Tinubu Reiterates Fuel Subsidy Removal Was to Free Up Resources for Critical Investments
Elumelu calls for stronger collaboration to bolster banking sector UBA GMD, Alawuba hails Cardoso
reiterated that though painful in the short term, the removal of fuel subsidy was designed to free up budgetary resources for critical investments in
infrastructure and social services.
The President also disclosed that his administration has taken courageous steps to reform Nigeria’s
macroeconomic environment, with a focus on restoring confidence in the nation’s economy. This, he said, the federal govern-
ment was rigorously working to actualise through measures targeted at reducing inflation, stabilising the foreign exchange market and improv-
ing fiscal management. This was as the Chairman of the
Continued on page 9
www.thisdaylive.com
Harris, Trump Outline Starkly Different Visions in Tense, High-stakes US Debate
Sparring on politics and personality, US Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-President Donald Trump showcased their starkly different visions for the country as they met for the first time last night . It was perhaps their only debate
before November’s presidential election, a high-pressure opportunity for the candidates after a tumultuous campaign summer, Associated Press reported.
The matchup offered Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that’s dramatically changed since the last debate in June which forced
President Joe Biden from the race. The Democratic vice president immediately moved to press the case against the former Republican president and his bombastic rhetoric, linking him to the conservative Project 2025 blueprint for a Republican administration and GOP efforts to restrict abortion access.
Trump in turn tried to link Harris to Biden, questioning why she hadn’t acted on her proposed ideas while serving as vice president, and focused his attacks on Harris over her assignment by Biden to deal with the root causes of illegal migration.
In Unprecedented Feat, Nigeria Raises over $900m in Domestic FGN US Dollar Bond
Kayode tokede
In an unprecedented move aimed at strengthening the economy and advancing financial inclusion, the Federal Government has raised over $900million from its first-ever Domestic Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) US Dollar Bond issuance. The Debt Management Office (DMO) described the achievement as a pivotal step in Nigeria's economic development.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in a statement, said the bond issuance saw an impressive over 180% subscription, highlighting the continued confidence of investors in Nigeria’s economic stability and growth prospects. Priced at par and carrying a 9.75% coupon over five years, the bond is the first under the Domestic FGN US Dollar Bond Programme, established pursuant to Presidential Executive Order No. 16 of 2023.
The landmark bond issuance attracted a diverse range of
investors, including Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in the country, Nigerians in the diaspora, as well as qualified institutional investors. It will be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, positioning Nigeria as a key player in deepening its capital markets and promoting financial inclusion.
According to Edun, proceeds from the bond will be directed towards critical sectors of the economy as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Minister noted that the successful issuance underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying its sources of funding and bolstering economic growth despite current economic challenges.
Edun expressed confidence in Nigeria's economic trajectory, describing the bond issuance as extremely successful "The issuance of this inaugural Domestic FGN US Dollar Bond demonstrates that investors, as well as Nigerians, continue to have
Continued on page 9 Continued on page 9
tinubu rises to maiduguri Flood Disaster, Promises to Assist State, Orders Evacuation... Page 6
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Nume
Ekeghe in Lagos President Bola Tinubu yesterday,
member,
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Kamala Harris
Donald Trump
OpENiNg cErEmONy Of thE 24th NAtiONAl WOmEN cONfErENcE...
R-L: Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO/First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; COWLSO Vice Chairman/wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (right) during the opening ceremony of the 24th National Women Conference themed: “Soar Beyond Boundaries …Enrich Communities” organised by COWLSO, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos... yesterday
FG Says Brass Fertiliser Project Has Reached Final Stage with Signing of $3.3bn Industrial Park Deal
Addeh in Abuja
The federal government yesterday announced that the take-off of the Brass Fertiliser Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL) was at its final stages, stressing that a $3.3 billion deal for an industrial park on the facility located in Bayelsa, had been reached.
Describing it as a significant breakthrough for the company, a statement by Louis Ibah, spokesman to the Minister of State (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the long-awaited Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with its gas supplier, the NNPC/ SPDC Joint Venture (JV) was nearing conclusion.
According to the release, this has now paved the way for the project's financial close and commencement of the execution phase.
After years of delays, the GSPA, the government said, is expected to be finalised before September 30, 2024, marking a major milestone in the project's journey and setting the stage for a significant boost to Nigeria's petrochemical industry.
This is as BFPCL and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) have executed Project Agreements for the $3.3billion Brass Industrial Park, methanol plant and gas gathering pipelines with associated facilities.
It also signed a Shipping Vessels Acquisition and Joint Venture Agreement for 16 new 50,000MT methanol powered shipping vessels with COSCO Shipping Lines Co Ltd.
The framework agreement with COSCO, the statement from the ministry said, will see the construction of 16 vessels, valued at about $900 million, dedicated for the evacuation and transportation of methanol and other products from the Brass methanol plant to various global destinations.
It noted that COSCO is one of the largest shipping companies in the world.
Ekpo was quoted by the statement as having disclosed this on Tuesday while further announcing that Bohai Chemical Industries Group (BCIG) and China Africa Development Fund (CADFund) in collaboration with their Joint Venture (JV) partners have expressed their commitment to jointly invest in the Brass Methanol Project and facilitate immediately commencement of construction works.
Ekpo said thee significant gains were courtesy of BFPCL’s strategic engagements with Chinese investors during the recent state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China, which he participated in.
"During the visit, I held fruitful discussions with key stakeholders, including BCIG and CADFund, which have now expressed commitment to invest in the $3.3 billion Brass Methanol Project in Bayelsa State," said Ekpo.
"On this same project, I also want to state that we have expedited the completion of the GSPA between BFPCL and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Limited Joint Venture, a major breakthrough that paves the way for the project's financial close and execution phase," he added.
With the GSPA expected to be finalised before September 30, 2024, and financial close achieved before December 31, 2024, the minister's visit to China, the statement said, has set the stage for a significant boost to Nigeria's petrochemical industry, demonstrating the government's commitment to attracting investments and driving economic growth.
Ekpo also provided assurances to the Chinese investors regarding the protection and security of their
investments, while also appealing to Nigerians to remain patient and confident in the government's strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the economy, driving job creation, and unlocking long-term prosperity.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that
investors' interests are paramount, ensuring that their investments are safeguarded and guaranteed. "Investors can enter and exit the market with confidence, knowing that their investments are protected and their rights respected. This commitment underscores our
administration's focus on job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development," Ekpo said.
Yhe statement added that BCIG is a leading petrochemicals in the zerocarbon era, committed to building a new generation of neutral, open, and inclusive global information
technology infrastructure platforms. CADFund, on the other hand, is China's first equity fund focusing on investment in Africa, aiming at boosting Africa's industrialisation process and enhancing the continent’s sustainable development capacity through investment.
ASUU Decries Victimisation, Persecution of Lecturers in Six Varsities Across Nigeria
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
For three years now, the lecturers that kicked against the promotion of the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, to the rank of professor, are still paying heavy price, the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) has said.
The union said that the FUTO lecturers were still being victimised and persecuted by the management of FUTO for speaking out against Pantami's "illegal promotion" that happened in September 2021.
ASUU made this known Tuesday in a statement issued by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) chapter of the union, made available to the media in Umuahia.
It also listed five other universities where ASUU members are being subjected to various forms of "unwarranted victimisation, intimidation and persecution", even in flagrant disobedience to court orders given in favour of the victims.
The ivory towers fingered in the maltreatment of university teachers include Kogi State University(KSU), Anyimgba; Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO); Chukwuemeka
Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki.
ASUU also listed Lagos State University(LASU) Ojo, and Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, among others, where "our members have been unjustly sacked and their salaries withheld for inexplicable reasons".
In the statement signed by the ASUU-MOUAU Chairperson, Comrade Michael Chikezie Ugwuene, and Secretary, Comrade Charles Efe Osodeke, the university teachers "condemned in strong terms" the maltreatments being meted out to their colleagues.
"The union is particularly worried about the undue delay of judgment by the court in the case of her members that were illegally sacked at the Kogi State University Anyimgba for seven years now, thereby subjecting them to untold hardship," ASUU said.
On the Pantami issue, ASUU lamented that "the Vice-chancellor of FUTO and her cohorts have continued to persecute and torment our members at the branch for their unwavering stand against the illegal promotion of Dr. Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami to the rank of Professor".
"The Vice Chancellor's unjustifiable
Woodhall Capital Secures Finance House License
Woodhall Capital, a leading global investment and financial services firm, has been granted a Finance House License by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
A press statement from the Finance House yesterday said the License would enable Woodhall Capital to expand its broad range of financial services in Nigeria, including investment banking and asset management.
The Founder, Woodhall Capital, Mrs. Mojisola HunponuWusu, declared: “This important milestone underscores Woodhall Capital's determination to remain a trailblazer in Nigeria's financial services sector, emphasizing the firm's commitment
to strengthening its presence in key emerging markets. With this license, Woodhall Capital will provide innovative financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of Nigerian businesses and investors.
"This license represents a significant opportunity for Woodhall Capital and our commitment to engaging with Nigeria’s dynamic market. We commend the Central Bank of Nigeria for its rigorous security and thorough process in granting this license.
"This achievement underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional financial services and solutions. Nigeria's burgeoning economy offers
tremendous potential, and we are enthusiastic about contributing to its continued growth and success."
Mrs. HunponuWusu said Woodhall Capital's re-entry into Nigeria through its increased volume of financial products “highlights the country's potential as a key market in Africa.”
She said the firm is poised to leverage its global expertise and local insights to support Nigerian businesses, enhance investment opportunities, and drive economic growth.
She adds: “In addition to its investment services, Woodhall Capital is committed to fostering
financial inclusion and supporting local communities through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. The firm’s operations in Nigeria will align with its core values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.”
Woodhall Capital is a global investment and financial services firm with a focus on delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to clients worldwide. With a strong track record of success and a commitment to excellence, Woodhall Capital offers a range of services including investment banking, asset management, structured trade finance and financial advisory
stoppage of Union leaders from attending statutory meetings of Senate and University committees are clear cases of victimization and intimidation which we vehemently condemn".
According to the body of the academics, salaries of their faithful members at COOU Igbariam are being withheld for upwards of 12 months amidst their suspension for opposing "violations of academic standards".
It described the action of the COOU management as "regrettable and absolutely unacceptable", saying that there was no basis for punishing the lecturers who took principled stand to ensure that academic standard is maintained in the institution.
ASUU also stated that the university administration has "locked up the Union's Secretariat and prevented members from holding Congress, meetings", and other activities at COOU.
"This is another act of impunity and hooliganism," the union said.
In the situation at EBSU, Abakaliki, ASUU said that it felt disturbed that
the university administration has refused "to implement the court judgment which was in favour of our union".
It noted that the EBSU management has instead, chosen the path of prolonging the legal battle by appealing the court judgment, knowing that justice delayed is justice denied.
"ASUU MOUAU is using this medium to reaffirm her support to ASUU NEC in condemning the obnoxious and faceless actions of the university administrations where our union members are subjected to all kinds of inhumane treatment, victimization and persecution," the statement said.
The union commended the steadfastness of the victimized lecturers in the affected branches, urging them to remain resolute.
It called on the Visitors to the affected universities and their stakeholders "to urgently wade into the situation and resolve all the lingering issues being perpetrated by the Vice Chancellors in the interest of peace".
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion for attaining milestone age of 90 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised the Esama for his lifetime achievements and trail-blazing as a businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for education and community development.
Tinubu, noted that Igbinedion, has contributed immensely to job creation and the growth of the nation's economy as the founder and chairman of the Igbinedion
Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including oil and gas, construction, and hospitality. He also commended the Esama for establishing Igbinedion University, the first privately owned university in the country, and for his commitment to advancing quality education and academic excellence.
The President affirmed that Nigeria was better because of the sacrifices of patriots such as High Chief Igbinedion, who have dedicated their time and resources to the progress and development of the nation.
Tinubu joined the Oba of Benin, the people of the Bini Kingdom, family, friends, and well-wishers, praying that the Esama's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Emmanuel
InauguratIon of CavIsta teChnologIes...
L-R: Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Founder & CEO, Axxess and Chairman
Chief Financial Officer, Axxess,
Tinubu Rises to Maiduguri Flood Disaster, Promises
to Assist State, Orders
Evacuation
Shettima says government will tackle disaster with new roadmap, prioritise welfare of victims
Buhari, northern governors, Barau, senators, others express sympathy Hundreds rendered homeless as rain wreaks havoc in Yenagoa, sacks residents, others
ECOWAS: government at all levels in West Africa need to conscientiously budget for disaster Residents at the mercy of fleeing criminals, wild animals
Deji elumoye, Michael olugbode, olawale ajimotokan, sunday aborisade in Abuja, segun awofadeji in Gombe, olusegun samuel in Yenagoa and Yinka olatunbosun in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, responded to the recent flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, by ordering evacuation of victims as part of his promise to assist the state.
Tinubu’s reaction came as Vice President Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, pledged that government would prioritise the welfare of the flood victims.
Shettima assured the people that the administration of Tinubu would tackle the problem of flood in Nigeria head-on, riding on its already developed comprehensive roadmap aimed at addressing such challenges.
The federal government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, extended its sympathies to the government and people of Borno State over the flooding that ravaged Maiduguri and its environs following the overflow of Alau Dam.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, while commiserating with the government and people of Borno and the other affected states, described the development as a national calamity.
Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, extended assurances of solidarity and support to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of the state, particularly, those affected by the flooding.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, extended his thoughts and prayers to the government and people of Borno State over the devastating floods.
Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, called on the federal government, the international community, and development partners to intervene and support the people of Borno State following the flood that destroyed many homes and property.
Relatedly, a heavy downpour wreaked havoc on Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday, flooding homes and shops, and destroying property.
Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS), reacting to the floods, advised government at all levels in the sub-region to deliberately budget for such disasters, which a recent research said had left about 75 per cent of the population of West Africa exposed and adversely impacted.
The recent Borno floods, described as the worst in decades, displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities, such as the central post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. It also led to the temporary shutdown of some institutions and government agencies, including the University of Maiduguri.
The university’s management announced the temporary closure in a statement on Tuesday by its registrar, Ahmad A. Lawan. The institution sympathised with staff members and students affected by the disaster. Tinubu, in a release by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the government and people of Borno State, especially the families that lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
While relevant authorities were still assessing the damage caused by the flood, Tinubu called for the immediate evacuation of people from the affected areas.
He assured Zulum that the federal government was ready to collaborate with the state to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
While ordering the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the flood victims, Tinubu said he remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.
Shettima: We'll Tackle Flooding with New Roadmap, Prioritise Victims’ Welfare
Vice President Kashim Shettima assured Nigerians and the people of Borno State that the Tinubu administration would tackle head-on the challenge of flood.
Shettima gave the assurance in Maiduguri. He stated that though the factors leading to the ravaging flood and other recurring disasters in the country were diverse, Tinubu
had already developed a comprehensive roadmap aimed at addressing the challenges.
The vice president was in Maiduguri for an on-the-spot assessment of the floods that had displaced many communities in the state.
Commiserating with victims of the flood, Shettima disclosed that Tinubu did not only express his "deepest sympathies but has also assured that the federal government would prioritise the welfare of the affected communities".
He stated, "I am deeply devastated by the flood that has engulfed Maiduguri and its environs. My heart goes out to the families, who have tragically lost their homes and livelihoods in this calamity.
“Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster. Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue.
"The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam. The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities.
“As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises.”
Shettima added, "In response to our 2024 flood outlook, we had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts.
“Despite these preparations, the severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades. The flood's unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences.
“Nonetheless, the federal government remains determined in its commitment. As with other states facing similar crises, we will continue with the plans previously initiated in collaboration with the Borno State government. We are resolute in
mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas.”
The vice president lamented the effect of climate change, saying, "This disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to regions like ours. Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.
“The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on.
"In light of data gathered by our emergency response agencies and early warning centres, the government has intensified its interventions in floodprone areas.
“These areas, characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics, have been prioritised in our flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure.”
Shettima commended the government of Borno State for its swift response to the situation. He praised the people’s resilience, saying residents of Maiduguri and surrounding areas “have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbours' keepers”.
Shettima said, “In collaboration with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, we are determined to ensure that our mitigation and recovery efforts reach every corner impacted by this disaster.
"I’m in Maiduguri to oversee the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures. These measures will be in line with our Flood Outlook reports, which are informed by historical data, climate forecasts, and hydrological modelling, to provide a clear path forward in managing the varying degrees of flood risks across different regions and timelines.
“We will overcome this tragedy as long as our resolve remains strong, as long as we remain united, as long as we remain compassionate, and as long as we prioritise strategic actions to emerge from this even stronger than ever."
The information and national
orientation minister, in a statement, said the federal government shared the grief and suffering of all those affected by the catastrophe.
Idris stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, especially those who have lost their means of livelihood and homes. We stand with the families who have been displaced and deeply empathise with their pain and distress during this trying time.
"The federal government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), is acutely aware of the magnitude of the challenges posed by this disaster.
“He has since directed all the relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate with the Borno State government in mobilising the necessary resources to provide urgent relief and assistance to those affected by the unfortunate incident."
The minister added that the federal government reposed confidence in the strength and resilience of the people of Borno State, which had been demonstrated over the years.
"We do not doubt that, with the assistance of the government and the people of Nigeria, they will overcome this tragedy," Idris said.
Buhari: It’s National Calamity
Former President Muhammadu Buhari commiserated with the people of Borno and other states affected by the floods, which he described as a national calamity.
The ex-president, in a release by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he had heard of the widespread devastation of homes and farmlands, and the loss of life in Borno and other states.
Buhari expressed hope that the relief measures by the various governments would provide comfort and help people who had lost family members and livelihoods.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this natural disaster,” the former president said.
Northern Governors Extend Sympathy
Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) and
Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, sympathised with to the government and people of Borno State over the devastating flooding that affected Maiduguri, its environs, and parts of Jere Local Government Area.
In a press release issued by DirectorGeneral, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya, on behalf of the 19 northern governors, extended assurances of solidarity and support to Zulum and the people of Borno State, particularly, those affected by the flooding. He also expressed concern for other states in the north and across Nigeria facing similar problems, and urged the federal government and humanitarian organisations to bolster their relief efforts. The governor commended the swift response of the Borno State government and the efforts of emergency responders and other volunteers on the ground.
Given the scale of the destruction, Yahaya called on NEMA and other relevant agencies to intensify their interventions to provide relief to affected residents, particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Barau Prays for Maiduguri Flood Victims
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, extended his thoughts and prayers to the government and people of Borno State over the devastating floods.
Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, expressed his sympathies, saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with the government and people of Borno State over the devastating floods that have displaced thousands of residents from their homes. ''As we extend our deepest sympathies to those affected, I pray to Allah (SWT) to grant comfort and strength to those who have been displaced. Amin Ya Allah.”
Ndume Seeks FG, Devt Partners’ Intervention
Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, called on the federal government, the international community, and development partners to support the people of Borno State following the
Continued on page 29
Cavista Holdings, Mr. John Olajide; President of the Republic of Bostwana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi and
Mr. Ron Olajide during the inauguration of Cavista Technologies at the Central Business District in Gaborone, ... yesterday
L-R; African Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University, Texas, United States of America (USA), Prof. Val Iheukwumere; Executive Director of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex
Finally, DSS Gives
Reason for Occupying SERAP's
Offices in Lagos, Abuja, Mum on Ajaero’s Arrest
You are not above the law, Presidency tells NLC President, says no human rights abuse in Nigeria TUC-UK, ActionAid condemn action of security agency
Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Michael Olugbode and Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday, explained the rationale behind its deployment of operatives to the offices of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in Lagos and Abuja on Monday.
The Service, however, continued to maintain studied silence on the reason for the arrest of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, even though the DSS has already succumbed to pressure from NLC and other civil society organisations and released Ajaero in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Presidency yesterday, told Ajaero that he was not above the law governing Nigeria.
But condemnation continued to trail the action of the DSS as the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) and ActionAid Nigeria, yesterday, also deplored the arrest and detention of the NLC President.
The NLC had on Monday night given the service 24 hours to release its leader, while instructing all its affiliates and state chapters to be on red alert for an industrial action if the DSS failed to set him free within the given period.
The DSS in a statement said it had been inundated with multiple enquiries on its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos.
The DSS, urged the public to disregard the false narratives as it restated its commitment to utmost
professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate.
According to the statement, "This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two unarmed Service operatives was lawfully detailed on a routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials."
The Service further stated that such official enquiries and liaison were traditional and did not in any way amount to illegality or raid.
While it assured of an in-depth investigation of the malicious contents, the service called for citizens' participation in national security management.
However, the Presidency has told Ajaero, that he was not above the law governing Nigeria.
Owing to this, the Presidency said, Ajaero should honour the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the ongoing investigation of Ajaero had nothing to do with his role as NLC President.
The Presidency also accused Labour of, in most cases, advancing ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.
It also denied allegations of human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria on account of Ajaero’s interrogation.
“The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its
conference today in London, with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe
Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.
“Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where
the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.
“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above
the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation. Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution.
10 Months After, FG Unable to Implement Directive on Exemption of Varsity Staff from IPPIS
Emejo in Abuja
The federal government is yet to exempt universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions of learning from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) after it took the decision 10 months ago, THISDAY can report.
In December 2023, the Minister of the Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced government's decision to remove university staff from the controversial payroll system after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
However, several months after the government's approval for the exemption of the affected institutions, the directive was yet to be implemented, a situation that has led to non-payment of salaries of new staff in particular, according to THISDAY findings.
In acceding to the demands of the university community, the federal government had agreed that the IPPIS does not afford tertiary institutions the freedom to run their affairs.
Idris said: “Today, the universities and other tertiary institutions have gotten a very big relief from the integrated personnel payroll and information system. You will recall that the university authorities and others have been clamouring for exempting the universities and other tertiary institutions from this system.
“Today, the Council has graciously approved that going forward, the universities, as the Honorable Minister of Education has said and other tertiary institutions, the polytechnics and colleges of education will be taken off the IPPIS.
“What that means in simple language is that the university authorities and other tertiary institutions will now pay their personnel from their own end instead of relying on the IPPIS.”
FG Orders Investigation into Kano Building Collapse
Also, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the move was to allow for the efficient running of public educational institutions nationwide.
He argued that Wednesday’s move is not connected to the integrity of IPPIS, the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, or other similar systems advocated by various bodies.
Mamman said: “Simply, the president and the council are just concerned about the efficiency of management of the universities, and so it has nothing to do with integrity or platform options.
The non-implementation of the directive issued nearly a year ago continues to pose challenges in the tertiary institutions as the non-payment
of salaries has reportedly grounded academic activities, resulting in the current threats of another round of strike action by university lecturers. A source told THISDAY that payment of salaries to new staff recently employed by most academic institutions had been particularly impossible following the tardiness on the part of government to effectively implement the exemption order.
Contacted, however, Director, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr. Bawa Mokwa, told THISDAY that the treasury was awaiting further guidance from the Office of the Head of Service as well as the Federal Ministry of Finance on who should be removed from the IPPIS payroll.
Olu of Warri Charges Subjects to Build Communities
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
who was conferred with honorary Doctorate degree in International Law and Diplomacy and Prof. Okeke Gerald Ndubuisi, who received the academic professorial chair of Climate Change and Sustainability, at a special convocation ceremony held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka in Lagos….recently Dangiwa advocates adoption of green, climate-smart housing
Emmanuel Addeh
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, decried the recent building collapse in Noman's Land Quarters in Kano and ordered a full scale investigation into the incident.
A two-storey building in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State was reported to have collapsed and trapped many people inside.
A report by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that two bodies were recovered from the rubbles, while two persons were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Dangiwa, in a statement in Abuja, directed the relevant officials to quickly investigate the Kano collapse, stressing that the government will take decisive action after the submission of the findings.
The minister, who lamented the recurrence of building collapses in the country, emphasised the need for an overhaul of the system and full implementation of building codes and regulations.
He described the Kano collapse incident as another sad development exposing the rot in the building industry over the years, which, if unchecked, will remain catastrophic to the industry and society.
Dangiwa called on state governments to rise to the challenge and the relevant agencies to swing into action to pre-empt anything capable of causing a building collapse.
The minister recalled the last Jos school building collapse and stated that the federal government was committed to getting to the root of the matter and prosecuting anyone found culpable.
He stated, “I have received the report of the Jos collapse investigation and a checklist of all professionals involved in the construction is being compiled for us to take action."
Dangiwa assured that government will do what was needed to deter
others from putting Nigerians at risk with their reckless and unprofessional activities. He stated that the ministry was working on a robust regulation mechanism with relevant stakeholders in the industry to enforce building codes across the country, in close collaboration with the states.
“I implore the state governments, who are closer to the people and directly supervising the land, to wake up and be more effective in checking the excesses of quacks in the building construction industry," the minister stated.
He explained that relevant agencies should ensure due diligence
His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has charged his subjects to begin development of their villages by “returning to and rebuilding” the riverine areas.
The monarch also declared that henceforth to become chiefs, elected government officials and community leaders, individuals are to own “homes” in their communities.
The traditional ruler in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, on Monday, noted that the Itsekiri nation had found favour with the current Delta State Government with the recent inspection of the Trans-Warri Road by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and an assurance that it will be completed in two years.
Describing the development as a “symbolic victory” as it (the
bridge) will connect the people to their ancestral home, the monarch said “this isn’t just meant to make transportation to and from Ode-Itsekiri easy, it’s also a clarion call to signify the return of Itsekiri to its roots, and to the things that made us great in the first place. His words: “It is also a symbolic directive, for our people to start returning back to their various homes, especially in the riverine areas. First of all, we cannot keep living in the trauma of the aftermath of the crisis that drove our people out of their various villages all over the riverine.”
The monarch urged all Itsekiri sons and daughters to be “united” and determined to achieve the goal as neither “government,” nor “neighbours who are encroaching” their lands would develop the place for them.
in Abuja
James
Dr.( Mrs.) Veronica Safiya Ndanusa;
Crude Oil Prices Fall to Lowest Since December 2021, Nigeria’s Benchmark Slumps Below $70
Nigeria raises crude production to 1.44 million bpd in August, highest since January Glencore's ex-head of oil appears in UK court for bribing Nigerian officials
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Oil prices have plummeted to their lowest point in about three years, with Brent Crude, Nigeria’s benchmark, falling to less than $70 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dipping below $66.04 yesterday.
Brent crude futures settled at their lowest since December 2021, after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) revised down its demand forecast for this year and 2025. Brent crude futures settled down $2.65, or 3.69 per cent, at $69.19 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled down $2.96, or 4.31 per cent, to $65.75 a barrel. Both benchmarks dropped by more than $3 during the session, after each rose by about 1 per cent on Monday.
WTI crude futures fell more than 5 per cent on Tuesday, hitting their lowest levels since May 2023.
On Tuesday, OPEC in a monthly report said world oil demand would rise by 2.03 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, down from last month's forecast for growth of 2.11 million bpd.
Until last month, OPEC had kept the forecast unchanged since it was first made in July 2023. OPEC also cut its 2025 global demand growth estimate to 1.74 million bpd from 1.78 million bpd. Prices slid on the weakening global demand prospects and expectations of oil oversupply.
This means that crude oil prices are down by over 26 per cent from their multi-year highs of $98 per bbl and the downtrend will support, it was learnt.
The situation is double edged sword for Nigeria. While it may get petrol imports for lower prices in the coming months, however, its expectation of an $77 per barrel oil in this year’s budget could be a mirage.
This means that for the first time since December 2021, Brent crude oil futures dipped below $70 per barrel, signalling a significant slump driven by rising supply, waning demand, and a wave of speculative selling.
The drop in oil prices also poses a significant challenge for the federal government, which based the 2024 budget on a crude price benchmark of $77 per barrel.
Worse still , Nigeria has consistently failed to meet its oil production targets for the 2024 budget set at 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), as well as the
T I nubu r e IT er AT e S f uel Sub SIDY r emo VA l
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu, noted that while the Nigerian banking sector was a cornerstone of the nation's economy, it remains confronted with challenges such as regulatory burdens and high compliance costs, which impede growth and innovation.
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.58 million bpd. In July OPEC data showed that Nigeria’s production averaged just 1.35 million bpd.
But in a major breakthrough, Nigeria produced its highest oil production since January in august , according to data from OPEC released yesterday, with output hitting 1.44 million bpd as against the previously highest output of 1.42 million bpd in January 2024.
OPEC data released indicated that the new production figure was about 57,000 bpd higher for the month under consideration, according to secondary sources.
Meanwhile, Glencore's former head of oil Alex Beard appeared in a London court yesterday to
face bribery charges relating to the Swiss commodity trader's operations in Africa, Reuters reported.
Beard will plead not guilty, his lawyer said at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court.
The 57-year-old is charged with two counts of conspiracy to make corrupt payments to government officials and officials of state-owned oil companies in Nigeria between 2010 and 2014, and in Cameroon between 2007 and 2014.
Beard, who is the most highprofile commodity trader to have been charged in Britain for alleged corruption, joined Glencore in 1995 from BP, the biggest trading desk at that time, and was head of oil from 2007 until 2019, when he retired.
He helped Glencore become one of
The President and Elumelu spoke at the 17th Annual Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Banking and Finance Conference held in Abuja, Speaking while declaring the conference open, Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, explained steps being taken to restore confidence in the nation’s economy, saying, “We have taken bold steps to reform the macroeconomic environment. Our focus is on restoring confidence in the Nigerian economy through measures aimed at reducing inflation, stabilising the foreign exchange market, and improving fiscal management.
He described this year’s theme for the CIBN Conference, “Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward,” as both timely and imperative, noting that it came at a time the nation was grappling with interrelated challenges.
“Though painful in the short term, the removal of fuel subsidies is designed to free up budgetary resources for critical investments in infrastructure and social services, frequent adjustment of the monetary policy rate, a move aimed at curbing inflation and fostering a more marketoriented exchange rate system.”
Listing the challenges to include high inflation, rising costs of living, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and effects of global economic shifts, the President observed however that the challenges also present opportunities for growth and development.
According to him: “This theme will enable us to evaluate where we
stand as a nation, understand the root causes of our economic challenges, and explore actionable strategies to accelerate growth and development sustainably and inclusively."
Tinubu also noted that his administration was committed to strengthening infrastructure development in the ongoing bid to grow Nigeria’s economy.
“We are committed to upgrading Nigeria's infrastructure to support economic growth. We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and improve market access,” he said.
PreSIDenTIAl Poll: HArrIS, TrumP ouTlIne STArklY DIfferenT VISIonS In TenSe, HIgH-STAkeS uS DebATe
As the former president made a series of false claims about migrants, Harris seemed to smirk as he said that migrants are “taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics.”
“Talk about extreme,” Harris responded, when Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that immigrants in Ohio are eating their neighbours’ dogs and cats.
The candidates met in a small, blue-lit amphitheatre converted into a television studio, with no live audience, meaning there was no rowdy applause, cheers or jeers. The intimate setting — with the candidates’ lecterns positioned less than 10 feet from each other — belied the contentious debate to follow.
Harris repeatedly shook her head derisively as Trump spoke, occasionally staring at him with a hand on her chin, while Trump
seemed to avoid looking toward the Democrat. Trump hewed closely to his rally talking points and familiar attacks.
As Harris seemed to try to interject during one of his responses, Trump replied, “I’m talking now, sound familiar?” harkening back to a moment when shut down an interruption from then-Vice President Mike Pence.
Harris sharply criticised Trump for the state of the economy and democracy when he left office, as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the nation and after his supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
“What we have done is clean up Donald Trump’s mess,” Harris said. She opened her answer by saying she expects voters to hear “a bunch of lies, grievances and name calling”
MSF, Borno Health Ministry: One Out of Every Four Children in Shinkafi, Zurmi Malnourished
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
One out of every four children under the age of five is malnourished in the Shinkafi and Zurmi areas of Zamfara State, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Ministry of Health have said.
A statement on Thursday by MSF otherwise called Doctors Without Borders, said according to a mass screening conducted in June by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Ministry of Health, of the 97,149 children screened in 21 different urban and rural locations, 27 percent were found to be suffering from acute malnutrition, with five percent having severe acute malnutrition.
The statement added that: “These concerning figures far exceed the 'critical level' threshold established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding malnutrition prevalence.
“MSF urges health authorities, international organisations, and donors to immediately intensify their efforts to tackle the escalating malnutrition crisis in Zamfara State,
as well as whole of Northwest Nigeria - a region not yet included in the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan.
“The mass screening held in June in the Shinkafi and Zurmi areas further revealed that about 22 per cent of children screened are moderately malnourished.
“Currently, the nutritional supplies essential to treat such children, also known as ready-touse therapeutic food (RUTF), are unavailable, as UNICEF halted its supplies at the start of the year.
“This current lack of humanitarian response to treat those who are moderately malnourished in Northwest Nigeria risks the lives of these children who, without immediate care, will progress to severe acute malnutrition that threatens their survival and compromises their long-term health.”
Abdullahi Mohammad, an MSF representative in Nigeria, said: “The screening results from Shinkafi and Zurmi are nothing short of alarming, revealing a catastrophic malnutrition crisis across Northwest Nigeria.”
from her GOP opponent during their 90-minute debate.
Trump, meanwhile, quickly went after Harris for abandoning some of her past liberal positions and said: “She’s going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat.” Harris smiled broadly and laughed.
Harris has sought to defend her shifts away from liberal causes to more moderate stances on fracking, expanding Medicare for all and mandatory gun buyback programs — and even backing away from her position that plastic straws should be banned — as pragmatism, insisting that her “values remain the same.”
As the debate opened, Harris walked up to Trump’s lectern to introduce herself, marking the first time the two had ever met. “Kamala Harris,” she said, extending her hand to Trump, who received it in a handshake — the first presidential debate handshake since the 2016 campaign.
Harris, in zeroing in on one of Trump’s biggest electoral vulnerabilities, laid the end of national abortion rights at Trump’s feet for his role in appointing three US Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving more than 20 states in the country with what she called “Trump abortion bans.”
Harris gave one of her most impassioned answers as she described the ways women have been denied abortion care and other emergency care and said Trump would assign a national abortion ban if he wins.
Trump declared it “a lie,” and said, “I’m not signing a ban and there’s no reason to sign a ban.”
The Republican has said he wants the issue left to the states.
Harris used a question about her plans to improve the economy by saying she would extend the tax cut for families with children and a tax deduction for small businesses while attacking Trump’s plans to impose broad tariffs as a “sales tax” on goods that the American people will ultimately pay.
Trump was stone-faced during her answer but retorted: “I have no sales tax. That’s an incorrect statement. She knows that.”
Trump continued to call Harris a “Marxist,” and said “Everyone knows she’s a Marxist.” Harris’ eyebrows
shot up and she made an amused face, cupping her hand on her chin and stared at him.
Trump, in turn, tried to paint the vice president as an out-of-touch liberal while trying to win over voters sceptical he should return to the White House.
Trump, 78, struggled to adapt to Harris, 59, who is the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. The Republican former president at times resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes, frustrating allies who want Trump to focus instead on policy differences with Harris.
Harris hit Trump on one of his biggest sources of pride, his freewheeling campaign rallies.
Harris noted how at the events, Trump, as he meanders through subjects, will sometimes muse on “fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter” and whether “windmills cause cancer,” and then said that if you watch his events “you will also notice that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.”
“The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. Your needs, your dreams and your desires.”
Trump tried to use his next question to respond by accusing Harris of having no one attending her rallies except the people that he claimed, without evidence, that she has bused in and paid to be there.
“She can’t talk about that. People don’t leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics,” he said.
In rapid fashion after the June 27 debate between Trump and Biden, the incumbent bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and both sides chose their running mates.
The debate subjected Harris, who has sat for only a single formal interview in the past six weeks, to a rare moment of sustained questioning.
The first early ballots of the presidential race will go out just hours after the debate, hosted by ABC News. Absentee ballots are set to be sent out beginning Wednesday in Alabama.
The President further explained why the administration was prioritising the digital economy, which he said will drive innovation and enhance financial inclusion.
He added: “We are expanding broadband penetration and encouraging the growth of tech startups through initiatives such as the Digital Nigeria program. For example, we currently train three million Nigerian youths in digital technology and essential skills and then deploy them to innovation hubs.
“These efforts are designed to create jobs, increase productivity, and make financial services more accessible to Nigerians in all corners of the country. “It is essential to state that we are committed to achieving a 70 percent digital literacy level by 2027 through innovative approaches in delivering initiatives, continuous collaborations and stakeholder engagement.”
On the way forward, Tinubu called for collaboration across all sectors, including the government, private industry, and civil society organisations, saying, “to achieve sustained economic growth, we must intentionally align our policies and actions with the changing global landscape.
“The government is committed to implementing reforms to enhance macroeconomic stability, reduce inflation, and support infrastructure development”.
President Tinubu expressed hope that the conference will provide a platform for the sharing of ideas, exchange of knowledge, and exploration of innovative solutions to the challenges bedevilling the country.
“The conversations during this event will allow us to dissect the critical problems affecting our financial system and economy, identify growth opportunities, and collectively shape the future of banking and finance in Nigeria,” he added.
In his contribution, Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, noted that to overcome challenges in the banking sector, collaboration between government
faith in the country's economy" the minister said.
Director General of the DMO, Ms. Patience Oniha, also expressed gratitude to all the parties involved in the transaction. She praised all parties including Africa Finance Corporation as Global Coordinator, United Capital Plc as Lead Issuing House/Coordinator, Meristem Capital Limited, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, and Vetiva Advisory Services Limited as Issuing Houses. Our legal partners, Olaniwun Ajayi LP and G. Elias, and financial advisers, Constant Capital Markets and Securities Limited and Iron Global Markets Limited, for their critical roles in structuring and executing the bond.
"This transaction was made possible through the expertise and guidance of our advisers. We also
agencies, regulatory bodies, and banking institutions was essential.
According to the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, by working together, they could strengthen the sector, ensuring it continues to drive economic growth within Nigeria and extend its influence across Africa and beyond.
Also, Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc, Oliver Alawuba, who doubles as Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs and Chairman of the 17th CIBN Annual Banking and Finance Consultative Committee, praised the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, for the significant progress in restoring investor confidence, promoting price stability, and implementing key reforms in the banking industry.
Delivering his keynote address, the UBA boss said: “Our banking sector is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. The transformation of our banking sector over the last few decades is one of our success stories.
“The sector employs millions, provides crucial financial support to countless businesses, and generates income for millions of shareholders. However, the sector faces challenges that impede its growth and innovation, including regulatory and high compliance costs.
“To overcome these challenges, stakeholders—including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and banking institutions—must engage in constructive dialogue to foster a collaborative environment.
“By working together, we can build a more resilient banking sector that drives economic growth and supports the aspirations of Nigerians.
“The success of Nigerian banking sector is felt beyond Nigeria. Nigerian banks have become multinationals, leading the sector across Africa, establishing themselves in the world’s financial capitals – and in doing so they have changed how our country is perceived, created pathways to opportunity and set themselves up as role models for our other industries.”
appreciate the continued support of the Nigerian public and our institutional partners who contributed to the successful completion of this historic issuance," Oniha said. Speaking further, she said DMO was very pleased with the remarkable outcome of the exercise. She added in particular that over $900 million, which represented an over 180% subscription when compared to the $500 million that was offered, as well as the diverse investors who subscribed to the Bond, attested to the depth and increasing sophistication of the domestic fixed income securities market. The DMO reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with investors and stakeholders to drive economic growth and development in the country.
the top three oil trading firms, trading as much as 7 per cent of the world's oil in its heyday. Four other ex-Glencore employees –Andrew Gibson, Paul Hopkirk, Ramon Labiaga and Martin Wakefield – were also charged with making corrupt payments relating to Glencore's operations in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Heineken Lokpobiri
Opening Of the 17th AnnuAl BAnking And finAnce cOnference...
L-R: Chairman of UBA/ Foundation of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony Elumelu; Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung; Vice President Kashim
President Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, during the opening of the
Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja... yesterday
World Bank Lauds Governor Sanwo-
Olu’s Transformational Agenda
Segun James
The World Bank has commended the transformation recorded in Lagos State over the last five years, and praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a job well done.
The multilateral institution said the state had not only been implementing programmes targeted at improving the quality of life of residents, but had also progressed in upgrading infrastructure to improve its socioeconomic situation.
The commendation came from the bank’s Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Ndiama Diop, who led the institution’s top executive team on a courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu at
State House, Marina, on Tuesday. Diop acknowledged the reforms being implemented by the Sanwo-Olu administration in the transportation sector, which had expanded multimodal transportation capability in Lagos.
He said the delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways had positioned the state’s economy to be better than before.
The World Bank country director said, “I want to commend and congratulate the Lagos State government under your leadership for the successful efforts and vision in transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has been the model for a modern city.
“The administration’s successes across various sectors are visible and they have been strategic moves in catalysing more socio-economic development and growth of the private sector.
“The quality of infrastructure has also improved people’s lives significantly. These are commendable achievements and we can visibly appreciate the impacts of the great efforts.”
The World Bank chief offered to collaborate with the state government in areas where the state had been experiencing gaps, pledging funding support to improve operational efficiency.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu welcomed
partnership with the multilateral institution, stating that Lagos requires strategic support to boost capacity in the transportation sector.
The governor said the state had invested heavily in providing modern transportation infrastructure, but said the government had started to move towards service that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
He said, “Our vision has been driven by the desire to create sustainable economic prosperity for Lagos. Through our clearly articulated development blueprint, known as THEMES+ agenda, we have been able to intervene in all aspects of governance, especially the public transportation, with the intention
Police Arrest Council Chairman in Edo over Alleged Political Violence
Edo Govt raises concern over continuing arrest of PDP leaders
Adibe emenyonu in Benin City
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Edo State, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of Esan West Local Government Council Chairman, Collins Aigbogun.
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State had petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over political violence that erupted in Illeh community, Esan West Local Government Area, and fingered the council boss as mastermind of the violence.
Addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Benin, Edwin-Iwo said the council boss was brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the command in Benin City by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area upon police invitation.
Meanwhile, Edo State Government on Tuesday raised alarm that the opposition APC in the state was targeting PDP leaders in the state, saying over 10 PDP leaders, including Aigbogun, are being kept in the dungeon on the orders of APC.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made the disclosure in Benin-City on Tuesday, while speaking with journalists.
Nehikhare called on security agencies to halt the incessant arrest of PDP leaders and supporters in the state ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
Edwin-Iwo said Aigbogun, upon arrival at the office of the State CID, was discovered to have earlier been wanted by the police over other alleged criminal charges.
The police commissioner said,
“Yes! He was invited and he reported himself to the police and we later discovered that he has other criminal charges against him.
"Basically, what happened was that he brutalised somebody in the course of altercations between himself and other party members.
"He was invited and the DPO in the area brought him to the State CID where it was discovered earlier before now, he had other charges against him.
"Our men from FID came and said that the man has earlier been wanted and there was now need for them to take him along so that they can investigate his matter.
"That was how he was moved to Abuja. The whole thing is being investigated and I hope that at the end of the day, if there is anything against him, he will be brought back to Benin."
Speaking on the command's readiness for September 21 governorship election, the Commissioner of Police warned non-state actors to steer clear of the polls on election day, saying that they have no business with the election.
He revealed that the police had commenced illegal arms mop up across the 18 local government areas in the state in order to have a hitch-free election.
He stated, "We are mopping up harms across the local government council areas in the state ahead of the election. We request the public to give us information on where we can mop up illegal arms.
"We are going to create an environment where we are going to have a free and fair election and make
the environment enabling so that anybody can walk freely without any molestations or intimidations
"I want to reemphasise again as INEC has said earlier that non-state actors are not supposed to carry arms and are not part of the election at all.
"So, all that we are doing now before the election is to make sure that we clear all illegal arms as much as we can. The operation is ongoing and I have operatives virtually in all the local government areas now."
However, Nehikhare warned that no amount of intimidation would make APC win the governorship election.
He accused APC of being behind the arrest of some of the PDP leaders and supporters across the state, stressing, "Some of our members have been in detention for the past two months without being charged to court."
Nehikhare stated, “Let the APC explain to us where our members and leaders are? Why have they not been charged to court since their arrest? Instead, the APC have been boasting of their plans to attack, intimidate, and harass PDP members and supporters.”
to move people in predictable time.” Sanwo-Olu called for the World Bank’s collaboration in waste-to-energy and conservation drive being championed by the government. He also
sought partnership with the bank on job creation and skills development, stressing that rapid urbanisation has put pressure on the infrastructure and economy of the state.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has said the time has come to enhance the influence of the Institute of Registered Administrative Managers of Nigeria and position it as a key player in the country’s public and administrative sectors, building worthy administrators
Audi, made the statement after he was decorated as the institute's fourth president on Tuesday. He promised to boost the body’s role in shaping national policy and governance.
The new president said: “I shall work hard to explore opportunities available to uplift the standards of the institute and also make efforts to advance the quality of service and research to enhance the knowledge and administrative competencies in our quest for excellence for members and the general public."
Audi however called for collaboration, insisting that to achieve these goals, all members need to actively contribute their ideas to expand the institute’s influence across both public
and private sectors.
He said: “We must collectively work towards advancing the quality of service, research, and administrative competence within the institute.” He also stressed the importance of improving the institute’s research and service standards, noting that this is essential to driving progress in Nigeria’s bureaucratic framework. He appealed for teamwork, saying, "I therefore solicit your support and collaboration through your active participation and contribution of ideas and insights as we make collective efforts to achieve the objectives of this noble institute and accomplish our shared goals. "Being a team player, I solicit your cooperation for a combined effort to drive the change we desire, to reposition the institute for greater relevance in national discourse, public policy, and advocacy."
A member of the governing council of the institute, Ohiemero Izegaegbe, in his welcome address, expressed confidence in the new leadership, urging the council and incoming president to leave a lasting legacy by helping the institute achieve charter status during their tenure.
MAN: Proposed Ban on Single Use Plastic Threatens SME Manufacturers with Closures
As experts lament that the current economic reforms are taking a toll on the Nigerian industrial sector, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concern that the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics would lead to closures of many small and medium manufacturing enterprises and undoubtedly have telling impacts on the operational landscape for businesses across diverse sectors.
MAN expressed this concern yesterday in a statement titled, “MAN Raises Concerns on Proposed Ban on Single-Use Plastics,” which called on government to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to businesses, particularly
SMEs, to help them adapt to the new regulatory environment.
It added: “Small and Medium Scale Enterprises within the plastics industry are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the ban. These businesses often have limited resources to invest in new technologies or retool their operations.
“Consequently, they may face significant challenges in adapting to the new regulatory environment.
“The closure of SMEs can have far-reaching consequences for local economies, as they contribute to job creation, tax revenue, and supply chain stability.
“Small and medium scale enterprises within the manufacturing sector are particularly vulnerable due to their limited resources and capacity
to adapt to rapid regulatory changes.”
MAN further stated that the number of businesses that would be affected by the proposed ban on single-use plastics would be determined by the scope of the policy.
It said, “sectors such as packaging, consumer goods, food and beverage, and healthcare are expected to experience significant disruptions.”
MAN added that the proposed ban would have ripple effects on other industries such as the logistics and transportation sectors that might face challenges in handling and transporting alternative packaging materials.
It added that the waste management industry would experience changes in waste composition and recycling processes while the retail sector would need to modify product
offerings and packaging to comply with the ban.
It said: “The impending ban on single-use plastics will necessitate significant operational overhauls for companies within this sector.
“Manufacturers will be compelled to reconfigure their production processes to align with the new regulatory landscape.
“This transition will involve substantial investments in research and development to identify and adopt suitable alternative materials.
“Acquiring new machinery and equipment, as well as modifying existing infrastructure, will be essential to accommodate the production of these alternative products.”
Shettima;
17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference at the
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
dike Onwuamaeze
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
Six Months On, Ododo Charts Way Forward in Kogi
Ibrahim Oyewale in this piece analyses what Usman Ododo has been able to do as Governor of Kogi state since he assumed office over six months ago.
The Apex Court’s verdict of August 23, 2024 affirming the victory of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as the winner of the November 11th , 2023 governorship election in Kogi State has laid to rest all the disputes and the attendant acrimony that trailed the election in the past few months.
From his emergence as the candidate of the All progressive Congress (APC) and series of other challenges, Ododo became most litigated governor of the state, though never subjected himself to all these side distractions as he has consistently remained focused to lead Kogi to the next level.
Be that as it may, the preceding month to the final review and judgement delivered by the Supreme Court, many concerns were raised and tension mounted in the land and anxiety pervaded the whole state. Both government and the opposition parties particularly the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA) which had dragged Governor Ododo and the APC before the Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal went back to their trenches to strategise towards ensuring victory at the end of the day.
While reacting to the Supreme Court judgement affirming his election, Governor Ododo called on the people of the Confluence State irrespective of political affiliations to join hands with him in order to move the state to another level of economic and infrastructural development.
Speaking at a reception organized for him over his victory at the Supreme Court, Ododo explained that Kogi State is blessed with enormous mineral deposits, stressing that such potentials can only be harnessed to the advantage of the State if the people are united and support the current administration.
His words: “I am calling on every one to join us to develop Kogi State. The State is the only State we can authoritatively claim to be our state. The State is blessed with enormous mineral resources. I am calling on all and sundry to come home and support my administration to serve the state better.
“As a political party, APC has the philosophy of development and as such my doors are wide open for advise. I need your cooperation and support so that together we can take the state to the promised land where the state will be a centre of attraction to other states in the country”.
Governor Ododo who also appealed to Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu to enable him achieve his laudable programmes for the nation, stated that the President has put measures in place to ensure the country’s economy is revived to end hardship in the nation.
He lauded his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a solid foundation for his lieutenants to serve the people better.
Ododo added that it was not part of his mandate to make noise neither was he trained to react to the noise makers, but to always feel the pulse of the people and attend to their needs. He therefore promised to prioritize the welfare of the people of Kogi State, saying he has no reason to fail the people that gave him the mandate.
At his inauguration as the fifth democratically elected governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2024, Governor Ododo vowed to fulfil all the electioneering campaigns and pledged to continue from where his predecessor, Yahaya Bello had stopped. He further pledged to sustain the tempo of the infrastructure development which pushed the last administration a little above previous ones in the recent past. He also vowed to consolidate on all gains to ensure that the state is moved to the next level.
With determination and armed with a clear blueprint of his administration, Ododo stepped into bigger responsibility matching actions with words to transform Kogi State to enviable height. No doubt within the shortest period, he has hit the ground running with glaring positive results. Despite the various challenges confronting the State, the governor has not relented in his concerted efforts to put Kogi State in the global map.
In line with the Federal Government’s
Renewed Hope Agenda, he has consistently prioritised the welfare of the people of the State particularly the civil servants. Perhaps this might not be unconnected with the new governor’s appellation, the Chief Servant.
At a parley with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other labour unions in the state recently, the governor noted that the meeting with the labour leaders was to review critical steps so far taken by the state government to address the impact of the economic downturn in the state especially as they affect workers in the public sector.
“We have come to interface with the leadership of the organized labour as usual because this is one of the legacies of our leader, the former Governor of Kogi state laid down for us to continue. We had a very robust conversation with the organized labour, the NLC, the TUC and other unions in the state. This is an opportunity for us to discuss not only
the welfare of civil servants, but the affairs of our dear state which we have all been elected by our people to serve”, Governor Ododo said.
The Governor restated his determination to make the welfare of workers a major priority of the administration, stressing that the interface with workers would be a regular part of his engagement with critical stakeholders for the progress and development of the state.
While attesting the the governor’s determination, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris Ashiru in a chat with journalists recently stated that the present administration in Kogi State has made significant strides in salary payments, infrastructure development and economic growth within the State.
His words: “Following the victory at the Supreme court in Abuja, I, Asiwaju Idris Ashiru, wants to reiterate that the leadership of the Governor, Usman Ododo has reached noteworthy milestones across the various sectors. The welfare of the worker remains a top priority of the present administration. The governor is committed to ensuring workers’ well
He lauded his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a solid foundation for his lieutenants to serve the people better. Ododo added that it was not part of his mandate to make noise neither was he trained to react to the noise makers, but to always feel the pulse of the people and attend to their needs. He therefore promised to prioritize the welfare of the people of Kogi State, saying he has no reason to fail the people that gave him the mandate.
being which is evident in the prompt payment of salaries since the invention of this government. These timely payments is attributed to the removal of subsidy which has bolstered the State’s revenue”.
Ashiru also highlighted other administration’s achievements to include the payment of 100 percent salaries to the Local Government (LGA) workers, teachers and state’s employees and the pensioners and prompt payment of gratuities to the retirees.
Other strides are the ongoing road construction projects throughout the state and the clearing of the vast land for agricultural use across the 21 local government areas. The state government is also partnering with investors in the solid minerals sectors, among others.
“I also wish to emphasise on the administration’s success in the health infrastructure, coupled with the significant steps taken in the agriculture sector which will provide farmers with improved access to farmlands and assistance from the state government ultimately addressing food security in the state.
“The expansive road network being developed under this administration has also transformed the state greatly and reduced travel times for the residents.
The increase in the road infrastructure also facilitate transportation of the agricultural produce benefiting the local farmers.
“Furthermore, I commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in establishing lasting legacies through economic policies and urge the citizens to continue supporting the President and also call for collective support for the governor to ensure the fulfilment of his promises”, the Commissioner stated.
As part of efforts to enshrine governance in the state, the governor who is determined to make Transparency and Accountability the watch words of the present administration has approved to put in place, Open Government Partnership, in order to satisfy the curiosity of the discerning public about governance.
And in a move to remain transparent and accountable, the Kogi State government has inaugurated the steering committee on the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to ensure citizens’ participation in governance. At the inauguration of the steering Committee, Secretary to the State government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade stated that the Open Government Partnership is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. She noted that this is a programme that will place Kogi State on the global map in the areas of transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation.
According to her: “OGP was launched in 2011 to provide an international platform for domestic Reformers who are ready to make their government open, accountable and responsive to citizens. So today, we are gathered to reinforce and reiterate governments’ commitment to issues of transparency”.
In his determination to eradicate all forms of crimes and criminality in Kogi State, the Governor has launched a security initiative aimed at taming the upsurge in emerging criminal activities in Lokoja, the state capital and major towns in the state .
The operation code-named Metropolitan Quick Response is in partnership with the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police and the joint task force of security agencies in the state.
At the flag-off of the initiative at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Ododo restated the commitment of his administration to deal decisively with criminal elements in the state, noting that the safety and security of lives and property of the people of Kogi state remains a top priority for the administration. He stressed that nothing will be spared to ensure that the people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed.
Ododo
MTN’s Commitment to Harnessing Africa’s Potential through its Sustainability Strategy, Ambition 2025
Operating in 19 countries in Africa and the Middle East, MTN, an ICT and Telecommunications giant, through its Ambition 2025 seeks to be the ‘leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress’ by bridging the digital and financial divide, furthering inclusion and advancing the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through their core business activities and their support to governments, communities and customers. Chiemelie Ezeobi, who was part of the 20 Media Innovation Programme fellows that recently toured the MTN headquarters in South Africa writes that beyond that, its Sustainability Strategy of ‘doing for tomorrow, today’ is premised on ensuring an interconnected life for all
MTN, an ICT and Telecommunications giant, has reiterated its commitment to harness Africa’s potential and supporting her progress by unlocking the full benefits and potential of the digital world through its Sustainability Strategy and Ambition 2025.
The group made this disclosure when the third cohort of the Media Innovation Programme (MIP-3) recently visited the MTN headquarters in South Africa as part of their one week study tour with School of Media and Communication Director Professional Education, Pan Atlantic University, Chief Isaac-Ogugua Ezechukwu; Funso Aina, Senior Manager, External Relations at MTN Nigeria; Public Relations Manager MTN Nigeria, Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck; and Samsideen Akano, SMC Marketing and Coordination.
The MTN-sponsored MIP, a six month-long intensive training, was birthed three years ago to foster innovation and development, as well as to transform and empower media practitioners to take advantage of technology and innovation to do their jobs better and tell stories that needed to be told.
MTN’s Sustainability Strategy: Doing for Tomorrow, Today
Speaking on MTN's Sustainability Strategy, Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive on Sustainability & Shared Value, said it is premised on “Doing for Tomorrow, Today”, with the core of their belief being that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
According to her, part of this strategy include "doing for the planet: road to Net Zero" where MTN is delivering its commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040, 10 years earlier than sector pathway.
"We are also 'Doing for People: Driving inclusion growth across our markets'; ’Doing for people: contribution through ICT at the MTN Skills Academy'; and 'Doing it right: Managing key risks and proactive online safety'."
She said: “We recognise that there has never been a more critical time for businesses to think deeply about the role they play in society.
“MTN is committed to harnessing Africa’s potential and supporting her progress by unlocking the full benefits and potential of the digital world. Our business strategy –Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress – aims to accelerate growth by building the largest and most valuable platform businesses and drive industry leading connectivity operations.
“Our sustainability vision seeks to create shared value for our stakeholders through responsible environmental, social and governance practices & solutions. Our approach goes beyond traditional ESG to unlock broader socio-economic value across the African continent to the benefits of its people.
“We recognise that our markets need nuanced sustainability solutions and practices to establish a balance between long-term sustainability goals and the urgent need for employment, poverty reduction and eradication, and growth & development.
“Therefore, We believe in playing our part in Africa’s transformation to improve people’s quality of life and dignity and stimulate growth that is economically empowering and environmentally sustainable.”
In “Doing it right”, she said they are committed partners to stakeholders to create and protect value; in “Doing for planet”, they are committed to protecting our planet
and achieving net zero emissions by 2040; in “Doing for people”, they are committed to driving digital and financial inclusion and diverse society and finally, in “Doing for growth”, they are committed to boosting inclusive economic growth on the continent.
Ambition 2025: Framing Strategic Priorities
Also speaking on “Ambition 2025: Framing our Strategic Priorities”, Ethesen Malik, said at the company, “ they believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, which is why they are leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.” Thus, such strategic priorities include building the largest and most valuable
All these has vitally enabled them to ensure leading customer experience; valuebased capital allocation; Environment, Social Governance (ESG) at the core; and technology platforms second to none.
He said: “Our Ambition 2025 Strategy is focused on driving growth through building the largest and most valuable platform business with a clear focus on Africa. To this extent, we are reinventing ourselves for a sustainable future to the benefit of our customers.
Operating in 19 countries in Africa and the Middle East, MTN with its Ambition 2025 seeks to be the “Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress’ by building strong core operations, which are underpinned by the
We recognise that our markets need nuanced sustainability solutions and practices to establish a balance between long-term sustainability goals and the urgent need for employment, poverty reduction and eradication, and growth & development. Therefore, we believe in playing our part in Africa’s transformation to improve people’s quality of life and dignity and stimulate growth that is economically empowering and environmentally sustainable
largest fixed and mobile network in Africa; a large, connected registered customer base; an unparalleled registration and distribution network, as well as one of the strongest brands in our markets.
This ambition further bridges the digital and financial divide, furthering inclusion and advancing the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through their core business activities and their support to governments, communities and customers.
An MIP Fellow’s Perspective
Sharing his opinion on MTN’s sustainability strategy Nifemi Oguntoye, Deputy Head of Presentation, TVC Communications and President, MIP-3 Cohort, said the thoughtprovoking session shed light among other things on MTN's innovative initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy sources, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
He said: “What resonated with me was MTN's unwavering commitment to ecoresponsibility and its ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, a full decade ahead of the sector's projected pathway.
“This bold target demonstrates MTN's dedication to leading by example and making a tangible impact on the environment. The session was truly eye-opening, and I left with a deeper appreciation for MTN's pioneering efforts in sustainability and ESG.”
MIP Fellows with dignitaries and MTN staff when the third cohort visited the MTN headquarters for an immersive study tour in South Africa
L-R: Public Relations Manager MTN Nigeria, Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck; School of Media and Communication Director Professional Education, Pan Atlantic University, Chief Isaac-Ogugua Ezechukwu; Dr. Prinola Govenden of University of Johannesburg; Senior Manager, External Relations at MTN Nigeria, Funso Aina; and Senior Manager for Strategic Public Affairs at MTN, Dominic Khumalo at the MTN headquarters in South Africa
Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive on Sustainability & Shared Value, speaking on MTN's Sustainability Strategy
American Businessman Jailed 74 Years for Defrauding Nigerians
The case started 11 years ago in 2013 when the American businessman lured his victims into investing in his company on what is popularly known as ‘Citizenship by Investment’. However, the process was fraudulent, as the victims were defrauded and left in limbo.
But the law prevailed over evil, and today, the victims got justice as the man who was at the centre of the drama was sentenced.
For committing a $1.2 million visa scam fraud and a $368,698.24 fraud, the Lagos Special Offences Court yesterday convicted and sentenced an American businessman, Marco Antonio Ramirez, to 74 years’ imprisonment on two separate charges.
During the trial, Justice Mojisola Dada found Ramirez guilty of two separate consolidated charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He held that the prosecution proved its case against him beyond reasonable doubt.
On the amended nine-count charge, the judge sentenced him to eight years on counts one to six and 10 years on counts seven to eight.
On the other charge, he was sentenced to 10 years each on counts one to 12, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, and 10 years each on counts 13 to 16, bordering on stealing.
The EFCC charged Ramirez and his companies, USA Now LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, for an alleged $1,235,000 EB-5 visa scam.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants obtained the money from his victims as processing fees for their investments in his company, USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States of America Investor Programme, which would qualify them to be eligible for the issuance of USA Green Card.
The defendant allegedly reneged on his promise.
He was initially arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud and pleaded not guilty. Later, EFCC amended the charge, and Ramirez was re-arraigned on a 16-count charge on June 24, 2022.
He was alleged to have committed the offences on February 5 2013, and April 18, 2013, in Lagos, dishonourably converted to your personal use the aggregate sum of $545,000 property of Godson Onyemaechi
over Multimillion-dollar Visa
Echegile.
When the trial commenced, the prosecution counsel, M.S. Owede, tendered several documentary evidence, called witnesses to prove the allegations against him and was cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).
The case, therefore, suffered several adjournments at the stage of adoption of final written addresses before counsel in the suit eventually adopted their final addresses on May 8, 2024, and the judge adjourned for judgment.
However, while delivering judgment yesterday, the trial Justice Dada found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to 10 years each on counts one to 12, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, and 10 years each on counts 13 to 16, bordering on stealing.
Also, the judge found Ramirez guilty on a separate amended nine-count charge bordering on an alleged $368,698.24 fraud.
“Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA
Now Energy Capital Group LP, on or about the 26th day of July 2013 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $250,000 from Gabriel Ogie Edeoghon under the false representation that the sum was his investment in your company: USA NOW
Energy Capital Group LP in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States of America Investor Programme, which investment would qualify him to be eligible to a USA Green Card, and which representation you knew to be false,” said the charge sheet. He pleaded not guilty to the
charge when read to him.
The prosecution counsel, Mr Samuel Daji, also tendered several documentary evidence against him and called witnesses to testify against him. The proceedings too had also suffered several adjournments occasioned by the absence of the defence counsel and the inability of the
defence to file its own final written addresses. Meanwhile, both prosecution counsel, Owede and Daji, had filed their written addresses on the separate charges.
Subsequently, Justice Dada sentenced him to eight years on counts one to six and 10 years on counts seven to eight.
Court Orders Yahoo Boy, Adelaja Olufemi, to be Remanded in Police Custody
Funke Olaode
The Igbosere Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos, has ordered the Inspector General of Police to remand an alleged internet fraud, popularly called Yahoo boy, Adelaja Oluwafemi, for 30 days in police custody.
The Chief Magistrate, B.A. Sonuga, remanded the suspect, Oluwafemi, following a motion ex parte for his remand order, filed and moved before the court
Mr. Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer in the legal department of Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) annexe, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos.
The motion ex parte in a suit marked M/373/2024 dated September 9, 2024, according to the police lawyer, Animashaun, was brought under Sections 264(1), (2) (3), (4) & (6) & 267 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2021 (As Amended) and Section 4 and
10 of the Police Act 2020 Animashaun also told the court that his application was brought pursuant to sections 6 (6), 35 (1) (C), (5) & (7) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
He said the application is predicated on four grounds, attached with four exhibits and a written submission, and added that it was filed per the rules of the court.
He prayed the court for an
order for the remand of the defendants for 30 days in the custody of the Police at FCID Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos State, for further investigation of the case in a case of alleged conspiracy, Advance Fee Fraud and stealing.
After listening to his submission, the magistrate granted the motion as prayed and ordered that the defendant be remanded for 30 days and adjourned until October 15 for mention.
Police Arraign Businessman over Alleged $300,000 Fraud
Wale igbintade
Operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, at Alagbon Close, Force Headquarters Ikoyi, Lagos, have filed a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing against a Nigerian businessman, Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo. In the two-count charge filed
before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court by Barrister S.O. Ayodele, it was alleged that Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo, sometime in 2022 by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained $300,000 from one Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Beltzemo Nigeria Limited under the guide of using the said funds for financing Oil Trading Business.
However, the representation was false, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 1 (1) c and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.
“That you, Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo ‘M’, sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court, did by false pretence and
with intent to defraud obtained the sum of three hundred thousand dollars (S300,000) from one Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Boltzemo Nigeria Limited under the guise of using the said funds for financing Oil Trading Business, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offer contrary to Section 1(1)(c) and punishable under section
1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,” stated the charge sheet.
It added, “That you, Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo ‘M’, on the same date, time and place, and in the aforementioned Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did steal the sum of three hundred thousand
dollars ($300,000) from one Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Belztzemo Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.” The court fixed October 14 for the arraignment of the defendant.
Funke Olaode
Arthur Eriye
Data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the federal government’s Company Income Tax (CIT) collection in the second quarter of 2024 increased by 150.83 per cent to N2.47 trillion.
In the first quarter of the year, company income tax collection stood at N984.61 billion.
According to the NBS, local payments in the period under
Kayode Tokede
Nigeria’s Letter of Credit (LC) payments have dropped by 57.04 per cent in the seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the International payments data of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The total letter of credit payments made via official channels for seven months of 2024 was $391.91 million, reflecting a shortfall of 57.04 per cent or $520.45 million Year-on-Year (YoY) compared to seven months of 2023 when it was at $912.36 million.
A letter of credit is a mode of payment for the importation of visible goods. As requested by the customer, the bank promises in writing to pay the exporter a certain sum within a certain time frame in return for goods, as long as the customer provides the bank with the proper paperwork.
This significant decrease highlights
review amounted to N1.35 trillion, while foreign CIT payments contributed N1.12 trillion. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors exhibited the highest growth rate at 474.50 per cent, followed by financial and insurance activities at 429.76 per cent, and manufacturing at 414.15 per cent.
On the other hand, the lowest growth rate was observed in household activities as employers
the challenges the country faces in its international trade and financial transactions.
A breakdown of the CBN numbers showed that LC in January 2024 was at $58.33 million, about 46 per cent decline from $107.78million January 2023. However, in February 2024, it stood at $102.6million, representing a 40.33 per cent YoY decline when compared to $123.95million February 2023.
The trend continued in March 2024, with payments dropping to $43.54 million, a significant decline of 83.6 per cent YoY from $269.49million March 2023.
It closed April 2024 at $54.03million, a decline of 64.58 per cent from $152.52million April 2023 and dropped to its lowest figure in May 2024 at $21.49million, a drop of 64.4 per cent when compared to $60.29million May 2023.
In addition, LC stood at $32.3million June 2024, a 59 per
and undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities for own use, which recorded a decline of –30.22 per cent, followed by extraterritorial organizations and bodies with a decrease of –15.67 per cent.
In Q2 2024, the top three sectors contributing the largest shares were financial and insurance activities at 15.53 per cent, manufacturing at 8.99 per cent, and information and communication at 7.84 per cent.
cent YoY from $79.18million June 2023, while in July 2024, the CBN reported $79.65million, an increase of 12 per cent from $71.14million July 2023.
The 12 per cent YoY increase in July 2024 followed the sale of about $122.67million to 46 authorised dealers by the CBN, in its determination to promote stability and reduce market volatility in the foreign exchange market.
A statement signed by the Bank’s Director in charge of Financial Markets, Dr. Omolara Duke, disclosed that a total of $67,500 million was sold to 27 dealers, while the sum of $2.5million was bought from one authorised dealer on July 10, 2024.
The range of the bid for the July 10, 2024 sales was N1,480.0/ US$- N1,500.0/US$, while the value date for the payments, going by the settlement cycle of two days, is July 12, 2024.
Contrarily, household activities as employers and undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities for own use had the smallest share at 0.00 per cent, followed by water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities at 0.02 per cent, and extraterritorial organizations and bodies at 0.03 per cent.
On a year-on-year basis, CIT collections in Q2 2024 rose by 59.52 per cent compared to the
The CBN had extended the timeline for the issuance of letters of credit from 24 hours to five working days as the country continues to struggle with foreign exchange scarcity.
In the approved 2020 service charter of the CBN, the timeline for the issuance and management of LC was 24 hours. However, the newly approved 2023 service charter shows that the timeline is now five working days.
It is likely that weaken naira at the foreign exchange hindered the ability of businesses to open LC. Towards the end of July 2024, Nigeria’s naira depleted significantly to $1,611.21 against the dollar from $757.522 as of July 2023.
On the flipside, the foreign reserves rise to $36.6 billion as of July 2024 when compared to $33.95billion July 2023.
Analysts believe the reduction in
N1.55 trillion recorded in Q2 2023.
In the first quarter of the year, CIT collection declined by 12.87 per cent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
Analysts have attributed the decline to the nation’s ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including high inflation, exchange rate instability, rising input costs, and other related factors.
However, the spike in CIT
letters of credit could have several implications for Nigeria’s economy.
“A sharp decline in such payments could indicate decreased import activity, which might be a result of foreign exchange shortages, stricter import regulations, or other economic constraints,” said Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori.
The CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, had noted that the country’s foreign reserves at $36.89 billion as of July, 16 2024, could finance over 11 months of imports for goods and services, or 14 months for goods alone.
Cardoso explained that this is significantly higher than the international benchmark of 3.0 months, indicating a strong buffer against external shocks.
He also noted that the banking sector remains robust and diverse, comprising 26 commercial banks, six merchant banks, and four
collection in Q2 was mainly propelled by rise in foreign Company Income Tax payment which increased by 87.24 per cent to N1.11 trillion when compared to Q1, 2024 and more than doubled when compared to the corresponding period of last year.
However, it has been observed that there has been a consistent rise in CIT collection in the second quarter of the year dating back to Q2, 2021.
non-interest banks.
He said, “The spread between official and BDC rates has narrowed significantly from N162.62 in January to N47.22 in June indicating successful price discovery, increased market efficiency and reduced arbitrage opportunities.
“The stock of external reserves increased to $36.89 billion as of July 16, compared with 33.22 billion dollars as at end-Dec 2023, driven largely by receipts from crude oil-related taxes and third-party receipts. In the first quarter of 2024, we maintained a current account surplus and saw improvements in our trade balance.”
Cardoso mentioned that while the CBN was encouraged by positive trends, it remained vigilant and committed to implementing policies that support sustainable growth in the financial markets and maintain overall economic stability.
LCCI: Nigeria in Dire Food Security Situation, Spent $2.13bn to Import Food Items in 2023
The President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, has declared that Nigeria is in dire food security situation as the country spent $2.13 billion to import food from foreign countries in 2023 in the face of persistent structural vulnerabilities that have hindered Nigeria’s agricultural progress.
Idahosa made this declaration during the LCCI’s, “Agriculture and Allied Group 2024 Symposium/Agric-Fair” with the theme, “Nigeria Food Production in Global Space:
Leveraging Our Competitive Advantage,” where he stated that, “in 2023, Nigerians spent $2.13 billionn to import food items from foreign countries, adding that, “factors such as inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and climate change impacts hinder progress in the agriculture sector.”
He said, “Despite every effort, persistent structural vulnerabilities have hindered Nigeria’s agricultural progress. The high dependence on oil revenue and food imports, rapid population growth, and urbanisation presents formidable challenges to our food systems. So, Nigeria
PTAD Offers Lifeline to Pensioners in Diaspora to Return to Payroll
James Emejo
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has directed diaspora pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) who were suspended from the pension payroll for failure to be verified, to renew their “Aliveness Certificate” from the Nigerian High Commission where they reside.
The new directive is intended to ascertain their aliveness since they cannot yet participate in the “I Am Alive” verification exercise for verified pensioners.
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
Chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
Reporter
Peter Uzoho (Energy)
In a statement, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive, PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, said on the completion of the nationwide pensioners verification exercise by PTAD, those who were not verified were dropped from the pension payroll with the exception of diaspora and sick pensioners.
She added that the policy and procedure that will guide the validation of diaspora pensioners had been put in place.
According to her, pensioners living in the diaspora, who were previously on the inherited payroll from August 2015, will be reinstated to the payroll pending their physical verification.
However, she explained that they must submit copies of documents including letter of first appointment; letter of last promotion; letter of acceptance of retirement; bank statement showing last pension received; BVN slip with photograph; valid means of identification and I Am Alive Certification from the Nigerian High Commission or notarized letter confirming aliveness.
Ejikeme stressed that all diaspora pensioners are required to send an updated Aliveness Certificate after every six months of the last issue to the directorate to make sure they continue to receive their monthly pension.
She warned that failure to comply will result in their suspension from the pension payroll.
is at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges in our food systems in the face of unique opportunities that could redefine Nigeria’s position in the global agricultural landscape.”
According to him, “we cannot ignore the urgent food crisis our nation faces where our food security situation is dire, with food inflation surging to 40.87 per cent as of June 2024 and the number of food-insecure Nigerians skyrocketed from 66.2
million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024. Among these, 18.6 million are facing acute hunger.
“These figures are more than statistics; they represent millions of lives affected by hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Unfortunately, too, we do not have the capacity to produce enough food to cater to the feeding needs of more than 230 million people.”
He, therefore, advised that the governments must be diligent in its fiscal policy
direction and initiate specially targeted programmes for food production in Nigeria.
“We must invest in agricultural research to boost our output through improved seedlings, disease prevention, and the deployment of modern technology for agricultural mechanisation,” he said.
Idahosa stated that a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is essential, such as the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-
2025) that emphasised a food systems approach that addresses land, soil, seed, and water security. He also called for the expansion of the National Food Security Council to include key stakeholders at the federal and state levels to ensure coordinated efforts that would match national demand requirements and facilitate seamless delivery of agricultural inputs to farmers.
Ebere Nwoji
Following complaints by Nigerian airline operators of double insurance premium to insurers in home countries of aircraft they use in business and to Nigerian insurers as a result of local content laws as well as high aviation insurance premium charged by Nigerian insurers, the minister of aviation Festus Keyemo, has stated that, he would convene a stakeholders meeting to reach an agreeable position to all parties. The minister stated this when
the commissioner for insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin paid courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Speaking, Omosehin highlighted the core functions of the commission, which include regulating, supervising and developing the insurance industry in Nigeria, and acting as adviser to the Federal Government on all insurance related matters, while ensuring the protection of insurance policyholders, and public trust.
Specifically on aviation insurance, he briefed the
Minister on the workings and arrangements of aviation insurance and reinsurance, in accordance with extant laws.
Keyamo welcomed the commissioner and expressed his delight for the visit, stating that he had been looking forward to this meeting, which was necessary to discuss critical issues impacting the operations of domestic airlines.
He stated that, based on the clarifications provided by the commissioner for Insurance, he would like to convene a stakeholders meeting involving
the commission, airline operators and insurance operators to reach an agreeable position to all parties.
Also, in the meeting was the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. Both the Minister and the Commissioner agreed that interaction of this nature was imperative in promoting the image of Nigeria while pushing for improvements in our relevant laws to attract and retain credible relationships with international stakeholders.
Aviation Minister Pledges to Convene Stakeholders Meeting to Resolve Aviation Insurance Controversy NAICOM
Seeks NGF Collaboration in Deepening Insurance Penetration
Ebere Nwoji
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has sought for cooperation of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in deepening insurance penetration across the country.
The commission stated this when the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Ayo Omosehin paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja.
He stated that the key reason the commission made the visit was to discuss how a coordinated approach could be adopted in working with the states and that the collaboration must start from engaging the NGF Secretariat as policy hub for the state governors.
He said having been appointed recently, few months back, him and his team were trying to see how they could address some of the issues differently from the way they have been handled in the past in order to achieve a better result.
He said the commission has
chosen to start with the NGF, where NAICOM could have an engagement with the secretariat and share ideas.
The NGF Director General said his office has been transformed into a policy hub for the state governors and is serving as the technical and administrative arm of the Forum. He stated that the forum consist of the 36 state Governors in the federation while the secretariat was the administrative arm and a resource center for the forum that renders services and policy formulation.
According to him, the NGF Secretariat is a one-stop shop for any business you want to do with the states.
Speaking further, Omosehin thanked Shittu for the warm welcome and briefed the secretariat on the core mandate of the National Insurance Commission which is supervising, regulating and developing the insurance sector in Nigeria and by so doing it involves how the culture of insurance can be deepened by getting the Nation as a whole to comply with some
of the compulsory Insurances as provided in the Law.
He noted that at the federal level these have been driven by federal agencies but at the states level the commission needs some high level of cooperation and collaboration.
He stated that the key reason the commission was at the NGF secretariat was to discuss how a coordinated approach could be adopted in working with the states and that the collaboration must start from engaging the NGF Secretariat as policy hub for the state Governors.
Omosehin said having been appointed recently, few months back, him and his team are trying to see how they can address some of the issues differently from the way it has been handled in the past in order to achieve a better result. He mentioned that the commission chose to start with the NGF, where NAICOM could have an engagement with the secretariat and share ideas.
He stated the need for most of the Laws on compulsory insurances to be domesticated
by the states sighting example with Lagos State.
Omosehin e said that the fragmented approach in dealing with the states needed to be centralised and have all the states come on board especially with respect to motor third insurance and also to prevent revenue loss for the states in terms of internally generated revenue (IGR). He further said there was also need for awareness creation across the states on the value of insurance
Shittu thanked the Omosehin and express optimism that the now that the Commission has reached out, he believed that the partnership can bring a lot of positivity on deepen insurance penetration in the country.
The NGF Secretariat and NAICOM agreed that a concept note should be submitted for their review and since a delivery room assessment has already been conducted, the ball should be kicked to start rolling immediately and a joint Committee was set to deliver on the assignment at hand.
Dike Onwuamaeze
in Abuja
Sule Inaugurates Committees to Attract Large-scale Private Agric Investment
Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdulkahi Sule, has inaugurated steering and technical committees for the Framework for Responsible Investment in Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) to attract large-scale agricultural investments into the state.
Sule inaugurated the two committees during a ceremony in the Government House, Lafia.
According to him, “with agriculture playing a pivotal role in the economic development of the state, full implementation of FRILIA would not only attract large-scale private agricultural investments, but also ensure shared benefits for both investors and host communities.
“The FRILIA will increase Nasarawa State’s attractiveness for private investment and mini-
mize potential conflicts between communities and investors, as well as the herder/farmer conflict in the state.”
He assured that his administration will continue to support businesses in the agribusiness sector, especially since it provides much needed food and wealth for the people.
This was just as the governor hinted that commercial agribusinesses in the country are now resorting to backward integration as a result of challenges of foreign exchange.
He said most of these commercial agribusinesses are seeking to expand their local businesses thereby creating more demands for fertile land.
He disclosed that another 60,000 tones per year rice mill would be established in the Akunza area, with the company already expressing interest to acquire
land for the cultivation of rice in Assakio and Doma.
Speaking, Chairman of the Steering Committee and Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, thanked his principal for finding them worthy of appointments into the committees.
Akabe noted that for any nation to fight poverty and hunger, attention must be given to agriculture, hence pledging that they were going to work assidously to ensure that the objectives of FRILIA were achieved.
Earlier, Chairman of the Technical Committee and Managing Director/CEO of Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the inauguration of the two committees was a critical step towards meeting the state’s requirements for participation in SABER for 2024.
DataPro Assigns Jimcol Resources “A-”Stable Outlook
DataPro Limited has assigned the national scale long-term and short-term ratings of “A-“ and “A2” respectively to Jimcol Resources Nigeria Limited.
The credit rating agency said in its latest report that the rating reflects its adequate working capital, good revenue profile, experienced management and very good profitability.
In the statement signed by the company’s client services Manager, Kehinde Rasheed, DataPro explained that the assigned rating is based on the assessment of the company’s financial performance, capital adequacy, asset quality, liquidity, corporate governance as well as risk management.
He added that Jimcol generates revenue primarily from the provision of support services
to oil exploration companies in Nigeria.
According to the statement, “The company recorded a consistent growth over four years ending in 2023. It achieved a 85% increase in revenue, rising from N2.0b (Yr.22) to N3.7b by the end of December, 2023. Additionally, the company improved its profitability, recording a profit of N2.1b (Yr.23) compared to N591.6m in the year 2022. This reflects the company’s resilience in the face of inflationary pressures.“
The statement further disclosed that Jimcol also maintained a current ratio of 128% (Yr. 23), an improvement from the 104% recorded in the previous period.
“The Long-Term Rating
of “A-“ indicates Low Risk. It shows very good financial strength, operating performance, and business profile when compared to the standard established by DataPro the statement said,” adding “This company, in our opinion, has a very strong ability to meet its ongoing obligations.
The statement also explained that the short-term rating of “A2” assigned indicates fair credit quality and adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
DataPro, however, noted that the rating carries a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months, in line with international best practice, cautioning that it is not an offer to trade in securities nor a substitute for the user’s judgment.
Edun, Rewane, Others to Headline Access Bank Customers’ Forum
Nume Ekeghe
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Director General of the Federal Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, and the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, along with other industry experts, are set to engage in a discourse at Access Bank’s upcoming Corporate Customers Forum 2024.
The bank, in a statement, announced that the event will take place in Lagos, focusing on the theme, “Nigeria’s
Economic Rebirth: Hopes and Implications.”
GMD/ CEO of Access Bank, Rosevelt Ogbonna: “We are excited to host the Access Bank Corporate Customers Forum 2024, which promises to be a milestone event for our partners, clients, and the broader business community.”
“In a world of constant change, it is vital that we come together to share insights, challenge assumptions, and explore new opportunities. Our theme, “Nigeria’s Economic rebirth: Hopes and implications”, reflects our commitment to not only adapting to change but also
leading it.
“The forum will feature the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives company, Bismarck Rewane, Director General, Federal Budget office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu and a distinguished lineup of speakers, renowned industry experts, thought leaders, and senior executives from Access Bank.
Attendees should expect engaging panel discussions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire dialogue and collaboration.”
Awosika to lead Conversation on Economic Prosperity at ICSAN’S Conference
Omolabake Fasogbon
Amid the uncertainties plaguing Nigeria’s economy, a team of experts led by Founder of The Chair Centre Group, Ibukun Awosika will be coming together to brainstorm innovative solutions and strategies to drive fiscal stability and prosperity in the country.
The experts spanning both public and private sectors will be dissecting the economy under the theme: ‘Reassessing the Governance Dynamics in Nigeria’s Transition to Enduring Development and National Prosperity’, at the 48th national conference of the Institute of
Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) in Lagos. President of the institute, Funmi Ekundayo who disclosed this during ICSAN’S ‘Walk for life’ programme ahead of the conference stated that the theme was crucial this period to assess existing policies and re-charting the course towards sustainable economic growth.
Ekundayo explained further that discussants including Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Ernest Ndukwe and Senior partner, Kenna Partners,Fabian Ajogwu were selected on their impressive credentials and experience to steer corporate governance practices
on track and enrich professionals’ expertise.
She added, “As a nation, we need to embrace transformative dynamics that can help reframe Nigeria’s narrative, fostering a more prosperous nation where all citizens can thrive with reduced economic anxiety. We will be delving into this while also exploring key elements of good governance such as transparency, accountability and efficient use of national resources.”
Also speaking at the walk programme, Vice President of the institute, Uta Ukpanah charged professionals on healthy lifestyle and periodic exercise to increase their productivity.
Crudes
following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
FCMB Commends CBN, Others for Successful N110.94bn Capital Raise Exercise
Kayode Tokede
FCMB Group Plc has extended its appreciation to key financial regulators and Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) following the successful completion of the initial phase of its transformational capitalisation programme.
The Group had issued 15,197,282,219 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N7.30 per ordinary share
of N0.50kobo each. In a statement released by the Group Chief Executive Officer of FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Barogun, the company expressed gratitude to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and NGX Group for their critical roles in facilitating the capital raise.
Balogun praised the CBN for its visionary leadership
and commended the SEC for its efforts in reinforcing market confidence and providing guidance through challenging periods. He also acknowledged NGX Group and the NGX Invest platform for their crucial role in enabling 40,000 investors to subscribe to the public offer through digital channels.
He noted that the capital raise will bolster FCMB’s balance sheet, enhance
customer banking experiences, support community development, and generate value for shareholders. And emphasized that this initiative would contribute to economic transformation, nation-building, and reshaping the African narrative.
Balogun expressed optimism about FCMB Group’s future, seeing the successful capital raise as a step toward fostering shared
prosperity and creating a better world for future generations.
Following the Go-Live of NGX Invest, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola highlighted the role of the platform in stimulating successful capital raising.
“With the support of regulators and stakeholders, we have developed a fully digitized market infrastructure for distributing financial
products, including public offers and rights issues,” said Popoola. “Our aim is to digitize these transactions to advance financial inclusion and more effectively engage retail investors.”
This successful capital raise, marked by a high number of digital subscriptions, underscores the importance of regulatory support and technological innovation in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape
UNUSUAL PRAISE 2024...
APC Admits Tinubu's Policy Reforms Have Increased Economic Hardship of Nigerians
The All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, admitted that the economic reforms embarked on by the administration of President Bola Tinubu have increased the economic hardship of Nigerians.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, said this in a statement while reacting to the call by the former National Vice Chairman North-west of the party, Dr. Salihu Lukman, that opposition parties and Nigerians should vote out APC in 2027.
“The APC-led administration of President Bola Tinubu is taking bold measures to reset our country’s long
Field, a leading African healthtech company, yesterday announced the launch of a route-to-market service t\ hat will introduce emerging therapies to tackle the urgency of maternal mortality, newborn and child health, along with nutrition.
The initiative will leverage Field’s proprietary technology, distribution, and financing services, which today powers a network of over 40,000 private and public healthcare providers in rural and urban areas across Kenya and Nigeria.
The initiative launches with an initial $11 million in support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in recognition of Field’s commitment to introduce emerging therapies and supply chain transformation in combating Africa’s most urgent health priorities.
Since its inception in 2015, Field’s streamlined infrastructure has
broken economy, improve national security and restore the country to wholesome and sustainable development.
“No doubt, these inevitable reforms have increased economic hardship for our people. In fact, the unwillingness of previous administrations to undertake these reforms and tackle the problems at their roots is the reason the economy has remained in the doldrums for a long time.
“It would be easy and painless for President Tinubu to do as his predecessors have done, continue business as usual, kick the can down the road for future administrations to deal with while the rot and stagnation
facilitated over 800 million health interventions across more than 60 therapeutic areas, such as family planning, HIV and Tuberculosis.
Starting in Kenya and Nigeria, with scope to expand to other regions, Field will advance on its unique capabilities within complex distribution channels to create an accelerated route to market for emerging therapies and technologies.
This is to include an extensive digitisation overhaul for private healthcare providers, hospitals and healthcare bodies at state and federal levels, with financing options to strengthen operations and purchasing capabilities.
Additionally, healthcare providers stand to benefit from last-mile delivery to improve day-to-day health services and the installation of pharma-grade refrigerators. In its entirety, the service will be reinforced by the establishment of a coalition to include governments, manufacturers
fester.
“But in keeping with the renewed hope agenda of his administration, he has chosen to tackle the country’s generational economic problems for the good of present and future generations of Nigerians.
“In the fullness of time, this President shall be vindicated for his vision and unwavering commitment to the national interest and the common good of all.”
He, however, noted that Lukman’s hunger for attention was insatiable, adding that not even his frenzied political soliloquy in self-adulation has proved sufficient to fill his bottomless obsession for attention.
and other key stakeholders for one of the continent’s most ambitious maternal health programs to-date.
Maternal mortality is one of the continent’s most pressing healthcare challenges. The likelihood that a woman will die in childbirth in Africa is 45 times higher than in Europe.
Report from World Health Organisation (WHO), showed that Africa accounted for 69 per cent of global maternal deaths, with Nigeria alone representing 29 per cent of all maternal deaths worldwide in 2020.
Field’s service will provide expectant mothers in Africa access to emerging therapies such as heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes, which detect and treat postpartum haemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality in Africa.
The platform will accelerate these new interventions, support established therapies, and address related complications like preeclampsia.
The spokesperson stressed that since his exit from the party, Lukman has been sleepless in search of political relevance, pointing out that Lukman seemed to have found for himself, for
now, a new role as the chief discordant trumpeter for a cacophonous political opposition.
He emphasised that in his new self-assigned role, Lukman alleged
without substantiation that APC "ruined the country in economic policies and corruption” and called on opposition parties and Nigerians to vote out APC in 2027.
Unusual Praise Team Targets 100 Businesses for Seed Funding in 2024
The Unusual Praise Team has announced its intention to provide seed funding to no fewer than 100 Nigerian entrepreneurs in 2024.
According to the organisers, the funding is scheduled to take place during the Unusual Praise events scheduled for November 8, 2024 in Onitsha and December 13, 2024 in Lagos.
The Unusual Entrepreneur Programme, birthed in 2018, aims to alleviate poverty by empowering entrepreneurs.
With 610 entrepreneurs empowered in the last six years, the chairperson, Unusual Praise, Mrs. Theresa Onwuka, explained that while 109 persons were empowered last year, this seventh round of funding will further help to strengthen beneficiaries financially to help them lead more stable lives while serving God and the communities where they operate.
On his part, the Episcopal Vicar of Lekki Region and Parish Priest of the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy (the parish where the Unusual Praise events started), Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu, said that the initiative exemplifies the message of Christ and the church which focuses on evangelism.
To this end, the team has called together a small community of friends and well-wishers to raise funds towards sponsoring the project.
Nwaezeapu said: "The fund raising is critical because it is meant to support a very beautiful event, Unusual Praise and unusual Entrepreneur events. If you look at the crucifix, it tells you a lot about what evangelisation is about.
“There is a long part and then a shorter part. The vertical plane is meant to connect people to God, not just to take them to heaven and the horizontal plane focuses on the condition of the individual here on earth.
"So, we are paying attention to how we can better the situation of these individuals on earth. Since the church may not have the amount of money to reach out to the number of people who may need help, we have brought together some of our friends and members in a fundraiser so that with that we can help others and organise the event.”
In her remark, the Chairperson, Unusual Praise Onitsha, Mrs. Augustina Igbokwe, stated that the Unusual Praise team has enjoyed partnerships and sponsorships from donors over the last 15 years inspiring the programme's resilience through time. Following the event's growth from its year of commencement in 2011 as an avenue to thank God each year, Igbokwe stated that the dual pronged mission is aimed towards bringing people to Christ and giving people the opportunity to live more productive lives.
She said: "We have an economic aspect of Unusual Praise, that is the unusual entrepreneur where we give seed funding to businesses, it started in 2018.
“The goal is to win souls for Christ and while we are at it, to bring people out of poverty just like Jesus did. We have people who we call ambassadors who have supported us through the years in aiding the work that we do. "
Lagbaja: Military Action Alone Cannot Overcome Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Says Lawyer
Supreme Court Ruling on Local Govt Autonomy a Game Changer, New Dawn for Nigeria,
Sunday Okobi
A legal practitioner, Hon. Bamofin Adetunji Akinyemi, has stated that the recent Supreme Court ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, is nothing short of a game changer for local governance in Nigeria and a new dawn for all Nigerians.
Akinyemi said the judgement, which mandates that local government areas must now receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account, “is a seismic shift that holds enormous potential for strengthening democracy at the grassroots.
“But what does this mean for the
average citizen, and what can we expect from our local government chairmen in the wake of this historic decision?”
In a statement signed by him yesterday, he said: “For years, local government authorities have been little more than extensions of state governments, strangled by a system that allowed state governors to control funds meant for local development.
“This led to a near-paralysis of local governance, with primary education, healthcare, and infrastructure suffering as a result. But with the Supreme Court's ruling, the era of state governors playing god over local government funds is over.
“Citizens should rejoice because the funds meant to build roads, schools, and health centres in their communities will now be directly accessible to those tasked with delivering these services.”
Akinyemi stated that the Supreme Court ruling is not just about money; it's about power - “power that has been returned to where it belongs - the people.”
His words: Local government chairmen are now truly accountable to their constituents, and this should excite every citizen. Imagine a scenario where you, the voter, know who your local government chairman is, can see where your community's money is going,
and can demand answers when things don't add up. This is what democracy should look like.”
He called on the Nigerian citizens that “it's time to dust off those voter cards and get to know the people running your local governments. No longer can chairmen hide behind the cloak of ‘the state government didn’t release the funds’. The funds are there, and so are your rights to question how they're being used.
“This ruling is your green light to start asking the hard questions: How are our roads looking? What about the state of our schools? Are the health centres equipped to handle emergencies? And most importantly, where is the money?”, he added.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, said military action alone could not overcome the security challenges confronting the nation.
He, therefore, appealed for the support and cooperation of Nigerians to combat security challenges in the country.
Lagbaja, said, the Nigerian Army recognised that the nation's security and progress depended on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders.
The Army Chief said this while, commissioning Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in Okuku community in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the projects executed in honour of Maj Gen Folusho Oyinlola, was part of the COAS Special Civil
Military Cooperation Intervention Projects in communities from where senior officers who have attained the enviable rank of Major Generals in the army hail.
Speaking after commissioning the projects, the COAS applauded Maj Gen Oyinlola for identifying the essential needs of the community and executing the projects to address those needs.
The Army Chief, said the Nigerian Army was people-centric and was determined to ensure peace, security, unity, and well-being of all Nigerians.
While at the Palace of the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Abioye Oyebode Oluronke II, the COAS pointed out that the Nigerian Army under his watch undertook the CIMIC projects to close the gap between the Army and the Civil population with a view to promote cordial co-existence, galvanize support and give impetus to ongoing efforts at combating security threats and challenges across the country.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Emma Okonji
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Sunday Ehigiator and Esther Oluku
L-R: Chairperson, Unusual Praise 2024, Theresa Onwuka; Vicar of Lekki Region, Msgr. Paschal Nwaezeapu-Episcopal; past Chairperson, Unusual Praise, Valentine Ozigbo; and Lead, Unusual Praise Onitsha, Tina Igbokwe, at a fundraising for Unusual Praise 2024 held at Civic Centre in Lagos...on Sunday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
MEDIA PARLEY ON 19TH EDITION OF LAIF WARD...
L-R:
of the
APC to Kwankwaso: Tell Your Governor to Account for Palliatives FG Sent to Kano
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has rebuked the embattled chieftain of New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi'u Kwankwaso, for criticising the method adopted by the federal government in the distribution of palliatives.
In a statement released following remarks by Kwankwaso on his X handle, the state chairman of APC,
Adams:
Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, said the federal government was committed to reducing hunger in the country, but the NNPP government in Kano Sate was frustrating the efforts.
Abbas said President Bola Tinubu had approved several palliative measures for poor households and vulnerable people, but the people assigned to distribute the items were diverting them. He stated that the scandalous escapades that involved senior
officials of the NNPP government brought to fore why the palliatives could not reach the targeted poor and vulnerable.
The statement called on Kwankwaso to tell the governor to launch an investigation into those acts, and ensure that perpetrators accounted for the missing palliatives and were also prosecuted.
Abbas asserted that in addition to contradicting figures on the exercise, the Annual Ramadan
Feeding Programme served poor quality meals, just as Governor Abba Yusuf said he had lost confidence in people he entrusted with responsibilities.
He also faulted Kwankwaso for saying that the distribution exercise was solely left for APC.
Abbas stated, "The reconstituted committee by the federal government is under the leadership of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barque Jibrin, with membership
Tinubu is Like Adolf Hitler, His Policies Are Harsh, Nigerians Are Suffering
Segun James
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, yesterday, likened President Bola Tinubu to the Austrianborn dictator of the Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, saying Nigerians were suffering, because Tinubu’s policies were harsh.
Adams, who raised his voice against the government of Tinubu, in an open letter on the state of the nation that he personally signed, urged him to reverse some of his harsh policies, because time was ticking.
"Your Excellency, I bring you good tidings from the more than 65 million Yoruba of South-West in Nigeria, including Edo, Delta, Kwara and Kogi States.
“I also write this letter to you as one of the more than 200 million people God created as Nigerians. We have no regret that we were created to inhabit this geographical space in the West African axis of the African continent.
"In fact, we are happy to be here because I don't know any country in the world that God has blessed, in terms of natural and human resources, like Nigeria.
“Obviously, past leaders, since 1960, disappointed Nigerians with the way 'Nigeria and Nigerians were badly led and resources selfishly managed'.
"When you came with the 'Emilokan' coinage in the buildup to the 2023 elections, many Nigerians were persuaded that as a democrat exposed to modern way of governance, you will perform better than Muhammadu Buhari, a soldier who deepened the poverty levels of Nigerians and increased insecurity from 2015 to 2023. Today, events have proved that they were wrong.
"Mr. President, to say the truth without minding whose ox is gored,
you have really disappointed many Nigerians who thought you were the messiah they were waiting for. The facts are there to speak for themselves.
"On May 29, 2023 when you became the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigerians, the price of a litre of fuel was less then N200. Today, it is more than N1000. As the Minister of Petroleum, I ask you, what type of reforms is this? In May 2023, Naira to a Dollar was less than N740. Today, it is more than N1,600.
"Now, your two right-hand men when you were Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, Wale Edun (Finance Minister) and Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor) are in charge of the economy. What exactly are the fiscal, economic and financial briefings they give you daily to convince you that they know what they are doing in those two offices?
"When Buhari left on May 29, 2023, many Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief that insecurity would soon become history. Pitiably today, from the North to the South, East to the West, the rate at which Nigerians are being abducted and some killed, even after ransom was paid, it was as if these blood-thirsty maniacs have just been unleashed on Nigerians from the hottest part of hell.
"As the Commander-in-Chief, the rising spate of insecurity across the country has put to question the kind of briefings you get on daily basis, especially, from the Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and other Security Chiefs on their modus operandi to send these killers to where they belong?
"I think you and your party should be sensitive to the plights of Nigerians. Mr. President, don't you think the wicked and draconian increase in fuel price, especially, at
this time that Nigerians have been pushed to the wall, is a huge recipe for crisis? Nigerians can no longer bear this economic hardship any longer.
"For how long do you honestly think that despotic strategy will last? Since last year, you have visited many countries, the latest being China. Do you think your foreign counterparts treat their citizens the way you are treating Nigerians?
"Hitler, an elected democrat, quickly transformed a democratic republic into a constitutional dictatorship. The Fuhrer vowed to destroy democracy through the democratic process. And he did
Emma Okonji
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), with support from Google, yesterday, announced the launch of the AI Fund, a N100 million initiative aimed at supporting Nigerian startups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative solutions.
The initiative follows a series of strategic programmes by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at harnessing the potential of AI to drive development, innovation, and well-being in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, the Ministry held the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop in April, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI in Nigeria.
This was followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy in August, which outlined the country’s roadmap for integrating AI into various sectors to enhance growth and societal well-being.
The AI Fund is a significant step
with the destruction of Germany in 1945. Before the destruction, the Nazi leader disabled, then dismantled the Weimar Republic.
"The Fuhrer crushed political opposition, destroyed the economy and ultimately undermined Germany's democratic structures. When Hitler became history on April 30, 1945, Germany was in total ruins. But due to the determination of Germans, today, that country has the biggest economy in Europe.
"I hope I am wrong but I see a linkage between what happened during the ascendancy of Hitler into power and what is happening in Nigeria today," he concluded
in actualizing these plans, providing Nigerian startups with the necessary resources to innovate and scale their AI solutions.
The AI Fund is open to Nigerianbased startups that are focused on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for significant impact.
Selected startups will receive up to N10 million in funding, along with access to Google's extensive resources, including AI tools, mentorship, and a global network designed to help them scale their innovations.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who emphasised the importance of this initiative, said: "The AI Fund is a critical step in nurturing homegrown innovation that addresses local challenges and contributes to economic growth.
“By supporting our startups, we are not only investing in their success but also in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy."
National Coordinator of NCAIR, Dr. Bunmi Ajala, who also highlighted the
from the All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Senator Rufa'i Hanga (NNPP), Senator Abdurrahman
Okuama: Army Vows to Continue Operations Until Arms, Others Recovered
The Nigerian Army, yesterday, said it would sustain its operations in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State until equipment and arms were recovered.
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, declared during the inauguration of the remodelled and reconstructed Transit Accommodation for soldiers at the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government.
The project was constructed and donated by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private pipeline surveillance outfit owned by Dr Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
"We remember with sadness, the event of March 14, 2024 in Okuama
collaborative efforts, said: "Our partnership with Google is a reflection of our shared vision for Nigeria’s technological advancement. The AI Fund is designed to empower our entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create impactful AI solutions.
“We are excited to see the transformative innovations that will emerge from this program."
West Africa Director, Google, Olumide Balogun, reiterated Google’s commitment in the initiative. According to him, "Google’s support for the AI Fund is part of our broader mission to enhance digital capabilities across Africa.
“We are committed to providing Nigerian startups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to innovate and succeed on a global stage."
Google's involvement in the AI Fund aligns with its broader AI commitments across Africa. Recently, Google announced a new cohort for its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme, focusing on building Africa-centric products and services
Community, where our troops were brutally murdered. We will not rest, we will continue to conduct operations until our equipment and arms are recovered," he said. Abdussalam said the transit accommodation would addressed the critical needs of the troop adding that the initiative was in line with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The GOC commended the management of the TSSNL for the laudable project, which according to him would benefit the Unit, Brigade and by extension the Nigerian Army. He said the project underscored the importance of completing operational successes in the field with sound administration and robust welfare of troops. The GOC also said initiative had demonstrated the importance and power of quality leadership and unity of purpose in the attainment of one big goal.
using AI in transformative ways.
The cohort includes five Nigerian startups, further demonstrating Google’s dedication to nurturing AI innovation on the continent.
The AI Fund is open to startups that are headquartered in Nigeria, have at least one Nigerian founder. Focus on building AI-driven solutions with the potential to scale beyond the local market, and have a live product in the market, demonstrating early traction and product-market fit. Applications open September 10, 2024 and close September 25, 2024, and the application link is https:// ncair.nitda.gov.ng/aifund/
The selection process will focus on identifying startups that not only have innovative AI solutions but also the potential for significant impact and scalability. Successful applicants will be announced in October 2024. The fund represents a unique opportunity to gain access to world-class resources, mentorship, and networks that can accelerate their growth and amplify their impact.
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Kawu Sumaila (NNPP), members of the House of Representatives, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, the state deputy governor, traditional and religious leaders, among others."
Vice Chairman, Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Management Board, Henry Akpede; member, Jury and Budget Committee, LAIF Management Board, Jumoke Akinyele: Chairman, LAIF Management Board, Jay Chukwuemeka; President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria(AAAN), Lanre Adisa; Head, Events and Public Relations Committee, LAIF Management Board, Colette Otusheso and Head of Jury Committee, LAIF Management Board, Raphael Idu during a media parley to announce the 19th edition
LAIF Awards held in Lagos... yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
PARTNERING TO MAKE GAS AVAILABLE...
L-R: General Manager, NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr. Sanjay Tarat; Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Dai Shunfa; Executive Director, Planning and Commercial, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, Mr. Jamal Bello; Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), a subsidiary of NNPCL, Mr. Justin Ezeala; Managing Director, NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr. Nagendra Verma; and Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, NGML, Dr. Deborah Usman, at the inauguration of NIPCO-NGML gas distribution project in Lekki, Lagos…recently
At Mock Accreditation, Yakubu Promises
INEC’ll Protect
Voters’ Choice in Edo Poll
PDP fixes campaign grand finale for September 14 Obaseki raises alarm over alleged APC collusion with police
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday, at a mock accreditation exercise, said the commission was poised to protect the choice of the Edo electorate in the September 21 governorship election.
Yakubu reiterated that the responsibility of choosing the next governor of the state was entirely that of the voters.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governing party in the state, fixed the grand finale of its governorship election campaign for September 14.
Yakubu spoke in Benin City during an assessment visit to Edo State to ascertain the level of preparedness for the polls. He assured the people of free, fair and credible elections.
Yakubu stated, "INEC is not a political party and, therefore, doesn't have a candidate in this election. The responsibility of choosing the next Edo State governor is entirely in the hands of Edo voters.
“Our assurance to all registered voters is to come out to vote for the party and the candidate of their choice. INEC will protect the integrity of the process and uphold the choice made by the electorate."
Yakubu said the commission had visited three local governments area to assess readiness for the election in terms of the materials received and how they were organising for the
ravaging flood that destroyed many homes and property.
The immediate past Chief Whip of the Red Chamber, in a statement, sympathised with the people and government of the state.
Ndume, who just returned from Borno, where he reached out to families affected by insurgency in the Southern Senatorial District of the state, said he was devastated by the news report about the ravaging flood.
He said all hands must be on deck to mobilise aid for affected residents.
Hundreds Rendered
Homeless as Rain Wreaks
Havoc in Yenagoa, Sacks
Residents
A heavy rainfall wreaked havoc on Yenegoa, submerging homes and destroying businesses.
The torrential rain, which began
exercise in the next 11 days.
He added, "We have visited two centres to observe a mock accreditation exercise intended to test-run the integrity of our systems ahead of the election, both for voters accreditation as well as uploading of the results to IREC potter."
The INEC boss said the commission was satisfied with the level of preparation by the local government offices in the three offices visited in Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba/Okha local governments, as well as the two centres of the mock exercise.
According to him, the commission has backup machines for the election in case of faulty machines.
He stated that the machines used for the mock accreditation in 12 polling units across three senatorial districts in Edo State will not be used for the election.
Yakubu said, "Also, the BVAS to be used for the election are different from the mock exercise. Similarly, the BVAS that are going to be used for training officials will not be deployed for the election.
"For this off-cycle election, we have enough systems to go round. I want to assure you that the integrity of the system is protected."
PDP said it will wrap up its governorship election campaign with a rally on September 14.
The announcement was signed by Chairman, National Campaign Council of PDP, Edo 2024 Governorship
around 11am on Tuesday, was still falling at the time of filing this report. It left many primary and secondary school students stranded in their schools.
At Amarata, it took the timely intervention of residents to save four pupils from drowning after they fell into an overflowing drainage as they tried to navigate their way home.
Many shop owners were seen trying to salvage their goods as the flood from the overflowing drainages, worsened by refuse thrown into the drainages, swept into their shops at the Pinch road end of Amarata, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Many houses were also taken over by the flood, especially at Ompadec and Punch road areas, as the canal recently dredged by the state government was almost full and ready to overflow its bank. In many parts of the state capital, hundreds of people were rendered homeless.
Election, and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, and the two co-deputy chairmen, Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Kefas Agbu of Taraba State.
The party stated, “The National Campaign Council and the State Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby invite leaders and members of the PDP, including governors, former presidents and vice presidents, members of the National Assembly, former governors and deputy governors, members of State House of Assembly, and all members and supporters of the PDP, among others, to the grand finale of the 2024 Edo State governorship
election campaign.
“The auspicious event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 14, 2024, by 10am at the Garrick Memorial Grammar School Grounds, on Ekehuan Road, Benin City.
“The event will mark the completion of the campaigns for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State and set the course for the victory of the party on Election Day.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, raised the alarm over alleged collusion between All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Police to hound, attack, kidnap, and lock up members of PDP ahead of the election.
Obaseki, in a statement he personally signed, said, “In the last few weeks, the police under the manipulation of the APC, has arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceive would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election.
“This came to a head with the arrest and whisking to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, of the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun.
“On learning of his arrest, I reached out to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, asking that due process be followed and that the matter be
handled within the state’s jurisdiction. This directive was flouted, directly undermining my authority as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state.
“We also have it on good authority that a rogue police team has been provided with a longlist of PDP chieftains to be arrested and detained until after the election.
“All petitions and appeals to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have not dissuaded men of the police from going about with the mandate of intimidating members of the PDP and launching sting operations to capture, kidnap, and lock up PDP chieftains across the state.”
Atiku Decries Attacks on CSOs by FG, Says It’s Akin to Period of Military Dictatorship
Former Vice President Atiku Abubukar has condemned the assault on civil society organisations (CSOs) by the federal government, saying it is “profoundly disturbing”, like the days of military dictatorship.
In a statement he signed on his X account, Atiku said, "The
ECOWAS: Govt at All Levels in W’Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) advised every level of government to conscientiously budget for ECOWASdisaster. said recent research had shown that recurring disaster had left about 75 per cent of West Africa’s population exposed and adversely impacted.
Speaking at the mid-term consultative meeting of the Regional Committee for Disaster Management in West Africa, organised by the ECOWAS Commission, in Abuja, yesterday, Deputy Director, Climate Change Department, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana, Frank Nansam-Aggrey, said there was
escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.
"The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomises this regime's relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organised labour.
need for coordinated efforts to tackle disaster in West Africa.
Nansam-Aggrey stated, “Disaster issues have become very complex. Every now and then, we hear stories in West Africa about disaster that affects our population. Disasters have many exposed in the sub-region, and according to research about 75 per cent of our people are exposed to one form of disaster or the other.
“It is flooding, if it is not flooding then it is drought, if it is not drought it is conflict, so it has become imperative that the subcommittee looks at the issues of disaster very critically for our population is being affected every now and then.”
Nansam-Aggrey, who acknowledged that ECOWAS was doing its best with available resources, lamented “financial constraints sometimes that do not make the bloc to meet up to the needs of its member countries”.
He said, “The countries need to
''Just days prior, security forces detained a journalist, only to later claim it was a grievous error. What if the outcome had been fatal?
"Now, Tinubu’s regime extends its repressive grasp to encroach upon @SERAPNigeria, an action that stands as a grave affront to our democratic values. This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice."
do more. Disaster management is looked at as abstract issues, making budgeting to become somewhat of abstract. We need to go the extra mile to clearly and decisively budget for disaster issues so that it is not left to chance and as if it is futuristic.
“It is actually with us. We need to make more efforts from community level, district level to the national level, and all actors must be involved to channel all the resources we can gather to make sure we are all safe in the sub-region.”
Maiduguri Residents at the Mercy of Fleeing Criminals, Wild Animals
The flood left several animals in the zoo dead and prisoners on the run.
About 80 per cent of animals in the popular Sanda Kyari Zoo in Maiduguri were pronounced dead and properties
Atiku said it was imperative that Tinubu and his security apparatus redirected their fervour and intimidation towards the actual perpetrators of violence — terrorists and bandits — who were inflicting immeasurable suffering upon the Nigerian people.
destroyed following the flooding that erupted on Monday night. Dangerous animals, such as crocodiles and snakes, were let loose by the flood, which also left Maiduguri residents at the mercy of fleeing criminals from the prison.
A statement issued in Maiduguri on Tuesday by the general manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha, said deadly animals, such as crocodiles and snakes, had been washed away to the communities. Abatcha called on communities to take necessary precautions to avoid the animals.
At the Maiduguri New Correctional Centre, along Abaganaran, inmates were said to have fled as the fence fell due to the flood.
Speaking on the prison break, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bala Adamu, said they were still compiling names of escapees.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
ABUJA METRO LIONS CLUB GETS PRESIDENT…
L-R: Past District Governors, Abuja
Metro
Charter President, Helen Joseph, and Maurice Uti, during the installation of Joseph as the president in Abuja…recently
‘Extending Tenure of Retired IG Contravenes Extant Laws’
Linus Aleke in abuja
A human rights lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, has said that the trending letter, inferring that President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, was for a four-year term of office, contravenes all the legal instruments governing appointment and tenure of office of the IG including the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. Okpara, who doubted the veracity or otherwise of the
Fubara Reassures Rivers People of Impactful Projects
Blessing Ibunge in port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara has reassured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to deliver critical infrastructure that will have direct impact on them.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance yesterday shortly after inspecting the ongoing road projects in Opobo/Nkoro and Bori in Khana Local Government Areas.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, and Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Roland ObedWhyte, expressed satis-faction with the jobs done on the various projects visited. He noted that the road from Kalaibiama to Epellema is to link Epellema which in the past was only accessible through water, adding that the road will bring development and address the challenges of boat mishaps along the route.
Three Killed in Anambra Land Dispute
David-Chyddy Eleke in awka
trending letter and statement on the subject matter credited to Force Public Relations (PPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
said if the position espoused by Adejobi is true, then the president acted ultra vires.
He noted that Egbetokun
had by the virtues of legal instruments governing the service of police officers retired from service and therefore no longer qualified to continue to parade himself as the IG, having attained the retirement age of 60.
Amotekun Parades 21 Suspected Criminals
Fidelis Davidinakure
Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun yesterday paraded 21 suspects arrested for various criminal offences across the state within three weeks. The state Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects at the Command’s headquarters, in Akure, said the corps is resolute in ensuring that the state doesn’t become a hiding place for criminals. His words: “We have 21 suspected criminals from various local governments in the state. We were able to break a syndicate that devised another means of dispossessing innocent okada
in Ondo
riders of their motorcycles. Some of them have been killed.
“They use guns and rather than mount the Okada, they ride beside the Okada and hit him on the head. So he falls and they pick the bike. Within minutes, the bike is dismembered and put in a sack and is taken out of the state. We were able to apprehend the mastermind from Benin and serious manhunt is ongoing for the accomplice
“We also have a group who specialises in breaking into empty, unoccupied houses where the owners are not around. They burgle and empty the house of everything and it is sold out, but we were able to retrieve some of them from the different local governments.”
Former National Treasurer of Labour Party Insists Abure Misappropriated
Chuks Okocha in abuja
Former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, Oluchi Opara yesterday insisted that the embattled National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, misappropriated N3.5 billion of the party’s funds. She was reacting to statement
by Abure when he said Monday that he did not handle campaign funds. He also said that the monies for the campaign were handled by designated officials of the Obidient family.
. According to Abure, “Campaign funds were disbursed, administered in
N3.5bn
the Southern States by the leadership of Doyin Okupe, and secondly under the control of Akin Oshuntokun while the funding of the Campaign for the 19 Northern States was handled by the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Party Datti Baba-Ahmed.
“The funding of the election was done by Peter Obi himself. As per the donations, the party was not involved in the donations. Donations to the campaign were channeled to accounts which have Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua Ighodalo as signatories. They were equally responsible for the payment of polling unit agents.
Civil Society Organisations Warn on Plots against Democracy by Vested Interests
Segun James
Leaders of Enugwu-Ukwu community have called on the state government to urgently investigate the killing.
Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a cabinet member in the community said that the whole town is in shock and mourning over the brutal violence meted out to some of their kinsmen.
“Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President-General has already informed the state government.
At least three indigenes of Enugwu-Ukwu community were on Monday killed by persons suspected to me members of Nawfia community in the same Njikoka Local Government Area, over what was suspected to be a land dispute. Both communities have been said to be having dispute over a parcel of land. Some unidentified person said to be indigenes of Nawfia lured some members of EnugwuUkwu community through phone call to the disputed land and attacked them, leading to the death of three persons, while many others were wounded and already hospitalised.
New Rotary President Restates Commitment to Humanity Services
Ayodeji Ake
Newly installed 17th Rotary Club Oto-Ijanikin Central President, Mayegun Olawale, has restated his commitment to service to humanity, especially health.
“I am not new to rotary. I have paid my dues and this time is to contribute my quota towards development. During my tenure, I have brought positivity and added value. I have been adding value to my previous posts and believe being elected president means I can do more.”
Reminiscing on his contributions to community development when he was the President of Rotaract, Olawale said he prioritised health.
Speaking with the journalist at the investiture ceremony in Lagos, the vibrant president expressed enthusiasm about his installation as president and said it is a better and bigger way to add value. He said: “I am excited about being installed as rotary president. Rotary itself talks about community development by enhancing services to the less privileged.
The group at a press conference in Lagos cried that at “this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it is imperative that all hands be on deck to ensure peace and tranquility.”
It stressed that only the
The Coalition for Good Governance (CGG), an assemblage of over 90 civil societies, nongovernmental organisations, community based and public interest groups, has warned Nigerians that there is plot by vested interests against the nation’s democracy.
collective efforts of the people will determine Nigeria’s ability to fulfill its potential as a beacon of greatness not only in Africa, but also on the global community.
In a statement signed on behalf of the coalition by Mr Nelson Ekujumi and Ajayi Popoola, it observed that in recent times, “ there have been troubling developments that threaten the fabric of our democracy and national security. We stand united today, as the Coalition for Good Governance, to raise the alarm over these threats and call on all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant.”
Aiyedatiwa Flags Off Health Insurance Scheme for Informal Sector in Ondo
As part of efforts to make available affordable health care for the citizenry, the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the state informal sector.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who launched the scheme at the International Culture and Event Centre (Dome), Akure, said it’s targeted at residents of State in the informal sector, and covers treatment of malaria, RTI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, common infections; surgeries for appendicitis, hernia, fibroid, enlarged prostate, antenatal services, child delivery, including caesarean section, postnatal services, neonatal services, and immunisation services among others.
Aiyedatiwa, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all residents of the state, said over 4,000 artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the state among others would benefit from the scheme.
Make Local Refineries to Work, BSN Scribe Urges Tinubu
EmmanuelOlorunda-Otaru
The General Secretary/CEO of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to write his name in gold by making the country’s refineries to work and
stop further importation of fuel which is a major reason for the weak Naira.
Pastor Sanusimade the call during a press conference on the forthcoming 11th Edition of African Leadership Biblical Initiative (ABLI) conference, themed: ‘Value-based Leadership: Model for Africa.’ The
programme will hold at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, Abuja, from Monday 21st to 24th October 2024.
“ABLI was birthed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at a Special Session of African UnionPrayer Breakfast by African Heads of States and
Governments in 2010. Its aim is to institute qualitative transformation of a nation through value-based Leadership informed and inspired by Biblical values. It aims to raise a generation of principled leaders with honour, integrity, capacity, and competence,” he said.
Bauchi Yoruba Community Commends President Tinubu for Appointing Ajayi DG DSS
Segun Awofadejiinbauchi
Yoruba Community in Bauchi State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as the new Director-General (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ajayi, who until his appointment, was the Assistant DG of the security agency under the Office of the President, replaced Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
The President-General of the community in the state, Special Apostle Segun Awofadeji, in
his congratulatory message issued and made available to journalists yesterday described the appointment as “not only well deserved, wise and did not come to us as surprise but rather his track record has shown that.”
According to him, “looking at his
impressive pedigree, the new DG, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi is imbued with the capacity and professional stuff to inject fresh perspectives and strategies towards enhancing internal security and addressing current and emerging threats across the country.
Fidelis David in akure
Prestige
Lions Club under District 404-B2 Nigeria, Paul Muotolum; Mrs. Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi;
Eguavoen Steps Down After Leading Eagles to Pick Four Points in Two Games
Says mandate was for Benin Republic, Rwanda matches
Duro Ikhazuagbe
After leading the Super Eagles to pick four points in two AFCON 2025 qualifying matches, Interim Head Coach of senior Nigerian football team, Augustine Eguavoen admitted yesterday that his task has been completed.
Super Eagles played a goalless draw with Rwanda in Kigali yesterday afternoon to add a point to the maximum three earned in the 3-0 defeat of Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo last Saturday.
Eguavoen was drafted in on Interim capacity to the team after German gaffer, Bruno Labbadia dumped the Nigerian job few days after he was hired with the match day 1 clash with Benin Republic just at the corner.
But speaking with Pius Idoko at the airport in Kigali and quoted by Owngoalnigeria.com, Eguavoeninsisted that the mandate given to him was to handle the team in the first two matches with Benin Republic and Rwanda and nothing more.
“I have been given a mandate to handle two matches. I will want to say that I am very pleased with the boys and again thank the NFF leadership and all the boys supported me in terms of discipline and working hard,” observed the coach fondly called Cerezo from his playing days in the senior national team.
AFCON 2025 QUALIFIER
He was emphatic that his mandate has ended. “It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about the Libya match because I haven’t been told about that game.”
Eguavoen however insisted that no team is a pushover anymore. “But with the spirit that these boys have exhibited in the two matches (against Benin and Rwanda), we have a bright future with the Super Eagles,” stressed the coach.
Super Eagles lead the Group D standing on four points while Benin Republic that defeated Libya 2-1 in the group’s other game are second on three points. Rwanda with two draws are third on two points while Libya are in the rear on just one point.
Eguavoen made just only one change from the squad that started against the Cheetahs, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking the place of Alex Iwobi in yesterday’s clash with Rwanda.
Defender Bruno Onyemaechi should have put Nigeria ahead after only three minutes, but he miscued his shot after a great pass by Ademola Lookman. Two minutes later, midfielder Wiflred Ndidi’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Bonheur Mugisha and Kevin
Team Nigeria’s Athletes Back from Paris Paralympic Games
Team Nigeria’s athletes to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France, have all returned to the country. The last batch touch down in Lagos yesterday.
The 24 athletes that represented Nigeria at the Paralympic Games returned to the country in three batches.
The first batch, which included the gold winning Para- Powerlifters, flew into the country at 11 pm Nigeria on Sunday via AIR Maroc while the second batch that was made up mainly of Para-Table Tennis players arrived yesterday morning by Qatar Airways. The last batch which contained the Para- Athletics team flew into Lagos at noon yesterday.
President of the Paralympic Committee Nigeria, Mr Sunday Odebode, thanked God for all the feats achieved by Team Nigeria
athletes in Paris, France.
Odebode commended the Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh for being supportive for all that the athletes achieved at the Games.
“I am Also happy for Team Nigeria’s safe trip to and from Paris. I want to also commended Prof. Mariam Adefunke Suleiman, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Women in Sports (NAWIS) for her supportive role during the trip.
Meanwhile, the FMSD Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Nkana Mbora mobilized the entire stadium workforce and other Lagosians to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to give the Paralympic athletes a rousing reception for representing the country well in France.
Nigeria won a total of 2 gold, 2 Silver and 3 bronze medals.
Basketball Records for Nigeria’s Junior Male and Female Teams
It is a record time for Nigeria Basketball as the country’s boys and girls teams have qualified for the quarter-finals of the African U18 basketball championship ongoing in South Africa.
It is a historic time for Nigeria in the Afrobasket U18 event which serves as the qualification tournament for the FIBA Junior World Cup billed for Switzerland. It is the first time that two Nigerian teams would get into the quarter finals at that level.
The girls picked the quarter-finals slot as one of the third best teams from their group. J’Tigress will face Egypt on Wednesday in the game billed for Pretoria. The Nigeria ladies lost their opening game to the Egyptians and now have a second chance. It is hoped that the players should be a lot better physically after going down
with flu just before they faced Uganda in their last group game.
The J’Tigers opponents were not yet confirmed as of press time.
A former D’Tigers power forward and now a member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Ugo Udezue is happy with the strides the teams have made.
He said, “It has been a roller coaster. Our players have passed through adversity and still going. We are extremely proud of our teams and officials.”
The boys arrived in Pretoria very late after the South African Embassy in Abuja initially denied them visas. They compete without any financial support from the Ministry of Sports Development but rather private donations.
Muhire took turns harassing the Super Eagles’ defence as the game wore on, but Nigeria could have been up by a goal after 22 minutes as Lookman headed into the net. But Moroccan referee Karim Sabry ruled that a Nigerian player had pushed a defender in the build-up. Victor Boniface wasted a glorious opportunity in the 25th minute, and in the 37th
minute, Onyemaechi failed to capitalize as Boniface’s shot rocked the upright and bounced back into play.
Four minutes to half time, Onyemaechi, getting into scoring positions easily, headed wide when he received a cross from the right by Olaoluwa Aina.
Eight minutes into the second half, substitute Moses Simon’s shot from William Ekong’s floater was blocked by an imperious Ntwari. Jojea Kwizera could have put the
his shot flew away from goal. With 19 minutes left, Lookman was almost celebrating a goal, only to see his volley from Aina’s cross punched out by Ntwari. Mugisha, undaunted, unleashed a rocket from 22 yards with two minutes, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali punched into safety. Substitute Raphael Onyedika could have struck in the 89th minute, but again, Ntwari was on hand to block his shot, just as he held firmly to the ball from substitute Victor Osimhen’s header in added time.
The Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October.
Delta SSG Inspects Athletes Hostel, Others as 8th National Youth Games Begin
Ahead of the opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games today, Delta State Government has said it is fully ready for a hitch-free hosting of the event in Asaba.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, after an inspection visit of various facilities for the competition. He assured all stakeholders that while the facilities, including competition venues, accommodation facilities and arrangement for transportation are satisfactory, the state has also placed high premium and put adequate measures in place for the security and safety of participants.
The facilities visited include the main bowl, the three indoor sports halls, the swimming pool and the VVIP and VIP lounges at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, the Cenotaph, part of which has been turned to a sports centre with two volleyball and two handball courts, the ultra modern hockey pitch and its adjoining sports hostel, and the the hostel facilities at the Dennis Osadebey University which is expected to accommodate about 70 percent of the athletes.
While at the Dennis Osadebey University hostels, Dr Emu inspected the beddings, toilet facilities, electricity and water supply systems, and also took time to taste the food being provided for the athletes.
Flowing from his observations, he said he was satisfied with the
preparedness of the state.
"Delta is always ready. First of all, we have the facilities, very well put together facilities, and the maintenance is top notch. We have been to the hockey ground at Okpanam. We have had a tour of most of the activity places and I can boldly say that we are ready.
“We can even start the competition today," he declared.
"I am here on account of His Excellency's directive to, at least, take a cursory look at what they (the Local Organizing Committee) are doing and I am going to go back to him to tell him that we will make him proud.
"We know that he will be coming here before that day but we will let him know that we are ready. Although we still have a few areas to touch up.
Those are details which must come up but can be sorted out in 24 hours before the competition begins.
On Security, he said even while Delta is safe, the government is taking extra measures to ensure greater safety of participants.
"Delta does not rank high in insecurity, but we recognize that there is widespread insecurity across the country.
The police are part of the LOC and yesterday in my office we had a wide
conversation with the Chairman of the LOC and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and they are ‘dead’ ready to handle whatever challenges.
"We are also technologically ready because modern security is more of technology than physical. I can tell you that everywhere here is wired. I can tell you that we are ready and by the special grace of God we would not have any insecurity challenge. As man, we can say we are 95 or even 99 percent sure, but we are not God and by God's grace, we would not have any incident that we cannot control."
Aston Villa have defended their Champions League ticket prices after a backlash from supporters, and insist they must make "difficult decisions" to stay competitive. The club were labelled "out of touch"last week after revealing they were charging up to £97
Bologna, Juventus and Celtic in their return to Europe's top club competition for the first time in 41 years. Aston Villa Supporters' Trust (AVST) criticised the move, but president of business operations Chris Heck has outlined why the club have charged so much. He said: "We recognise and understand
sponsorships, merchandise and ticket sales to ensure that we can keep the club where it rightfully belongs - competing and winning at the top of English and European football.
Wasps in front on 68th minutes as the home boys broke forward, but
Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman (right) could not get on the scorer's sheet in the clash between Rwanda and Nigeria yesterday in Kigali
MISSILE
PDP to President Tinubu
“There is need for caution. There was a protest in this country (#EndBadGovernance). You say some people were the sponsors of the protest. We know those, who sponsored the protest. The sponsor is hunger. The president and his people should arrest hunger and there will be no problem. Your policies that are draconian, and bringing people to their knees” --PDP’sNationalPublicitySecretary,DeboOlogunagba,cautionsthe presidentoverthearrestofdissentingNigeriansbysecurityoperatives.
Sonni A NYAN g
CNG to the Rescue?
The recent inauguration of some INNOSONassembled, compressed natural gas (CNG)powered buses by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu right inside the premises of Aso Rock Presidential Villa was obviously an opportunity to counter (via photo-op) the widespread criticism that he neither gave much thought to nor adequately prepared for the cost of living and welfare consequences of his decision to abruptly announce the withdrawal of government subsidy on petrol at his swearing-in last year.
Even the President’s most ardent supporters would agree that at the point of his famous ‘subsidy is gone’ pronouncement, or indeed soon after, it did not appear that any containment measures had been put in place to meet the entirely predictable and seismic fallouts of such a major policy move. The best such supporters have been heard to come up with is that had the president allowed for another round of public debate, the political moment for tackling the subsidy monster would have passed him by. The obvious response to this lame argument, of course, is that the subsidy that is said to have gone, now appears to have returned, afterall.
Regardless of the wisdom in the manner we had attempted to see off petrol subsidy, or whether, in fact, the stubborn thing has refused to go away, the Tinubu government is clearly putting a lot of faith in the ability of CNG as an automotive fuel, to help reduce the pain being felt by the generality of Nigerians from the sharp rise in transportation costs and associated difficulties occasioned by its signature policy decisions, namely, petrol subsidy removal and naira exchange rates equalization.The President therefore had to personally take delivery of 30 mammoth buses to underscore the point that CNG will be the salvation fuel.
While it was not openly stated that the presidential inauguration of the CNG-powered buses represented some kind of milestone, the Aso Rock ceremony has served to remind us that it was also in August, a year ago, that the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) was announced, as “a component of the palliative intervention” directed at “providing succour to the masses” in view of the “transitive” hardships of the fuel subsidy removal policy.
In particular, the PCNGi was meant to lower transportation cost for Nigerians by enabling the powering of motor vehicles(and industries) with cheaper, cleaner, safer and more reliable domestically produced natural gas. As an alternative to petrol and diesel automotive fuels, CNG ticks all the positive boxes—environmentally cleaner and therefore safer, cheaper (by at least 40% or up to 60% in some applications), abundantly available given that Nigeria is said to have more gas reserve than oil, plus the added advantage that gas can perhaps be more easily sourced locally with no need for imports. It can also be subsidised (if need be) without the drawbacks of subsidised petrol. Certainly, the scale on which Nigerian subsidised CNG can be smuggled to the rest of West Africa and further to Central Africa appears much less than for petrol or diesel. The PCNGi was intended to incentivise and accelerate CNG adoption.
On its website, PCNGi has stated its programme and objectives in clear, quantitative terms—with timelines. It was to start by making available 21,000 conversion kits at 10 participant workshops to get Nigerians to retrofit their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to run on CNG. By the end of 2024, it hoped to reach 150,000 units with 250 participant workshops. By 2027, it would have achieved 1 million units through 500 participant workshops. For buses and tricycles, the Initiative was to take off with 5,500 vehicles with the expectation to finance 200,000 new ones across Nigeria.
PCNGi also had a plan to establish conversion centres all over Nigeria. It has projected 10 such centres at the start, and would drive to 100 at the end of 2024, with 1000 in view by end of 2027. With such a technically-orientd exercise, a corps of technicians and engineers would be needed. So, the start-up figure of 1000 trained technicians was planned, to be followed with 2500 by 2024 and 10,000 by 2027. The Initiative budgeted $25 million to be raised for the first phase with the figure set to rise to $75 million by the end
of 2024 and $250 million by 2027—to support the development of CNG infrastructure for the country. There can be no quarrel with the vision behind pressing CNG into service to rescue the country from the unending crisis of automotive fuel supply and prising. But will it be sufficient to substantially ameliorate the harsh conditions Nigerians currently face with regard to unbearable transportation costs and the hardship arising therefrom? On this question, the jury must remain out for a while. Perhaps, we should await the 2024 report of the Steering Committee. What is obvious in the aftermath of the recent #EndBadGovernance is that nearly a year into the implementation of the CNG initiative, not much of a noticeable dent has been made in the challenge of crippling transportation costs. Nigerians are obviously no longer amused by the situation.
If we assume that PCNGi will be the exception in a Nigeria that is used to trashing the noblest of ideas through incompetent execution, and the goal of a million vehicles running on CNG by 2027 is actually met, that number would amount to less than 10% of the total vehicle population in Nigeria (Estimated Vehicle Population in 2018 was 11,826,033) based on the figure available to this reporter at the time of writing. Likely, the total vehicle population must have gone up substantially with over 500,000 new vehicles registered every year since then. Can reducing the price of fuel for that tiny a proportion substantially lower transportation costs for the entire nation? Put another way, with over 90 percent of motor vehicles likely to retain propulsion by petrol and diesel, will anything other than a substantial fall in the price of those fuels have a dampening effect on transportation costs? As it pursues the CNG option, the Tinubu administration would do well to bear this question in mind. In fact, it should actively consider the distinct possibility that its efforts to push the adoption of CNG as automotive fuel will not have that significant an impact. In pursuing the CNG transport fuel option, government must have been encouraged by, and has approvingly cited, the examples of China, India, Iran, Pakistan and other countries that have substantially shifted to that fuel type. There are two key differences between those countries and the situation in Nigeria. The first is that it took a while for those countries to rollout their CNG infrastructure. Besides having a proven track record of excellent programme execution, those countries did not do it as an emergency (not to say panic) response to a dire national crisis such as the one in which Nigeria currently grapples with. Second, most of the countries cited in all likelihood, manufactured their conversion kits and fuelling infrastructure, having built for themselves, reasonable domestic manufacturing capacity. Nigeria on the other hand, has to rely on importation either of fully built kits and associated equipment or components for local assembly. The lack of domestic manufacturing capacity continues to hobble us wherever we turn.
And while this cannot be developed overnight, the earlier we start treating that national weakness, the better for us. Thus far, there’s no indication that we are paying anything other than the usual lip service to this urgent national need.
Above and beyond the foregoing, getting Nigeria moving with or without CNG and with or without petrol subsidy, will not be efficiently and effectively achieved until and unless we have a properly organised public transportation system. If any sector of our national socioeconomic life is disorganised, inefficient and dysfunctional to a disgraceful degree, that sector is public transportation.
As we speak, no Nigerian city of a million or more in population, has a mass transit system that can properly be so-called. What exists in Lagos and recently started in Abuja, is embarrassingly rudimentary. How can a country of more than 200 million people with cities boasting populations of two, three, four and even 20 million, not have rail-based transit systems? How can such a country hope to be part of the 21st century? It is a testament to the remarkable short-sightedness of Nigeria’s governing elites that mass public transport has been handled with such irresponsible levity. It is as if our leaders are not aware of what other nations have been doing in this regard. Or that an efficient and effective transportation system is indispensable to anything at all resembling modern development.
Right here in Africa, Ethiopians, Moroccans and Egyptians are scaling up with transit systems; metro systems, subways, trams and RBT (not the joke in Lagos, please) that function almost like trains. Here in Nigeria, we continue to deploy an assortment of dangerous contraptions as means of public transportation.
Hard data on the scale of the use of motorcycles (Okada) as a mode of transport in Nigeria remain unavailable, but if we assume that that widely deployed mode of vehicular transport serves even up to 10 percent of Nigerians, then the scale of inefficiency involved is enough to keep us perpetually backward. A commercial motorcycle is operated by one person and generally can transport only one person at a time. An average subway train on the other hand, involves one or two operators carrying anything up to 1600 people at a time. A city bus has one driver transporting 80 people (or more if, as Fela sang, 99 are standing). We can judge for ourselves, which of the modes are more efficient and conducive to society’s well-being.
Merely having CNG-powered vehicles outside the context of a comprehensively planned public transportation system will not come close to solving the problem of high, inflation - stoking transport costs. It will certainly do little to reduce the chaos and inefficiency of Nigeria’s transportation sector.
In addition to his CNG Initiative, President Tinubu should cause to be convoked immediately, a national policy dialogue with stakeholders, principally state governors, on how to quickly start the roll out of a well-designed, modern intermodal public transportation system for the country. Down the line, state governors should do the same with local government chieftains. As a starting point, let each local and state establish transit systems based on CNG-powered buses, as the lowest hanging fruit. Even as that is being implemented, planning for rail-based transit systems should commence, to be followed with immediate implementation.
Of course, if any feasible national railway plan exists, it should be dusted up, reviewed and implemented with more seriousness than the desultory efforts of the Jonathan-Buhari years.
The implementation of a national railway plan that would connect all state capitals in the country should have been a priority project of the Tinubu government in place of the ambitious and controversial highways it has embarked upon. In addition to bringing its innately superior efficiency to such an important economic sector, rail is less carbon-intensive than road transportation. This is one reason forward-looking countries like China are pursuing rail-based transportation systems like their very existence depends on them. And in a way it does, since it generates lower emissions and less greenhouse gases.
For Nigeria, a massive railroad build-out would be one easy way to urgently and easily develop the much-needed domestic capacity in basic industries and heavy engineering. Without such a capacity, real sustainable development will continue to elude us. So, the implementation of a comprehensive national transportation system, centred on less carbon intensive rail-based platforms, would enable the country to kill two or more birds with one stone — give Nigerians access to affordable transportation options and engender industrial development. Such organised transportation systems make it easy to efficiently and effectively direct transport subsidies to those who need it the most. Subsidy, when applied to automotive fuels rather than directly on mass transportation systems, benefits the less deserving more.
Apart from rail systems, Nigeria has great potential for marine transportation. Endowed with numerous navigable inland waterways and an extensive sea coast, the country could easily cut cost for end users through a well - organised marine transport system using boats, ships, ferries and barges that can deliver up not just efficiency but also comfort to commuters. The recent attempts to step up on water transportation in Lagos State with LAGferry and Omi-Bus services while welcome is but a pale shadow of the possibilities that that mode of transportation holds for Lagos State, a place totally surrounded by navigable bodies of water. The use of boats and ferries as reliable means of urban transportation in places like Hong Kong, Bangkok and Istanbul show that Lagos State can and should push harder in that direction, bringing into service, bigger and safer vessels than the outboard - engined equipment it is currently using. Even a hundred of the 40-seater boats LAGferry and Omi-Bus are using, do not come close to matching the 100,000 plus commuters that the ferries in Hong Kong deliver daily.
The domestic manufacture of vessels and the construction of accompanying infrastructure are also fertile grounds for industrial expansion and employment generation.
Whatever appropriate conveyance systems are brought into service in an organised manner will help us to become part of the 21st century world with a transportation mix that is efficient, effective, intermodal and dignifying. No modern economy can even begin to function properly if it continues to fool around with a disorganised and chaotic system for the essential task of moving people and goods from one place to another.
Elsewhere in the world, after education, health, public safety, effective public transportation is an indispensable responsibility of governments at all levels.
As pointed out earlier, organised transit systems make it easier for government to directly subsidise public transport without the sort of issues that have bedevilled the management of fuel subsidy in the country and led to the present pinching pass. Afterall, we don’t drink the subsidised fuels; we use them mostly to power vehicular movement. The very desirable direct subsidisation of transportation can only be possible if it is organised to minimize chaos, render touting (agberos) irrelevant and significantly reduce the use of tricycles and motorcycles in the transportation mix.
Fuel subsidy was first introduced in 1973. We have spent the last 50 years—half a century—tryingto manage it effectively without success. We are entering a second half century without hope of a solution to the economically disruptive and politically charged challenge of fuel supply and pricing. It is about time we tackled the problem from the point of the end use to which automotive fuels are put. Since that end use is mostly transportation, that is the sector to which the Tinubu government must pay attention if our hope of national economic salvation is to be renewed rather than dashed.
Let us have CNG by all means, but let us also organise and modernise transportation in Nigeria. We will not go far until we do so.
•Mr Anyang is a former federal commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, a former banker and a journalist
