FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER2024

FOCAC: Tinubu Lauds

Jinping pledges $50bn financial aid for Africa Lists 10 partnership action plans between China and Africa

Tinubu: At the heart of China-African relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect Bank of Industry Raises

NNPCL: We are Working to Resolve Supply Shortfalls, Blames Scarcity on FX Illiquidity

Says it prefers PMS price determined by market forces Announces provision of additional 17.6m barrels of crude oil to Dangote refinery NNPCL yet to lift our petrol, discussions still ongoing, says new refining facility Shettima meets Lokpobiri, Mele Kyari on fuel price increase

& Communication, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Paulin Basinga; Founder, LEAP Africa, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli; Founder and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR; Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates; Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR; President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON; Managing Director/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou; President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias; and Interim Director, Nigeria Country Office, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Uche Amaonwu at the Philanthropy Dinner with Bill Gates in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mbeki: Unity in Diversity Can Be Achieved Only Through Conscious Political Decisions

Says receding sense of pan-Africanism responsible for impossible non-seamless borders

Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, yesterday, said achieving unity in diversity in many African countries was possible, but it must be a conscious political decision.

He also linked the unending challenge of non-seamless borders on the continent to the decline in commitment to Pan-africanism and a larger political problem.

Mbeki, the second democratic president of South Africa, stated

this position at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation in Johannesburg, in a meeting with the third cohort of the MTN-sponsored Media Innovation Programme (MIP) during their ongoing study tour to South Africa.

The MIP, a six month-long intensive training, was birthed three years ago to foster innovation and development, as well as transform and empower media practitioners to take advantage of technology and innovation in doing their jobs better and telling stories that needed to be told.

However, discussing how he

that our suppliers have confidence in our ability to pay.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday said it was working hard to resolve the current petrol scarcity being experienced across the country,

Executive Vice President, Downstream Operations, at NNPC, Dapo Segun also blamed the present shortages on foreign exchange illiquidity, distribution challenges, and the need to balance imports with existing debts.

Segun spoke during an interview on Arise News, the broadcast arm of THISDAY newspapers.

Although he stated that NNPCL was actively working to resolve the supply shortfall, Segun did not provide a specific timeline for ending the long fuel queues.

He emphasised that a significant challenge in the market was the reluctance to allow prices to be determined by market forces.

Segun said, “First, we have conditions that affect our ability to distribute fuel efficiently. We do have a constraint of FX illiquidity. And when you have that situation, you have to strike a very fine balance between the size of your debts and the volume of products that you import.

“It wouldn't make sense to import so much more than you can reasonably and create a situation where your debts become unserviceable. So it's a fine balance that we have to draw between those two, between those two – the size of the volume of PMS that we import and the size of our payables that's mainly driven by FX liquidity.”

He added that even with debts owed, the suppliers trust that they would pay, insisting that NNPCL has a good business relationship with all its foreign customers.

Segun stated, “We have a good relationship with our suppliers. And as we speak, we don't have a problem with the supplies coming in. We do have a challenge with payments, and that's largely due to the fact that there is some FX illiquidity, as it's obvious, and that's really is the challenge.

“As much as we are able to, we are making payments to them and talking about the debts. I wouldn't want to go into that issue, but yes, there is a debt. There may have been a denial of the exact amount that was posted in the media.

“Yes, there is a debt. It's not news to anyone, but we're doing all we can to make sure that we retain the confidence of our suppliers, and I can assure you

institution had raised €1 billion via a term loan syndicated facility in July 2022, which was successfully repaid in July 2024. The performance represented a mark of confidence in the bank and the Nigerian economy by foreign investors who perceive a bright future for the country.

In a statement, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the proceeds of the loan will help finance a growing demand for BoI funds across the country. Olusi is a distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert, with a remarkable over twodecade career dedicated to shaping

managed the identity differences and diversity of South Africa, when he was president and his advice for leaders of today, he cited cogent examples, including that of Tanzania that eliminated the language divide and brought its citizens under one identity.

He said, "It's a very political thing – management of diversity. It's because it's central to the survival of all of the African states, because there's no African state which is not characterised by the diversity of its population now.

“NNPC has never defaulted in making its payments, and that's why suppliers continue to back us up.

“The good thing also is that we have Dangote refineries coming up with production, as it's been announced, and that will also provide a source of supply into the country.”

He stated that as a confirmation of its good faith, NNPCL had supplied the Dangote refinery over 30 million barrels of crude oil in the past, with 17.6 million barrels to be made available in the coming months.

Segun explained, “We have provided over 30 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote refineries so far. This month alone, we will be providing 6.3 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote refineries in seven cargos, and in October, we'll be providing another 11.3 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote refineries in 13 cargos. So we're doing everything we can to make sure that this situation abates as soon as possible.”

He added that Section 205 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) said fuel prices should be determined by unrestricted market-based conditions.

Segun said while the government might intervene with policies where it deemed fit, the sustainable approach was to allow for free market pricing of petrol. He said, “In section 205 of the PIA, it should be free markets, unrestricted market-based conditions. Government policy would come in, and that happens as the government would deem to bear some of that, where the government deems it necessary.

“What is sustainable is the unrestricted free market pricing of PMS. That way competition takes over, and Nigerians will get it better.”

He did not give a deadline regarding neither the end of the long fuel queues nor commencement of production by NNPCL refineries, stressing that projections can always go wrong.

According to Segun, “Even when you give projections, projections are at best estimates at any time. And if you look at even the best analysts in the world, when they give their projections, they put a disclaimer there and say, this is subject to change. There's a limit to how much into the future you can see.”

Similarly, speaking on TVC News' “Journalists' Hangout”, Segun explained that NNPCL favoured determination of prices by forces of demand and supply, rather than government interference.

He said, “The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces

economic policies, fostering fiscal sustainability, and driving private and financial sector development on a global scale. He brings a wealth of expertise to BOI, honed through his extensive tenure with prestigious institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

He said, “This is the largest syndication in the bank’s history and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the management of BoI to ensuring that much needed low interest and longer tenured funds are available to Nigeria’s growing private sector in line with the vision of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed

"So, if you want to keep this country together, this is one country, one nation, as it were, so it's got to be a conscious political decision, if you take, for instance, the one outstanding example in this regard is Tanzania."

He said when Tanzania was Tanganyika, they took very important decisions under Julius Nyerere that everybody must speak Kiswahili with their mother tongue as second language, adding that they also abolished the institution of chieftainship, thus eliminating

rather than by the government or NNPC. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices.”

On the commencement of lifting petrol from Dangote refinery, Segun said NNPCL was awaiting the September 15 timeline provided by the refinery.

Segun, who said no right-thinking individual would be comfortable with the current fuel scarcity, added that NNPCL had nearly a thousand

an estimated 280 billion US dollars."

He highlighted China's consistent demonstration of commitment to Africa, describing it as high level engagement that has yielded strategic agreement and shared vision of growth.

The ECOWAS Chairman said the partnership was one built on mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference.

According to him, "At the heart of China-African relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum, peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices.”

He added, “Diplomatic conflict resolution remains at the forefront of our efforts."

Tinubu informed the forum, which also had UN SecretaryGeneral, António Guterres, in attendance, that FOCAC, as a platform, had played a crucial role in strengthening economic ties and reaffirming both partners’ commitment to mutual progress, despite global challenges facing the regions.

He stated, "China has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Africa, not only through financial and developmental support, but also through cultural exchanges that bring our people closer and closer together.

"The establishment of the institute and Chinese cultural centres across Africa exemplifies the depth of our cultural function and shared learning.

"This impressive figures speak volumes about the extent of our economic relationship and expanding integration of our market. I say China's Belt and Road Initiative aligns with Africa's

Tinubu.

"We are grateful for the support received from the CBN and other agencies of government.”

Olusi further assured that the bank under his leadership will continue to work with global development financial institutions to ensure better loan terms for Nigeria’s private enterprises.

The bank appointed the AFC and Standard Chartered Bank as the Global Coordinators of a €1bn syndicated term loan facility (with accordion of another €1 billion).

Also, AFC, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, FirstRand Bank Limited (London

loyalty to tribal chiefs.

Mbeki also cited the instance of the formation of the African National Congress in 1912, which one of its principal slogans was to bury the demon of tribalism. "How do we make sure that we have unity in diversity becomes important, that's a political decision and that's a challenge. We all have to make sure that at least that kind of understanding on the continent persists. If it doesn't, then you are faced all the time with weak states that are in conflict, inevitably."

He also responded to a THISDAY question on the difficulty in ensuring movement of persons through a seamless border on the African continent, despite the offerings of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which has 43 parties and another 11 signatories in 2018, when it was established.

filling stations nationwide and was collaborating with marketers to ensure that stations opened early and closed late.

Dangote Industries, yesterday, refuted reports that NNPCL had started lifting petrol from its 650,000 barrels per day refinery. It said the national oil company had not yet commenced lifting the product from the facility.

Dangote Group also debunked reports that it was selling its petrol

own infrastructure goals under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

"Our joint efforts reinforce the vision for a multipolar world, where diverse perspectives are embraced and cooperation is key to solving global challenges.”

The president explained that the project offered a great promise that further signified the success of FOCAC and the broader partnership, revealing the importance of cooperation in creating opportunities for development and shared prosperity.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange, despite global challenges.

He said the FOCAC platform “has been pivotal in strengthening our economic ties and reaffirming our commitment to mutual progress, despite the global challenges we face, whether the economy or geographical, our partnership has stood firm, resolute and offering a powerful example of what can be achieved through respect for sovereignty and non-interference, one of the highest highlights of this collaboration."

Earlier in his remarks, Jinping announced a $50 billion financial support for Africa, in addition to military aid.

The Chinepresident said China appreciated its ties with African nations, stressing that both should rally their populations together to become a powerful force and write a new chapter in global peace, prosperity, and progress.

He pledged another $280 million in aid to African countries, while proposing partnership actions to jointly advance modernisation with Africa.

According to him, the 10 action

Branch), acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division, Mashreqbank psc, SMBC Bank International plc, and Standard Chartered Bank were appointed as the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners.

In addition, Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and its affiliates and Export-Import Bank of India London Branch have also joined the facility as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers.

BOI is looking forward to a successful conclusion of the ongoing general phase, given the level of interest expressed by the local and international banks and investors.

for N897 per litre. Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer of Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, made the clarifications in a statement.

Chiejina said the issue of fixing the price of petrol lifted from the refinery did not arise, as the group was yet to finalise its contract with NNPCL regarding lifting of petrol from the facility

He said, "We would like to state that

plans, to be implemented in the next three years, cover mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, peopleto-people and cultural exchanges, green economic development, and common security.

Jinping stated, "To implement the 10 partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years.

''This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.

''In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.”

new era of relations between China and Africa.

According to him, “Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides, the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history.

“With its future growth in mind, I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterisation of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”

Alsospeaking at a high-level meeting on peace and security at the 2024 Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC), on Thursday in Beijing, Tinubu called on world leaders to embrace multilateralism and reject protectionism as essential steps towards achieving lasting peace, security, and stability.

The President, who spoke in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, declared, "Your Excellencies, as the world searches for new ways of establishing an enduring peace amidst complicated and dynamic security challenges across regions, I say there is an urgent need to rethink the approach to global governance and economic development.

“Embracing multilateralism and rejecting protectionism and strengthening cooperative partnership is essential if we must achieve lasting peace, security, stability, and prosperity for future generations.”

NNPC has not commenced lifting of refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from our Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Therefore, the issue of fixing the price of petrol lifted from our refinery does not arise, as we are yet to finalise our contract with NNPC.

"The PMS market is strictly regulated, which is known to all oil marketers

Tinubu stated that the challenges facing today’s world – ranging from food insecurity to armed conflict – could only be addressed through partnerships founded on mutual respect, fairness, and inclusiveness.

He said, "I thank the African Union for being very consistent in their advocacy for global peace and working towards the realisation of its vision for a peaceful and secure Afra as articulated in Agenda 2063.

“The AU’s Silencing the Guns Initiative has been pivotal in restoring peace across the continent and re-enforcing the call for global peace.

“We have very little time left and I send sincere appreciation to the People's Republic of China for its unwavering commitment to building a shared future for the advancement of humanity."

The ECOWAS chairman reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, good governance, and security across West Africa, while commending China’s contributions to Africa’s development through initiatives like the Belt and Road and FOCAC. He highlighted the importance of confronting the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice, emphasising that true peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, economic opportunity, and human security.

According to Tinubu, “Nigeria has played a pivotal role in ECOWAS evolution. Throughout the bloc's transition from an economic bloc to an integrated regional security architecture for West Africa, Nigeria has been there at the forefront.

“Nigeria’s leadership has been critical in developing mechanisms for conflict resolution and management.

“ECOWAS remains deeply committed to upholding good governance, combating terrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and engaging in intensive peacekeeping, diplomacy, and mediation.

“Nigeria’s approach to fostering peace and stability in West Africa is comprehensive, combining military intervention, diplomatic engagement, dialogue, negotiations, and mutually-beneficial economic collaboration.

“Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding has solidified its position as a cornerstone of regional stability. We will continue to strengthen our efforts in support of a more secure and prosperous West Africa. I assure you.”

Mbeki

Chiemelie Ezeobi in Johannesburg, South Africa

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe, Peter Uzoho and Oluchi Chibuzor in Lagos

Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 08074010580

FG Begins Sale of 30,000MT of Milled Rice at Subsidised Rate to Nigerians

Move aims to crash food prices, ameliorate hardship, says Kyari 50kg bag sells for N40,000 as government mandates buyers to provide NIN, phone numbers to curb multiple access

James Emejo in Abuja Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, yesterday, flagged-off the sale of 30,000 metric tons (MT) of FGN milled rice to Nigerians at the subsidised rate of N40,000 per bag of 50 kilogrammes.

Kyari said the injection of 1,000 trucks of 30mt each, amounting to 600,000 bags of rice, was expected to not only crash the price of the staple food, but also other food substitutes.

He said the gesture was at the instance and directives of President Bola Tinubu, "who does not want Nigerian citizens to go to bed hungry, and in his wisdom deemed it important to initiate this food intervention."

The minister stated that the global food chain had been distorted in the aftermath of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, and other localised challenges, including food prices, farm yields.

He said the issues had led

to increased concern and risk of food insecurity and general decline in the standard of living globally.

Kyari said, "I, therefore, urge us to understand that the present challenges are not peculiar to our great country.

"This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation.

"As one of the numerous efforts of the present administration to cushion the effect of high cost of food commodities, kindly join me to applaud the immense efforts of the present administration, such as the release of 42,000MT of Assorted Food Commodities (AFC) to the vulnerable and the 30,000MT of milled rice, which is being flagged-off for sale to Nigerians today, 5th September, 2024."

He said the federal government, being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sale of an important staple, such as rice, at this critical period, had deployed a

multi-disciplinary machinery of government. He said the government had also put in place processes and conditions to ensure transparency, wide reach, and success of the exercise.

The minister said the measures included oneman-one 50kg of rice; and verification of intending beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums, such as National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to the food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the relevant agencies of government to ensure the success of the intervention.

Kyari said, "I sincerely also wish to use this opportunity to encourage Nigerians to remain steadfast and be patient with Mr. President as his numerous efforts to enhance food security will soon begin to pay off."

Director, Strategic Grains Reserve, Dr. Haruna Sule,

said the sale will be conducted nationwide.

Sule said civil servants could access the grains from the point of sale with their IPPIS and NIN numbers, while other Nigerians could use their NIN only to access the commodity.

The director said, "The procedure is very simple; we have decided to make everything in a transparent manner. For you to qualify to buy the rice, you must have a NIN number, phone number, and for the civil and public servants, the IPPIS number. Once you have any of these three, you present it to the sales operators, where you present your NIN number to them and it's logged on the platform that has been created.

"After this, you proceed to pay electronically with your ATM, and once the payment is done it's linked to the initial sales operator, and it shows that you have paid and then a receipt will be issued with a code number.

"With this code number, you will be issued with a

Atiku Congratulates Dangote on New Refinery, Lauds His 'Can Do', Spirit

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Former President Atiku Abubakar yesterday lauded the ‘can do’ spirit of Africa’s richest person, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the new 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery, especially with the imminent release of petrol from the facility.

In a statement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, noted that the eventual release of the petroleum from the refinery spoke a lot about the resilience of the billionaire businessman.

He noted that it was a mark of what corporate Nigeria can

achieve with its efforts to build the Nigerian economy, describing himself as an unrepentant advocate for a strong and visible participation of the private sector in strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“Let me congratulate and appreciate the efforts of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the Dangote Refinery begins production of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS). It demonstrates his tenacity and ‘can do’ spirit and his belief in his fatherland.

“This remarkable accomplishment is beyond a demonstration of the business acumen of just one man. It is also a manifestation of what corporate

Nigeria can do to recover the Nigerian economy and make it strong, dynamic, and resilient.

“This resonates with my dream of having an enlarged private sector presence in the Nigerian economy. I am an unrepentant advocate for a strong and visible participation of the private sector in strategic sectors of the economy, either alone or in partnership with the state.

“Nigerians are aware of the many obstacles Aliko had to overcome to achieve this win. If the private sector must step forward to invest, create jobs, and drive growth, the government must roll out more supportive

regulations and deliver them efficiently,” the Nigerian politician added.

According to him, the worst damage done by the All Progressives (APC) led government since 2015 was to unleash difficult-to-implementand-sustain ‘reform’ initiatives that erode private sector confidence in our economy and drive investors away from our shores.

“There are a few major milestones ahead as Nigeria journeys toward attaining energy self-sufficiency. I hope Aliko will continue to lend his unwavering support on this journey,” Atiku stated.

treasury receipt to show you have paid to government, then you are given a receipt, which shows point of collection and time of collection, and this is to eliminate any form of stampede."

Sule added, "The point of collection is different from the point of sales and when you get to the collection point, you present your code to our officials and you will be given a bag of rice. "We intend to have about five to six sales points across Abuja and the duration of the distribution will be for the period they are able to finish sales."

With New Minimum Wage, NYSC Assures Corps Members of Increased Allowance

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, has assured corp members of improved allowances once the new minimum wage was implemented.

He gave the assurance while addressing NYSC members at the Kebbi State orientation camp, Dakingari and Sokoto State orientation camp in Wamakko.

In a statement, the acting NYSC Director, Information and Public Relations (ADIPR), Caroline Embu, quoted the Director General as saying: "Corps Members have been assured that as soon as civil servants start receiving the new minimum wage that was approved by the federal government, their monthly allowance would also increase."

He used the opportunity to advise them on the importance of skill acquisition during the three-week orientation camp and post-orientation camp training.

"At least learn a skill while in camp and after the orientation course, you continue with the post-camp training.

"Try to acquire a skill that would enable you to create jobs and employ others instead of searching for jobs.

We have many ex-corps members across the country who are doing well in their different vocations today.

"NYSC management has partnered with many reliable organisations like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Unity Bank Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation among others, that have

been assisting in giving loans and grants to corps members," he said. Ahmed assured the corps members that the scheme would not post any member to a place where their safety would not be guaranteed, and advised them to be security conscious at all times. He also stated that their selfless and immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the country cannot be underestimated.

The NYSC DG implored them to use the opportunity of the service year to develop themselves and plan for greater heights in the future.

Presenting her camp situation report to the Director General, the Kebbi State Coordinator, Mrs. Aghata Banki Okolo, said a total of 1,195 corps members had been registered, comprising 1,077 for Kebbi and 118 that were dislodged from Zamfara State.

"They are responding positively to all camp activities and instructions. We also have a total number of 240 camp officials that have been applying emotional intelligence in the discharge of their duties," she added.

Also, the NYSC Sokoto State Coordinator, Alhaji Yakubu Yaro Usman informed the Director General that the corps members had exhibited a high sense of discipline and acclimatised to the camp environment with adherence to camp regulations. He disclosed that the corps population comprised 1,488 members made up of 682 males and 606 females for Sokoto State, with 134 males and 66 females who were dislodged from Zamfara State.

FOCAC SUMMIT IN BEIJING...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1st left), President, People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping (middle), in a group photograph with all the world leaders during the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, China, yesterday

Lokpobiri Meets Oando Team, Says Nigerian Oil Firms Capable of Taking Over IOCs’ Assets

Stresses Oando’s acquisition of two international oil companies game-changer Insists Nigeria has no problem with divesting foreign oil companies

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday, met with the Oando Energy Resources' team in his office in Abuja.

Lokpobiri stressed that Oando’s acquisition of two International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria was a game-changer for the oil industry in the country.

Managing Director of the company, Alex Irune, led other members of the management team to the meeting.

Lokpobiri stated that indigenous

oil companies were capable of taking over from IOCs. He stated that one of the issues he inherited on assumption of office was the Eni-Oando deal, stating that his aspiration is for Nigeria to create its own IOCs.

He said, “If Oando, as a very successful company, goes to acquire assets in any other country, it will become an IOC and that is my expectation and, indeed, the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“We have grown enormous local capacity in companies like Oando, companies like Seplat, and

AP, Environmental Defence Fund Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Climate Action

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Africa Practice (AP), a mission-led strategic consulting firm, and Environmental Defence Fund (EDF), a global non-profit organisation tackling climate change, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to address climate challenges and promote sustainable energy solutions.

The partnership was officially announced by Richard Kiplagat, Director at Africa Practice, at the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit taking place in Windhoek, Namibia.

The MoU aims to support a successful energy transition in Africa by accelerating the reduction of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, while ensuring that new green hydrogen projects achieve their potential as climate solutions, a statement from the organisation stated.

It stated that the MoU outlines several key objectives, including elevating climate policy discourse which will focus on partnership on disseminating EDF's research findings to local audiences, promoting more informed debate on critical issues such as hydrogen development and methane reduction.

In addition , Africa Practice seeks to share African perspectives with global policymakers, ensuring that international climate initiatives are better adapted to local contexts and dynamics.

“A joint advocacy strategy will be developed to address methane abatement opportunities in Africa's oil and gas sector, including efforts

to secure additional signatories to the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter.

“Cutting methane emissions could slow down climate change by avoiding more than 0.2°C of global warming, improve air quality and public health, enhance agricultural productivity by preventing millions of tons of crop losses and strengthen Africa's role in global climate leadership.

“The partnership will convene key stakeholders to advance conversations on methane abatement opportunities across the continent,” it stated.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Methane Tracker for 2024, the aggregate methane emissions from Africa's Oil & Gas sector were approximately 9,200 kilotons in 2023.

This equates to 67 per cent of all energy sector methane emissions for the region. Methane poses severe health risks as high-emitting companies and processes pollute the air, often in areas where marginalised communities live and work.

"This partnership builds on the Environmental Defence Fund's long history of effective collaboration globally and locally and commitment to turn science into action to stabilise the climate.

“ We look forward to working with Africa Practice to help put sound science at the heart of Africa's energy and climate policy discourse and to focus on two immediate action areas: cutting climate-warming methane emissions from Africa's oil and gas sector and getting its emerging hydrogen systems right," said Mark Brownstein, EDF Senior Vice President, Energy Transition.

a lot of other companies that are doing well locally.

“And our expectation is that you will sustain this momentum so that in the nearest future, we believe that you will be on the same level with the so-called IOCs that have been with us for the past 60-70 years.”

He said Oando had enormous capacity and if given the necessary support, it could grow production in a manner that would be a game-changer in the country.

Lokpobiri said, “I have always contended that the future of our oil and gas industry in this country lies with the members of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), of which Oando is a member.

“And I’ve also been asked at a global stage as to whether the indigenous companies have capacity to be able to sustain the running of these companies. The last time I was asked this question was in Davos, in Switzerland. I said we have no problem at all, that we have grown in enormous capacity.”

He expressed hope that companies seeking to acquire

some of the IOCs will run them professionally and profitably.

According to him, “We’ll still get our royalty, we’ll still get our taxes, and we’ll still sustain the wealth in the country. And so, as minister, my duty is to continue to create the best environment for oil and gas companies to operate in Nigeria. Whether you are an IOC or you are a local company, it’s for me to create the best environment for you to operate in a very profitable and professional manner.

“My expectation is that one day we’ll grow the production and ramp up production of these assets.”

Lokpobiri said Oando would do things differently as an indigenous energy firm, stressing that the firm has to continually show that it has the capacity to outdo the foreign oil firms.

He stated that the oil company must prove sceptics wrong, pointing out that at their peak Nigerians are actually the ones running the IOCs.

The minister said, “Those who are doing the real jobs are the blacks. And I’m very happy that

we have a team here that is 100 per cent black. That shows that you have capacity in-country to be able to do the job.

“That doesn't mean that when needed you cannot export or import any expats from any part of the world. And I'm looking forward to the time that you do 100,000 barrels per day. And my job as minister is to ensure that I do everything humanly possible to create the best environment for Oando and other companies operating in the Niger Delta region.”

He stated that the quickest way for Nigeria to get out of its current economic problems was to increase production, explaining that the target is that by December Nigeria’s production will hit at least two million barrels per day.

Oando had acquired 20 per cent of ConocoPhillips, before its recent completion of the acquisition of the Eni assets in Nigeria.

Irune thanked Lokpobiri for his support and committed leadership, especially in these tough times.

He recalled that Oando started from very humble beginnings, being a downstream company,

selling fuel oil in tankers.

The managing director stated,

“We went into the upstream, where we built and have now consummated this deal, the first indigenous company that has acquired two IOCs within its existence.

“The first transaction in 2014, ConocoPhillips was 20 per cent interest in the JV, and now is the conclusion of Eni’s 20 per cent stake, making us 40 per cent holders in the JV with the NNPC holding 60 per cent.

“In everything we have done, we have sought to put the best of local content forward, inspire Nigerians to show that Nigerians can do it. IOC is not a concept reserved only for companies from the West, the Far East, and the likes.

“We can breed and create our own IOCs that would have sizeable balance sheets, acreages across the world, and portfolios that can compete with the likes of the Saudi Aramcos of this world, the Shells, Chevrons, and so on. But we must start from somewhere. Oando has started this journey.”

Interior Minister: Nigeria Has Enlisted Passport in ICAO’s Ranking System

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced Nigeria’s enrolment in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

This move, according to the minister, is aimed at enhancing the global ranking of the country’s international passport, ease of passage as well as beefing up internal security.

Tunji-Ojo had in Montreal, Canada, alongside the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, participated in the Import Ceremony of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) led by ICAO officials.

The minister, speaking shortly after the event, noted that the development was informed by the government’s

efforts to modernize border control systems, noting that this is expected to reduce the waiting time at airports and other points of entry within and outside the country.

“Our government is particular about increasing efficiency and enhancing the overall travel experience for Nigerians and international visitors alike,” TunjiOjo said.

“With our effort on Border Governance and Management, Nigerians can be assured that the era of endless wait and manual verification at airports across the globe is over. The President is constantly seeking means to enable growth and develop the country. The PKI / PKD is another measure to increase our global ranking and ease of doing business,” he added.

The minister added that the new development, among other reviewed

policies of the government, was expected to have a positive impact on the economy, tourism, and national security.

“While we strongly believe this will impact the tourism ecosystem, it will also play a critical role in facilitating inter-agency collaboration, especially between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the leading implementation agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service.”

Explaining the role of the system, Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), noted that Public Key Directory (PKD), enables the sharing of authentic travel documents among member states across the world.

He stressed, however, that national and international collaboration was vital as the infrastructure required multiple authorities to play their

part in the process of verification and authentication of passport and travel document data.

Speaking on the readiness of the service, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, stated that necessary infrastructure to drive the new technology is in place as full implementation begins.

“The PKD/PKI will be a game changer for us, and we can’t wait to see it transform the face of things. In partnership with IATA, we are currently training our staff so that they understand the full modules of the new technology of API/PNR ” she said.

Managed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the PKD allows countries to check the authenticity of e-passports and other travel documents when travellers cross borders.

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwins; Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Executive Chairman, Esan West LGA, Collins Aigbogun, during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA of the State... yesterday

MOU TO INCREASE RICE VALUE CHAIN IN LAGOS...

Adebayo

NCTC, NAFDAC Sign Pact to Counter Terrorism in Nigeria

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help actualise their institutional and statutory mandates.

As encapsulated in the legal instruments establishing them, the collaboration, NCTC said, marked a pivotal moment in their joint efforts to prevent and counter

terrorism in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing of the pact, the National Coordinator Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigeria, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, said: "Terrorism pose a significant threat to our Nation's security, stability, and prosperity.

“ It undermines our fundamental values, challenges our way of life, and endangers the safety of our citizens. Upon assumption of duty, I recognised the critical importance of cooperation, collaboration, and coordination in addressing this

complex and evolving threat".

Laka noted that NAFDAC plays an important role in combating terrorism and crime by regulating the manufacture, importation, and distribution of drugs, chemicals, and other controlled products.

The agency’s efforts, he said, also help curtail the illegal drug trade, which often finances terrorism and organized crime.

He said: "I must also acknowledge the efforts of NAFDAC towards regulating the use of chemicals used in manufacturing explosives by non-

state actors. By joining forces with NAFDAC, we aim to enhance our collective efforts in disrupting these illicit networks, dismantling their financing sources, and safeguarding our communities from the scourge of terrorism".

The National Coordinator said the MoU represented a commitment to shared goals, mutual support, and effective cooperation.

"It signifies our dedication to leveraging our respective expertise, resources, and capabilities to strengthen our response to

terrorism, prevent radicalization, and protect our society from the devastating impact of violent extremism," he added.

Laka noted that through this partnership, the Centre and NAFDAC will work together to enhance information sharing, intelligence cooperation, capacity building, and joint operations.

"By combining our efforts and forging a united front against terrorism, we are better equipped to

confront this multifaceted challenge and uphold the safety and security of our nation," he concluded.

In her remarks, the Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for returning the agency to the ports. She noted that the signing of the MoU was a plus to the country in terms of reduction in death, noting that drug abuse alters the mind.

Permanent Secretaries Sign Contracts on PMS in Civil Service

Chuks

Dike Onwuamaeze

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, has told stakeholders that the council will implement the governance code for not-forprofit organisations and demand accountability and transparency from Public Interest Entities (PIEs) covered by the code.

Olowo made the declaration yesterday in Lagos during the “Stakeholder Engagement on the Draft Nigeria Not-For-Profit Governance Code (NNFPGC)".

The forum was held to enable stakeholders express their views and make inputs into the draft governance code.

The stakeholder engagement attracted participants from Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Non-Governmental Organisations, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, among others.

Olowo said, “I am saying it categorically that we will demand accountability. There is no bargain for that.

“We will demand accountability from the not-for-profit sector. And I am sure that from the calibre of people we have here today, there is no one that is against this.

“But in line with our mandate, we will demand accountability. We will demand transparency and will demand all those key principles in the code for non-profit-sector.”

Olowo believed no one would be against the core principles of transparency and integrity that were put together by the Technical Working Group (TWG) that produced the draft.

He stated, “What are the core principles? We are talking about integrity. Is there anyone who is against this principle? No one here!

“Is there anyone who is against the principle of transparency? I am not sure!

“We have exposed this document for a couple of months. And I have said that even from the discussions we are having today, your viewpoints will be taken into cognizance.”

Olowo said implementing the governance code was part of the mandate of FRC as the conscience of regulatory assurance in Nigeria.

According to him, “it is our mandate to bring out trust and confidence. Most of the organisations that will be scooped under this governance code are PIEs and we want to make sure that the interests of their stakeholders are taken care of.

“We as FRC are going to work and collaborate with you to ensure that we have a code that is acceptable to all.”

In his keynote address, Olowo said yesterday's engagement with stakeholders in the Nigeria not-forprofit sector was a critical stage in the development of a governance code for institutions in the sector.

He said effective monitoring of adherence and compliance to extant frameworks on financial reporting embedded in the International Financial Reporting

Standards, local standards, and good corporate governance was key to ensuring transparency and rebuilding confidence of existing and potential investors in diverse sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

According to him, the journey to the draft governance code began as a response to the global move towards instituting appropriate corporate behaviours and improved governance standards in institutions by those charged with governance oversight, be they private or public or not-for-profit sector institutions.

He said FRC, between 2013 and 2016, pushed for the development of corporate governance codes for the three identified sectors and in 2016, when three separate codes were released.

Olowo stated, “But for reasons of default in due process, one of which was insufficient stakeholder engagement and lack of buy-in/ acceptance, including concerns about the mandatory nature of the code for not-for-profit institutions, there was widespread backlash, which ultimately resulted in the suspension of the codes by the then Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelama.

“The minister, in his suspension order, highlighted the need for broader stakeholder engagement in the development of future governance frameworks. This is what we are doing here today.”

Olowo said with the benefit of hindsight and lessons learnt from the 2016 experience, the FRC embarked on a code development journey again in 2018 by setting up a technical

committee under the headship of Mr. M.K. Ahmad.

He described Ahmad as a role model in good corporate governance practices.

Olowo said the outcome of the technical committee’s work was the successful completion and release of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) 2018, for the private sector.

He stated, “The acclaimed success so far recorded both in implementation and compliance with the NCCG 2018 by private sector entities gave impetus to a new move by the FRC to once again develop codes for the other two very critical sectors: public sector and not-for-profit sectors so that institutions operating therein would be properly guided.”

The national legal adviser of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dr. Titi Adegbile, asked for clarification on what would happen when an organisation declined to adapt the governance code.

Likewise, the representative of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter, Pastor Barnabas Otoibi, of the Temple Rebuilders Ministry, demanded that faith organisations should be allowed to operate in accordance with their scriptures so that they would be useful to God and the society.

In a similar vein, a representative of Spaces for Change/Action Group on Free Civic Space, Mr. Patrick Allain, observed that the governance code was an attempt to over regulate the not -for-profit organisations.

Permanent Secretaries in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF) have signed a contract on Performance Management System (PMS) with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

The contract signed on Wednesday is aimed at enhancing service delivery and elevating performance standards in line with Pillar Two of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP-25), focusing on Performance Management Systems.

The Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, in a statement issued Thursday by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the OHoCSF, Eno Olotu, described the Performance Management Contract as a formal agreement that outlines the signatories' performance expectations, goals, and responsibilities, aiming to enhance service delivery and elevate performance standards in the federal civil service.

The HCSF stressed the PMS is a strategic tool designed to set clear objectives and measurable outcomes for federal civil servants.

She said signing of the performance management contract was a solemn commitment to excellence and good governance, urging the permanent secretaries to embrace this initiative as a catalyst for real and meaningful change in the federal civil service.

"This initiative is a commitment to elevate the standard of public service, ensuring that clear objectives

and measurable outcomes guide our actions," she said.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office in Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Raymond Omachi, acknowledged the signing of the Performance Contract as a pivotal step towards fostering efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the federal civil service.

He urged all stakeholders to support this initiative actively, saying the PMS is more than just a tool, but a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and realisation of the federal government's core objectives.

The implementation of the PMS is expected to cascade to other staff within OHCSF. Directors and departmental PMS champions will play valued role in this process, ensuring a performance-driven culture across all levels of the Federal Civil Service.

Their responsibilities will include appraising staff members' performance, providing necessary training and support and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, thereby contributing to the successful implementation of the PMS.

Permanent secretaries that participated in the signing were Raymond Omachi (Common Services Office); Deborah Odoh (Service Policy and Strategies Office); and Fatima Mahmood (Career Management Office); Others included directors, namely: Comfort Adeosun, who oversees the Service Welfare Office, and Agalasi Ehigie, who oversees the Special Duties Office.

L-R: Minister of Power, Mr.

Adelabu; Group Director, Rice Industry Division, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co Ltd., Mr. Wang Wei; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Group Head of Rice, Wilmar Group, Mr. Prashant Trikha and Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture (Rice Mill initiative), Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, during the signing of a MoU between Lagos State government and Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Ltd. to increase Rice Value Chain within Lagos, held in China on Wednesday

Okocha and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Ayom Urges Tinubu to Activate Nigeria-China $1.2bn Mining Equipment Investment Deal

Says Nigeria may lose N500bn if pact collapses

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Moses Ayom, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently activate the $1.2 billion mining equipment investment deal signed between Nigeria and China in 2016.

Ayom, in a statement issued yesterday said he played vital roles in Nigeria’s partnership

with China, including being part of the 2016 presidential delegation to China. He noted that the activation of the 2016 Mining Pact would further boost the advantages of the current partnership between Nigeria and China.

Ayom observed that the delay in activating that deal portends a serious economic danger capable of attracting N500 billion loss to the economy, according to the audit conducted by Certified

Edo First Lady Warns against Leadership That Will Siphon State Resources

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

The First Lady of Edo State, Dr. Betsy Obaseki, has urged women of the state to remain vigilant in their choice of leadership, cautioning them against those who might exploit the resources of the state for personal gain.

The first lady made this call while leading the PDP Women Campaign Council on rallies in Okada, the headquarters of Ovia North East Local Government Area, and Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government Area, stressing the importance of electing a governor committed to the progress and development of Edo State.

According to her, “You know these people do not want the good of Edo State because they want someone they can easily control to siphon the state’s resources for personal gains.

Even if the governor knows the right thing to do, he won’t have the resources to do so, because of those who want to siphon the resources.”

At the rally, the wife of the PDP candidate, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, assured the women that her husband prioritises security in his manifesto, saying: “My husband acknowledges the progress made by Governor Godwin Obaseki in security, but he plans to do more to ensure the safety of our people and the ease of movement, especially for our farmers.”

Mrs. Obaseki reiterated that a vote for Asuen Ighodalo would ensure continued progress for Edo State.

“This election is different from any other because we have a governor brought by God who has improved the economic status of the state from its previous condition.

Accountants.

The party chieftain, who was the first All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant to withdraw from the race for Tinubu, was however

full of praises for efforts so far made by the president to revive Nigeria’s ailing economy.

He advised that it had become imperative for Nigeria to activate the existing MOU

with China to show her that the West African country was always committed to honouring her international deals, particularly with China. According to him, “The

mining equipment investment deal has the potential of reinvigorating Nigeria’s economy, particularly in terms of employment to her teeming youths.

Hardship: Real Estate Experts Advocate Housing Subsidy for Poor Nigerians

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Experts in the housing sector yesterday raised the alarm over affordability crisis in Nigeria, and therefore urged President Bola Tinubu to consider housing subsidy for poor citizens.

They warned that the situation has reached alarming levels, particularly in Lagos and

Abuja, where property prices have soared beyond the reach of many potential home-buyers

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), which has been actively advocating government intervention to address this growing issue, in a statement made available to journalists, urged the government to do

something urgent about it.

The Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, in the statement said: “Over the past few years, the housing market in Nigeria has become increasingly unforgiving.

“In Lagos and Abuja, two of the country’s most expensive cities, the cost of housing has jumped dramatically. A one-

bedroom apartment can now cost upwards of 25 million, a price unattainable by the majority of Nigerians. “Even with the recent increase in the minimum wage to 70,000, the United Nations guideline that individuals should not spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing is impossible to meet.”

Ododo Warns against Diversion of Fertilizers, Exclusion of Genuine Farmers

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has warned government officials against diversion, inequitable distribution and exclusion of genuine farmers from distribution of the fertilizers to enable them boost food production in the state.

The governor vowed to deal decisively with anyone involved in

any act of sabotage in the ongoing distribution of the fertilizer across the state.

Ododo gave this was while speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of over 20 trucks of fertilizer to farmers across 21 local government areas of the state.

He reiterated his commitment to developing the agriculture sector in the state, describing the occasion as a fulfilling moment for

him as a leader, who is committed to serving the state in the best interest of the people.

He said: “Let me warn everyone here today that this must not be politicised. It must go to the real farmers only.

“I will be intentional in tracking these bags of fertilizer to ensure they are in the right places in the right quantity, at the right time and in the right hands of our dear

farmers. The era of politicians hijacking fertilizers is over.” Ododo, who described agriculture as a critical sector to help in the rebound of the country’s economy, noted that the rich and expansive land mass, water bodies and the political will to invest massively in the agricultural sector would enhance the state’s ability to guarantee food security and sufficiency.

NOA Partners UNICEF, NPC to Increase Awareness on Birth Registration

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The synergy to increase awareness on the registration was demonstrated last Wednesday in Abeokuta at a news conference heralding the initiative.

The conference was attended by stakeholders, including

Determined to drive the electronic registration of children from age 0-5, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has partnered the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to begin the nationwide exercise in Ogun State.

Community Development Associations (CDAs), religious leaders and market men and women.

In her remarks, the state Director of NOA, Mrs. Olufunke Salako, said the drive was focused on registering all children between the ages 0 to five, and providing them with a National Identification Number for free.

According to her, birth registration is the first legal acknowledgment of a child’s existence which is essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges.

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Flooding: Maiduguri Safe, Not Under Threat, Borno State Government Maintains

US provides $6.5m for flood related-humanitarian needs in Nigeria NEMA alerts states to brace up

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Borno State Government has assured residents of Maiduguri and its environs that the area could not be submerged by water as efforts were ongoing to check the seasonal flooding resulting from overflow of Alau Dam.

The assurance came as the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said it was providing more than $6.5 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to address flood-related humanitarian needs across Nigeria.

At the same time, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare ahead of potential floods that might soon affect communities downstream.

The advice followed the recent floods that affected many communities across the country, and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

Alau Dam, with a reservoir capacity of 112 million cubic meters, was designed to support irrigation activities on the Alau river bank and supply tap water in Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere local government areas.

Parts of Maiduguri and Jere are presently flooded as the Alau Dam overflowed into residential areas.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bukar Tijani, who went round the affected areas yesterday to assess the Alau Dam and damage that the present overflow had caused, assured residents that the Dam was not broken.

The SSG added that the state government was working with the Chad Basin Development Authority to protect Maiduguri from flooding.

He stated, “There have been a lot of worries as well as speculations that the whole dam has broken down, but the dam has not broken down.

“We have been to Alau Dam on behalf of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State.

“Borno State Government is partnering very strongly with the managers of Alau Dam. We have discussed and seen what to do, but the rumour of Maiduguri being flooded is not there.”

Zulum had sent a high-powered delegation to assess the impact of water overflow at Alau Dam, and the threat to Maiduguri Metropolis and its environs.

NDLEA Dismisses

Tijani, who led the delegation, was received by acting Managing Director of Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA), Mohammed Zannah, at Alau Dam.

The delegation comprised Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation, Baba Bukar Gujibawu; Executive Secretary, Borno Geographic Information Service, Adam Bababe; Executive Secretary, Borno State Road Maintenance Agency, Sadu Auno; and Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Mohammed Barkindo.

While briefing the SSG, Zannah disclosed that despite the high water level in the river, which led to the overflow, the present conditions did not pose a severe threat to the city. He stated that all necessary measures were in place to control the situation.

Meanwhile, a statement yesterday by the Development Outreach and Communications Team of USAID said the funding was part of USAID's Fiscal Year 2024 support, to enable local partners respond to flooding and other disasters.

The statement revealed that IOM was allocating $3 million to address flood-related humanitarian needs across the country.

Flooding has affected over 619,000 people in 29 Nigerian states since mid-August, according to Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency.

The floods have claimed 210 lives, displaced nearly 228,700 people, and damaged more than 84,800 homes.

According to the statement, this response is part of a larger humanitarian assistance effort.

In Fiscal Year 2024, USAID has provided nearly $100 million in previously announced funding to Nigeria to respond to the urgent needs of those impacted by disasters, including floods.

USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, said, “The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Nigeria as they face the challenges posed by climate change and increasingly frequent natural disasters.

“Our enduring partnership is rooted in a long history of delivering humanitarian aid across the nation.”

NEMA said some of the actions to be taken included immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating people from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The agency advised

Allegations of Lopsided Appointments, Nepotism as Baseless

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has described as baseless, allegations of nepotism and favouritism in the appointment of its directors, commanders and other top officials.

The agency in a statement on Thursday described as false, insinuations in some social media posts suggesting that appointments

into high-ranking positions are tilted in favour of Northern Muslims against Southern Christians.

The statement read: “For the benefit of the reading public, the agency will like to state as follows: Out of the 20 Directors/ Commandant in NDLEA, 14 are Christians and 6 Muslims; of the 14 Zonal Commanders, 9 are Christians and 5 Muslims; out of 37 State Commanders, 19 are

Christians and 18 Muslims; of the 14 Special Area Commanders, 10 are Christians and 4 Muslims; out of 12 Coordinators/Heads of Units, 9 are Christians and 3 Muslims; while out of 11 Heads of Operation, 7 are Christians and 4 are Muslims.

“In all, out of the 108 topmost appointments and positions in the agency, 68 of them are occupied by Christians and 40 Muslims, which represents a ratio of 63% - 37%

as against the perception some mischief makers are trying to create against the leadership of the agency.

“The agency wishes to assure the public that its leadership remains focused and committed to the goal of curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while upholding the tenets of fairness, equity, and merit in its distribution of opportunities for its workforce.”

communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Residents were advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

NEMA said it was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations

Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, were available to affected communities. Director-General of the agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.

Umar stated, “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding.”

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has disbursed grants to a total of 9,170 beneficiaries under the Fadama Cares Programmme within the first year of the current administration.

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, made this declaration yesterday at the flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of project grants to fourth batch of FCT Fadama CARES beneficiaries in Gwagwalada.

She added that 3,150 benefited under the third batch while an additional 6,020 new beneficiaries would be provided grants under the fourth batch.

According to the minister, the figure indicated an achievement of 216 per cent when compared to the disbursement figure of 4,233 recorded by the programme in about two years prior to the coming of this administration.

The FCT Fadama CARES Programme is designed to increase food security and safe functioning of food supply chain in the FCT and support the recovery of livelihood activities of vulnerable persons engaged in agricultural value chains with special consideration to women and unemployed youth.

"Its implementation will be anchored on the World Bank community driven development approach for deployment of programme investments at the community level," Mahmoud said.

She also stressed that as part of the youth empowerment component of the Fadama CARES programme, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat was leveraging the programme to provide starter packs to 94 trainees of FCT-Leventis Foundation School of Agriculture, Yaba, for years 2022 and 2023 to enable them put into practice what they studied in school.

On his part, the Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, said under the fourth batch of disbursement of grants to FCT Fadama CARES, 82 farmers community associations across the six area councils had been selected to benefit.

He affirmed that within the period of one year, 12,436 bags of NPK, 6218 bags of Urea, 18,654 litres of agro chemicals, 43,526 kg of assorted seeds, 55,400-day old chicks and 7,756 bags of poultry feeds and 81,800 Juveniles (cat fish) and 2,045 bags of fish feed had been disbursed under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 2.1.

AT MIKE OKONKWO ANNUAL LECTURE...

L-R: Speaker, Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, Barrister Kanu Agabi SAN; The Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM. Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Resident Pastor, TREM HQ, Bishop Peace Okonkwo; Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Atedo Peterside; and Special Guest, Professor Akachi Ezeigbo at the 23rd Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture themed: Nigeria's Pathways: Diagnosis and the Prescription held at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos…. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

Sani: Kaduna Smart City’ll Take Off Shortly

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is on the delegation of President Bola Tinubu to the on-going 2024 Forum on China and Africa Cooperation ending today. In this interview with Deji Elumoye in the Chinese capital, Beijing, Sani speaks about the agreement signed on Monday between the State government and a Chinese firm, Huawei, for the development of a smart city in Kaduna and its impact on good governance. Excerpts:

You just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei. Can you shed some light on it?

The Kaduna State government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei on Kaduna smart city project. The project is a very important one, for the fact that the State and Huawei have been on it for some months now. But just last week, we came into agreement on the MoU and finally, we signed it at their head office in the presence of President Bola Tinubu.

Of course, the MoU on the Kaduna smart city will certainly enhance the security of the State, and efficiency and transparency in public service. Part of the areas we are focusing on is the establishment of health programmes which Huawei will help us through the deployment of technology to ensure that we have smart education, health care, establishment of state level command center in Kaduna that will also boost our security coverage in the State. It will also cover renewable energy as well as support our e-government. So, for me, it is very important. It will also focus on our talent enhancement in the area of digital economy. These are things we intend to work with Huawei in Kaduna State because, for us, ensuring safety in Kaduna State is key. Technology is what everyone is focusing on, and Kaduna State has so far taken the leading role in Nigeria. That is why we have become the first sub-national to enter into agreement with Huawei here in China.

What is the financing mechanism?

Kaduna State government has been able to attract a lot of investments in key areas from

China in the last six to seven months. These are in the areas of solid minerals and renewable energy. We have already signed MoU with

China in these regard.

Two months ago, I was also in China where we signed an agreement with Heibei province, one of the most established provinces in China. We entered into an agreement with them to establish Heibei industrial park in Kaduna State where a lot of investors from China can levarege on that to be able to bring investment to Kaduna. I signed that agreement two months ago with the governor of Heibei province as well as the China Construction Engineering Company (CCEC) as the company that will build the Heibei industrial park. That is the first MoU signed by any government at the sub-national level with a province in China.

In the area of financing the project, it’s like trying to have a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the Kaduna State government and Huawei as well as other private investors from China.

It is actually a win-win situation. Our effort is to continue to attract investments, so that they can partner with us in trying to establish most businesses.

How soon will this project materialize? We started the discussion as far back as about two months ago. Signing this agreement means that we are prepared already to start working on this MoU.

Already, we are working towards establishing a joint committee between the state government and Huawei so that the committee that will be put together in the next two weeks will be able to come up with some position so that we can have a smooth implementation of the agreement.

Mbah’s Focused Educational Rebirth Initiative’s Worth Emulating

Oguejiofo Ujam writes that the new educational rebirth initiative introduced in Enugu State by Governor Peter Mbah is worthy of emulation by other sub-national governments for sustainable development.

At a time when the issue of local Government autonomy has become a source of distraction to many state governors, some state chief executives are steeped in multi-sectorial expression of their mandates.

In Enugu State, the nature of salient socioeconomic developments, particularly in the education sector, being initiated by Governor Peter Mbah has caught public attention. Indeed, objective observers would see the imperatives of the signature policies and programmes for national emulation.

It is refreshing that some state chief executives in the current dispensation are taking positive initiatives in a bid to change the governance narratives and improve the living well-being of their citizens. That is why Mbah’s passion and intentional determination to revitalise and refocus the educational sector resonates with current growth-related realities.

At a point in time, the talk in town was about the 260 Green Smart Schools being constructed by the government in the various communities in the state. Many a resident in the state thought the initiative was the usual partisan noise made by new administrations to create the impression that they were up to something big.

But, 15 months down the line, the buzz has taken a new decibel as the Smart School initiative has begun to win public acclaim. At least, denizens now feel that the Mbah administration was very intentional and bold rather than engaged in any initial gragra, in the street parlance.

From professional and deep insight into the operation of Mbah’s educational policy objectives, particularly as one involved in the academia, one could rightly decipher the rich tapestry of the government’s design aimed at revolutionising the education sector in the state.

The picture presents as a five dimensional outline that captures basic, post-basic, junior secondary, tertiary and technological incuba-

tion. Of course, opening the five-fold book is the wave-making Smart Schools programme.

With the challenge of access being confronted head on, the Enugu State government has already succeeded in winning over the enthusiasm of pupils to pursue not only literacy and numeracy, but also environmental wakefulness.

Right from early in their formative years, pupils are being exposed to the knowledge and realities of environmental sustainability, particularly the current concerns about climate change and energy transition.

Ever since Nigeria enacted the Climate Change Law also known as Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act 2021, the issue of climate change has become a ready topic pursued by various levels of government in the country.

With what is going on in Enugu State, one dare say that the state is laying the critical foundation for citizen participation in the global effort to tame the depletion of the ozone layer through energy transition.

By catching them young and softly encoding green environmental consciousness in them, Enugu State seems to be setting the stage for the provision of future leaders with robust knowledge in environmental sustainability.

This fact caught my attention when recently the state government released a public statement in which it outlined the basic criteria for locating the Smart Green Schools in the state.

In the statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government harped on size of plot, proximity and accessibility of expected beneficiaries within the host communities.

Part of the statement read: “To be clear, the criteria for the location of an Enugu Smart Green School are as follows: Firstly, they must be central and easily accessible. This means they must be situated within or very close to the residential areas of the host communities.

“Secondly, there must be no dispute or litigation over the land. Thirdly, the topography must be flat. And fourthly, the proposed site must be large enough to accommodate the school, the staff quarters, and the playground (three hectares), with an additional one hectare for the school farm.

“Where the land is not large enough for the facilities to be in one contiguous space, the land(s) for the other facilities must be properly identified and be in walking-distance proximity to the school.”

The inferences to be drawn from the government’s public announcement are many. First of all, it means that communities have bought into the Green Smart School initiative and therefore want to be part of it after seeing the impact of the pilot prototypes on pupils and teachers.

More importantly, it could be seen that the Enugu State Government is in the process of weaning young people back to agriculture in a conscious effort to scale up food production, engender food security and generate employment, while increasing the internally generated revenue of the state.

Recall that in the former Eastern Nigeria Regional Government School farms or what was known as demonstration farms helped to boost

food production and stimulate the interest of children and youths in agricultural activities. Now, Mbah is subtly introducing the young ones into Agribusiness so that they could grow to become Agripreneurs.

Thus, being embedded in Mbah’s educational renovation programme, there is no doubt that Enugu State would in no distant time achieve food sufficiency in the state and become a prime player in the freedom from hunger campaign. It is also a mark of courageous leadership that the Green Smart School initiative has been nurtured to the current stage where communities now desire to own the projects. Indeed, the saying that great oaks from little acorns grow holds very true under Governor Mbah’s lion-sized courage.

When in 2023 the governor awarded contracts for the construction of 127 number Smart Green Schools, cynics and sceptical partisan commentators expressed the mistaken belief that the programme would not survive the test of time. From that pilot stage, another set of 133 such schools were approved, thereby making up a total of 260, which translates to one smart school per each electoral ward of Enugu State.

From the Green Smart Schools, the government has dovetailed the policy into developing a sustainable feeder to other ancillary institutions to guarantee skill acquisition and provision of tech-savvy manpower in the state.

Within the emerging loop could be found the Government Technical Schools, School of Health Technology, the College of Education Technical, the prestigious Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) as well as the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

-Prof. Ujam writes from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

FOCUS

New FMBN Leadership Tackling Housing Deficit with Innovative Tools

On assumption of office, President Bola Tinubu highlighted his plan to provide decent and affordable housing to Nigerians, setting the ball rolling with strategic actions. With the new leadership at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), this plan appears to be coming to a reality, writes Emmanuel Addeh.

From demerging the Ministry of Works and Housing and creating a new Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to strategic appointments of experts to the new ministry, as well as continuously re-echoing his administration’s commitment to this vision, the federal government appears to be leaving no one in doubt about its belief that housing is a right that every Nigerian deserves.

The appointment of Ahmed Dangiwa as Minister and Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo as Minister of State signalled the dawn of a new era for the sector. In his first few days in office, the minister would prioritised increasing the capacities and efficiency of federal housing agencies in order to effectively drive his action plan. Chief among these agencies was the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

As a cornerstone agency of the Nigerian housing sector, the FMBN was among other bodies and industry players inaugurated into the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team and the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team, two of the four Reform Task Teams set up by the federal government to help develop frameworks for the implementation of the broad plans of the ministry.

Dangiwa had, during the Bank’s 2024 Management Retreat, noted that the “FMBN must transform, must innovate, and must lead a new era of massive housing development and delivery even in difficult times of high construction costs and low incomes.

He added: “This requires a radically new mindset, thinking out of the box and identifying the opportunities that these challenges present,” setting the stage for the changes that were to come.

Just as Nigerians revelled in the largely hailed appointment of Dangiwa and Abdullahi Gwarzo as ministers, considering their antecedents and evident track records of exceeding expectations, the president went ahead to approve a change of leadership for the housing agencies under the ministry, as part of efforts to reform housing institutions for enhanced effectiveness.

New Management Team at FMBN

Recognising the pivotal position of the FMBN in the actualisation of his administration’s deliverables for housing and in swift response to the call by the minister to reform housing institutions, Tinubu on February 15, 2024 approved the appointment of Shehu Osidi, alongside three other experts, to take over the affairs of the country’s apex mortgage institution as the new management team.

Osidi, a former employee of the Bank, with a track record of innovative initiatives and outstanding performance, has contributed over 30 years of service to the banking, mortgage finance and housing sectors. A cursory look at his profile reveals his steady rise to the pinnacle of his career, leading to his eventual appointment to head the Bank.

To support Shehu Osidi on the task, President Tinubu appointed Ibidapo Odijukan as Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services; Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdu as Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services; and Chinenye Chinedu Anosike as Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management.

Odojukan comes to the Bank with over 25 years transformational leadership in the private and public sectors, having held both Executive and Non-Executive positions and managed an array of projects and programmes for organisations. He is acclaimed for creating sustainable value in organisations and driving effective and efficient delivery of projects and programmes in relation to time and budget.

Abdu, a seasoned academic, town planner, politician and housing expert, boasts about 53 years experience and had served in the Nigerian House of Representatives on two terms as Member representing Alkaleri/Kirfi Federal Constituency. He has contributed and continues to contribute immensely to housing policy development and delivery.

Chinenye is a banking professional with over

22 years of experience in marketing leadership, people development and management, relationship management, turnaround management and credit analysis. With her wealth of experience, she has been pulled in to drive the business development component of the Bank.

Seven-Point Agenda

Barely a month after receiving the baton of leadership, the new Executive Management team of FMBN led by Osidi, obviously aware of the task ahead, introduced its plans and priorities to guide the focus of the Bank.

This was aimed at achieving the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing. With a focus on efficiency, accessibility, and affordability, the seven-point agenda aims to streamline processes and enhance the delivery of housing solutions to Nigerians within the medium and low income brackets.

The items on the agenda are: Deepening Process Automation, Promoting Cost Efficiency, Enhancing Credit Quality/ Reducing Non-Performing Loans, Effective Project Management, Expanding Strategic Partnerships, Enthroning a Robust Organizational/ Employee Performance Management System and Standardized Capacity Building/Talent Management.

By implementing the ambitious seven-point agenda, FMBN aimed to usher in a new era of housing development characterised by efficiency, accessibility, and affordability.

The complete transition to digital platforms as envisioned with the first point on the agenda, will simplify application processes, reduce bureaucracy and improve transparency in the Bank’s operation processes.

With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the new management of the Bank, through its seven-point agenda, continues to address the housing deficit and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians, especially those within the low- and medium-income brackets.

The Managing Director of the Bank has also continued to reiterate his commitment to delivering holistically on the bank’s mandate of providing affordable mortgages to drive homeownership

among Nigerians of low and medium incomes, with the overall focus of deepening the housing finance and mortgage sector towards improved contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), enhanced homeownership among Nigerians, wealth creation and economic prosperity, as well as drastic reduction of the housing deficit in the country. The seven-point agenda was put in place to guide and drive this vision and ensure success.

Strides and Future Trajectory

In May, the bank was in Kano state where the Managing Director handed over cheques worth a total of N236.9 million to 299 Kano state civil servants as Home Renovation Loan beneficiaries. Results released by the bank show that a total of N9.92 billion was disbursed as loans between January and March 2024, bringing the total loan amount so far disbursed by the bank to N435.794 billion.

Within the same quarter, a total of 12,915 beneficiaries who have retired from active service received their NHF Refunds totalling N4.428 billion, out of which nearly 50 per cent (N2.024 billion for 6,528 retirees) was disbursed in March 2024 alone. This is a clear indication of the vigour and passion with which the current management is driving the housing agenda since coming on board in February 2024.

Of particular note, the Bank, in support of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Programme, is providing N100 billion in off-taker guarantee for the project, as well as committing to provide mortgage loans and Rent-to-Own facilities to qualified contributors to access the homes.

With regards to automation of all banking processes, they led the deployment of the Core Banking Application to 95 per cent completion level leading to faster, easier, more efficient, and transparent operations at the bank.

Driving Diaspora Mortgage

In line with its commitment to innovation, the new management team has taken steps to introduce solutions and products to address existing gaps in affordable housing delivery efforts. This is evident

in its resolute approach to kick-start the Diaspora Mortgage Loan Product as quickly as possible. Though an initiative of the current Minister of Housing and Urban Development when he served as Chief Executive of FMBN, the current management has gone ahead to map out modalities for its implementation, collaborating effectively with all relevant stakeholders including NiDCOM and the Central Bank of Nigeria. The product is specifically designed for Nigerians living abroad to be a part of the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme. By contributing to the scheme consistently for a period of at least six months, a Diasporan subscriber qualifies for a mortgage loan of up to N50 million at a competitive interest rate of 9% per annum.

Rental Assistance Loan

The Rental Assistance Loan Product is an innovative product created by the Osidi-led management to cater to the bulk of the Nigerian population who still live in rented apartments. The reality is, not every Nigerian will have their own home, as great as that is. Therefore, the Bank is introducing the Rental product to assist contributors to the scheme with payment of the rent to the tune of N2 Million annually, depending on the income of the beneficiary. The product is specifically meant for members of the informal sector and repayment can be done monthly but must be completed within one year from disbursement. Although yet to be released into the market due to final touches, the excitement that has greeted the product is one that shows how much impact it will have on Nigerians who are contributors to the scheme. This represents another remarkable effort of the current leadership to widen the net of beneficiaries and make the Bank more needs-based.

Collaborations and Partnerships

The Bank has continued to deepen and expand strategic partnerships with relevant local and foreign organizations to further its interests and deliver on its mandate. Already, the Bank has commenced engagements with the Board and Management of Shelter Afrique Development Bank and has set up a bilateral committee to catalyse this.

Also, recently, the Kano State Government committed to the resumption of the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme after two decades of abandoning the scheme. This came about following strategic engagements by the Bank’s new management and Kano State Advisory Committee on Participation of the state’s Civil Servants in the NHF Scheme.

Additionally, the new management has held meetings with Kaduna State University for the Academia Housing Project for staff of the University and the Federal Housing Authority to identify areas of synergy towards collectively achieving the Federal Government’s vision for the housing sector.

The Bank is also working with the Nasarawa State Government towards housing delivery in the State, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) as well as Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) Not forgetting the Bank’s engagements with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) which is aimed at providing housing opportunities for Nigerians outside the shores of the country. In a recent meeting between the management team of the Bank and the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, it was revealed that six continents are set to commence enrolment into the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme.

With plans to launch the product soon, the dream of homeownership in Nigeria by Nigerians in the Diaspora is set to be actualised.

From the foregoing, it appears clear that FMBN’s new management led by Osidi is fully aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu for the housing sector, as driven by the minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, to provide decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.

Osidi

YUSUPH OLANIYONU pays tribute to Toyin Saraki, a woman of substance

A WOMAN OF PLEASANT CONTRASTS

Watching Mrs. Toyin Saraki from far and close quarters for about a decade since I started working for her husband, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, one cannot but take note of the many contrasts she represents.

In her looks, her association with young people, many of whom she mentors, and her embrace of modern technology, I see a woman who is younger than the three scores she has spent in this world. However, with her international presence and the caliber of world leaders she meets daily through her advocacy for good health and well-being of the less privileged across the globe, it appears like she has always been around for ages.

In the same way, she has no problem relating with the young and the old across the board. Well, she has her aged parents who are still very agile and children who are in their 20s as well as grandchildren who are still in primary and kindergarten schools. And that must have accounted for her ability to relate to all across ages.

Despite being an aristocrat by birth and marriage, she comfortably relates with Kings, leaders of business, international bureaucrats, diplomats, and world leaders the same way it is not strange for her to crack jokes with docome her way daily. She comes to the level of her audience at any particular time.

It is also not strange to see Mrs. Saraki, media handles a picture of herself with King Charles of Great Britain at an international event to which she has been honourably invited, and in another moment she posts another picture taken at a wedding ceremony of one of her drivers or other domestic aides in one of the hinterlands in Nigeria. Without batting an eyelid, she would attend functions in Paris, New York and rush back to Nigeria to also be present at a function on health service provision in Pada (Patigi LGA of Kwara State), Nyanya (an Abuja suburb) or Ijora Badia (in Lagos).

It is the reason why many of her or her husband's aides usually check to ensure that she does not have any important internationtheir ceremonies, because they are sure Madam will be there to celebrate with them if she is within the country.

Saraki during the period of my illness. One evening she just called my second son, Oladipo, to inform him that she was on the way to our house. She spent some time with us, prayed, and urged that we should feel free to let her know if there was anything she could do to assist. By the way, I had introduced Oladipo to her when he was a student in the UK. Until he graduated and returned to Nigeria, she was always calling him on the phone to ask about his welfare.

To her, the husband’s aides and members-

bers can be sure to get valuable gifts from her during the Christmas and New Year period.

A very fashionable woman, she has been able to promote the local Ankara and Adire fabrics across the world as she creates beautiful Nigerian dress styles that she gracefully wears to international occasions to the admiration of other dignitaries. She is sure a proud ambassador and fashion model for the

Ankara and Adire fabric sellers as she stylishly presents their wares to the world with dignity.

In Kwara State where her husband had served for eight years as Governor and later served as Senator for another eight years, she is reputed for operating in the background.

folk there. Up till today, at every event where she is present in any part of the state, you can be sure to hear intermittent chants of ‘Sai Toooooyin’ with a loudchorus and applause.

Kemi Asefon, then writing in the Punch Newspaper once did a piece on her titled “Toyin Aya Bukola”. In that feature story, the writer submitted that she was perhaps the only wife of a Governor in Nigeria who the

She has a way of mingling and relating so well with the women in the rural areas of

Ankara dress, she will seem to look like one of them. The various empowerment programmes and health initiatives which she spearheaded brought succour to many women. Many years after her husband has left the

in the area of maternal and children health in Kwara State. Also, during Sallah and Xmas period, she still donates drugs, food, and clothing items to prisons, primary health care centres, and community development associations.

The only daughter of the very wealthy Prince of Lagos, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, and his wife, Erelu Ojuolape, the Erelu Oodua of Ife, Mrs. Saraki is a Princess Royale of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, in Lagos. She holds the title of Erelu Bobajiro of Iruland, also in Lagos.

me. Anytime she chooses to raise or discuss any issue, she will delve into the archive and produce over 100 internet materials ranging from links to newspaper publications, academic journals, relevant speeches, books, and pictures. It is usually an overload.

She is a “global advocate for women and children’s health and empowerment, with two decades of advocacy covering reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health; ending gender-based discrimination and violence; and improving education, socio-economic empowerment, and community livelihood in sub-Saharan Africa”.

Olaniyonu writes from Abuja

Nigerians are denied the needed common front to build a truly prosperous country, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

NIGERIA, WHEN?

If you want Nigerian leaders to see eye to eye, organise a big wedding. They need to be cajoled to gather at pre-election meetings that look like that call of order to warn adolescents who are hellbent at beating each other up. Even when they come together in those moments, you can see they’d rather be anywhere else. Still, they are encouraged to maintain peace and order at those meetings, as you would order children to not fight or stop fighting. They may repeatedly throw verbal daggers and even be in danger of throwing punches at times, however, when it is time for wedding parties and condolence visits, they come together, united in joy and a common solemn state, just as I believe the founding fathers must have wanted it. If you want to organise a multi-partisan forum on national development, just do it on the sidelines of a major wedding. Outside of that context, a national development forum is never important enough for a coming together.

For starters, we do not have a common national identity and that comes at a cost because it is at the root of everything, culturally and socioeconomically. I was taking a stroll in Prague last week wearing a classic Nigerian Super Eagles jersey, the Atlanta 1996 home strip. A Nigerian man identified me and immediately starts to speak to me in one of the popular local languages. I told him I wasn’t from the ethnic group of his expectations. I wondered why he assumed I couldn’t have been from anywhere else other than the place he thought I was from. I responded to him in pidgin instead. I think pidgin is a common ground. He was disappointed though and we quickly went our separate ways. I was wearing a Nigerian jersey but even in far away Czech Republic, I was quickly reminded that many prefer to see “Nigeria” only through the lens of their ethnicity. I don’t think that’s a bad thing if such people know not to impose that expectation on other people.

We are a nation divided. That’s almost cliché at this point. We have always been. There are videos on YouTube and books in libraries that show that our founding fathers appeared to see Nigeria primarily through the lens of their ethnic identity. I don’t think that is a bad thing either if you design the terms of engagement that also centers our common and collective interest.

Social media have brought our differences to the fore. Whilst some want us to believe we started hating one another since the 2023 election got loss and won, common sense and evidence suggest the election only added more layers to what has always been. Some politicians continue to play into it, knowing when to play the ethnic card and when to pretend to care about the collective Nigerian identity.

Sadly though, that Nigerian identity is lacking. It is not for lack of trying. We have built programmes and systems to help culture and nurture same. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Federal Character Commission are two of the popular platforms that show that the country itself isn’t unaware of its diversity. It is. It is why the constitution

insists on at least one minister from each state. All of these have not made much difference because these divisions are profitable. Politicians profit off them. On social media for instance, you see presidential hopefuls with long posts that are clearly intended to fire up their base. And despite any pretense to the contrary, even their use of words and nouns betray them. Football and sports that have generally provided some cosmetic meeting ground for that identity, these have been reduced to nothing. At the Paris Olympics, we are one of very few populous countries with zero, zilch medal. Not even a bronze. The Super Eagles are on one of their worst runs ever as we risk missing out on the World Cup again having missed out on Qatar 2022, where our perennial World Cup opponents, Argentina went on to win their third thanks to an inspired Lionel Messi.

You do wonder. When will Nigerian leaders across party divides come together to forge a common understanding? When will they meet without being cajoled by foreign partners or the allure of big wedding parties? At what point will they realise that this game as it is currently being played cannot have a winner outside of the pyrrhic individual victories? The Nigerian people are denied the needed common front necessary to build a truly prosperous country.

Someone could say, “but they are already united in the National Assembly”. There is a point there. All the parties are aligned in terms of allowances and other privileges. There is neither North nor South, no East or West, no PDP, APC, LP, YPP, etc., when it comes to sharing the SUVs that are needed for them to navigate the tortuous roads across the country as they deliver on their promises to better represent their people. There is unity at those times. There is a sense of purpose at those times. It also reflects the fact that, when push comes to shove, our politicians are one and the same. United in their commitment to ensure they lack nothing in the carriage of their duties.

You wonder though, when will they find that common ground on development? At what point will they understand that even they could earn bigger allowances and may be then deserve to if they help to build a truly prosperous and united country. If they could be blessed so much by such a poor country mostly full of poor people, can they not wonder how much more they’d be blessed were they to help this country prosper?

Social media users often ask, “God when?” when they see something they desire to happen. In this case, one cannot begin to ask, “God when?” for something women and men must seek and do for themselves. So, Nigeria, when?

Omojuwa is chief strategist Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

MALARIA AND THE NEW COUNCIL

All the critical stakeholders could do more to contain the scourge

Determined to eradicate malaria in Nigeria, the federal government recently enlisted the support of some prominent business leaders to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly Joint Health Committees and women’s organisations in the country. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, emphasised the urgency of addressing malaria prevalence in a country that accounts for over a quarter of global cases and about a third of the more than and pregnant women. “It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25 to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent of hospital attendance,” Alausa said. “Similarly, malaria is a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplacout-of-pocket expense for most households in the country.”

ly higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, rising to 249 million from 233 million in 2019. In the same period, the African region saw an increase in cases from 218 million to 233 million. The region continues to shoulder the heaviest malaria burden, representing 94 per cent of global malaria cases and 95 per cent of global deaths, an estimated 580,000 deaths in 2022. The World Bank has revealed that over the past demalaria cases by more than 50 per cent. The bank has also reported steady progress in Nigeria.

Malaria is a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country

To the extent that combating malaria requires multifaceted actions and partnerships involving public and private, international and Civil Society sectors, we commend the initiative and those who have agreed to serve on the Council. In recent years, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), progress in reducing malaria has ground to a standstill. “Not only does malaria continue to directly endanger health and cost lives, but it also perpetuates a vicious cycle of inequity,” WHO reports. “People living in the most vulnerable situations including pregnant women, infants, children displaced people, and Indigenous Peoples continue to be disproportionately impacted.” More concerning, according to WHO, is that the “African Region shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease – accounting, in 2022, for 94 per cent and 95 per cent of malaria case and deaths.”

Funding for malaria control globally is also inadequate. In 2022, US$ 4.1 billion – just over half of the needed budget – was available for malaria response.

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

Last October, the federal government promised that the WHO-recommended R21/Matrix-M vaccine for the prevention of malaria in children would be available in Nigeria by June. We don’t know what has happened to that plan. Yet, to the extent that defeating malaria is critical to improving maternal and child health, Nigeria cannot afford to lag. With business leaders like Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola and others, the hope is that the Nigerian health authorities will adopt the best possible strategy that will from our country.

With Nigeria among the 11 countries that carry approximately 70 per cent of the global burden of malaria, it is important to take seriously the Yaounde Declaration signed in March this year by Ministers of Health of the continent. The pledge is to provide stronger leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programmes; ensure further investment in data technology; apply the latest technical guidance in malaria control and elimination; and enhance malaria

In signing the declaration, they expressed their “unwavering commitment to the accelerated reduction of malaria mortality” and “to hold each other and our countries accountable for the commitments outlined in this declaration.”

We wish the new Council success in their assignment.

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.

TIME TO OVERHAUL NIGERIA'S HAJJ OPERATIONS

This is an urgent call for the immediate amendments of Nigerian Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act by the National Assembly.

The current NAHCON Act, enacted in 2006, is obsolete and cannot stand the test and demands of modern Hajj management particularly as envisioned by the vision 2030 reforms of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Experience is revealing that the future of Hajj belongs to the private tours operators as it’s obtainable in the other climes. Therefore, going further any attempts to review the NAHCON act should capture the private sector initiatives led by the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), and its members should have representations On the NAHCON Board.

Tour operators are calling for a stay of action on the bidding for the 2025 Hajj license until NAHCON reconcile its accounts with the tour operators and pay all refunds outstanding, including the 2023 and 2024 caution deposits and those of services not rendered over the years. This includes refunds of all monies owed its members by the Commission before the opening of a new bid for Hajj 2025.

We also frown at the practice where tour operators’ allocation is being shared with other agencies of government against the good intentions of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj in promoting private sector participation in Hajj. We therefore call upon the Commission to refrain from further encroachment on the 20,000 slots allocation to the private tour companies.

There is a popular demand for change of the particular sole service provider that has remained a perennial failure in providing optimum service to our pilgrims over the years or in the alternative, the engagement of multiple service providers as it’s being practiced by other countries.

We also recognize the need for tour operators to have a dedi-grims and operators are always expected to uphold virtues and decorum in their dealings with pilgrims, who are the guests of Allah. The era of dirty and sub-standard service to pilgrims as well as individualistic approach to the business is over.

Abdullateef Yusuf Ekundayo, National President, Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON)

NOT THE BEST ROLE?

There are many role models out there, some fantastic as seen with Paralympic competitors, some destructive with the conspiracy believers and the misogynists, mostly male. Most people are role models to their family and others because of their fame.

There are also role models who fail, often sports people, and those that are misguided, usually on the social media sites. Elle Macpherson, a model and actress, has caused some concern after she wrote about treating breast cancer with “holistic” approaches rather than conventional medicine. The best approach to any health problem is the time tested and proven path which involves doctors and then following their recommendations.

I am sure Elle meant no harm in telling her personal story but people would be advised to enjoy the story of her acting and modelling achievements and leave the medical work to the doctors.

Keep well Elle.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

PERSPECTIVE

Dangote Refinery: A Timely Win for Industrialisation

Abiodun Alade

Nigeria, rich in resources and with a burgeoning young population, remains paradoxically stagnant due to its over-reliance on imports. This dependency, rather than being a temporary measure, has entrenched itself as a systemic barrier to long-term prosperity.

With a population exceeding 200 million and a predominantly young demographic, Nigeria has become a prime target for global product dumping. Each year, a flood of new products enters the Nigerian market, to the point where the country imports nearly everything imaginable. This has created mindset where locally produced goods are often perceived as inferior compared to imported items.

As one writer aptly observes, Nigeria imports toothpicks despite having bamboo, starch even though it is the world’s largest cassava producer, and tomatoes while having its own tomato production base. For nearly thirty years, Nigeria relied on imported refined petroleum products despite being a major crude oil producer with four refineries.

However, this narrative changed a few days ago with the production of gasoline (petrol) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, owned by Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur, Aliko Dangote. This landmark facility, recognised as the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, also produces diesel, aviation fuel, and other products.

This marks a significant victory for industrialisation in Nigeria and serves as a powerful example of how Africa can break free from the cycle of being a dumping ground for foreign goods. It is striking to note that only Algeria and Libya out of the 54 countries in Africa do not import fuel, highlighting the transformative impact of this development.

By harnessing Africa’s abundant crude oil

resources to produce refined products locally, Dangote aims to catalyse a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.

In Nigeria, the refinery will significantly reduce fuel imports, save foreign exchange, and will contribute to stabilising the naira, lowering inflation, and reducing the cost of living among others. The refinery would lead to the protection of forex revenue of around $20bn a year at current market prices and saving of $14bn a year through domestic supplies of petroleum products. It would also create a minimum of 100,000 indirect employment through retail outlets and ease availability of petroleum products in the country.

Beyond its role in petroleum refining, the Dangote Refinery also represents a

significant boost to Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. It will produce crucial petrochemicals such as polypropylene, polyethylene, base oil, and linear alkylbenzenes that will grow many sectors, including the agricultural sector.

Previously, some players in the packaging industry had to shut down due to the difficulty in accessing foreign exchange to import polypropylene. This issue is expected to become a thing of the past as Dangote proudly declared on Tuesday: “We are committed to ensuring that starting in October, there will be no need to import polypropylene. Our petrochemical plant will be fully capable of meeting all local demands”.

The availability of these raw materials is set to revive related sectors and industries that had nearly vanished due to the prohibitive costs of importation. While importation provides immediate, short-term gains, it rarely supports sustainable growth. In contrast, industrialisation fosters long-term economic development by creating jobs, boosting productivity, driving innovation, and improving infrastructure.

In recent years, the impact of substandard fuel imports has been catastrophic. In 2022, poor-quality fuels damaged vehicles, generators, and machinery, leading to health crises, including cancer cases. The halt of these imports, achieved through interventions from Belgium and the Netherlands, is only a temporary reprieve as new routes for these harmful products were found, thereby continuing to inflict damage on Nigerians.

However, Nigerians can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the Dangote Oil Refinery will deliver refined products meeting the Euro-V standard, the highest quality in fuel. This level of excellence would have been unattainable through importation; under such circumstances, the best available would likely remain subpar.

As Nigeria contemplates her future, the lessons from industrialised nations are instructive. Nations like China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea have experienced

significant growth through industrialisation. These nations have demonstrated that investing in and protecting domestic industries, rather than reliance on imports, is a pathway to sustained development and global competitiveness.

The transition from a trading company focused on importing bulk commodities to a diversified conglomerate over the last two decades has enabled Dangote Industries Limited to significantly boost the economy and champion Africa’s drive for self-sufficiency. This evolution illustrates a vision that other stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), should consider.

I was concerned when DAPPMAN, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu, expressed worries about financial losses incurred by its members due to Dangote Refinery’s decision to reduce the price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from N1,700 to N900 upon starting production in January. The association said that players in the downstream petroleum sector have invested over N3 trillion in establishing around 130 private petroleum depots. Such an amount could turn around some manufacturing sectors, instead of serving as infrastructure for importation.

I believe that DAPPMAN and other Nigerians should mobilise resources to support the government in developing the manufacturing sectors of the economy. This is the most effective way to accelerate Nigeria’s development, reduce unemployment, and address insecurity.

Nigeria’s path to progress lies in embracing industrialisation. By investing in local industries and fostering a climate conducive to growth, Nigeria can unlock its potential and secure a prosperous future for its citizens. The time has come to shift from a reliance on imports to a focus on nurturing and expanding domestic industries. This transformation is not only feasible but essential for Nigeria’s development.

*Abiodun writes from Lagos

Adelabu: Nigeria Set to Achieve Universal Energy Access by 2060

Nigeria is committed towards achieving universal energy access by the year 2060 and is working with relevant stakeholders across board to realise this objective, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed.

He spoke in while addressing Chinese investors and businessmen at the 1st China-Nigeria Economic Cooperation and Trade Conference, Beijing 2024. The minister was part of the entourage of President Bola Tinubu to the ongoing Africa-China Cooperation Summit in Beijing, China.

He said the country has a short-term target to attain 30GW of grid energy supply by 2030, and a long-term goal of universal energy access.

According to the minister, the targets present an opportunity for further partnership between the Chinese investment community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to increase cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions penetration as Nigeria strives to achieve energy security and meet the demands

of the growing economy.

“I am pleased to speak to you today at this forum focused on exploring the further areas of collaboration between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

“This is a partnership that spans decades with notable achievements across the power sector value

chain in line with Nigeria’s goal of energy sustainability and economic development.

“In Nigeria, we are committed to achieving universal energy access by 2060, with a short-term target under our vision 30:30:30 to attain 30GW of grid energy supply with a 30 percent Renewable Energy mix by 2030, and

a long-term goal of universal energy access.

“These targets present an opportunity for further partnership between the Chinese investment community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to increase cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions penetration as we strive to achieve

energy security and meet the demands of our growing economy.

“To achieve this objective, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented a multi-pronged approach designed to tackle issues across the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry value chain and set the sector on a path to recovery and prosperity”, he said.

The minister outlined measures that have been put in place to achieves these measures.

“We have streamlined legislative and policy processes to reduce bureaucratic red tape and encourage active participation from subnational entities, thereby fostering investment and project execution.

FG Demands Accountability, Transparency in Global Climate Funding

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has demanded accountability and transparency in global climate funding, stating that Nigeria and the rest of the developing world are tired of rhetoric and pledges that are in variance with global warming and climate change.

Speaking in Abuja at a two-day first International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference organised by the Human and Environmental

Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in collaboration with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako, in his keynote address said, “climate accountability and transparency are critical elements in building trust, credibility, accessing funding and mobilising mass participation.

“I call on the developed countries of the world who are the principal drivers of global warming and climate

change to be more transparent and accountable in their climate funding.”

He said further: “The developing world, the most impacted victims of climate change, are getting wearing of rhetorics and pledges that are often not at scale to the problem and that remains largely unfulfilled.”

The minister who was represented by the Director, Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Iniobong Abiola-Awe however added that: “For us in the Global

South, we need to put more structures in place to prioritise climate actions and enhance climate accountability and transparency.”

He reminded that the challenges of climate change and energy transition required not just innovative solutions but also a firm commitment to ethical governance.

He noted that: “Transparency and accountability are the bedrock of sustainable development, and it is through collaborative efforts like

this conference that we can have a more just and sustainable future.” Salako said the interconnected nature of climate challenges underscored the need for a comprehensive, all-sector approach to addressing them.

He, however said, “As challenging and acute as the climate change crisis is, it cannot enjoy exclusive access to funding and attention and has to compete with other critical sectors for financing.

Dangote

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Arthur Eriye

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) receded in the first two quarters of 2024 by20.95 per cent when compared wit the same period in 2023.

According to the NBS data, the sector’s contribution to GDP dropped from 16.04 per cent in Q4 2023 to 12.68 per cent in Q2 2024, indicating the sector’s increasing struggles amid

the country’s economic challenges. The Q4 2023 report indicated a manufacturing sector contributing 16.04 per cent to the GDP, showcasing the sector’s substantial role in Nigeria’s economy.

However, this contribution sharply declined in Q1 2024 to 14.79 per cent, marking the beginning of a downward trend that has led to its further drop to 12.68 per cent by Q2 2024.

The manufacturing sector’s nominal GDP growth in the second quarter of 2024 was recorded at

1.91 per cent year-on-year. This represents a significant decline of 27.99 per cent -points compared to the 29.90 per cent growth recorded in the corresponding period of 2023. Moreover, it marks a 6.30 per cent point decrease from the 8.21 per cent growth registered in the first quarter of 2024. On a quarter-onquarter basis, the sector experienced a contraction of 11.25 per cent during Q2 2024.

The nominal GDP growth rate is crucial as it represents the monetary value of all goods and services

produced by the manufacturing sector without adjusting for inflation.

The sluggish growth in nominal terms indicates that the sector is struggling to expand its output, and this stagnation could have far-reaching implications for employment, investment, and overall economic stability in Nigeria.

The manufacturing sector’s contribution to nominal GDP in Q2 2024 was 12.68 per cent, down from 14.55 per cent in Q2 2023 and lower than the 14.79%

recorded in Q1 2024. When examining the real GDP growth and the sector’s contribution to overall GDP, the manufacturing sector’s performance presents a concerning picture.

Real GDP growth in the manufacturing sector, which adjusts for inflation, provides a clearer view of the sector’s actual production levels and economic value.

The real GDP growth in the manufacturing sector also reflects the sector’s ongoing struggles. In Q1 2024, real GDP growth for the

manufacturing sector was 1.49 per cent year-on-year, a slight improvement over the previous quarter, with a contribution to overall GDP of 9.98 per cent. However, by Q2 2024, real GDP growth had further declined to 1.28 per cent, which is lower than both the growth recorded in Q2 2023 and the preceding quarter.

The quarter-on-quarter growth rate in Q2 2024 stood at -15.16 per cent, a significant drop from the 1.74 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth observed in Q1 2024.

Airlines Pay $1bn Taxes on Imported Spares, Aircraft Despite Waiver

Airline operators have disclosed that Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) generates over $1 billion (N1.6 trillion) annually from levies and taxes imposed on importation of aircraft and aircraft spares, despite the zero waiver given to the airlines, as contained in the Finance Act of 2020.

Airlines that made the disclosure, said they paid 1.5 per cent, which includes 1 per cent ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and 0.5 per cent Comprehensive Imports Supervision Scheme (CISS), which amounts to over $1 billion annually. They said Customs insisted that the levies and taxes were obligatory charges on spares and aircraft, and not part of the surcharges waived for the airlines, They however said the levies and taxes have increased the cost of aircraft and spares, and have caused delivery delays, “because when the spares arrive in the country,

they would not be delivered to the airlines until the taxes and levies were paid.”

The operators complained that they have lost huge revenues as a result of the delays, insisting that the payments they make to Customs erode whatever profits they could generate from the business.

According to them, the costs are reflected in the tickets, which makes travelers pay more, adding that the taxes are a disincentive to aircraft acquisition, considering the low operational capital at the behest of most airline operators.

They complained of high operational cost, which they attributed to Customs’ taxes, high insurance premium, charges from aviation agencies and high cost of aviation fuel.

In 2021, the Nigeria Customs Service explained that airlines registered in Nigeria and providing commercial air transport services were entitled

to duty-free importation of their aircraft, engines, spare parts and components, purchased or leased, but explained that Section 39 of the Second Schedule of the Finance Act as amended, did not grant concession on ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Comprehensive Imports Supervision Scheme (CISS).

According to NCS, the Act has already granted exemptions to Customs duty and VAT only, making it mandatory to pay appropriate charges on ETLS and CISS for all importations.

This has been the butt of controversy since 2021, as airlines who contested these payments insisted that waivers granted them by the federal government under the Buhari’s administration ought to be total, insisting that ETLS ought to be waived for all the ECOWAS member countries because it is inhibiting growth of the aviation industry in these nations.

Speaking, President and CEO of Topbrass Aviation Limited, Captain Roland Iyayi, told THISDAY that ideally airlines were not supposed to pay any type of customs duty after the waiver on aircraft and spares was passed into law, “but it is unfortunate that airlines are still paying some kind of duties, noting that airlines are known for their very low profit margins.”

Iyayi further told THISDAY that when the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo was appointed, he was surprised at the taxes and duties that airlines were paying despite the waiver, which he said, prompted the minister of aviation and his finance counterpart to meet and agreed that the request could be put in the 2024 Finance Act. He however said the action was not taken immediately and the plan had to be deferred.

Iyayi is hoping that the issue will be pushed for the 2025 Finance Act, if the two Ministers meet and

deliberate over the matter.

“Nigerian airlines still pay taxes and levies to the Nigerian Customs Service despite the zero waiver given to them, which was passed into law. They still pay CISS and ELTS. When he was appointed, the Minister of Aviation and AON had a very good meeting. The taxes were part of the issues we tabled to him. We also offered solution to it by recommending that he should meet with his Finance counterpart, because Customs is under the Ministry of Finance, so that they will deliberate over it and put it into the Finance Act of 2024, but this was delayed and this year is gone. We hope that it will be presented in the Finance Act of 2025.

“As far as we know, zero waiver means that we don’t have to pay anything. No payment should be expected from the airlines for aircraft acquisition and aircraft spares, but Customs insisted on the payment of CISS and ELTS,”

Iyayi said.

Also, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that airlines have been working on the removal of the remaining taxes, recalling that the President and Vice President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have worked very hard to see that the waiver covered the totality of all charges, but so far the airlines still pay the remaining charges.

“The problem is the different interpretations of the policy at the implementation level. Custom said the waiver did not include CISS and ETLS, but we should ensure that ETLS is waived in all the ECOWAS countries, as it was done in Europe. Aviation is not growing in West Africa because of high cost of operation. There are too many taxes and we are taking the campaign to the next level.

Chinedu Eze

FG’s Consumer Credit Scheme Targets

500,000 Civil Servants

Stories by Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has commenced the disbursement of consumer credit to economically active Nigerians nationwide, through its growing list of participating financial institutions (PFIs).

In the first wave of institutions, is Credit Direct, Nigeria’s largest lender to civil servants nationwide, and a subsidiary of the FCMB Group. At the signing event in Lagos recently, CREDICORP announced the partnership with Credit Direct to accelerate mass access to consumer credit starting with civil servants across the country.

Beginning this September, this kickoff offers discounted direct consumer credit to over 15,000 civil servants per round. Civil

servants on IPPIS now benefit from exclusive offers with reduced interest rates and flexible repayment plans for purchase of domestic goods, mobility, medical care, electronics and other household needs. The initiative is part of a much broader effort to support the well-being of Nigerians, which aligns with CREDICORP’s mission to accelerate consumer credit access to 50 per cent of economically active Nigerians by 2030.

CEO of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, said: “We are excited to partner with Credit Direct to kick off President Tinubu’s consumer credit scheme with civil servants as Mr. President had promised.

“By going through Credit Direct today, and subsequently our other financial institutions coming on stream in the next days and weeks as we target 500,000 civil servants,

Nationwide

they can access instant and affordable credit to cushion economic shocks or afford consumer goods to improve the quality of their lives. This is just the start of a long and exciting journey with many parts, and linkages that ultimately catalyse local industries as we expand consumption.”

CEO of Credit Direct, Chukwuma Nwanze, emphasised the importance of the partnership in fostering financial inclusion.

“Our civil servants are vital to the nation’s growth and stability, and we are committed to supporting them with accessible credit facilities. This partnership with CREDICORP allows us to extend our services to more individuals, ensuring that all civil servants can access the funds they need quickly and easily, up to N3.5 million depending on their income and need,” he said.

NEMA Seek Comprehensive Action Plan on Disaster Risks

The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has stressed the need for a comprehensive action plan to address disaster risks in Nigeria.

She said this during the Expert Workshop on Early Warning for All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030 in Abuja, on Monday, September 2, 2024.

The workshop, according to her, coincided with the ongoing flood season in Nigeria and would provide an opportunity to review the level of

preparedness, response, mitigation and long-term recovery strategies.

She added that the initiative stemmed from an assessment by the Overseas Development Institute for the UNDP, which highlighted the necessity of improving DRR strategies in light of escalating disasters such as conflicts and floods.

She said, “The workshop aims to align Nigeria’s plans with the Sendai Framework and the African Programme of Action to enhance disaster resilience. A review of NEMA’s existing plans

has indicated an urgent need for a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria, considering new and emerging hazards.”

The Acting Director, FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, identified stakeholders’ failure to use available data as a major problem confronting early warning on disaster in Nigeria.

“We need to enforce making sure that we use data, because if we use data, the problem of disaster risk is almost solved,” he said.

NAHCO Rewards Staff Who Found, Returned $10,000

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahcoaviance) has rewarded a staff of the Company, Mr. AuwalDankode, who found and returned the sum of $10,000, while cleaning an aircraft in Kano.

Dankode, who was assigned alongside other colleagues, to clean the MS 878 operated by Egypt Air, found the money left behind by the passenger on seat no 25H. He promptly turned the money over to the Airline’s Station Manager.

The Group Managing Director/ CEO of the Company, Mr. Indranil Gupta, while commending Dankode for being a true NAHCO ambassador who has put into use the training he received in the company, announced the handsome cash reward, instant promotion and appointment as NAHCO Brand Ambassador.

Gupta, who led the Management

Team in appreciating the staff at the head office of the company in Lagos recently, said: “We are truly proud of the exemplary character exhibited by Auwal. He is a true NAHCO ambassador and an embodiment of what NAHCO stands for, honesty, integrity, diligence and hard work.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief Financial Officer of NAHCO, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju, commended Dankode on this show of high integrity. “The integrity you’ve displayed is not something that anyone can pretend to have. You’ve shown that it is something that is innate to you,” Emiloju pointed out.

The COO, Mr. Didier Steullet also encouraged Dankode to stay on the good path.

Steullet advised: “What you have done is very good. You’re

the example not only of the week, but probably of the year. My only recommendation is that please keep going on the same way. Remain yourself and don’t get carried away with the adulation that you are receiving on social media. You need to make remain grounded and make a difference in the world. Stay on nice side of the ‘force’ and your life will be good.”

Group Executive Director, Dr. Sola Obabori added, “You’ve become a poster boy of NAHCO not only in Nigeria but all over the world because the internet makes things global. You have done something that makes us proud. In a today’s Nigeria, where the value of dollar is so very high, by returning so many of them, you’ve done something commendable.”

ASRTI Seeks Improved Security Measures, Passenger Comfort

AIR WATCH

Tackling Airport Infrastructure

Chinedu Eze

One of the major challenges faced by air transport sector in Nigeria is poor airport infrastructure.

The major factor that exacerbated the airport infrastructure challenge is the lack of expansion of airport facilities to meet the surge in passenger traffic.

The consequence is that the utilities were being overstretched and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos initially built for an annual capacity of less than a million passengers now caters for about three million passengers per annum, but thanks to the new terminal facility, which is a huge relief.

However, the Nigerian aviation sector has undoubtedly undergone significant changes over the past decade, with the COVID-19 pandemic marking a pivotal moment.

The pandemic led to a near-complete shutdown, as public health concerns took precedence over economic and leisure activities. The situation changed the focus in airport development, as huge resources were diverted to provide facilities that would protect passengers from the pandemic.

However, while pandemic-related restrictions have since eased, the sector still faces challenges, including sluggish investment, poorly planned airport construction by state governments, and unresolved financial commitments by stakeholders. These factors have compounded existing issues, such as high operating costs and outdated infrastructure, making recovery efforts more complex.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, the aviation industry has been grappling with how to regain momentum. Although international travel has picked up fully and airlines are seeing increased passenger numbers, the lack of coherent investment strategies and the economic downturn have affected overall sector growth. Stakeholders have been pushing for more private-sector involvement to address these lingering issues, particularly in expanding infrastructure and modernizing operational models.

It was amidst this challenge that Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, was appointed in December 2023, as the first female Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

According to industry stakeholders, her appointment marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s aviation history, signaling a shift towards more inclusive leadership within a traditionally male-dominated industry. Since her appointment she has been striving to make Nigeria’s airports more passenger friendly and more technology driven; so, Mrs. Kuku has quickly established herself as a passionate advocate for the sector, bringing both optimism and a strategic vision to the role.

At the recent 2024 Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE), Kuku addressed the current state of the aviation sector, focusing on its strengths while acknowledging the substantial challenges ahead. In her speech, she highlighted the sector’s global economic influence, describing how it plays a vital role in driving GDP growth not just in Nigeria but worldwide. She drew attention to industry reports predicting that global passenger traffic will surpass pre-COVID levels by 2024, with Africa’s air traffic expected to see substantial growth by 2025. This growth, she suggested, represents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its position as a key player in the global aviation landscape.

Kuku further emphasised that, despite challenges, the safety and security of Nigerian airports remain paramount.

largely misunderstood issue of concessions, a hotly debated topic in the sector. Concessions involve private-sector management of public assets, and in Nigeria’s case, it has been a point of contention. She acknowledged stakeholder concerns, particularly fears that private entities could prioritize profits over public interest. However, she underscored the necessity of private-sector involvement, given the sheer scale of investment required to sustain the aviation sector. She said: “I often remind people it’s not just about building airports. Passenger traffic is closely tied to economic growth. Despite this, Nigeria faces economic challenges such as fluctuations and inflation, yet our geographic position places us in a prime spot to drive connectivity across Africa and globally, which is key to ensuring our airports’ viability.”

Kuku went on to clarify the concept of concessions, explaining that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather one of many options that can be explored.

“The fears about concessions are valid, but I can categorically tell you that the investment needed to sustain the aviation sector in Nigeria cannot come from the government alone. It’s absolutely impossible. What I call for is for us together to explore the private-sector models that actually work and put in place legal frameworks that allow those models to benefit FAAN, while also protecting the sector,” Kuku further said. She pointed out successful examples of concession models globally, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where management contracts have brought in technical expertise and enabled airport expansion. Kuku also advocated for joint ventures and public-private partnerships, stating that these could be tailored to the specific needs of Nigerian airports.

Kuku further revealed that FAAN would consider incentives for airlines, such as reducing landing and parking fees at smaller airports. The move, she explained, would help reduce congestion at major hubs like Lagos Airport while encouraging local operators to use regional airports as operational bases.

Kuku’s vision extends beyond passenger traffic, as she has also been a strong advocate for boosting Nigeria’s air cargo sector. She has been in discussions with state governors, private investors, and logistics operators to explore the untapped potential in air cargo.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Industry think-tank, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has demanded from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) improved safety measures, passenger comfort, security and infrastructure standards at airports across Nigeria.

The body made the demand when it met with the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku at the agency headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday.

After commending Kuku for efforts of her leadership to improve the airports since she assumed office, the ASRTI team led by its President, Air Commodore Demola Onitiju (rtd), made a case for enforcement of compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) signed between FAAN and concessionaires at the airports, provision of better comfort

for airport users, including the physically challenged passengers, who require separate facilities to access the terminal lounge.

Another demand was regulation of concessionaires’ access to the newly commissioned terminals and a monitoring device to ensure that duty free shop operators sell only what they were granted FAAN approval to sell at the airports.

“In the interest of health safety of travelers, who are consumers and standard international best practices, it is important for FAAN to evolve some certification processes and establish who is selling what among the retail shop operators,” said Onitiju.

He also called for urgent action on the menace of rats at the new terminal of the Lagos airport, which equally constitutes a health hazard.

“We face challenges, but I want to be clear that our airports are safe. Some may say, ‘You’re not an aviator, so what do you know?’ Well, I’m managing a company, and I rely on the experts around me. We conduct regular friction tests, with a strict schedule known by every airport manager. If there’s an anomaly, we repeat the test. If you know anything about me, you know I will never compromise on safety,” Kuku said.

In addition to focusing on safety, she also addressed some of the more pressing issues plaguing the sector, including cross-subsidisation among Nigerian airports. This refers to how profitable airports help fund the operations of less profitable ones, a strategy that has been criticized for creating inefficiencies. Mrs. Kuku acknowledged that expanding airport infrastructure alone does not guarantee increased revenue, noting that passenger traffic is closely tied to economic development.

To ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s airports, she advocated for greater collaboration between the private sector and sub-national entities. She emphasized that public-private partnerships could be the key to unlocking the potential of underutilized airports across the country.

At the same time, Kuku tackled the sensitive yet

“Nigeria has primarily been an import-driven market, but there are significant opportunities in exports. We’ve begun exploring these through automation and private-sector collaboration,” she stated.

Kuku believes that by streamlining logistics and investing in modern technology, Nigeria can significantly increase its air cargo exports, positioning the country as a major player in the regional and global markets.

In her closing remarks, she made a strong case for a comprehensive approach to improving airport viability. She reiterated that collaboration is key, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with state governments, private sector players, and international stakeholders. She also stressed the need for continuous innovation in areas such as infrastructure, regulation, and route development.

“By working together, we can unlock the full potential of our airports, ensuring their long-term sustainability. The challenges are significant, but not insurmountable. With the right strategies and partnerships, we can transform our airports into vibrant economic hubs that drive national development and connect Nigeria to the world. The time is now! Let’s build a brighter future for Nigeria’s aviation industry together,” she said.

Olubunmi Kuku

Nigeria’s Removal from USFAA Category 1 Safety Status

The recent delisting of Nigeria by the US Federal Aviation Administration has reputational implication on Nigeria, given the high level of rating, categorisation and certification that are involved in air transportation, writes Chinedu Eze

Nigeria has been delisted from the United States Federal Aviation Administration Category 1Safety Status (USFAA CAT 1), the International Aviation Safety Assessment Programme (IASA).

Reports indicated that the FAA removed countries from the list that have not had any ‘indigenous’ carrier operate services to the US or codeshare with an airline based in the US for over two years, along with countries where the FAA has not interacted with the respective CAA for extended periods of time.

The report further indicates that Nigeria first attained Category One Safety in 2010, after which the country maintained this status during subsequent FAA audits held in 2014 and 2017. It was also reported that Nigeria passed audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) without significant safety concerns.

But industry stakeholders are wondering why the delisting, which took place in 2022 was kept secret until it was exposed two years later by a media report. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that Nigeria was delisted because no Nigerian registered airline has operated to the US for about seven years and according to the new FAA regulation, a Category One status country that failed to operate to US after two years will be delisted from the status.

NCAA had said: “It is important to clarify here that the delisting of Nigeria has absolutely nothing to do with any safety or security deficiency in our oversight system. Nigeria has undergone comprehensive ICAO Safety and Security Audits and recorded no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC) respectively.

“It is furthermore necessary to add that a

Nigerian operator can still operate into the US, using an aircraft wet-leased from a country who has a current Category One status.”

Many industry observers who spoke to THISDAY insisted that the delisting was not only due to the inability of Nigeria to schedule an airline that operates to the US, but there were other factors that culminated to the delisting in addition to the above factor.

DELISTING WITHOUT DOWNGRADING

Although the major reason why Nigeria was delisted was because the country did not have a Nigeria registered aircraft operate commercial service to the US under an indigenous carrier, but industry experts have indicate other underlying factors. The Managing Director of Aero

Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, who spoke to THISDAY after enquiries from his FAA contacts, said Nigeria needed to improve on its aviation safety oversight. He said before FAA removed Nigeria from Category 1 status, it must have looked at Nigeria’s safety standards.

“Nigeria must meet significant safety standards on oversight regulation and infrastructure in order to return to the category 1 safety status. If Nigeria was downgraded to Category 2, it means that it can continue to operate to US, if it is already flying to US but it cannot extend its service, like extending its service from New York to Atlanta, if it is already flying to New York. US airline cannot code-share with it.

“But delisting completely means that no Nigerian airline can fly to US and no code-share with US airline and US airlines

operating into Nigeria cannot extend their service, like extending flights from Lagos to Abuja and they cannot code-share ,” Sanusi said.

He explained that this had not only affected Nigerian operations but it has hit the country with reputational damage in the international aviation community because it will raise concerns about Nigeria’s safety status and may affect Nigerian airlines’ operations to other international destinations.

“This will affect passenger confidence. To go back to the Category 1, we have to start all over again because it has rubbished all the things we have achieved before. So, we need major reforms,” Sanusi added.

REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE

It is the view of many stakeholders in the industry that the delisting of Nigeria from USFAA Category 1 Safety Status have negative reputational impact, which include increase in aircraft insurance premium, high cost of aircraft leasing, and overall goodwill of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

As FAA Category 1 member, Nigeria is seen as a country that has high safety standard, which has high safety status, but now, the evaluation of Nigeria’s air safety will be blurred by the delisting.

Industry insider and the Director, West Africa Moov Airways AG, Lanre Bamgbose, told THISDAY that it amounted to disservice and ingratitude if anyone says delisting Nigeria from the USFAA Category 1 is not a loss to Nigeria, especially when you situate it within the context of the investments that went into the FAA audit in 2009/2010.

Consumer Credit and Prosperity of Nigerians

‘Tunde Popoola

One major policy initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to boost consumer credit in Nigeria. It is not as if there was absence of consumer credit before now.

However, this is the first time that a government would identify access to consumer credit as an enabler of economic prosperity and took a deliberate action towards improving access to it. Consequently, the government created the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) within its first year in office. CREDICORP aims at enhancing access to credit to 50 per cent of all working Nigerians by 2030. This is just about six years away. It is estimated that about 122 million Nigerians are of working age with over 60 million employed as at 2022. About N100 billion have been released to the corporation for the first phase of the scheme.

Can access to consumer credit improve the prosperity of Nigerians?

Consumer loan is a facility granted by a creditor, normally a financial institution to individuals to finance specific types of expenditure. Typically, it is meant to assist the borrowers to have access to products, services and events that could improve their comfort and live meaningful lives. Consumer loans are of many types but the commonest of loans referred to as consumer loans include auto loans, mortgage loans, student loans, personal loans, and credit cards. With auto loans, consumers can access and use vehicles of their desire and age and pay for it over a stretched period. For mortgage loan, it is used to acquire or maintain a landed property such as a home, land or chattel. Student loan is granted to a student to have access to education in courses and institutions of choice that the student or guardian may not be able to pay for. Credit card is much more interesting and represents access to a pegged sum of money from a creditor at no cost provided repayment is made before a due date, usually within one month. Normally, credit card attracts interest payment only when repayment was not made before or on due date. Personal loan is granted to a borrower with a flexibility of usage and can typically be used to meet personal obligations. Certain types of loans especially to small businesses mostly to acquire movable assets and for working capital also fall within the description of consumer loans.

Consumer loan is a major feature of a capitalist economy. It is designed to enable and encourage consumers to purchase and consume what they do not readily have financial capacity or means for. Though consumer loans have been in existence for several thousands of years, modern day consumer loans started in the early twentieth century in the United States. The automotive giant, Henry Ford first produced their Model T automobiles in 1908, to make vehicles accessible to the “great multitude” of people, but the vehicles were too expensive to buy with cash for most families. Consequently, demand was low. By 1919, General Motors (GM) thought through the challenge of low demand by granting loans to consumers to buy the new cars. General Motors founded the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and popularized the idea of instalment plan financing. Consumers could now get a new car with a 35 per cent down payment at time of financing. This innovation in financing acquisition of automobiles was subsequently copied and extended by manufacturers of a number of other household materials such as furniture,

washing machines, refrigerators, and radios. By making funds available to people to buy today, what would ordinarily take them a long time to save for or may not even be able to save for, the system inspires and activates effective demand. The whole objective is to improve demand for goods and services, which ordinarily should enhance the living conditions of the consumers and engender greater prosperity. Increase in demand by consumer should lead to increased production and demand for factors of production. Hence, at the level of the firm, consumer loan accentuates increase in production activities leading to increase in employment opportunities.

The cycle expands to making financial resources available by financial institutions to producers and other related businesses to finance working capital and acquisition of capital assets. All of these widen the cycle of prosperity and economic progress. Truly, consumer loans deserve a deliberate boost and special attention to deliver the various benefits they are capable of conferring on the lenders, borrowers and the economy. Nigeria is still a far cry from what obtains in most part of the credit-driven economies around the world. As the operator of the foremost credit bureau company in Nigeria, the latest data in our repository indicate that over forty-one million Nigerians have borrowed from formal financial and non-bank financial institutions as at date. Of this figure, over seventeen million consumers have taken loans from commercial banks while twenty-four million people have taken loans from microfinance banks and other microlenders. These have significant implications. Many more Nigerians patronize microlenders to secure accommodation for their credit needs than the commercial banks. They find the terms and conditions for accessing consumer credit from microlenders easier to meet than the commercial banks. In addition, the turnaround time for disbursement of loans by microlenders is faster; they are smaller institutions and recently, most of them have adopted the use of technology to improve on their lending model. What is worrisome is the fact that loans by microlenders are more expensive and the unorthodox collections techniques by some of them could be humiliating for a lot of their defaulting customers.

Notwithstanding, more Nigerians could not resist their patronage.

Our investigation of the reasons and types of facilities taken by consumers who patronize the microlenders show that they are basically to meet very urgent short-term emergencies and consumption. Some others collect the loans for working capital purposes to support their nano and micro businesses, which ordinarily would not meet the requirements of commercial banks.

Further analysis of the data at our disposal shows that the core of what is known as consumer loans is not practised in Nigeria. Mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and personal loans are largely the constituents of consumer loans. However, these types of loans are still low in Nigeria. Of the forty-one million consumer loan beneficiaries in commercial, microfinance and mortgage banks, most of them are classified as personal loans. Credit card holders are less than six hundred thousand people; less than one hundred thousand persons enjoy auto loans, and just about thirty thousand are enjoying mortgage loans. It is indeed very disturbing statistics.

For one thing, microlenders, who give out most of the loans do not give mortgage and auto loans because of the amount involved and the tenure. They are also not allowed by law to venture into such areas. Their capital base cannot even support such loans. Microlenders are primarily meant to support the active poor, and gran them reasonable small business loans within their capacity to repay and to manage their businesses. Microfinance is about providing banking services to low-income individuals or groups who, ordinarily would not have access to financial services.

The tenure of mortgage loans is always long and can span between ten and thirty years. The amount involved is huge. For auto loans, the devaluation of the Naira has shot up the cost of automobiles and the income of most Nigerians cannot support the monthly repayment that would be required to liquidate the loans in about four years, the normal tenure of such loans. Finally, finance charges de-motivate the quest to take a loan. In view of the cost of funds of banks and inflation rates, interest rates on most banks’ credit products are above twenty per cent. Finance charge is a source of disincentive for consumer loans in Nigeria.

Popoola

How Swarovski Foundation is Promoting Sustainability through ‘Creatives for Our Future’

The Swarovski Foundation, an international non-governmental organisation focused on promoting sustainability, is seeking new leaders in sustainability in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnership, for “The Creatives for Our Future” programme with each winner awarded a €20,000 (N35 million) grant to pursue their stated dream. The application process, which has already opened till October 15, 2024, has, to date, supported 21 projects in innovative design, founded and initiated by young creatives, who have ground-breaking ideas for addressing the world’s sustainability and development challenges, thus positioning the foundation as a key catalyst in sustainable innovation. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

“Emerging as a winner in the Swarovski Foundation’s Creatives for Our Future programme was an incredible honor and a pivotal moment in my journey. The foundation not only recognised the potential of the Avatar Station project but also provided essential funding and mentorship that allowed me to take my ideas to the next level.

“With their support, I was able to scale the project by developing solar-powered educational hubs from recycled materials, which serve as sustainable energy centers and learning spaces in underserved communities.

“The mentorship from the Swarovski Foundation helped refine the vision and gave me the resources to implement solutions that align with both community needs and global sustainability goals,” those were the words of Stanley Anigbogu, an innovator and founder of LightEd, who emerged one of the winners of the Swarovski Foundation “The Creatives for Our Future” programme (CFOF)”.

NEW TRAJECTORY FOR ANIGBOGU’S LIGHTED

The foundation, an international non-governmental organisation focused on promoting sustainability, kicked off the programme in a bid to seek new leaders in sustainability and has since changed the story for Anigbogu, who developed eco-friendly energy solutions by reusing electronic waste and plastic bottles to provide clean energy and light sources for marginalised groups.

After graduation, he built a solar-powered community hub called the “AVATAR Station” in Onitsha where he runs an education program aimed at empowering young people and local communities t join the fight against energy poverty and climate change. The hub also doubles as a solar-powered charging hub for the wider community that is equipped to charge up to 100 phones a day.

On how the journey has been so far, he said it has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

“When I started LightEd, I had a simple goal of addressing the energy poverty I experienced growing up in Nigeria.

“Over the years, we’ve developed innovative solutions like the Avatar Station, which not only provides clean energy but also serves as a hub for sustainability education. We’ve been able to reach thousands of people, particularly in rural areas, and the project continues to grow in scope and impact.

“Of course, there have been obstacles—such as limited access to resources and navigating regulatory frameworks—but the support of my team, community, and partners like the Swarovski Foundation have been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles.”

Considering the challenges of power generation in Nigeria, The Avatar Station has made a significant impact, particularly in addressing the electricity challenges faced by underserved communities in Nigeria.

“With inconsistent and unreliable power generation being a major issue, many rural areas depend on unsafe and polluting energy sources like kerosene lamps. The Avatar Station provides a clean, renewable energy solution that powers homes, schools, and small businesses, improving quality of life and reducing environmental impact.

“In addition to providing clean energy, the Avatar Station serves as a community center where people can learn about sustainability, energy efficiency, and how to harness renewable resources. By empowering local communities with this knowledge, we’re creating long-term change and reducing dependency on traditional, harmful energy sources,” he revealed.

Stanley has also now launched his own curriculum, the Eco Heroes programme. The programme not only teaches children about renewable energy, but includes mentorship from global sustainability experts and culminates in students undertaking projects that address real-world issues. The program has been highly successful, with over 100 workshops conducted and more than 3,000 students and community members trained.

On future plans and continued collaboration with the foundation, he said they plan to expand the Avatar Station project to more rural and underserved communities across Nigeria and other African nations while working on integrating additional features, such as digital learning platforms and mobile educational units, to extend the reach of their impact.

SWAROVSKI FOUNDATION’S “THE CREATIVES FOR OUR FUTURE”

For the foundation, the modality to qualify for “The Creatives for Our Future” programme, where each of winners will be awarded a €20,000 (N35 million) grant to pursue their stated dream is that successful applicants are expected to be already working on an “original project or product that uses the creative process to drive awareness, technology or solutions for sustainable development and drives progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations”.

More importantly, they receive eight months of support and mentorship from the Swarovski Foundation - starting with a reception hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York - helping them to develop their ideas and build new networks that will get their projects noticed.

The application process, which has already opened until October 15, 2024, is open to young creatives worldwide, within the 21 to 30 years age bracket, and extends to a multitude of disciplines, including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering.

Jakhya Rahman-Corey, the Director of the Swarovski Foundation said: “We are excited to open applications to the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme and nurture the next generation of inspiring talent”, adding that “that creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals.”

“The Swarovski Foundation is looking forward to welcoming this year’s applications to turn their

ideas into reality through access to education, resources, and a vital support network,” Rahman-Corey added.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, Annemarie Hou, noted that: “We need young talents, from fashion to engineering, to use their creativity to tackle sustainable development challenges. With mentorship, industry connections, and funding, these young people are turning obstacles into opportunities and driving real progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are fostering the next generation of leaders.”

SCALING UP PROJECTS FOR PREVIOUS WINNERS

Run by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnership, the programme has, to date, supported 21 projects in innovative design, founded and initiated by young creatives, who have ground-breaking ideas for addressing the world’s sustainability and development challenges. The programme has enabled them to develop and scale their projects - either with funds to build on their research, or through mentorship and networking opportunities to unlock new directions.

Previous winners who have found the programme crucial to their success journey include Joshua Ichor who developed a hand pump monitoring system and built a clean water kiosk for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. His efforts have increased communal access to clean water, which is crucial in regions that lack this basic necessity. His clean water kiosk has supplied more than 50,000 litres of clean water to community members, enabling over 10,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa to access clean water every day.

Through the CFOF programme, which he participated in and got funding, Joshua, from Nigeria, has now been able to expand into Kenya and Uganda and hopes to install 50 new water monitoring systems before the end of the year.

SWAROVSKI FOUNDATION

Established in 2013, the Swarovski Foundation brings focus to Swarovski’s historical commitment to philanthropy by supporting charitable initiatives to achieve positive social and environmental impact whilst driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The foundation exists to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality with emphasis on the fact that real impact can only be achieved by forming meaningful partnerships with organisations and the communities they work with. This they have done with multiple partners across the globe who they fund and support.

Essentially, the Swarovski Foundation combines the innovative, creative spirit of Swarovski, along with the company’s long tradition of philanthropy as well as the focus on the three pillars of equity, water and creativity with the later being the way through which they nurture creatives through the CFOF program.

Nigeria’s Stanley Anigbogu and other winners of Swarovski Foundation’s Creatives for our Future programme

Stanley Anigbogu with students and staff of one of the schools which benefit from his fight against energy poverty and climate change

South African, Nigerian Stakeholders

Proffer Solutions on Sustainability, Survival of Media Business

Chiemelie Ezeobi in Johannesburg, South Africa

As part of the ongoing conversation at the MTN Media Innovation Summit in University of Johannesburg, stakeholders from Nigeria and South Africa have reiterated the call for workable solutions for sustainability and survival of the media business.

The MTN Media Innovation Summit was held in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Nigeria; and University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa.

Themed “Sustainability of the Media Business in the Digital Age”, Dr Sifiso Minisi, Head, School of Communication, UJ, said the summit was fashioned to tackle into the concept of sustainability survival of the media business while empowering media professionals from both nations to drive innovation within the industry.

In the panel anchored by Dr. Aimee Viljoen of the School of Communication in UJ, the panelists dealt with “The Concept of Sustainability in Business”.

According to the Director, Centre for Data and Digital Communications, UJ, Prof. Mandla Radebe, media sustainability in the Global North and South operate in a catalyst system so the

key driver is to maximise profit.

This, he said, therefore raises the question of sustainability of the media industry, especially when it comes to the financial aspect.

He said: “Media companies like any business seek to maximise profit through Primary drivers like theattentionspanoftheconsumers packaged as sold advertiser and commodification of news. We need to redefine the ownership structure of the media because if it’s in hands of the venue.”

Mr. Godfrey Mutizwa of CNBC Africa said technology has transformed how we do things, adding that “it’s a huge distraction. Sustainability and survival of the media lies in its ability to tell the truth without bias. If we are credible, we stand a better chance at survival than mushroom publishers. We have the ability to generate income if we tell good stories.”

Executive Director, South African National Editors’ Forum, Mr. Reggy Moalusi, in turn lamented the dwindling media space in South Africa. “12 years ago, we have 15,000 journalists, now we have less than 4,500 on the job. Most of them lost their jobs. Newsroom are now shrinking because of budgetary constraints.

In the second part of the panel which dealt with “Survival of the

From London to Lagos: Princess Christiana Kujembola’s Inspiring Journey

Stories by Mary Nnah

With a passion for beauty and a vision to empower the youth, UK-based Nigerian entrepreneur Princess Christiana Kujembola has brought her successful business, Bojas World, to Nigeria.

The grand opening of Bojas World in Opebi Ikeja, Lagos, recently, marked a significant milestone in Princess Kujembola’s journey to create a onestop shop for beauty, wellness, and lifestyle services.

“I wanted to create a space where people can come together, relax, and rejuvenate,”

Princess Kujembola explained.

“Bojas World is more than just a spa or salon; it’s a lifestyle destination.”

Princess Kujembola’s entrepreneurial journey began with a prayer, seeking guidance on what business to start. The answer was clear: beauty. And so, Bojas Spa was born in London, offering a range of services from spa treatments to salon services. But Princess Kujembola’s vision didn’t stop

there. She wanted to create a unique experience that would set Bojas apart from other spas and salons.

“I started small, but I had big dreams,” she said. “I wanted to create a beauty empire that would inspire and uplift others.”

Bojas World is now a reality, offering a range of services including confectionery, massage, and food. Customers can indulge in a holistic experience that nourishes both body and soul.

“My passion for empowering the youth drives my business decisions,” Princess Kujembola explained, adding, “By creating employment opportunities and providing training, I aim to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed.”

“I believe in giving back to the community,” she added, noting further that, “My foundation s upports various charitable initiatives, and I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.”

Media Business in the DigitalAge: the SouthAfrican Perspectives” as was chaired by Dr. Maud Blose, a senior lecturer at the Department of Communication and Media, UJ, the first panelist, Ms Nada Wotshela, the Group Executive of SABC Radio, said: “We are scared of the survival of the media in the digital age but we shouldn’t be scared of developmental innovation.”

She also harped on the need for media houses to invest in their staff to circumvent the challenge of being outgrown, adding that change is inevitable, so “we must align with the digital growth”.

Also contributing was Dr. Kate Skinner, the Executive Director, Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), who with 140 publishers under her association, said while it might be difficult for the print media to engage with the digital world, community-based media engagement and reportage is important.

ProfessorYlvaRodny-Gumede, a senior director of Global Engagement, posted that news changes with the changing audience, thus we must keep growing, else be left behind.

Speaking on “Survival of Media Business in the Digital Age: the Nigerian Perspective, Stephen Angbulu, an MIP fellow,

who also doubles as the State House Correspondent for Punch Newspapers, explored how Nigerian media businesses (NMBs) are navigating the challenges of the digital age.

He said: “Traditional media, including print, radio, and television, have been forced to adapt, either by embracing digital platforms or risk becoming obsolete.

“ Additionally, these media houses diversified their business models, moving beyond reliance on traditional advertising and adopting innovative monetization techniques such as sponsored content and targeted digital ads.”

While noting that technological determinism plays a role in reshaping the Nigerian media industry, forcing adaptation to digital technologies for survival, he posited that while some Nigerian media companies have successfully transitioned into the digital age, many have failed to do so, resulting in their closure.

“Moving forward, I suggest that survival will depend on continued adaptation to technological changes and maintaining credibility and trust in journalism, which remains crucial in an era dominated by misinformation and rapidly evolving digital media.”

Emelda Obichie’s Maison Valor: Where Comfort Meets Luxury in Nigerian Bedding

Emelda Obichie, founder of Maison Valor, is revolutionising the interior decor industry in Nigeria with her commitment to excellence and passion for highquality bedroom essentials.

Maison Valor, an esteemed hospitality and home decor company, specialises in crafting premium bedroom and bathroom products that reflect sophistication and individuality.

Obichie, a home expert and fashion enthusiast, established Maison Valor to fill a significant gap in the Nigerian market. With a background in advertising and brand management, she recognised the need for highthread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and other luxury bedding products that were previously only accessible abroad here in Nigeria. Her vision was to provide Nigerians with top-quality bedding without the hassle of international shipping and excess luggage costs.

Maison Valor’s m ission is to offer superior bedroom and bathroom essentials that

promote the highest form of relaxation and comfort right there in homes.

Obichie believes that the bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it is a personal sanctuary where creativity and innovation can flourish.

“The bedroom is the bedrock of some of the world’s greatest ideas. A well-curated space that not only promotes relaxation but also fosters creativity and innovation,”said Obichie.

The journey of Maison Valor has not been without challenges. Obichie has navigated issues such as import duties, fluctuating exchange rates, and the need for continuous staff training. Despite these obstacles, Maison Valor has thrived, due to its unwavering focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Obichie’s dedication to her clients is evident in her approach to handling customer feedback. She ensures that every client leaves satisfied, often going above and beyond to resolve any issues.

OLA JAYCE RETURNS WITH ‘ART OF

COMEBACK’

Oladipupo Mafoitan, better known as Ola Jayce, the talented artist, who has overcome challenges and emerged stronger, is set to make a triumphant return to the music scene with his debut album ‘Art of Comeback’.

This highly anticipated 11-track masterpiece is a reflection of his journey, resilience, and passion for music, showcasing his unique sound and style that is poised to take the industry by storm. After a six-year hiatus, Ola Jayce is back with a bang, poised to redefine the music scene in 2024 with his unique sound and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Produced by top industry talents, including Echo the Guru, Shally the Champion, and Tudaxkey, and refined by the expert hands of renowned mixing engineer Spyritmyx, Art of Comeback is set to redefine the music scene in 2024. This 11-track magnum opus is a reflection of Ola Jayce’s musical journey, which draws inspiration from legendary artists like Dagrin, as well as global icons such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and Meek Mill.

Raised in the challenging environment of Orile Iganmu, Ola Jayce’s early life was marked by obstacles that fueled his passion for music. He recalls evening freestyle sessions with friends, where they would create beats using whatever they could find – tables, chairs, bottles, stones, metallic plates, and spoons. Although his family initially urged him to focus solely on education, they have since become his strongest supporters, backing his musical journey with unwavering enthusiasm.

The album’s title, Art of Comeback, holds deep personal significance for Ola Jayce. After a six-year hiatus from the music scene, this album marks his triumphant return, reminiscent of his earlier comeback in chess, where he won a national championship after a five-year break. Ola Jayce’s return to the spotlight is not just about reclaiming his place in music; it’s about setting new standards, pushing boundaries, and inspiring a new generation of artists.

His recent single, “Loyalty,” which will also feature on the album, is already making waves across Nigeria, with massive airplay on radio stations and in clubs nationwide. This track is a testament to his undeniable talent, showcasing his unique style and setting the stage for the album’s anticipated success.

The Rotary Club of Akowonjo, District 9111, has installed Rotarian Ben Dare as its 39th President, marking a new chapter in the club’s history.

The investiture ceremony, held on August 4, 2024, at Ostra Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by district leaders, Rotarians, and friends of Rotary.

In his acceptance speech, President Dare emphasised the importance of unity, collaboration, and commitment to achieving the club’s goals. He praised the outgoing President, Rotarian( Dr.) Esther Amoye, for her leadership and dedication to service, saying, “Dr. Amoye’s passion for service and tireless efforts have set a high standard for all of us to follow, and we are grateful for her exemplary leadership.

President Dare’s vision for the club is to foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and service excellence, harnessing the collective talents and resources of members to address the pressing needs of the community, promote peace and understanding through collaborative efforts, and leave a lasting legacy of service and impact. He emphasized the need for unity, saying, “We come from diverse backgrounds, professions, and experiences, but we are united by a common purpose - to serve others selflessly and make a difference in the world.”

The ceremony featured a fundraising and the induction of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors, with Mr. Olabayo Adebayo, Chief Executive of Thursmay Publisher Limited, as the distinguished chairman of the occasion. The Royal Father of the Day, Oba PAG Olusegun O. Ogunye, Ojutomoro of Abigi Land, and High Chief Oyewusi Babatunji, the Odoofin of Odo Ijesha, were also in attendance.

With President Dare at the helm, the Rotary Club of Akowonjo is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve, inspired by the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” His leadership and vision are expected to take the club to new heights, as they continue to serve with compassion, integrity, and dedication.

ROTARIAN BEN DARE UNVEILS VISION FOR ROTARY CLUB OF AKOWONJO’S FUTURE

L-R: Dr Sifiso Minisi, Head, School of Communication, University of Johannesburg; Ms Nada Wotshela, the Group Executive of SABC Radio; Stephen Angbulu, an MIP fellow, who also doubles as the State House Correspondent for Punch Newspapers; Dr. Kate Skinner, the Executive Director, Association of Independent Publishers (AIP); Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede, a senior director of Global Engagement; HOD, Communication and Media Studies, UJ, Prof. Admire Mare; Dr. Maud Blose, a senior lecturer at the Department of Communication and Media, UJ; SMC Director of Professional Programme, Chief Isaac OguguaEzechukwu, after the panel on media sustainability at the University of Johannesburg

Ola Jayce

Agusto & Co Upgrades Odu’a Investment Company’s Rating from ‘A’TO ‘A+’

Kayode Tokede

Agusto & Co., a leading credit rating agency, in its latest rating review has upgraded the Rating assigned to Odu’a Investment company Limited (OICL) from “A” to “A+”.

The assigned Rating was based on the assessment of the financial condition of OICL as a standalone entity.

The Rating report reflects the company’s good operating cash flow, diversified revenue sources and a funding structure currently built on internal funding sources and joint venture partnerships.

OICL has operations across various sectors of the Nigeria economy and the potential for increase in earnings through its portfolio rebalancing efforts and

growth initiatives.

Commenting on the rating, the elated Group Chairman, Bimbo Ashiru said, “OICL will not rest on its oars but continue to walk the talk to be a world class conglomerate for the benefits of the owner States and other stakeholders. We are committed to improving the productivity of the businesses we operate while delivering significant social economic impact and sustainable return”

The Group Managing Director, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa appreciated the commitment and support of the Board, Management and staff for the incremental growth and consistent development in the right direction towards OICL’s world class conglomerate aspirations.

“The Agusto & Co Rating upgrade does not only underscore

the company’s financial strength and operational excellence, it further sets a new performance benchmark in the industry.

“The upgraded rating reflects the company’s continuous efforts in corporate governance as Odu’a Investment has implemented various reforms to strengthen oversight and accountability within its operations. These reforms have been pivotal in improving transparency, enhancing decision- making processes, and aligning the company’s objectives with best practices.

“OICL has witnessed remarkable improvement across financial metrics, corporate governance, risks management, talent attraction and asset optimization across the Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Services, Agriculture and Energy sectors,” he said.

BoI Reiterates Support for Local Production

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has reiterated that it would support loyal and existing local companies that have continued to invest in the nation despite the global economic downturn.

BOI noted that despite the departure of some companies, others have remained dogged and resilient in expanding their frontiers in Nigeria.

The Managing Director, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, stated this during a facility tour of some companies in Lagos that are beneficiaries of the Bank’s funding.

Leading a delegation from the Bank to Jawa Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, he said: “Despite

the exit of some pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, you are still expanding and doing well. These are the sort of companies that we like to support so that you can fill any void that has been left in the production of critical drugs that are relevant in the Nigerian market.

“We thank you for the expansion and we thank you for the plans because I think it is what we need. I want to assure you of our support for your businesses to enable you contribute to the growth of the economy.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Jawa Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, Dr. Varkey Verghese, commended BoI for its financial interventions to large

and small businesses, saying that there is a need to fill up the gaps that have been created by the exit of some companies.

He assured BoI of his company’s commitment to investing and expanding its operations in the country.

Executive Director, Commercial GAC Motors, Mr. Jubril Arogundade, speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Diana Chen, said currently, Nigeria’s automobile sector contributes only 0.4 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), noting that with the support of BoI, the company’s vision to increase the contribution to about 10 per cent is achievable.

Polaris Bank, NCF Take Tree Planting Initiative to Kano

Polaris Bank Limited has taken its tree planting initiative aimed at nationwide land restoration to Kano State working in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF).

The commemorative tree planting activity was held at Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa, Kano on Friday, August 30, 2024.

In his goodwill message, Mahmud Kawu, Polaris Bank’s Divisional Head, North, representing the MD/CEO, expressed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to the tree-planting initiative, highlighting how deeply it aligns with their values and dedication to a greener future.

He said, “At Polaris Bank, sustainability is more than

a catchphrase; it’s the core of who we are. We are on a dedicated journey to uphold this ethos with conviction. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from promoting responsible banking and empowering communities to tackling environmental challenges and driving economic growth. We ensure that every decision we make, from investments to dayto-day operations, is rooted in strong Environmental, Social, and Governance principles (ESG).”

Kawu explained that the partnership between the Bank and the NCF is borne out of its conviction to the Foundation’s dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth

and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation.

He also encouraged residents to be key to the scheme to bring about sustainable environmental preservation.

“Today’s tree planting Initiative at Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability.

The NCF, a renowned nongovernmental organization dedicated to sustainable development and nature conservation in Nigeria. Polaris Bank shares its dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation.

Filmone Appoints Awobokun as Chief Content Officer

Mary Nnah

Filmone Limited, a leading film production and distribution company in Nigeria, has announced the appointment of Ladun Awobokun as Chief Content Officer, effective immediately.

The company in a statement said the move underscores its commitment to enhancing its creative vision, solidifying its leadership in the entertainment industry, and driving the growth of the Nigerian film sector.

“Awobokun, a highly respected and accomplished film industry professional, has been instrumental in shaping Filmone’s success. As General Manager, she played a

pivotal role in securing exclusive distribution rights for major Hollywood studios, including Sony Pictures and Walt Disney, in Anglophone West Africa. Under her leadership, Filmone has distributed an impressive 90% of the top-grossing Nollywood films, including the groundbreaking “A Tribe Called Judah,” which made history by surpassing N1 Billion at the box office.

“In her new role as Chief Content Officer, Awobokun will oversee the creative direction, operations, and content strategy of both Filmone Entertainment and Filmone Studios. She will drive the development of

high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences locally and internationally, further establishing Filmone as a leader in the global entertainment industry. We are pleased to announce Ladun’s appointment as Chief Content Officer, recognizing her exceptional contributions and visionary leadership,” said Kene Okwuosa, CEO of the Filmhouse Group.

Okwuosa added, “Her deep understanding and passion for the industry, coupled with her innovative approach to content creation and positioning, will propel Filmone to new heights and reinforce our commitment to creative excellence.”

Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),

Murban (UAE)

Merey (Venezuela).

From left: Vice President, World Confederation of Business (WORLDCOB), Michael Bellido; Senior Technology Advisor, Vanessa Malize; MD/CEO FITC, Chizor Malize and Director of International Affairs, WORLDCOB, Nicolas Caffaro when Malize bagged African Woman of the Year Leadership Award at the recently concluded BIZZ Awards, an international award organised by WORLDCOB in Lagos…recently

Nume Ekeghe

Investors’ Profit-taking Persists as Stock Market Drops by N188bn

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday sustained its investors’ profit-taking momentum as sell-off activities in Oando Plc and 29 others undermined the overall market’s performance.

Specifically, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX) declined by 327.28 points or 0.34 per cent to close at 96,210.20 basis points or 96,537.48

basis points. As a result, the NGX ASI Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at -0.4per cent and +28.7per cent, respectively.

Also, market capitalisation dropped by N188 billion to close at N55.266 trillion from N55.454 trillion the stock market opened for trading.

Sectoral performance was mixed, as the NGX Banking Index (-0.8per cent) and NGX Consumer Goods Index

(-0.4per cent) posted losses, while the NGX Insurance Index (+0.1per cent) and NGX Oil & Gas (+0.1per cent). The NGX Industrial Goods index closed flat.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed negative, as 20 stocks advanced, while 30 declined. Berger Paints Nigeria, Meyer and McNichols emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N17.05, N5.83 and N1.43 respectively,

per share.

Tantalizer followed with a gain of 7.81 per cent to close at 69 kobo, while DAAR Communications advanced by 7.58 per cent to close at 71 kobo, per share.

On the other side, R.T. Briscoe Nigeria led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N2.34, per share. FTN Cocoa Processors followed with a decline of 9.80 per cent to close at N1.38, while Oando shed

9.65 per cent to close at N74.00, per share. Deap Capital Management & Trust lost 9.57 per cent to close at N1.04, while Guinea Insurance depreciated by 9.09 per cent to close at 50 kobo, per share.

Also, the total volume traded dipped slightly by 0.2 per cent to 388.617 million units, valued at N9.565 billion, and exchanged in 9,897 deals. Transactions in the shares of Zenith Bank

led the activity with 45.955 million shares worth N1.7 billion.

Oando followed with account of 41.053 million shares valued at N3.045 billion, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 18.534 million shares valued at N432.031 million. FTN Cocoa Processors traded 16.062 million shares worth N22.777 million, while Chams Holding Company traded 13.580 million shares worth N27.781 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER 5/24

Friday September 6th, 2024

Thisday Afrinvest Index Down 0.5%

Thisday Afrinvest 40 index fell by 0.5% to print at 4,213.92 points due to price decline in GTCO (-0.7%), ZENITH (-1.1%), and ACCESSCORP (ly, these stocks account for 17.0% of the index.

Local Bourse Sustains Bearish Momentum... ASI down 3bps

Extending previous bearish close, the NGX-ASI fell 3bps OANDO (9.6%), STANBIC (-1.9%) and FLOURMIL (quently, YTD return declined to 28.7% (previously

to 55.1tn.

dipped 0.2% to 388.6 creased to 16.9% to 9.6bn.

Bearish Sector Performance

gained, while the AFR-ICT losers chat, the Banking and Consumer Goods indices

cline in STANBIC (-1.9%), ZENITH (-7.2%) and NB (-3.7%). Similarly, the Industrial Goodspushed the Oil & Gas and Insurance indices up by 1bp apiece.

Outlook

measured by market breadth, improved to -0.15x (from -0.19x in the prior session) as 20 stocks advanced, 30

DAILY

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 4th September-2024, unless otherwise stated.

NECA QUATERLY GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING...

UN Torture Prevention Body to Carry Out Assessment Visit on Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT) is set to visit Nigeria from 8 to 19 September.

This second visit aims to assess the treatment of individuals in detention and measure whether the country has strengthened its capacity to protect the human rights of all people deprived of liberty since the subcommittee’s previous visit ten years ago.

A statement on Thursday by the UN Human Rights Office Media Unit said the SPT delegation will visit various places where individuals are held, including prisons, police stations, and psychiatric institutions, among other facilities.

The delegation will also engage with the relevant Nigerian

authorities, notably the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, to discuss torture prevention measures and mechanisms.

The Head of the delegation, Aisha Shujune Muhammad said: “The SPT’s visit is an opportunity for Nigeria to advance its commitment to torture prevention and to strengthen safeguards in detention places.”

She added that: “It is also an occasion to help the authorities set up a National Mechanism for Prevention of Torture (NPM), an obligation under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture that Nigeria ratified in 2009.”

The statement said at the end of the visit, the SPT will present its confidential preliminary observations to the Government of Nigeria.

The SPT delegation will comprise

Umeh Warns Students on Scholarship not to Apply for FG Loan Scheme

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh, has advised students under his scholarship programme not to apply for the federal government students loan scheme.

Umeh stated this yesterday during the Anambra Central Scholarship Programme in Awka, where 223 students of various tertiary institutions from across the seven local governments of the zone benefitted.

The senator while addressing the beneficiaries warned them that the students loan scheme of the federal government was not free, but a repayable loan.

He said: "I want to thank Tinubu for the students loan scheme. It is a scheme that is obtainable in many advanced countries and students are entitled to loans for their education.

"Now that you have a scholarship, please don't go and apply for the student loan scheme off the federal government, so that you don't occupy other people's chances.

"That loan is refundable, but this one is not refundable. Those who do not have the opportunity that you have can go for the student loan scheme."

Umeh said the scheme has been on for years, and that this year's programme with 223 students is at the cost of N37million.

He said over 300 students had graduated from the scheme in various tertiary institutions in the country and in many fields, even in medicine.

While addressing the beneficiaries, Umeh said: "Many of you will get more than what you submitted as your scholarship fund. The remainder will enable you run certain expenses in school.

"We have been doing this over time. When I couldn't get reelection at some point, some people thought I was going to stop the programme, but what I did was to officially transfer them to my personal foundation, and they continued their education.

"For nursing students amongst you, I felt there was no need to give you 200k scholarship and you go and start looking for 300k. So, we have decided to pay for all of you in full.

"What I'm out for is honest representation. There is no money I will attract for you people that will be put to my personal use. We have totaled the fees and it's N37million and the bank will credit all the 223 beneficiaries by tomorrow."

Aisha Shujune Muhammad (Maldives) Head of the delegation, Satyabhooshun Gupt Domah (Mauritius), Andrew Christoffel Nissen (South Africa), and Victor Zaharia (Moldova), and will be accompanied by two Human Rights Officers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

To-date, the Optional Protocol to

the Convention Against Torture has been ratified by 94 states. States are under the obligation to allow the SPT unannounced and unhindered visits to all places where persons are deprived of their liberty.

State parties should also establish a national preventive mechanism, which should conduct regular visits to places throughout the country where people are deprived of liberty.

The mandate of the SPT is to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of persons deprived of their liberty, through visits and recommendations to States parties to the Optional Protocol.

The SPT communicates its recommendations and observations to States by means of a confidential report and, where necessary, to

national preventive mechanisms. However, state parties are encouraged to request that the SPT publish the reports.

The SPT is composed of 25 independent and impartial members who are independent human rights experts drawn from around the world, who serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of States Parties.

NILDS DG: Unemployment, Financial Incapacitation, Frustrating Youths Inclusiveness in Governance

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A former Minister of National Planning who is the current Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Suleiman, yesterday noted with regrets that Nigerian youths are currently not involved in governance because they are mostly unemployed and financially incapacitated.

The NILDS DG who stated this at a one-day policy discourse titled, “Inclusive Democracy: Navigating the Digital Frontier for Youth in Governance,” held that any nation with less than one per cent of its youth in elective office is not practicing true democracy.

The event was organised by NILDS in collaboration with ILEAD Africa, Westminster Foundation, Nigeria Youths Parliament, YIAGA Africa and the Federal Ministry of Youths Development, among others

Sulaiman said the leadership of the National Assembly, fully aware

of the aching issues of youths in Nigeria, has mandated NILDS to collaborate with foreign partners and other nongovernmental organisations and come up with capacity building programmes that would address the disturbing phenomenon.

He noted that the passage of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act, 2018, which was a testament of the fact that the National Assembly is doing all that it takes to ensure that youths are included in the political space.

He also said the passage of the Start-Up Act, 2022 which is expected to create opportunities for youths with innovative and digital ideas, was another testament that government is beginning to recognize the important role youths play in economic development.

Also, the current government has made efforts to appoint youths into political position as a way of showing commitment to youth’s inclusion in governance.

He said, “While these strides are germane, it is appalling to see that

despite these efforts, several challenges persist to undermine Nigerian youth in political participation and representation.

“Despite the potentials of our youthful population, they face socioeconomic and political challenges.

“According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, youth (15-34 years) unemployment rate increased from 29.7% in the third quarter of 2018 to 34.9% in the second quarter of 2020.

“This translates to about 13.9 million youths not having jobs. The challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria is aggravated by the rising share of youth not in education, employment or training.

“According to data from the World Development Indicators of the World Bank, the percentage of Nigerian youth not in education, employment or training rose from 24.8% in 2011 to 28.1% in 2019.

“This implies declining opportunities for social mobility and economic potentials for young people in Nigeria.

“The huge population of the youth (over 60% of the total population) possesses the potential of giving the youth a vocal voice in national decision making.” He, however regretted that “the youth are largely marginalised from political life. In fact, the poor labour market and economic outcomes for the youth has been attributed to their lack of participation in the decision-making process.”

He said: “Less than 1% of all elective positions are occupied by youth despite the youth accounting for about half of the population and a sizeable portion of registered voters.

"Any nation with less than one per cent of its youths in elected office is not practicing true democracy.

“This is very low compared to the global average. About 1.65% of parliamentarian around the world are in their 20s and 11.87% are in their 30s, according to the United Nations Development Programme and the Inter-parliamentary Union.

54 Rural Communities Get Boreholes, Solar Lights in Ondo

As part of efforts to develop the grassroots, the Ondo State Government has approved 1,600 solar lights, 54 boreholes to be sunk across rural communities of the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Community Engagement, Femi Denis Fadairo, stated this in Akure on Thursday, during an interactive session organised by the state Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), tagged: "The Platform".

Fadairo said not less than 54 rural communities across the three senatorial districts will benefit from the gesture to make water accessible and prevent the outbreak of disease in the state.

He said the government has also approved a contract for the reticulation of Owena Dam for the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District.

The people at the local level and the communities are the ones voting. They need the lights because of criminals that use the bush to perpetrate their work, especially the herders.

His words: “If we develop our various communities more, it lightens our load on the urban centers. We need to develop the grassroots.

“The governor noticed this hence this office is to brief him on what is happening in the communities. Commissioners might not visit the communities, but the affected people live at the village level.

“The governor has approved 20 km of roads in each of the local governments. In the next few weeks, a lot of activities will start in terms of road infrastructure in the state.

“I believe that is part of the thrust the people should expect from their governor. And he has not spent a year, so for someone to judge him is very hard, and he has shown the will and zeal to deliver to the people if re-elected again.

“In terms of agriculture, presently, the state is releasing fertilizer to each of the local governments and not individuals because we want to catch a lot of the farmers by producing a lot of things for them so that their work will be easier in their respective farms including aquaculture. I am aware that our policy thrust is based on these.”

Fidelis David in Akure

L-R: Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde; Treasurer, NECA, Mr. Richard Ayibiowu; President, NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye and First Vice President, NECA, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye during the quarterly governing council meeting held at NECA House in Lagos....yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

2024 SHARING EXPERIENCE SESSION...

Clark Writes IGP, Demands Wike’s Arrest over Rivers Crisis, State’s Elders Seek Probe

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

First Republic information minister, and foremost Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to issue a warrant for the arrest of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Clark’s demand was contained in an open letter to the IGP,

where he claimed that the alleged threat by Wike to attack the state of any Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, who recognised Governor Siminalayi Fubara as leader of the party in Rivers State, constituted treasonable felony.

A group, under the aegis of Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, also called for the investigation of Wike over what they described as threat against some state governors.

In his letter, titled, “Arrest

Nyesom Wike Now With A Warrant Of Arrest,” Clark said, “Nyesom Wike made this open threat to the other 12 PDP governors while attending a court barred congress of the PDP in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 31st August, 2024.”

The 97-year elder statesman said the FCT minister issued the threat at the event despite a high court ruling in Port Harcourt in suit no. PHC/2282/CS/2024, against the congress.

The elder statesman said,

“Instead of vacating that ruling through an appeal, Nyesom Wike’s group went to another court of co-ordinate jurisdiction in Abuja, and got a ruling to hold the congress.

“This is a completely wrong court process and should not be allowed to stand. For as long as the first court ruling is persisting, the PDP congress held by Wike and his men remain a nullity.

“During this illegitimate PDP congress, without caution and self-restrain, Wike openly voiced

Ndume: Acute Food Crisis Approaches as Insurgents Kill Farmers, Loot Unripe Crops

Begs military to rid Sambisa of terrorists

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former Senate Chief Whip, representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, has raised the alarm that acute food crisis was looming in the country with fresh attacks on farmers in most part of northern Nigeria.

Ndume, in a statement yesterday in Abuja also said the insurgents were going from one farm to another looting unripe crops.

He, therefore, appealed to the military under the Theatre Command, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ and other security agencies to rise up to the occasion.

He urged the military to intensify more efforts geared towards clearing remnants of Boko Haram members still hibernating around Sambisa forests, Mandara mountains and other hideouts in border communities

within Gwoza and the Republic of Cameroon.

The lawmaker said, “Pockets of attacks recently perpetrated by the terrorists are still posing serious economic setbacks to resilient farmers newly resettled in liberated communities of Ngoshe, Kirawa, Warabe, Wala, Pulka and even Gwoza town, the Council headquarters.

“The terrorists have resorted to the killing of farmers and looting of their unmatured crops without being provoked.

“I want to use this medium to appeal to the military and other security agencies to intensify more efforts aimed at clearing remnants of terrorists still hibernating in Sambisa Forests and parts of Mandara Mountains bordering Cameroon Republic and Nigeria.”

The former Chairman Senate

Committee on Army, expressed his deep gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his contributions to the development and rebuilding of about 10 Gwoza communities that were completely destroyed.

He also applauded efforts and sacrifices made by the military in restoring civil authority in the area.

He specifically hailed the deployment of a medical doctor by the military authority, who is providing medical services on daily basis free of charge to over 10,000 Ngoshe people and its environs, who have since returned to their ancestral homes.

Ndume, who distributed agricultural inputs such as bags of fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, cash to thousands of people, mostly genuine farmers, including women and youths, as well as provision of solar street lights, had a stopover in

Warabe community.

He inspected the land designated for the construction of 500 housing units to resettle displaced persons of Warabe by Governor Zulum’s rebuilding initiative.

While expressing the community’s continued need for more development, Ndume said, “Like Oliver Twist, we may ask for more, but to be honest, Zulum has exceeded our expectations.”

The Senator paid visits to families, who had lost their loved ones recently, offering comfort and support during these challenging times, as a mammoth crowd welcomed him and his entourage in all the communities visited.

Ndume also distributed tricycles and other empowerment materials worth millions of naira to some people across the senatorial district at his Maiduguri residence.

Imposters Plotting to Destroy APGA Ahead of

Anambra Polls, Ezeokenwa Alleges

Ezigbo

The National chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has said the current leadership crisis was being instigated by people working against the interest of the party. He also described the factional chairman of the party, Edozie Njoku, as an imposter, working in cahoots with others to destroy the party and rubbish its legacies.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Ezeokenwa said Njoku and his co-travelers were not members of the party anymore, since he defected from APGA in 2007. He further revealed that Njoku was out to destroy APGA, ahead of next year’s governorship election in Anambra State, where the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, would be seeking second term on the platform of the party.

Ezeokenwa, who called out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said the electoral umpire was being misled by those out to destroy the party ahead of the local council and governorship elections in Anambra State On the legal controversy over the leadership of the party, Ezeokenwa said at no time did the Supreme Court or any other court in the country declare Edozie Njoku as national chairman of APGA.

According to Ezeokenwa what the court did was to uphold the Appeal Court judgement recognising the 2019 convention, which elected the immediate past APGA's national chairman, Chief Victor Oye into office.

He further said the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal on the 24th of June, 2024, which affirmed the judgment of the Bwari High Court did not recognise Edozie Njoku as the chairman of APGA.

that he will ensure that the other governors do not have peace in their states for their support for the incumbent Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, his erstwhile protégé with whom he is having a running battle.

“What all these show is the fact that this particular minister, Wike, has gone overboard in his macabre dance. As we, lawyers, say, nobody is above the law and the law must take its course.”

On their part, the Rivers elders’ open letter to President Bola Tinubu, dated September 5, 2024, was signed by a former governor of the state, Chief Rufus Ada-George, on behalf of the forum.

The letter was also sequel to the statements credited to Wike.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the group said the conducts of Wike if not timely checked, could lead to a breakdown of peace and security in Nigeria.

They said the former governor’s choice of Port Harcourt as the place to release such provocative comment was worrisome and condemnable.

They added that the statement

Juliet Akoje

in Abuja

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), has dissolved the state executive committees of Taraba, Benue, Oyo, Bauchi and Gombe States.

According to the statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the dissolution was part of the resolutions reached at the end of an emergency meeting of the party in Abuja yesterday.

The statement further stated that the party took the decision as part of important measures to reposition and revitilise the party in the affected states and that the dissolved state excos would be replaced with caretaker committees in line with the constitution of the party.

"By virtue of article 14.2.1 (iv, v) and 15.2.1 (xvi) of the party's constitution as amended on the 6th April 2024, the National Working Committee of the party is cloaked with the powers and has on this day, 5th September 2024 dissolved the entire executive structures from state down to ward level of the party in Taraba, Benue, Oyo, Bauchi and Gombe States.

"The dissolved executive

constituted an assault to the governors. The group stated, “We at this forum believe that the above statement and threats consciously made by Wike to put fire in those states are callous, mischievous, unacceptable, and clearly undermine our democracy and national security.

“That some states expressed support for the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and called on his party’s NWC to grant him his rightful position as the leader of the party in the state does not earn them the verbal threats, Wike is unleashing on them.

“We, therefore, condemn in its entirety, the language, the environment and the insults meted out to their Excellencies, which we consider as an indirect assault on them. We, the people of Rivers State stand for peace alone and we are known as fire quenchers, not fire setters."

The elders group also sent a strong appeal to Wike, saying, "Instead of poking and wreaking new fire, let’s join hands to make sure that the fire is quenched completely."

committees shall in accordance with the party's constitution be replaced by caretaker committees, which will be announced in a few days, for the stipulated period of time," it stated.

NNPP pointed out that the Kano State executive in particular was well-constituted to undertake the crucial local council election with "a very high standard of leadership and effectiveness as backed by law."

In another development, the party has slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the sharp increase in the price of petrol now put at N1000 per litre. NNPP NWC criticised the handling of the national economy which, it said was manifesting "gross incompetence" by the APC government.

"From poor policy direction that has caused the people sleepless nights over high cost of living, we are now in double jeopardy on account of a sharp increase in price of petrol, which will definitely lead to an increase in inflation and will drag the people of Nigeria into further poverty. This is nothing short of gross incompetence by a rudderless administration," NNPP stated.

Onyebuchi

in Abuja

L-R: Chairman Members' Business Support Services Committee Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Joe Dada;Chairman Programmes Committee, Tajudeen Ahmed; President/Chairman of Council, Ray Atelly; Deputy President, Akin Osuntoki; Member, Programmes Committee, Jumoke Koleoso, and Chairman Education & Schools Group, Seyi Adeyemi, during NBCC's 2024 Sharing Experience Series 2.0, held in Lagos…recently

SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING...

Edo 2024: Ighodalo’s Poll Gets Major Boost as APC, ANPP, LP Members Defect to PDP

NOA engages stakeholders on election

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign train of Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie, received a major boost yesterday in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the State, after thousands of opposition members defected to the PDP. This was as the National

Orientation Agency (NOA), yesterday, engaged stakeholders in the Edo State, saying it was prepared to mobilise the people for the exercise and urged all participants to play by the rules. Leader of the defectors and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate in the last Edo State House of Assembly election, Chief Harrison Echie, said the decampees were members of the ANPP, the

All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party.

Expressing his delight to join the PDP, Echie said, the people of Esan Central were impressed with the performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki and would come out en masse on September 21 to vote for the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to ensure the sustainability of the government’s developmental projects across all communities in

the State.

Receiving the decampees at Eguare Primary School in Irrua, Esan Central LGA, Obaseki said the PDP was presenting the most competent and credible candidate for the election, who would prioritise the welfare of the people and advance the development of the state.

He noted that his administration had brought development to

State of Nation: Nigerians are Suffering, YCE Tells Tinubu

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), yesterday, expressed worry over the state of the nation just as it urged President Bola Tinubu to tackle the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

Esan Central, pledging that the development would continue with Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie Ighodalo, who thanked the people for the massive turnout, said the Edo people were sophisticated people who were smart, educated and intelligent and couldn't be ruled by dull and uneducated people.

However, the NOA stakeholders’ forum had various security and para-military organisations in attendance, including civil society groups, religious groups, representatives of political parties, the media and others.

NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, represented by Ebeli Okonkwo urged the voters in the state to come out and vote for the candidate of their choice because “INEC is here to assure you to come out to vote.

“The security agencies will protect you and ensure your security and when you come out to vote, conduct yourself in an orderly manner, do not engage in violence, fighting or thuggery, no ballot box snatching. “Let us all ensure that we come out and make sure that you recognise the logo of the political party of your choice because it will help you make a good decision of who you want to vote for.”

“The YCE remains hopeful that Nigeria will have a turnaround. However, going by scanty information available on Government pursuits and activities, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.

“Be that as it may, we of YCE stand on our strong position that the interest of the masses to live

The YCE, in a statement by its General-Secretary, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, said though it was hopeful that there will be positive turnaround in the country, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.

a good life should be given full attention.

“Without regular supply of electricity and with the official announcement of increase in the price of Petroleum Products (PMS), the current hardship cannot but be increased in daily living by Nigerians.

“The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people,

the dividends of democracy.

“Not through distribution of palliatives (that does not seem to filter to the bottom) but by putting in place avenues to enhance proper/ quality living through effective governance administration.

“Every Nigerian should be entitled to enjoy our common resources. Indeed, Nigerians are suffering deeply at this time, no light, no fuel, no food.”

Speaking at the forum, state Director of NOA, Osahon Woghiren, said focus must be on vote selling and vote buying which according to him was a “trending vice in our polity", adding that the agency said, “No to this vice which all must work to eliminate it.”

He said there was need to mobilise citizens for active participation in the electoral process and encourage them to exercise their civic responsibilities and discourage citizens from engaging in all forms of “violence, intimidation, voter apathy and harassment before, during and after the governorship election.”

The Director General of

Representative of INEC, Dedekuma Emmanuel, said the Commission was ready for the election while the representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Muhammed Abdulaziz, also said the anti-graft agency would watch out for voter buyers and sellers.

A civil society representative, Jude Obasnami, hinted thatpoliticians had devised new methods of vote buying, saying sensitising the people was the way forward to stop the act.

NNPCL: WE ARE WORKING TO RESOLVE SUPPLY SHORTFALLS, BLAMES SCARCITY ON FX ILLIQUIDITY

and stakeholders in the sector, hence, we cannot determine, fix, or influence the product price, which falls under the purview of relevant government authorities."

Chiejina added, "We urge the public to disregard the headline, as it is misleading and does not represent the true position in this matter.

"We are guaranteeing Nigerians of exceptionally high quality petroleum products that will be readily available all over the country."

NNPCL had on Tuesday increased the pump price of petrol from the official N617 per litre to N897, while marketers raised theirs to between N930 and N950 per litre and even higher, depending on location.

Vice President Kashim Shettima met with Lokpobiri and Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, at State House, Abuja, over the petrol price hike.

Other who were at the meeting included National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Executive Director of Nigeria Midstream

and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, who was represented by Mr Kalu Okuoha.

Lokpobiri told reporters after the meeting, "The vice president summoned us and we've been with him to brief him about what is going on across the country. And what is important is for us to convey to Nigerians that the president is empathetic about what is going on in the country.

“He is concerned about the hardship of Nigerians, and that was why he directed the vice president to call this meeting, for us to reflect on what is going on in the country.

"What is important is that products are available in the country, and we believe that between now and the weekend, there will be availability of products across the length and breadth of the country.

"The price could be high in some areas, much higher in some other locations, and in some locations, much more than other areas. But we believe that by the time there is availability of

products across the country, the price itself will stabilise.

"But what is important is that government is not fixing prices. This sector is deregulated. And we believe that with the availability of products, the price will find its level. And this is important for Nigeria to know.

"The summary is that the president is empathetic about what's going on. That's why he directed this meeting. There is enough product in the country to be able to meet the demands of Nigerians. There should be no panic buying. And we also believe that Nigerians need to know that government is not fixing prices. That is what I want to convey to Nigerians."

Ahmed said, "All regulatory efforts are now geared towards stabilising supply, with a resultant impact that it will be positive also on the stability of price.

"To that objective, the regulator is ensuring that there's increased operating hours from all loading depots; vessels are being cleared promptly and extended hours where safety can

permit for truck-outs as well.

"More importantly also is the reinforcement of the support being given to local refiners because with increased production from them, indeed, like the minister has said, there will be higher supply, which will stabilise the price. That's the effort that the regulator is making."

President of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, warned that the recent increase in the price of PMS was not good for businesses and Nigerian workers. Okoye stated this yesterday during an interaction with journalists in Lagos.

He called on the federal government to allow more investors to play in the industry, just like Dangote Group.

Okoye also acknowledged that the issue of subsidy had contributed to corruption in the petroleum sector.

According to him, “It's really unfortunate, I mean, nobody expected the fuel price increase. We expected that with the new salary presented to labour, at least things will start getting

better and better.

“Unfortunately, this has come up and I don't think that it is good for Nigerian workers, including the employers, and the government has been saying that the Port Harcourt refinery will soon start working, and we've all taken that as already done.

But today we've not seen the Port Harcourt refinery do anything.

"So I think for Nigerian employers, and, of course, the labour themselves, it's not something very acceptable. But we hope that something will be done by the government about it, we're looking forward to something to happen.”

Okoye also shared his opinion on whether the government had deregulated petrol price fully.

He said, “I don't think government has made it clear that they will be dictating the price. But we know that according to the government, it has regulated the price of fuel, made it free for all, so they don't have right again to start talking about dictating the price to Nigerians.

“If there is need, or if they have

any reason to start interfering again on the cost of fuel, that means the fuel has not been deregulated. And the way it's going, I don't think that the fuel price is fully deregulated, according to what the government said originally.

“They would believe that there are steps to get this fuel price stabilised, and maybe directly monitor the dealers, especially as Dangote has just come up, to ensure they don't rip-off Nigerians.

"I would want to believe that is what the government is looking at. But for the government to say they have not deregulated, I don't think it's acceptable, because it has been announced openly to the people, and the people have accepted it. But the way things are going, it looks like a joke.”

However, a group, The Democratic Front (TDF), said Tinubu did not betray or deceive the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on fuel price in arriving at the N70, 000 minimum wage.

TDF said labour and government mutually negotiated and agreed on the minimum wage.

L-R: Director, Legal Services, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mr. Tanko Ashang SAN; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Asanye; Minister, FMIST, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji; Director-General,

National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi and Chief Executive Officer, Flux Carbon, Mr. Sam Davies, during the display of the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the ministry and Flux in Abuja ...yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA AWARDS...

L-R: Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suilamon Abou-Nolla, awardee, Alhaji Fatiu Salis; Vice President, The Muslim Ummah of South-west Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rafiu Ebite; representative of Vice Chancellor Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Dr. Daud Oniyide ; awardee, Alhaji Jumat Babatunde Ali-Oluwafuyi; Member, Board of Trustees, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, at the MSSN Lagos State Area Unit 70th Plattiunum anniversary and special award ceremony held in Yaba, Lagos… recently

Fuel Price Increase: Riders of Tricycles, Motorcycles Protest in Kwara

AbdulRazaq directs deployment of free buses

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Members of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) in Kwara state yesterday staged a protest over the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. Similarly, members of the Okada Riders Association joined the protest to condemn the increase in the pump price of petrol The members who are popularly called “Keke Marwa”

Gombe Targets over 3m Large, Small Ruminants

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, has flagged off the 2024 annual vaccination campaign against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats, and anthrax in livestock across the state.

The event held yesterday in the Tumfure-Bashar area of Akko Local Government Area, marked the fourth time the current state government has carried out this initiative aimed at controlling

animal diseases to enhance public health in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony yesterday, Governor Yahaya restated the importance of the vaccination exercise in protecting livestock from preventable diseases that have historically ravaged the agriculture sector, threatening the livelihood of farmers and pastoralists.

He said: “The primary goal of this annual vaccination campaign is to control the spread of these diseases, which have long hindered the growth of the livestock industry in our state.

Police Arrest 11 Suspected Bandits in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Operatives of Kaduna state police command have arrested 11 suspected bandits, including the abductors of a district head in the state.

The district head (name withheld), was abducted on August 14, 2024, and released two days after.

Spokesperson of the command, Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a state in Kaduna.He said the arrests were made in collaboration with local hunters in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna

state

“On September 2, 2024, at about 0500hrs police operatives of Saminaka, in collaboration with a team of local hunters, acting on credible intelligence, carried out raids in three different villages in Lere LGA, namely Maraban Wasa, Gurzan Hakimi Mariri, and Abugan Kurama”, the statement reads.

“Five suspects were arrested, namely, Abdulhamid Abubakar (a.k.a. Bala) 30 years old, Danjuma Luka (a.k.a. Uba), 25 years old, Ayuba Simon, 50 years old and Idi Saleh, 57 years old.

Barau Foundation Unveils 70 Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), established by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has released the list of 70 beneficiaries of its 2024 foreign postgraduate scholarships in artificial intelligence, robotics technology, cyber security and forensic science.

Barau established the foundation to provide humanitarian, educational and empowerment initiatives in the country.

A statement by Barau Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, yesterday said that the foundation has secured admissions for the first batch of the deserving students from the three Senatorial Districts of Kano State to pursue Postgraduate Programmes abroad.

The statement explained that the scholarship programme was conceived as part of the deputy president of the Senate efforts to promote academic excellence and stimulate the country’s technological advancement.

started their protest from the Sango junction of Ilorin through Estate junction, Moraba, Post office, Taiwo, Offa garage areas of Ilorin.

Security operatives, including the police, were later deployed to the scene to restore order and disperse the protesters with tear gas.

The group expressed their displeasure with the federal government over the rise in petrol prices, which they said had surged to N1,250 per litre.

They argued that, the ugly development has prevented them of doing their businesses and this also making life increasingly difficult for them.

Ogun Assembly Probes Alleged Sale of Council’s Property by Ex- Chairman

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Ogun State House of Assembly yesterday began probe into allegation of illegal sales of land belonging to Ewekoro Local Government of the state, by the immediate past administration of the Council’s Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Adesina.

The probe was sequel to a petition forwarded to the Assembly by a group , under the aegis of ‘Concerned Citizens’ in the local government.

The petitioners accused Adesina of engaging in unlawful sales of government land, and as well failed accountability among others, in the local government, when he was the council’s boss.

At the sitting of the Assembly’s Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-corruption, held at the Assembly’s complex in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the Committee led by Hon. Bello Oluwadamilare, grilled Head of the Local Government Area (HOLGA), Mrs. Kemi Ogunyewo for closed to two hours on the petition.

The council was alleged to have engaged in shady deals and failing to follow due process in sales and lease of the unspecified number of land at the local government.

Sokoto Donates 20 Patrol Vehicles, 710 Motorcycles to Community Guard Corps

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has donated 20 Hilux patrol vans and 710 motorcycles to the newly established Community Guard Corps in the state.

The Special adviser to the Governor on Security matters,

retired Col. Abdul Usman, handed over the vehicles and motorcycles to the commanders of the 13 local government areas offices of the corps with high cases of banditry at the state headquarters of the corps.

Represented by the Director, Administration Department of Security Matters, Almustafa

Sayudi, the special adviser said into the nooks and crannies of their communities.

This, he said, that he was of the view to protecting them from any form of threats by the bandits.

He charged the personnel of the corps to ensure that the vehicles and motorcycles are judiciously used.

“These vehicles and motorcycles are not for personal use, but for official use only.

“Remember that the government spent huge amount of money to purchase these vehicles and motorcycles, so ensure their proper utilisation and routine maintenance,” he appealed.

23 Brigade Denies Killing Two Youths by Security Operatives in Adamawa

Daji Sani in Yola

The 23 Armored Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yola, Adamawa State, has refuted the claims by the state House of Assembly that two youths were killed by security operatives in Mubi South Local Government

Area of the state.

While the state Assembly strongly condemned the wanton killings of the youths, the army in a statement signed by the brigade’s acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relation Officer (APRO), Lieutenant Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, refuted the

allegations saying that the troops deployed in the area were not responsible for the fatal shooting of Samaila Hamidu on August 31, 2024.

According to the army, the troops were conducting routine patrols aimed at deterring criminal activities when the victim fled and suffered a lone accident. The troops immediately rendered assistance, rushing the victim to Mubi General Hospital and notifying the policemen stationed at Nasarawo Ward. Despite efforts to save his life, the victim tragically passed away at the hospital.

FG Unveils Digital Quality Assurance Platform for Basic Education

KuniTyessiinAbuja

To boost the quality of basic and secondary education delivery in the country, the federal government yesterday unveiled an electronic quality assurance system, Federal Education Quality Assurance Service Cloud Server - FEQAS-collect. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, who formally launched the platform at a ceremony held at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Digital Resource Centre Abuja, said the innovative system is designed to streamline the collection, analysis and reporting of data related to the quality of education in schools across the nation.

He noted that the automation of the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service Department with the establishment of the cloud server, the Federal Ministry of Education would be better equipped to monitor, evaluate, and improve education quality assurance processes and practices across the nation.

NGO Calls for Govt, CSO,

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Paradigm Initiative, a non-governmental organisation has emphasised government partnership with the civil society organisations (CSOs) and the private sector to work closely in

Sununu, who was represented by the Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Abubakar Isa, said the cloud server would revolutionise the operations of the FEQAS Department to enable it: enhance data capturing and management, streamline processes and improve efficiency, boost collaboration, networking and efficient reporting, ensure scalability and flexibility; and fortify security and data protection.”

Private Sector Collaboration on AI

leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic development.

The Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, made this call during a stakeholder engagement on Nigeria’s AI strategy and digital economy and e-governance bill

Commission Provides

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) has provided seven terms of reference includes establishing the remote and immediate causes of the violence that erupted during the recent hunger protest in the state.

Terms of

held in Abuja yesterday.

Sessan emphasised that Nigeria, having declared itself a global AI player, could not afford to maintain its traditional approach.

He said: “Civil society, the private sector, and government must collaborate to ensure that

Nigeria is not merely discussing AI but actively using it to improve the economy.

“Despite establishing a center for AI and robotics years ago, we haven’t fully realised its potential. This time, we cannot settle for superficial efforts.”

Reference on Kano Violent Protest

In its maiden press conference in Kano yesterday, the Commission’s Chairman Justice Lawan Wada, said the state government has given them the period of three month within which to complete the job. He said the commission would investigate breach of peace, wanton destruction of public and private property, looting, arson and killings during the recent hunger Protest which turned violent.

“The seven terms of reference include: establishing the remote and immediate causes of the first week of August 2024, breach of peace wanton destruction of public and private property, looting, arson and killings in Kano.”

“Identify individuals, group of persons and or Institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest and their roles in precipitating the unrest and make appropriate recommendations,” he stated.

ETOP UKUTT

Collapse of Bridges across North-east Linked to Climate Change

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Mohammad Alkali, has ascribed the perennial collapse of bridges across the North-east states to effects of climate change.

Addressing journalists during an assessment tour of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, Alkali stated that the Northeast and its components are the most affected by climate change.

Besides the Namnai Bridge, the 45-year-old Mayo-Kam

Bridge, which is 88.5 kilometres on the outskirts of Jalingo on Bali road, also collapsed due to the impact of flooding thereby cutting off access to some local government areas, including Bali, Gashaka, Sardauna, Kurmi, Donga, Takum and Ussa.

He lamented that the effects and impact of climate change in the zone has imposed significant pressure on the governments and inhabitants of the area who are forced to bear the burden of the attendant socio-economic disruptions.

According to him, “The Northeast region and its components are the most affected by climate

change and it has put significant pressure on both the government and inhabitants of the region “I was in Adamawa State two weeks ago for the same problem. Bauchi State has its own share, so is Gombe State too. Now we have also seen the same problem in Taraba State where some bridges have been washed away few days ago.”

The NEDC boss pleaded with the governments and people of the affected states to regularly do an assessment of the state of climate change prone facilities and infrastructure in their areas to prevent the collapse of such facilities.

Oyebanji Strengthens Regional Security Collaboration

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on yesterday took a significant step towards enhancing regional security by convening a meeting of special advisers on security from Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun States.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the security architecture of the states that share boundaries and ensure the protection of lives and properties within their borders.

The meeting, which was held at the Bawa Lodge at the Ekiti State Government House, was chaired by the Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, Brigadier-General Ebenezer

I, formerly known and addressed as AIGBOMIAN MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as EHIZOJIE MARY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKPOBOME TEENA DIEMU now wish to be known and addressed as TEBEREN TEENA DIEMU. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

Ogundana (rtd).

Attendees included Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Ondo State; Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State; Brigadier Samuel Ojo (rtd.), Osun State; and Brigadier General S.T. Bello, Kwara State, with Dr. Adetunberu Oludotun, Director General Homeland Security, Ekiti State as secretary.

In his remarks, Gen. Ogundana emphasised that the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oyebanji in response to rising trans-border insecurity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the neighboring states, particularly in tackling inter-border crimes, where criminals evade prosecution by crossing state lines.

Experts Share Experiences on COVID-19 at PSHAN Podcast

Former Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Ihekweazu and Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs. Vivian Ihekweazu have shared their experiences from the frontline of Nigeria’s public health response to COVID.

stressed importance of establishing and strengthening Nigeria’s health infrastructure.

Dr. Ihekweazu noted data and diagnostic capabilities are crucial to building public health agencies, and the health system.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

How Does Islam Reconcile Free Will with Divine Predestination? (II)

Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

The idea of “civilizational liberalism”

Indeed, with the spread of social, political, economic and moral liberalism, there inevitably emerged what could be called a form of “civilizational liberalism”, in that the former constituted the quintessence of civilization, including its philosophical, epistemological, scientific and everyday operational dimensions.

Which means that man’s freedom and rights pertained not only to what man wanted and did and how he organized and enjoyed his life within the context of his relationships with his own people, but also in the context of his relationships with the rest of humankind, the natural world and whatever might exist “out there” in an otherworldly realm.

To put it differently, man’s freedom and rights ought to be based on a holistic worldview and ought to contain the totality of man: his complete being, interests, ambitions and endeavors. A civilization either fulfils those responsibilities, or fails, and so, betrays its trust.

“Civilizational liberalism” is a mold inside which other forms of liberalism are cast.

As the term suggests, “civilizational liberalism” is about thinking, living, civilizing, un-civilizing and dying freely without imposed restrictions. Man is to be left alone and to his own devices. He is to be regulated only by his own laws and rules but exempt from control by any higher authority or divine laws. What is more, the mortal wisdom and guidance of man are set to never stop striving to conceptualize and then catalogue whatever may fall outside the tiny human-qua-terrestrial scope of man.

However, by rejecting any potential forms of predestination, whether individual, collective, or societal, humans have not made themselves free, but rather untamed, chaotic and irresponsible. This unavoidably leads to a state of unlimited lawlessness, spiritual and moral self-doubt, and a lack of cultural richness in humanity. As a result, liberty became a cliché and championing it self-delusional. Civilization became a trap, authenticating that such was not the way man was supposed to be and behave.

succeeded in seducing them with the baits of eternal life, becoming angel-like beings, and a kingdom that will never waste away (Ta Ha 120; al-A’raf 22). Consequently, they were stripped of their clothes (of their defenses, immunity and protective shields) and were left naked (were exposed to the ugly deficiencies of man, when given to sin, and of this world, when taken as the locus of noncompliance and sin).

Later down on earth, most civilizations were given to such excesses, adopting such unconscionably wayward lifestyles, that they in the end were responsible for their own demise. With that said, the writing is on the wall that the modern West-driven godless civilization, representing the peak of “civilizational liberalism”, is destined to crumble like civilizations before it. No doubt, when mistakes are repeated, history follows suit.

Islam on Civilizational Determinism

The idea of civilizational determinism in Islam should be understood in light of its belief in personal predestination, known as qadr, which has been presented briefly at the beginning of this article. Civilizational determinism, it follows, is an extension and evidence of personal predetermination. Civilizational determinism furthermore affirms and facilitates the latter, acting as its locus and therefore, maintaining control over it.

Civilizational determinism is an amalgam of people’s free will, creative exertion and persistent work within the determined circumstances, on the one hand, and Allah’s infinite foreknowledge, pre-registration of all events, creation of those events at the time of their happening consistent with the choices and strivings of people and Allah’s foreknowledge of them, and Allah’s decisions concerning man’s abilities, facilities and overall life conditions, on the other. This implies a four-pronged philosophy.

First: Human Freedom and Accountability

Dr and Mrs Ihekweazuspoke at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria’s (PSHAN’s) second season of its “Leadership Series” podcast.

Hosted by Managing Director of PSHAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the episode was an enlightening discussion with Dr. Ihekweazu and Mrs. Ihekweazu on “Leading Nigeria Through Infectious Diseases Outbreaks: Challenges and Triumphs.”

The guests and the host

CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ISMAIL MAHMUD MODIBBO now wish to be known and addressed as ISMAILA MAHMOUDOU MODIBBO. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IHEAKANWA EMMANUELLA CHIJIOKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHETA-OBI EMMANUELLA CHIJIOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWATOBILOBA CHRISTIANAH AJAYI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUWATOBILOBA CHRISTIANAH ESHO. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

eral public that all my documents bearing IFEANYICHUWU CHARLES UJOMU, and IFEANYI CHARLES UJOMU Is the same person All former documents remain valid. General Public take note

-

lic that ADESINA ESTHER TOPE and ADISA ESTHER TOPE is one and the same person, and now wish to be known as ADESINA ESTHER TOPE. All former documents remain valid. Guaranty Trust Bank PLC, and the General Public please take

I formally known and addressed as AKINOLA ELIZABETH ABIMBOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as ABIMBOLA ELIZABETH ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formally known and addressed as AKINOLA ELIZABETH ABIMBOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as ABIMBOLA ELIZABETH ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UTO ARCHIBONG EKONG now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UTO ENO EMA. All former document remains valid. The general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as OZIOMA CHIDINMA UKADIKE now wish to be known and addressed as OZIOMA CHIDINMA DAVID. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and address as MISS CHARITY AIMALOHI OTUOGBAI. Now wish To be known and addressbe as MRS CHARITY AIMALOHI KEKEKE. All forma documents remain the same. General public please take note.

“The most important currency of a national health public health agency is its data and diagnostic capabilities. Without these, you have no foundation for your existence,” he said.

According to him, he prioritised development of National Reference Laboratory and other critical structures during his tenure. Referring to these achievements, Dr. Ihekweazu noted: “Building these structures was essential in manag COVID and laying groundwork for future challenges.”

EFCC Arrests

56 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kwara

Hammed ShittuinIlorin

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) have arrested 56 persons suspected to be internet fraudsters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday signed by the anti-graft agency Head of Media, Mr. Dele Oyewale, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY.

The statement said:”The arrests were carried out between Tuesday, September 3 - 4, 2024, at different locations within the town following credible intelligence on the activities of fraudsters throwing unsuspected citizens of the state into pain and tears through their fraudulent pranks.

“Items recovered from them include 18 different brands of exotic cars, laptops, expensive smartphones, and charms.”

The statement therefore, said that, the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.

This precarious stage signifies a struggle where man may find it challenging to grasp even the most basic aspects of the finesse and subtlety of life, where, more often than not, civilization is bartered for barbarism and refinement for vulgarity.

Civilization is likewise bound to compromise its core principles just as its man has compromised his moral compass and also guiding light. Since it does not have a clear authoritative source, such a civilization does not have clear and authoritative goals either.

Rejecting determinism – in the sense of being defined, guided and governed by a more powerful agency than man – man and his civilizational trajectory are destined to gradually drift towards the black hole of agnosticism and nihilism, and into the oblivion of existential relativism.

It is because of this that today, in the name of civilization and progress, people are talking more and more about issues that are not closely related to the truth and the genuine terrestrial purpose of humanity. These topics only add to the confusion, distraction and misleading of the individuals who are already disoriented, puzzled and lacking enlightenment.

One may question the constructive nature of these new developments. One also wonders if, by rejecting the notion of true personal and civilizational determinism, man has inadvertently created for himself and by himself a new determinism snare in which he is already entangled.

Some of those prominent issues include exploring and attempting to reach (conquer) outer space to discover new resources with the intention of feeding the insatiable materialism down on earth, investigate the existence of alien life forms or civilizations, make life multi-planetary, and to seek answers to fundamental questions about life which are either rejected or ignored down on earth. There are also numerous (un)ethical concerns in biomedical research and in the fields of science and technology.

Arising from this, the whole idea of “scientism” is developing into one of the biggest conundrums because it is perceived as a creed and even a measure of “deity.” Additionally, challenges arise in defining genders and their respective roles, the institution of marriage, and addressing issues like colonization, exploitation, endless wars, nationalism, racism, tyranny and oppression.

All these issues and problems have been generated, nurtured, exacerbated, and in the end simply disregarded by the bane of “civilizational liberalism” as the apex of liberalism as a comprehensive philosophy and life paradigm.

It seems that humankind’s inclination to a sort of “civilizational liberalism” was and remained its Achilles heel. Seeking immortality, absolute power, self-indulgence and satanic perfection will regularly top humankind’s list of either civilizational or quasi-civilizational preferences. Let’s just recall that the innocent Prophet Adam and his wife Hawwa’ were expelled from Jannah (Paradise) because Satan

People are free to conceive, plan and accomplish things, warranting thus praise for successes and censure for failures. A degree of collective responsibility on the Day of Judgment is suggested in the following words of the Qur’an: “And you will see every nation kneeling (from fear). Every nation will be called to its record (and told): ‘Today you will be recompensed for what you used to do’” (al-Jathiyah 28).

In the same vein, the Qur’anic discourses often target entire nations and their collective performances, which certainly complement and put into perspective the performances of their individuals. In line with the ways the Qur’an views the concept of civilization, against the backdrop of the context of man’s honorable earthly cause, this can be referred to as collective civilizational accountability.

The Qur’an also says: “And how many cities (and their communities) have We destroyed, and Our punishment came to them at night or while they were sleeping at noon” (al-A’raf 4). “How many cities and their populations have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing? They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?” (al-Hajj 45).

In these and many other verses, the Qur’an alludes to the dynamics of the rise and fall of nations and their civilizational yields. The roles of freedom, wherewith comes huge responsibility, and the divine intervention if that freedom is abused, are clearly evident.

Second: Allah’s Foreknowledge, Registration and Creation of Human Deeds

Since, based on His infinite foreknowledge, Allah knows all things, including human individual and collective actions in the future, recording them before they happen and creating them whenever people accomplish them based on their free will - it can safely be said that, in this sense, a nation’s collective civilizational performance is predestined. This indicates that things are preordained and prerecorded because of Allah’s transcendent foreknowledge and forewisdom, rather than because they are imposed or enforced on someone.

This affirmative form of predestination is part of the Islamic concept of qadr, which is a fundamental article of the Islamic faith. Qadr is the most potent illustration of the essence of man and his Creator, and what relationship exists between them. The message is that although they are closely linked, and regardless of what occurs as man fulfills his splendid vicegerency mission on earth, the Master must remain master and the servant must remain servant, and the Creator must remain creator and creation nothing more. Without a doubt, under no circumstances can there be an exchange of titles.

Eguavoen: Our Target is to Pick All Six Points against Benin Rep, Rwanda

Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has declared that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are raring to go for all six points available in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against their counterparts from Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The reigning African vice champions clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September and then keep a date with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali three days later.

“Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches. The players know this and are committed to accomplishing this. The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all the teams want to play in the finals. However, we have spoken to the players and all of us are on the same page.

“Starting with the match against Benin Republic on Saturday, nobody is mentioning anything about revenge. Our goal is three points, and then we aim for another three points in

2025 AFCON QUALIFIER

Kigali on Tuesday that will put us in good stead for qualification.”

Eguavoen has several stalwarts who are truly determined to appease fans and enthusiasts for missing the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in June, from which poor results threaten the Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 finals.

AFCON’s Man-of-the-Competition

William Ekong, also team captain, was overlooked for the ties against South Africa and the Benin Republic as he was recovering from injury but is back at the heart of the rearguard to lead the three-time African champions to hunt for points for another showpiece. Ekong scored three goals at the AFCON finals early in the year.

Reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen missed the two games in June, as did defender Ola Aina and star forward Moses Simon due to injury. Osimhen just

Excitement as Abuja All Stars Tournament Begins

The highly anticipated Abuja All Stars tournament featuring over 20 teams competing over one month has kicked off with excitement.

The tournament showcases a mix of ex-internationals and captains of industry promising a thrilling display of talent.

Defending champions All Stars International set the tone by dominating City Gate Sporting Club with a commanding 4-0 victory in the opening match.

All Stars International coach Zakari Musa attributed the win to the team's strong cohesion and commitment to training.

"There is great understanding among the players, and regular participation in training has made us the team to beat. We don't take any opponent for granted, so we continue to work hard," Musa said.

Despite the loss, City Gate Sporting Club head coach Kingsley Omeje,

remained optimistic, acknowledging the difference in experience but focusing on improvement.

"You can see the gap in class; they have ex-internationals, which we don’t have. But we’ve learned a lot and will work on these areas ahead of our next matches," Omeje said.

The chairman of the local organizing committee, Patrick Bassey, emphasized the tournament's mission to provide a platform for interfacing and networking while encouraging families and friends to come out and enjoy high-quality football.

In another matchday one results played on Saturday, Corporate Kickers Sports Club lost to Jabi All Stars 1-0, UATH All-Stars edged out Nyanya All Stars 2-1, MC Steve overcame Lugbe All Stars 2-1, Gwagwalada All Stars secured a narrow 1-0 win over USF, and Likeminds All-Stars played to a goalless draw with Capital Sportive Sports Club.

Golf: Runsewe Excited over Essien's SLU Invitational Exploits

President of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has commended Nigeria's female teenage golf sensation, Iyene Essien for her inspiring outing at the St. Lawrence University Fall Invitational in Canton, New York, the United States. Essien over the weekend had a record-setting display to start her collegiate career at the SLU Fall Invitational with rounds of 70 and 81 to earn medallist honours with a record 151.

En route to the feat, the first-year Electrical Engineering student, shattered the school record by five strokes in her collegiate debut with a round of 70 laced with three birdies, an eagle, and no holes higher than bogey.

Facing incredibly difficult conditions, the 18-year-old Nigerian carved up the course with the first sub-par round in Union golf history, surpassing the previous record of 75 set by current senior Liz Bentsianov on Sept. 17, 2022, at the NYU Fall Invitational.

Her effort ensured that she led the Union College women's golf team to a third-place finish at the seasonopening St. Lawrence University Fall Invitational, held on Saturday and Sunday at Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course.

The feat saw her earn the Union College Women's Golf Performer of the Week award and three more earning

spots on the weekly honour roll.

In commending Essien, a product of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, Runsewe, dubbed her accomplishments as an inspiration to the younger generation, describing her as an ambassador of Nigeria's grassroots golf development.

The NGF President noted that Essien's success story was the motivating factor behind his desire to ensure that more talents were discovered at the grassroots in the country.

"Under my leadership as the NGF President, I have always emphasized the need to concentrate on grassroots development of the sport," Runsewe said.

"These young talents are the future of the sport, and in a few years to come, they would represent Nigeria in different circuits around the world," he added.

He also commended the efforts of Essien's parents who committed their time, energy and resources to see her through the most crucial part of her golfing career, while also ensuring that she gets the best education.

He urged other parents to borrow a leaf from Essien's story and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age, describing it as a sport they can be engaged in for the rest of their lives.

signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray and will be keen to impress his new employers, while banishing talks of his rustiness.

Rapid-raider Simon, who on his good day can single-handedly

decimate the opposition, is also eager to again wear the green-white-green, just as Aina.

Eguavoen is most likely to start goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ekong and Bassey at the rear, and any three of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf

and Raphael Onyedika in midfield. Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman are gunning for shirts at the fore. Lookman, in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, will walk with a greater spring in his steps, and justifiably so. He scored

Stephen Keshi Stadium Wears New Look for 8th National Youth Games

After months of preparation, the Delta State government says it is fully set to host the 8th National Youth Games.

Delta State hosted the 7th edition of the Youth Games, last year, with virtually all the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in attendance.

Now, the Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori-led government is looking forward to hosting a bigger and better National Youth Games from September 9-19, 2024.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Chief Solomon Ogba told journalists in Asaba yesterday that all logistics needed to host a successful event had been put in place.

Specifically, Ogba, a former Commissioner for Sports in Delta State, and two-time President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said that this year's edition of the National Youth Games would be a talking point in the history of Nigerian sports.

The Stephen Keshi Stadium, which is the main venue for the Games is now wearing a new look, even as the organisers put in new facilities to add colour to the Games.

From the main bowl of Stephen Keshi Stadium to the swimming pool, and the two indoor sports halls, the impact of the state readiness for the 8th National Youth Games is clearly on the wall.

The Opening ceremony for the Asaba 2024 National Youth Games will hold on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, smarting from their outstanding performance at the North-East Zonal elimination for the 8th National Youth Games, Asaba 2024, the Bauchi State Director of Sports, Usman Yusuf, has said the state contingent is well set to project the "Bauchi Agenda" of the state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed,

at the competition.

Team Bauchi which competed in 13 events at the zonal elimination held in Jalingo, Taraba State, finished with 5 gold and 8 silver medals, qualifying them to compete in as many as 10 ball sports when the Youth Games opens in Asaba, Delta State.

"Our athlete's outstanding performance outshone our opponents, which qualified us to represent the zone in cricket male team, rugby male and female, volleyball female team, handball female team, basketball male and female teams, hockey female team and beach volleyball male and female teams at the National Youth Games,” Yusuf enthused.

According to him, the success

story of the 222-man Team Bauchi at the North East Zonal Elimination derived from the moral and financial support rendered by the state Governor, commending him for his keen interest and desire to develop the state sports industry for the purposeful development of the youth and his consideration of sports as a viable profession, socio-political instrument for national unity, in line with his “My Bauchi Agenda”.

He therefore assured the government and people of Bauchi State that the state contingent to the National Youth Games in Asaba Delta State under his watch, will not take the victory at the zonal elimination for granted, but will consolidate on the

efforts to record more success at the Youth Games to justify government’s huge investment in the project. Yusuf also commended the Bauchi State Commissioner of Sports, Mohammed Salis Gamawa, for his exemplary leadership and for being a good ambassador of Governor Bala Mohammed by uplifting sporting activities and ensuring the revival of Bauchi State in maintaining its glorious name as Mecca of Sports in Nigeria.

It will be recalled that Bauchi hosted one of the best National Sports Festival in the year 2000, where Team Delta emerged winner for the first time. Bauchi had earlier hosted the National Sports Festival in 1991

Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Excites

The hosting of the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League is a delight to the government of Nasarawa State.

For the second year running the women’s league is being hosted at the Lafia Sports Arena in Nasarawa State. Hon. Jafaru Ango, Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development Nasarawa State reiterated that the Governor Abdullahi Sule led administration was determined to modify the Lafia Sports Arena, formerly known as Lafia City Hall, venue for the ongoing first phase of the women’s league Ango made this known on Wednesday 4th September at the Palace of Andoma in Doma LGA, when he led some players, and officials participating in the NBBF Zenith Women’s Basketball League and Chairman Nasarawa State

Basketball Association Ayuba Tijani to the royal father.

” It feels good to have a sportsloving Governor who has approved to remodel the City Hall and it will have Indoor games within, meanwhile around would house a Seven Aside Football Pitch, Swimming Pool and Hotel where players and athletes would stay to save transportation and cost”.

Nasarawa Amazons have lost their last three games having walked over Nigeria Army on Day-1 and falling to Kada Angels 53-47, Customs 68-30 and Royal Ace 97-57 only Yesterday.

On the other hand, Royal Ace won their last three games out of four (4) defeating Air Warriors 64-63, Plateau Rocks 44-53, Nasarawa Amazons 59-97 and losing to Nigeria Customs 69-55 on match day 1.

Another Match Day-4 encounter

Air

68-25. Plateau

Nasarawa Amazons, are yet to win a game. Meanwhile, Nigeria Customs remain the only team yet to taste a defeat, having defeated Newbies to the league, Titans 63-44 on Thursday. Coach Emmanuel Mwarak of Nasarawa Amazons commended his Girls for recording their highest points so far;” My Girls gave their all and you can see that we have greatly improved from our last matches, these Girls are rookies but I greatly believe in them, and they will get better.” The Andoma

(OON), a veteran in the game, who received the delegation charged them to put in their best in the league because sports accommodate all.

three crucial goals for Nigeria at the AFCON, and his 17 goals and 11 assists steered Atalanta FC to the Europa Cup final, where his hat-trick did the damage on German club, Bayer Leverkusen. Saturday’s match will kick off at 5pm inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Super Eagles Interim Coach, Austin Eguavoen (third, left) directing affairs at the team's training in Uyo yesterday. He's determined to win all six points in the first two games of the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the next one week

saw

Warriors defeat Plateau Rocks

Rocks, like

of Doma HRH. Alhaji. Ahmadu Onawo

TRUTH & REASON

Friday, September 6, 2024Price: N400

MISSILE

Godwin Emefiele to Nigeria

“The Dangote Refinery has the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day...it is going to be major forex saving for Nigeria. And if you look at the cost of freight alone, it is a major saving for Nigeria...if we have to go to Europe or other parts of the world to bring in petroleum products, where Nigeria pays heavily in freight and in stocking...Nigerians would benefit a lot from the Dangote Refinery...we know that refineries abroad are already scared...” –Former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in retrospective warning, argues Nigeria can only float Naira after Dangote Refinery starts.

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

The Vicious Circle of Corruption

Departure Points

(1) The Amalgamation Roots

Conceptually and objectively speaking, all the evidence of a predisposition to endemic corruption looms large in Nigeria today. The sad reality is that there is no silver lining in the horizon, which in itself fuels more corruption as those opportuned to be in position of authority scampers to insure themselves against the promise of a bleak tomorrow. This is why corruption has become cyclical. The roots of the culture of nepotism and corruption lie deep in the foundational amalgamation ideology of robbing Peter to pay Paul, so to say; the legitimisation and prioritisation of the consumption culture of unearned income and the lack of positive correlation between productivity and reward. Here is the meaning of what I have just said. “As early as 1898, the British considered combining the then-three protectorates to reduce the administrative burden on the British and allow the rich south to effectively subsidise the much less economically prosperous north. (This is what Lord Lugard was referring to in his infamous description of how a marriage between the “rich wife of substance and means” (the south) and the “poor husband” (the north) would lead to a happy life for both. Some have suspected that Lugard was also referring to the political supremacy of the North over the South” This was the ideology of raw nepotism infused into the bloodstream of Nigeria by the British upon which the existence of Nigeria was predicated. From this raison d’être emerged the entitlement syndrome of the Northern ruling class and their collaborators from the rest of Nigeria. The new age embodiment of this mentality is no other than former President Muhammadu Buhari and his unprecedented nepotism. He would absolve Abacha from the charge of stealing even as he was receiving and taking custody of proceeds of Abacha’s crime. If the Tinubu presidency is having problems with this constituency today it is on account of not adequately yielding to this entitlement syndrome.

(2)

The Distortion of Federalism

The extrapolation from all these misgivings is that Nigeria does not pass the litmus test of being constituted as a nation but if it must be then the irreducible minimum criteria is federalism with substantial devolution of regional autonomy. Recently addressing himself to the problematic ambition of Vice President Atiku Abubakar to seek the presidency of Nigeria again in 2027 Chief Bode George reminded him of a most significant rule of the road. He said “We should not do anything that will destroy our party and the country. In 2027, the concept of Turn-by-Turn Nigeria Limited must be strictly followed. This is the reality of Nigeria”.

The principle of power rotation was conceived to serve the cause of political stability and the national unity of Nigeria.The principle emanated from the lessons learnt from the crisis of the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.The crisis centred on the monopoly of political power by the Northern half of the country. The casus

belli entered an acute phase with the refusal to hand over power to the winner of the election, Chief Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba politician from the South West.

The power rotation principle can be construed as ‘tragedy’-it is a response mechanism to political conflict not an optimal strategy. It is a suboptimal compromise in the effort to defuse real and potential situations of conflict and ensure that such situations degenerate into less attractive possibilities’1. As it is often the case with Nigeria, this utility has morphed into the dysfunction of becoming an instrument of legitimising incompetence and corruption. It has become birds of the same feather with the grossly abused federal character provision. It is a recognition and acceptance of the bane of overcentralisation of power and an escapist deflection from coming to terms with federalism.

(3) Deregulation

Decades before Nigeria was conceived, the French sociologist, Emile Durkheim, ‘saw the deregulation of the economy leading to societal material goals becoming unattainable. This saw people becoming anomic’. To survive on the strength of take home pay is an impossibility for public officials in contemporary Nigeria. There are no officials who are not compelled to seek ways and means of supplementing their income. The rough and ready option is a recourse to abuse of office and corruption in its myriad manifestations.

Any federal permanent secretary who could afford to buy a brand new car today is clearly a corruption suspect. The extent to which democracy is impoverished in Nigeria today is the extent to which the judiciary is corrupt.

Remember the sordid revelations unearthed by security officials when they raided the homes of several judges in Abuja in recent memory.

I do not know how much a Judge earns in Nigeria but I’m certain that none of them can account for their current networth with their regular income and remuneration.

According to the latest report from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the average cost of a healthy meal is about N1300. This gives you 117000 per individual in a month which is N47000 costlier than the minimum wage. The highest paid university professor earns N800000 per month. So how does this university don (most likely a family man with school fees paying children) survive without an extra source of income let alone owning a home?

(4) Resource curse syndrome

‘Countries like Venezuela and Nigeria (the companies we keep) are often cited as examples of the resource curse, where despite their wealth in natural resources, they face significant economic and social challenges’. The contemporary manifestation of the resource curse syndrome in Nigeria is what is called the oil subsidy scandal. The curse here is, first and foremost, the inability of this government to hold anyone accountable given the surfeit of evidence. Rather than hold anyone accountable the government is reinforcing the prior scandal with its own collusion. I do not know Mr Mele Kyari but I marvel at the mystery behind his retention. Every performance index keeps on degenerating under his tutelage yet he remains untouchable. One does not need to dislike this government to conclude that they are in cahoots with this man. It doesn’t make sense otherwise.

Of equal significance are the ideologues of the resource curse who are obsessed with consumption culture (enabled by the proceeds of crude oil) over the development ethic.”.

Typical of such ideologues was Dr Usman Bugaje who argued that “There are no oil producing states…. the only oil producing state is the Nigerian state itself… Whatever mileage you get in the sea, according to the United Nations Law of the sea, is a lmeasure of the land mass that you have; that is what gives you the mileage into the sea…and the land mass of this country, that gives that long 200 nautical miles or more into the ocean, is because of that 72 per cent of the land mass of this country, which is the North. The investment came from the Nigerian state and the territory belongs to the Nigerian state. What they claim is the off shore oil is actually the oil of the North.”

From the South came the counterattack by Professor Itse Sagay “This is a wake-up call on the people of the oil-bearing region. For instance this is the time to come together and fight intellectually for the anomaly in the uneven allocation of oil blocs in the country. You will observe that because of the long stay of the north in power at the centre, they manipulated the process and cornered these blocs to the disadvantage of the south; today, you have all juicy oil blocs in the

hands of the north. Now that Jonathan is there, I would not want to sound being immodest by calling for a revocation of the blocs allocated to the northern businessmen, but from the look of things, they have decided to take the entire South for a ride, so Jonathan should ensure that he corrects this imbalance by allocating more oil blocs to people in the South to make up for the inequity in the sector.”

(5) Lack of Autochthony

Integral to the alienation of Nigerians from Nigeria is the concept of autochthony. “Which usually means the assertion of not just the concept of autonomy, but also the concept that the constitution derives from their own native traditions. The autochthony, or home grown nature of constitutions, give them authenticity and effectiveness” . The lack of autochthony is what is responsible for state-society discontinuity in Nigeria. There is no continuity from a prior Nigerian society to the Nigerian state. What Nigeria had was a prior assortment of different culturally nationalities like the ibibio, Yoruba, kanuri etc inability to sublimate these identities into Nigeria was what Peter Ekeh called the two publics of Africa, the primordial public versus the civic public in which loyalty to the former invariably trumps loyalty to the latter. It is the conflict between the two that fosters corruption. He illustrates ‘Acts of corruption in public office carry little moral sanction and may well receive great moral approbation from members of one’s primordial public (read ethnic affiliation).

But contrariwise, these forms of corruption are completely absent in the primordial public. Strange is the Nigerian who engages in embezzlement in the performance of his duties to his primordial public-town union. To put your fingers in the till of the government will not unduly burden your conscience and people may well think you are a smart fellow and envy you your opportunities. To steal the funds of the (ethnic) union would offend the public conscience and ostracise you from society.’

The sum of my argument today is that the challenge confronting Nigeria, especially corruption, is a cyclical systemic crisis. In the short term, the solution to this crisis is simple but elusive. It is as simple and elusive as requesting President Bola Tinubu to done the garb of a radical reformer. For instance a President with the mentality of issuing an executive order that within a year all federal government motor vehicles should be sourced from Nigerian car manufacturers. To survive Nigeria needs a shock therapy.

For the mid to the long term perspective a massive constitutional reforms towards the reinstatement of ‘true’ federalism is inevitable. The challenge of this is that no status quo power, including the incumbent president, would want to work for the diminution of the awesome powers of the Nigerian President. By the same logic, the constituency with the strongest vested interest in the status quo would oppose such a political reform. All this looks like committing class suicide. Yet nothing less will do at the stage Nigeria finds itself.

Frederick Lugard