FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Lokpobiri: FG Will Rekindle Divesting IOCs’ Interest in Oil Sector

We have surpassed revenue projections, says Komolafe N68bn NUPRC building set for inauguration in August 2024

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday, assured that with the renewed drive to create the right business environment

in the country, the Bola Tinubu administration would ensure the interest of divesting oil companies was renewed in the sector.

Lokpobiri spoke when he paid a visit to the headquarters of the Gbenga Komolafe-led Nigerian

Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as well as the ongoing multi-storey permanent site of the commission in Abuja. The minister stated that the concerns raised by the operators,

especially in the area of security, were being addressed. He expressed the hope that once the requests of the international oil companies (IOCs) were met, they would have no need to exit the country.

Lokpobiri stated, “We are already reassuring investors in the sector that this is a new government of renewed hope and we've held series of meetings with the operators in the industry.

“They raised concerns. One

of them is security. We're also trying to address the security concerns that they have. That was why myself, my colleagues, the Minister of Defence and the

Continued on page 5

Interior Minister Orders Clearance of over 200,000 Passport Backlogs within Two Weeks... Page 5

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Excitement in Ondo as Akeredolu Returns from Medical Leave... Page 17

I Was So Excited By Verdict, I Couldn’t Sleep, Says Tinubu

Akeredolu, Oyebanji, Akpabio, Yahaya, Bago, Abdulrazaq, Afenifere, others commend tribunal

Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, Fidelis David in Akure, Gbenga

Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Wale Igbintade in Lagos President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, disclosed that he was so excited

by the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which affirmed his election, that he could not sleep on Wednesday night.

Tinubu told his audience in India, where he was attending the G20 meetings, that Wednesday night was “a night of great expectations”. He said he was “waiting

anxiously to see if my job was secured or not”.

“So, from that, out of the excitement of the victory, I couldn’t sleep,” he added.

The president, who apologised for attending the meeting late, said, “When I looked at the time and

Continued on page 5

Judgement Fundamentally Flawed, Say Atiku, Obi, Head to Supreme Court

Ex-VP insists ruling has thrown nation into more confusion

Former Anambra governor vows to exhaust entire legal process

Story on page 5

JUDGEMENT UNJUST...

Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the last election, Mr Peter Obi in his house in Onitsha, rejecting the PEPC judgement delivered on Wednesday. Photo David Chyddy

DEPLOYMENT OF TECHNOLOGY HEAVILY COMPROMISED...

L-R: Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Damagum; presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 General Election, Atiku Abubakar and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara at the press conference held at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja … yesterday

Interior Minister Orders Clearance of over 200,000 Passport Backlogs within Two Weeks

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has given a marching order to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), demanding the swift clearance of over 200,000 pending international passport applications in two weeks.

The minister, gave the order during a meeting with top government officials, the Acting Comptroller General, Caroline Adepoju, and the Managing Director of Iris Smart Technologies, a third-party company in charge of the production of passport booklets.

The order was in furtherance to his promise to remove bottlenecks in the acquisition of passports and other immigration documents. There had been age-long delays

in the processing and enrolment of passports in Nigeria, which brought frustration for citizens, causing significant delays in obtaining crucial travel documents.

The minister had said having to deal with about 200,000 backlogs calls for national emergency.

At the meeting, the minister was quoted to have said: “As far as I am concerned, the issue of passport is a national emergency. I keep getting emails daily from Nigerians complaining. We cannot continue like that.

“It has become an embarrassment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I represent him here as your minister. That embarrassment is mine now. I am not changing my words. I need the backlog cleared in two weeks.”

During the meeting, Adepoju,

I WAS SO EXCITED BY VERDICT I COULDN’T SLEEP, SAYS TINUBU

the time difference between Nigeria and India is another problem. Then, my phone won’t stop ringing until I switched off very late afternoon.

“So, it was a very challenging day after; that was a hangover that I enjoyed and hope we all appreciate why we are starting late. Please forgive us.”

Addressing the audience of prospective investors, Tinubu said, “We are here not to talk politics, but to present a future to you. The future of a country that is so rich, endowed, highly populated, very dynamic and unique in its culture. We are unique in our tradition, unique in our ethnicity, a country that we are determined to make its prosperity possible if only we use that God-given diversity for the prosperity of Nigerians.

“And we are sure to do that. That is what I am standing here to assure you. We are not in doubt; we can do it. And you heard the names of people that I mentioned, many of them are here in their private jets.”

Meanwhile, more and more Nigerians from different walks of life continued to react to Wednesday’s ruling by PEPT, which affirmed Tinubu’s victory, with a majority of them commending the decision of the court.

AFENIFERE

A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, quoted Leader of Afenifere Worldwide, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as expressing delight at the victory of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the tribunal.

Afenifere stated that the judgement, which further validated the electoral victory of February 25, should be seen not only as an indication of growing democracy in the country, but also a challenge to the present administration to actualise various promises contained in the Renewed Hope manifesto presented to Nigerians in 2022 and 2023.

The statement quoted Fasoranti as saying, “As I indicated in my congratulatory message, when you, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was declared winner of this year’s presidential election, your victory raises a lot of hope and you cannot afford to fail Nigerians.

"Incidentally, your manifesto on how to reset Nigeria resonates with my vision for having a Nigeria of which we all would be proud – as I mentioned to you on the two occasions you visited me last year in Akure. Going by the steps you have taken so far, I believe that you

and Managing Director, Iris Smart Technologies, Yinka Fisher, assured the minister that all necessary resources and measures would be deployed to ensure the expedited processing of the pending passport applications.

Adepoju, disclosed that though the number of enrolment as of Thursday morning spilled into 200,000 across the country, the agency had been able to secure

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

are setting the country on a sound footing for progress.”

The Afenifere leader was, however, quick to add that the pains occasioned by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy should be smoothened as quickly as possible so that Nigerians could begin to enjoy life more abundant and good welfare that they deserve.

AKEREDOLU

Ailing Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), describing it as a revalidation of the people’s mandate and the renewed hope agenda of the administration.

Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said, “This judgement has again deepened our nation’s jurisprudence and solidified our commitment to democratic values.

“As true democrats, we must embrace the tents of democracy, which also encompass post-election litigations. Our struggle for service must also fuel our reverence for democratic values. The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has dispensed Justice. Now is the time to come together and build our nation.

“The renewed hope drive of President Tinubu is anchored on assurance of a paradigm shift. The result of the February 25 presidential poll, upheld by the tribunal, represents the will of majority of Nigerians, who voted massively for the APC.

“Our judiciary has again lived up to expectations. It has reaffirmed our belief that it remains the last hope of the masses. We must collectively commend the pivotal role our judiciary has played in enriching our democracy and upholding justice.

“Notwithstanding our days in court, we urge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to sheath their swords and join hands with the president to develop the country.”

OYEBANJI, BAMIDELE

Ekiti State Governor Biodun

Oyebanji congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court, which upheld his February 25 election, saying the verdict has confirmed Tinubu as the choice of the majority of Nigerians.

Likewise, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, hailed the judiciary for upholding the rule of law over emotions by

enough booklets to clear the backlog.

The minister told both the IRIS team and officers of the NIS that he receives updates on passport enrolments on a daily basis. He said: “I get daily report on enrolment from NIS on my phone. This is my best way to be in the know of the situation. Nigerians deserve the best. It is their right to own a passport if

they can afford it.

“We will also ensure that our debts are cleared by November. My position remains that the delay in the process of obtaining the passport must end.”

The minister also held a strategic meeting with the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji; the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; the

Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi.

In the meeting, the Minister issued a directive for the creation of a practical and executable roadmap that entails timelines, approach, deliverables, and methodology.

The directive, according to the Minister, must be fulfilled within a four-week timeframe.

SAY ATIKU, OBI, HEAD TO SUPREME COURT

The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 general election, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, yesterday, expressed dissatisfaction with Wednesday’s judgement by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), and indicated their desire to appeal at the Supreme Court.

Atiku, who addressed a world press conference to declare his decision to go to the Supreme Court, said the judgement was fundamentally flawed.

Obi, who also rejected the judgement of the election court, insisted that he would exhaust every legal process available to him.

But Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, advised both Atiku and Obi against appealing the judgement, and alleged that they had no ground to appeal the ruling of the election tribunal.

However, according to Atiku, "My decision to go to court is anchored in my belief that the court is the sanctuary of justice. The journey of my political career, as you know, holds so much to the courage and fearless decisions of our judiciary.

"Indeed, I am no stranger to legal battles, and I can say that I have a fair idea of how the court system works. All through my career as a politician, I have been a fighter, and I must say that I have found the judiciary as a worthy pillar to rest on in the pursuit of justice.

"The last presidential election in our country and the way it was managed by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, leaves behind unenviable precedents, which I believe the courts have a duty to redress.

"Our gains in ensuring transparent

National Security Adviser (NSA), recently, went to see things for ourselves.

“Every day, sometimes we wake up by 2am when there are concerns, security concerns and we address them. We want to use the opportunity to re-emphasise the commitment of government to do whatever we can to rekindle the interests of the IOCs.

“Once we address these concerns, they will come back. They cannot go away from us. They have been here for 60 years, and they know that Nigeria is the best investment destination.

“That is why we are saying that agencies that are regulating the sector need to have all the tools they need to work, so that nobody will complain that we're not creating the enabling environment for them.

“But we are doing whatever we can and they know that this is the new government of renewed commitments and we will do whatever we can to regain their confidence and they will come back when those things are in place.”

On the NUPRC building,

elections through the deployment of technology was heavily compromised by INEC in the way it managed the last presidential election, and I am afraid that the judgement of the court, as rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, yesterday (Wednesday), failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations.

"Like I did say at the beginning of this legal battle, when I instructed my lawyers to file my petition challenging the outcome of the presidential election, my ultimate goal in this pursuit is to ensure that democracy is further strengthened through the principles and processes of fair hearing.

"I take great pains to tell you that the decision of the court of first instance on this matter utterly falls far short of that expectation. I am, therefore, here to tell you that, though the judgement of the court yesterday (Wednesday) is respected, it is a judgement that I refuse to accept.

"I refuse to accept the judgement because I believe that it is bereft of substantial justice. However, the disappointment in the verdict of the court can never destroy my confidence in the judiciary."

Atiku said, "Consequently, I have asked my lawyers to activate my constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the higher court, which, in the instance, is the Supreme Court.

"It is my conviction that the electoral process in Nigeria should be devoid of untidy manipulations and that the outcome of every election should be a perfect reflection of the wishes of the electorate. I believe that such is the only way through which our democracy can have a manifest expression of its true meaning.

“Whether I prevail in this quest or not, the record of my effort in ensuring an order of credible elections in Nigeria shall remain for

Lokpobiri explained that the Nigerian economy was largely dependent on oil, pointing out that there is the need to provide a conducive environment for the workers of the commission.

He stated, “I've been briefed by the contractor. They raised a few concerns. We're going to walk through that. And we believe that when this building is completed, to whom much is given, much will be expected. They're already doing so much, despite the very difficult working environment.”

Although delayed, the minister said he was glad that steady progress was being made on the building project.

In his remarks, the commission’s Chief Executive, Komolafe, noted that in terms of revenue generation, as of July, the commission had surpassed 50 per cent of its revenue generation target for the year and that in the last three years it had always been meeting and surpassing revenue projections.

He added NUPRC was also focused on increasing the oil and gas reserves in the country, which

the future generations to evaluate."

Similarly, the acting national chairman of PDP, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, said, "The judgement of the PEPT, which came out yesterday, left lovers of democracy in and outside the country, more confused with a lot of questions whether the Nigerian constitution, Electoral Act, and other laws guiding the conduct of credible election in our country are still functional.

"Close observation from the faces of Nigeria across the country show hopelessness and despair since the pronouncement of the judgement. Lawyers, politicians and other stakeholders from all divides were left confused, as both law and facts were visibly thrown overboard.

"As a law abiding political party, we receive the judgement with shock along with other Nigerians. Members should, however, not lose focus or be distracted."

Damagum announced the reactivation of the national campaign committee of the party in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states.

Obi, speaking at a press briefing in Onitsha, Anambra State, disagreed with the judgement, but praised the panel for delivering their judgement in the stipulated time frame.

He stated, "In my capacity as a presidential candidate and on behalf of the Labour Party, we will immediately challenge this judgement through the appellate process, as permitted by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The PEPC is not the ultimate authority in this matter, the responsibility now rests with the Supreme Court, which I have confidence in. I urge Nigerians to maintain their focus, steadfastness, and commitment to peaceful processes. This matter has not yet reached its logical conclusion."

Obi revealed that his legal team had already received firm instructions to file an appeal against PEPC's decision. He said his pursuit of

currently was about 37 billion barrels of oil and 208 TCF of gas.

Komolafe pointed out that the commission was stepping up the transparency of hydrocarbon accounting, to ensure that every barrel was properly accounted for.

He said NUPRC was floating 82 Host Community Development Trusts to serve as a platform for implementation of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure peace in the host oil communities.

According to him, “We are trying to ensure a reduction in the unit cost of production targeted at ensuring that the Nigeria upstream is attractive to investors because investors normally would prefer where there is a good rate of return on investment. So reducing the unit cost of will make our jurisdiction an investment destination."

On the current status of the building project, he stated that the contract was executed in 2021, and was being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, with a total cost of N68.5 billion. He added that the completion date was now

justice was not only for himself but also for the multitude of supporters across the country, whose electoral mandate was unjustly thwarted by INEC.

Obi underscored the pivotal role of solid national institutions and public confidence in them in a thriving democracy, pointing out that electoral litigations can be significantly reduced if INEC discharges its statutory functions transparently and fairly.

However, when such bodies falter, as he said INEC did in the last presidential election, the judiciary becomes an imperative recourse.

He extended his gratitude to every Nigerian, who had supported the cause and the campaign for a New Nigeria built on principles of fairness, equity, justice, the rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainable growth, and development.

Obi thanked his legal team, LP, the “Obidient” Family, and all those who steadfastly attended the court proceedings. He concluded his message with a blessing for all Nigerians and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said, "I will exhaust the process before I can think otherwise. I respect the process. I'm a process person, and what we are going through is what will unite us. You cannot use a wrong premise to make things."

Bello Advises Atiku, Obi against Appeal

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State advised Atiku and Obi against appealing the judgement of the presidential election tribunal, saying there is no ground for appeal. Speaking with newsmen, yesterday, after meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at State House, Abuja, Bello said the justices were very thorough in their ruling

Continued on page 17

set for August 2024.

Komolafe said, “The mode of payment is bifurcated: it has the forex and the local component and it is 65 per cent forex and 35 per cent local. So at the moment, the project is on and has attained up to the 11th floor.”

The project manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Luis Sousa, listed inflation, naira devaluation, and the effect of Covid-19 as some of the challenges that the project faced.

Sousa explained that due to the Russian-Ukraine crisis, the supply chain of some materials was disrupted.

Principal Partner, Artec Practice Limited, Taofik Popoola, in an overview of the project, said the site installation and mobilisation had recorded 100 per cent, planning and design 95 per cent, construction 96 per cent, and procurement 48 per cent.

Popoola also listed the challenges to include: the pandemic, increase in prices of materials, and devaluation of the naira, which was N385 to the dollar at the time the contract was signed, among others.

COURTESY VISIT TO THE MINISTRY OF POLICE AFFAIRS...

L-R: Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani- Gwarzo and Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the governor's courtesy visit to the Ministry of Police Affairs... yesterday

Tinubu: Nigeria's Leadership, Public Sector Mgt

Vacuum Informed My Running for President

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has explained what spurred him to run for the nation's number one seat, saying the clear leadership and public sector management deficit at the centre informed throwing his hat into

Nigeria leadership ring.

Speaking during an interactive session with Nigerians studying in India, yesterday, the president, according to a release issued by his Media Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, told the meeting that he ran for the highest office in the country because

of the fact that, despite the great human and natural resource wealth of the nation, the leadership and public sector management deficit in the country held Nigeria back from manifest destiny.

His words: "We are not poor in knowledge. We are not poor in

human resources. We are only poor in management and leadership, and that is why I ran for president, to help all of us mould the soul of our country in the right direction."

Reflecting on the trajectory of his life, which prepared him for leadership, Tinubu told the meeting

Umahi Kicks against Inflation of Ozalla-Isu-Onitsha Bridges by 400%

Orders contractors to move to site in seven days or risk termination

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has rejected the inflation of the 3 kilometres Ozalla-Isu-Onitsha road and bridges by 400 per cent from N3 billion, by his own estimation, to N15 billion.

The minister who spoke during an inspection tour of some major federal roads in the South-east, stated that the contract will be reviewed by the current administration to ensure it is not inflated.

A statement by the Director of Information, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Blessing Lere-Adams, quoted Umahi as expressing shock over the development, stressing that it will also in some way, impact the contractors negatively.

“Umahi frowned on the costing of Ozalla-Isu-Onitsha and additional 3 kilometre bridges to N15 billion, he instructed that the work be brought back to be looked at," the statements noted.

The minister explained that contractors will usually be left behind when their budget is too expensive, whereas available resources are low, pointing out that it is also unhealthy for the contractor.

“I saw the road leading to Ozalla-Isu-Onitsha. I'm very shocked that four bridges and 3 kilometres additional road is said to be costing N15 billion, I believe strongly that there's no other way it will cost us more than N3 billion to N4 billion.

"What I want to do is that when a budget is too expensive and budgeting process is very low, the contractors can stay aside like what we are witnessing, (for) 10 to 15 years.

“It's not healthy for the contractor,

because he is losing money on equipment and maintaining the work. For Ogbulafor-Okalagun roads, it was awarded in 2010, the whole shoulders are gone," he noted.

The minister also visited the rehabilitation of outstanding section of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

Umahi stated that he was pushing forward with his advocacy for the use of concrete technology because it comes with a whole lot of benefits, including durability of over 50 years.

In addition, he stated that such roads will take a long time before they will require maintenance as compared to bitumen imported into the country that is sub-standard.

According to him, while bitumen cannot stand the number of expected years, it's cheaper to build concrete roads with locally sourced materials .

"I have looked at the cost of ‘bindal’ and the wearing costs on our roads. It is safer doing it on concrete, it's going to be cheaper.

Niger Cat is doing it. That's why I directed that the right side of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway be done on concrete," he stated.

He also directed that the second carriage way of the Enugu Section lll-Port-Harcourt Expressway by Messrs CGC Nig Ltd should be constructed with concrete. "we are safer on concrete in the South-east and that's what we are going to be doing," he added.

He noted that the fight to ensure the use of concrete technology in road construction in the country remains a continuous one.

Earlier, the contractor while explaining the work, said it will be completed by April 2025, explaining

that there was no problem of funding.

Meanwhile, Umahi has directed the contractors working on federal roads in the South-east region to concentrate on the completion of carriageways first before working on the ‘spurs’ to ensure the speedy completion of the projects for use.

He made the declaration at the inspection of the construction of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra states by MTN Nigeria, the rehabilitation of Old Enugu–Onitsha Road (Opi Junction – Ukehe – Okpatu – Awhum, Abor –Udi – Oji to Anambra border and many other road projects.

The minister ordered that the remaining portion of the roads still under construction be done using concrete pavement, saying that the quality of bitumen in use was adulterated and of low quality.

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Exploration and Production (NNPC E&P) and the Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) have offered scholarships to over 342 students in Akwa-Ibom State.

Addressing journalists at an event in Akwa-Ibom, yesterday, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Akwa Ibom State, Anietie Etuk, said, quality education helps to shape the future of children.

According to him, creating a supportive and conducive learning environment for host communities would pave the

“ I will allow the portions already laid with asphalt, but the failing road shoulder should be replaced with concrete carriage. I know what I am saying. The quality of bitumen in this country is low and adulterated.

“We will not give up the fight till we get to the level where after construction, the road stays for 30 – 50 years before we talk of maintenance,” he said.

Umahi maintained that the use of concrete technology in road construction was cheaper, safer and reduces the long time contractors have to stay on site trying to patch failed portions after project completion.

“With the use of concrete pavement ,no one goes back to check if the road is failing or not because road failure when concrete is in use is laughable.

that was attended by several Nigerian students studying in India, that with dedication, honesty, determination, and a change of mindset, they could reach for the top in their respective careers.

According to him: "Good education brought me here and I am happy to stand before you here as the President of Nigeria. I started small. I was a security guard. I was tutor in school. I was a brilliant student. I joined Deloitte and was trained by one of the biggest accounting firms in the world, because of my education.

"When I joined them, I asked them, do you have branches in Nigeria and they said, 'we have a lot of clients that will take you, if you want to go home.' That's how I got to Exxon Mobil and was a very successful accountant, auditor-general, and treasurer, until I joined politics with a can-do attitude.

"You can also do it; do not be despondent in any way. Nigeria is ready to accommodate all. It does not matter which part of Nigeria you are from," the president further said.

Tinubu, who is currently in India for the G-20 Summit, also shared his conviction with Nigerians by calling on them to harness the country's rich diversity as a uniquely powerful tool for advancing prosperity and national development for the benefit of all citizens.

He emphasised that Nigeria's

diversity must be leveraged to drive economic growth, innovation, and social progress.

The president said: "We are here to present a new future to you. A future of a country that is so rich, endowed, and highly populated. Very dynamic, unique in its culture, tradition, and ethnicity. That is what will make our prosperity possible, if only we can make use of our diversity for prosperity."

Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, while addressing the students, explained that Tinubu's foreign policy thrust included four Ds, with one of them being Diaspora, which focuses on improving the quality of services that Nigerians in the Diaspora receive at Nigerian Missions abroad.

He said: "The issue of passport delays will be a thing of the past. You won't have to wait indefinitely for your passports to be ready. Secondly, you are the first point of contact between Nigerians and other countries.

“We can't grow beyond what our people project. That is why it is very important for you to project a consistently positive image of Nigeria online and off-line".

On his part, Business magnate, Mr. Tony Elumelu, told newsmen that Nigeria was the best place to invest and that a bet on Nigerians would be one of the best bets anyone could ever make, citing Nigerian success in all countries of the world.

Offer Scholarships to 342 Students

way for a better life.

He maintained that education was the bedrock for progress in the host communities, adding that scholarships contribute to social, cultural, and intellectual development.

He emphasised that providing access to quality education was significant to unlocking newer opportunities, giving students the requisite confidence, which consequently would help them to broaden their horizons.

Regarding the scholarship, Etuk, said, "the companies offered scholarships to 342 students from 15 higher institutions, which included final-year students, professionals, and students with special

needs."

He noted that 20 sets of dual desks for ten schools in Onna LGA, Akwa Ibom, distributed at the event would further deepen education within the community.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of Onna LGA, Iniabasi Ekanem, said, “Financial stability comes with a strong educational background, and this event is important because it offers the much-needed support to the students to develop their skill sets and excel in life.”

Speaking at the event, the Base Manager, NOSL, Mr.Ubong Etti, said, “Students are our leaders and workforce of tomorrow, and nurturing their knowledge through a

good educational system will help the communities in the long run.

"NNPC E&P and NOSL have continued to bridge the learning gap in host communities by encouraging students with scholarships. In the quest to create sustainable communities, both companies strive to demonstrate their commitment to providing a holistic educational environment."

Commending the companies, a representative of the Paramount Ruler of Onna and the Village Head of Ikwe, Chief Robinson Inyang, praised their efforts to offer the scholarship opportunities to their children.

Says nation's diversity of talent, culture will shape its prosperity Nigeria, best place to invest, Elumelu declares

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF STOCKBROKERS NATIONAL WORKSHOP...

Salako: Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan to Gulp $1.9tn in Spending

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Iziaq Salako, yesterday, said Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan would require $1.9 trillion in spending up to the year 2060, including $410 billion above business-as-usual spending.

This additional financing requirement, he disclosed, translates to about $10 billion per annum but average international financing flows to Nigeria for clean energy have been about $655 million per year over the past decade.

Similarly, Salako explained that the unconditional target in Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) required $17.7 billion in investments annually.

The minister made the disclosure to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; shortly after arriving from the inaugural AU Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya

Salako, who delivered the president's speech at the event said: "We designed an ambitious Energy Transition Plan to achieve universal access to energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060 while prioritising industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth.

"Significantly, our plan helps to crystallise the scale of resources needed to deliver climate targets, so that the current financial flows will not suffice."

He further added: "We have been established that developed world contribute to the problem of climate change, the solution is in Africa and for the first time, Africa was able to speak with one voice and come out with the Nairobi declaration which talks a lot about the need for developed world to treat Africa as one.

“Not just given handouts or aids but more or less paying for what they have caused in terms of supporting green transitions,

Oyetola: Ministry of Marine, Blue Economy to Engage Customs for Improved Productivity

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

As part of his efforts to enhance productivity, create jobs and raise the revenue profile of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, has hinted that the ministry would engage Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen its activities for greater productivity.

Oyetola said the partnership would help to resolve issues surrounding the over 4000 containers and over 3000 vehicles abandoned at the nation's ports.

This was even as the minister rounded off his facility tour to some of the agencies and departments under his ministry after his visits to the office of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) and Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Lekki Deep Seela Port, all in Lagos, Lagos State.

Oyetola noted that the collaboration with the NCS would not only profitable, but would go a long way to build a synergy for the growth and development of

the duo. He said proper modality would be put in place on how the said containers and abandoned vehicles that had occupied space would be addressed to pave way for adequate revenue generation at the country's ports. The erstwhile Osun Governor who had earlier interacted with the management and members of staff of the agencies, said no stone would be left unturned to ensure the actualisation of the set objectives of the newly-created ministry.

In the course of his visit to the NSC, Oyetola promised that the ministry would work towards addressing all the issues raised and strengthen the capacity of the Council.

Similarly, at the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Oyetola encouraged the management to ensure high maintenance of the facilities in their custody.

He, therefore, commended the Lagos State government for investing in the project that has huge revenue potential for both the state and the nation at large.

green jobs, energy transition to more sustainable ones and that is in general terms for Africa.

"For Nigeria, we were able to establish that the bold step taken by President Tinubu to remove subsidy from fossil fuel is not just

an economic decision because if you look at the data, you will find out between when the subsidy was removed and now, consumption of fossil fuel has gone down by almost 30 percent and if you quantify that in terms of emissions, it is running

into millions of tons that we have been able to reduce.

"So, Africa leaders have been able to declare that removal of fuel subsidy is a survival decision and it has helped Nigeria to refocus as we are now exploring alternatives."

Continuing, he maintained that continentally, Africa has been able to put together and show that the issue of climate that Africa is bearing the brunt of a climate crisis which is a creation of the developed world.

World Bank, IMF Pledge to Support Countries in Addressing Climate Change, Debt, Digitalisation

Dike Onwuamaeze

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have declared that they have a critical role to play in helping their member-countries address challenges occasioned by climate change, growing public debt and digital transition.

They also noted that growth in the world economy has slowed, with the medium-term outlook at its weakest in over three decades while progress in poverty reduction has come to a halt.

They blamed these on rapidly changing economic environment that was characterised by succession of shocks that had weakened the global economic outlook and left many countries vulnerable.

The two Bretton Woods institutions made this pledge yesterday in a joint statement issued by the Managing Director of IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, and President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, in which they acknowledged that the institutions have a pivotal role in supporting countries through these challenging and transformational times with their expansive expertise and global membership.

Commenting on debt

vulnerabilities, the World Bank and the IMF said the, “current context of elevated debt vulnerabilities gives renewed urgency to intensified collaboration, building and leveraging on our respective areas of expertise.

“We will enhance our joint work to help prevent further build-up of debt vulnerabilities, assisting countries to strengthen debt management and transparency and public finances, while improving the joint Low Income Country Debt Sustainability Framework to better account for current challenges.

“We will also deepen our support to creditors and debtors engaged in a debt restructuring and will work further with our partners to improve restructuring processes, including under the Common Framework, building on the work we launched at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.”

The statement read: “The world confronts significant economic challenges, the existential threat of climate change as well as a digital transition, all in the context of more frequent shocks, high debt levels, limited policy space in many countries and rising geopolitical tensions.

“Well-designed and appropriately

sequenced policies are critical to help accelerate growth, alleviate policy trade-offs, and support the green and digital transitions.

“The Bretton Woods institutions have a critical role to play to help member countries address the challenges and leverage the opportunities, working closely together and with partners.

“The world confronts major transformational challenges and more frequent shocks at a time of rising economic and geopolitical tensions.

“Growth in the world economy has slowed, with the medium-term outlook at its weakest in over three decades. Progress in poverty reduction has come to a halt. Conflict and fragility are on the rise.”

“The world,” according to the statement, “is facing geo-economic fragmentation, extreme natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, and increasing levels of public debt.”

They also admitted that rapid digitalisation and technological transformations are creating new challenges and opportunities, adding that “with well-designed and appropriately sequenced reforms, the digital and green transitions can

bring tremendous economic, social and environmental gains, and add to welfare and prosperity.”

The joint statement declared that “the Bretton Woods institutions, with their universal membership and specialist expertise, are well placed to make a critical contribution to help countries tackle these challenges.

“The challenges are too great for individual actors to address. International financial institutions, national governments, philanthropic foundations, as well as the private sector, must work together.

“The fund and the bank, working jointly, can play a key catalytic role in this broader collective effort, as they have done in the past.”

The Bretton Woods institutions were established in 1944 to help rebuild a world economy that was devastated by global depression and war.

They noted that, “as the world economy has changed over the past 80 years, the Bank and the Fund have continued to adapt and worked closely together to serve their members’ needs.

“We are committed to enhancing our collaboration to deliver tangible benefits for people, businesses, and institutions of our member countries.

Customs Axes Banks Over Non-remittance of Duties, Statutory Charges

James Emejo in Abuja

The acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday approved the deactivation of Authorised Dealer Banks engaged by the service for revenue collection, over their failure to remit customs duties and statutory charges.

The decision followed a thorough audit and due process evaluation in line of customs commitment to upholding transparency,

accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection. The primary objective was to ensure the accurate and timely remittance of customs duties and other essential funds for national development.

However, in a statement issued by customs spokesman, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada, despite the deactivation of the affected banks, the Comptroller General has implemented measures to minimise disruptions for importers and stakeholders within

the trading ecosystem. He advised importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments to utilise other dealer banks that comply with NCS regulations.

He also advised stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank to use alternatives that function appropriately.

The deactivated banks would however, have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and

settle outstanding remittances, the statement added Maiwada, also noted that collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders were underway to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the customs duty collection system. According to him, the NCS places a priority on trade facilitation, putting stakeholders and Nigerian citizens first, even in the face of non-compliance by some authorised dealer banks.

L-R: Second Vice President Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Fiona Ahimie; Executive Commissioner Corporate Service, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ibrahim Boyi; Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Senator Osita Izunaso; President (CIS) , Mr Oluwole Adeosun; Vice President (CIS ) , Oluropo Dada; with Registrar CIS, Josiah Akerewusi; during the 2023 Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers National Workshop in Abuja yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

MOU SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN NEWGLOBE EDUCATION AND NGF...

Danbatta: Nigeria’s Telecoms Contribution to GDP Now 16%

Telcos call for upward review of telecoms’ tariff, regulatory independence

Emma

Okonji

The telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which cited a recent report released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this in his keynote address delivered at the Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF), hosted by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, yesterday.

According to Danbatta, from

a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record.

Danbatta, while speaking on the theme: ‘Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations,’ said the Nigerian economy witnessed tremendous growth in broadband penetration since 2015.

“From about eight per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when I came on board as the EVC of NCC, quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent and that

FG Launches Five-year Plan to Boost Potato Production

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The federal government has launched a five-year national strategic plan to boost potato production in Nigeria.

Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the government's goal was to stimulate economic growth through various agricultural value chain activities.

The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, added that the agricultural value chain activities would create employment opportunities and improved livelihoods for the teeming youths and women.

Kyari, stated that implementing the National Potato Strategy from 2023 to 2028, would follow in the footsteps of the Rice policy to usher in an era of productive competitiveness in the Nigerian potato industry.

The minister, who observed that potato could be commercially grown in 12 states of the federation which hold well for the activities of many stakeholders, added that, “the essence of this strategy is to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security with a view to catalysing the rapid transformation of the Nigerian potato sector into a commercially viable sub-sector of the agricultural value chains as a major export product.”

He added, “The Ministry is aware of the challenges in the agricultural sector and necessary

measures are being taken to address them accordingly. And that is why the ministry is embarking on massive production, processing, value addition, and product development to be the bedrock for driving our industries.

“This launching couldn’t have been better timed, following President’s recent directive on the intensification of crop production.

I have no doubt that the Nigerian Potato industry has the potential to become globally competitive given the country’s strong comparative advantage in production.”

On his part, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, thanked the federal government for its efforts at boosting food production in the country.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bugama Samson, the governor who described the state as a home of potato production in the country assured that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the five-year national potato strategic plan achieves success in the state He said, “We will make sure that the goal of putting the resources together comes to fruition.”

The official launch of the five-year national potato strategic plan in Jos attracted several stakeholders in the country's agricultural sectors, including National Potato Multi-Stakeholders Forum, GIZ, National Agricultural Seed Council, and National Root Crop Research Institute officials.

this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the eco “Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy.

“The effective regulatory regime emplaced by the NCC and with the support from all stakeholders has been our major success factor as an industry,” Danbatta added.

He stated that while there were barriers to broadband deployment in the country, ranging from the issue of right of way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other challenges, the NCC was navigating regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy, security concerns with firmness and increased collaborations with necessary stakeholders such as ATCON to create measures towards tackling the challenges.

On the RoW challenge, the EVC

said there were about 46 different taxes directed at the telecom sector at the moment. Such charges and levels, coming in various names, were imposed on telecom operators by some agencies and tiers of government, especially at the state and local levels.

The challenge translates into greater economic burdens on telecom subscribers in the country, Danbatta said.

Speaking about connectivity, Danbatta said: “Over the years, we have identified some clusters of access gaps all over the country but we have recorded a significant drop in the number of access gaps, as we continue to drive initiatives that boost access to telecommunications services."

According to him, the commission does this by enlisting government commitment to a digital economy with robust policy frameworks, promotion of investment and funding, stimulation of infrastructure development, digital inclusion and literacy, promotion of competition

and market liberalisation, effective allocation of spectrum, as well as driving the e-government ecosystem.

President of ATCON, Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, in his opening remarks, said, the forum was put together to promote discussions on critical national infrastructure as a strategy to attract further investments in the telecoms sector, as well as discuss key challenges facing the telecoms sector, with a view to proffering solutions to identified challenges.

Meanwhile, telecoms operators have again called for an upward review of telecoms tariff, insisting that the current cost in telecoms service offerings was no longer sustainable.

They also stressed the need for the total independence of the telecoms regulator, the NCC, to enable it implement policies that would further develop the sector.

The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, who made the calls

during his goodwill message at the forum, said there was urgent need for the NCC to consider upward review of telecoms tariff, if the sector must survive and continue to provide quality services, while still maintaining its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Since the inception of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) in 2001, telecoms' tariff has never been increased. Telecoms' sector is the only sector where the cost of delivering services continues to drop, while the cost of goods and services in other sectors of the economy continues to rise.

“The present cost of delivering telecoms services is no longer sustainable, hence the urgent need for the upward review of telecoms tariff. There is also an urgent need for the total independence of the NCC, to enable it as a regulator, implement policies that will fast track development in the telecoms sector,” Adebayo said.

Nigeria Advised to Take Advantage of Debtfor-Climate Swaps to Exit Financial Woes

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria has been advised to take advantage of the Debt-for-Climate Swaps financing mechanism to exit its present financial woes as over $3.7 billion could be generated annually for the next six years by embracing the system.

Speaking at a report dissemination event in Abuja, with theme: “Towards Reconciling Economic and Debt Management Policies with Gender and Climate Objectives in Nigeria,” the Chief Economist at the Development Bank of Nigeria, Plc, Prof. Joseph Nnanna, lamented that Nigeria had found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the twin challenges of climate change and a mounting debt profile.

nanna while stating that Nigeria was not alone in this quagmire, stressed that: ‘Our country, Nigeria like many others, is witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change - rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.

“The shrinking Lake Chad is a stark reminder of the threats to our food and water security, as well as our broader socio-economic

development. Yet, limited financing options due to our debt crisis have left us at a crossroads. Despite financial limitations, urgent action is needed to combat climate change.’

He lamented that: “Our public debt has been increasing at an alarming rate, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated our debt sustainability risks. To ensure economic growth and stability, we must reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and develop green-oriented industries.

“So, what’s the solution?

Debt-for-climate swaps offer a promising way forward as noted in the research conducted. This innovative financing mechanism involves exchanging debt service payments for commitments to invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes of which by redirecting resources towards climate initiatives, Nigeria can effectively tackle climate change while alleviating its debt burden.”

He added that: “Research indicates that Nigeria's vulnerability to climate change and debt distress make this approach compelling. We find ourselves in a unique position where we can use debt swaps to free up significant resources - over $3.7

billion, to be exact - annually for the next six years. If the entire eligible debt is successfully swapped, it would generate an average of nearly $300 million annually over the next six years.”

He noted that: “These funds can be channeled towards achieving our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and promoting green ventures, such as sustainable public transportation of which the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) submitted in 2021 estimates a financing requirement of $177 billion from 2021 to 2030 to be able to meet the conditional target of cutting current emissions by 50 per cent before 2030.”

He explained that: “The concept of debt swaps is not new, but its application in the context of climate and development is quite innovative. Through strategic debtfor-development swaps, Nigeria can unlock additional resources of up to US$11 billion.

“These funds, currently tied up in debt obligations, can be redirected towards climate-smart projects and sustainable development initiatives. We can invest in renewable energy projects, improve our infrastructure

to withstand the impacts of climate change, and support local communities in adapting to a changing environment.”

He added that carbon pricing remained one of the most effective policy instruments to facilitate low carbon transition and raise revenue for general fiscal purposes, particularly climate-smart investment, but however decried that despite its potential, Nigeria has no explicit carbon tax policy for greenhouse gas reduction.

He said to facilitate carbon tax policy for Nigeria, there was the need determined the optimal carbon pricing policy for Nigeria by identifying the scope of taxation, determining the regulation point, and ascertaining the optimal tax rate that would result in specific emissions abatement level and generate substantial revenue.

He stressed that: “By implementing a phased carbon tax policy, Nigeria stands to reduce its carbon emissions by up to 2.4 million tonnes annually, and increase revenue estimated at NGN4.3 trillion for investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors essential for our nation's growth and development.”

L-R: Director, media and public affairs, Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Abdulrazaque Barkindo; Chief of Staff to the Director General ( NGF), Juliet Chima; Executive Director strategy (NGF), Abdullateef Shittu; director general ( NGF), Akin-Olusoji Akinyele; Group Managing Director, NewGlobe Education, Asishana Okauru; and director, policy and partnerships, Africa, NewGlobe Education, Kunbi Wuraola, during the MoU signing ceremony between NewGlobe Education and Nigeria Governors' Forum in Abuja….. yesterday

TELECOM EXECUTIVES AND REGULATORS FORUM...

FAAN Begins Relocation of Airlines to New International Terminal at MMIA

Chinedu Eze

In line with the directive of the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed airlines to process their passengers through the new international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

FAAN in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, stated that the expedited relocation to the new international terminal at MMIA was deemed necessary due to the unfortunate fire incident that occurred at the international terminal 1, known as old terminal, on Wednesday.

Keyamo, during his maiden visit to Lagos airport had directed FAAN to relocate airlines to the new international terminal for the shutdown of the old terminal by 1st October, 2023 with a view to improving passenger experience and for total overhaul of the old facility.

The Minister had insisted that the new terminal was being underutilised while the infrastructure at the old terminal had become obsolete and overstretched, adding that FAAAN ought to maximise the utilisation of the new structure, which expectedly would also boost the revenue of the agency.

“We should move and use the new terminal. The new terminal is underutilised. We

Wike Blasts FCDA over Alarming Variations in Contracts

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has excoriated officials of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for allowing variation in contracts leading to unnecessary delay in their completion.

He expressed his anger yesterday, after inspecting ongoing repair works at the Lower Usuma Dam water treatment plant in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.

He described as embarrassing that many contracts awarded several years ago remained completed even after the contracts had been reviewed.

“It is quite unfortunate that while we went to the Gurara road, it is very embarrassing, and this is not what they are going to take. The job was awarded in 2017 at the cost of N20 billion, in 2020 the contract sum was revised to N50 billion.

“As I speak to you, we have paid almost N50 billion, what is outstanding from what the man in charge has said is N900 million, and now the N900 million will not be enough to complete the job that they have done about 90 percent and thereby we move to another variation. This is what we are not going to accept.

“Even the engineering service, we are going to overhaul the entire system. I have never seen a thing like this before in my life.

What you see in FCDA contract variation from N10 billion to

N120 billion, from N50 billion to N200 billion. It is alarming and I am not going to accept it,” Wike said.

He also expressed displeasure that the contract for Usuma Dam, was awarded as an emergency contract only for him to be informed that it had not been awarded fully but just a mere letter of intent to the contractor since August last year.

“We know the importance of this, because it supplies water to our people in the city and this environment.

“Water is very important, so I have directed that it is not an emergency again, if something has happened since last year, you call it an emergency till now, it is no longer an emergency.

“If at all it was an emergency, we are going to start all over, and we are going to supervise the procurement process and we will allow other companies to bid as far as this project is concerned. So, it is alarming.”

The minister said the administration had introduced an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to bind projects to FCT internally generated revenue to enable them at the end of every month know which company to be paid and the duration of the contract.

Wike said IGR will be tied to specific projects to minimise cases of uncompleted projects in the FCT.

spent a lot of money building it and we have to use it. The old terminal is a total eye-sore.

“Since I came into office, I have heard complaints upon complaints. The central air

condition is not working, the carousels are not working, they broke down quite often and the approach into the airport is smelly, it is totally unwelcoming to people coming

into Nigeria and that is the gateway to Nigeria,” the Minister had said.

FAAN in its statement on relocation also stated, “We intend to make this movement

as seamless as possible but we appeal to all travellers to please be at the airport early enough to complete your check-in formalities on time in order not to miss your flights.”

Shaibu to Shettima: Turning Borno State into Hell is Your Only Legacy

The only legacy of VicePresident Kashim Shettima is transforming Borno State from, “the Home of Peace to hell fire,” the Special Assistant on Public Communications to Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, has said.

Shaibu said this in a statement yesterday, in reaction to Shettima’s speech at the Presidential Election Petition Court, adding that Shettima failed abysmally as governor and chief security officer of Borno State.

Shaibu said it was laughable that Shettima who had the most woeful governance record in Nigerian history and could not lift the people of Borno State from poverty was planning on investing in Atiku.

He said, “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have responded to Kashim Shettima since he has an incurable speech deficiency which is so severe that most Nigerians can hardly understand what he says. However, for the sake of the reading public, this response becomes very important.

“He loves to rack lackluster

jokes at every given opportunity. Last year, he said Vice-President Osinbajo should have been an ice cream man instead of a politician. Later on, he said Nigeria needed a leader like Sani Abacha.

“As part of his circus act, he visited the annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in an oversize suit, a pair of sneakers and a poorly knotted tie. Shettima needs to decide if he wants to be a statesman or Baba Sala of blessed memory.

“His behaviour is certainly unbefitting for a man who currently holds the exalted office of Vice-President, even if temporarily.”

Shaibu said it had become Shettima’s stock in trade to deride others because he had nothing worthwhile to say about himself or his principal, Bola Tinubu, whose three months in office have only worsened poverty and inflation.

He added, “Shettima was appointed as commissioner for finance and later became governor of Borno State. Those who brought him had high expectations for him

having come from the banking sector. However, rather than bring prosperity to the people of Borno, he opened the floodgates of terror.

“During his tenure as governor between 2011 and 2019, Borno State was taken over by terrorists completely. He ignored a security report about an impending attack on Chibok which ultimately led to the abduction of over 250 schoolgirls.

“Specifically, the head of WAEC’s National Office in Nigeria, Charles Eguridu, stated in 2014 that WAEC had informed Shettima about the danger of holding exams in Chibok and advised that the students be relocated to Maidguri which was relatively safer. Shettima refused to relocate the students and they were abducted, half of whom have not been seen again till today.

“Even though he left government four years ago, the millions of residents of Borno State have yet to recover from the mistake called Shettima. Rather than be penitent, he continues to move about like a clown, making unsolicited dry jokes about others.

“We wonder what manner of substance Shettima was on when he proceeded to denigrate the great Fombina kingdom headed by HRH Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa.”

Shaibu advised the vice president to stick to praying to God for forgiveness for thwarting the destiny of the millions of people of Borno State.

“We advise Kashim Shettima to spend the remainder of his days praying to God every day for forgiveness for destroying the lives of the millions of people of Borno State rather than making dry and insipid jokes at those who have actually bettered the lives of people.

“His lack of sophistication is eroding the elegance of the Office of the Vice-President. Men of honour have held that position in the past and Shettima should learn from the examples they led in public decency. In any case, he would do well by attending a finishing school on Atiku’s scholarship and learn how to behave like a polished statesman,” Shaibu said.

NDDC Board: APC Lauds Tinubu over Aruba's Appointment to Represent Abia

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended for going into the oil producing area of Abia State to appoint the state's representative on the newly constituted board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The Ukwa West Local Government chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lauded the President for the propriety of choosing Chief Dimgba Eruba to represent Abia.

The Ukwa West APC leaders

expressed "profound gratitude," to the President in a communique dated September 4, 2023, issued at the end of its meeting. The communique was signed by the LG chairman of the party, Uju Nwarie; Secretary, Emmanuel Nwuju, all the chairmen of the 10 Wards as well as the state Assistant Secretary, Engr. Sterling Uruakpa. Eruba, from Ukwa West, was on August 29, appointed a board member when the President named the new NDDC Board and management team.

In the past, there had been

instances where the appointment of Abia's representative on the NDDC Board generated controversies and even outright rejection from the oil bearing area.

But Ukwa West APC noted that Tinubu made the "right choice" with Eruba's appointment, adding that it enjoyed widespread support in the oil producing area and the state in general.

"This is one of the appointment that has brought joy to the hearts of the party and the people," the party leaders said.

They described Eruba as a leader

who has an unflinching belief both in the party and the present administration of Bola Tinubu, adding that the new board member "is a humble son of Asa and a sincere party man".

"We cannot hide our happiness. The appointment of Chief Eruba has brought enormous joy in the LGA and the entire state," the Ukwa West APC.

At the meeting, the Ukwa West APC declared its adoption of Eruba as the leader of the party following a motion moved by Engr Uruakpa and seconded by the Uju Nwarie.

L-R: Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ubale Maska; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, VDT Communications Limited, Biodun Omoniyi; Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta and President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, at Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum hosted by ATCON in Lagos...yesterday

SYMPOSIUM ON THE ELECTIONS MONITORING AND OBSERVATION…

Abbas: Large Scale Oil Theft Posing Challenge to Nigeria's Oil Production

DHQ: Troops recovered 13 million litres of stolen crude oil, kerosene, petrol in Niger Delta

Vanquish 814 terrorists, arrest 1,903 in three months Say 4,560 terrorists, families surrendered

Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has decried that large scale oil theft was hampering Nigeria's oil production for the past two decades.

This was just as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday, disclosed that that troops recovered 6,652,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,558,325 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 288,650 litres of kerosene and 64,600 Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N4 billion in the last three months from the Niger Delta region.

Continuing, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who spoke yesterday, while declaring open the public hearing by the ad hoc committee on the need

to investigate oil theft and loss of revenue accrued from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, said it was common knowledge that investment in the oil and gas sector had declined in the past few years owing to global financing constraints and the overall response to energy transition considerations.

Abbas, who wa represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa said: "However, we must agree that the greatest challenge to optimising crude oil production in Nigeria is the grand scale oil theft that has plagued the sector for the past two decades."

The Speaker noted that the country today faces a major fiscal crisis. He explained that the 2023 Appropriation Act contains a total expenditure of N21.83 trillion and a projected total revenue of N10.49 trillion, saying this leaves a budget

deficit of N11.34 trillion, while the country was expected to rely on domestic and external borrowing to cover the deficit.

Abbas added that the projected revenue was based on an assumption of daily crude oil production of 1.69 million barrels per day and a benchmark oil price of $70 per barrel. He noted that global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine continued to cast a cloud of uncertainty on the oil and gas industry.

The Speaker pointed out that while the average international price for Brent crude oil hovered slightly above the set benchmark price since January, Nigeria's daily oil production had performed poorly due to a number of reasons. He further lamented that crude oil theft had drastically hampered the

growth of Nigeria's oil production.

Abbas stressed that it was reported that Nigeria loses between five and 30 per cent of its crude oil production on a daily basis.

He said, data available through the yearly reports of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITT) showed that Nigeria's oil production declined from 2.51 million barrels per day in 2005 to 1.77 million barrels per day in 2020.

The Speaker added that NEITI reports also showed that 619 million barrels of crude valued at $46 billion were stolen in the period 2009-2020.

His words: "Nigeria has continually failed to meet its daily production quota as set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

"Recently, Nigeria's OPEC quota was reduced from 1.742 million barrels per day to 1.38 million

Nigeria's Dateline Energy, Indonesia's Citra Shipyard Seal Deal on LNG Coastal Carrier Barge in Singapore

Peter Uzoho

Nigeria’s Dateline Energy Services and Citra Shipyard of Indonesia, two leading forces in the energy and maritime sectors, have signed a groundbreaking partnership and kick-off agreement in Singapore for the construction of two units of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Coastal Transportation Carrier Barges.

The signing ceremony took place at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG)'s Stand on the sideline of the just concluded GASTECH 2023 International Conference in Singapore.

The historic collaboration marked a significant milestone for both companies and paved the way for innovative advancements in the maritime and energy sectors with the construction of the LNG Coastal Carrier Barges.

The first-of-its-kind LNG Coastal Carrier Barges’ designs were meticulously crafted by Dateline Energy in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy's Naval

Dockyard Limited, with whom Dateline Energy was actively partnering to build the Barges in Nigeria.

The official signing ceremony marked the commencement of the construction of two units of LNG Coastal Transportation Carrier Barges.

Dateline said the development was a pivotal step in addressing the gas evacuation and distribution challenges not only faced by Nigerian operators but also by other oil and gas-producing nations.

The indigenous Nigerian concept, in its unprecedented ingenuity, had already attracted the interest of global investors who are pre-ordering the specialised marine craft.

THISDAY learnt that when the LNG Coastal Carrier Barges become operational, they are poised to contribute significantly to Nigeria's economy, earning multibillion-dollar foreign currency and bolstering the nation's position in the global energy market.

According to the partners, the collaboration aims to drive innovation, promote sustainable practices, and enhance efficiency in the maritime and energy sectors in Nigeria.

"We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with Citra Shipyard, a globally recognised shipbuilding company based in Batam, Indonesia. Together, we will push the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in our respective industries.

“This partnership aligns with our commitment to creating a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future," Chief Executive Officer, Dateline Energy Services Limited, Wilson Opuwei was quoted in a statement to have said.

While expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Managing Director, Citra Shipyard, Indonesia, Idn Edy, stated, "This partnership with Dateline Energy Services represents a significant step forward. We look forward to combining our shipbuilding

expertise with their energy solutions to create a positive impact on the maritime and energy sectors globally."

The conference was attended by esteemed Nigerian delegation which included the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda; Chief Executive Officer, UTM Offshore Limited, Mr. Julius Rone; President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi; and the immediate past NGA President, Mr. Ed Ubong, amongst others.

Dateline Energy Services’ pioneering spirit and innovative prowess in the energy sector continues to set the standard for excellence, fostering economic growth and sustainability for Nigeria with sustainable energy solutions that drive progress and prosperity.

barrels per day.

"Yet, the country is still struggling to meet this quota as daily production output was 1.184 million barrels per day and 1.249 million barrels per day in May and June 2023 respectively.

"On the average, current daily production output is a far cry from the budget assumption of 1.69 million per day. The implication is clearly manifest in the economic crisis that the country is facing."

The Speaker said the House was concerned that if decisive actions were not taken urgently, the country might be thrown into

deeper fiscal crisis due to dwindling revenues from the oil and gas sector engendered by crude oil theft. He said, hence, the decision to set up the Ad Hoc Committee in line with the National Assembly's determination to continue to reform the oil and gas sector and ensure the optimisation of the sector's potential for the benefit of Nigerians. The Speaker said the Committee was expected to investigate crude oil theft and other related channels of revenue loss with a view to identifying measures that could be taken to curb the huge revenue and economic losses to the country.

100 Days: Oborevwori Set to Inaugurate Projects

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Delta State Government has said it was doing everything possible to ensure that all projects lined up for inauguration to mark Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s 100 days in office stood the test of time.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after inspecting projects earmarked for inauguration at the Dennis Osadebay University, AnwaiAsaba.

Aniagwu, who led a team of project inauguration committee, said they were in the university on the directive of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure that all the observations raised by the governor when he visited the institution earlier, were adequately addressed.

According to him, the governor wants to ensure that all the projects slated for inauguration to commemorate his 100 days in office as governor of Delta State, were efficiently and effectively delivered to enable them stand the test of time.

He disclosed that the governor does not want a situation where technical issues that may deprive people from using facilities in the university would arise after

such facilities must have been inaugurated.

The Commissioner who was accompanied by his counterparts in the Ministries of Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari and Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, as well as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, expressed satisfaction that the issues raised by the governor in his recent visit to the university were adequately being addressed by the contractors.

“You recall that a few days ago, we were here with His Excellency, the governor who, as part of the activities leading to the marking of his 100 days in office, led a team of project inauguration committee to visit a number of projects.

“It happened that this university is one of those places we visited and he has asked us to returned and ensure that some of the observations he raised in that visit are being addressed.

“You have here with me, the Commissioners of Higher Education, Housing, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ben Oghojafor, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, the contractor and of course, my humble self.

“We want to ensure that before we commission the projects, that they are indeed in a state worthy of commissioning.

L-R: Director, Research, Nigerian Army Resources Centre, Prof. Chris Ogbogbo; Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency, (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria), Princess Gloria Akobundu and Reprentative, Commandant, National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Dr. Adegboyaga Karim, during the Symposium on Election Monitoring and Observation in Abuja .. yesterday

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Excitement in Ondo as Akeredolu Returns from Medical Leave

Fidelis

David in Akure

There is a euphoria of joy among cabinet members and residents of Ondo State as Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, returned to the country from his three months medical leave.

Akeredolu was seen briefly in public shortly after he returned to the state from his 15-working days annual leave on May 1, but his ill-health generated lots of anxiety.

The governor had embarked on a 21-day medical leave on June 7 and was expected to return home on July 6, 2023 to start performing his constitutional duties after he had written to the state legislature in line with constitutional provisions to proceed on medical leave and handed over power to his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayeditawa to act in his stead, as demanded by the constitution.

But on the expiration of the vacation, the state Assembly received yet another letter from the

governor requesting the extension of his medical leave but this time, a date of return was not included in the letter.

In an extension letter read by the Speaker of the State House, Oladiji Olamide, hesaid the governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while his deputy would continue to act as governor until there was a written declaration to the contrary.

However, yesterday, according to a top source within the state, the governor’s close aides had welcomed him to Ibadan, Oyo State, where he's expected to stay for a few days, and is expected to resume at his desk soon.

“Yes, Akeredolu is back to the country. His health has significantly improved and this prompted his return to the country and he is in high spirits and eager to resume his duties as soon as possible,” the source said.

Ogbuku: We Won’t Fail Tinubu at NDDC

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured President Bola Tinubu, that his leadership would not disappoint him in achieving the mandate of the commission.

Ogbuku made the pledge yesterday, during an interactive session with management and staff of NDDC at the Commission's headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Thanked Tinubu for reappointing him, he stated, “The President has high expectations of us, especially to change the narrative of the NDDC and the Niger Delta region. I assure him that we will not fail. This reappointment gives me a renewed vigour to revamp the NDDC and develop the Niger Delta region.

“I might have the ideas but I also need the input of directors and staff and to bring these ideas to fruition. We would work together to make Mr. President proud.”

The NDDC boss said he was ready to take on new challenges, stating: “We need to record more successes in this

new dispensation. I believe that working together, we can get better results.

“I want to be a servant leader and I need the feathers of NDDC staff to fly to greater heights. I, therefore urge the staff to support my vision for the Niger Delta region.”

Ogbuku also paid tribute to members of the dissolved NDDC Board for “sacrificing their time and resources for the good of the Niger Delta region.”

He expressed hope that members of the reconstituted Board would equally be committed to serving the people of the region, appealing to NDDC staff to warmly receive the incoming Board and ensure that there were no hiccups.

Ogbuku also stressed the need for the various directorates in NDDC to work as a team, saying, “I do not want directorates to work in isolation or at cross purposes anymore. Let us try and synchronise our programmes.”

Reacting to a question on what he would like to be remembered for, he said: “I want to be remembered as a good brother, father and husband in the NDDC family. Transparency and accountability are very important to me.”

Also, his wife, Betty AnyanwuAkeredolu, released a photograph of the governor captioned "Homebound", with excitement emojis on his verified social media handles.

Recently, a 30-second video clip of the governor conversing on Owo dialect with the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi,who visited him in Germany, was circulated to calm concerned citizens but the lawmaker came under fire from Nigerians including an Ondo-born senior lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, who said the clip was a violation of

the privacy of the governor as it portrayed him in a vulnerable state.

However, the First Lady, after some hours released a photograph of the recuperating Akeredolu captioned: “Aketi dey kampe! Victory for us!,” igniting a wave of optimism among residents, who eagerly anticipated his return.

Two weeks ago, the first lady, while addressing an audience at the opening of the 2023 BEMORE summer boot camp for 300 young girls in the state confirmed that her husband would soon return from medical vacation.

Mrs. Akeredolu, who quoted

a line from R. Kelly’s song, “The storm is over now and we are seeing the sunshine,” said, “All will end in praise," making it the latest of the assurances that the governor was getting better and would soon return to the country.

Besides, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, a few days ago stated that the governor was still recuperating in a hospital in Germany.

This came after the governor appeared in a viral video, walking in an environment that looked like an airport, as a helicopter was seen behind him, giving the

impression that he had returned from his medical leave abroad.

But reacting to the viral video in a statement, the CPS said the video was not recent as it was recorded during the elections campaign, adding that Akeredolu was eagerly looking forward to reuniting with the people of the state.

Akeredolu was alleged to have been treating cancer of the blood (leukemia), caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body. It is a cancer of bloodforming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.

N800m Drugs for Five General Hospitals to Improve Maternal Health

Zulum Unveils

Approves recruitment of 4,000 new teachers for Borno primary, secondary schools

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of free maternal drugs worth over N800 million to five general hospitals in the state for maternal healthcare services.

The distribution was conducted yesterday, at the Borno State Medical Store in Maiduguri.

The benefitting hospitals were the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri; Mohammed Shuwa Memorial Hospital, Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital; Mariam Abatcha Children Hospital and Molai General Hospital. They would in addition to the drugs, each receive N5 million grants.

The Specialist Hospital which is the biggest would get additional N5 million (make its total grant N10 million).

Zulum in his speech, said: “Today we are here to launch the distribution of maternal drugs and other items

needed in the maternal section of some of our hospitals to the most vulnerable population in the state. This will reduce maternal mortality and will also increase child care in the state.”

The governor also distributed surgical and laboratory equipment to enhance healthcare service delivery to citizens of Borno State.

He charged the Hospital Management Board to be more dedicated to their duties, stating that: “I want to appeal to all of you who are working in the health sector to be more patient and more dedicated so that government will come to your aid. We will address the issues of your offices such as call allowances and other welfare.”

Zulum, however warned that his administration would not tolerate workers' ineptitude.

“We have invested hugely in the health sector within the last four years, but unfortunately we couldn't see the light at the end of

the tunnel. This time around we shall not condone laxity on the part of staff from top to bottom.

“We must sanitise the system, we cannot afford to play with our healthcare system,” he warned.

Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, and the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Bukar Kullima, separately expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment and support to the health sector in Borno State.

Meanwhile, Zulum has given final approval for immediate recruitment of 4,000 new teachers already evaluated and shortlisted for deployment to public primary and secondary schools across Borno State.

Zulum announced the approval on Wednesday evening in Maiduguri, according to a statement.

Of the 4,000 new teachers, a total of 3,000 of them were to be deployed to government primary schools across the state while 1,000

teachers are to be sent to government secondary schools also across the state.

The 3,000 primary school teachers are mostly NCE holders who make up 77. 4 per cent, Degree Holders - 22.2 per cent and HND holders- 0.6 per cent. The 1,000 secondary teachers include 5 masters degree holders, 658 bachelor degree holders (constituting 66% of all), 8 HND holders mostly graduates of technology, 130 NCE holders (constituting 13% mostly for subjects like French, English literature, Hausa, Technology, civic education etc which graduate-applicants couldn't be found to teach).

There were also 11 diploma holders of science, laboratory technology employed as lab attendants while there are 23 Matrons and 68 cooks to serve students. All the 4,000 shortlisted teachers were meticulously selected after they proved competent to teach in primary and secondary schools.

JUDGEMENT FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED, SAY ATIKU, OBI, HEAD TO SUPREME COURT

delivered for close to 14 hours on Wednesday.

He said the ruling exposed the truth about the election, insisting that Nigerians, home and abroad, are happy with the judgement. He called on the opposition to join hands with the president to move the country forward.

The governor stated, "As far as I'm concerned, I don't think there is any ground for appeal. I will rather appeal to them that they

should drop any appeal, going to the higher court, and then save the resources, save the trouble, advise their supporters, admonish them that they should accept yesterday's judgement. No flaw. I thank God for all that happened yesterday.

"I advise all those that feel aggrieved, we have only one country, Nigeria, they should all come together and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensure that we fix this country.

Whatever hardship we are facing today is the effects of the past.

Definitely, we have Mr. Fix It who is trying his best travelling around the world to ensure that Nigeria is fixed. So, we are happy the matter is settled."

Reacting to another election tribunal ruling in Lokoja that invalidated the election of two Kogi senators on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello said, "This is democracy,

and they have right of appeal. I think they will take the appropriate steps to ensure that no violence is orchestrated anywhere.

"We will follow the due process of the law and whatever will be the outcome at the end of the day, we abide by it. But I want to assure you that even judging from the pronouncements yesterday at the appeal court, we are going to have our 3/3 senate in Kogi State. I can assure you."

L-R: Managing Director, VFD Microfinance Bank (V Bank), Mr.Gbenga Omolokun; Executive Director, Product and Marketing, VFD MFB, Winifred Allison; Chief Operations Officer, Autocheck Marketplace, Mayokun Fadeyibi;and Senior Credit Manager, Autocheck Marketplace, Mr. Philip Ayere, at the press conference to announce the partnership between V Bank and Autocheck, in Lagos, yesterday. ETOP UKUTT

POLITICS

Transformation Agenda of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector

Oladele Alake gives an insight into the transformation agenda of the nation’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness and domestic prosperity.

Asignificant and interesting fact is that the solid minerals sector that was exploited by the colonial government for export contributed

4.5 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in the ‘60s, and 5.6 percent by 1980 accounted for less than 2 percent of Nigeria’s GDP last year. To demonstrate the gravity, compare this performance to the records of less-endowed countries such as Senegal (20%), Mauritania (24%), and Namibia (50%).

How did a country with industrial, energy, metallic, construction, and precious minerals, including gold, manganese, bitumen, lithium, iron ore, lead, zinc, limestone, uranium, columbite, barite, kaolin, gemstones, coal, topaz, copper in massive proportions fail to use these resources to liberate the citizens? At the last count, our estimated reserves include Gold (1 million ounces); Limestone (568 metric tonnes), Lead/Zinc, (Baryte (15 million metric tonnes), Bitumen (N1.1 billion barrels), Iron Ore (3 billion Metric Tonnes) and Coal, (N396 million).

How did a sector with over two million operators, including over 633 small-scale companies and 251,500 registered miners, struggle to give the economy capital and human development?

The reasons are no longer invisible. Studies and practical experience in the field have identified several factors, such as inefficient geo-data, weak implementation and enforcement, poor environmental, safety, and health policies, fragility and conflict, unregulated artisanal mining, low technical capacity, lack of access to financing, weak inter-governmental and inter-agency co-ordination and weak federal/ state relations over mining land as the severe barriers to the development of the sector.

I wish to commend my predecessors in office for their strenuous efforts in responding to these challenges. These efforts have led to the adoption of a roadmap that prioritises the need for precise, geoscientific data, better investment climate, intervention in the solid minerals value chain to promote additional value, options for funding the sector, and improvement in fiscal relations between the Federal Government and the state as regards lands used for mining.

Presidential Mandate

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the Solid Minerals Ministry is mandated to develop the Solid Minerals Sector by learning from the achievements and mistakes of the domestic hydrocarbon petroleum industry and applying international best practices. We have been mandated to improve on the formulation and regulation guiding prospecting, quarrying, and mining; improve data gathering; monitor and organize more efficiently the sale and consumption of minerals and increase revenue accruable to the Federal Government from the issuance of permits, licenses, leases and the collection of rents, fees, and royalties.

The Transformation Agenda

Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation

Joint Ventures with Mining Multinationals

Big Data on specific seven priority minerals and their deposits

30-day grace for illegal miners to join artisanal cooperatives

Mines Surveillance Task Force and Mine Police

Six Mineral Processing Centres to focus on Value-Added products

President Bola Tinubu has taken firm, courageous decisions that have reset the logic of the Nigerian economy. The removal of subsidy and the adoption of a single exchange rate are among the fundamental transformational policies of this administration. This radical approach to making the economy resilient in the long term is the guiding principle of the management of the Ministry.

The Ministry has to take the bull by the horns if the country must reap the harvest of the trillion dollars worth of minerals under the ground across the country.

To achieve this laudable objective, there has to be a paradigm shift in the strategy

by re-positioning the sector in terms of the human and capital factors that can drive its transformation.

The defining characteristic of a serious mining industry is capital formation based on investment activity powered by precise geoscientific data that is transparent and accessible.

Mining is big business. Nigeria must assert its presence in this environment by replicating its strategic positioning in the petroleum sector by setting up a corporate body that plays in this field.

Consequently, the Ministry shall work to-

wards the incorporation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation. This is a corporate body that will have subsidiaries doing business in the seven priority areas that require immediate intervention and focus: Gold, Coal, Limestone, Bitumen, Lead, Iron-ore and Baryte.

Existing enterprises, such as the National Iron-Ore Company, and ongoing arrangements, such as the Bitumen Concessioning Programme, will be reviewed to fit into this new system.

The proposed corporation will seek and secure partnership investment agreements with big Multinational companies worldwide

to leverage on the attractive investment-friendly regime operating in the country to secure massive Foreign Direct Investment for the mining sector. The positioning of the national corporation as a guarantor and protector of the partnership agreements is expected to assure partners of our seriousness and fidelity.

Similarly, the Solid Minerals Corporation will provide robust support for Nigerian businessmen seeking funding abroad and help to authenticate their investment proposals to speed up the commitment of their partners to invest.

Domestically, the Solid Minerals Corporation will engage the Nigerian financial system, which has demonstrated palpable reluctance to support mineral prospecting and mining because of the long-term gestation of value generation by developing a Fund to facilitate investments in mining at interest rates that will be mutually agreed.

The emergence of the Corporation in the business of mining will enable the Ministry to focus more on its core regulatory and promotional mandates of sanitizing the sector and developing ideas, processes, and institutions that facilitate the ease of doing business in the industry.

Gathering the Big Data

Accordingly, the most urgent, immediate, and critical precondition for the real take-off of the sector is the gathering of precise geological data. Don’t get me wrong.

A lot of funds have been expended on gathering data on the occurrence or incidence of minerals across the country. This significant exercise has been very positive in uncovering the locations of minerals in each town or local government in the country. The Cadastral agency has elaborate data and a map depicting the areas of mineral deposits.

-Alake is Minister of Solid Minerals

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

Waves of Coup in Africa and the 20 Year-old Unheeded Warning

On Wednesday,August 30, 2023, Gabon, whose presidential envoy was in Abuja two weeks ago on solidarity visit to President Tinubu who is the ECOWAS Chairman over the Niger coup debacle, became the latest bride of coupists on the continent of Africa.

During the visit, President Tinubu said the special message of support and solidarity from President Bongo, who doubles as the Chairman of Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) expressing the full support for ECOWAS resolutions on the unconstitutional takeover of government in Niger, proved once more that military interference in democratic governance is not acceptable anywhere, and certainly, no longer so on the African continent.

Tinubu, who is also Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, promised to work with President Bongo and ECCAS to restore constitutional order in Niger.

While the special envoy was dining in Abuja, the storm had gathered over the firmament of Congo.

On Saturday, August 26th 2023, Gabon went to the polls for the country’s presidential election. And on Wednesday, August 30, the Gabonese national electoral authority announced that Bongo, who had been in power for 14 years, was re-elected for a third term with 64.27 percent of votes cast.

Soon after, a group of mutinous soldiers appeared on state TV saying they were seizing power, cancelling the election results and putting an end to the current regime.

In the last three years, coup d’états have taken

place in the West African states of Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Military governments are still in place in these countries.

Not a few experts also agree that a new wave of military coups in Western, Central Africa is pushing the continent backward in terms of consolidating democracy.

The continent has actually witnessed eight coups in the last three years, with the latest military takeover announced in Gabon only a month after a military intervention in Niger ousted the president.

On July 26, military officers in Niger led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, carried out a military intervention, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. The military has since held

Bazoum hostage despite international calls for his release.

In Sudan, the military in Sudan ousted President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, 2019, after months of protests following increased prices of goods – including fuel and bread. Al-Bashir had ruled Sudan for nearly 30 years.

A power-sharing agreement was reached between the army and civilians, but they later refused to hand over power.

On October 25, 2021, Sudan experienced another military takeover when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who headed the power-sharing deal, seized power, sighting infighting between military and civilians.

In Burkina Faso, the army ousted and detained President Roch Kabore on Jan. 23, 2022, leading to two other coups.

In neighboring Mali, the military overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, 75, before the country witnessed a second coup on May 24, 2021, when Colonel Assimi Goita dismissed the transitional civilian president and prime minister.

There was also a military coup in Guinea on September 5, 2021, when the army overthrew President Alpha Conde. In April 2021, the Chadian army installed General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno as interim president after the death of his father, Idriss Deby. The opposition said the move was tantamount to a coup.

-Abifarin writes from Lagos

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

Oluwasegun Abifarin writes about the need to stem the tide of undemocratic change of government that had ravaged some nations in the African continent.

What will America’s Joey Tell Nigeria’s Jagaban?

Chido Nwangwu writes about expectations from the scheduled meeting between the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu and his United States counterpart, Joe Biden, along the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 12, 2023.

In the recent and past history of Nigeria, the politician who has so quickly become most controversial is President Bola Tinubu.

In a few days, he will have an opportunity. It will be one of his most important photo ops. It will be on September 12, 2023, in New York. He’s scheduled to meet briefly with the U.S President Joe Biden, at the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly’s UNGA 78th session.

There’s no doubt that the rash of recent military coups in the west and central Africa subregions— especially in the Sahelian clashes and terrorism have, like I stated a few days ago has caused major anxieties and complications for West Africa, the entire continent and the superpowers and colonizing countries namely, the United States, Russia, China, and France.

With the dynamics of events in and around Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Republic and Gabon have come a flurry of characterizations of the regional ECOWAS and its new Chairman Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu as being relatively clueless…. Especially, for Tinubu whose educational sojourn to Chicago State University has become a major embarrassment.

On September 6, Nigeria’s Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) made one of its handful of ridiculous and asinine arguments in defending Tinubu’s qualifications to run for President during the February 2023 campaign by telling Nigerians that since Tinubu (aka Jagaban) has been able to enter and exit the U.S, it suggests Tinubu has no criminal case or related matter of consequence to disqualify him.

Lead person for the PEPC, Justice Tsammani said the judgement of the U.S District in Northern Illinois which ordered the forfeiture of

KILA

Economic Prospect of Nigeria’s New Creative Industry

Agood leader is the one who listens. A listening leader is able to see the world through the eyes, thoughts, suggestions and ideas of others. This is one of the great leadership attributes that President Bola Tinubu possesses. This can only explain why he is promptly heeding the clarion call on the need to strengthen the country’s creative industry.

Prior to the inauguration of Asiwaju Tinubu as the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there had been clamours by some individuals for federal government to tap into the great potentials of the creative industry which contributes significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Occupying a prominent place on the list of the notable personalities that have been at the forefront of the campaign for a more productive creative sector is the former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency in Oyo state at the Ninth National Assembly.

Tinubu’s $460,000 in a hard drugnarcotics related case was in “civil proceedings.”

Quite interestingly, the Nigerian Judge claimed that Tinubu was not a party to the court decision!!

How does anyone (Tinubu) get to pay the government of the United States almost one half of a million U.S dollars!!

The CIA, FBI and the NSA’s transactional, psychological and security profiles of this Tinubu in Virginia and Foggy Bottom should puzzle big Joe!

Tinubu’s American identities and security profile should be a mish mash of complicated dalliances and dubious transactions prepared for Biden would make for an interesting read!

Justice Tsammani held that the petitioners failed to provide credible evidence to show that Tinubu was arraigned, took a plea or was sentenced or fined in any criminal suit in the US.

“The order of forfeiture in Exhibit P5 on which the petitioners have relied does not qualify as a sentence of fine for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud within the confabulation of Section 137(d) of the 1999 constitution.”

It’s interesting that Tinubu seems perennially engaged in one form of mendacious fix to another, monthly….

What will America’s Joey tell Nigeria’s Jagaban?

The truth of the dangerous situation of hunger, poverty and ethnic violence across Nigeria or will Joey blow smoke up his alley?

-Dr Nwangwu, is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com Follow him on Twitter @Chido247

Indeed, Hon Peller’s last motion as a lawmaker at the Ninth Assembly was - The Need To Strengthen The Nigerian Creative Industry - where he stressed that the creative industry is a veritable incremental source of employment, revenue and economic growth that the government can strengthen as it seeks to diversify the economy from dependency on oil revenue.

In the motion, the former lawmaker had prayed that the House urged the federal government to create and execute policies to strengthen the creative industry.

He also prayed that for optimal performance of the creative industry, the House should implore the federal government to increase the budgetary allocation of the then Ministry of Infomation and Culture which was overseeing the industry at the time. Commendably, the House, under the leadership of the present Chief of Staff to the president, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, unanimously adopted the motion.

Also in his congratulatory message to President Tinubu on his formal inauguration, Peller who is the Ayedero of Yorubaland, re-emphasized the need for the new president to prioritize strengthening the country’s creative industry among numerous policies that his government would be making to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth.

Today, it is gladdening to note that President Tinubu is not just honouring the call to strengthen the creative industry, but has even gone a step ahead by purposely elevating the industry to a sector with a ministry of its own - Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy. This is quite commendable; it shows that the president is a listening leader who understands that welcoming different kinds of great opinions and suggestions will bring about desirable results.

Similarly, the advent of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy shows that Mr. President means well for the creative industry which will be beneficial to the teeming youth population and is ready to tap into its great economic value by creating coherent policies that establish clear objective and strategies for it to thrive.

Now that President Tinubu has created a platform for the creative sector to thrive, functional minds will definitely be looking forward to a desirable effect it will have on Nigeria’s economy as a whole. This is where

the creativity, thoughtfulness, initiative and leadership quality of the Minister, Hannatu Musawa, will come into play.

Hopefully, with her impressive educational background and exposure Musawa, who is a lawyer, writer and poet, will ensure that the purpose the ministry is meant for is fulfilled. As she champions a dynamic renaissance for the creative domain as spelt out in her blueprint dubbed Destination 2030, Nigerians, particularly the major stakeholders, should cooperate with her bearing in mind that the creative economy is now one of the largest consumers of digital services.

While there is no single definition of the creative economy, the United Nations Committee on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) described it as the intersection of human creativity and technology or products that have economic value, including everything from content creation and art to architecture, research and manufacturing.

With the Minister’s recently-released blueprint, it is believed that that she is aware that Nigeria’s creative sector is a thriving industry driven by young and talented individuals. From film to music and fashion, the country’s creative sector holds significant global influence and has the potential to become a prominent exporter of Nigerian culture.

Creative industry include and not limited to advertising, architecture (interior decor, landscaping etc.) arts and crafts, fashion and design, home video(film) television and radio, music, performing arts (carnivals, dance, drama, festivals, stand-up comedy) publishing (book fairs, e-resources, literature etc) tourism and hospitality (cuisine, museums and monuments, night clubs and event management, etc).

Moreover, with our impressive cultural values and heritage as a country, culture is another vital tool that we can leverage to boost our economy. Nigeria is a multicultural nation with almost 400 diverse ethnic groups and over 500 different native languages.

Our cultural strength as a country lies in our diversity and we must make it count positively. As a matter of fact, our culture should be seen as a catalyst for creativity and desired transformative change.

Finally, if the purpose of the advent of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy is fulfilled, history will be kind to President Tinubu’s administration for this commendable move, Hon. Peller for his motion and advocacy, as well as to numerous others who contributed in one way or another to making it happen.

-Olasubomi writes from Ikeja, Lagos State.

Muiz Olasubomi writes that the new Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy has a prospect of generating more revenue for the nation.

ABUJA 25 PER CENT: VICTORY FOR NIGERIANS

The judgment of the PEPT reflects our democracy as being on sound footing, reckons

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21

UNILORIN: BACK TO THE SMELTING FORGE TUNDE OLUSUNLE visits his alma mater to say ‘thank you’

See page 21

EDITORIAL

THE NEED FOR FUNCTIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES

It was obvious that those protesting President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory had a lean case, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

A LEGAL VICTORY FORETOLD

The judgment of the PEPT reflects our democracy as being on sound footing,

reckons

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

ABUJA 25 PER CENT: VICTORY FOR NIGERIANS

It started like a joke. It continued to look like one until it actually became part of an election petition. A claim that pretended to misunderstand section 134(2) of the Nigerian constitution. That section states, “A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being more than two candidates for the election, he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and must have nothing less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.” On Wednesday, the joke was handed a much-needed legal rest. The judges

country and reflects our democracy as being on sound footing. It is not without its challenges, but advancements have been made and there is a plethora of lessons to pick for the future. I am excited about this because for the umpteenth time, our democracy gets to prove its resilience. We have had our eyes on the judiciary — without screaming it out as an intimidation tactic. It was beautiful to watch Nigerians lend their ears and time to the judges as they delivered judgment over several hours. They were never going to reach conclusions that’d have met everyone’s expectations, but they did reach conclusions that were backed by the laws of the land and in the Abuja 25 percent matter, law and universal logic.

There was always going to be a winner and there’d be those who’d have to try again. Like the election itself, it is not a competition for the loudest noise makers. The judges proved that. You make your argument, present your valid witnesses and tender your evidence. In essence, we trusted the judiciary to do its job and with the judgments announced, they did.

TUNDE OLUSUNLE visits his alma mater to say ‘thank you’

UNILORIN: BACK TO THE SMELTING FORGE

True, I was admitted into the university for a three-year programme because I possessed a

Yes we had those we christened “professional students” in our time, students who were faculty to another, one course to another. Their year programme, subsisted eternally, besting the established calendars of medical students who understandably, logged longer years than most other academic programmes. I wasn’t exactly a bumbling student accumulating “carryovers” or having to repeat courses or whole academic sessions on account of truancy or incapacity of any kind. Not at all. The point is that two years after obtaining my bachelors degree from my alma mater, I was back in the same university for further studies.

lose anything when I ended up in Unilorin. We received rigorous, requisite broadbased academic instruction from a galaxy of global scholars. They brought their multifaceted vistas from across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas to bear on our learning experience. They taught us to think beyond the infrastructural was established just a few years before we joined the institution. They tutored us to be open-minded and think positive. These, they drummed in our ears, will possibilities.

deemed the agenda, “completely fallacious, if not outrightly ludicrous”. I’d go with both, unequivocally.

In essence, the Labour Party and Mr Peter Obi‘s petition was arguing for an apartheid state. A country where the votes of the minority in Abuja could render the votes of Nigerians elsewhere less important. It was never going to pass any legal or even common sense test, but imagine for a bit that it did.

We would have a situation where every logical Nigerian of means and ability would seek to be an Abuja voter. Because according to the Obi argument, even if one won all the votes in the other 36 sub-nationals, as long as you scored less than 25 percent in Abuja, you were not to be declared president. That was the argument they made. Even if they had a more serious case at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), it would have taken something otherworldly to successfully make an argument that would even make any judge pay any attention. Sadly, the Labour petition was generally weak and appeared to be unserious overall. Over 75 percent of their witnesses were proven to be bad witnesses. The judges struck off 10 of 13 of them.

Of the matters before the tribunal, this Abuja special status matter was the very one that never should have been. There was nothing to test in court here. The constitution was addressing a mathematical issue, that in the calculations, consider Abuja and the 36 states and then do your maths using 37 as baseline. 25/100 x 37 instead of 25/100 x 36. This was the whole point of section 134(2). That politicians desperately went to court to use that as an opportunity to win an election against what that would portend for Nigeria — that some votes are more important than others — speaks to the desperate length people can go when it comes to the pursuit of power. This is exactly what Nigeria does not need. I hope people will do better.

The judgment by the PEPT serves our

Calm heads must prevail. We must be amongst those calling for all the parties to stick to the constitutional order. By all means, don’t get sucked into breaking public order and avoid prodding anyone to take such a step. We cannot afford to get sucked into the desperate games of chaos entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of profiting from our differences and violence. Only a few people profit from these desperate shows. Those who mean well for our country must continue to defend constitutional order and the rule of law. If we jettison the rule of law, there is no chance of a country.

Every candidate who participated in the elections automatically signed up to play by the rules of the constitution and electoral law. They all appeared to do so. Those who would destroy public properties and foment trouble must reflect deeply. Note that the children of those you are fighting for or looking to fight for will not be anywhere near these lawless moves. Be wise. It is an election. The tribunal ruling is an essential part of the process. We have trusted the judges to hear all the cases. It is now time to live and abide with their judgments. The judges have endured intimidation over the months, it is now time for everyone to live with the consequences of their judgments. The arguments have been heard, the evidences have been tendered and the judgments have been delivered.

The matter advances to the Supreme Court. Note that new arguments, witnesses or evidence will not be presented to the apex court. The court’s ruling will be based on all the presentations already made and the judgment already delivered. Theirs will be to look at the gaps in the process so far, if any. And where such exist, to determine whether there is enough to reverse the PEPT. In the absence of any gap or gaps substantial enough for such a reverse, to uphold the judgment of the PEPT. However this ends, you can bank on something; in 100 years of voting, the vote of each Nigerian remains equal to one another. It won’t matter whether the vote is cast in Abuja or cast in Igbokoda. Victory for common sense.

Omojuwa

is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/author, Digital Wealth Book

This was ironic. The collective grouse of our generation with our university was that we were grilled and hammered into shape unsparingly, in a blistering furnace, in the academic sense, oftentimes beyond our course outlines and syllabuses. Has anyone wondered why some of Nigeria’s most respected journalists never read mass communications? Ayo Akinkuotu, (Tell magazine); Eniola Bello, (THISDAY); Hakeem Bello, (longserving media adviser to former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola); Tunde Rahman, (media adviser to Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President); Seun Okinbaloye, (Channels Television); Babajide Otitoju, (TVC), all products of Unilorin, typify this truism. Conversely, the institution espoused a very conservative, frugal, maybe stingy reward system.

Aspiring to transcend the ratings and reputation of its “midwife” at inception, the University of Ibadan, our school could for to deserving students in a particular academic session! I recall my interaction with the iconic poet and scholar, Niyi Osundare who was external examiner for my masters degree thesis in 1989, on the sidelines of his visit to my alma mater. “You guys work really hard here,” he commented. “Just look at the quality of work turned in by you and Bayo Afolabi, (now at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU)). Elsewhere, a little more perspiration

And so the Deoxyribonucleic acid, (abbreviated as DNA) of the University of Ilorin, (Unilorin), has been resident in my the institution in 1982. My initial preference was the OAU when it bore its original name, “University of Ife.” I didn’t, however, miss or

Beyond the quality of grounding Unilorin availed me, some of my closest of friendships till date were cultivated in that inimitable institution. I should put on record that my beloved wife of three decades now, Funmi and I met in this same school. Now dispersed across the from this very same school continue to look out for each other variously. I could be guest of Gbenga Ayeni now a professor, in Connecticut, or be received in Berlin by Yemi Akinwumi, distinguished professor and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL). Whenever I need a breather away from Abuja, Tivlumun Nyitse, associate professor, lays the red carpet for me in Makurdi. I could also avail myself some pampering with exotic riverine cuisines by jetting to Port Harcourt as guest of Blessing Wikina. Unilorin therefore is eternally on my mind. For emphasis, the collective alias we invested on our beloved old school is the “Better By Far” university!

I had it on my mental itinerary on my recent visit to the Kwara State capital to breeze through the permanent and everevolving campus of Unilorin. Touring and taking in the evolution of the institution has always interested me. Days earlier, I tracked down Kunle Akogun the Director in Abuja, when he attended the annual conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR). I handed over to him some of my books for onward conveyance to the Vice Chancellor, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, Professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN).

Once Akogun, a very experienced media in Ilorin within days of our encounter in Abuja, however, visiting Unilorin became more compelling. Akogun insisted on my personal handover of the consignment of books to the VC. Availing my alma mater some of my intellectual property is giving a little back to one of the grooming mills I traversed. Versatile as it is, the internet may never quite capture the entire gamut of resources available in all academic disciplines. Modern day students of the institution may never know about the contributions of their precursors on the same brown earth of the institution, decades before.

Olusunle, PhD, poet, journalist, scholar and writer is a Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE)

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE NEED FOR FUNCTIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES

All the stakeholders should invest more in libraries

In most countries, a public library is a serious component of the education infrastructure at all levels of government. But we have largely neglected this vital aspect that can help extend knowledge to a vast majority of our people. As we therefore join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Literacy Day (ILD) under the theme ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’, we must work to revive public libraries. That is the surest way to

It is rather ironic that in an information and knowledge-driven world, those in positions of authority in our country are still not conscious of the importance and the need for libraries in our public space. Yet a functional library helps in providing information to society the bid to encourage and promote a good reading culture which is indispensable to personal, and indeed national development. Even where they exist in Nigeria today, public libraries, often named “the poor man’s university,” are unattractive and poorly maintained while in most cases, the necessary facilities are inadequate. Besides, the books in stock are dated just as it is a rarity to stumble on new and current journals. Indeed, reference materials, where they exist, are old and dusty. Audio-visual materials are hard to come by. The quality of manpower is not encouraging.

If the current trend of neglect continues, the Nigerian Library and Information Science Students Association (N-LISSA) warned recently, public libraries will soon go into extinction, thereby destroying the knowledge base of the nation. Most libraries in the country, according to the student association, “are in a devastating, pathetic, critical, emergency, and worrisome condition”, adding: “Most Nigeria’s public libraries are characterised

UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

by dilapidated structures, falling roofs, bushy environment, absence of electricity supply, lack library materials, among others.”

A functional library is expected to stock all kinds of items that add to knowledge - from books to audio and visual materials, internet through computers and artefacts that advance the cultural and recreational needs of the society. Ironically, most public libraries in the country-from those established by the states to those in the universities--are ill-equipped. As demonstrated by the fate of the National Library that has been under construction for decades, libraries are starved of funds and are largely abandoned.

There is a connection between the reading culture of a people and the development of their society. In our country today, majority of the children, just like many adults, have limited exposure to quality reading materials. And that is very telling on the state of our nation. To underscore the current challenge, the National Librarian said recently that the agency could no longer fund the collection of legal deposit resources, development of virtual library service department, capacity building in Again and again, the United Nations libraries are very important to the development of any society. This is because people who read are more alert and empowered while a good reading culture improves the academic performance of children and students and helps them to develop knowledge outside the classroom environment. Therefore, the relevant authorities in Nigeria will do well to invest in public libraries and make them attractive to meet the informational, educational and the recreational needs of the people.

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

LETTERS

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES

September 8th of every year is observed as ‘International Literacy Day’. The theme for the 2023 International Literacy Day is: “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.” This theme will, among other things, highlight how developing the ability to read and write, as well as developing numeracy skills, can engender inclusiveness and equity.

have, that can be used to promote literacy, is the Library. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most undervalued! A public library is usually funded by the government or from public sources, such as taxes. The public library has also been described as a “welfare centre, which provides useful services to the community by fostering education, promoting culture, recreation and dissemination of information to all sections of the society.”

As gateways to knowledge and culture, libraries play a fundaopportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society. They also help ensure an authentic record of knowledge created and accumulated by past genera-

and human knowledge, or preserve knowledge and heritage for future generations. -

braries provide books and other materials for people to read and use. These materials are educational and lead to self-improvement. The educative role of public libraries also expands to include supporting both formal and informal education.

Another important function of public libraries is promoting literacy. Literacy refers to the ability to read and write. Public libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy in communities and societies, particularly among people that need special assistance in developing literacy skills. Public libraries also help to promote lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is the process of continuous and ongoing learning throughout a person’s life in order to enhance continuous development and improvement of an individual’s knowledge and skills. Due to the complex and rapidly changing environment, people need to acquire a variety of skills and knowledge, irrespective of their age, or social or economic status.

Public libraries do not only have educational roles and functions. They can also contribute to the country’s economic de-

impact on economic productivity when they get involved ingrams to their business communities. Such businesses and organizations that use public libraries as a resource become more successful, thereby contributing to economic development in their communities.

Libraries are essential not only for community vitality but alsotion and loneliness. This is especially true, as the rate of unemployment and poverty in the country continues to rise, leading to idleness, among other ills.

ervation of our cultural heritage. Perhaps the most deep-rooted of our human instincts is the desire to preserve our culture for future generations. Libraries help to accomplish this objective. Libraries are rich repositories of historically and culturally significant collections, many of which are not available anywhere else. of our cultural heritage would be lost to future generations.

Daniel Ighakpe, FESTAC Town, Lagos

-

A functional library helps in providing information to society in different formats in the bid to encourage and promote a good reading culture which is indispensable to personal, and indeed national development

The ministerial order given to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to relocate all flight operations to the new international terminal of the Lagos airport, will compel foreign airlines that have hitherto refused to relocate, to do so without further delay.

Many international carriers that operate from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos have been reluctant to relocate to the state-of-the-art international terminal

since the facility was unveiled by former President Muhammadu Buhari early last year.

The major factor pointed out by the airlines for not relocating was that the terminal has design flaws and lacks vital structures that will enhance passengers’ experience.

However, last week, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo gave the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) up to October 1, 2023 to relocate all flight operations to the new international terminal and vacate the old terminal for

rehabilitation.

The new terminal features 66 check-in counters, 16 arrival immigration desks, 28 departure immigration desks, eight security screening points, a multi-layer baggage sorting system, five arrival gates, six departure gates, and seven boarding bridges. The facilities at the new international terminal are clear advancement to the old terminal, besides the fact that it has modern-day facilities.

It also offers two food courts, four premium airport lounges, 22 guest

rooms and a spa.

The new terminal is expected to boost MMIA’s annual passenger capacity to around 14 million per annum.

But there are defects, which include what is mainly talked about; the lack of enough apron space, which is not wide enough to accommodate widebody aircraft such as Boeing Dreamliner B787, Boeing B777, Boeing B747, Airbus A350 and many others. The terminal has one entrance and there are many things not in the original plan of the

building but which are very critical for the functionality of the terminal

In 2018, a consulting company, Arcaid was contracted by the Ministry of Aviation to study the four new international terminals being built by the Chinese at the Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports and carry out a progress report. The company reported its findings and identified design problems and absence of critical facilities in some of the terminals.

At the terminal in Lagos, it

FOSTERING OIL AND GAS INVESTMENT…

Oluchi Chibuzor

As the nation gradually begins to explore its maritime domain to generate revenue, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has named high number of abandoned cargoes, physical examination of cargoes as some of the obstacle the country must overcome to realise its maritime potential.

The minister stated this during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in Lagos.

He urged NSC staff to see themselves as actors in the sector, noting the state of the country’s ports was not encouraging.

According to him, “My concept of port development is more of private-public partnership (PPP) and is important for us to start to think about that. Government should not necessary own a 100 percent of the port, when you look at port efficiency. I know the challenges we are having in the existing ports; judging on so many things the use of

the customs spotting physically I don’t know is archaic and I think is something we will let the Customs know.

“Another thing I noticed is the extent to which cargo is being dumped in the ports. I understand the last time we went there I think about 6000 cargoes were lying down uncleared. There must be an understanding as to when a cargo should be declared abandoned. Some of them have been there since 2011. There should be a time frame when cargo should

be cleared from the port.”

Speaking, the Executive Secretary, NSC, Emmanuel Jime called for the amendment of the act establishing the council for effective regulationof the sector.

He also urged the minister to consider establishing a national fleet as a critical national development project.

Jime said he acknowledged that the body language of the minister showed he is determined to deliver on the mandates of his ministry.

According to him, “We have

had the opportunity of briefing you when you allowed us as CEOs of agencies. Today we will further emphasise the areas where we are sure they are relevant to your mandate to your ministry that you are supervising. Your body language showed you are determined to succeed.

“Your ministry is a very strategic economy, this ministry was created because it is very strategic important to marine and Blue Economy kick starting and further creating movement of

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

identified some of the things that were lacking. Some of them were later incorporated, while others were not. There were no land side link and canopy, which is covered link from the new terminal building to the existing terminal building. There was no airside link, which is the covered link from the new terminal to the existing terminal building along apron side.

How Ministerial Order Will Compel Defiant Foreign Airlines to Operate from New International Terminal in Lagos Oyetola: Abandoned Cargoes, Others Hindering Maritime Activity

fundamental consequences in the Nigerian economy. This agency of yours that you are supervising is the laboratory where policy making in this industry can drive the marine space.”

Making a presentation to the minister, Director Strategic Planning and Research, NSC, Rotimi Anifowoseh, highlighted areas the council wants the minister to consider.

L–R: Chief Executive Officer, Axxela, Bolaji Osunsanya; Managing Director, NIPCO, Nagendra Verma; Managing Director, West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCo), Michelle Burkett; Managing Director, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, HRM Justin Ezeala and Managing Director, Tetracore, Olakunle Williams at the NNPC-NGML Strategic Business Retreat held in Ghana… recently

Chinedu Eze

Dana Air,

Dana Air has announced that it will partner Bi-courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 on its future plans and new initiatives.

Dana Air declared this during a courtesy visit by the Terminal Operator to the Airline’s corporate head office in Lagos, recently.

The Airline also revealed that it is engaging MMA2 on the way forward for both parties on future projects, new initiatives and plans to continue raising the bar of service delivery to the flying public.

Speaking during the visit by the BASL team, Dana Air’s Chief

MMA2

Partner on Future Plans, New Initiatives

Operating Officer, Ememobong Ettete, said: “We are very excited about this visit because it offers us the opportunity to rub minds and share ideas as stakeholders.

”We believe as partners, there is a very urgent need to engage MMA2 on our future plans for our guests while also discussing the way forward on our issues, new initiatives and your plans, projects for the future and I believe this will yield great results.”

”Dana Air has over the years demonstrated a strong commitment towards offering seamless travel to its guests by introducing customercentric online initiatives focused

AIR WATCH

on technology and innovation and we would continue to do so, while reviewing our processes not just to improve the flying experience of our guests but redefine service delivery from booking, check-in and boarding,” he added.

The BASL team led by its Head of Aeronautics and Cargo Services, Remi Jibodu, assured Dana Air that MMA2 is always willing to support Dana Air and other airlines operating from the terminal and as always; we are raising the standards and operating in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulations and global best practices.

NLTF Emerges Best Performing FG Agency in 2022

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has declared the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) as the best performing federal government agency in 2022.

The Director-General of the Bureau, Mr Arabi Ibrahim Dasuki made this known during the presentation of the report and Award of its 2022 Self Assessment Tool (SAT) to the management of the NLTF in Abuja.

He noted that during the 2022 self and validation assessment exercise of various

federal government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the NLTF was found to be the best and overall agency in essential areas of responsibility and quality of work.

“Upon the Federal Government directives, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in 2022 deployed its self assessment tool (SAT) on National Lottery Trust Fund and various government agencies. The overall objective was to identify NLTF’s strengths and weaknesses; as first step towards ensuring the agency is fit for purpose and

Medical Tourism Key Attraction of 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market

optimal performance.

“At the end of 2022 self and validation assessments and in-depth analysis of National Lottery Trust Fund operations, processes and systems. NLTF performance is 75.24 per cent and therefore emerged a Gold Level organisation that exceeds expectation,” Dasuki said. He said that the NLTF performance constentily exceeded expectations in all essential areas of its responsibility and quality of work adjudged to be above average as its main organisational goals were met.

Airbus Opens Aircraft Equipment Installation Hangar in Hamburg

Airbus is advancing its industrial system and expanding ramp-up capacity with a new automated A321XLR aircraft equipping hangar, opened recently by Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann.

With this, Airbus continues its modernisation and digitalisation of its industrial system and expands its capacity for the rate ramp-up in the A320 programme to 75 in 2026. Head of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Production in Germany, André Walter, said: “Airbus’ Hamburg site plays a significant role in the development and production of the A321XLR. With our new, state-ofthe-art equipment installation hangar, we are now expanding our capacity

to manufacture A321 fuselages and making an important contribution to supporting our ramp up. At the same time we are reaffirming the importance of Hamburg for Airbus.”

The Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy. Anna Christmann, said: “This investment in the A321XLR equipment installation hangar at the Airbus Hamburg site is an important milestone towards transitioning aviation to climate neutrality. This transformation is the key to making Germany a future-oriented and competitive aerospace location.”

In the new equipment installation hangar, with 9,600 m2 of production space, designated H259, all the

components of the rear fuselages of the A321XLR aircraft – also built in Hamburg – will be installed and mounted. The hangar is equipped with a full range of state-of-the-art technologies for operations and manufacturing, such as automated logistics, fully digital systems, and test stations that can output the status of each fuselage section (both in terms of logistics and resources) at any time. The almost 24-metre-long fuselage sections are equipped with all electrical and mechanical systems, as well as other elements such as windows, floor panels or external antennas, on an automated ‘pulse line’ consisting of eight stations. Each fuselage section is extensively tested directly after the installation of the systems.

NCAA Lifts Suspension Order on XEjet Operations

The Management of the XEjet Airline has announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has lifted the suspension placed on its operation due to insurance issue with one of the aircraft in its service.

A letter to the airline signed by the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, titled: Lifting Of Suspension On Your Air Transport

Licence (Atl) And Air Operators Certificate (AOC), reads: ‘Further to the NCAA’s letter on the above subject matter referenced NCAA/DGCA/ GC/8/16/628 and dated 30 August, 2023, the Authority hereby lifts the suspension on your ATL and AOC after considering your submissions.

“Consequently, you have been cleared to exercise the privilege of

your ATL and AOC.”

The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Mr. Emmanuel Iza, said: “The suspension is within the regulatory framework and we want to to thank the Authority for diligently doing its work. We are happy to be back and we will continue to deepen our safety conciousness.”

NITRA States Readiness to Collaborate with Minister

Emma Okonji

As the newly appointed ministers settle to their jobs, journalists in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, under the aegis of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), has felicitated with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani over his appointment.

In a letter to the Minister, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi noted that the news of his appointment was a cheery one knowing his

antecedent to deliver viable results in past endeavours.

“We have followed your steps in the ICT industry and are assured that without doubt, this is another position that you will make a great deal of impact in.

You are not new in creative, developmental and managerial affairs, but have been an active participant in decision-making and growth plans for the nation, hence our repose of trust in what you can do as the Minister of this expanded Ministry,” he said.

Onwuegbuchi further assured the Minister that NITRA was willing to work with the Ministry to ensure

the achievement of set goals. He said NITRA is on standby for any collaboration that will guarantee the success of Dr. Tijani’s endeavours as the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

“We hope to work together to develop the industry and make the Ministry a reference point in the minds of Nigerians both at home and abroad,” he said.

The expectation is that the Minister will maintain the upward trajectory of ICTs contributions to the GDP. His focus should be on leveraging ICT to transform Nigeria into a full digital economy, Onwuegbuchi said.

Akwaaba African Travel Market is a success story in tourism and air travel in Nigeria, as it has grown to become one of the few events in the travel and tourism sector that attracts international participants, year-on-year with strong local loyalty.

Akwaaba has built enviable goodwill in the continent that awards from the events are highly priced and open doors for the recipients within and outside Africa.

The opening day of the 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market, which was held at Eko Hotel and Suits from September 3-5, 2023 could simply be tagged Cross River day because Cross River State, known as a state reputed for tourism in Nigeria, dominated the opening day. Of course, the event was opened by the Governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Otu and the state brought inimitable colour to the event with memorable displays by the Cross River dance troupe. The fanfare and razzmatazz that attended the opening ceremony were memorable excitement to all who attended the event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 19th Akwaaba, the governor said: “Today, we are here to witness another theme unveiling, which stands our carnival out as an intellectual platform to entertain, educate, and inform our publics and audiences. Carnival Calabar, Africa’s Biggest Street Party has always led the cultural interface and ties with other such great cultural and artistic brands that have evolved distinct identities as Nigeria’s best foot forward in cultural diplomacy and at the same time acting as the pull factor to bring tourists to Cross River State and Nigeria every year. Also, understand that for the second year, the Medical Tourism platform is being activated with a strong partnership with the Turkish group.”

So, Akwaaba has become a bold signature to Tourism in Africa and as travel is said to buoy tourism globally, the travel industry was not left out but the new niche that is making its mark in Africa is medical tourism.

It is well known that many Nigerians who travel abroad go for medical checkups and treatment of ailments. Now, the tourism industry is giving medical treatment and ambience of pleasure and adventure to diminish the seriousness imbedded in medical treatment and health service.

Medical tourism is described as people traveling abroad to obtain medical treatment. Countries, including African nations have established state of the art hospitals with special attention to cater for foreigners who may come for medical service but are also made to sightsee tourism destinations and bask in the euphoria of entertainment and pleasure.

The third day of Akwaaba was dedicated to medical tourism. A group of Turkish Hospitals, which comprised Medipol Global, Serena Group, Govn Health Group, Turquaz Health, Health Ankara, and Medical Park Group, all in Turkey, pledged to collaborate with Nigerian medical institutions in the country to enhance the medical sector and also meet the medical needs of the citizens.

“We are ready to cooperation in this manner. We will like to establish a bridge with Nigeria and Turkey. We are ready to provide healthcare

service to African countries, starting from Nigeria,” the Turkish medical group stated.

Also, a delegation of medical experts from Ghana at the Akwaaba meeting highlighted key advantages of medical tourism. In a press statement, the Ghanaian delegation led by Dr. Kobby Appiah- Sayki, President of the African Medical Tourism Council (AMTC) and CEO of Britannia Medical Centre, presented the four core reasons why Ghana stands as a premier destination for medical tourism. Appiah-Sayki explained why Ghana is a destination for medical tourism, which include highly qualified local and internationally trained doctors.

Appiah-Sayki said: “There is good value for money. Ghana’s medical services offer exceptional value for money. Patients seeking high-quality healthcare can benefit from competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of care received. The AMTC acts as a regulatory body and it also advocates for patients.”

Appiah-Sayki emphasised that the African Medical Tourism Council plays a crucial role as a regulatory body, ensuring the highest standards of care for patients. AMTC also advocates for patients’ rights and ensures a transparent and ethical medical tourism environment.

The delegation also said that it was committed to removing all barriers to medical tourism. This includes overcoming challenges related to distance, travel, accommodation, and navigating the healthcare system.

“Ghana welcomes medical tourists with open arms and strives to make their journey as seamless as possible,” Appiah-Sayki further said.

Appiah-Sayki also highlighted the African Medical Tourism Council (AMTC) as the driving force behind a transformative journey that offers cutting-edge healthcare with the rich cultural tapestry of Africa. The Council consists of major hospitals in Ghana, including the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), the Bank Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Centre Ltd (UGMC) LuccaHealth, Britannia Medical Health Center Jubail Specialist Hospital and the Bethel Dental Clinic.

Ikechi Uko, the organiser and convener of the Akwaaba Africa Travel and Tourism Market in his key speech at the event, noted that Nigeria has not made strategic plan on the continuity of the travel industry to the future, observing that there is lack of young persons groomed to lead Nigeria’s travel industry in the next generation and encouraged major players in the sector to mentor people to guarantee a future of strong travel industry in Nigeria.

He also encouraged the players in the tourism industry to invest in educational and medical tourism, saying that it is the future of tourism in Nigeria.

“For a lot of countries in Africa, I asked them, please can you nominate two or three people in your country that you think are pioneers, inspirational. We gave them the terms and the conditions and our criteria. Unfortunately, most countries couldn’t nominate one person. I didn’t just ask one person, I asked like 10. And why is it that there is nobody here? ‘Oh, the young ones, I don’t think they deserve it, I don’t think they’re good enough, they’re not detailed’, everybody has complaints,” he said.

Over 30 exhibitors are present at this event, displaying different aspects of the tourism, medical, and hospitality industry.

Chinedu Eze

‘Government Has No Obligation to Support Businesses’

Sijibomi Ogundele

Dear Mr. President,

In 1978, Steve Jobs raised over a million dollars from the garage of his house through the use of his intellectual collateral, not a property, to develop the largest technology company and the biggest firm in the world today by market capitalization.

The multi-trillion-dollar vision with a backbone of public research funding from the U.S. government was achieved based on the national importance of driving innovation and as a sign that government’ investment and its initial leg into great companies do not only present tax benefits but also profit the entire ecosystem.

Government creates greatness. In fact, renowned industrialists like John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Sakichi Toyoda, among a host of other business magnates who received firm governmental support, have today created empires that provide jobs for millions of people globally.

Your excellency, there’s no greater and more fascinating story than a flourishing economy that thrives on innovative businesses. Thus, intentional support for subsidising businesses and dreams is a strategic and intelligent thing to do as a nation.

In Nigeria today, no start-up or entrepreneur can raise one naira in pre-seed funding without having to provide an arm and a leg. A demand for physical collateral that cripples’ revolutionary ideas and quenches the visionary flames of entrepreneurship.

With over 200 million citizens and a pregnant economy that must be delivered through the surgical needle of proper restructuring, the Nigerian business landscape must recover from its 77 percent year-on-year funding decline, a sharp fall from the $2 billion that the startup ecosystem attracted between July 2021 and June 2022 to $470 million in the last year (July 2022 to June 2023).

Asiwaju, as the economy continues to find its feet, the hikes in food prices and transportation are slowly eating deep into the moral fabric of society. Uncommon entrepreneurs are forced to explore new terrains with the Jakpa syndrome, where countless of Nigeria’s brightest minds seek opportunities elsewhere, away from their homeland.

Even companies with over 100 employees are being forced out of business or in debt due to a series of negative funding. An employee who earns N200,000 as a monthly salary today still struggles with the skyrocketing cost of living, which takes up more than 70 per cent of the income. This influences the decision of such staff to seek alternative ways of surviving while living in debt, even before salaries are paid (if paid on time or even ever paid after 3 months). Father, Nigeria’s current economic situation is like a mosquito sitting on one’s scrotum; the slightest amount of anger or irritation will lead to excruciating social and economic unrest.

Although all hopes are not dashed, in fact, new ones are being created as businesses gradually move from brick-and-mortar into the digital space. In today’s fast-paced society, the criteria for support should shift from tangible to intellectual assets, where vision can be invested in with funding and monitoring timelines and milestones, creating an enabling environment where competence and integrity prevail over connections and deceit.

As it stands today, no Nigerian bank is able to give any entrepreneur, visionary businessman, or woman one naira without a property asset or fixed asset to be held as collateral.

Amidst innovative thinking, financial engineering has crippled the growth of radical entrepreneurs, who have no problem with the presence of vision but lack everything in the acquisition of tangible collateral.

For Nigeria to reclaim its position as the Jewel of Africa and maintain her stance as the economic heart of Africa, it is crucial to urgently take into consideration this:

starting and running a business. For example, the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index ranks countries like Singapore and the United Arab Emirates at the top of the list due to their business-friendly policies, while Nigeria is not even among the first one hundred. Agricultural Exploits for Food Security: If you travel through the Lagos to Ibadan expressway, or the Kano-Zaria road, spans of land remain uncultivated, creating backlogs of agricultural deficits that won’t only tackle food scarcity if properly utilised but also create jobs for potential farm entrepreneurs while drastically reducing crime rates.

Nigeria is blessed with over 34 million hectares of arable land, a farming sector that has the potential to contribute above 23% to the nation’s GDP.

As a symbol of hope, Suji Farm Estate, a subsidiary of the esteemed Sujimoto Group, is taking on the mantle with a firm plan to allocate over 20,000–1,000,000 hectares before 2030, spreading across all geopolitical zones and all 36 states, for localised food production and mass employment opportunities designed to provide job security for over 10,000–200,000 citizens nationwide. With a clear plan for setting up a team of young, independent, and outstanding youth to supervise work, live, and play on the farm.

Suji Farm Estate will be built on an advanced farm estate system that incorporates housing, farm hospitals, hotels, and markets within an ecosystem, creating opportunities for agro-tourism and affordable housing.

In tackling food security, aside from creating thousands of farm entrepreneurs, the government must seek out innovative people—not only Sujimoto Farms but also numerous young agro-entrepreneurs across all 37 states—who have exceptional reputations, passion and technical know-how, encourage them, and fund them. It is in the government’s interest to intentionally fund businesses and projects with strong potential to impact our dare economy, which will eventually drive taxes and many other benefits for the nation.

An idle hand is the devil’s workshop: Nigeria currently sits on a keg of gun powder as the unemployment rate remains on the rise. The youth of the nation is our biggest asset, and it is alarming that over 42% of her population is out of work, a silent time bomb and a destructive tool vulnerable to use by terrorists, banditry, and other related vices.

It is urgent that the youth start putting their expertise into farming and other lucrative ventures.

would have ended up in computer village selling mobile devices, with his innovative ideas frustrated due to lack of funding. Steve Jobs also may have been a genius entrepreneur—he certainly had an eye for design—but his most successful product would not exist if it weren’t for the billions of dollars that the US government spends every year on research and development.

Just like SpaceX, although it is not yet in the full stage of generating revenue, the American government has also maintained a great share in funding the technological corporation because of its economic relevance and research impact on global society.

Nigeria can’t afford to think small. As the giant of Africa and the biggest nation in Africa with the biggest problem, the government needs to go out there and identify 10,000–50,000 outstanding entrepreneurs from all 36 states who have the capacity and reputation to do things differently, empower them beyond physical collateral, invest in their intellectual property, and create an enabling environment where competence and integrity prevail over connections and deceit.

Localised Production, Global Distribution: As of today, a 50-KG bag of rice costs N42,000 from the mills and about N52,000 from supermarkets, whereas the same bag of rice is worth N22,000 at Seme Border, Republic of Benin. The secret to reducing the price is by growing the paddy locally and setting up rice mills in individual states, drastically reducing the cost of rice and food.

Sujimoto Group has over the years built a solid reputation in the luxury real estate sector and is positioning itself to drastically reduce the housing deficit and bridge the unemployment gap in the next 5 years with the 1,000,000-hectare Sujimoto Farm Estate nationwide project.

To achieve this feat in an environment where funding is almost impossible and access to land is difficult, the present-day government must stretch its hand of collaboration, fund astounding projects, and tie performance bonds to them while monitoring project milestones and timelines. On the other hand, the funding isn’t for free, as government will also generate income through payback, business taxes, and employer income taxes.

“My dear President, I know that you have created a solid road map and a fantastic blueprint for the next 8 years, for I believe that the feat of achievement you attained in Lagos State and the successful entrepreneurs you’ve created between 1999 and 2007 can be replicated again on a national scale.”

Thank you, your distinguished excellency

7

PILLARS TO TACKLE ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION IN NIGERIA:

Funding Opportunities: One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs is access to capital. Funding remains the engine that propels innovation, generates new businesses, and brings fresh products and services to the market. As such, government has to encourage financial institutions to create an intellectual and creative collateral system for businesses with no alternative for physical collateral such as lands or properties. Reducing the regulatory burden on entrepreneurs: To further promote the entrepreneurship culture, especially among youths, the current political dispensation has to reduce the bureaucratic red tape by simplifying and streamlining the process of

Government supports innovative enterprise: Yes, not all governments have the obligation to support businesses, but governments have a moral duty and obligation to partner with businesses because a thriving business is a thriving nation.

Great nations like Egypt and Singapore are intentionally encouraging localised production and promoting local enterprises. It is high time for the Nigerian government to create stimulus packages for businesses and local entrepreneurs to help them achieve their goals, promote job opportunities, and drastically improve foreign exchange. This should not come in the form of grants but in affordable and accessible loan packages for specified durations.

Sectoral Research and Development: If Elon Musk was in Lagos, he probably

This is what Suji Farms Estate aims to achieve in the next 24 months, where we will be able to grow our paddy, mill the paddy, and distribute them directly to supermarkets across the nation, drastically reducing the cost of a bag from N52,000 to N35,000. This will further improve our nation’s human capital development and deliberately improve the nation’s food security, but we are only one company, and we believe the government can partner with other innovative agro-entrepreneurs, providing them with accessible, affordable, and non-stressful capital.

With a clear blueprint to develop affordable housing, improve the agricultural sector, and foster job opportunities within the retail space,

Tinubu

Sijibomi

Can Domestic Airlines Survive NCAA’s Policy?

In July this year, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) unveiled its policy on schedule airline operation in Nigeria and stated that from January 2025, the minimum aircraft fleet of any airline providing such service in Nigeria would be six aircraft, as against the minimum of three aircraft, which has been the policy over the years.

The policy also insisted that the maximum aircraft that must be airworthy out of the six aircraft should be four. This means that an airline is expected to ground its operations if it has less than four aircraft that are airworthy. The policy excused the fact that two out of the six aircraft could be on maintenance or just AOG (aircraft on ground), but if the number of aircraft in the airline fleet reduces to three that are airworthy the airline would shut down service.

Also, the policy allowed just one or two wet leased aircraft, which means that if the airline does not acquire the aircraft outrightly, it would have a long-term dry lease, where its crew would have full operation of the equipment.

The Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, in a chat with aviation journalists recently, explained why the authority took the decision and said the objective would boost airline capacity and reduce the situation where entrepreneurs who wished to go into airline business would not deploy enough funds to acquire good number of aircraft. With two or three aircraft in operation, he said such airlines easily go under when they face financial challenge because they did not beef up their capital base from the beginning.

LACK OF CAPACITY

Nuhu had explained that the bane of domestic airline operation is lack of capacity and to overcome this challenge, new airlines must have a minimum of six aircraft before they are allowed to go into operation.

Before the new policy, airlines could start flight service with only two aircraft and the consequence of the policy then was that if one aircraft breaks down, the airline would be left with only one aircraft and according to the regulation, an airline that owns only one aircraft cannot operate schedule service.

Nuhu said that the decision to increase the minimum equipment to six aircraft is to overcome the problem of lack of capacity.

“The problem is that a lot of the airlines don’t even have the capacity to meet current financial obligations. If you have three aircraft for instance and you lose one out of it, it will become a problem to meet up with your operations. Then, you start to have issues of flight delays, cancellations and all that. The number of aircraft you will have will depend on the kind of operations you want to do. You can imagine somebody who comes in with just one or two aircraft and one of the aircraft goes out of business after he has sold tickets to the passengers, think of what will happen. For you to have six aircraft, it shows you have very strong financial backgrounds of running an airline,” Nuhu said.

He further explained that the new policy is not only for new start-ups but also for existing operators, disclosing that the existing operators have been given deadline on when to comply with the policy (January 2025).

“It is not only for new entrants, but the old ones too have a period by which they have to comply. If everybody has one or two aircraft, we will keep having this recurrent problem. We have to avoid that. People will criticize, but every country is different. We have to look at our own peculiar history and try and come with solutions, but regulations are not cast in stones. If the situation changes, the regulation will be reviewed accordingly, and whenever it is necessary, we don’t have to wait for five years before we make amendments,” he said.

SHORT LIFESPAN

Nuhu said Nigeria had many airlines in the past, but only few of them are currently operating and the ones that are operating do not have many aircraft, noting that any airline that can afford to acquire six aircraft, has the financial muscle and the capacity to

operate schedule service and with such capacity it would not go under after few years, while still having its name in the NCAA registry.

“There are more aircraft in Nigeria registry than the entire west African states. The number of airlines, AOC (Air Operator Certificate), airports and co they have are not as much as we have in Nigeria. It is very huge, complex and there are huge demands to cope with in the industry.

“From records, about 12 years ago, we had only 16 AOCs, but right now, we have 32, out of which 12 are scheduled operators. We cannot keep operating the way we are operating. Changes have to come in and we have started the process. We are acquiring a regulatory software and in the next one or two weeks, we are going to be ready with the software and training of our staff is going to start on the use of the software. It is a three years programme and at the end of the period, we are going to make sure that 80 to 90 percent of NCAA processes are automated and also third party is going to be automated,” he said.

NEW POLICY PITFALLS

In an exclusive interview with a member of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and President, Topbrass Aviation Limited, Roland Iyayi, he told THISDAY an airline operator struggling with only two aircraft will find it hard to run six aircraft.

“The policy does not make sense. My conclusion is that the policy was enacted by those who do not have business and investment experience, especially aviation business experience,” he said.

Iyayi said that if proper investigation is conducted it would be realized that the major reason why airlines do not do well in Nigeria is because of government policies, which are inimical to profitability of airlines in Nigeria; so, it is the duty of government to review these inimical policies to make airline operation viable instead of constructing the operators with more stringent policies.

“If NCAA insists that all airlines must have minimum of six aircraft, I can assure you that in the next 12 months two or three airlines in Nigeria will go under. As a small carrier with

two aircraft, an airline can focus on its capacity. It may decide that it will be operators only to Lagos and Enugu. If you have six aircraft it means you will spend more money on the equipment because six aircraft have fixed costs.

“Everyone knows that the cause of flight delay and cancellation is due to poor infrastructure. Are the airlines responsible for bird strike, which incident can condemn aircraft engine and ground it until it is repaired? So, the root causes of airline failure are principally poor infrastructure and government policies,” Iyayi said.

The Topbrass boss said there is need for government to address the real issues instead of introducing hostile policies to further exacerbate the already hostile operational environment.

“Another problem we have is that we assume too much in this industry. A lot of people who make these policies have technical know-how but are not business savvy. I think they did not think through this new policy, which is not in tandem with reality and that is why we in the AON are fighting it,” he said.

CASH CRUNCH, FOREX CHALLENGE

Although existing domestic airlines have about 16 months to meet the requirement of the new policy, they are facing difficulty in sourcing forex to acquire aircraft and carry out major maintenance of their existing airplanes overseas.

The Spokesman of AON and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, called for special forex window for airlines and stressed the need for domestic carriers to access foreign exchange through a designated window facilitated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He also urged the newly appointed Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, to collaborate with other governmental bodies to identify and rectify obstructive elements within the system, especially currency speculators who artificially jerk up the exchange rate.

“You have naira and you can’t convert it to the dollar. So, the solution to this is

for our Minister to understand that we need a special window with the CBN to access foreign exchange,” Okonkwo said.

PROFITABILITY OF AIRLINES

The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Akin Olateru, in a recent interview said for airlines to be profitable, their access to funding is very important and canvassed that airlines should be given access to easy credit facility without outrageous interest.

“This is one of the only countries in the world where access to funding is extremely difficult. We need to do something about that because you cannot talk about growth without affordable fund. If you wish to buy a brand new aircraft, which could cost about $100 million, you have the manufacturers, the EXIM banks of those countries that will be willing to fund up to 85 per cent. There you pay 15 per cent and they fund the rest, but the question is, they will ask you, give us a local bank guarantee of $85 million. If you approach our banks in Nigeria for guarantee of $85 million, they ask you to put in $85 million cash in your account; then they give you guarantee. I mean it is crazy for the kind of things they ask for. It is just a guarantee. Yes, I understand it can crystallise but you still have the aircraft asset. So, they don’t discount that.

“It is an asset that this person is buying and this asset is worth something. So I think the Ministry of Aviation needs to probably call a stakeholders meeting on funding. Invite all the financial institutions in Nigeria because we need to rejig this funding issue. It is critical to the growth of the industry, Olateru said.

He also remarked that to meet NCAA’s new policy on the number of aircraft, airlines ought to have funds.

“Meeting this new requirement will cost money. We need to invest in managerial training. We need to train more people that understand air transport business. Yes, we have done well in terms of technical training. We have trained pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers. We need to deliberately invest more in aviation training in terms of managerial position, that is very important,” he added.

Whether NCAA will bow to pressure and tinker with its new policy, remains to be known, but for now, airlines must be strategising to meet the new rule of having minimum of six aircraft in their fleet.

The new Civil Aviation policy stipulates that by January 2025 airlines in Nigeria must have minimum of six aircraft and four must be operational at any time. Chinedu Eze looks at the challenges airlines may face in meeting the new conditions

Chioma Alonge: Michelin Nigeria’s First Nigerian MD Recounts Experience

Mrs Chioma Alonge, the first female Managing Director of Michelin in Nigeria who is the first Nigerian MD of the company in Nigeria, is a change manager who brings dynamic perspectives to drive profitable growth. As a brand enthusiast, she is passionate about discovering insights to unlock brand potential. Alonge, with two master’s degrees in marketing, is a professional who believes strongly that brands rule companies.  Commercially oriented and well-rounded in forecasting business profitability, her ability to unlock sustainable solutions has enabled her to steer the growth of Michelin in Nigeria since her emergence. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she speaks on the company’s operation in Nigeria, her passion for women in leadership, and how she has been able to remain on top of the game as a female while balancing work with the home front, among other issues.

For several years, your company was making tyres in Nigeria, the words on the streets are that you left a few years ago for Ghana. Do you plan to manufacture tyres in Nigeria ever again?

Iwould have been surprised if you didn’t ask that question. Michelin never left Nigeria for Ghana; it was an erroneous belief that had taken root in our country. There was never a time it happened. The fact is that Michelin has been in Nigeria for over 60 years. We had our manufacturing plant in Port Harcourt with Lagos as the commercial headquarters. In 2007, the company shut down its manufacturing plant due to an unfavourable operating environment, power issues and insecurity.

Nigeria at the time had severe power challenges. You know, Tyre production requires constant power supply at a steady voltage, because if there is a voltage drop, it could cause significant losses in the output. These issues led to the closure of our manufacturing plant in Nigeria. However, after the manufacturing was discontinued, Michelin did not stop business operations in Nigeria.

Now, we do 100% importation. Bringing tyres from Michelin factories. Currently, Michelins has 121 productions all over the world with a presence in 175 countries. Same as Nigeria exports crude oil and imports refined petrol, we still export rubber from Michelin plantations in Nigeria to most of the production sites and import finished tyres to Nigeria.

Expired and substandard tyres are flooding the Nigerian market and they are enjoying huge patronage because they are cheaper alternatives. What is your response to this?

There is a huge market in Nigeria for tyres. However, Nigeria is a huge market for used tyres because they are relatively cheap, but the users’ safety is highly compromised, and for this reason, Michelin is still here. We are pushing and encouraging people to re-look/ rethink their tyre purchase preference because statistics according to the Federal Road Safety shows, most of the road accidents are caused by tyre punctures and busting.

As premium brand Michelin tyres are rightly priced, however, we do not compromise on standards. Michelin tyres are tyres that you buy, you can go to sleep assured of your family’s safety. Our tyres are long-lasting and do not get ruptured. We are selling safety on the wheels. We sell safety and longevity.

As the first female MD in the company’s history, how is the experience?

You said the first female MD in the country, let me add also, the first Nigerian MD in Michelin Nigeria. We have always had foreign MDs. As a way of deepening our local inclusion and strength, Michelin considers it fit to have a Nigerian head of the business in Nigeria because for example, if you talk about the need to grow in Nigeria or to make our tyres more available in the country, I will be more passionate about it than somebody who is not from here.

When you talk about how it feels to be the first female, it is basically about who is the first Nigerian to head the company in Nigeria, not just being a woman. It is the same burden of leadership which makes you know that the lives of people and their families are dependent on your actions, or inactions. The fact that you have men and women who look up to you, and the decisions you make every day are the burden you bear in leadership. Knowing that the actions/ steps I take will impact people who work with me at Michelin. Not my gender.

So, have you experienced any form of

discrimination being a woman heading a Nigerian corporation?

The burden of a woman in leadership is just a stereotype because society expects you to act in a certain way. I don’t think my needs are different from any man who is an MD. I need work-life balance; the male MD needs work-life balance too.

So, when we say, how is it as a woman, that is where we bring in stereotypes.

Why do I say this, you expect the woman to act in a certain way or the leader to act in a certain way and those traits come easily to men, you do not expect a woman to demonstrate these traits. What I would rather say is that a woman is first a human being before she is made a leader and with leadership, comes certain expected traits. People will follow you when they know your vision; they will follow when you are transparent with this vision.

To be a leader means you are going somewhere, meaning that you have a destination; people must then see/ feel this destination.

The one rule of leadership which I imbibe strongly is to have a definite direction. Point to your direction, and get people to see it. Once they see it, it is easier to lead them, so as a leader, it is easier to rally people around your clear vision.

Secondly, Michelin makes it easy for women, we have core values, People, Planet and Profit. People first, Michelin is all about people, as a woman in Michelin, you are given a level playing field. You can excel

in your chosen field like the men because, in Michelin, we embrace inclusion, equity, and diversity.

In this company, Michelin, women are given equal opportunities to grow.  We do not feel inhibited, nor feel like there is a glass ceiling. because, for us at Michelin, we do not just talk about diversity and inclusion, we “walk the talk”.

What is your word of advice to other companies to ensure that their women are also included in leadership positions?  Companies should be deliberate, and intentional about including women in their workplace. Women have a lot to offer, though men do too, but women see much more, women see the salient facts. As an ardent chess player, I read body language a lot, even in business. Businesses that have given women a seat around the table, go farther. They succeed because when men are looking, women are sensing deeper, bringing different perspectives. Men and women contribute to the growth of every business.

What policies do you want to see to encourage women in more leadership positions either in government or in the boardroom?

I want professionals -men & women to be intentional. I mentor and coach women; We say, “Send the elevator down”. What it means is when you as a woman have attained a certain level of leadership, ensure

to send the elevator down to bring up more females like you. Don’t stay there and shut off the elevator.

Secondly, we know the value of mentorship, but I have gone further to say, that it is not only about mentoring but also about becoming a sponsor, don’t just mentor, sponsor.

What I mean is when you are around the table and a skill is needed, mention a name. Don’t just mentor and stay quiet, move further. Many women have had mentors, they need sponsors, people who will call our names when and where they need to be called. If you are in a boardroom and a business is saying We need somebody that can do this, don’t keep your mouth shut, mention a female that you know, mention somebody that you know. If nobody mentions your name, nobody sees you. Even in the bible. Remember that for Joseph, when the king had a dream, someone said I know a guy. What if that guy did not call Joseph’s name?

I am very passionate about more women in leadership, when we mentor these females, we should also sponsor them.

In addition, I listened to a speaker who said that most male leaders have “their boys.” We also want females to say, these are our girls. Let’s sponsor more girls, bring more female professionals to the table so we are empowered, and our voices heard.

Looking back on how you got here, how would you encourage a young lady who just graduated from the University?

I will say to the young people, dream. Dream your dream, spread your wings and fly, honestly, I wanted to be a pilot, I wanted to go to the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) somewhere in London. My dad said, No, you won’t be a pilot, you need to be stable. I got into marketing and in my very first job, I was exposed to brand management I just fell in love with brands. I discovered that brands drive the business.

I would say to young people; be passionate, find where your passion lies and drive it. The reason is when you do a job that you love, it will not just be a job, but you will be fulfilled.  I look at Michelin not just as a job but as a great brand with a giant footprint across nations.

How do you cope with the responsibility of being a mother and a wife?

I prioritize my life; I just do the same thing you do. There is a time to work and time for the family, both very important.  You have to prioritize, Michelin gives you time, and they know you have a family. In the same way, a man will prioritize his family, a woman is no different. Men go to work as well as women and close at the same time, there is no different start and closing time for either gender.

How do you think women should achieve financial stability?

Just by being curious and hardworking. How do men achieve financial stability and what do they do differently? I say don’t box yourself by saying I am a woman and I need to do things differently.

How do men achieve financial stability, they think, plan, and learn a trade, it’s not all about school. They put themselves in the business and start to learn. A woman too can learn a trade, or a skill, apply herself to that trade and excel in it. If you want to go the way of the classroom, a man goes to school, earns a degree, and goes to look for work with that degree, the same way for a woman. I don’t subscribe to us having the victim mentality. We are human beings. That is my sincere opinion.

Alonge

Naval Dockyard Ltd Partners Dateline Energy Services for Construction of LPG Coastal Gas Transportation Barge

Chiemelie Ezeobi

To boost efforts of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors, Naval Dockyard Limited and Dateline Energy Services Limited recently entered a partnership contract agreement for the construction of 4,000 metric tons Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Coastal Gas Transportation Barge which will be built at the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said the construction of the transportation barge marked a significant milestone for the Nigerian Navy, the Naval Dockyard Limited, Dateline Energy Services and the nation.

The CNS, who was represented by Group Managing Director/ CEO Navy Holdings Limited, Rear Admiral Hamzat Kaoje, expressed optimism that the partnership would spur the growth of Research and Development (R&D), indigenous vessel construction and local content development towards building sustainable paths to progress.

He said the proposed construction of the 4,000 metric tonnes LPG Coastal Gas Transportation Barge was indicative of how far the institutions and the nation had developed capacity to indigenise the construction of such an enormous and complex vessel.

Stressing that the project will bring massive transformation in the energy sector in the country as well as in the African continent, Vice Admiral Ogalla also praised the Naval Dockyard Ltd for standing tall in keeping to its primary objectives of enhancing the country’s strategic selfreliance in maintaining Naval vessels, developing expertise

and embarking on design and building of ships and craft in support of Nigeria’s continental and global maritime power projection and its blue economy.

Ogalla said the project is a novel idea that will facilitate business and growth of the economy, adding that “it’s a good step to diversify the economy, provide opportunities for job creation and ensure the opening of the coastline with laudable opportunities”.

CNS also commended the visionary and focused leadership of President Bola Tinubu, pledging that the restoration of the renewed hope agenda will be delivered by the government in view of its commitment in addressing the welfare of the citizens.

In his speech, CEO Dateline Energy Services, Mr Wilson Opuwei, said the construction covers 4000 metric tonnes and the first of its kind in Africa, adding that the opportunities that would open up with the completion of the project is huge, stressing that it would impact positively on the economy.

In turn, the project partner, Darren Dignam, promised to ensure that the project is delivered on time, just as he praised the Naval Dockyard for their capacity and competence in handling the massive project.

At the inauguration of the partnership, Rear Admiral AA Oredereu, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard, expressed confidence that this collaboration will yield fruitful results for both parties and pave the way for future endeavors in oil and gas vessel construction, Research and Development, and local content development within the maritime and energy sectors.

He said, “This milestone event is seen as a testament to the growth and potential of Nigeria’s maritime and energy industries. It highlights the commitment of both Naval Dockyard Limited and Dateline Energy Services Limited to propel the nation’s economy forward through innovation and collaboration.

“ The successful partnership aims to be a stepping stone towards achieving greater

CORONATION ART GALLERY HOSTS SPECTACULAR EVENING OF ELEGANCE

Stories by Mary Nnah

achievements in these crucial sectors”.

Rear Admiral Orederu who spoke on the Naval Dockyard facilities and ship building capabilities harped on the competence of Naval Dockyard and its capacity at building war ships.

According to him “the Dockyard has demonstrated its capacity by constructing three Seaward Defence Boats, building over 100 riverine patrol boats, constructing and maintaining of houseboats, constructing self-propelled barges, repair of vessels both military and merchant ships, and constructing GRP boats and numerous maritime engineering construction as well as oil and gas platforms/assets currently performing optimally within Nigeria’s maritime space among others.”

Also present at the epoch occasion were Hamza Ibrahim, MD/CEO, Admiralty Maritime Services Ltd; and Dr. Mc George Onyung, President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, amongst several others.

The Coronation Art Gallery, renowned for its commitment to promoting art and culture, hosted an unforgettable evening that brought together esteemed guests, art enthusiasts, and high-profile personalities. The event, which took place at the Coronation Art Gallery in the heart of Victoria Island recently, was an enchanting convergence of creativity, music, and champagne.

In launching the Art Gallery, Coronation’s objectives, amongst others were to democratize access to art for all and to encourage art appreciation across all its stakeholders.

Managing Director of Coronation Life Assurance, Akinlolu Akinyele welcomed the distinguished attendees, including VIP guests such as Myma Belo- Osagie – Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie; Papa Madiaw Ndiaye– Founder Managing Partner, AFIG Funds Senegal; Femi Akinsanya - Famous Art Collector, Chairman First Ally Capital; Olufemi Lijadu – Former Chairman SEC, Famous Collector; Udeme Ufot – CEO SO&U; Wole Oshin - Founder Custodian Group; Gbenga Offo – Celebrated Artist; Dudun Peterside – Executive Coach and Leadership Development Adviser; (Atedo’s Wife, Mother of Art X Founder); Tunde Dabiri – Former Director Coronation Merchant Bank; Bolanle Austen-Peters – Founder Terra Kulture and Ugoma Ebilah - Art Curator and Founder Bloom Art and others.

He shared his heartfelt delight in hosting an event that exquisitely showcased the profound power of artistic expression. The ambience was elevated by the melodic tunes that graced the atmosphere, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable night.

The visionary behind the captivating private collection on display, Dotun Sulaiman, shared his excitement about presenting his masterfully curated artworks to a captivated audience.

“Art has the unique ability to transcend boundaries and connect us all”, he noted while highlighting the importance of the evening in fostering cultural appreciation.

The event garnered the attendance of notable personalities from various walks of life, creating an environment conducive to networking, meaningful conversations, and the sharing of creative insights.

PEAK YOGHURT UNVEILS ONE LITRE STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR

Nigeria’s leading dairy manufacturer, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of the iconic Peak Milk brand, has launched its Peak Yoghurt Strawberry Flavour 1 Litre Pack. This new offering provides another exciting way of enjoying the “Full House Pack” in the delicious Strawberry Flavour.

Peak Yoghurt Strawberry Flavour “Full House Pack” is a tasty and nutritious drink that contains fresh cow milk, enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is a delicious blend of smooth and creamy yoghurt infused with the natural sweetness of juicy strawberries. Bursting with flavour, it offers a delightful snacking experience that satisfies taste buds of all ages and can be consumed on-the-go or added to smoothies, shakes and cereals.

Simba TVS Launches Queen Rider Program in Ile Ife

Precious Ugwuzor

Simba TVS, the leading brand of tricycles in Nigeria, has brought its award-winning Queen Rider Program to Ile-Ife in Osun State, in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa and Queen Moremi Ajasoro Foundation.

The Queen Rider Program is a women’s empowerment initiative of the Simba Group, that trains women on tricycle riding and maintenance and equips those from under-represented backgrounds with the skills and support to start their own tricycle business.

The opening ceremony, which was held recently at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, had several government officials, traditional rulers and transport unions in attendance.

Declaring the program open, the Oni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty,Adeyeye Ogunwusi, thanked Simba TVS for bringing the Queen Riders program to Ife, assuring that the crown will continue to partner with the company to ensure its success.

While noting the dearth of commercial tricycles in Ife which is supposed to ease local transportation, he opined that upon conclusion of the training program, successful participants would also contribute to the improvement of last-mile transportation in Ife.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mahendra Pratap, the Business Head of Simba TVS, said: “The Queen Rider Program is not only a skill development initiative, but also a social movement that challenges the stereotypes and

barriers that sometimes limits womens’ potential.

“By becoming Queen Riders, these women can assert their independence, confidence, and dignity. They can also inspire other women and girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”

He added: “The Queen Rider Program is aligned with our vision of creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where women

have equal opportunities and rights. We believe that women empowerment is not only a moral imperative but also a step towards economic growth and social progress.”

One of the participants, Ms. Sowade Oluwabukola, expressed her excitement about joining the program: “I am very happy to be part of this program. I have always wanted to learn how to

ride a tricycle, but I was afraid of what people would say or do.

“Now I have the opportunity to learn from experts and meet other women who share my passion. I hope to become a successful Queen Rider and support my family.”

The Queen Rider Program is Nigeria’s oldest tricycle training and empowerment program dedicated to women. It was established in 2017 by Simba TVS to teach women how to safely ride and repair tricycles, enabling them to partake in the industry and increase their families’ disposable incomes.

Since its inception, the program has trained over 1,000 women across Nigeria and helped them access finance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program also provides them with certificates and starter kits.

Africa Magic Premieres New Indigenous Series in September

Precious Ugwuzor

Africa Magic is set to roll out new indigenous drama series for customers’ viewing pleasure this September. Scheduled to premiere within the month are the indigenous Yoruba drama series ‘Apo’, Igbo series ‘Iwe’, and Hausa drama series ‘Kariya’. Apo (Bag), a 26-episode series set in a rural town in the SouthWestern part of Nigeria, will premiere on Africa Magic Yoruba (GOtv ch 2), on September 18. The series will broadcast on Mondays

and Tuesdays, at 6:30 pm.

The 80-episode Igbo drama ‘Iwe’ (Anger) will also premiere September 18 on Africa Magic Igbo (GOtv ch 4). The series will run Mondays to Fridays, at 7 pm, while the 26-episode Hausa series, Kariya (Sanctuary) will premiere September 22, on Africa Magic Hausa (GOtv ch 3). The drama series will broadcast on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8 p.m. Commentingonthenewshows, the Executive Head, of Content & WestAfricaChannels,MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said the new

series is in continuation of MultiChoice’s resolve to tell unique African stories that connect with the reality of Nigerian andAfrican audiences. “Africa Magic is committed to telling stories that relate to the everyday life of Africa, showcasing our cultural nuances, values, struggles, and triumphs. Our recent indigenous series Irora Iya, Dala Dala, and Nwanyi Ike, gained wide followership and good reviews from our audience and we are pleased to present these new interesting storylines for their viewing pleasure,” she said.

The Senior Brand Manager, Peak Yoghurt, Motolani Ipadeola, said, “Peak understands the importance of creating moments of togetherness and sharing delightful experiences with loved ones. The new 1 Litre Peak Yoghurt Strawberry ‘Full House Pack’ embodies those values, providing an abundance of our delicious and flavourful yoghurt that is sure to bring nourishing goodness to every household.”

She noted further, “Peak Yoghurt takes pride in its commitment to quality and freshness; it contains fresh cow milk sourced from local dairy farms in Nigeria. It is also rich in Vitamins to support vitality, Calcium to support strong teeth & bones and Protein to support muscle development. It is available for purchase in supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide. Consumers can look forward to indulging in this delightful refreshment.”

The 1 1-litre pack size was produced to meet the demands of larger households, ensuring there is plenty to share with loved ones or even to savour on one’s own. With its ample quantity, the Peak Yoghurt Strawberry 1 Litre Pack is the perfect choice for family gatherings, picnics, or any occasion that calls for a generous serving of pure indulgence.

ST. EVE, PAUL ONOURA ENCOURAGES YOUTHS TO LIVE THEIR DREAMS

Managing Director of St. Eve, Mrs Evelyn Okereke in partnership with Hon Paul Onoura aka Nwa Jesus, one of the major sponsors of a football tournament aimed at discovering young talents, has encouraged youth across Nigeria to live their dreams as they aspire for great things in life.

Speaking during the official unveiling and kick-off of the football tournament organised by St, Eve to help discover young talents and also help the youths be positively engaged, Okereke said, “My inspiration is drawn from the fact that as a mother, you see what is happening in Nigeria where things are becoming tough and tough every day, so we thought of a way to bring out our youths and close that gap between the rich and the poor. And you see, the economy is not so friendly, and I have supporters who together we can make meaning to these young people and again keep them busy so that during this long vacation they could play the game and we don’t know who God can elevate through this competition.”

She reiterated that the competition is to encourage their youthful dreams as well as instil in them the mindset that anything is possible through football. On why chose sports and not fashion or art, she said, “Sports is a unique venture and also a unifying force and when you want to do something that unifies, fashion won’t do it as much as sports would. So, I felt that for unity, football is one of the biggest sports in the world.”

One of the major sponsors of the competition, Hon Paul Onoura aka Nwa Jesus, said, “It doesn’t matter who the youth you are sponsoring is. It doesn’t matter the tribe the youths you are sponsoring come from. What matters is that youth become successful in life. When that youth becomes successful in life, he or she will touch other people’s lives because he has succeeded.”

GMD/ CEO Navy Holdings Limited, Rear Admiral Hamzat Kaoje; CEO Dateline Energy, Wilson Opuwei; Operation Director, Dateline Energy Darren Dignam and Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu during the signing of the LPG Gas Coastal Transportation Carrier Barge

Her Majesty, the Queen, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi (middle) with Mahendra Pratap, Business Head, Simba TVS along with other senior officers of Simba TVS during the launch of the Simba TVS Queen Riders Program in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

X-raying Akume’s Achievements as SGF in 100 Days in Office

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been a column of support for the Tinubu Administration in the first 100 days in office, Olawale Ajimotokan reports

Senator George Akume is a tested and consummate politician with antecedents in leadership and governance. He resumed duty on June 7, 2023 following his appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He succeeded Mr Boss Mustapha, who served in the same capacity in the eight unbroken years of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Akume had a sterling career in the public service, where he rose through the ranks as a permanent secretary in the Benue State Civil Service before becoming a two- term Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007.

It is said that his Benue Advance Plan blueprint has remained the foundational policy document that successive administrations in Benue State have anchored their development projects upon.

He was later elected a Senator of the Federal Republic before serving as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs also under the Buhari administration.

The office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is very symbolic and essential to the working of the Nigerian government. It is the arm of the Presidency that is charged with the responsibility for ensuring effective coordination and monitoring the implementation of approved government policies and programmes by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

It wields such influence that it is the secretariat to the President and by extension, it advises the government on broad policy matters across the nation’s political, social and economic milieu.

The OSGF comprises five offices headed by Permanent Secretaries in addition to also being directly responsible for the supervision of 16 agencies domiciled in the Presidency.

The major arms of OSGF are the General Services Office (GSO), Cabinet Affairs Office (CAO), Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Special Services Office (SSO) and Ecological Projects Office (EPO).

Akume has in the last 100 days dutifully discharged that function to the best of his ability by acting as the adhesive tape that binds the presidency with the bureaucracy to ensure effective implementation of government policies.

As someone imbued with the requisite intellectual capacity, administrative competence, political imagination and leadership capital, he has impressed in the last 100 days as the nation’s leading bureaucrat.

His office takes care of political office holders, including Mr. President and the Vice President. The OSGF also serves as the Secretariat to the Council of State, the Federal Executive Council, Security Council and other constitutional councils which are chaired by the President.

He coordinates the activities

of Ministries and government agencies as well as monitors the implementation of government decisions, policies and programmes.

He also handles constitutional, political and socio-economic matters as may be referred to the Presidency.

Akume serves as the Chief Adviser to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima Kassim on policy issues, while also providing administrative support services for administrative tribunals, commissions and panels of inquiry.

He also handles issues related to the affairs of former heads of state and presidents, including protocol matters, processing of communication and documentation and conveying the directive of the President.

He also superintends the processing and granting of government approval for overseas tours, inter-governmental meetings, conferences and medical checkup/treatment for public officers, members of the judiciary, chairman and members of statutory

commissions for approval by the President as well as processing of appointments to the headship of statutory bodies, commissions and agencies by the President.

Akume also liaises with secretaries to state governments and ensures to the provision of office accommodation and support services for political office holders.

One of the major tasks he carried out in the last 100 days was serving as the Chairman of the 2023 Inter-Ministerial committee on Democracy Day.

The event tagged “Hope Reassured” held on June 12 away from the traditional May 29 was held in honour of the heroes who championed the political struggle against military rule and made extra-ordinary sacrifice for the enthronement of the democratic rule in Nigeria from 1999 till date.

This year’s Democracy Day was low-key given that the federal government had staged an elaborate Presidential inauguration celebration on May 29, which remarkably was the date powere was transferred

to the Tinubu administration by the Buhari administration.

Akume also consolidated the federal government’s fight against the triple scourge of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by enhancing collaboration with Global Fund when he received in audience a delegation from the Global Fund which approved about $1 billion for Nigeria as part of its grant to assist the country in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV/AIDS for the next three years.

The federal government also approved the dissolution of the governing boards of all Federal Government parastatals, agencies, institutions, and governmentowned companies in the exercise of its constitutional powers and in the public interest.

The dissolution does not, however, affect boards, commissions and councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

According to the SGF, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) were exempted from such dissolution.

In view of this development and pending when new boards are constituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the parastatals, agencies, institutions, and government-owned companies are to refer matters requiring the attention of their boards to the President, through the permanent secretaries of their respective supervisory ministries and offices.

Akume also sought to deepen bilateral relations with the British government in the area of security, agriculture and infrastructural development.

The SGF worked towards improving ties when he received in audience the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, when the later paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He recalled the historical ties between UK and Nigeria while stressing the imperative of both countries working together for mutual benefits

“We want to make a difference in the lives of our people. We are not after money, we are after infrastructure, we are after food security, and we are after energy. We believe with your support we should go further than this. We also have nine mandate areas. Honestly, by the time you support us, its mutual, you will be surprise that the relationship will soar to greater heights,” Akume said.

The SGF also courted the support of the British to assist the Federal Government to curb Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and farmers-herders clashes as they did during Nigeria’s civil war.

He also stressed the need to deepen bilateral relationship to support Nigeria in the area of education and provision of health, among others.

Another commendable performance of Akume was that his office successfully completed the documentation process for all 45 Minister-Designates ahead of their inauguration by President Tinubu on August 21.

Jumia Kicks Off Brands Festival 2023 as Customers Enjoy Exclusive Offers

Mary Nnah

Leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, Jumia, has announced the launch of its annual brands festival campaign, targeted at promoting authentic products across a wide range of categories at the best prices directly from

top brands on the platform. The campaign tagged “Beta products, Beta savings,” started last Monday, September 4th and will run through September 17th, offering millions of consumers nationwide the opportunity to buy original products from the official stores of several top

brandssuchasAdidas,Oraimo, Nivea, Xiaomi, DeFacto, Tecno, Pernod Ricard, Infinix, Diageo, Itel, L’Oréal, Bacardi, Binatone, and Haier Thermocool.

Speaking at the event, the CEO of Jumia Nigeria, Massimiliano Spalazzi, said, “In these challengingtimes,theessenceof the Jumia Brands Festival takes

on even greater significance. We are not only championing authentic products but also making them accessible at the most competitive prices. We understand the constraints faced by today’s consumersthe need for quality products that don’t break the bank. Our collaboration with renowned

internationalbrandsbridgesthe gap, ensuring that consumers can work within their budgets whileobtaininggenuineitems.”

Consumers can take advantage of the amazing offers during the campaign by simply downloading the Jumia App.

The campaign will feature Treasure Hunt, Brand Days,

Deals of the Day, and Flash Sales, where consumers can get further discounts on several products. The campaign is also providing free shipping on a wide range of products to consumers within Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Warri, Benin, Abeokuta, Akure, and Port Harcourt.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, (R) and Maureen Allagoa, MD/CE, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during a courtesy visit to the SGF

FOREIGN DESK

Indonesia’s Widodo Urges US, China, Russia to Avoid ‘New Wars’

Amid sharpened geopolitical rivalry between the United States, China and Russia, Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivered a forceful call for leaders to ease tensions and avoid conflict in the region.

Speaking Thursday in Jakarta at the opening of the East Asia Summit (EAS), which brings together the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners – the United States, China, Russia, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, Widodo underscored the need for stability for the region to continue its decades-long peace and prosperity.

However, leaders of the three major powers – US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin – chose to skip the summit, sending instead their respective representatives, Vice President Kamala Harris, Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

As the outgoing chair of ASEAN, earlier this week Widodo declared that the bloc “has agreed not to become a proxy for any power. He reiterated that Southeast Asia will not become the front lines of a new Cold War – a pledge he made when he took the helm of ASEAN from Cambodia in 2022.

US, Britain Sanction 11 Linked to Russian Cybercrime Group

On Thursday, the United States and Britain sanctioned 11 people who were part of the Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime hacking group, accusing it of targeting critical government infrastructure and businesses, along with hospitals, during the coronavirus pandemic.

A US Treasury statement said the blacklisted targets included “key actors involved in management and procurement” for Trickbot, which it said had ties to Russian intelligence services, although it was taken down in 2022.

Treasury undersecretary Brian Nelson said in a statement, “The United States is resolute in our efforts to combat ransomware and respond to disruptions of our critical infrastructure.”

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the sanctions attempt to disrupt Trickbot’s business model and strip officials of anonymity.

British officials said the Trickbot group had extorted at least $180 million from people worldwide to restore their computer services.

In conjunction with the sanctions, which block any assets the Trickbot officials have in the United States and Britain, the US Justice Department unsealed indictments against nine gang members.

The Justice Department said worldwide, more than 900 victims had been affected in about 31 countries and throughout most of the US Attorney General Merrick Garland said the malware attacks in the US had affected local school districts, governments, and financial institutions.

The US said in one instance, the Trickbot group used ransomware against three medical facilities in the midwestern state of Minnesota.

The US said Trickbot workers “publicly gloated over the ease of targeting the medical facilities and the speed in which ransoms had been paid to the group.”

Russia Objects to US Supply of Depleted Uranium Rounds to Ukraine

Russia is criticising a new US aid package for Ukraine that includes depleted uranium tank ammunition, saying the decision to send the rounds “is a clear sign of inhumanity.”

Russia’s embassy in Washington said on Telegram Wednesday that the United States is “deliberately transferring weapons with indiscriminate effects” and is fully aware of the ammunition’s potential health and safety consequences.

The tank rounds could help Ukrainian forces destroy Russian tanks previously provided to Ukraine by Britain.

Pentagon spokesperson Marine Corps Lt. Col. Garron Garn defended the use of the munitions in a statement to The Associated Press in March, saying the US military “has procured, stored, and used depleted uranium rounds for several decades, since these are a longstanding element of some conventional munitions.”

Garn said Russia is among the countries that have long possessed depleted uranium rounds.

The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs says depleted uranium is the main byproduct of uranium enrichment and that because of its high density, it is used in munitions designed to penetrate armour plating.

Gabon Military Junta Frees Ousted President, Creates Transitional Council

Gabon military leader General Brice Oligui Nguema says former president Ali Bongo, who was toppled in an August 30 coup, has been freed from house arrest.

The junta also announced the creation of a transitional constitutional council.

Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, spokesperson of Gabon’s Committee for the Transformation and Restoration of Institutions, declared on Gabon National Television that, for health reasons, Bongo has been released and can seek medical treatment abroad.

Bongo had a stroke in October 2018, which left him physically impaired, with difficulty moving his right leg and arm. He frequently visited foreign hospitals for treatment, according to Gabon’s military junta.

The military junta announced Bongo’s freedom after Abdou Abarry, head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, met with the deposed leader in Libreville.

Abarry said Bongo is in good health and wants the preservation of peace and social cohesion in Gabon.

Bongo came to power in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar, who had led the central African country since 1967.

Gabon’s opposition says the family ruled with an iron fist and confiscated most of the oil-producing nation’s wealth.

Australia PM to Visit China After ‘Progress’ on Ties Australia and China have made progress in returning to “unimpeded trade,” and progress should continue, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday as he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a regional summit in Indonesia.

“The progress we have made in resuming unimpeded trade is good for both countries and we want to see that progress continue,” Albanese said in his opening comments at the meeting.

Australia’s views will not always align with China’s, “but we understand dialogue is absolutely critical,” he said.

Li said he welcomed Albanese to visit China this year, and Albanese said he would.

“I look forward to visiting China later this year to mark the 50th anniversary of Prime Minister Whitlam’s historic visit,” Albanese said in a statement after the meeting, referring to the first visit to communist China by an Australian leader, then prime minister Gough Whitlam, in 1973.

The confirmation of the Beijing visit, the first by an Australian leader to its biggest trading partner since 2016, is a significant step in stabilising ties.

Diplomatic exchanges froze in 2020 as China placed curbs on a dozen Australian exports in response to Australia’s call for an investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tension has eased since Australia elected a Labour government in 2022, and China

recently lifted tariffs on Australian barley exports, although Australia wants curbs on other exports, including wine and lobster, lifted.

South Korea Warns North Korea’s Nuclear Programme ‘Existential Threat’

North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes pose “an existential threat” to the Indo-Pacific region and a direct threat to regional peace, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday during the East Asia Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

His remarks came after a New York Times report that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to travel to Russia later this month to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss an arms trade. Moscow is seeking more weapon supplies from Pyongyang to be used in its war on Ukraine. In return, Kim is interested in Russia providing advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, according to the report.

South Korean officials and analysts say if North Korea can receive such advanced technology from Russia, it would elevate the threat level posed to South Korea and its allies.

“North Korea’s nuclear and missile development is a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions,” Yoon said. “It is an existential threat that can target and strike all nations participating in today’s meeting.”

Yoon is in Indonesia this week, attending the East Asia Summit, a premier forum for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region that includes leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

Kremlin-linked Russian Businessman Jailed for Hacking, Insider Trading Scheme

A wealthy Russian businessman with ties to the Kremlin was sentenced Thursday to nine years in prison for his role in a nearly $100 million stock market cheating scheme that relied on secret earnings information stolen by hacking US computer networks.

Vladislav Klyushin, who ran a Moscowbased information technology company that did work for the highest levels of the Russian government, was convicted in February of charges that include wire fraud and securities fraud after a two-week trial in federal court in Boston.

Authorities say he pocketed over $33 million in the scheme, which involved breaking into computer systems to steal earnings-related filings for hundreds of companies — including Microsoft and Tesla — and then using that insider information to make lucrative trades.

Klyushin, 42, has been jailed in the US since his extradition in 2021, and the more than two years’ detention will be credited to his prison term. He was arrested in Switzerland.

Prosecutors had sought 14 years in prison, saying a stiff punishment was crucial to send a message to overseas cybercriminals. Assistant

US Attorney Seth Kosto told the judge that Klyushin has accepted no responsibility for his crimes and that once he serves his sentence, he’ll return to Russia, where he is a “powerful person” with “powerful friends in the highest echelons of Russian society.”

Report: China Using AI to Mess with US Voters

China is turning to artificial intelligence to rile up US voters and stoke divisions ahead of the country’s 2024 presidential elections, according to a new report.

In a blog post Thursday, threat analysts at Microsoft warned that Beijing had developed a new artificial intelligence capability that can produce “eye-catching content” more likely to go viral than previous Chinese influence operations.

According to Microsoft, the six-month-long effort appears to use AI generators, which can produce visually stunning imagery and improve it over time.

“We have observed China-affiliated actors leveraging AI-generated visual media in a broad campaign that largely focuses on politically divisive topics, such as gun violence, and denigrating US political figures and symbols,” Microsoft said.

“We can expect China to continue to hone this technology over time, though it remains to be seen how and when it will deploy it at scale,” it added.

China on Thursday dismissed Microsoft’s findings.

“In recent years, some Western media and think tanks have accused China of using artificial intelligence to create fake social media accounts to spread so-called ‘pro-China’ information,” Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told VOA in an email. “Such remarks are full of prejudice and malicious speculation against China, which China firmly opposes.”

According to Microsoft, Chinese governmentlinked actors appear to be disseminating AI-generated images on social media while posing as US voters from across the political spectrum. The focus has been on race, economic issues and ideology.

Taliban Sell Afghanistan’s Mines Despite Sanctions

The Taliban, facing international sanctions and a dire economic outlook at home, have intensified efforts to leverage Afghanistan’s vast natural resources.

From oil to copper, gold and lithium, the Islamist leadership, unrecognized by any nation as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, has inked multibillion-dollar mining deals with Chinese and other foreign companies.

The landlocked country has plunged into economic trouble since Western donors cut off all development assistance, amounting to several billion dollars annually, after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

Donors have also slashed humanitarian funding for Afghanistan, prompting aid agencies to suspend critical funding for about 10 million Afghans facing acute food insecurity.

COMPILED

Tinubu, Oye, Others Canvass Increased Trade Between Nigeria, India

Oluchi Chibuzor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., have urged for increased bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and India, ensuring deeper economic ties, trade partnerships and increased investments that benefit both nations.

President Bola Tinubu and the NACCIMA made the case, alongside other stakeholders at the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference, held on Wednesday, in New Delhi, India.

Others at the roundtable include Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ahmed Sule and the President, Nigeria-India Business Council, Mr. V.R Sharma, among other leading industrialists and government officials from India and Nigeria.

While President Bola Tinubu reassured that his government is undertaking holistic reforms and policies across various sectors to transform Nigeria as the most conducive country for foreign investments, the NACCIMA boss reiterated the need to strengthen ties and unlock new economic opportunities to facilitate growth and prosperity in both Countries.

According to Oye, “We recognize the immense potential for economic growth, among other economic benefits that lie in increased bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and India, and restate the need to strengthen efforts and measures to foster economic ties, facilitate trade partnerships, and promote investments to the benefit of both nations.”

He stated, “Nigeria and India have diverse economies with a wide range of industries and exploring these markets can open up a new vista of opportunities

for trade in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, energy, and manufacturing. Nigerian businesses can tap into India’s vast population, while Indian companies can access Nigeria’s sizable market, leading to increased sales and revenue for businesses in both countries.”

He added, “while NACCIMA has been at the forefront of advocating for an environment that fosters growth, competitiveness, and prosperity for businesses across Nigeria, we are glad that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government is providing needed leadership, guaranteeing the right reforms, infrastructure and other incentives to ensure the security and success of businesses in Nigeria, and we hope that India will leverage this opportunity, ensuring increased trade relationship between the two countries for mutual economic growth and prosperity.”

NPA Takes Oyetola on Tour Lekki Deep Seaport

In furtherance of the resolve to leverage the competitive advantages of Lekki Deep Seaport in attaining maritime hub status, the Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko accompanied the the Minister for Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on a tour of the facility which apart from being Nigeria’s first Deep Seaport is also the country’s first fully automated port.

Speaking during the visit, Mohammed Bello said, “Lekki Deep Seaport’s distinctive features such as full Automation, Drive-through Scanners, Super Post-Panamax size Ship-to-Shore Cranes amongst others, positions it for quick

cargo and vessel turn around which will greatly enhance the competitiveness of our exports especially agro-allied products in the international marketplace. With enhanced competitiveness comes increased demand, which ultimately grows FOREX inflow into the country.

“The NPA is glad to announce that Lekki is already processing transhippment cargo for which two of our landlocked neighbors have expressed interest and with our renewed partnership with the Nigerian Customs towards the domestication of the World Custom Organization’s guidelines on transhippment and other ease of doing business best practices, the numbers

MARKET INDICATORS

can only increase.”

The minister expressed his delight at the world-class facilities on ground at the Lekki Port and pledge the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s commitment to ensure that the opportunities for national prosperity inherent in Lekki Deep Seaport are maximally utilized.

The visit to Lekki Port which is the second within a week by the new minister to NPA platforms, came on the heels of the tour of Lagos and TinCan Island Port Complexes signposts the importance of the Nigerian Ports Authority in actualizing President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s vision for national prosperity.

FG Urged to Review Land Use Act of 1978

Ugo Aliogo

The Group Managing Director, Lashone Group, Dr. Lanre Shonekan, has urged the federal government to review the Land Use Act of 1978, stating that in as much as government continues to be the custodian of the land and the law stands, it would hamper effective use and development of land in Nigeria.

He also stated that government needs to make a lot of changes, starting from the land accusation, because that is where the problem always starts from.

Shonekan, who stated this yesterday in Lagos, during the 13th annual stakeholders’

meeting, commended a lot of State governments such as Lagos, Ogun and others for their efforts to fastrack the process of land documentations, adding that in Lagos, the Omonile syndrome where you have multiple sales of lands and then inconsistency acquisition of land has been well taken care of.

He expressed displeasure over the human capacity deficit facing the sector, noting that there are engineers, who don’t have the required competence meant for delivering effective housing plan, as a result they just look for where they can get money, and many of them are not properly grinded on the field.

He charged engineers and builders to stop cutting corners,

stating that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) gives specification for the building materials to be used such as specifications for metals and irons to be used, cement ratio mixture, with sands and granite and others.

According to him, “In housing, apart from architectural drawing, you have the structural drawing, which is calculated to points, a little defect in terms of the ratio in a colon can bring collapse. They there is so many things that are not right. Sometimes inferior and substandard materials are used materials are used in building projects because people are trying to cut corners.”

FMN Achieves Solid Topline Growth, Profit Up 64%

Oluchi Chibuzor

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), has announced that it has achieved a solid topline growth of 32 percent across food, agro-allied, and support segments, in FY 2022/2023 with high revenue and strong profit. The results released recently, also showed that the firm’s gross profit improved by an impressive 64 percent, reaching N177.1 billion.

Commenting on the report,

the Group’s Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Boye Olusanya, said, FY 22/23 has been a year of agile business strategy implementation.

He noted that this remarkable financial performance for the fiscal year 2022/2023 highlighted the firm unwavering commitment to local content and capacity development. According to him, “Our ability to proactively manage both existing and emerging environmental challenges whilst

Money

progressively driving significant development across all our touch points is a testament to the Group’s commitment towards the actualization of self-sufficiency in the country and across the continent. Market impediments such as rising international food prices, input cost escalations, and currency devaluation, were effectively managed, thus the Group’s ability to achieve strong financial performance in FY22/23.

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 AUGUST, 2023

R-L: National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, at the India-Nigeria Business Council at the ongoing G20 meeting in New Delhi, India.

Stock Market Depreciates by N112bn on Profit-taking in Dangote Cement, Others

Kayode Tokede

The stock market section of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday sustained its bearish performance with N112 billion loss, following investors’ profit-taking in in Dangote Cement Plc and 29 others.

As the stock price of Dangote Cement depreciated by 1.4 per cent, the NGX All-Share Index declined by

204.17 basis points or 0.30 per cent, to close at 68,082.11 basis points. Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value lost N112 billion to close at N37.262 trillion.

Accordingly, the Month-toDate (MtD) and Year-to-Date (YtD) returns moderated to 2.3per cent and 32.8per cent, respectively.

Also, the market breadth closed negative as 26 stocks gained relative to 30 declin-

ers. Beta Glass recorded the highest price gain of 9.97 per cent to close at N51.85, per share. Cadbury Nigeria followed with a gain of 9.86 per cent to close at N15.60 and CWG up by 9.81 per cent to close at N5.26, per share.

Tantalizers rose by 9.52 per cent to close at 46 kobo, while Guinea Insurance gained 9.09 per cent to close at 36 kobo, per share. On

the other hand, Morison Industries led the losers’ chart by 9.89 per cent to close at N2.55, per share. Courteville Business Solutions followed with a decline of 7.69 per cent to close at 69 kobo, while NASCON Allied Industries lost 6.83 per cent to close at N56.60, per share.

R.T. Briscoe Nigeria declined 6.82 per cent to close at 41 kobo, while Wema Bank shed 6.42 per cent to close

at N5.10, per share. The total volume traded fell by 0.15 per cent to 378.089 million units, valued at N8.376 billion, and exchanged in 8,106 deals. Transactions in the shares of Oando topped the activity chart with 91.635 million shares valued at N678.966 million. Omatek Ventures followed with 29.973 million shares worth N19.207 million, while

Dangote Sugar Refinery

traded 23.394 million shares valued at N1.484 billion.

Fidelity Bank traded 22.166 million shares valued at N193.577 million, while Access Holdings transacted 20.804 million shares worth N361.865 million.

On market outlook, analysts at Afrinvest Limited stated “we anticipate a reversal in the bearish performance as investors position for bargain hunting opportunities.”

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 06Sept-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

INVESTMENT ON THEIR MINDS…

Again, Lagos Assembly Rejects Three Commissioner-nominees

Omotoso, Abayomi scale hurdle

Segun James

In another surprising move and in spite of the intervention of Lagos political elders, the Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, rejected three of the 18 commissioner-nominees forwarded to it by Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, but confirmed 15 others.

The confirmation happened after Hon. Mojeed Fatai, Chief Whip and chairman of the screening committee, laid a report of the exercise before the House.

At a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmakers rejected Olalere Odusote, Mr. Samuel Egube, and Hon. Tolani Sule Akibu.

However, the House resolved to step down the confirmation of Hon. Tolani Sule Akibu for another day. Obasa commended the committee saying the members did a thorough job screening the nominees, and his position was supported by the lawmakers present at plenary. Those confirmed included Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, Mr.

Oluwaseun Oriyomi Osiyemi, Prof. Akinola Emmanuel Abayomi, Dr. Oluwarotimi Omotola Wahab Fashola, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Ambrose-Medem, Mrs. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe and Mrs. Bolaji Cécilia Dada.

Others were Mrs. Barakat Akande Bakare, Mr. Olugbenga Omotosho, Mr. Mosopefoluwa George, Dr.

I WAS SO EXCITED BY VERDICT I COULDN’T SLEEP, SAYS TINUBU

affirming Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji described the judgement as “solid and detailed” and “a judicial sustenance of the mandate given to the clear winner of the presidential poll.”

The governor hailed the judiciary for upholding the truth, stressing that the judicial affirmation of Tinubu's election has confirmed the choice of the majority of Nigerians, who elected the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential standard bearer as president of the country.

He said the verdict had laid every doubt on the validity and authenticity of the presidential result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rest and served as a proof that democracy and the rule of law were becoming rooted in Nigeria.

In a statement, Bamidele appealed to the petitioners to accept the outcome of the tribunal and join hands with Tinubu to deliver "Renewed Hope Agenda" to Nigerians. He said, "Politics is over; it is now time for governance.

"I commend the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) for upholding the rule of law over emotions. The verdict of the justices has once again reaffirmed that Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during February 25, presidential election.

"I also congratulate President Tinubu over affirmation of his victory by the tribunal. In the interest of our beloved country, I, therefore, urge the petitioners to join hands with Tinubu's administration to deliver his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ to Nigerians. Politics is over, it is now time for governance."

AKPABIO, OTHER SENATORS

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as well as Senators Ahmad

Lawan, Solomon Adeola, and Sani Musa, lauded the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).

The senators gave the commendation in separate statements yesterday in Abuja.

Akpabio described the verdict as an affirmation of the popular mandate of the Nigerian people for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket of APC, as delivered at the polls in February.

He congratulated the president and the vice president on the resounding affirmation of their popular mandate by the judgement of the court.

Akpabio noted that the court painstakingly evaluated all the issues raised by the petitioners and delivered a clear verdict on the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Adeola, said the victory signalled a renewed hope for the consolidation of Nigeria's democracy.

He said it had shown that the wishes of the people in exercising their constitutional rights of voting were not undermined in the judiciary by subterfuges of some power mongers for selfish personal ambitions.

The immediate past senate president, Lawan, explained that Tinubu and Shettima's victory had restored the confidence of Nigerians in the nation’s electoral processes and the judiciary.

He commended the PEPC for its impartial and unbiased posture in examining petitions brought before it.

Sani, who chaired the Senate Committee on Finance, commended the panel for its resolute and firm posture in ensuring that its judgement was guided by the facts available before the court, as against unsubstantiated claims.

He said, “The PEPC judgement has sent a clear message to politicians

that the judiciary understands its limit and refuses to be an arbiter on matters within the jurisdiction of political parties.”

YAHAYA

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed joy over the judgement by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), which affirmed Tinubu's victory in the 2023 presidential election.

In a press release by DirectorGeneral, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Yahaya, who is also Chairman, Northern Governors' Forum, described the judgement as a victory for democracy and truth, and a momentous affirmation of the Nigerian people's trust in Tinubu's leadership.

"This victory is a testament to the strength of our democracy, the resilience of our institutions, and the belief of our people in a brighter future," Yahaya stated.

He applauded PEPC's dismissal of the consolidated petitions presented by the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and Allied People’s Movement, along with their presidential candidates, describing the decision as a reinforcement of the people's will and the transparency of Nigeria's electoral system.

The governor also congratulated the APC family and hailed the legal team that represented the president and the party.

BAGO

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, congratulated President Bola Tinubu, the vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima, and APC on their victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) on Wednesday.

Bago also rejoiced with the senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Senator Sani Musa, over his victory at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, also on

Wednesday

In a statement by his by Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago described the victories as, "victories for democracy in Nigeria and other democratic countries in Africa."

He added that it was also a testament that Nigerians and the people of Niger East Senatorial zone voted for Tinubu, Shettima, Senator Sani Musa, APC. Bago told the winners to be magnanimous in victory and also remain focused on the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda policy of the administration

"Congratulations to our great party, the APC. It is now time for more service to the people without distractions because Nigerians deserve good governance," he said.

ABDULRAZAQ

Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the recent unanimous decision of the court, upholding the election of Tinubu and APC reflected the wishes of the largest majority of the eligible voters in the country.

AbdulRazaq said, "The judgement is a triumph of truth."

A statement issued in Ilorin yesterday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the Court of Appeal/ PEPT for standing strictly with the constitution, and not succumbing to threats and intimidation anchored on fact-free claims of electoral malpractice.

"The judgement attests to the credibility of the ballot and the fact that the outcome reflects the wishes of the largest majority of the eligible voters," he said.

The governor, who was with Tinubu on his official visit to India, added, “In the final analysis, our democracy has been enriched and the right of Nigerians to freely elect leaders of their choice equally upheld, as all issues were clinically

Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, Mr. Abayomi Samson Oluyomi, Dr. Iyabode Oyeyemi Ayoola and Hon. Sola Shakirudeen Giwa.

The House, according to a press statement by Mr. Eromosele Ebhomele, Media Assistant to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, failed to confirm two

examined and resolved in line with all relevant laws. The judgement is a triumph of truth.

“We have no doubt that this decision of the PEPT will strengthen the resolve of the president to continue to deliver on his campaign promises to the good people of Nigeria. We promise to continue to work with Mr. President and his great team in the task of building a stronger economy, a safer nation, and a happier people.”

A2JUSTICE

An advocacy group, Access to Justice (A2Justice), described the judgement of the Presidential Elections Presidential Tribunal (PEPT) as disappointing, and capable of damaging efforts to ensure that elections in Nigeria were better conducted and produced credible and fair outcomes.

A statement signed by A2J Executive Director, Joseph Otteh, stated that the PEPT had dashed hopes for a better Nigeria.

The group noted that the PEPT simply “buried its head in the sand”, using legal technicalities to defeat public expectations.

The group stated, “PEPT Judgement Disappointing, Retrogressive, and Derails Hope for Credible Elections in Nigeria.”

It said, “The Presidential Elections Presidential Tribunal (PEPT) judgement rendered today, (6th of Sept 2023), is hugely disappointing and will damage efforts to ensure that, going forward, elections in Nigeria are better conducted and produce credible and fair outcomes.

"We take no position on whether the candidate whose election was challenged was legally qualified to contest for the office of President of Nigeria. We note only that the PEPT simply ‘buried its head in the sand,’ using exponential levels of legal technicalities to defeat public expectations that it would actually

others including former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, who was rejected in the first list presented by Sanwo-Olu. Also, former Commissioner for Energy, Engr Olalere Odusote was rejected for the second time by the Assembly.

A new nominee, Tolani Sule Akibu, was also rejected by the House.

conduct a credible interrogation of the February 25 presidential election process.

"The judgement has very little to commend it and it is shorn of important contexts, which ought to have informed its perspective. It does not take account of Nigeria’s chequered history of badly run elections, vote manipulations and fraudulently contrived results; it did not factor in the long struggles to reform the electoral process, and the reforms adopted to reduce electoral fraud - and how BVAS and IREV played into that strategy.”

HURIWA

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticised the Wednesday judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which affirmed the victory of Tinubu.

HURIWA considered the ruling as a clear miscarriage of justice.

In a statement by National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group emphasised the importance of respecting the hierarchy of legal decisions, where higher courts' judgements, especially those of the Supreme Court, should serve as binding precedent for lower courts.

It expressed bewilderment at the PEPT, a lower court, daring to challenge or undermine a well-established Supreme Court ruling, particularly regarding the interpretation of Section 134(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

HURIWA stated that the constitution imposed a challenging requirement on presidential candidates, demanding not only a majority of votes but also at least one-quarter (25%) of all votes cast in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). HURIWA cited the Supreme Court's interpretation of the constitution as emphasising the need for precision and strict adherence to established legal principles.

L-R: Vice President Olam Agri/NACCIMA PRO, Ade Adefeko; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale E dun, and Managing Director, Olam Agri, Ashish Pande, during the G20 summit in Delhi India…recently

SPECIAL PRAYER FOR 100 DAYS IN OFFICE…

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters, Hon. Abdullahi Jebe; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, at a special prayer organised to commemorate the first 100 days in office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos...yesterday

Terrorists Abduct 83 Health Workers, Kill 16 in Katsina in Eight Years

Francis SardaunainKatsina

The Katsina State Chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has revealed that 83 health workers have been abducted by terrorists between 2015 and 2023 across the state.

The State Chairman of the MHWUN, Mr. Mannir Mohammed

Suleiman, disclosed this on Wednesday at a dinner in honour of Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, who was reappointed as the executive secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Agency. Suleiman explained that out of the 83 abductees, 65 have been released after payment of ransom while 16 were killed by the terrorists in

Tribunal Upholds Adeola’s

Election as Ogun West Senator

James

The National /House of Assembly Election Petition

Tribubal sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, has affirmed the return of the senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the February 25, 2023 Election.

The judgment in the petition marked EPT/OG/Sen/2023 and filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate, Chief Dada Ganiu Adeleke, was

delivered by Justice Kabir Gabo - led three-man panel.

The panel dismissed Adeleke’s petition for ‘lacking in merit’

The panel also held that two witnesses called by the petitioner failed to give valid evidence to substantiate the allegations of the election not meeting electoral act and constitutional requirements as well as manual voting procedure.

According to the panel, the prayer of the petitioner that the victory of Adeola be declared null, void and of no consequence, could not stand or be granted due to its lack of merit.

Kano Gov Swears in 41 Special Advisers

The Governor of Kano State, Mr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in 41 special advisers and urged them to be bold enough to look into his eyes and tell him the bitter truth especially where he goes wrong.

Speaking during the swearingin ceremony at the Africa House, Government House, on Wednesday in Kano, Yusuf said that all advisers were expected to advice in earnest and work closely with him for the benefit of the state.

The governor enjoined them to

work hand in hand with the civil servants so that his government would perform optimally in the areas of hºuman and capital development.

“To the Advisers, they should know that they have taken Oath of Office and they would answer to those Oaths only by dedicating themselves to the promotion of the wellbeing of the state.

“Kano needs you today and your selection was based on your proven track record in the field of humanity, you should do all your best by advising me appropriately to make Kano great,” Yusuf said.

Osun Assembly Speaker Distributes Palliatives to Constituents

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has donated food items and cash worth N5 Million (Five Million Naira only) to his constituents as palliatives for fuel subsidy removal.

Egbedun also donated a car gift to the Osun State Assistant Organising Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Ms. Bose Lawal, who is representing Odo Otin Local Government in the State Executive Council of the party.

different communities across the state.

The MHWUN chairman added that one of the victims escaped from captivity with a gunshot wound, while another health worker was nowhere to be found for the last four years.

He said: “We appreciate the government of the state in providing staff register in all our ministries, agencies and departments. But we equally request the government to review the register particularly in the frontline LGAs that have the

high challenge of insecurity.

“As I am speaking to you now, almost 83 health workers across the state have been kidnapped. Out of the number, 65 were released after payment of ransom while 16 were killed.

“Out of the number, one person escaped with a bullet wound and one other person is nowhere to be found for the last four years. We appealed to the government to address the security challenges in the state.”

Bayelsa Guber: INEC Insists on Deployment of BVAS, Prompt Distribution of Materials

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has insisted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would once again be deployed for voter

accreditation and transmission of results in the Bayelsa governorship election coming up in November. This was disclosed yesterday by the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Barr. Obo Effanga, during a press

briefing on the commission’s plans for the forthcoming election held in Yenagoa. He said that almost all the non sensitive materials are already in the local government areas where the election is going to be conducted, adding that the sensitive materials that

will come, will be move to their various locations.

Effanga said, “Nothing has changed with the process of election in Nigeria. We are still going to conduct election based on the provisions of the constitution, electoral act and guildlines of INEC.

14 Suspected Vandals, Scavengers Arrested by NSCDC in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Fourteen suspected vandals and scavengers have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the ongoing clampdown on vandals of street and traffic

lights, including manhole covers within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. According to a statement yesterday signed by the spokesperson of the FCT Command of the Corps, Comfort Okomanyi, the suspects were picked up

by NSCDC’s men on routine night patrol at different locations in the FCT where they were also constituting nuisance under bridges and around critical installations at odd hours without any clearly defined purpose or destination.

She said while parading the suspects at the command headquarters, the FCT Commandant, Odumosu Olusola re-emphasised his readiness to hunt down anyone with the aim of making the federal capital a den of miscreants.

National Assembly Poll: Labour Party Floors APC, PDP at Tribunal

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin, has affirmed Omoruyi Murphy Osaro of the Labour Party (LP) as the winner of the February 25,

Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency election in Edo

The Court dismissed the two separate petitions filed by candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okhuarobo Henry Osuede of the PDP and Crosby Osadolor Eribo of the All Progressives

Congress (APC), challenging the qualification of Osaro and outcome of the national assembly poll.

In a unanimous Judgement by the three-member panel of the tribunal, led by Justice O. A. Chijioke, the court dismissed the petitions marked EPT/ED/

HR/06/ 2023 and EPT/ED/ HR/08/2023 for lack of merits. The tribunal held that the two petitioners could not prove a case of non-compliance with the electoral act, corrupt practices and non-qualification allegations against the LP candidate in the election.

Pipeline Surveillance: Ex-Agitators Demand Own Percentage of Contract from NNPCL

SylvesterIdowuinWarri

Former agitators have called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to include them in the surveillance contract for the protection of pipelines in Delta North Local Government

area of Delta State.

They warned that they could no longer watch an individual collects entire block pipelines surveillance contract from the federal government to keep watch over the assets in their communities. Leader of the ex-agitators and immediate past

The beneficiaries of the palliatives donated by the speaker would include physically challenged persons, widows, youths and aged persons who are selected from residents of Odo Otin Local Government.

The food items that were distributed across the local government included 2000 bags of 1kg of Semovita and 3000 pieces of #300 worth of bread. Addressing some of his constituents, Egbedun noted that he understood and felt the pains of the people during this critical period.

Special Adviser to former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Aroni Oputu, said that at the end a meeting in Warri yesterday that they would no longer tolerate alleged injustice being meted out to them in Warri North Local Government area. He lamented that since they

embraced the Presidential Amnesty programme, the federal government has been neglecting them in its empower programmes and that the only opportunity they have is to be contracted in keeping watch over the pipelines in their local government area.

Yuguda: Capital Market Positioned to Finance Infrastructure Projects

Kayode Tokede

The Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Lamido Yuguda, has stated that the Nigerian capital market has the capacity and well positioned to finance public private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects in the

country.

Yuguda made this remark at the 2023 Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) National Workshop held in Abuja yesterday. Speaking on the theme: “Leveraging the capital market to drive public-private partnership for effective national economic

growth,” Yuguda, citing a World Bank report, pointed out that Nigeria’s current level of public spending on infrastructure is one of the lowest globally and added that this lack of investment has resulted in a significant infrastructure gap, which has adversely affected the quality of infrastructure and limited

access to essential services.

The SEC DG, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, Ibrahim Boyi, highlighted that given the current rate of capital expenditure, it would take approximately 300 years to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.

NITDA: Blockchain Technology ‘ll Boost Accountability, Transparency in Governance

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kachifu Abdullahi, has stated that the adoption of Blockchain

technology in governance will help the government to be more accountable and transparent to the citizenry.

Abdullahi was speaking at a two-day summit on Blockchain technology in Abuja, organised by the Stakeholders

in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), to create awareness and seek government regulation of the adoption and use of the technology in Nigeria.

He said: “Blckchain technology, with its inherent

principles of transparency, security, and decentralisation, has emerged as a disruptive force that has the potential to revolutionise industries ranging from finance and healthcare to supply chain management and governance.

Sowole in Abeokuta

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE…

Police Arrest 10 Suspects for FUOYE Student’s Death

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Operatives of Ekiti State Police Command have arrested 10 Suspects in connection to the death of a student of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, in Ekiti State.

Updating the public on the case, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Sunday

Abutu, in a press release sent to journalists yesterday revealed that following the order given by the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr. Ogundare Dare, 10 suspects have been arrested for the death of the FUOYE student by the name Atanda Modupe Deborah to enable the command conduct a thorough investigation into the death.

The 200 level Nursing Student

Group to Empower 1,196 Youths in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

A group under the aegis of Mumagee Foundation for Youth, Women and the Girl Child Empowerment (MFYWGCE) has unveiled plan to empower 1,196 youths across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

The founder of the group, Dr Gift Eke, (aka Muma Gee), who revealed the title of the programme as “African Talent Pool-’Rivers Got Talent’ said is in collaboration with Mgee Empire Global Limited.

Dr Eke, a Nigerian singer said the organisation embarked on youths talent hunts to discover, develop, promote and showcase such talents to the world. She revealed this yesterday, during an interaction

with journalists in Port Harcourt. She also noted that 52 youths from each of the 23 LGAs between the ages of 13 years and above are to benefit from the programme.

Eke, popularly known as Mumagee further said the organisation is committed to reforming the youths, unlocking the untapped potentials of the young stars through positive mindset, geared towards self-actualization, poverty eradication, mentorship for pedigree leadership and harnessing of talents among others.

She added that the foundation was designed to champion a cause in human capital development, to benefit a target persons, communities and the nation at large.

of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) was declared missing within the school premises on the 5th of September, 2023 and later found dead in a shallow grave at a distance

of about 30 metres behind the Nursing Lecture Hall.

Abutu in his press release appealed to the members of the public to be calm.

The Commissioner of Police

assured the people that the command will do everything possible to unearth the identity of the perpetrators and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.

Police enjoined anyone with useful information concerning the ugly incident to visit the Oye Divisional Police Headquarters, Oye-Ekiti or the State CID or call 09064050086/08053499199.

Runsewe: Arts, Crafts Key Drivers of Nigeria’s Unity, Economic Prosperity

Charles Ajunwa

The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has described arts and crafts as key drivers of Nigeria’s unity and economic prosperity. Runsewe revealed this

yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 16th International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo 2023 with the theme: ‘Networking Nigerian Arts and Crafts to the World’s held at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The NCAC boss, who is also the president of the World Crafts

Council for the African Region, said so far, 29 countries, 16 states, and 21 non-governmental organisations are participating in this year’s Arts and Crafts Expo.

According to him, “This sector is key to uniting our country, and we must continue to put

Nigeria in front together. This is a secret that most African countries have not tapped into.

“The international community is the biggest informant to the whole world. Once they see that we have activities like these, it tells them that Nigeria is good for investment.

Mudslide Kills 30 in FCT as Wike Tasks Area Council Chairmen on Insecurity

Olawale Ajimotokan inAbuja

Thirty people have been killed in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a result of landslide traced to activities of illegal miners.

This news filtered in yesterday at a maiden meeting between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and the

chairmen of the six Area Councils.

The Chairman Kuje Area Council, Abdullahi Sabo, disclosed this at the meeting attended by Wike alongside the Minister of state for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud and FCT Permanent Secretary Mr .Olusade Adesola.

“There is the issue of illegal mining in the FCT. There is

indiscriminate mining licences given out and this has led to insecurity. They give letters of consent to Chinese people.

“Just few days ago, there was a land slide that took the lives of 30 people as a result of the activities of illegal miners. We appeal to you to engage the Minister of Mines to stop mining in the FCT,” Sabo said.

The death of scores of people from mudslide also followed the abduction of 19 persons in Bwari Area Council.

Wike, who was stunned by the revelation promised to summon the FCT Director of State Services and the Commissioner of Police for up to date briefings on the kidnap and rescue operations.

Recruit More CRK Teachers for Public Schools, CAN Tells Niger

Laleye DipoinMinna

Allianz Nigeria Unveils Revamped

Ndubuisi Francis inAbuja

Savings Product

Notable player in the financial services industry, Allianz Nigeria, has announced the introduction of its revamped savings plan, AllianzTrust.

The company said in a statement that the comprehensive savings solution has been meticulously redesigned to safeguard customers’ finances amidst the current challenges being faced as a result of recent economic changes.

“The revamped AllianzTrust features an array of variants, flexible

savings options, competitive interest rates and a wealth of benefits; thus affirming Allianz Nigeria’s commitment to our customers’ financial prosperity.

“The key feature of this upgraded savings plan is a structure that offers a variety of tenor options, allowing you to tailor your savings journey to match your unique objectives.

“Moreover, the plan offers comprehensive life and accidental death coverage, medical expense benefits, and more,” the statement said.

AWE Provides Opportunity for 120 Women to Succeed in Business

Michael OlugbodeinAbuja

The United States Mission has launched the fifth edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Nigeria.

A statement yesterday said, in partnership with Ascend Studios, AWE will provide 120 women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and access needed to launch and scale successful businesses.

According to the statement, the participants who were selected from

among over 3,000 applicants, represent all regions of Nigeria, and already have start-up businesses focused on either technology, agriculture, or the creative industries.

Launched in 2019 by the U.S. Department of State, AWE has assisted over 25,000 women in more than 80 countries over the past four years, including 770 Nigerian businesswomen. Participants acquire entrepreneurial skills and join a strong AWE network that helps boost their companies and create jobs.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has decried the dearth of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teachers in public schools in the state and has therefore charged the government to recruit more teachers for the subject.

The state CAN Chairman, Most

Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who gave the charge in Minna yesterday, lamented that at the moment there are 220 CRK teachers in the state, “including the no-qualified teachers for over 450 schools.”

Speaking at the 45th anniversary and National Conference of the National Association of Christian Religious Educators of Nigeria,

Reverend Yohanna said the request for the recruitment of more CRK teachers for public schools in the state “has been lingering, and has been a running battle between successive governments in the state and CAN since 2003,” saying a permanent solution should be found to the problem now.

The CAN chairman, whose

address was titled: ‘Who is afraid of CRK in public schools’, lamented that more emphasis is being given to the teaching of Islamic Religious Knowledge by the government to the detriment of CRK, saying: “The segregation, marginalisation and unfair treatment on the CRK teachers by the governments at all levels should stop.”

Court Restrains Makinde over Selection of Prince Olaoye as New Soun

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A new twist may have trailed the approval of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso by the Oyo State Government, as an Oyo State High Court sitting in the ancient town, yesterday, issued an interim

order to restrain Governor Seyi Makinde and the Kingmakers in Ogbomoso to suspend further processes that may lead to his installation.

The state government had in a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon.

Olusegun Olayiwola, announced that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor will be the next occupant of the vacant traditional stool, stating that the approval of his appointment followed the long-drawn processes specified under the law.

However, the Soun-elect

alongside the kingmakers were alleged to have failed to abide by the mandatory court injunction already filed before the court, which restrained and suspended any selection and appointment of the next Soun of Ogbomosoland till the matter already fixed for 3rd of October, 2023 is decided.

Edo PDP Pledges to Reciprocate Voters Confidence in Party with Good Governance at Grassroots

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday vowed that the party will not take the overwhelming vote of confidence passed on the party by the Edo voters in last Saturday council

election for granted but would reciprocate the gesture with good governance.

Chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who made the pledge while evaluating the local government council election at a press conference in Benin, said the overwhelming

support could be described as a covenant between the party and Edo people.

He also assured the people that PDP will not disappoint the people but will strive to ensure that the newly elected local government chairmen and councilors keep to the dictates

of the manifesto of the party.

According to him, on Saturday September 2, 2023, Edo voters came out in their numbers and voted overwhelmingly for all the PDP chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the 18 local governments and 192 wards in the State.

FUTA Student Sets to Beat Ananta Ram’s Record with 120 Hours Marathon Speech

Fidelis David in Akure

A 24-year-old post graduate student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Mr. Christopher Olusa, is set to break Ananta Ram’s Guinness World Record for the

longest speech marathon of 90 hours, two minutes.

Recall that a Nepali, Ananta Ram is the current holder of the record after achieving the longest speech marathon of 90 hour and two minutes, in Kathmandu,

Nepal from August 27 to August 31, 2018.

However, Olusa is attempting to squash the record with 120-hour words to word speech.

Speaking with journalists yesterday at Nigeria Union of

Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, Olusa said that he had sought approval from GWR and the event is scheduled to hold between September 11 and 15, 2023 in Akure the Ondo State’s capital.

Immediate past President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata(left), and Chairman, NBA Benin branch, Mr. Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie, at the NBA annual general conference held in Abuja… recently

Protesters Seal DESOPADEC Office for Withholding Itsekiris’ Funds

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Protesters under the aegis of Itsekiri National Assembly (IGA) yesterday sealed off the office of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for allegedly withholding the funds meant for the development of their communities.

They alleged that the funds, running into billions of naira, were not disbursed to the ethnic group since the administration of former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, till date, while other ethnic groups were accessing theirs.

The protesters prevented workers of the commission, who were just resuming after a two-day protest directed by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), from accessing their offices.

The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom had in a letter dated September 5, 2023, addressed to the managing director of DESOPADEC demanded the release of all monetary entitlements due to the Itsekiri ethnic nationality from the tenure of Ibori to date.

In the letter submitted to the management of the commission during the protests, which was

titled: ‘Itsekiri Nation Demands Her Monetary Entitlements in Your Commission from the Tenure of Chief James Ibori to Date’, expressed disgust that the funds had not been given to the ethnic nation over the years.

The letter read: “I Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom and the mouthpiece of the Itsekiri National Assembly, on behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, by this letter, demand the release of all the monetary entitlements due to the Itsekiri ethnic nationality during the tenure of Chief James Ibori to date.

Tribunal Verdict: Kogi APC Chairman Calls for Calm, Says Party Heading to Appeal Court

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Kogi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Bello, has urged members of the party in the state to remain calm, assuring them that the mandate freely given to the party at the National Assembly election will be claimed at the Appeal Court.

Bello made this known yesterday while reacting to the tribunal judgment delivered against the party in the East and Central senatorial districts in Lokoja regarding the National Assembly election held in February 2023.

He urged Abubakar Ohere and Jibrin Isah, senators representing Kogi Central and East districts respectively to remain steadfast along with

other members of the APC across the state, stating that the party is working towards claiming its mandate freely given to them by the people at the February National Assembly election.

He expressed shock and

worry at the ruling, saying: “It was unfortunate that the fact of the matter pleaded at the tribunal was not in agreement with the judgment, insisting that the APC thoroughly won the February National Assembly election.

‘Why I Won’t Blame ‘My Sister’ for Taking Me to Court’

Gbenga SodeindeinAdoEkiti

The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South senatorial district in the National Assembly, has hailed the tribunal verdict that validated his electoral victory at the poll.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Ekiti South in the last election, Senator

CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as DAVID IME, now wish to be known and addressed as IME DAVID AONDOFA. All former documents remains valid. the General public should please take note.

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I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWOGA-IBE NAOMI AMARACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS NWOKO NAOMI AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public and Nigerian embassy Dublin, please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWOGA-IBE PATRICIA CHIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWOKO PATRICIA CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public and Nigerian embassy Dublin, please take note.

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Biodun Olujimi, whom Adaramodu described as his sister, had dragged him to court to challenge his victory at the poll, where the tribunal affirmed his electoral victory.

Adaramodu, who described himself as a promise keeper, pointed out that he would not blame his sister for taking him to court over his victory at the poll, saying that is part of the process.

Adaramodu, who stated this during an interview with THISDAY, added that his performance was what gave him the advantage to win overwhelmingly during the last election in Ekiti State.

According to him, “I have served them in the House of Representatives, and I touched all the towns and villages in Ekiti South constituency 1, and there were no promises I made which I didn’t fulfill. Having that in mind, the people saw me as a promise keeper which is why they all voted for me and that is what the tribunal affirmed in their verdict.”

Rivers Lauds Firm on Corporate Social Responsibility

Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

The Rivers State Government has commended Aradel Holdings, an oil and gas firm, on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to host communities in the state.

The state Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Charles Amadi, made the commendation at an event organised by the company in Port Harcourt.

The commissioner, who graded the developmental performance of the group high, said: “They should not relent. We are hoping that the company will do better to host communities and various stakeholders.”

He further advised the firm to sustain the relationship with host communities of its facility, especially in ensuring there is sustained peace.

On his part, the paramount ruler of Ekpeye ethnic nationality, Kelvin Anugwo, noted that the company has done well in the area of community development, assuring them of an enabling environment to operate.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Communicating with Allah (1) WORLD OF ISLAM

By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

Almighty Allah as the Creator communicates with His creation. He does so in various ways most of which are unknown to man. He informs us through His revealed Word, the Holy Qur’an, for example, that He communicates with the heavens, the earth, mountains, the fire, hellfire, animals, etc.

Allah communicates with man, His vicegerent on earth, too. He said: “It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration or from behind a veil or by the sending of a Messenger to reveal with Allah’s permission what Allah wills, for He is Most High Most Wise” (al-Shura, v.51).

Allah communicates with man through the Qur’an. He conveys to him commands, proscriptions, a guidance and an explanation of a great transcendent truth. He does virtually the same through the sunnah, or the lifepattern, of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which encompasses his teachings, deeds, sayings and silent permissions or disapprovals, for he did not speak “out of his own desire; that (which he conveys to you) is but (a divine) inspiration with which he is being inspired (sent down to you)” (al-Najm, v.3-4).

Moreover, Allah communicates with, and conveys various meanings to, man via incalculable signs (ayat) He had embedded in each and every aspect of His creation: from the grandest to the humblest and most ordinary. The signs permeate and dominate not only elements of the multitiered physical creation, but also the whole of man’s existence, his society, civilization and history.

Allah says: “And how many signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn (their faces) away from them!” (Yusuf, v.105).

The truth contained in revelation (wahy) is essentially the same truth as contained in the working of Allah’s providence in human history and the history of individual souls, as well as in the physical and metaphysical signs scattered literally throughout creation.

Lastly, Allah communicates, to some extent, with man through his fitrah as well. The fitrah is the natural disposition, inclination and sound human nature that Allah instilled in mankind. According to a verse from the Qur’an (al-A’raf, v.172), Allah took from the loins of Adam his progeny like tiny particles, and made them testify concerning themselves that He was their Creator and Master. Every newborn in this world is born with this covenant and affirmation.

That means that everyone is born with the natural inclination towards Islam as the ultimate truth and so, the only religion with Allah; the natural inclination -- or pure human nature -- which Allah instilled in all people on the day of the covenant. In their capacity as the creation and mere servants, all humans are born with the inclination towards their Creator, Master and Sustainer. Everyone is initially free of any false beliefs and will always enjoy a disposition towards goodness and sound beliefs -- regardless of his adopted behavioural patterns -- while at the same time innately disliking evil, deceit and falsehood.

However, communication between man and Allah is not to be a one-way model.

Just like any other communication type, this type of communication, likewise, ought to be a two-way process, in order that it remains productive, meaningful and strong, insofar as man, the recipient of Allah’s communicated Word and Message, is concerned.

Thus, Allah afforded man a number of opportunities to reciprocate both His direct and indirect communication initiatives. Man is asked to pray five times a day, supplicate, remember, praise, glorify and sing praises to Him, at certain appointed and recommended times, or whenever and wherever he feels disposed to do so.

Similarly, man can contemplate about Allah: His Holy Attributes and His creation, acknowledging the Master’s infinite power, supremacy and greatness, as opposed to his own insignificance and smallness, prompting his restive soul to scream out: “Our Lord, not for naught have You created (all) this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the penalty of the fire” (Al-Imran, v.191). Certainly, it is no coincidence that these words are preceded by the following: “Men who celebrate the praises of Allah standing sitting and lying down on their sides and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth…” (Al-Imran, v.191).

Or, man can open up his heart at anytime and anywhere and simply talk to his Creator and Cherisher about any topic and in any language. Allah says: “And if My servants ask you about

Me -- behold, I am near; I respond to the call of him who calls, whenever he calls unto Me. Let them, then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so that they might follow the right way” (al-Baqarah, v.186).

The significance of communication with Allah

All things considered, communication is the lifeblood of the relationship between man and Allah. The two are locked in a causal liaison, the former being the cause and the latter the effect. The stronger and more profound the communication, the stronger and more fruitful the relationship becomes. In the same vein, the weaker and more ineffectual the communication, the weaker and more deficient the relationship becomes.

Indeed, man needs special communication skills to make his relationship with Allah work. This is especially so because man is created but to worship (know and serve) Allah (al-Dhariyat, v.56); that is to say, the innermost purpose of man’s creation is to become cognizant of the existence of Allah and to consciously as well as willingly conform his own existence to Allah’s will and plan.

For man, life is all about knowing, worshipping and serving. However, these, in actual fact, are but different names for man’s incessant and pulsating communication with Allah, which comes to pass with various degrees of meaning and intensity, and at various levels of man’s physical, rational and spiritual presence.

It is on account of this that it is said, for instance, that reading the Holy Qur’an means letting Allah speak to a person, a form of communication the content of which should be properly comprehended, reflected on and then, duly acted upon. In other words, a reader, or reciter, of the Qur’an should perceive himself as being instructed, directed and meticulously guided thereby.

Performing daily prayers, furthermore, is to be understood as talking to and conversing with Allah, in which case man plays the role of an active participant under the aegis of divine inspiration and guidance. While performing prayers, a person should understand that he in his capacity as mortal servant has the privilege to converse directly with his Eternal Creator, Lord and Master, praising, glorifying, thanking, supplicating, confessing, testifying, imploring, pleading, and seeking His unbounded forgiveness and mercy.

It follows that the daily prayers are the most powerful and meaningful experience one can have in one’s life. They are the best heavenly gift to mankind. They alone are at once a life-changer and life-sustainer. They are also life-purifiers. Allah thus affirms: “…And establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt…” (al-‘Ankabut, v.45).

Such is the case owing to the rational fact that he who experiences five times a day everything prayer entails, will in no way engage willingly and persistently in any serious loathsome deeds or deeds that run counter to reason. The two prospects are absolutely incompatible in a person. It is unfathomable that a person who most directly communicates with Allah five times a day, will willingly and repeatedly commit a serious wrongdoing. If, however, a person who is constant in prayer does not shun lewdness and iniquity, that would mean that there is something seriously wrong with the former, whose complete state and effectiveness will need review and some drastic adjustment measures.

Furthermore, such communication helps man come fully to terms with who exactly he is, what exactly life is, and, of course, who exactly Allah is. The most important knowledge from this three-pronged, or trifurcated, realization is that Allah is man’s Lord, Guardian and Helper. He is near to him with His knowledge, power and compassion whenever he supplicates or calls upon Him. Allah even says that He is nearer to man than his jugular or neck-vein (Qaf, v.16), which could mean that Allah knows the inmost desires and motives of man even better than man does himself, and that Allah knows more truly the innermost state of man’s feeling and consciousness than does his own ego.

A believing man confidently knows that he has Allah in his life. It is Allah Who is on his side. He administers his life affairs, steering them to what is best for him in both worlds. Fully aware of Allah’s constant presence, yet “nearness”, such a man via relentless communication patterns relies on Allah and fully entrusts his soul, yet his total being, to Him and His Will. He then lives happily in peace.

Eagles to Begin 2026 World Cup Race Against Lesotho on Nov. 13

Duro Ikhazuagbe

After failing to make the cut to the last Mundial hosted by Qatar last year, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their search for ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a home game against Lesotho in Uyo on November 13.

The United States of America, Canada and Mexico are jointly hosting the global football fiesta with 48 countries in attendance.

After the opening game with Lesotho, the Super Eagles will travel to Zimbabwe a week later for their next World Cup qualifier.

The three-time African champions are drawn alongside South Africa, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Rwanda with the group winner grabbing the automatic ticket to the expanded World Cup.

Lesotho are familiar customers to the Super Eagles. They suffered home and away defeat against the more illustrious African power house during qualifications for the 2019 AFCON hosted by Egypt.

The qualifying tournament will then resume in June 2024 with Nigeria hosting South Africa, before a tricky away tie against Benin Republic, who are now handled by former Super Eagles

coach Gernot Rohr. Nigeria will then continue this marathon qualifying series with a trip to Rwanda followed by a home tie versus Zimbabwe in March 2025.

Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in a reverse tie in August 2025, before a trip to South Africa the following month. Their final round of qualifiers in October 2025 will be away to

Lesotho and at home against Benin Republic.

NIGERIA’S FIXTURES

*November 2023 Vs Lesotho (Home) Vs Zimbabwe (Away)

*June 2024 Vs South Africa (Home) Vs Benin (Away)

*March 2025 Vs Rwanda (Away) Vs Zimbabwe (Home)

*August 2025 Vs Rwanda (Home) Vs South Africa (Away)

*October 2025 Vs Lesotho (Away) Vs Benin (Home)

AFCON 2023 DEAD-RUBBER CLASH WITH SÃO TOMÉ

...Ekong, Others Pledge to Welcome New Sports Minister with Resounding Victory

On-field Captain, William TroostEkong, stressed yesterday that despite having qualified for the AFCON 2023, the Super Eagles will go all out on Sunday for a handsome victory over visiting Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe as welcome gift for new Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.

The new sports minister who assumed duty just recently has already been involved in matters of the three-time African champions. He superintended a meeting with NFF chiefs which agreed to an extension of the contract of Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Santos Peseiro.

“Yes, we have already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, but we want to win this match for a number of reasons. We have a new Minister of Sports Development who has

hit the ground running. It is good to welcome him with a great win.

“We also need to sustain a winning mentality ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November. So, we are not going to be taking this game as a deadrubber or whatever people choose to call it. It is another important match as far as we’re concerned,” stressed Ekong.

Nigeria, on 12 points and two ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, have already qualified for the finals, with only the group leadership to sort out after this weekend’s final-day games.

Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus host third-placed and already-eliminated Sierra Leone in Bissau, and a win will take them to 13 points.

Victory for the Super Eagles in Uyo will take them to 15 points and top of the table no matter what happens in Bissau.

in Uyo

NFF Hails Osimhen, Oshoala on Ballon d’Or Nominations

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Eagles’ top striker, Victor Osimhen, and Super Falcons’ forward, Asisat Oshoala, on their nominations for this year’s Ballon d’Or honour

Osimhen, who scored 26 goals in the Italian Serie A last season to steer Napoli to their first Italian league title in 33 years, also scored five goals in the UEFA Champions League in which Napoli made it to the semi finals.

He is also the leading scorer in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with seven goals.

“We are indeed very proud of the nominations of our players Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for the Ballon d’Or. It is the first time that players from the same country are nominated for both male and female categories, and this makes us proud. It also underscores the stellar careers that both players have at the moment, and we pray that God will continue to take them from glory to glory.

“These nominations will also, no doubt, encourage other Nigerian players everywhere to be pivotal for their Clubs and also for the National Team anytime they are on the international

São Tomé and Principe Storm Uyo Seeking First Win

Players and officials of Sao Tome and Principe national football arrived in Uyo on Thursday for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles of

Nigeria.

The contingent arrived the Victor Attah International Airport around 11.50am and moved into Rosmohr Hotel at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

The True Patriots will be looking to record their first win in the qualifier.

The West Africans occupy bottom spot in Group A with just one point from five games.

The Ballon d’Or ...first time Nigerian players get mention road,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said. Five African players are vying to win the Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious awards in the football world.

Nigeria’s Osimhen, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Cameroon’s Andre Onana and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou have dazzled their way to the 2023 men's shortlist, after impressing football fans and pundits over the past season.

They are up against global favourites such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on 30 October.

Oshoala is the only woman from the continent nominated in the female category. She has won the Confederation of African Footballer's African Women's Player of the Year award a stunning five times.

To date, Liberian President, George Weah, remains the only African to have won the Ballon d’Or, which he did as an AC Milan player in 1995.

Taiwo Awoniyi has been nominated for the August Premier League Player of the Month award. The Nigerian has started the campaign in red hot form, scoring three goals in as many Premier League outings in August, before registering an assist for Anthony

Elanga in Saturday’s 1-0 away win at Chelsea.

Awoniyi began the season by coming off the bench to score a late consolation against Arsenal, before scoring three minutes into Forest’s 2-1 home win over Sheffield United.

The striker also scored early

on in Forest’s dramatic defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, as last season’s top goalscorer looks to top the charts again this term. Voting closes at 12pm on Monday 11 September, with the winner to be announced on Friday 15 September at 11am

Awoniyi Listed for August Premier League Player of the Month Edo Mobilises Ahead Bendel Insurance, RS Berkane Clash on September 16

Edo State government has mobilised massive support for Bendel Insurance FC as they prepare to host Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) of Morocco in the Second Qualifying Round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Edo-based team will host the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup winners for a place in the group stage, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The Benin Arsenals who are Nigeria’s Federation Cup holders, secured their spot in the Second Round of the CAF Confederations Cup after a remarkable first and second-leg performance against Aso Chlef of Algeria, who are the 2022/23 Algerian Cup winners.

Speaking ahead of the September 16encounter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Andrew Okungbowa, said yesterday that the state is ready to receive the visitors, expressing confidence that the home team will come out victorious after 90 minutes.

According to him, “All is set as our darling team, Bendel Insurance FC, hosts Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) of Morocco in the first leg of the 2nd Qualifying Round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

“The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with its state-of-the-art facilities and impeccable pitch

conditions, has been meticulously prepared for this great encounter, and our football-loving fans and supporters are ready and eager, as always, to fill the 12, 000-capacity stadium with their cheers and support for the players, creating an electrifying atmosphere that will certainly inspire the home team to victory.

“It is going to be another carnival-like and festival Saturday in Benin, as the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has given us a matching order to mobilise Edo people just as we did in the first leg last month, to cheer our darling Insurance to victory.

Super Eagles players at training on Thursday morning ahead of Sunday’s AFCON 2023 qualifier against São Tomé and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium

The delegation of São Tomé and Principe officials and players being driven from the Uyo Airport to their hotel ahead of Sunday’s AFCON 2023 qualifier....yesterday

Jonathan to Nigeria

“I am not blaming our forefathers but it failed to integrate us into a proper nation, we operated as individual interest and so on. And, of course, if you’ve read some of the comments of our former leaders, like Awolowo made it very clear that there is no nation called Nigeria. Yes, it is a geographical entity; it is a country, it is a State, it has laws but there is no nation. The country was so polarised, especially during the early political party formation and the parties were regional parties...” –Former President Goodluck Jonathan, releases the bombshell, at a national dialogue.

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

Inevitability of the Tribunal Judgement

The week was ushered in with a gross and temperamental preview by retired supreme court Justice Mary Odili wherein she took direct aim at a party (and its surrogates) to the dispute before the Presidential Elections Petitions Court, PEPC. Her speech at a ceremony in honour of a lawyer, Mr J.K Gadzama was a study in the chauvinistic triumphalist celebration of a judicial victory in view and was remarkably badly written and poorly delivered. At the fairly partisan gathering, she assumed the posture of an aggressive agenda setting partisan privy to the judgement that would be delivered in the course of the week. There appears to be the ulterior motive of preempting the judgement of the PEPC and harangue the potential loser to take it or shove it.

The missive was deliberately provocative and commensurately elicited a severe backlash. She courted a renewed critical attention on her pedigree including, especially, the watershed judgement given in favour of her husband, Dr Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers state by the supreme court. Whenever her tenure at the supreme court is up for discussion, this controversial judgement is guaranteed the pride of place. The practical import of the unprecedented judgement was to render her spouse, Dr Odili legally untouchable and unquestionable on his stewardship as governor between 1999 and 2007. He was granted “a perpetual injunction barring the federal government and its agencies from probing, arresting or prosecuting him”. It is curious that no other Nigerian public official of comparable circumstances had similarly availed himself of this royal exculpation, prompting the poser, if the law is personally made for Odili and should never be cited as a judicial precedent.

Here is Justice Odili “It is no doubt appropriate that the theme is: “The Nigeria of Our Dreams, A Call to The Patriots”.

I say so in the light of the prevailing situation in Nigeria as a result of the 2023 General Elections which has generated a lot of storm, necessitating the conversation which we are about to indulge in, as there seems to be moves to throw the nation into chaos or conflagration. This may be brought about by some individuals and groups, who fanning the ambers of hatred, bigotry, and tribalism fails to see the possible outcomes of the utterances without caution that are being thrown around.

It is human to feel cheated, or having the short-end of the stick, but one who is not declared the winner at any of the electoral contests, such emotions however grim does not justify bringing the roof down, the roof of our nation”.

“The situation does not call for the blackmail of the judges, or the posting of speculatory hypothesis, giving them such a life of their own, which run riot and accepted by the hapless and innocent in the society as the truth.

Knowing the quality of participants at this

colloquium, and I am happy professional, those who are well equipped in litigation matters or electoral disputes – Chief Olanipekun is a master, and our Attorney General recently sworn in. These are experts.

I am confident that having such persons here, including our Chief Host, Chief J. K. Gadzama, there is confidence that at the end of the day, a resetting of the mind would be taking place and we would keep things in perspective in the full knowledge that elections are seasonal, and litigation relating to thereto of the same vein”

If any intervention can be more offensive than the statement itself, it is another statement from the same source purporting to blame the reading public for a distorted misunderstanding of the missive. If the point Mrs Odili labours to make is that some people are purportedly intimidating the judiciary, she appears to be a rather poor messenger for the message. I can hardly recollect any time I came across such an outrageous message of intimidation from a Judge. And maybe the judiciary (as represented by Odili), should be wary of the hypocrisy of frantically calling attention to the speck in another man’s eyes while hosting a beam in her own.

In contemporary Nigeria, no one could match the capacity to wreak damage on the Judiciary more than the power couple, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa and her spouse Justice Bulkachuwa. Yet, we never heard nor expected a word of condemnation from the chairperson of the body of benchers namely, JusticeOdili. Two days later, it was the turn of the tribunal judges at the subsequent occasion of the delivery of judgement by the PEPC. The Judges practically took a cue from the Odili playbook in the proclivity for partisan bombast and the censure of divergent opinions. The Judges liberally indulged in malicious language and adversarial partisan demeanour. They kept swearing to the infallibility of

INEC and insinuating insinuating a common purpose with the electoral agency.

If we agree that Obi and Atiku leaning partisans were provocatively breathing down the necks of the judges, the question is are there no extenuating circumstances for assuming the worst of the judiciary? Is this a justification for the display of raw partisan distemper in dispensing the law?. If Senator Bulkachuwa is to be believed, regarding the conduct of the administration of justice by the immediate past president of the court of appeal (PCA), who happens to be his wife, is such Judiciary deserving of the benefit of the doubt where there are talks of corruption?.

Yet they affect the posture of righteous indignation as if there is no basis to doubt their integrity. These are Judges over whom the spouse of Bulkachuwa presided, as the president of the court of appeal. For that matter, did the president himself, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not adopt the common belief that Judges are corrupt “You don’t expect your judges to live in squalor, to operate in squalor and dispense justice in squalor. If you don’t want your judges to be corrupt, you got to pay attention to their welfare” rationalised the president.

What crimes have the international observers, especially the European Union, EU, committed to warrant their victimisation?. Do their reports not connote the international standard we aspire to attain?. These are expert monitors whose professional calling is informed, unjaundiced assessment of elections worldwide. In the course of this they had been in this country several months before the election.They contributed millions of dollars to support the successful conduct of the elections and have thereby earned their seat at the table. Above all is the lack of partisan interest in who wins the elections. If it is absurd to contemplate that the observers will know better about the law than the Judges, so it is illogical of any judge to presume to know more about the Nigerian elections than these observers.

Systemic Crisis

My understanding of the contemporary Nigerian perversion is that it is a systemic crisis where you can establish the lapse of a part thereof from what ails the whole. If Nigeria is sick and corrupt, there is no reason to disbelieve that the executive, legislature or the judiciary are any less afflicted, especially in the absence of any evidence to the contrary. Inspired by the culture of judicial activism (‘that the courts can and should go beyond the applicable law to consider broader societal implications of its decisions’), I get repeatedly asked by anxious Nigerians whether they can expect the judiciary to do what is right by Nigeria.

My default position is to patiently explain that Nigeria is in a systemic crisis in which none of the indwellers of the system is immune to catching the pathogen of the crisis. If the Nigerian judiciary is typically Nigerian, it is unrealistic to expect the institution to behave

exceptionally. If a country regularly tops the chart of the most corrupt countries in the world, what is the probability of finding an exceptional oasis of integrity? It is impossible to isolate any institution of government from the implication of Nigeria as a failed state. A failed state is indicative of systemic crisis and collapse where no part can be individually salvaged for remedial attention. It is a case of we float and sink together.

In almost all societies governed by law and have not lapsed into dysfunction, there is a positive correlation in the behaviour of the three organs of government, legislature, executive and the judiciary. And the obverse is equally true. Nigeria is a typical example. To its potential destruction, the Nigerian judiciary is now badly implicated in the enthronement of presidents. It remains true that power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. More than any other factor, the over centralisation of power, (personified by the president) is the most subversive agent provocateur of political crisis and instability in Nigeria. In its pursuit, nothing is spared, no prisoners are taken (not the legislature, neither the judiciary nor INEC etc) It is what drove Nigeria to seek escapism in the palliative of the rotation of power which has hardly fulfilled its aspiration as an instrument of tempering the trend towards the winner takes all politics.

Federalism

The policy prescription of the adoption of the systemic crisis perspective to the Nigerian crisis is the holistic constitutional review towards the restoration of federalism. It may be an unintended consequence but a return to federalism will relieve the judiciary of its attendant implication in the destructive tendency inherent in the over centralisation of powers. Wherever it occurs, the abnormal implication of the judiciary in the determination of political power has proven a present and direct threat to the integrity and stability of the polity. Not without its shortcomings, federalism, as such, ‘is a response to political conflict, not an optimal strategy that a nation with a unified political identity is likely to enthusiastically embrace.; it is a suboptimal compromise designed to resolve situations that threaten to descend into even less attractive possibilities’

It is admitted that ‘countries with ethnic, linguistic, or religious divisions that substantially coincide with territorial boundaries confront special problems in making democracy work. They are vulnerable to intense intergroup conflict, which all too often leads to violence or to attempts at secession.. In large states that must contend with geographically based ethnic, religious, or linguistic cleavages, some form of regional autonomy is inevitable. And one institutional device intended to mitigate such strains is federalism’. Unfortunately, rather than face up to solve our political problems, we have been adjusting and coming to terms with them as the new normal.

Justice Odili