger in the land.

The PDP governorship candidate said this while addressing a large crowd of supporters of the PDP at Anyigba at the weekend.

Melaye, explained that if voted into power, the PDP administration would repair all what the APC government had destroyed in the state.

"By the grace of God, the PDP government will stop percentage payment and we will pay full salary. Salary would be paid by 25th of every month. We will pay pensioners .Those civil servants sacked by the fraudulent screening would be reinstated under my administration," he stated.

The PDP flagbearer lamented that over 120 lecturers were sacked in a day at the state-owned university.

"I will not be an Igala governor, I will not be an Okun governor, I will not be an Ebira governor, I will be the governor of Kogi State,” Melaye stressed.

Earlier, the ex-governor of Kogi State , Alhaji Ibrahim Idris urged the electorate in the state to vote massively for the governorship candidate of the PDP in the November 11th election in the state.

The state leader of the PDP and the governor of the state between 2003 and 2012, noted that Melaye was sellable candidate, stressing that he had been so consistent with PDP and had no doubt he would deliver dividends of democracy when voted to power at Lugard House in Lokoja.

Idris, described Melaye as a good ambassador of PDP at National Assembly twice, noting that he had represented Kogi State well with unequal records and has good political pedigree.

The ex-governor told the electorate that the present scenario in the state could be liken to a man who has gotten married to two wives, adding that it was the man that was expected to know who was better out of the two.

He, therefore, called on all critical stakeholders in Kogi East Senatorial district to work hard

and support Dino/Abibat ticket for governor in Kogi State.

Also speaking, the new Caretaker Chairman of PDP, who was presented by the Secretary, stated that the party was poised to wrestle power from APC’s maladministration in the past seven years.

He pointed out that Kogi East Senatorial District was the traditional home of the PDP, noting that the party would work hard to deliver the candidate to form the next government in Kogi come January 2023.

plunging the country into anarchy.

"The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the federal government and security agencies over sundry socioeconomic matters," stated the top security agency.

DSS added, "Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action."

The secret police, in the statement, further issued an advisory to heads of tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, etc.), including vice-chancellors, to forestall any attempts by students to organise rallies or protests deemed antifederal government.

"In view of this development, university vice-chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions are advised to discourage their

PZ Cussons to Acquire Entire Nigeria’s Subsidiary

Kayode Tokede

PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc (PZCN) yesterday announced plans by PZ Cussons (Holdings) Limited, to acquire shares held by all its shareholders at an offer price of N21 per share.

THISDAY gathered that PZCN currently has 3,970,477,045 units of shares listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

Apart from its Holdings that is in UK, no other shareholder held more than five per cent of the paid-up capital of the Group as of May 31, 2022.

The Nigeria subsidiary of PZ Cussons in a statement signed by its Ag. Company Secretary, Olubukola Olonade-Agaga on the floor of the NGX, said

the proposed transaction was subject to the consideration and approval of the board of PZCN, the company’s shareholders and requisite regulatory authorities.

According to her, PZ Cussons Group in its offer explained that it believes the transaction was necessary in order to enable them to significantly simplify and strengthen operations in Nigeria creating the foundations for the Nigerian business to deliver against its strategy. She said the Group also aimed at building a more agile and innovative business, noting that it has been present in Nigeria since 1899 and expects Nigeria to remain an important market for the Group for many years to come.

According to her, PZ Cussons Group intended that the proposed transaction would be implemented under a Scheme of Arrangement in line with section 715 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No.3 of 2020 (as amended) and other applicable rules and regulations.

“This will require the Company to convene a general meeting of its shareholders by an order by the Federal High Court. Details of the Court Ordered Meeting (which includes the date, time, venue and agenda for the meeting) will be communicated to shareholders upon receipt of the requisite approvals from the Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal High Court.

students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace," DSS warned. "Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conduct against law and order."

The statement pointed out that "while the DSS is aware of government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps."

DSS sternly stated that the warning was imperative because "it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans."

The security agency did not state whether the so-called violent protests have anything to do with the Nigeria Labour Congress' two-day nationwide warning strike scheduled for September 5 and 6 to press home demands for long-term solutions to the hardships Nigerian masses are facing.

Shares at N21

“The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction will be provided in the Scheme Document which will be dispatched to all shareholders prior to the Court Ordered Meeting.

“Further developments will be communicated to shareholders in due course. The Company’s shareholders and members of the public are advised to exercise caution in dealing in PZCN’s shares until further information is provided,” he said in a statement on the Exchange,” the statement read.

The Consumer Goods company audited year result and accounts for the period ended May 31, 2022, showed sustained growth in profit driven by double-digit growth in revenue.

PZCN closed 2022 financial year with N10.01billion profit before tax, from the N3.19 billion profit before tax reported in 2021 financial year. With tax expenses of N3.3billion, PZ Cusson Nigeria reported profit of N6.7 billion from N1.78billion reported in 2021, representing an increase of 276.43 per cent.

The company declared a dividend of N4 billion representing a payment of N1.01 per ordinary share,

The company’s revenue hits another milestone in 2022, driven by growth recorded in its home and personal care products and durable electrical appliances amid low purchasing power due to double-digit inflation, among other factors.

Finance Officer, ABN Group, Thameshan Sooriah, at the presentation of the award for the

NEW CHAIRMAN/CEO OF NASENI RESUMES...

L-R: Secretary to the Agency, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mrs. Olayinka Komolafe; Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, Prof. Ibrahim Gaya; Chairman, Presidential Implementation for the Nigerian/Czech Republic Technology Transfer Agreement, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru ; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu; and Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development Directorate, NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem

Again, Sanwo-Olu Presents Omotoso, Abayomi, Egube, Eight Others to House of Assembly

Drops Adeyoye, Adefisayo, Hammond, two others

Segun James

The Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) yesterday received new list of cabinet nominees sent to by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Eleven of the 17 nominees earlier dropped by the House made the list while five were dropped in the new list.

Those dropped were Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo (Education); Mrs. Solape Hammond (SDG); Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye (Works and Infrastructure); Lekan Fatodu and Rotimi Ogunwuyi who were replaced by six new names.

Those that replaced them were Mr. Afolabi Tajudeen, Mr. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Tolani Sule-Akibu, Dr. Yekini Agbaje, Dr Iyabode Ayoola and Mr. Sola Giwa.

Clerk of the House of Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, read the governor's letter during plenary yesterday.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, thus directed the screening committee, led by the Chief Whip, Fatai Mojeed, to reconvene and start screening the nominees as from today.

The committee is to report back to the House on Thursday.

The governor's letter Titled: ‘Fowarding of Official List of Nominees for Appointment as Commissioners and Special Advisers,’ thanked the Speaker and members of the House for their diligence and commitment in relation to the recent screening and confirmation of 22 nominees.

“Your rigorous assessment of the nominees in adherence to your constitutional obligations demonstrates your dedication to ensuring a competent and effective council.

"After careful consideration of the 17 names that were rejected, I have decided to re-present a list of nominees which includes a balanced selection of previously presented and new individuals.

“This list represents a broad political spectrum and diverse backgrounds reflective of the rich diversity of our lovely state. I am confident these new nominees would bring fresh ideas that would help the growth and progress of Lagos."

Other names on the list are former commissioners Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy); Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health); Olalere Odusote

(Energy); Cecila Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation); Sam Egube (Economic Planning and Budget); as well as Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Yomi Olorunyomi, Rotimi Fashola,

Mosopefolu George, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Mrs. Barakat Bakare, and Olumide Oluyinka. Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has resolved to review the performance

of the 2023 budget in preparation for the presentation of the 2024 budget estimate by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The House approved N1.768 trillion for the Year 2023.

Obasa, urged the committee for budget review, headed by Sa'ad Olumo, to ensure a proper review and make its report available to the House.

PSC Inaugurates Board to Recruit 10,000 Police Constables

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, inaugurated a new board saddled with recruiting police constables into the Nigeria Police. Arase charged the board members to recruit only the best Nigerians for the force.

Speaking in Abuja, Arase said the recruitment would commence soon while stating that it was coming on the heels of presidential approval for the annual recruitment of 10,000

2023 BUDGET: FG POSTS N4.6TN HALF-YEAR REVENUE

lack of a rigorous process for selecting capital projects and assessing the viability of the projects vis-a-vis planned outcomes had greatly undermined spending efficiency.

He further stated that government's huge recurrent expenditure had constrained the provision of good roads, steady power supply, healthcare services, quality education, quality shelter, among others

"This has contributed to observable underperformance of the economy, slow growth and current infrastructural challenges.

"No country can develop where a large part of its earnings is spent on administrative structures rather than on productive public investment," he said.

Olumide said the workshop set out, among others, to achieve multifaceted goals, including the resolution of all issues associated with the 2023 budget preparation on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform noted by MDAS and acquaint MDAs with basic steps, processes and procedures involved in preparing the personnel, overhead and capital budget.

Others are to explain the GIFMIS Module for recording revenue, Aid

and grants; to enhance MDAs’ understanding of the processes of generating budget reports on the GIFMIS platform, including error report and how to address such errors.

The Technical Assistant revealed that the 2024 federal government framework was prepared against the backdrop of slow growth, supplychain disruptions, persistent high inflation occasioned by the hike in fuel prices, exchange rate challenges, low capital inflow and insecurity

“The FGN 2024 Budget Framework was prepared against the backdrop of the weeks of democratic transition and it reflects the new direction of the present Administration in addressing key fiscal challenges and policy issues.

"Factors impacting the medium term fiscal outlook include: Slow global growth and supply-chain disruptions; rising geo-political tensions and unabating Russia and Ukraine war, with severe implications on global food and energy prices; grossly inadequate domestic resource mobilisation; and challenging domestic macroeconomic and business environment," he said.

He admonished the budget officers to adhere strictly to the

2023 ceilings as contained in the guidelines of the 2024 Budget Call Circular which sets out the requirements and instructions that must be followed in the preparation of the 2024 Federal Government Budget Proposal.

He urged the MDAs to collaborate with the private sector through Public Private Partnership (PPPs), adding that the budget should be disaggregated as soon as possible to in order to see the extent to which the budget was responsive.

For the purposes of transparency and accountability, he said each MDA was required to upload its budget on its website, adding that the BoF would collaborate with the Independent Corruption Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) to eliminate out ghost workers.

Earlier in his opening address, the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze told the participants at the workshop that as they gathered, it was imperative that to recognise the significance of their roles of, "aligning our activities with the aspirations of the Nigerian people and the development agenda of the current administration."

"The President Tinubu’s adminis-

personnel into the police.

He said it was part of President Bola Tinubu’s electoral promise to strengthen the force and improve its operational capability to resolve the country's insecurity.

The former inspector general of police said, "The task of recruiting qualified people of good conduct and character is no doubt an arduous one but can be made easier through the cooperation and assistance of our community leaders and traditional and religious institutions."

Arase added, "Every Nigerian

tration is firm in its commitment to fulfilling its promises to our citizens. Our focus therefore should remain steadfast on using the budget as a veritable tool for delivering government’s commitment to all Nigerians.

“To achieve this, collaboration and synergy between the various MDAs is paramount. We must harmonize our sectoral policies and programmes with the overarching National Development Plan 20212025 and the specific programmes of this Administration.

"We must ensure that our efforts are synchronised, resources are optimally utilised, and the impact of our collective work resonates across the nation. Furthermore, it is essential to note that the President Tinubu’s Agenda sets the stage for a transformative era in our great nation.

"This agenda outlines the framework for sustainably achieving inclusive socio-economic growth, infrastructural development, and the overall well-being of our people. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to integrate the tenets of this agenda into our respective roles and responsibilities.

“The GIFMIS Budget Preparation

who is desirous of police reforms in our dear country is, therefore, implored to assist the board during the recruitment exercise by ensuring that the bad eggs in society are not foisted on the board and/or allowed to surreptitiously get recruited into the NPF without alerting the board through whistle-blowing."

The police commission boss listed the board's terms of reference to include determining and declaring the available vacancies in the police that need to be filled and drawing up guidelines for every recruitment

Subsystem Training programme serves as a platform to equip us with the tools and knowledge required to facilitate our budgetary processes.

"This technology-driven system enhances our efficiency, minimises bottlenecks, and enhances accountability. I urge you all to actively participate in the training sessions, share insights, and seize this opportunity to foster collaboration among MDAs.

"Let us harness the power of information technology to build a more transparent, accountable, and effective government machinery.

“MDAs are enjoined to study the Budget Call Circular in detail and avoid making mistakes that should ordinarily be avoided if they had complied with the relevant sections of the Call Circular.

“To this end, emphasis will be made in one of the modules this year on key items and sections to note in the 2024 FGN Budget Call Circular," he said.

Meanwhile, the BoF has revealed that it was working to ensure that the 2024 appropriation bill was ready for submission by the end of October, in line with the government's policy of running a January to December fiscal calendar.

process in the force.

Others are determining the online platform to be employed in the advertorials and recruitment of applicants and the placement of advertorials in national dailies and other forms of information dissemination on the recruitment, among others.

Arase urged the board members to shun corruption, urging them to “strive like Caesar’s wife to be above board" during the recruitment exercise.

In his response, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (in charge of the Training Department of the Force), Bala Ciroma, assured that the board would carry out its assignment diligently to be devoid of conflicts of interest in the national interest.

Members of the board inaugurated at the headquarters of the PSC in Jabi, Abuja, are Onyemuche Nnamani (the chairman of the board and commissioner representing the South-East zone at the PSC), Olabode Akinbamilowo (the secretary, a Deputy Commissioner of Police), Ciroma, Alhaji Muhammed Magaji (from the Ministry of Police Affairs), Ifeoma Anyanwutaku (the Permanent Secretary of the PSC), Prof. Joseph Olowofela (from the Federal Character Commission) and CP Hassan Yabanet (representative of police colleges).

Others are Yusuf Sanusi (of the Recruitment Department of the PSC), Sani Usman Hada (of the ICT Unit of the PSC), Barr. Victoria Onyekwuluije (of the Legal Department of the PSC) and DSP Ahanmisi Obehi (of the Office of the Chairman of the PSC). Hitherto, the police commission and the police were engaged in protracted litigation over which had the powers and responsibilities to recruit personnel for the force. A Supreme Court judgment resolved the legal tussle in favour of the commission.

Onyechi in a group photograph with the management on the assumption of duty of the EVC/ CEO of NASENI ... yesterday

OPENING CEREMONY OF 2023 AKWAABA...

L-R: Head, ET Holidays Ethiopia, Firiwof Mekoeu; Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts &

Ikechi

Governor of Cross

Nigeria Insists on Return to Democratic Order in Gabon

The federal government of Nigeria has condemned the inauguration of the Commandant in-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, Gen. Brice Olingui Nguema, as Chairman of the Ruling Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) yesterday, days after he forcefully took over power from President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

The federal government position was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of

SUBSIDY: NLC SHUNS

major issues discussed included implementation of government palliative measures, the dispute involving Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the proposed N70 billion for the funding of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He said the meeting also considered the issue of wage award, which was proposed by the President Bola Tinubu.

Lalong further said issues discussed at the meeting would form key matters to be addressed by the federal government within the two-week period.

Speaking on the outcome of the talks with the government team, Osifo said, "Today we were here and we have raised some of the issues that emanated from the communiqué of the TUC issued yesterday and these issues, as highlighted by the minister, were discussed.

"For us, we think that some of these issues are issues that could be addressed urgently, like tomorrow or next tomorrow. But on their part, they also explained some of the constraints that are there currently.

“We looked at these issues, like the ones bordering on the wage award that today states are making pronouncements on what they will do for the state workers.”

When asked how the union viewed the federal government's response so far, Osifo said, "Yes, for us, it is not satisfactory yet, but pronouncements are being made. We have not heard anything from the federal government regarding federal workers."

He said there was no doubt that the cost of workers’ transportation to their offices had gone up tremendously.

Osifo stated, "So we raised the issue, this would be remediated and that is to be through the wage award, which we have mentioned to Mr. President.

“We also talked about the issues freezing of tax for some categories of civil servants, both public and private sector workers."

the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, which stated that Nigeria had observed with concern the unfolding political developments in the Republic of Gabon, following the coup d’etat that ousted the Administration of President Ali Bongo Ondimba on 30th August, 2023.

Nguema, had led a coup against Ondimba, shortly after he was declared winner of the presidential election in Gabon, though the election was criticised by oppositions and many citizens of the Central

African region.

The military take-over was greeted with condemnation from international community, and it was no surprise that the military government had to change strategy declaring itself as a transitional government.

It changed it status to transitional government and subsequently swore in the junta as the Head of the Government.

In its reaction to the latest development in Gabon, the Nigerian government reiterated

FG'S PEACE TALKS, INSISTS ON STRIKE

On palliatives, the TUC president said the union made it known to the government team that the sum of N5 billion per state being disbursed by the federal government was too small and that more funds should be deployed.

According to Osifo, "With the president being away from the country, coupled with the fact the federal executive meeting will be held next week, where the workers demand will be tabled for approval, TUC resolved to accept the two weeks proposed by the government side."

The union said it would intensify the discussion with the federal government so that all grey areas identified could be ironed out within the time frame given, stressing that beyond the period it cannot guarantee industrial harmony.

In a communiqué signed by Osifo and TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the union criticised government's intervention, and said what was required was lasting programmes and initiatives that would properly address sufferings of the people in the long term.

The TUC said palliatives alone could not solve the long term challenges and hardship faced by the people.

It communique further stated, "That federal government should deploy high powered monitoring team to ensure that the palliatives get to the right people.

"That President Tinubu should within the next one week make a categorical statement on wage award, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers, to cushion the pains and anguish they are going through."

It said the modalities for accessing the intervention fund that was recently announced as palliatives to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises should be spelt out and implemented immediately.

It also demanded that a national monitoring team be set up to monitor the distribution of palliatives across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Furthermore, the communique said

an ad hoc committee, whose aim would be to ensure verifiable and judicious utilisation of the palliative, would work with the various state councils to ensure that the palliatives get to the poorest of the poor and not used for political patronage.

"These committees that will be headed by a NAC member will be stratified along the six geopolitical zones for effectiveness and efficiency," it added.

TUC also gave the Lagos State government a two-week ultimatum to obey the court order, and address with the impasse with RTEAN, or face a total shut down, effective 12 midnight of September 18.

“All affiliates of TUC and the Lagos State Council of Congress are directed to commence full mobilisation for total shutdown in Lagos,” it added.

Earlier, Lalong had at press briefing explained that he was yet to meet with the labour leaders, before yesterday, because he had not gotten adequate briefing from the relevant departments. He appealed to the leadership of NLC to prevail on all its affiliate unions to shelve their scheduled two-day strike.

The minister told journalists in Abuja that the federal government had taken steps to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, saying they are being implemented by the three tiers of government.

He stated, "As we continue in this direction, therefore, we must ensure that there is a robust line of communication with Nigerians and, in particular, the organised labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace, which would, no doubt, reverse some of the gains already made.

"In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend its intended two days warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large."

The federal government appealed to NLC to give it some time to

it early position that the military should hand back government to the civilian government.

The statement further read: “The inauguration of the Commandant In-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, Gen. Brice Olingui Nguema as Chairman of the Ruling Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on Monday, 4th September, 2023, with no indication of a transition programme in place, only serves to fan the embers of growing discontent among the political

address the issues on the ground holistically.

Lalong said the ministers were recently sworn-in by the new administration. He said most of them were still receiving briefings from their various departments.

"Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon,” Lalong said.

He added, “In the next few weeks, we intend to address them holistically.

"Consequently, I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

"We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government.

"We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace."

The minister said he was yet to receive official communication of the NLC communiqué following its National Executive Council meeting, as required by law.

He stated, "Like many Nigerians, I and the Hon. Minister of State got the information from media sources. I believe my dear comrades will do the needful by following laid down processes for handling such matters since the cabinet is now in place, unlike previously when there was no cabinet on ground."

On progress so far in addressing the demands of labour, Lalong said the president had approved several measures to help cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal. He said palliative measures were already being implemented, beginning with the states and local governments.

He said, "You will recall that on the directive of Mr. President, the federal government dispatched trucks of rice and other grains to states for immediate distribution to most vulnerable citizens.

“In addition, the National Economic Council under the

class in the country

“Nigeria, therefore, joins the larger international community to call for the immediate return to democratic constitutional order, which will go a long way to pacify dissident voices and restore trust and confidence to the electorate. Coups d’etat only serve to compound rather than address any perceived problems.

“The coup d’etat in Gabon is therefore, one coup too many in Africa and it is unacceptable at a time when Africa is aspiring to consolidate on democracy and

chairmanship of the vice president, approved the disbursement of N5 billion to the 36 states and the FCT for purchase and distribution of more palliatives and further interventions.

"Earlier, Mr. President had directed the purchase of CNG powered buses and implementation of the policy for conversion of petrol cars to gas as a way of reducing the cost of energy for transportation.

“In the course of the coming weeks, additional measures will be announced, having consulted with the leadership of the labour, organised labour and key stakeholders.

"The issue of the review of minimum wage, which was promised by the president, will also receive attention so as to ensure that the Nigerian worker is not adversely affected by the challenges of the moment."

Lalong also promised that the conflict between the Nigeria Police and the leadership of NURTW would be looked into without delay.

As for the matter between organised labour and the governments of Imo and Abia states, Lalong appealed to both parties to employ dialogue to resolve the issues.

The federal government's appeal came as many affiliate unions of NLC and civil society allies, including ASUU, ASUP, non-teaching staff of universities, and NUBIFIE, expressed their readiness to participate in the two-day warning strike.

NUBIFIE, the umbrella body for workers in the banking and insurance sector, vowed to shutdown activities in Nigeria.

The leadership of NUBIFIE issued a notice that all banks would be shut down today, Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday, September 6, in line with NLC’s two-day strike directive

A statement to this effect was signed by the scribe of the association, Mr. Mohammed Sheikh.

NUATE and NAAPE also confirmed that their members would join the two-day warning strike. In a letter addressed to its branches nationwide, the unions directed their members to join the NLC strike.

In the letter signed by General

democratic principles for the attainment of United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to partnering with other democratically elected governments in Africa to sanction perpetrators of unconstitutional change of government in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ADC), until democracy is given the chance to thrive in every African country for the good of its peoples.”

Secretaries of NUATE, Ocheme Abah; Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Abdulrasaq Saidu; and NAAPE, Umoh Ofonime, the unions stated, “Accordingly, as affiliates of the NLC, all the state councils and branches of the above named trade unions are directed to fully join the state councils of the NLC in all the states on the September 5th and 6th for the warning strike. “Aviation workers are hereby directed to stay at home during these periods."

Similarly, National Union of Electricity Employees directed its members across the country to join the two-day nationwide warning strike. A circular signed by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, read, “With reference to the communique from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC dated 31st August, 2023 at which the state of the economy and the plight of common Nigerians caused by the various government anti-poor policies were extensively discussed as well as the intimidatory activities of the government, especially at the state levels, on the organised labour unions, we are:

“To commence a two-day nationwide warning strike (withdrawal of services) on Tuesday and Wednesday the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demand the state vacate the illegally occupied trade union offices.

“To embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from 1st September, 2023, until the government takes steps to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country and other labour issues raised in the NLC communique.”

United Action Front of Civil Society also declared support for the strike by NLC, to protest against hardship in the country. In a statement signed by Head, National Coordinating Centre, United Action Front of Civil Society, Wale Okunniyi, the group described the subsidy removal palliatives as another device of the ruling class to fleece impoverished Nigerians.

Culture, Hon. Abubakar Ewa; Convener, 19th African Travel Market (AKWAABA), Ambassador

Uko;

River State, Senator Bassey Otu; Senator Ita Giwa; and Board member, Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Surreya U. Alinak; and others, during the opening ceremony of 2023 AKWAABA at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos... on Sunday.

PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Police Kill Two Kidnap Suspects, Parade Officers for Extortion in Rivers

Nab robbers operating on Second Niger bridge in Anambra

Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt and David-Chyddy Eleke inAwka

Operatives of the Rivers State Police command have killed two suspects allegedly involved in murder and kidnapping in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

Similarly, police operatives in Anambra State have arrested two robbers who operate on the newly constructed second Niger Bridge.

In a briefing yesterday with journalists, at the command

headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Emeka Nwonyi said the suspects were killed during a gun duel with operatives of the command at Rumuodogo community in Emohua.

Nwonyi said: “In a follow-up to the death of a cultists/kidnappers, police operatives of the command on August 30, 2023 arrested one Godspower Salete at Rumodogo at about 2:45pm and one Temple Emmanuel Woke of Rumuodogo-1

Palliative: Kano Distributes Food Items to 1,060 Under Privileged Persons

Ahmad Sorondinki inKano

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, yesterday commenced the distribution of food items to 1,060 less privileged across the 44 Local government areas of the state in Kano.

Also, the governor yesterday launched agricultural interventions consisting of agro-processing facilities and farm inputs for 6, 200 smallholder farmers, through agricultural associations under the Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project/ Sasakawa Africa Association Crop Value chain intervention.

He explained that the small ruminants played a vital role in the food and nutrition security of millions of poor rural dwellers in the state, serving as sources of meat, milk, and skin.

On the rice distributed, Governor Yusuf explained that the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effects

of the fuel subsidy removal.

According to him, the first phase of the programme included the distribution of two hundred and ninety-seven thousand 10kg bags of rice freely to the needy in all the 474 political wards in the state.

He said: “1060 would benefit from the first phase of this program. We are given food items like rice, and maize, millet, among others, and the items are distributed to the vulnerable groups in our society.

“I am glad to tell you that our government has made a befitting plan through the establishment of various committees at various levels to ensure adequate distribution of the food items.

“As I have said, no government official or civil servant is allowed to benefit from the programme. Anyone found wanting in the process of the distribution of the food items would be dealt with accordingly.”

in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State were also arrested in connection to the case.

“The two suspects led a team of Policemen to Rumuodogo Forest for the recovery of their arms.”

“During the process, their gang members engaged the police in a gun battle, and in the process, the two suspects were fatally wounded while others escaped with bullet wounds. One AK49

rifle with breach no. Ek3911 and six magazines with twenty rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered,” he said.

The CP said the corpses of the killed suspects have been

deposited at De-light Mortuary, Ogbakiri, for autopsy, while intensive efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and recover more of their operational weapons.

Transparency Group Suspends former NATCOM DG, Baba Muhammad

Segun AwofadejiinBauchi

Nigerian Transparency Group, which is committed to promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency within the public sector, has announced the suspension of the former Director General of the National Commission for the Coordination and Control of Proliferation

of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM), Mr. Baba Muhammad.

According to a press statement signed by Press Secretary of the Group, Dauda Sani and made available to journalists in Bauchi yesterday, the group stated: “These actions undermine the trust and integrity essential to the functioning of NATCOM, an organisation

tasked with a critical mission in the nation.”

The group stated that the suspension is in line with its principles, we wish to inform the general public of the suspension of Mr (NATCOM) which comes as a result of “grave allegations of extortion, misappropriation of funds, and his involvement in job racketeering with applicants.”

The group added: “Furthermore, we would like to highlight that Mr. Baba Muhammad is currently under investigation by the Nigerian Police Force for his alleged breach of trust and misconduct.”

“Regrettably, he has refused to honour the police force’s invitations for questioning, which only deepens the concerns surrounding his actions,” the said.

Bandits Kill Kidnapped LG Director of Works in Niger after Collecting Ransom

Laleye Dipo in Minna Bandits who kidnapped the Director of Works of Mariga Local Government Area in Niger State, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi Bala, has killed him after collecting ransom from his family.

Also, not less than 23 others

abducted by the gunmen from Mariga town are said to still be in the custody of their abductors.

THISDAY learnt that Bala was abducted from his home at about 1 a.m. last weekend.

According to the findings, the late director was in the room with his two wives-one of them almost nine months pregnant-when the

gunmen knocked at the door.

One of the wives, according to the report, opened the door only to be faced with a gun with the gunmen asking for her husband.

It was said that the gunmen forced their way into the house and took away Bala to an unknown destination.

The bandits also sacked the

neighbourhood and took into captivity not less than 25 people.

The sister of the deceased, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi, who confirmed the story to THISDAY, said three days after her brother and others were kidnapped, the bandits called for a ransom of N50 million before he would be released.

Ogun 2023: Tribunal Reserves Judgment as Abiodun, Adebutu Adopt Final Addresses

The Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal, yesterday, reserved judgment in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Hon Ladi Adebutu, against the re-election of the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in the March 8, 2023 governorship election. At the

resumed sitting of the tribunal, the Ogun State governor and the APC, urged the three-man panel to dismiss the petition filed by Adebutu and his party against Abiodun.

Counsels to all the parties adopted their final written addresses.

The Chairman of the three-man tribunal, Justice Hamidu Kunaza,

told the counsels that the final day of the judgment would be communicated to all the parties.

Adebutu had approached the tribunal to challenge the declaration of Abiodun as the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying that the election was marred with corrupt practices and non-compliance with

the Electoral Act.

In their separate submissions however, counsels to the 1st respondent (INEC), Mr Remi Olatubora (SAN), 2nd (Dapo Abiodun), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and the third (APC), Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), told the tribunal that the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Family Raises the Alarm over Alleged Plan to

Fidelis David in Akure

Free Suspected Murderer in Ondo

General and Commissioner for Justice.

A 32-year-old suspected cultist, Mr. Sulaiman Ayuba Imole, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, by the police for alleged murder, cultism and armed robbery. This is just as the family and friends of one of the victims of the suspect has expressed fear of tampering with the case file before the office of the Attorney

Imole was accused of allegedly killing Mr. Ayodele Adebayo Bosede. (a.k.a school boy) and others while being armed with guns and other dangerous weapons contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.The charges preferred against Imole by the Police Prosecution,

Inspector Festus Ajbuke, reads: “That you Sulaiman Ayuba imole ‘m’ and others at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district, did parade yourself to be Eiye Secret Cult member and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 1(1) of the Cultism, Secret Cult and similar activities (Prohibited) Act Cap. 39 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo of Nigeria 2006.

FCT: Ugwu, ex-PDP Presidential Aspirant, Rallies Support for Wike

A former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Charles Okwudili Ugwu, has called for massive support for Mr. Nyesom Wike in his “transformative mission” as the new minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying that the immediate past governor of Rivers State needed such support to bring his ‘prodigious’ work ethic

in Rivers State to bear on the discharge of his duties as Minister of the FCT, “for the good of all Nigerians.”

In a statement titled “Let Wike Breathe,” which he personally signed and released to the media yesterday, Ugwu, an Abuja-based lawyer and businessman, said that given the exemplary development strides witnessed in Rivers

under Wike, President Tinubu couldn’t have made a better choice in picking the former Governor to reenact his Rivers’ miracle in Abuja.

According to the Enugu-born politician and developer, needs a man with the courage and convictions of Wike to maintain its existing social infrastructure and build new ones within the shortest possible time.

Osun Pledges Enabling Environment for Communities

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday said that he would not relent in providing enabling environment in an efforts to improving the socio - economic and social conditions of communities through the Community and Social Development Agency

(CSDA).

Adeleke, who was represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs Hon. Ayobami Ganiyu Olaoluwa , stated this at the inauguration of health centre and bore-hole water projects in Sabo-Odo Eran Community in Olorunda Local Government Area of the state.

According to the governor, the health centre and water projects were facilitated to serve the good people of the area. Adeleke stressed that the state was celebrating a dream fulfilled because it was a big boost to the agenda of his administration in increasing access of the people to socioeconomic infrastructure.

Former Envoy Tasks Tinubu on Appointment of Ambassadors

Funmi Ogundare

A former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Ibrahim Baba Mai-Sule, yesterday, advised President Bola Tinubu to consider the structure of the appointment of new ambassadors before issuing letters of credence.

Mai-Sule, who was a guest on The Morning Show AriseTV, spoke on the backdrop of the recall of the country’s ambassadors, explaining that there is a need to look at the quality of people, their background, funding of the missions and the kind of contribution they

are making in such position. He said: “I believe this should be part of restructuring itself and you will know their financial position if there is any need to follow up on the mission and put them under supervision. They should try to look at the structure.”

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Napoli President, De Laurentiis, Mocks Al-Hilal's Bid for Osimhen

Says the club’s offer ‘good only for one foot of the Nigerian’

Femi Solaja with agency report

With the Saudi Arabia summer transfer window coming to an end on Thursday, the quest of Al-Hilal to sign Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen, has taken a dramatic twist following claims by the Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, that his prized player is worth more than the Arabs are offering.

Saudi Arabian powerhouse, Al-Hilal, have aggressively been pursuing Osimhen to add to their list of top players in their fold this summer transfer window.

TRANSFER NEWS

The Saudi Pro League side became the front runners after European big clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich dropped their interests when it became clear Napoli were not ready to deal on the Nigerian this window.

Only PSG tabled a €100 million offer that the Serie A champions rejected.Al-Hilal then out of the blues became the front-runners for Osimhen’s signature. They made

Nigeria, Egypt Battle for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Tickets

The battle for the continent’s highest slots in the table tennis event of Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be between Nigeria and Egypt when the qualifying tournament begins on September 20 in Egypt.

Already, some established players like Isau Ogunkunle, Faith Obazuaye, Tajudeen Agunbiade and a host of others have been confirmed for the 2023 ITTF African Para Table Tennis Championships which will take place at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Giza, Egypt.

In their usual style, host –Egypt is planning to assemble some of the country’s finest players to battle Nigeria for the tickets to the Games next year.

From the previous qualifiers and past performances from the last edition of the African championships, Egypt and Nigeria remain the dominant teams in the continent with the likes of Algeria and South Africa as outsiders.

At the Paralympic Games, Egypt and Nigeria have also been representing Africa with both countries having medals to show for their participation

at previous games However, 2022 Commonwealth Games medallist, Ogunkunle, believes he would be unstoppable in Egypt.

“I am going to Egypt to confirm my ticket to Paris because I cannot afford to start travelling abroad again for other qualifiers. This is the best chance for me, and I know it is not going to be easy because my main challenge remains the Egyptian veteran Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh who is eyeing a record sixth appearance at the games.

“I am confident I can beat him to the sole slot in the class four division of the men’s singles,” Ogunkunle assured his Nigerian fans.

Already, Team Nigeria players have gone into camping in readiness for the tournament as most of the players are putting finishing touches to their training before their departure next week.

Meanwhile, President of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, has hinted that the organisers – Egypt Table Tennis Federation, have been working tirelessly to stage a befitting tournament.

Grealish, Alexander-Arnold Out of England Squad

EURO 2024 QUALIFIERS

Jack Grealish and Trent AlexanderArnold have withdrawn from the England squad for upcoming games against Ukraine and Scotland because of injury.

Manchester City forward Grealish missed Saturday's 5-1 win against Fulham.

Full-back Alexander-Arnold went off with a hamstring issue

two bids that raised the bar to €140 million. They also presented Osimhen with a salary package that would have made him the highest-earning African player in history. Nevertheless, Napoli

turned down both offers. But in what appears a comical denouement yesterday, the Napoli president was reported by France’s top medium, L’Équipe (as per Tutto Napoli), made light of the Saudi club’s proposals, even dismissing oral offers worth €200 million.

De Laurentiis did not stop there; he went on to send a sarcastic email to the intermediaries representing the Saudi club, stating, “With your offering, you can only buy one foot of Osimhen. For next year, I think you will be able to offer 500 million, and we will probably consider your offer, but

I emphasise ‘maybe’,” explained the Napoli owner. Osimhen, who scored 26 league goals last season, played a pivotal role in Napoli’s first Scudetto title in 33 years. The Super Eagles striker has already netted three goals in as many games for the Serie A champions.

Hollywood's A-listers Turn out for Messi

Actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Ferrell, Tom Holland, Toby Maguire, Owen Wilson and Gerard Butler were amongst the 'notable attendees list' that watched Lionel Messi laid on two assists to help Inter Miami beat MLS champions Los Angeles FC 3-1 at BMO Stadium Sunday night.

as Liverpool beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Sunday.

England play Ukraine in Poland in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday and then Scotland in a friendly Glasgow on 12 September.

Boss Gareth Southgate has decided not to call up any replacements for those games.

FG, Private Sector Urged to Support Sports Devt

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Federal Government and private sector have been called upon to support sports development in the country in order to encourage more participation of talented men and women in sporting activities.

The Leader of the Golf & Tour Kitty Group, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Harry Arariode (retired) made the call in Ilorin during the

just concluded 6th edition of the tournament held at the Ilorin Golf Club, Ilorin.

Speaking with reporters at the closing ceremony of the tournament, the leader of the Golf & Tour Kitty tournament, AVM Arariode(rtd) stressed the importance of sports in the socio-economic development of the nation.

“I want to call on the federal government and private individuals to come to the aid of sports in

Nigeria.

"The development would go a long way of enabling talented sports men and women to showcase their talents and thereby allowing them to contribute to the sports development of the country.

"In most of the advanced countries, we have golf tournament and they don't rely on government or private individuals to flourish. I want to call on the federal government and private individuals to rise

up to help the development of golf and other sports so as to advance the socio-economic development of Nigeria".

On the tournament, Arariode said that, " We are golf tour group, our essence is to live together and we do this by going on tour of all parts of Nigeria and outside world.

"By going on tour, we do visit the less privileged people in the society and add values to their lives. And yesterday in Ilorin here,

we visited two of the Orphanage homes here so as to identify with them.

"We are an amateur golf group, we play for the fun of it. We don't play for money, we play for trophies because we are amateur".

The State’s Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, last Thursday declared the tournament open where no fewer than 67 retired personnel and civilians participated at the event.

Also packed in the VIP boxes of the 22,000-seater stadium were musicians Liam Gallagher, Selena Gomez, Tyga, BReal and Nas. Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana scored to cancel out Ryan Hollingshead's effort for the hosts.

The statement victory against last season's MLS Cup winners puts Miami nine points shy of the play-offs with nine games to play.

Since Messi, 36, made his debut on 22 July, Inter Miami have won the Leagues Cupand are unbeaten in 11 fixtures.

The Argentine World Cup winner has scored 11 goals and chipped in with five assists in 11 appearances across all competitions. Inter Miami return to the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for their next match against Sporting Kansas City on 10 September.

Messi is regarded as football royalty and he was watched by British royalty with Prince Harry taking up the opportunity to see the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward in the flesh.

Victor Osimhen...Napoli president not willing to let go his prized asset

Lionel Messi...attracting A-list Hollywood stars to Inter Miami Games since he joined the MLS side recently

Adoke to Buhari Administration

“I have been a victim of corruption allegations by the immediate past government. The most incompetent government we’ve ever seen in this country; ran by the most incompetent President that this country has ever had and will never have again. And ran by a set of political morons…” --Former Attorney-GeneralandMinisterofJustice,MohammedAdoke,lambastingtheBuhari Administration,inselfdefence,overcorruptionallegations.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Bello Adoke At 60 And Buhari’s Legacy

Mohammed Bello Adoke, who turned 60 on September 1, 2023 served Nigeria as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, April 6, 2010- May 29, 2015. He holds the esteemed, silky rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). He is one of the finest gentlemen that I know, a sound professional, brutally honest, intellectually gifted, a man whose first code of relationship is loyalty. I admire him for his intellect and forthrightness, but even more so for his stubborn loyalty to persons and causes.

There are persons that I have had cause to criticize in the recent past, in the line of work basically, but Adoke would insist he would never condemn any man in public who has ever been nice to him whatever the situation may be. And yet he has the most caustic tongue that anyone can ever think of. I have always warned him never to think of a career in journalism, lest someone breaks his bones literally, because when he takes on a subject that he is passionate about, he does not know how to measure his words. He is one of such persons who believe that their syntax must match the exact timbre of their feelings. When he is opposed to a subject, he wields an axe, when he is in support of a particular matter, he waxes lyrical. Legal practice suits his temperament perfectly. Lawyers are basically technicians, wielding facts and evidence and relying on precedents and the law to build a case in favour of their clients, and lawyers are fine in that regard as long as they do not behave like characters in Charles Dickens’s The Great Expectations or The Bleak House where Dickens, 19th Century English satirist offers a most unflattering view of the law. The key thing about our common law jurisprudence is that the court-room restrains lawyers from speaking as it comes to them outside the rules of professional conduct. Adoke’s professionalism is not in doubt. Called to the Bar in 1986, after obtaining a degree in law from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria (1985), he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Tax Law from Robert Kennedy University, Zurich, Switzerland, a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Keble College, Oxford and an Advanced LLM in Public International Law (specializing in international criminal law) from the University of Leiden, Netherlands. He has practised law in diverse areas such as civil litigation, commercial disputes, arbitration, election petitions and oil and gas culminating in his attainment of the rank of an SAN, membership of the International Law Commission in Geneva and his appointment as Chief Law Officer of the Federation: a position that places him in a special class in the legal profession. The other day, ahead of the celebration of his 60th birthday, he granted an interview which has now become very controversial, to a lady, Ms Adesua Giwa-Osagie, on a platform called “Untold Stories”. In the interview, one thing led to another and Adoke, reacting to allegations that he was charged for corruption by the Buhari administration told his interviewer that no he was not corrupt, but that Buhari ran “the most incompetent government we’ve ever seen in this country, ran by the most incompetent President that this country has ever had and will never have again…by a set of political morons.” This was that side of Adoke’s persona that I talked about in action. In a few words, he delivered the most devastating assessment of the Buhari administration so far since Buhari’s departure from office on May 29. To accuse a man of incompetence at his work is to declare that he is not worth it at all. To dismiss a whole Government as a government of morons is brutal. It was therefore not surprising that by Monday morning, quite a number of news platforms reported a sharp rebuttal to Adoke’s statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, former senior assistant spokesperson to President Buhari. One example would suffice.

This newspaper yesterday in its lead front page story quoted Garba Shehu as having claimed that President Buhari’s fight against corruption is unprecedented.

Mohammed Bello Adoke

He was said to have cited the Process and Industrial Developments (PID) matter, Paris Club, and the Ajaokuta Steel Company as cases that Buhari had to take on which were inherited from the Jonathan administration under which Adoke served. He reportedly said that Buhari was on “a rescue mission”. Adoke’s interview, ahead of his 60th birthday, was on a relatively modest platform. I have always warned that volubility is not an asset in the business of spokesmanship. He who speaks for another must know what to ignore, what to respond to, and what to manage. By responding to Adoke, Garba Shehu has taken what could have been overlooked as a side comment to the front pages, and drawn more attention to President Buhari’s legacy. He should have kept quiet. But he didn’t. And now he has ignited a conversation around the question: what exactly did President Buhari rescue?

It is true that in 2015, President Buhari had promised Nigerians that he would address the issues of insecurity, the economy and corruption. By the time he left office in May 2023, he had left the country in a far more insecure state than he met it. The economy was in the doldrums. Nigeria was in so much debt, even Buhari’s economists advised against the perils of further borrowings. Inflation had become unmanageable. The country’s unemployment rate was so high, the succeeding Tinubu administration has had to engage in the voodoo manipulation of statistics to reassure Nigerians that the unemployment index had dropped using a different methodology. But the same Tinubu, APC to APC government has not hidden the fact that the new managers inherited a badly managed economy.

Wale Edun, the current Minister of Finance and the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy has said publicly that the last time the Nigerian economy was stable was about a decade ago, in other words before Buhari/APC assumed office at the centre. He added, to drive the matter home, that “we inherited a bad economy.” So, what happened to Buhari’s rescue mission. The standard excuse that has been given in his defence is that he was “not aware” of most of the things that happened under his watch. Tinubu, his successor, from the same party has been carrying on as if he is aware, and that is why he has been prying into some of the transactions under Buhari: the CBN, the foreign exchange, import waivers, management

of palliatives, the anchor borrowers’ programme. His only saving grace would be that if Tinubu with his “over-sabi” fails to deliver on his reforms, then people could become kinder to him, but if Tinubu is able to make a difference, then Buhari’s legacy would be in tatters. The jury is still out. Buhari’s spin doctors are no longer in a position to dictate how he should be remembered. The old line about Buhari fighting corruption that was hatched under Jonathan is a worn, over-flogged tale that no longer sells in the light of present realizations.

As a person. Muhammed Bello Adoke has used the occasion of his 60th birthday to defend himself in the public domain. Before his recent interview, he had written a book titled “Burden of Service: Reminiscences of Nigeria’s former Attorney General” (London/New York: Clink Street, 2019, 270 pp.) in which he provides a detailed reflection on his trials and triumphs as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice: the mischief of those who witch-hunted him, specifically the OPL 245 Controversy and the Ajaokuta Steel Settlement. Adoke’s main argument is that he acted in the utmost best interest of Nigeria in all that he did and strictly within the purview of the rule of law. The frustration that he expresses in the book about the intrigues in the corridors of power is enough to discourage anyone from agreeing to serve the Nigerian government. Depending on the circumstances, you could go in as an innocent person interested in service, only to come out with a heavy Sisyphean burden on your shoulders. In 2016, the Buahri administration charged Adoke to court along with others over OPL 245. He was hounded from pillar to post, even as far as the Netherlands. He was eventually arrested in Dubai after spending about six years in exile. Adoke is in the best position to tell his own story, and he probably would do so in another book. What is certain is that a court in Milan, Italy discharged and acquitted him of any wrong-doing in the OPL 245 debacle. The Commercial Court in the UK ruled that he had nothing to do with the P&ID debacle which seems to have gone cold most conveniently. The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN advised the government in a written opinion that the Federal Government had no case against. Adoke. Mr Ibrahim Magu, former EFCC Chairman, by Adoke’s own account, also found cause to apologise to him. This is probably the root

of his deployment of strong adjectives to dismiss a leader that was once a “constituted authority” in this country as the most incompetent in Nigerian history. Politics is a function of time and chance, hall of mirrors, a revolving door.

Adoke was not originally my friend. We quarrelled before we became friends. When I assumed duties at the Presidential Villa in 2011, one of the first pieces of advice I got was from Akachikwu Nwankpo, then Special Adviser on Technical Matters to the President and later Gubernatorial candidate in the 2022 Anambra elections. Nwankwo had drawn my attention very early to what he called the existence of a “A Gap Theory” in the Villa, in the sense that the place was a jungle and the only way to survive was to defend your territory with every ounce of energy within you. I thought he was joking. But he was dead serious. “You see this place my brother, you have to watch your territory, even when you are doing your best people are perpetually looking for how they can do your job for you.” I felt that was odd. People had specific titles and job descriptions. But as it turned out, I discovered on my own that my assignment as Presidential Spokesperson was something everyone had their eyes on. I usually briefed the President every morning at the breakfast table. In a short while some people started dragging it with me. They would plant themselves at the table and before I started the briefing, one of them would have launched an unsolicited media commentary: “Daddy, on AIT yesterday…” Oga, I heard that so, so and so editor.” Ha. Would these people allow me to do this job? Many of the interlopers used to go directly to the President to introduce editors and other media players, claiming to know the media better than everyone else. Some had the effrontery of directing me to issue press statements. I was caught in the web once or twice, but when I saw the President didn’t like me producing press statements that he did not personally authorize, I became fiercely territorial. Only the President could tell me what to do.

I had a different kind of baptism in January 2012. That was during the “Occupy Nigeria” protests following the Jonathan administration’s decision to deregulate the downstream sector, which resulted in the pump price of petrol going up from N65 per litre to N141 per litre. Mayhem descended on Nigeria. There were riots in Ojota, Abuja and other parts of the country. For more than a week, organised labour and civil society fought the Nigerian government. They wanted the removal of subsidy reversed and they were determined, not the kind of “testing, testing” protest that Labour leaders of today are organizing on the same issue. There was unease in the Villa as there was in the country. There were casualties. It was felt that the President needed to address the nation. I wrote a draft in which I tried to appeal to the people and calm the nerves. Then came along Adoke with a militant draft speech in which the President was meant to sound stern and warn the dissidents and their sponsors who were disturbing the peace of the nation. The version that Adoke brought was pugilistic and fierce. The President told me to go and look at it and get back to him. I came back with a modified draft, only for the President to opt for the militant piece. It was his statement, not mine. But I was bitter. I complained to Dr. Fortune Fiberesima, the President’s physician who said he too was facing the same challenge – all kinds of people trying to do his work, even when they had no knowledge of medicine. One Minister, who always boasted that his wife was a medical doctor, in fact relished offering the President medical advice. Fiberesima used to fume. I decided to talk to Mohammed Adoke. I told him he should not do my job. He should focus on his AGF work. He was nice. He said he was interested in the purity of the law, not other people’s assignments and indeed, with the law, he is one of the finest that Nigeria has had as AGF and Minister of Justice. The story of our friendship since then till date is another story to be told some other day. For now, please join me to wish him a happy 60th birthday. Congratulations, AGF Emeritus.