THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2024 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

NESG to FG: Unlock Nigeria’s Underperforming $14tn Assets to Drive National Prosperity

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has advised the federal government to untie Nigeria’s underperforming national assets to

drive the economy and enable its citizens to experience prosperity.

The NESG gave this advice yesterday, when its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tayo Aduloju and Chairman, Board of Media and

Publicity, NESG, Mr. Udeme Ufot, paid a courtesy visit to Arise News Group and THISDAY Newspapers to sensitise the media on the upcoming 30th Nigerian Economic Summit with the theme, “Collaborative Action

for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability.” They were welcomed by the Managing Director of THISDAY, Mr. Eniola Bello; THISDAY Ombudsman, Mr. Kayode Komolafe; Dr. Reuben

Abati of Arise News Channel’s ‘The Morning Show and the Director Engagements and Guests Liaison, Arise TV News, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale, amongst others. Bello, assured that the media chan-

nels would collaborate in publicising the NESG activities. Speaking during the visit, Aduloju emphasised that Nigeria needed

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www.thisdaylive.com

After Borno’s Flooding Catastrophe, FG

Gives

N3bn

Shettima reiterates resolve to partner states

Deji Elumoye,

to Each State to Tackle Disaster

Zulum: Maiduguri flood is devastating Akpabio, Abbas, minority caucus, others commiserate with VP, state government, victims

Following the devastating effect of the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the federal government has approved N3 billion for each state of the federation to tackle all forms of natural disasters. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who dropped hints about the develop-

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Obaseki: PDP May Not Sign Peace Accord Because Police Are Acting in APC’s Interest

ment, stressed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to partner the states towards addressing the challenges of flood and other natural disasters in the country. Shettima spoke yesterday in Abuja, when he received Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Party wants Wike’s REC associate withdrawn INEC to mop up uncollected PVCs Police to deploy 35,000 men, 8,000 others, arrest partisan supernumerary officer Obi mobilises support for Akpata in Benin HURIWA charges INEC on free, fair poll LP Asks NSA, EFCC to Probe Obi, Yesufu, itua ighodalo over Party's Campaign Funds...

Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hinted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the traditional Peace Accord today, ahead of the September 21 governorship poll, because the Nigeria Police, responsible for enforcing the accord, are already acting in the interest of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obaseki spoke when he received the chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), and former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Benin City, ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord today, September 12. The governor’s warning came as the chairman of PDP in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, raised the alarm over the alleged deployment of associates of former Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike,

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L-R: Sub Committee Chairman, Media and Communications, Nigerian Economic Summit 30th Anniversary, Mojisola Saka; Board Member, Nigerian Economic Summit Group,(NESG) Udeme Ufot; CEO, NESG, Dr. Tayo Aduloju; Managing Director, THISDAY Newspapers, Eniola Bello and Group Executive Director, THISDAY/Arise Media Ombudsman, Mr. Kayode Komolafe during NESG courtesy visit to THISDAY and Arise Management on its forthcoming 30th Anniversary at ArisePlay Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNfUYI

Tajudeen Abbas, who paid him a commiseration visit at State House

Michael Olugbode, Kuni Tyessi, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke in Abuja

WORLD BANK COUNTRY DIRECTOR VISITS VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA...

FG Assures on Tech Integration in Addressing Educational Challenges

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that the federal government would integrate technology into the nation’s educational infrastructure to address human capacity and resource challenges to improve learning outcomes.

He noted that with the evolving global technological landscape, the administration of President Bola Tinubu would harness all available opportunities to add value to the country.

Speaking yesterday, during a meeting with the World Bank Nigeria team at the State House, Abuja, Shettima assured that Tinubu was committed to driving change in the country.

He said: “Be rest assured that where there is a will, there is always a way. Change is a very painful percolation process. But I know we will get out of this very soon and be on the path of sustained growth."

The Vice President referenced India’s success in using Kyan smart class solutions to teach students in rural areas, suggesting that similar innovations could revolutionise

Nigeria's education system.

"In India, Kyan technology is used to teach 50,000 pupils in rural and impoverished areas. I believe technology will help us upgrade our education system significantly," he noted.

Shettima called for a holistic approach to education reform, including improving infrastructure, teacher training, and the implementation of technology.

According to him: "We need a comprehensive plan to address the gaps in our education system as quickly as possible. We must not allow these challenges to persist. The federal government is committed to making the necessary changes, but we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including state governors, to drive this transformation forward."

Earlier during their presentation titled, “Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity in Nigeria’s Human Capital,” the leader of the team and World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, outlined their focus on improving governance, health, and education across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal

Capital Territory (FCT).

The projects, HOPE – Governance, HOPE Primary Health Care and HOPE Basic Education, are part of a broader push to reform governance processes, primary healthcare and education, with an emphasis on human capital development.

"We are working to reinvigorate

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday said that a news report indicating that it had given the nod to the divestment deal between Shell and the Renaissance Consortium was baseless.

In a statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs and Corporate Communication of the NUPRC, Mrs Olaide Shonola, the upstream regulator urged stakeholders and the general public to ignore the report

governance, primary healthcare, and education facilities across the country," Diop said.

He added that all the HOPE series interdependent operations are result-based financing (programme for results), with results primarily at the sub-national levels.

One of the core components of

by the newspaper.

According to the report titled: “Boon for Nigeria as Shell’s $1.3bn Assets Sale Gets Regulatory Nod”, the NUPRC had endorsed the deal and is now awaiting the final ministerial consent by President Bola Tinubu, who doubles as the Minister of Petroleum.

“The attention of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been drawn to a publication in the Businessday of September 11, 2024, purporting that the commission has accepted

the initiative, he explained, was the use of technology to enhance service delivery, both in healthcare and education.

"Digital health tools will be vital in managing patient records and ensuring follow-up care. We're looking at leveraging the use of AI and other technologies to streamline

service delivery in underserved areas.

“The challenge is not just infrastructure but ensuring that skilled workers are in place to provide quality services. We need to reinvigorate our healthcare system and equip our teachers to ensure a better future for our children,” Diop further said.

“It must be firmly stated that the information contained in the publication did not emanate from the commission. As part of the commission's commitment to transparency and accountability, it will communicate its position on the transaction to the public at the appropriate time,” the statement stressed.

THISDAY reports that by purchasing all the shares in SPDC,

Ogun Expresses Readiness to Pay New Minimum Wage

James Sowole in

Ogun State Government yesterday expressed its readiness to pay new minimum wage.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during a meeting with the labour leaders yesterday said workers in the state, would soon smile as his administration is working towards implementing the new minimum wage.

He noted that workers have been instrumental in the rapid economic growth the state is witnessing.

He promised the union leaders that Ogun State would not take second place in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

He said: "On the new minimum wage, all hands are on deck working

assiduously, and I am sure that as always, we will not be number two in the implementation of the minimum wage. "I have told my team that we should roll up our sleeves; we should work as hard as we can without putting undue pressure on our people. We should be creative, more efficient, block loopholes, and increase our revenue so that we can afford to pay the new minimum wage comfortably, and by the grace of God, we will not be second in terms of implementation."

He pleaded for continued partnership from organised labour, emphasising that their cooperation has led to economic prosperity, as the state budget has increased from less than N400 billion at the inception

of the administration to the current N703 billion, with performance at 80 percent.

He added that the state is looking at a trillion Naira budget for next year's appropriation.

Governor Abiodun said he initiated the meeting as part of efforts to engage stakeholders involved in the movement of people to find solutions to the current situation caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

Abiodun, who took time to explain the intricacies of the oil sector, acknowledged that the current realities are the fallout of the federal government's decision, led by President Bola Tinubu, to reposition the nation's economy for sustainability, adding that as a responsible government, his

administration has put several measures in place to cushion the effects on the people.

"We have commenced the energy transition program by converting our mass transit buses to CNG and launching electric motorcycles and tricycles.

"Yesterday (Monday), we held a meeting with the transport unions. They demanded that we ramp up the availability of these alternative means of fueling transportation in the state and widen the scope because of the success they have recorded.

"The federal government is making rice available for us to sell at very subsidized prices to everybody. The federal government is also providing us with 500 CNG

Abiodun added.

The federal government, the governor continued, would send 20 CNG buses in the first instance to the state, while the state government would provide 100 CNG buses to transport unions in the state, saying that transportation costs are expected to be reduced by 50-80 percent as more people embrace electric motorcycles and CNG vehicles.

Abiodun attributed the current fuel scarcity to operational and financial issues, while the hike in prices is due to subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira.

“Industry stakeholders and the general public are advised to disregard the publication as it is baseless,” the statement by the NUPRC added. On January 16, 2024, Shell announced an agreement to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), to Renaissance – a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group.

The divestment of SPDC, the company said, aligned with Shell’s previously announced intent to exit onshore oil production in the Niger Delta and to focus future investment in Nigeria on our Deepwater and Integrated Gas positions.

Shell said it intends to remain a long-term partner of Nigeria, supporting the country’s growing energy needs and export ambitions in areas that are aligned with our strategy and where Shell has differentiated capability.

Renaissance is a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria – ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith – and the international energy group Petrolin.

Abeokuta

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: World Bank Operations Manager, Taimur Samad; New World Bank Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop and Vice President Kashim Shettima during the World Bank Director visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja ... yesterday

Town hall meeTing againsT price fixing...

R-L: Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Executive Commissioner of FCCPC(Op); Mr. Yinka Folami, NANTA President; Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Òjó, Iyaloja General of Nigeria; and Mr. Anoop Sharman, Managing Director PZ Company, at at a townhall meeting with captains of industries and market leaders hosted by FCCPC against price fixing in Lagos … yesterday

Cardoso: Banking Sector Key to Inclusive Growth

EFCC boss hints at prosecution of top bank officials over alleged financial fraud, others

James emejo in Abuja

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has said the banking sector remains a prime driver of inclusive growth in the country.

Also, the Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, said the commission would soon commence prosecution of top officials of banks over alleged financial crimes and other infractions.

Both spoke at the opening of the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference, with the theme, “Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play

and the Way Forward,” which was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja. Cardoso, who was represented by CBN Director, Risk Management Department, Dr. Blaise Ijebor, stressed that bankers are particularly critical stakeholders in the country’s development, and Africa by extension.

He pointed out that the industry’s decisions and actions have significant consequences on millions of Nigerians, and Africans at large.

The apex bank governor also commended the leadership of the CIBN for the opportunity to draw up an actionable framework to help move the country forward, especially

the aspiration to achieve the $1 trillion economy envisioned by Tinubu.

He said, “And our prayers are that this gathering will foster meaningful connection, spark innovative ideas, and pave the way for collaboration that drives progress and prosperity in Nigeria and across Africa.”

However, addressing the gathering, Olukoyede said, "So, in as much as we are ready to work with you to sanitise the system, we must also note that it is extremely important that when there is criminal infraction, penal sanctions be followed.

"I can tell you with every sense of humility that we will no longer fold our arms.

"Some of the major financial

fraud that has been carried out that looked like an onslaught against the economy was done through the banking industry."

He added, "And it's so sad that we have also compiled our documents and have made the necessary investigations and we are prepared to start it.

"Now, very soon you will see some banks being prosecuted, some top officials being prosecuted.

"We need to just do something drastic to bring everybody in line and to make us do the right thing.

"It's extremely important. In the system where there are no penal sanctions for criminal infractions, that system will never survive."

Emirates Hosts Travel Agents Ahead of Flight Resumption to Nigeria

chinedu eze

Middle East mega carrier, Emirates Airlines has hosted key travel agent stakeholders in a workshop to showcase its latest products and services, as it prepares to resume flight service to Nigeria.

The airline used the workshop to also provide destination update on Dubai, as it gears up to restart operations on October 1, 2024.

THISDAY learnt that with key travel agents in attendance, the workshop demonstrated the importance of Nigeria on the airline’s vast global network.

Through interactive sessions, Emirates familiarised attendees with the products and services that will

be available on the soon-to-resume flight to/from Lagos, empowering them to provide even better services to their customers.

The airline also highlighted its full-service offerings including gourmet and regionally-inspired dining, the award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, and the exceptional hospitality from its multinational Cabin Crew.

Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operator arm exhibited the curated holiday packages both to Dubai and other in-demand destinations such as the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and South Africa, in preparation to serve the expectedly travel demand from Nigeria.

Tinubu Rejoices with Etsu Nupe on 72nd Birthday, 21st Anniversary on Throne

Deji elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, as he clocks 72nd on Thursday, 12 September which also coincided with the monarch's 21st anniversary on the throne.

The president, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, recognised the strong and purposeful leadership of the Etsu Nupe as Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and his contributions to the traditional leadership institution and community development.

President Tinubu lauded the firstclass traditional ruler for supporting education and development initiatives

and facilitating healthcare projects in Nupe Kingdom.

The president also commended him for working for the stability of the country by promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation among different ethnic groups, not only in Niger State but also throughout Nigeria.

President Tinubu also noted the Etsu Nupe’s steadfastness in promoting interfaith harmony and understanding among different religious groups since he assumed his ancestors' throne more than two decades ago.

He urged the highly regarded monarch of the Nupe Kingdom to continue to foster national unity and development. The president wished the king good health and happiness as he celebrates the two events.

Attendees also heard from key stakeholders representing Destination Dubai, to provide a macro view at what travellers can expect when travelling to and through the UAE.

Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) representatives offered a closer look at the abundance of tourism and trade opportunities in Dubai; the Dubai Stopover Experience team highlighted some of the must-see attractions; the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) outlined the city as a leading medical tourism destination; and Dubai Visa Processing Centres provided a closer look at how to apply for UAE visas, both for tourists and those transiting the city.

The information-packed sessions at the Emirates Airline Travel Agency Workshop, the company said, demonstrates the airline’s commitment to reinstating seamless and premium

Multiple

travel between Nigeria, the UAE and beyond, powered by Emirates.

The Emirates Country Manager for Nigeria, Paulos Legesse, said: “Our travel agency partners are core to our success and we have built strong and prosperous relationships over the years, driving greater tourism and travel links between Nigeria, the UAE and beyond.

“ As we prepare to restart operations to Lagos, this workshop was essential not just to showcase our world-class product and service to these important partners, but also to hear from the wider industry on the latest services that will suit customer demand, enabling us to better tailor our offering in Nigeria.

“ We have exciting plans and can’t wait to add our industry-leading products and services to the Nigerian market from 1 October.”

Taxation:

The EFCC boss particularly challenged the CIBN to step up regulatory oversight of its members to adhere to the codes of professionalism to adequately complement the government's efforts in stimulating the economy.

The EFCC chairman said, stemming from the commission's experience with the investigation of crimes involving bankers, there was gross contempt for regulation that borders on impunity.

He said operators frequently devised means to circumvent regulations and rules in a desperate bid for higher yields.

He added, "Sharp practices such as forex round-tripping, defrauding of depositors through phantom charges and complicity in money laundering and illicit financial flows schemes involving politically exposed persons continue to undermine the integrity of the sector and by extension the nation's economy.

"I hope that you will all look at yourselves in the mirror and leave this place with a renewed commitment to professionalism and determination to provide services that will assist the nation's economy."

He said economic recovery policies, however well thought out, would not achieve the desired outcome without a buy-in by operators in the financial services sector, adding that where such operators prioritise profit over national growth and wellbeing, progress would remain elusive.

Olukoyede said the banking and finance sector was a crucial artery of the Nigerian economy, adding that its efficiency or otherwise has implications for the economy.

He said, "I am gratified that this event is coming at a time when Nigerians are clamouring for solutions to the nation's economic woes.

"Nigeria needs your skills, competencies and expertise to navigate this difficult phase in her journey to economic growth and prosperity. "The stability of our economy, currency and current inflationary pressures are sources of concern to all of us and the challenging situation calls for serious introspection to devise new solutions to help the nation's economic recovery process." Nonetheless, he said the EFCC remained committed to working with the institute in sanitising the financial services sector through robust enforcement of the anti-money laws and insulating it from attacks by cybercriminals both from within and without.

Also, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Bello Hassan, said given the challenges in the macroeconomic space, there was a “need for us to put our heads together so that we can provide solutions that will help our policymakers to get us out of these challenges.”

He said the NDIC would continue to thrive at ensuring confidence within the banking system, adding “without confidence, there will be no banking system”.

On his part, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, said the previous conference had recorded a positive impact on the economy.

He said among other things, the 2023 conference resolved that CBN should prioritise the building of an economic structure that would encourage inflows of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

He said, “We are glad to note some of the achievements of CBN in this regard: The CBN recorded a 136 percent increase in FX inflows in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year.

FG Constitutes 5-Man Joint Ministerial Panel to Resolve Harassment of Maritime Truck Owners

The federal government has constituted a 5-man joint ministerial committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy charged to mediate, address and proffer remedies to challenges faced by the Association of Maritime Truck Owners.

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, made this known Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation comprising the National Executive of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) at the Ministry in Abuja.

Alkali explained that the meeting and constitution of the joint committee became imperative following correspondence from the unions on their intent to embark on a nationwide strike due to unabated destruction of trucks, brutalization of truck drivers, illegal tariffs, amongst others by associations and groups.

He identified the crucial role the association plays in the affairs of the country, stating that transportation is the gateway of the nation’s economy, noting that the sector cannot succeed without the cooperation and collaboration of both unions.

The minister, on behalf of the government and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, called on AMATO and NARTO to

give room for dialogue.

On her part, a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), AMATO, Folake Soji-George, while presenting the union’s position stated that challenges faced by the association informed the unanimous decision of maritime trucking stakeholders to withdraw its services to press home their demand.

She disclosed that the maritime trucking community has for a protracted period being bedeviled with scourge of unabated destruction of its assets (trucks) brutalization of its drivers by a certain group which according to her has made operations become unbearable.

In his address, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO),

Chief Aloga Ogbogo stated that the body has highlighted the excessive towing practices by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and also raised concerns of increasing intimidation, harassment, brutalization and killings of truck drivers. He stated that these atrocities have become unbearable, negatively impacting their businesses and has hindered transporters from renewing their fleets, as their income is directly tied to turnaround time. The constituted committee consists of the Permanent Secretary of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi as chairman and his counterpart of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Adeleye Adeoye as co-chairman.

Kasim sumaina in Abuja

LET THERE BE PEACE...

Ensure Improved Crude Oil Production to 2.2m bpd, CDS Charges Troops

Fubara seeks more synergy to fight against oil theft

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy to ensure the improvement of crude oil production from 1.35 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.2 million barrels, before the end of December 2024.

This came as the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, called for more synergy from security operatives and other stakeholders to sustain the win against oil theft in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration of members of the Defence Joint Monitoring Team at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, Musa clarified that the essence of the taskforce was to ensure the security and production of crude

oil within the Niger Delta.

He urged the team to liaise with all security agencies and critical stakeholders in bringing oil bunkering and related crimes to a standstill in the Niger Delta region.

Musa, further explained that although the inaugurated team had already resumed operations in the Niger Delta, they were only being officially inaugurated to continue carrying out their assignments.

He said: “For the past weeks, we have been working to improve security and production of crude oil within the oil producing areas.

“Today's inauguration is to officially announce them to the public, but they have already started working for weeks now, and the essence is for them to see how they can assist in improving the performance of all the security agencies, all the stakeholders."

The CDS warned troops to be

careful of saboteurs of the country's assets, adding that any of them found wanting would be dealt with decisively.

"You are aware of the mandate of Mr. President, you must secure the oil producing areas; you must secure our oil facilities; you must ensure that the oil companies are able to produce maximally with a target of 2.2 million barrels per day between now and December, 2024.

"We want to encourage them not to support anyone out there that wants to sabotage these efforts, we are going to be very decisive about it and anyone caught would be prosecuted."

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Team, Major General JAL Jimoh, assured that his team would leave no stone unturned in engendering improved daily production of crude and surpassing the benchmark.

Meanwhile, Fubara, has assured the collaboration of the Rivers State Government with the federal government to curb the menace of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation in order to increase oil production in the country.

Fubara, disclosed this while addressing Musa and his team who paid a courtesy visit on the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The governor explained that a robust relationship and partnership already existed between the State government and Service Commanders in Rivers, which he said has positively paid off in the fight against pipeline vandalisation and oil theft.

He said saboteurs not only attempt

to disrupt the course of delivery of critical projects and good governance but extended it to create disaffection within the thriving business climate because they do not want to see anything good reckoned with his administration.

Fubara, stated that he was not deterred by those acts because there was a stronger determination to rewrite the story and ensure that Rivers people get the best while the national economy does not suffer by what happens in the State.

The governor restated his resolve to ensure that everything goes on well by providing the needed State government’s support that will contribute to increasing crude oil production.

In his speech at the Government House, Musa, said his visit was to assess the level of implementation of their directives towards achieving the mandate of President Bola Tinubu in securing the oil producing areas, ensure that crude oil production increases.

On the inauguration of the two committees, the Defense Joint Monitoring Team and the Defense Joint Intelligence Infusion Centre - Musa said the Infusion Centre was saddled with a responsibility to harmonise all the intelligence agencies together, gather all the information, whether it deals with oil production or other acts of criminality that will help in taking direct action to ensure that there is peace.

Infrastructure: ICRC to Issue Approval Certificates Within Seven Days

private-sector funding.

The Tropace Company, a globally recognised leader in beverage production has introduced its premium range of health and wellness teas to Nigerians living abroad.

According to a statement yesterday, the company launched two exceptional tea variants designed to enhance immunity, promote overall health, and support well-being.

“This development is a welcome addition for health-conscious Nigerians in the diaspora who are committed to maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

“The first variant, Tropace Hibiscus Immunity Tea, is a rich blend of Hibiscus, ginger, clove, and black pepper, specifically formulated to boost the immune system.

“This tea is a potent antioxidant and supports digestive health, offering a holistic approach to maintaining wellness.

“The second variant, Tropace Hibiscus Nursing Tea, is tailored for lactating mothers. This tea is designed to facilitate lactation, aid in weight management during the postpartum period, and support digestive health,” it added.

Furthermore, it noted that additionally, the tea serves as an antioxidant booster.

“Both tea variants are 100 percent organic, herbal, and caffeine-free,

with environmentally friendly packaging, including biodegradable tea bags and recycled plastic pouches.

“Each cup of Tropace Hibiscus tea offers a rich, vibrant taste that celebrates the Afrocentric culture from which the ingredients are sourced. The teas are more than just beverages; they are expertly crafted to provide the best health benefits while delivering a unique

Wale Igbintade Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), has dragged a private limited liability Company, Beracha Lubrications Nigeria Limited before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged failure to pay a debt of N,9,960,479,265

Joined as co-defendants in the debt recovery suit are, Sola Oluwadare, Osadare Edebisi Williams, and Kola Adesina who are all Directors, shareholders, and the alter egos of the company, Beracha Lubrications Nigeria Limited. AMCON in its statement of claim filed before the court by its counsel, Chineme Nweke, alleged that by virtue of customer bankers’ relationship that existed between Beracha Lubrica-

and lingering flavor experience,” it added.

Johnson Ivase, who heads Global Marketing and Public Relations for The Tropace Company, announced that these teas are currently available for purchase on Amazon and Walmart.com, making them accessible to Nigerians in the diaspora.

The teas are expected to launch in the Nigerian market soon.

tions Nigeria Limited Company and two legacy banks, Spring Bank Plc and Bank PHB Plc, the defendants applied and were availed various credit and overdraft facilities, in the total sum of $10,000,000 (Ten Million US Dollars) and N900,000,000 (nine hundred million Naira) respectively.

AMCON stated it made frantic and diligent efforts to contact the defendants who have clandestinely and deliberately evaded all spoken and written communications with AMCON or its recovery agent including service of demand notices which the defendants have stylishly evaded. AMCON further stated that the various facilities availed the 1st defendant were secured with a Vessel known and called the MT Oragreen. However, a search at the Nigerian

The Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, said the commission will henceforth issue the Outline Business Case (OBC) Certificate of Compliance and Full Business Case (FBC) Certificate of Compliance within seven days.

The move followed President Bola Tinubu's directive to the commission's boss, to accelerate investment in national infrastructure through innovative mobilisation of

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) revealed that the vessel has been deleted from the record of the agency because it has either lost its seaworthiness and used for scrap purposes or the owner does not fly the Nigerian flag again. Consequently, the vessel cannot be traced.

Also used as security for the loan is the property situate at Plot 1b, Block104, Peninsula Residential Scheme, Eti-Osa Local Government, Lagos State

However, AMCON alleged further that investigation conducted by its officials on the property revealed that the property was fraudulently used as collateral by one of the defendants without the consent of the rightful owner to wit: one Mr. Akintayo Abiodun Sokunbi.

The president also charged him to work assiduously to boost infrastructure development in the country as part of the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration.

In line with Tinubu's order, the ICRC has therefore, streamlined the approval processes to issue its certificates of compliance within the specified period.

Ewalefoh said the development will accelerate the turnaround time for approvals by the commission.

In a statement by ICRC's acting

AMCON stated that as at December 2022, the defendants’ total indebtedness to the plaintiff inclusive of the accrued interest is a whopping sum of N9,960,479,265.07 (nine billion, nine hundred and sixty million four hundred and seventy-nine thousand two hundred and sixty-five naira, seven kobo only).

Wherefore, the AMCON's claims severally and jointly against the Defendant are as follows: “Payment of the sum of N9,960,479,265.07 (nine billion, nine hundred and sixty million four hundred and seventy-nine thousand two hundred and two hundred sixty-five naira, seven kobo only) being the outstanding indebtedness of the Defendants to the Plaintiff as at December 2022.

‘’Interest on the principal sum at the

Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwoko, the ICRC DG said, "This is part of efforts by the current administration to accelerate infrastructure development, bridge the infrastructure gaps and stimulate the economy through investment of private sector funds in Public Private Partnership endeavours.

“By streamlining our processes, the commission is in no way foregoing any of its stringent approval steps or key requirements, therefore, only business cases that are viable, bankable, offer value for money and meet all other requirements will be approved."

He said, “The ICRC cannot do it alone, therefore, I implore all chief executives of MDAs to match our momentum and align with this charge of Mr. President to accelerate Infrastructure development and ensure that PPP projects are not stalled at any point but delivered within record time.

“The commission is ready to partner and collaborate with all MDAs to actualize this."

In August, the commission rolled out a six-point policy direction which among other things, focused on accelerating PPP processes, boosting inter-agency collaboration and ensuring innovative financing.

The ICRC was established to regulate Public Private Partnership (PPP) endeavours of the federal government aimed at addressing the country's physical infrastructure deficit which hampers economic development.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

James Emejo in Abuja

Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC) and former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (L) with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, Edo State... yesterday

Inaugural US-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue Holds in Washington, DC

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United States Department of State is hosting the inaugural US -Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue in Washington, DC.

According to a statement by the United States Embassy, the meeting was being hosted on between September 11th and 12th and a senior delegation from the Nigerian government is led by the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo.

The statement read: “Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt, will lead the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue in Washington,

as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state.

But Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said plans had been made to mop up some of the uncollected Permanent Voter Cards across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. Yakubu added that there were 2.6 million registered voters in the off-cycle election.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, disclosed that 35,000 police officers would be deployed to provide security for the Edo governorship election.

The police also disclosed that they had apprehended a supernumerary police officer, following his unbridled display of partisanship in the ongoing campaign for the governorship election.

Nevertheless, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, joined other members of the party in Benin City to mobilise support for the party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) urged INEC to ensure that the election

following the devastating floods.

He said the financial support was to give the subnational governments a sense of belonging.

The vice president described the Borno flood disaster as a national calamity that befell not just the state but the entire country.

He stated, “It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy. From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences.”

Shettima assured the people that with the zeal and willingness demonstrated by Tinubu, the issue of flooding and other challenges in the states would soon be addressed.

According to him, “The president has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner the states towards addressing these issues.

“Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”

The vice president commended Abbas for his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly,” saying despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.

He said, “There is a lot of stability in the House of Representatives, and we have to commend you for providing that leadership. We wish you well and, Insha Allah, you are one of the fulcrums of our democratic journey.

“A harmonious relationship among the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is very essential to sustain democracy in Nigeria.

“Once again, thank you most sincerely on behalf of the president, the government and people of Borno for your show of empathy and support.”

Abbas expressed his commiseration to the vice president, the president,

DC on September 11-12, hosting a senior delegation from the Nigerian government led by the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo.

“In addition to Assistant Secretary Pyatt, the United States’ delegation will include senior officials from the Bureau of African Affairs, the Office of the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, USAID’s Power Africa, the Department of Energy, the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the Export-Import Bank (EXIM).

“The dialogue will also include a public-private discussion hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to

was conducted peacefully, and in a free and fair atmosphere, devoid of rigging or malpractices.

Obaseki had in a statement on September 10, which he personally signed, alleged that since the commencement of the electioneering process in the state, the steps taken by the police had shown that they were one-sided.

During his interaction with Abubakar, the governor reiterated his worry that the police, under the alleged manipulation of APC, had arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains, perceived to be strong political opposition to them in the coming election.

Obaseki said those arrested included the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun, who was arrested and whisked to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He stated that upon learning of the council chairman’s arrest, he reached out to Edo State Commissioner of Police, and asked that due process be followed and that the matter be handled within the state’s jurisdiction.

Obaseki said the directive was flouted, directly undermining his authority as Chief Security Officer

the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that the National Assembly would provide support for the affected community.

He said, “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected. We are very sorry, Your Excellency, for what happened. We share your pains; we share your concerns; we are together in this from the beginning to the end.

“Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood.

“Thank you, Your Excellency; please, convey our sincere concerns to the governor and to the people of Borno State.”

Zulum: Maiduguri Flood is Devastating

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, after visiting camps where victims of Monday’s flood in Maiduguri were camped, said the situation was devastating.

According to statement by the Press Unit of Borno State Government House, in all the places he visited, Zulum sympathised with the victims and assured them of proper care until the water receded and people returned to their houses.

He said: “I am disturbed by the calamity that befell us on Monday, resulting from the increased volume. We are doing everything possible to provide relief to our people.

“We will provide all the necessary relief support to you, and we will ensure you return to your houses as soon as the situation improves for the best.”

The statement said in the last couple of days, many states in the northeast have experienced flood disasters this year which have been attributed to

deepen private sector partnerships and investments between the United States and Nigeria.”

According to the statement, throughout the dialogue, U.S. and Nigerian officials would discuss opportunities to expand cooperation on improving energy security and access, decarbonisation of the oil and gas sector, and accelerating the energy transition.

“They will also engage in strategies to enhance Nigeria’s power sector, including electricity production and distribution.

“The dialogue will advance bilateral cooperation on key State Department energy initiatives such as the Foundational Infrastructure for

(CSO) of the state. The governor also stated that the PDP chairman had also written two petitions to the IGP over the harassment of the party leaders, which had not been attended to.

Obaseki, therefore, queried how his party would enter into a peace accord with an umpire who, from the onset, had shown bias in favour to one of the parties in the election. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the PDP chieftains arrested in gestapo style. He stated that if the PDP leaders were legally arrested, they should be charged to court in Benin City to answer for whatever infractions they were alleged to have committed.

The governor told Abubakar and his team, “You are very conversant with the politics of Edo State. You were here in 2020 and we had a very heated election. You know this is an off-cycle election and there is a lot of attention.

“Unlike 2020, I am very worried with the developments in the state today. The party met yesterday and we might not likely sign this agreement.

“This is the first time we are witnessing that the person who is supposed to keep and enforce

the high volume of rainfall.

It added that areas in Chad and Cameroon Republics that are prone to flooding share border with communities in Borno State.

Akpabio, Minority Caucus Sympathise with Victims

As more prominent Nigerians continued to show solidarity with the government of Borno State and those affected by Saturday’s flood disaster, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Minority Caucus of the Red Chamber, through their leader, Senator Abba Moro, yesterday, expressed sadness over the incident

transparency on the state of its revenue, assets and liabilities.

According to him, Nigeria needs to attain oil production that is above two million barrels per day to stabilise its economy.

He added: “On the assets side, Nigeria has $14 trillion in assets. As I keep saying to people, if we all belong in one family and our father just died and left $14 trillion worth of assets, and might have borrowed maybe $100 billion. One of us might figure out how to pay the liabilities and continue to enjoy the prosperity of the inheritance.

“That is the problem with Nigeria. Our (Nigeria’s) assets are not firing. Most of our assets are underperforming their potential because they are gridlocked in policies, legislations, political and sometimes vested interests constraints. The key is to unlock these constraints.

“When I got into government under late President Musa Yar’Adua’s administration that reversed the sale of the refineries, which I do not know whether there is wisdom in it because we are back to whether to sell the refineries or not decades later.”

He argued that half of the discus-

Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST), Women in Energy, and the Clean Energy Demand Initiative (CEDI),” the statement revealed.

It added: “Additionally, participants will engage in promoting progress on U.S. government initiatives like Power Africa, which aims to increase electricity access and promote energy, investment in sub-Saharan Africa, USAID’s Gas Flare Program, and the Department of Energy’s Net Zero World.”

It added that: “Understanding the fundamental role the private sector plays in meeting our bilateral energy and climate goals, this dialogue aims to foster enhanced

the peace accord is now an active participant in creating a destructive environment.

“The opposition party in the state, the APC, has always argued that they may not be as popular and didn't win in the last election, but promised to use federal might to determine the outcome of the election.

“We thought it’s just rhetoric, but in the last four weeks, we've had a situation where from the office of the IGP, armed gang policemen have come into Edo State to invade, arrest and take away PDP members.

“As we speak, there are 10 PDP members arrested and detained in Abuja without trial. Two days ago, they came to pick up a local government chairman.”

Explaining Aigbogun’s arrest, Obaseki said, “The chairman was going back home and was attacked and shot at. We reported and the police asked him to come and give evidence. He came and was arrested.

As I speak, he is in Abuja.

“Even if an offence has been committed in Edo State, why will you not charge the offenders and try them here in the state? Why take them to Abuja? Are the offences of high treason? Why not charge them

that occurred in Borno and parts of Bauchi State.

The floods led to the death of many people and destruction of properties.

Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, condoled with the governments of both states.

He said in the statement, “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods due to this unprecedented natural disaster. We pray for the souls of the departed and offer our support to those struggling to cope with the aftermath.

sions on Nigeria’s assets are political.

“Power and some of our critical assets did not perform because those we gave them to were part of our patrimonial political culture.

“Any time we give assets to those who are committed to moving them forward for their interests, things go well like in the telecoms reform,” he said.

Aduloju said the first challenge in the Nigerian oil and gas sector was that the country has continued to play games with a sector that it knew could do better.

According to him, it requires political elite consensus anywhere in the world that the game was over and the time to sanitise the industry has come for the oil and gas sector to be competitive.

Aduloju, also argued that the removal of the petrol subsidy should not be seen as a policy but as one of the ways the government tried to achieve fiscal balancing.

He said: “I cringe when people say that subsidy removal is a policy. It cannot be policy. It is a government action that is a symptom of a different problem.”

He said Nigeria has gone through

collaboration between the U.S. and Nigerian private sectors, creating new opportunities for American and Nigerian businesses and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the energy sectors in both countries, to deliver shared prosperity to the Nigerian and American people.

“The Dialogue is a key outcome of a series of successful bilateral engagements, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Nigeria in January 2024, Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell’s meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar during the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission in April, and Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed

to court?

“The IGP’s office came in, issued a warrant to arrest 60 PDP supporters, driving all our leaders into hiding. My role as Chief Security Officer of the state is being made nonsense of by the IGP.”

The governor added, “I heard somebody was arrested and I called the commissioner to inform him. He said he will come back to me only to hear that he moved the person to Abuja. Tell me, sir, how can we sign a peace accord in this situation?

“Clearly, what they are saying is that it's going to be a violent election and that they are going to use the forces of coercion and intimidation to win elections in Edo, whether we like it or not. That is the message.

“Now that the IGP is in town, we say until everybody arrested is brought back to Edo, and to be tried here in Edo for whatever offences they have committed, we have no confidence that the police will protect us in Edo State during the governorship election.”

On his part, Aziegbemi stated that the Edo State REC, Anugbum Onuoha, was Special Adviser on Lands to Wike while he served as governor.

The state PDP chairman added that the Edo Commissioner of Police (CP), Nemi Edwin-Iwo, another close associate of Wike, was deployed to the state barely a month ago.

He stressed that the close link between the two key officials and the minister meant that the election might have been compromised even before it commenced.

Aziegbemi explained, “We are worried that the election may have been compromised even before it starts.

This is because we are certain that the officials responsible for conducting a free, fair and credible election are close associates of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

“The INEC REC in Edo is Wike’s cousin and served as Special Adviser on Lands to him in Rivers State.

four patterns of subsidy implementation in the past 50 years, which included fathom subsidy payments created by the military regimes. This, according to him, was succeeded by paying for subsidies from government savings, which ran between 1999 and 2010.

But from 2011 to 2014, Nigeria was managing subsidies as the first charge on its revenue but entered into deficit financing of subsidies between 2015 and 2023, he said.

But in May 2023 a new president came and declared that the subsidy regime was gone after looking at the poor state of the country’s balance sheet.

“I think subsidy removal is a bad language to describe fiscal balancing or disciplining. I think the proper thing is that there has been poor fiscal discipline in the oil and gas sector and it has created unintended consequences for a subsidised product.

“So, what must we tweak in the country’s balance sheet to still do subsidy and balance things out?

It is up for debate. If Nigeria can find other ways to generate liquidity other than subsidy removal it can continue with subsidies and solve

was

Everyone in Nigeria knows the antecedents of Wike and his conduct during elections in Rivers State. So, we will not close our eyes and watch him deploy the same tactic in Edo State.

“The current Edo State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, is also a close associate of Wike. We believe he would not act in the best interest of Edo people nor even in the spirit and letters of the Electoral Act.

“So, it is no wonder that the police have been acting arbitrarily in the run up to the election. They have been after members and leaders of the PDP in the last few weeks, as a rogue team has been hounding, arresting and whisking PDP leaders away to Abuja in a gestapo style. So, for us, the precedent has been set and we will not sit and watch these men cause chaos in the state in pursuit of personal vendetta.”

‘IGP

Has No Power to Suspend Edo Corps’

Edo State Government yesterday said the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had no constitutional power to suspend the Edo Security Corps, as it was a creation of the Edo State House of Assembly.

The IGP had at the INEC stakeholders’ meeting announced that the outfit had been suspended ahead of the September 21 governorship election. But, in a statement, Obaseki’s media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, said, “The Edo State government insists that the ESC is a body set up by law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“This is tantamount to the IGP disbanding the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Operation Amotekun, ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State billed for next month.” Osagie added that in the interest of peace in the state, Obaseki had

FG Moves to Make Land Assets Economically Viable, Set to Grow Titling to 50%

Dangiwa says more than 90% of land in Nigeria unregistered

addeh

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the World Bank Group yesterday resolved to work together towards addressing the 90 per cent of land in Nigeria that is unregistered and untitled.

The move, the ministry said, is aimed at making the nation's vast land assets more economically viable and unlocking the over $300 billion in dead capital tied up in such undocumented land.

This was the outcome of a visit on the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa by a delegation of the World Bank led by its Vice President (Infrastructure), Guangzhe Chen in Abuja.

One of the areas of the collaboration agreed on during the meeting, according to a statement, was the National Land Registration and Titling Programme in partnership with the state governments.

"This is very important to our government as over 90 per cent of land in our country is unregistered and untitled. Experts estimate a dead

capital of over $300 billion.

"Through this initiative that we plan to implement with the World Bank, we aim to, amongst other objectives, register, document and title all land parcels within five years; develop and launch a National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS) and define a framework that makes it accessible to all stakeholders.

IACE Holds National Summit in Abuja, Wants Ethics of Cost Appraisal Upheld

emmanuel

The Institute of Appraisers and Cost Engineers (IACE) has held its National Technical Conference in Abuja, with a directive to members to uphold the ethics of the critical segment of the engineering profession.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the organisation, Ike Iwenofu, stated that the institute has the mandate to promote the practice of engineering valuation, cost engineering and engineering economy in Nigeria.

Over the years, he stated that quackery, professional misconduct and unethical practices, among others, had been the bane of the group's activities as professionals.

Michael olugbode in Abuja

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has celebrated with her Executive Director, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, on the prestigious honour of the 2024 Wallenberg Medal.

Bassey is the first Nigerian and the fifth African to have received the award. He joins the ranks of other giants like South Africa’s Helen Suzman (1992), Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2008), Rwanda’s Paul Rusesabagina (2005), and Congo’s Denis Mukwege (2010).

Bassey's long list of accomplishments was celebrated as he accepted this prestigious recognition.

According to a statement on Wednesday by HOMEF, the award took place on 10 September 2024, at the Ross School of Business Robertson Auditorium, at the University of Michigan.

The Wallenberg Medal is a tribute to outstanding humanitarians who have gone above and beyond to protect the vulnerable and oppressed, much like Raoul

The theme of the Conference:

“Sustainability and Ethical Practices in Appraisal, Cost Engineering and Engineering Economy,” he said, was therefore apt as the organisation seeks to address the challenging issues of professional integrity and conduct, responsibility and accountability.

According to Iwenofu, ethical practices, quality assurance, collaboration and communication with stakeholders among members of the profession must be assured by the IACE.

“We shall explore all avenues to promote ethical, professional conduct, competence and dignity in our operations.

“ As an institute, we have

Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during World War II, whom the award was named after.

At the occasion, the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Urban Ahlin, extolled the virtues of Raoul Wallenberg and enjoined the audience to dedicate their lives to the cause of humanity so that they may be remembered just as Wallenberg was being recognized. Other speakers included the Chair of the awards committee, Professor Sioban Harlow and the provost of the university, Professor Laurie McCauley. In his acceptance speech and lecture titled: “We Are Relatives,” Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, stressed “love, humility, dignity, and respect” as core to his vision of “a livable future for all Hebeings.” stated that “as an environmental justice advocate whose work has been based on the understanding the polycrisis confronting us, we have a duty to always seek to uncover the roots of the crises rather than treating the symptoms.”

continued to engage our members through capacity building, networking opportunities, strategic partnerships to foster collaboration with international and local organisations aimed at expanding our reach and impact in strict compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance our efficiency and capacity to remain relevant and competitive in a dynamic environment,” he said.

He requested members to conform to ethical standards and professional conduct expected of the group, as erring members shall be disciplined accordingly.

“In furtherance to this development, we have forwarded

memoranda to Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) on the need to harness the potentials of engineers in valuation practice.

“The institute shall soon embark on massive advocacy, seminars, partnerships and collaborations, awareness and sensitisation etc. to actualise this promising career path for engineers,” the IACE added.

The Chairman of the occasion was NSE President, Margaret Oguntala, while the guest speaker was Dr. Wilson Alli.

In a separate communiqué, the conference reaffirmed that valuation is a multi-disciplinary activity and recognised the three main classes of assets usually encountered in valuation.

He said: “Seeking out those roots helps us avoid superficial responses and pursue real solutions, some of which may be unattainable in our lifetimes. One of our key struggles has been understanding the mindset that permits inequalities in our societies.

“The mindset that elevates might over care and love. The mindset that promotes the individual rather than the community. The mindset that refuses to understand that we are relatives.

“The mindset that grabs, trashes, and feeds on the misery of others. The mindset that permits environmental racism.

“Understanding the roots of polycrisis helps us to see the phenomenon of expanding sacrifice zones in our world today. It also placed on us the duty of standing with the oppressed to halt the expansion of sacrifice zones in Nigeria, in Africa, and elsewhere by seeking to overcome the energy and other hegemonic transitions that sacrifice nature and are driven by colonial extractivism built on embedded geopolitical power imbalances.”

He named them as: Real estate, property, plant and equipment and business and emphasised that property, plant and equipment remains the main thrust of engineering valuation.

“We will further increase the formalisation of land transactions from less than 10 per cent to over 50 per cent in the next 10 years and train and deploy technically competent land registration officers nationwide," he said.

The minister added that land registration and titling will open up sources of revenue for the states which can boost their income through ground rent, Certificates of Occupancy, and taxes accruing from increased investments in real estate.

He further said that such funds can be used to provide urban services in the states which can help minimise the effect of climate change across cities in Nigeria.

He added: "We have examples from states which have implemented proper land registration systems using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Kaduna and Nasarawa are two good examples. These states have not only been able to significantly improve land registrations, but have also generated huge revenues in the process,"

Addressing the issue of Urban Liveability, which he said is another area of common interest, Dangiwa noted that implementation of the approved National Urban Development Policy was a key priority of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“We have to create the necessary frameworks towards an effective, impactful and sustainable implementation towards improving the management of our urban areas and improving service delivery, saying that the World Bank’s Technical Capacity in the area will be highly needed.

"The third focus area is the development of a framework

towards addressing the systemic barriers along the housing value chain. Doing this will help us to enhance private, affordable housing investments," he added.

Citing the recent flooding in Maiduguri which left more than 200,000 people displaced, the minister said the need to invest in urban resilience had become more evident in recent times following rapid climate change and the susceptibility of many Nigerian urban centres to its impact.

Speaking earlier, the World Bank Vice President of Infrastructure, Chen, said the purpose of the visit was to identify areas of common interests which they can prioritise in their collaboration with the ministry. He disclosed that the Bank was open to supporting Nigeria on land administration, affordable housing, sustainable financing mechanisms, addressing the impact of climate change on the urban sector, and engaging in urban land management towards the attainment of liveable cities, digitisation, among others "We have developed some models and worked with some countries in West and Central Africa on urban liveability and resilience, and these models can be reviewed and replicated in Nigeria," he said. He added that the World Bank was open to providing financing and technical support to the ministry to help the government achieve its housing and urban agenda.

Also on the delegation was the Country Director of the World Bank, Ndiame Diop, who gave the assurance that the priorities outlined will be looked at by both teams, fine-tuned, and developed into comprehensive programmes.

In his closing remarks, the

We Will Not Tolerate Abuse of Office, PSC Tells Police Officers

linus aleke in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC), yesterday, said it will no longer condone serious abuse of office by serving officers, warning serving police officers to stay clear of civil matters and allow the courts do their duties.

Commission chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, further warned that serving police officers who are caught meddling in civil matters such as land, rent and marital disputations will henceforth be sanctioned and their promotions suspended.

Argungu spoke when he received in audience a delegation from the Justice Research Institute led by Ade Ipaye and assured he will run a transparent, open and corrupt free

administration in the commission, stressing that all funds received by the commission and spent must be accounted for.

According to him, "I will never spare thieves wherever I am. We are here to assist the government fight corruption. I come to work before 8am and I am the last person to leave the office.

“That is leadership. I have not changed and will never change; I know that leadership is everything. My mandate is not to come here to embezzle money. I must ensure transparency and openness and I will fight to the last."

Argungu assured the visiting team that the commission will partner them in the area of training so that staff of the commission will be exposed to local and international trainings.

Mr. Ipaye said they were in the commission to assist drive its constitutional mandate to improve the workings of the police. He said they will provide opportunities for the staff of the commission to be trained to understand their role as a supervisory body of the Nigeria Police Force.

"We will ensure that the PSC is trained and the staff are good enough to discharge its statutory disciplinary functions," he said.

A statement by Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the chairman had earlier announced the setting up of a Joint Oversight of Recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force. This he said is to ensure a seamless and transparent recruitment process.

addeh in Abuja

emmanuel

in Abuja

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Lamido: Nigeria’s Problem is Not with the Constitution But the Operators

Former Governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, in this interview with Chuks Okocha speaks on salient national issues stressing that there is no problem with the 1999 constitution but the operators of the 25 year-old ground norm.

Do we actually need a new constitution or strict constitutional operation?

A - If you see a smoke from the chimney and it is blocking the entire environment, and it is very black and you are choking from the smoke, what you have to do is to find out where the smoke is coming out from. Don’t blame the chimney, calm down and find out the source of the smoke. Find out the problem and deal with it. The symptoms are only a manifestation of something that has gone wrong.

Why do you blame the constitution? The constitution does not reason like human beings. It cannot contain every solution to your problems. It is supposed to guide you and not solve your own problems.

The people who are supposed to observe it are Nigerians. Now tell me who is doing the right thing in Nigeria: From the motor parks, to the schools to the banks. So why are we running away from our own shadow. So, no matter what you write as a constitution, so long as the operation is subverted, it can’t work. Look at the country, people are fighting each other: in the Southeast, Southwest, South south, Northeast, Northwest, people are fighting each other. Clans are fighting each other, anywhere you go, people are fighting each other. Is it the constitution or because of the constitution?

It is not the constitution; it is the operation of the constitution. There is no perfect human being or perfect constitution but people become good through the way they are managed. So we cannot run away from our shadows. No matter how fast you run, your shadow will follow you.

Don’t you think that changing from the Presidential to the parliamentary will solve the problem of the country?

Both the presidential and parliamentary systems are all alien to us, they are all imported. Nothing there is original. We imported it from other cultures so if we fail to operate it like the cultures from where we imported them, then we should not blame anybody. It is not indigenous.

Don’t you think that it is because it is not indigenous that people are saying that it should be discarded?

Then if we want to go to the old system, then declare the Ooni the Head of the West, Sultan of Sokoto the head of the north, the Shehu of Borno the head of the Borno Empire, declare the head of the Jukun, the head of the Kwarafa kingdom.

As I said earlier, the problems are not in the constitution but we the operators. There is something fundamentally wrong with the implications of our various constitution.

Second, I align with the views expressed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the core problem facing Nigeria is not necessarily the constitution or the tenure of office. The crux of our challenges lies in the attitude and character of those who operate the constitution.

How will you describe the recent #EndBadGovernance protest? Do you see it primarily as planned for regime change as people have claimed?

The problems are all parts of the Nigerian contradictions; they are all the problems within us. How do we lead ourselves, how do we believe in ourselves, how do we govern ourselves? And where there is failure, there will be protest.

In practical terms how do we solve the problems?

It should be solved holistically, you don’t solve problems in isolation. Why was there protest in the first instance? The work of government is not to give palliatives, the work of government is to develop an environment where people will be able to earn a living on their own. End

insecurity and people will be able to unleash their potentials.

The work of government is not giving palliatives, it is simply destroying the dignity of the people. By giving them palliatives, you are destroying their capacity and ability and making them more dependent.

By that, government becomes more condescending. Palliative is a temporary phenomenon to solve a problem that is not human made like flood, draught, fire, earth quake or other hazards which are made by nature.

For how long will government continue to give palliatives?

The Nigerian problem is not something caused by nature like draught, earth quake or fire. You stock a warehouse where there is hardship, misery, hunger and food are locked up there.

So why do you open the door of that misery, of that agony where misery and hunger are locked up perpetually?

So palliative is not part of government duty at all. Palliative is giving only to people that natural disaster has destroyed their livelihood, their business. But in Nigeria, giving of palliative is deliberate, it is a weapon to make the people dependent on the system. Create the necessary environment and there would be development. If the necessary environment is created, no one will need any so-called palliative.

How would you react to the comments by former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande who was the pioneer national chairman of APC that the party is the dormant party that could win the presidential election without any alliance

Recently at a function in Abuja, former Governor of Osun State and Ex-Chairman of APC His Excellency, Bisi Akande made some

Look at the country, people are fighting each other: in the Southeast, Southwest, South south, Northeast, Northwest, people are fighting each other. Clans are fighting each other, anywhere you go, people are fighting each other. Is it the constitution or because of the constitution? It is not the constitution; it is the operation of the constitution. There is no perfect human being or perfect constitution but people become good through the way they are managed. So we cannot run away from our shadows. No matter how fast you run, your shadow will follow you.

very unkind, disparaging and discourteous remark on my beloved party, the PDP. I have made every effort to suppress the urge to respond to him hoping and believing that the NWC of the PDP or at least its National Publicity Secretary will stand up and give Chief Akande an adequate reply in equal measure. But having heard nothing yet from my Party, I can no longer suppress this urge to respond to Chief Akande in my personal capacity.

Let me take Chief Akande down the memory lane of PDP history from 1999 to early 2014 before the birth of his party, the APC. If you look at all the results of the Presidential elections of 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011, one could see that at each election the results scored by the PDP are more than that of all the other political parties put together!

From the above statistics, it is clearly obvious that whatever arrangements put by whatever alliance and by whatever nomenclature named, APC or whatever, the outcome will not change or threaten the dominance of the PDP in any future election more so that of 2014. Baba Akande must have known this as an indisputable fact because he was mentally alert at that time.

So when the APC alliance or contraption was formed in 2014, anybody with ordinary common sense knew that it was a barren woman who could not conceive unless it is fertilized by special seed! This much is a very undisputed fact!

The major task then before the desperate barren APC after formation/contraption was how to woo and elope with any seed that could fertilize it. Of course this period coincided with the then ‘Civil War’ in the PDP! In this desperation, the APC took in the PDP seed which it had all along disparaged and ‘evilized’ to no end. Bisi and co called PDP ‘looters, Boko Haram, a plague’ and everything unimaginable! As God will have it, it is this ‘evil’ that gave birth to what catapulted Chief Bisi Akande from an obscure local little AC/ACN into national limelight.

Lamido

SABIU GAYA contends that there is no basis for negotiation with Zhongfu International Investment FXE

AMOSUN, ZHONGFU AND DUE PROCESS

Since the news broke that a Chinese firm, Zhongfu Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, tried, though unsuccessfully, to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through subterfuge because of an unfinished business deal between the company and Ogun State Government, there have been consistent debates over whether the behaviour of the firm was right or a mere abuse of international power.

Of course, the botched business has also brought out former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, from his cocoon. This is expected because the deal between the company and Ogun State was sealed in 2007, while Amosun was in office as Governor. But, sadly, the seeming colonisation hangover appears to have affected our sense of judgment so much that many are already pointing fingers at the former governor without interrogating the merits of the issue.

In reality, the main issue has to do with a business dispute between two Chinese nationals and corporations, which degenerated into an unlawful attempt to appropriate Nigeria’s sovereign assets.

Nigeria as a country should also think twice before giving Zhongfu International Investment FXE any listening ear because doing so would amount to indulging and encouraging an unlawful entity without locus standi to appropriate our common patrimony.

Commendably, the federal government had acted quickly and wisely by addressing the issues and establishing how the company in question wanted to fraudulently strip Nigeria’s assets abroad.

This article is not intended to apportion blame but to achieve two things; charge Nigerians to be bold enough on issues involving foreign nationals and Nigerians, and to commend the federal government and Senator Amosun for speaking up when and where necessary.

With this, Amosun has shown that he is a courageous leader. Before opting for politics, the former Ogun State Governor had reached the peak in his accounting profession without any blemish. He has also fared well in politics, where he has since served as Governor and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Available documents on the agreement showed that the management of the Chinese firm denigrated the state and the former governor and assumed they could get away with any claim.

Reading through Amosun’s reaction captioned: ‘Presidential Jets Seizure: Zhongfu Firm Is An Impostor, It’s Chinese Against Chinese Dispute’ gave me goosebumps. In the short reaction, the former governor came out clean by speaking to facts, dates and figures.

First, as a leader that believes in collective responsibility and sees government as a continuum, Amosun aligned with both the federal and state governments. He stated that the various segments of events leading to this unfortunate situation occurred before, during and after his administration.

According to the statement, shortly after Amosun’s administration assumed office on May 29, 2011, two different sets of Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to Management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ). The business dispute and rivalry between the Chinese concerns soon became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety with-

in the Zone and neighboring communities.

The former governor pointed out that there were claims and counter claims as to who between the two was the lawful representative of the original joint venturer, Guangdong Province, China and consequentially who had the right to manage the Zone.

Zhongfu International Investment FXE, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and Zone stakeholder, volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official representatives of Guangdong Province, the Joint Venturer and lawful Zone Managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Managers.

Based on the information at the disposal of Ogun State Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was said to have on March 15, 2012 appointed as Interim Zone Manager pending further evaluation. The whole idea was to ensure that someone was in charge and thereby prevent unwholesome and untoward development in the Zone pending the completion of the fact-finding exercise by the state government.

It was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu International Investment FXE against China Africa Investment FXE were tissues of lies. Unknown to the Ogun State Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously convert the state-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival. The deceit was further discovered - much later - through the intervention of the Chinese Government via Diplomatic Note 1601, dated 11 March, 2016.

The Government of the People's Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated 11th March, 2016 clarified to the Ogun State government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of government, the state government gave effect to the request of the Chinese government.

Records have since shown that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights. They lost all their four cases in court. Sadly, nobody has cared to ask questions over all these. Besides, further developments and findings have revealed that the state government didn’t act alone as effort was made early enough to consult with and seek advice from the State Security Service and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way forward.

Gaya, educationist and public policy analyst, writes from Kano

Africa must inspire and fund inventions by women, argues OKELLO OCULI

EDUCATION

‘’Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it’’. That call to war by Franz Fanon is cited by many. It would almost certainly provoke makers of history in fields ranging from politics, academia, manufacturing to diplomacy.

Fanon had just come from transiting from being a medical student from the island of Martinique in the Caribbean, to serving as a medical doctors in a French army with a mission to slaughter ‘’dirty Arabs’’ fighting for Algeria’s UHURU; to joining as a fighter and diplomat for Algeria. In his biography ‘’obscurity’’ had travelled from a speck of land floating on a vast Caribbean Ocean via Paris’ medical wards to a free Algeria’s share of the Sahara Desert.

As I beheld the last runner in an American women’s relay team on the final evening of ‘’Olympic Paris 2024’’, I could not help wondering if Fanon’s words propelled her forward with each slapping of that earth. She was so far away from those labouring to fulfil their own ambitions that a television viewer sprung up spontaneously to celebrate her grab for a destiny fulfilled.

There are those who blame America for contaminating the rest of the world with racial prejudice against Africans. Under that hostile umbrella hid hunters for wealth from Denmark, Sweden, Portugal and other European lands that hauled African people in centuries of ‘’human trafficking’’ (or ‘’slave trade’’). What is missed was the current American lesson of several European teams fielding athletes of African descent in their Olympic teams.

The racial mix in American men’s and women’s Basketball teams was matched by Canada, England, France in football and Volleyball. France’s gold-grabbing Volleyball team had exciting strikers from Mali and South Sudan stamped under the sweat and grit on their faces. From China to Indonesia, the absence of Africa’s genius was only interrupted by the goalkeeper in Japan’s Football team.

America’s lesson of racial alchemy has gripped Canada and most of South America. Argentina showed a black player in their football team only towards the end of their last game in Brazil’s Olympic tournament. The leadership of their sports was severely rebuked for doubting the French character of its Football Teams. It has been remarked that revulsion with Pele’s global worship Brazil’s football selectors increasingly field ‘’mestizo’’(of light-skinned ‘’half-caste’’) players.

The media’s coverage of the Convention festival of the Democratic Party taught a lesson about politics as mass rallies which compete, albeit poorly, with popular sports like football, rugby and Madagascan game of a daring young man hanging from both hands around a neck of an irritated bull. That ritual of preparing for an election as a form of

an impending martial campaign replaces the image of a process monopolised by alcoholgulping cynical members of cabals.

What is not shown are the research and policy drafting work by delegations from different states; the lobbying of other delegations to support demands of special interest; evolving strategies with other delegations that share common interests, and learning new skills and policy frontiers. In contrast to conventions in many newlyindependent countries where delegations are ‘’bought’’ with American dollars are rarely expected to dabble in ideology and conception of policy issues. It is not clear that American intervention in building democratic governance beyond its borders has included exporting this political drama.

A network of tributaries that feed into a Party Convention are themselves fed by little tributaries consisting of a culture of volunteering to do community tasks without expecting to be paid for it. I recall being driven to a youth football game and seeing a group of women pulling out weeds from a row of flowers along a community road. Opposite them was a High School whose very well trimmed lawn and flowers were maintained by volunteers. This principle of individual and group voluntary participation in community service is a vital nutritional diet for democratic politics.

The promotion of community libraries is anchored on the view that citizens whose intellectual development is anchored on a culture of reading and examining data is vital for ensuring that officials at all levels are accountable. This, in itself, is anchored on providing a critical level of education and literacy.

Emphasis on providing education to citizens was much promised in speeches of politicians in the struggle for ending colonial dictatorship. After independence, the absence of community libraries in budgets is loud and scandalous.

Literacy democratised a culture of INVENTION in American industrialisation. President Robert Mugabe warned against African women wearing wigs from India and Brazil which block wisdom and inventions from our Ancestors entering their heads. Women in Democratic Republic of Congo have been fecund inventors, including an artificial traffic warden in Kinshasa. Nigerian women invented GARI. Africa must inspire and fund inventions by women.

Prof Oculi writes from Abuja

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

A FLOODGATE OF AVOIDABLE LOSSES

The authorities should take flood predictions seriously

No fewer than 205 persons lost their lives in different flooding incidents across 29 states so far in 2024. Some 225,169 others were displaced from their homes, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Flooding also left 2,119 persons with varying degrees of injuries with Kano State said to be the worst hit with 35 dead. It is followed by neighbouring Jigawa State with 34 fatalities. But also worrying is that hundreds of farmlands, schools, and health facilities have either been submerged or washed away in many of the states.

Although the National Economic Council has set up a committee on the issue, authorities in the country must be concerned that these losses that traditionally occur during the peak of the rain season are detrimental to the national economy.

tural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, an estimated N700 billion in economic value was lost to damage caused by the 2022 floods in the agricultural-related sector. This includes the loss of 8.4 million tonnes of 14 crop varieties output, valued at N384.4 billion, the loss of N100 billion worth of fish and over N93 billion in the livestock sector.

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss

“Already, farmlands are already submerged and therefore there’s need for collaboration between all the tiers of government to ensure food security. The need for planning, collaboration and interaction to do that during the harvest time because the bumper harvest may not be as envisaged,” said Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

It is one thing to have bumper harvest during the rainy season, but it is another thing to have the capacity to preserve the harvest for immediate gains of the farmers during the high demand for food that follows the dry season. That the focus has not been on pre-emptive intervention is why the federal government and the states would now be engaged in the all-too-familiar lamentation. Yet, reducing the alarming post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector has become very important. According to an assessment conducted by the National Agricul-

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

Letters to the Editor

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. While the annual seasonal climate prediction report by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provides critical information to help guide decision-making across all sectors of the economy, most Nigerians hardly pay attention until disaster comes. It is therefore no surprise that flooding has in recent years wreaked havoc in several communities across the country. Early in the year, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) identified 31 states as high-risk areas for significant flood impacts. It warned that most of the flood incidents would result from high rainfall intensities of long duration and poor and blocked drainage systems while warning of the health implications. Authorities in the 36 states had enough time to prepare adequate measures against the elements. But little or nothing was done hence we have now must contend with the tragedy of losing hundreds of people with hundreds of thousands of others displaced.

We hope the NEC committee will look at both short term and long-term measures to deal with this perennial challenge that claims dozens of our people while displacing thousands of others.

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

INVITATIONS ARE INSTRUMENTS OF INTIMIDATION

Show some dignity! That should be what anyone that has the ears of the Nigerian state should be telling it. In these days when Boko Haram has returned to the North from its hiatus with vengeful wrath, it is unseemly and especially scandalous for the Nigerian state to elect to distract itself and divert the attention of its critics by deploying its resources against Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

What is his crime? Of course, a long list has unfurled at the same time he unfolded the summons by both the police and the DSS. But the world and his wife knows that the invitations are instruments of intimidation. The NLC Is the powerhouse union of Nigerian workers. When it sneezes even Aso Rock, the seat of Nigeria’s president, catches cold. Given the central role it plays in corralling Nigerian workers into a single union that is a union of unions, forging them into a formidable coalition that has stared down successive governments, the NLC’s considerable armory includes weapons that can shut down the country on very little notice. Indeed, on many occasions, chilling notices of strike action by the NLC has sent the federal government go scrambling to the NIC for injunctions.

Recently, the NLC has collided with the FG on the issue of national minimum wage. Tense meetings redolent of terse exchanges

between government officials and the union have yielded a slew of grudging concessions by the government.

The NLC has historically been a thorn in the side of successive governments which largely prefer to sidestep it. The protests of August 1 to 10th may have failed to pick up full steam, but there is no doubt that it has rattled the administration of President Bola Tinubu to its core which is a surprise because Nigerians waited for a long time to do it. While the NLC did not join the protests which found surprising impetus in the North as a union, the union threw its weight behind the protests, blaming the government for making life unbearable for Nigerians.

The protests may have died down for now, but the government is worried sick about a repeat and the ripple effects in a country where insecurity and poverty make an astonishingly combustible combination. To forestall future protests, the NLC president has been interrogated by the police and invited by the DSS. This is as far as intimidation and the weaponization of fear can go in a country whose hard won democracy is an inconvenience for temporary occupants of public office.

But if the instruments of intimidation pointed at the NLC president and invariably at the union he leads are meant to preclude futures protests, then those instruments are doomed to be blunted

against the newly ferocious will of the Nigerian people. Something is unmistakably stirring. Nigerians are no longer as docile as they used to be. Its young people have acquired the desperation and defiance of an animal at bay and are prepared to take their chances. The last elections showed it. The relatively short time it took for people to find their voices in protest against the current government is another pointer.

As the cost of living makes living unbearable just as Boko Haram has turned many parts of the country to killing fields, Nigerians have lost their traditional sense of caution and courtesy towards power and even the intimidatory gimmicks and tactics of security agencies are failing to restore them. Such is the potency and insolence of hunger.

As for the police and DSS, the obsequious eagerness cast into repeatedly inviting the NLC president thereby intimidating the union he leads is ominous. In a country where terrorists are carving out vast killing fields out of defenceless communities, one would think that the agencies of state to which Nigerians have contracted their security would be too busy with pressing priorities. But, no, what do they do?

FEaturEs

From Strategy to Service: Dow's Adebisi Adeoti on Empowering Youth Through Partnerships, Volunteering

In this conversation with Adebisi Adeoti, Managing Director, Dow West Africa, we discuss the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development in Africa. Adeoti shares insights on how Dow is transforming its strategic vision into impactful community initiatives, the role of partnerships in driving positive change, and the importance of fostering a culture of volunteerism among employees. This interview offers a unique perspective on the intersection of business, sustainability, and social responsibility. Victoria Ojiako brings excerpts:

Can you elaborate on Dow's overarching sustainability goals and initiatives in Africa?

Dow is deeply committed to driving sustainable development across West Africa, aligning our strategy with global goals for climate protection, the circular economy, and safer materials. Since 2019, we have prioritised areas where we can make the greatest impact within our industry.

To achieve our goals, we integrate sustainability into our operations and form strong partnerships with communities, governments, and stakeholders. In 2023, we invested $34.1 million in 640 nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organisations. Additionally, 75% of our employees volunteered in their communities, reflecting our peoplecentric approach to sustainability. Through scientific expertise and community engagement, Dow is shaping a more sustainable future for West Africa.

How does Dow's commitment to innovation and a more sustainable future align with its collaboration with young people through the Youth Day of Service initiative?

Dow recognizes youth as indispensable stakeholders in achieving a sustainable future. Their active participation is crucial for the successful implementation of our corporate strategy. By engaging with young people, we not only contribute to social good but also tap into a rich source of innovation and fresh perspectives. The Youth Day of Service initiative serves as a platform to collaborate with youth-focused organizations like Leap Africa to develop impactful solutions for our communities. This collaboration allows us to contextualize our sustainability goals, advance the SDGs, and cultivate future leaders. Through projects executed during the initiative like tree planting, waste management, and climate action rallies, our support empowers young people to take ownership of their communities' future. This aligns directly with Dow's commitment to innovation and sustainability by fostering a culture of problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

Does Dow see building a pipeline of young sustainability leaders through YDoS as a way to develop long-term partnerships and collaborations in West Africa?

Absolutely. Building a pipeline of young sustainability leaders through the YDoS program is pivotal to fostering enduring partnerships and collaborations in West Africa. By empowering the next generation of sustainability champions, we aim to create a robust network capable of driving innovative solutions within their communities. This approach not only aligns with Dow's sustainability commitments but also strengthens our ties with local stakeholders, enabling us to collectively tackle complex environmental challenges and create a sustainable future for the region.

How can DOW’s participation in the YDOS inspire and engage its own employees in West Africa on sustainability issues?

Dow’s involvement in YDoS inspires our African employees to engage in sustainability efforts, fostering a sense of purpose

and ownership in addressing community challenges. By participating in YDoS, employees gain hands-on experience that raises awareness of environmental and social issues, promoting a culture of stewardship and responsibility.

In 2023, Dow employees across Africa once again demonstrated their commitment to sustainability through YDoS projects that reached 28 African countries and involved over 10,000 volunteers. For example, during the campaign, a significant highlight was Dow’s partnership with LEAP Africa, where employees in various communities contributed to impactful projects such as tree planting, beach cleanups, waste recycling, and community education efforts. These activities addressed critical challenges aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing our commitment to creating a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable Africa.

In 2024, Dow partnered LEAP Africa for a walk promoting clean energy and facilitated the installation of solar panels at a community health center, showcasing

how YDoS empowers employees to be part of tangible, long-lasting solutions. These initiatives exemplify how YDoS continues to serve as a platform for employees to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development, while reinforcing Dow's reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

How does Dow's investment in the Youth Day of Service contribute to the company's vision for a more sustainable future, not just in West Africa, but globally?

Dow's investment in the Youth Day of Service (YDoS) is key to our global sustainability strategy, empowering young leaders to drive change within their communities. YDoS aligns with Dow's commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and building a sustainable future.

By addressing critical challenges in West Africa, YDoS provides a

Building a pipeline of young sustainability leaders through the Youth Day of Service program is pivotal to fostering enduring partnerships and collaborations in West Africa. By empowering the next generation of sustainability champions, we aim to create a robust network capable of driving innovative solutions within their communities

scalable model for global impact. The insights and practices gained can be adapted to diverse regions, accelerating progress towards our goals. By nurturing young talent and fostering innovation, YDoS supports Dow's vision of a thriving world where people, planet, and prosperity coexist.

Beyond the Youth Day of Service, are there other ways Dow collaborates with communities and people across Africa to advance its sustainability agenda?

Beyond Youth Day of Service, Dow is dedicated to fostering sustainable development across Africa through collaborative initiatives. We partner with communities, governments, and organizations to address environmental challenges, empower economies, and enhance social well-being. A typical example is our partnership with Covenant University, where we support the development of building blocks made from plastics and sawdust. Our funding has enabled continued research, equipment upgrades, and prototype development. We also collaborate with Teach For Nigeria (TFN), sponsoring STEM teacher recruitment and training in underserved Lagos schools. So far, 9 fellows have been placed in low-income communities, improving children's learning outcomes. Overall, our efforts encompass community development, education, and environmental conservation, aligning with our broader sustainability goals. By working closely with our stakeholders, we aim to create lasting positive impacts and build resilient communities across the continent.

Adebisi Adeoti

How Irradiation Technology Will Boost Nigeria’s Food Preservation, Reduce Wastages of Farm Produce

A food communications analyst, based in the United Kingdom, Blessing Ikechukwu has stressed the importance of irradiation technology in preserving food, reducing waste and boosting food sustainability in Nigeria, if adequately adopted. According to her, food is fundamental to life, and its preservation is crucial for keeping a healthy nation, adding that traditional methods such as canning, refrigeration, and drying have long been utilised to extend the shelf life.

She however said irradiation technology offers a modern alternative for food preservation, which involves applying ionising radiation to enhance safety and extend shelf life by reducing or eliminating harmful microorganisms and insects.

She described irradiation as a process where food is exposed to

Agnes Ekebuike

Following the recent launch of 30 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles by the federal government for commercial transportation system in Nigeria in other to reduce the high cost of transportation in the country, climate change expert, Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu (rtd), has said Electric Vehicles (EVs) remain the best option for Nigeria.

Iyamu, who spoke recently on ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said although CNG vehicles would be more cost effective in terms of usage and maintenance, he however said they come with their own challenges.

“CNG vehicles are cost effective, but I strongly believe that EVs are

controlled amounts of ionising radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or electron beams.

The treatment, according to Ikechukwu, effectively kills bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can cause spoilage and foodborne illnesses.

“Importantly, the process is completely safe; it doesn’t make the food radioactive, nor does it alter the taste, texture, or nutritional qualities of the food. Instead, it extends the shelf life of foods, helping to reduce waste and ensuring a safer food supply. Food loss and waste are critical issues in Nigeria, with the World Bank suggesting that approximately 40 per cent of the total food produced annually is lost due to spoilage and waste between harvest and consumption,” Ikechukwu said.

Recent research study has shown that farmers in Nigeria lose about 50 per cent of their farm produce and

better options because of the risks associated with CNG vehicles. The world is moving towards EV vehicles. We should therefore not build our policies around our inadequacies and constraints. We must have a focus in order to move faster. It is projected that CNG vehicles can bring down the cost of transportation by 60 per cent, but anything that is cheap has its consequences, and the consequences of CNG vehicles are the risk of compressing its original volume that could lead to explosion and fire outbreak, and it comes with some health and safety risks. After compression and burning, it emits nano-carbon, which has environmental risk that could cause cancer to humans,” Iyamu said.

According to Iyamu, while Nigeria is not yet fully equipped

around 30 per cent of grains before they reach the market. Inadequate transport and storage facilities, often due to poor access to power, cold storage, and drying facilities, are major challenges.

This issue is particularly severe for perishable such as vegetables, fish, fruits, and staple crops like cassava, yams, maize, millet, and sorghum. With the nation’s population projected to double from 201 million today to around 400 million by 2050, and an increasingly urbanised population reaching approximately 70 per cent by the same year, food security concerns are expected to worsen. Additionally, according to the World Bank findings, over 15 per cent of Nigerians are undernourished, underscoring the need for effective solutions to reduce waste.

Ikechukwu, in a statement, where she analysed the opportunities around irradiation technology,

for a large-scale transition to CNG, the nation is moving in that direction. He emphasised the critical relationship between energy, transportation, and national security, which drives countries to continually seek effective and efficient energy solutions.

“Nigeria holds the largest natural gas reserves in sub-Saharan Africa and the second largest fossil fuel reserves after Libya. This presents us with a unique opportunity,” Iyamu stated. He however explained that the energy access crisis in Africa still remained, where 640 million people lack electricity, and 970 million have no access to gas.

Explaining the basics of CNG, Iyamu noted that it involves compressing natural gas (primarily butane) to about one per cent of

insists that ionising radiation, or ‘cold’ sterilisation, remained a safe and high-tech method for food preservation, adding that more than sixty countries have approved its use, and that its safety and effectiveness are well-documented. Studies also indicate that the radioactivity of irradiated food is no higher than that of luggage after an airport scanner or teeth after an X-ray examination.

“Irradiation technology has become widely accepted as a proven and effective post-harvest treatment to reduce bacterial contamination, slow spoilage, and maintain food quality. The process prevents premature sprouting and ripening and acts as a phytosanitary treatment to control insect pests in fruits and vegetables.

“Food irradiation involves ionising radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, or high-energy electron beams.

its original volume. According to him, CNG vehicles are viable, cost effective and the cheapest option available for transitioning away from conventional fuel, but pointed out that many countries of the world are in different stages of transitioning to cleaner energy, an urgency that increased following the COP28 climate conference.

“However, African countries like Nigeria argue for the right to use their fossil fuel resources to fund their development before fully transitioning to alternative energy sources, Iyamu said, adding that CNG technology, though not new, has been in use since World War I.

“Countries like Pakistan and Iran, with Iran boasting of four million CNG-powered vehicles, demonstrate its viability. If Nigeria

This method ensures that food remains ‘clean’ and inhibits spoilage, making it possible to keep food longer while ensuring a higher level of safety and quality. Additionally, irradiation is a viable pest control method, providing phytosanitary security for traded fresh produce by preventing insects and other pests from developing and reproducing.

“The irradiation process is closely monitored, with precise calculations of the energy and dose absorbed. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the World Health Organisation have confirmed the safety of this method,” Ikechukwu ascertained.

According to her, several countries on the African continent have successfully integrated food irradiation into their food preservation strategies, leading to significant reductions in food

can mainstream the necessary technology and financing, CNG could be a practical interim solution for Nigeria,” Iyamu said. He referenced the 2020 natural gas programme launched by the former president, which aimed to convert one million vehicles for CNG use, but stressed that the global energy shift is leaning towards renewable and alternative energy sources.

Iyamu warned that Nigeria must not base its energy policies solely on current constraints but should focus on long-term sustainability.

“Africa having less than five per cent penetration in renewable energy, yet the continent holds untapped resources like Lithium, valued at nearly $1 trillion, speaks volume of Africa’s potential in

waste and enhanced food safety. She explained that before the implementation of food irradiation, post-harvest losses in South Africa’s fruit export sector were estimated to be around 20-25 per cent, primarily due to insect infestations and spoilage during transportation. She said after the adoption of irradiation technology, the losses have been reduced to less than 10 per cent. “In Ghana, post-harvest losses for yams, a staple food in the country, were previously as high as 30 per cent. The losses were also largely due to pest infestations and spoilage during storage. After the introduction of irradiation technology by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the losses have been reduced to approximately 15 per cent,” Ikechukwu said.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

renewable energy,” Iyamu said. Asked if Nigeria will be able to sustain CNG enabled vehicles that use gas, when the country is yet to meet the needs of Nigerians in the area of cocking gas, Iyamu said Nigerian gas and fossil fuel are the most expensive in the world, adding that Nigeria will need massive investment to achieve the right quantity of gas that will drive CNG vehicles. According to him, the sustenance of CNG vehicles is the availability of gas. He however said Nigeria has enough crude oil to refine petroleum products like petrol, kerosene and gas, but explained that Nigeria lacks the right technology to refine the products hence the country continues to export crude oil and import petrol, kerosene and gas.

Emma Okonji

Transforming Africa’s Data Centre Infrastructure

With the meagre 400 Megawatts (MW) capacity generated in the whole of Africa, stakeholders and operators of data centres are pushing for increased capacity of electricity that will enable data centres across Africa operate optimally, writes emma okonji

The Hyperscalers Convergence Africa conference, which held in Lagos last week with the theme: “The Power of Convergence,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address Africa’s digital infrastructure challenges, especially in the area of power generation and distribution.

The conference highlighted the need for a unified strategy to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation.

Stakeholders stressed the importance of integrating various digital infrastructure components, insisting that subsea cables, tower companies, fiber networks, and satellite internet are all critical elements. According to them, without convergence, these elements remain disconnected, hindering Africa’s ability to fully leverage digital technology.

The conference featured over six panel sessions with key stakeholders from across Africa, tackling specific challenges to the continent’s digital progress. Key issues discussed included power shortages, high energy costs, and limited access to renewable energy sources—significant obstacles for data centers and telecommunications operations. The lack of robust middle-mile infrastructure was also identified as a barrier to efficient data traffic distribution.

AfrICA’s ChAllenges

Chairman of the conference, and CEO, Precise Financial Services, Dr. Yele Okeremi, in his opening remarks, said given the population of Africa, which is 18 per cent of the world population, the African continent stood at a critical juncture in the global digital evolution, because the 18 per cent accounts for a mere 0.02 per cent of the global fiber optic infrastructure and less than one per cent of the world’s 40 Gigawatts data centre capacity.

According to Okeremi, “The situation of Africa’s infrastructure development is really bad. It’s a

big challenge, despite the progress made by companies and individuals that have invested heavily in technology since the 1990s when the first generation of Nigerian technology companies were just talking about that.

“Africa boasts of just over a million kilometers of fiber network with limited data centre capacity, which is in contrast to the rapidly advancing digital landscape in other parts of the world. The importance of a robust digital infrastructure cannot be overstated. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is not only a significant contributor to Africa’s GDP, but also a fundamental enabler of all the political factors from agriculture to healthcare, to education, among others.”

Convener of the conference, Temitope Osunrinde, who gave a general perspective of the slow digital development in Africa, said: “At this juncture, we’re not doing well as a country and as a continent. If you look across the broad fundamentals of the digital economy, and the metrics that drive digital economy, like fiber cable deployment and data centre operations, you will discover that we’re not doing well, and there is a mismatch.

“Nigeria as a country in Africa, for instance, has huge submarine cable capacity at the shores of the country, through the landing of several submarine cables in the country, but we have a big issue of transmitting the capacities to the hinterlands to boost data centre operations.”

According to him, power and cooling are the biggest issues for data centre operators in Nigeria and Africa, adding that the target of 2,500 Megawatts for data centre operators in Africa will be an ideal thing, compared to the 400 Megawatts that the entire Africa currently generates.

Industryleaderstosetglobalstandards for emerging Technologies

Stories by Emma Okonji

India is billed to host a world conference where telecoms industry leaders will meet to consider priorities for international standards to support industry growth, innovation, and trust in emerging technologies at the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA), taking place from 15 to 24 October at New Delhi.

Organised every four years, WTSA is the governing conference for the standardisation work of ITU, the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies.

Giving details about the conference

and the need for global standardisation in new technologies, ITU SecretaryGeneral, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said: “Standards are taking centre stage in global governance discussions. When countries gather in New Delhi in India for WTSA-24, they will have an opportunity to foster digital inclusion and trust, as well as values that are more important than ever to ensure that innovation in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Metaverse, and Quantum Information technologies helps us create the future we want.”

Giving further details of the standardisation processes, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau, Seizo Onoe, said: “Standards agreed by

consensus create the confidence to continue innovating and investing. With every breakthrough in science and technology comes wider transformation, and we must keep coming together to develop the standards required for people and economies to thrive while pushing new frontiers.”

Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, Neeraj Mittal, said: “We welcome the world’s telecoms leaders to our national capital, New Delhi, for WTSA-24. We are confident the assembly will set new benchmarks in standardisation to drive sustainable growth in information and communication technologies.”

Due network expands services in nigeria withvirtual Accounts

Following a successful launch of its global borderless payment platform, Due Network has announced expansion of its services tailored to the Nigerian market.

The expansion builds upon Due Network’s existing capabilities, introducing new features while reinforcing its commitment to improving global financial access for Nigerian businesses and individuals.

CEO and co-Founder of Due Network, Robert Sargsian, said: “Building on our successful launch in Nigeria and our robust existing payment infrastructure, we are thrilled to introduce these new capabilities. The additions are designed to address Nigerian businesses’ unique needs in international trade, particularly in the import/export, fintech, and sustainable energy sectors, while enhancing our existing product stack.”

The expansion aims to solve persistent challenges in crossborder transactions, offering Nigerian businesses and individuals uninterrupted access to global financial services. Due Network’s

non-custodial approach ensures its users maintain full control over their assets, aligning with

the company’s vision of a more inclusive and transparent global financial system.

webinar series to Discuss effect of

Climate Action on states Debuts

Agnes Ekebuike

Climate Action Africa has launched Scorecard of States (SOS) Webinar Series, with the theme: Unveiling Climate Action at the sub-national government level. The initiative is a crucial step in advancing climate resilience and fostering eco-conscious communities across Nigeria, focusing on the pivotal role of sub-national governments in driving climate action. As Nigeria continues to take proactive steps towards addressing climate change, the recent 2024 Climate Governance Performance Ranking report has spotlighted the diverse performance of Nigeria’s 36 states. Notably, Lagos, Gombe, and Ebonyi

AfrICA’s soluTIon Conference participants explored solutions such as collaborative partnerships between governments, private sector companies, and international organiations. Managing Director of Bayobab, Josephine Sarouk, who spoke at the conference, emphasised the need for supportive policy frameworks that foster competition, innovation, and affordability. She urged government officials and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to focus on fostering partnerships, bringing stakeholders together, and creating an enabling environment for investors, despite the complexities of aligning interests across 54 countries.

The potential of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technologies were also discussed. These technologies could enhance resource allocation, improve cybersecurity, and unlock new economic opportunities for Africa, the participants said.

There was a strong consensus on the urgent need for convergence. Participants agreed that by breaking down silos and collaborating effectively, Africa could leverage its digital infrastructure to drive economic development, enhance social services, and build a more inclusive society.

Investment in subsea infrastructure for resilience was highlighted as crucial. However, greater emphasis on local exchanges and terrestrial infrastructure to minimize downtime during outages was also emphasised. CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria, Wole Abu, called for collaboration beyond technical levels, advocating for a unified approach among industry stakeholders to solve these challenges collectively.

Program Manager, Network Investments

at Meta, Ego Jegede, praised the collaboration on the 2Africa project, noting that the model of cooperation among competitors should be replicated for terrestrial corridors to address infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity.

Power InfrAsTruCTure

Power emerged as a recurring theme, with operators advocating for advancements in power infrastructure and exploration of alternative sources such as solar, gas, and private power solutions close to data centers. However, the enabling environment for power projects, particularly around transmission and distribution, was recognised as a significant barrier.

Regional Executive at Africa Data Centers, Dr. Krish Ranganath, called for collaboration among industry stakeholders on power and real estate, suggesting that data centers along a geographical axis could work together with independent power producers.

Chairman of ConnectedCompute, Lanre Kolade, and Head of Operations at Radio Group, Adewole Adebisi, highlighted the importance of political will in creating a conducive environment for African businesses to thrive.

They stressed the need to improve the ease of doing business for both foreign and local investors. enAblIng envIronmenT

In some of the panel sessions moderated by the CEO, Open Access Data Centres, Dr. Ayotunde Coker and the COO, MDXi, Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji, the panelists identified several factors affecting the growth of data centres in Africa, but explained that with strategic collaboration between government and the private sector, the challenges could be addressed.

The panelists were of the view that government should build the enabling environment for data centre business to thrive across Africa.

have emerged as top performers, demonstrating significant progress in institutional arrangements and project implementation. While these successes are commendable, they also highlight the ongoing need for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to further enhance climate action at the state level.

The SOS Webinar Series by Climate Action Africa is designed to serve as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, policy influence, and stakeholder engagement. Through the series, the organisers aim to showcase and discuss the climate change and sustainability initiatives of Nigerian states, explore the challenges they face, and promote innovative solutions that can inform and influence climate policies at the sub-national level.

ProPerty & environment

Dangiwa Wants Input of Estate Surveyors in Building Design, Post-construction

Bennett Oghifo

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has urged Estate Surveyors and Valuers to get involved in both the design and post-construction phases of building projects to reduce building collapse in the country.

Dangiwa stated this at the 2024 Valuers’ Assembly, in Abuja, organised by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON).

The Minister, who expressed concern at the spate of building collapse in the country, said checkmating the menace was not solely the responsibility of designers and constructors, as misuse of buildings by occupants has been one of the factors.

“Imagine if a hall on the first or second floor of a building, meant only to be an open office space, is converted into a gym or used for another purpose. You are overstretching the structural stability of the building, and this is bound to lead to a collapse,” Dangiwa explained.

Dangiwa urged the assembly

to develop actionable measures to promote excellence in the profession, safeguard the integrity of the field, and protect lives and investments.

“As you deliberate in this assembly, it is my hope that you will come up with actionable measures to promote excellence in estate surveying and valuation,” he said.

The minister, who spoke on “Valuation as a Tool for Revamping the Economy - The Role of Estate Surveyors and Valuers,” also highlighted the importance of thorough property inspections and assessments in ensuring the safety and sustainability of buildings.

Dangiwa stressed that valuers are indispensable in the successful delivery of affordable housing across Nigeria.

“Your professional expertise ensures that land and property values are accurate and reflect fair market values, which is crucial for the state to provide cost-effective housing solutions,” he stated.

He urged the professionals to ensure that property inspections and assessments adhere to professional standards.

As part of the measures the Federal Government had taken, the Minister said he had directed an establishment of a committee under the ministry to investigate a building collapse, noting that estate surveyors and valuers are integral to this effort.

“Your past projects have even confirmed to us that estate surveyors and valuers have a role to play in curbing building collapse,” he said.

Meanwhile, estate surveyors and valuers across Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to upholding professional standards and ethics in the real estate industry.

In his opening address, the Board’s Chairman, Dosu Fatokun, emphasised the critical role that estate surveyors and valuers play in Nigeria’s economic development.

He highlighted the importance of the profession, especially in the current economic climate marked by high inflation and uncertainty.

“Your expertise in valuation is not just a technical skill but a vital tool for economic revitalization, especially in these challenging times,” Fatokun

stated.

He further stressed that the Assembly was not just a gathering but “a unique platform for us to reaffirm our commitment to standard professionalism, ethics, and integrity.”

Fatokun urged the attendees to leverage the Assembly as an opportunity to network, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions that would propel the profession and the nation forward.

“This is where our inspiration and motivation to uphold these standards should be reignited,” he said.

The Assembly also focused on the significant role of estate surveyors and valuers in supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to drive economic growth and provide affordable housing for Nigerians.

“By making ourselves available for services within the states where we operate, we can support the government’s effort to provide a robust economy and affordable housing for all Nigerians,” Fatokun added.

Addressing the need for continuous professional development, Fatokun urged

all registered surveyors to pay close attention to the discussions and presentations throughout the Assembly.

He emphasised the importance of accruing Continuing Education Units to renew

practice licenses in 2025.

“Let us all commit to continuous learning and professional development as we strive to elevate our profession and contribute to our nation’s economic prosperity,” he encouraged.

NIQS Embarks on Development of Comprehensive Cost Databank to Guide Project Implementation

cost

Chairman, NIQS Fellows Forum, QS Ayuba John Nanchok, FNIQS; Workshop Discussant, Arc. Y. Sola-

and past NIQS President, QS Mohammed Abba Tor, FNIQS

Nzekwe described this databank as a significant initiative, and that when completed, it would serve as a critical tool for enhancing transparency and accountability in the construction sector, allowing for effective monitoring and regulation of construction costs at local, state, and federal levels.

He said, “With this resource, we can ensure that every Naira spent on construction projects is accounted for, and that value for money is consistently achieved.”

He appealed to the government to involve quantity surveyors in all construction projects to ensure accountability and implementation of necessary checks and balances.

“As we gather here today, I would like to make a fervent appeal to the government: for the sake of accountability and

Alaro City Celebrates $90 Million

Bennett Oghifo

Universal Homes, in collaboration with Alaro City, recently handed over the first 48 units of Universal One apartments. The development of the 576-apartment project, valued at $90 million, marks a significant milestone for new homeowners and the broader housing sector in Nigeria, which faces a housing deficit estimated at over 20 million units.

The housing shortage in Nigeria has been a persistent challenge, with millions of citizens unable to access affordable and quality homes.

The rapid completion of the Universal One apartments, built

using an advanced formwork construction method, is a testament to the potential of innovative building techniques to address this deficit.

Situated off the eight-lane Main Boulevard in Alaro City, Universal One also boasts a three-acre park, recreational complex, a swimming pool, football pitch, a gym and many more amenities. The next 48 units will be handed over to owners by December 2024. The entire 576-apartment first phase of the project will be completed by the end of 2026. Managing Director, Chief Executive of Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited, Mr. Adeniyi Akinlusi stated, “This

milestone marks a significant achievement for all stakeholders involved and reflects the ongoing growth and development within the Lekki Free Zone, which continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic expansion. Congratulations to the new homeowners, and may your new homes bring you happiness and prosperity.”

The key handover of Universal Homes, with prices starting from $79,950 for the two-bedroom apartment, was attended by new homeowners, Alaro City board members, Universal Homes executives, and representatives from Alaro City.

Chairman West Africa for

the implementation of necessary checks and balances, it is imperative to involve quantity surveyors in all types of construction projects across the country. By doing so, we can collectively ensure that our national resources are judiciously managed and that our development goals are met with integrity and professionalism.”

He said the theme of this workshop, “Innovative and Sustainable Construction Practices - Building a Resilient Cost-based and Knowledgedriven Industry with Integrity,” was thoughtfully selected “to underscore the critical importance of knowledge, integrity, and innovation in fostering a sustainable construction industry and, by extension, a resilient nation.

“Our profession, rooted

in the principles of financial probity and accountability, plays an indispensable role in the lifecycle of all construction projects, be it civil engineering, building, heavy engineering, or industrial development. Quantity surveyors are uniquely positioned to ensure that projects are not only delivered on time and within budget but also that they meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.

“Over the years, our members have consistently demonstrated a commendable level of ingenuity and integrity. Through meticulous cost management and expert advisory, they have saved the nation from the wastage of scarce resources, thereby contributing significantly to national development. This workshop is designed to further empower

Universal Homes Handover

Rendeavour and Managing Director at Alaro City, Mr. Yomi Ademola said, “Universal Homes investment potential is growing daily. The proximity to the future airport, the fast-track connection to Lagos through the Epe Expressway or soon-to-be-built Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, along with access to the growing business hub and a great rental demand, makes it a unique investment opportunity.”

Executive Director of Universal Homes FZE, John P. Latham, stated, “The decision to develop Universal One in Alaro City aligns with the company’s objective of identifying locations with the best

long-term growth potential for home investors. Universal One is poised to be a model for future developments within Alaro City, exemplifying how modern, affordable housing can seamlessly integrate into a dynamic urban setting.

Alaro City is conceived as a 2,000-hectare city development located within the Northwest Quadrant of the Lekki Free Zone. Alaro City has a registered and unencumbered Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) title and is furnished with industrial-grade standard roads (including an eight-lane, 60-meter-wide boulevard, which is one of the largest privately owned roads in

Africa), 24-hour electricity via a privately owned Independent Power Plant (IPP), water, drains, sewage systems, and access to ICT infrastructure. Rendeavour is Africa’s biggest new city builder, endorsed by The Economist magazine. By providing secure land title, world-class master planning, high-quality infrastructure, and utilities, Rendeavour de-risks large land holdings for city-scale developments. Its mixed-income cities provide homes, offices, industrial areas, schools, and hospitals, allowing residents to live, work, and play without the daily burden of commuting into and across congested regions.

L-R:

Adebiyi, FNIA; NIQS Deputy President, QS Dr Aminu Bashir, FNIQS; NIQS President, QS Kene Nzekwe, FNIQS; past NIQS & QSRBN President, QS Murtala Aliyu, FNIQS

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has embarked on the development of a comprehensive

databank to guide project implementation in the country. The President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors,

QS Kene C. Nzekwe stated this at the opening ceremony of the NIQS’ national workshop held in Abuja recently.

Dangiwa

Business R e view

Separating Facts from Fiction in Wale Tinubu’s Oando-NAOC Story

For sometime, there have been various public narratives on Oando and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, which appeared to attempt to rewrite the recently history of the company and its founder. Emmanuel Addeh in this piece, argues that these imputations, including the one that Wale Tinubu is being favoured by the government because of his familial relationship with the current Nigerian leader, Bola Tinubu, are largely unfounded, given the evolution of the company that has spanned about 30 years.

Although it came with an apparent tinge of politics, the recent seeming attacks on Oando’s business operations vis-à-vis its acquisition and thereafter divestment in OVH as well as its acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), have raised some dust.

But facts on the ground do not appear to support the ‘noise’ that has been made in the media that the company is thriving due to the undue favour it is getting from the Bola Tinubu administration.

As will be seen shortly, the Oando story did not start with the current government. In fact, there were other landmark achievements, including several acquisitions by the company before the Bola Tinubu administration, which is barely 15 months old.

History of Oando

Oando, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading indigenous energy company based in Nigeria and a dual listing on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg stock exchanges, was formally floated in 1994.

But the story preceded even the year of its establishment. Traced back to 1956 as ESSO West Africa Incorporated, a petroleum marketing subsidiary of Exxon Corporation, Esso was then acquired by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1976 and rebranded as Unipetrol Nigeria Limited, which eventually gave birth to Oando.

The real transformative journey of Oando has been a 30-year one, beginning with the establishment of Ocean and Oil Services Limited, whose focus was on the supply and trade of petroleum products both locally and internationally.

In 2000, Ocean and Oil Holdings acquired a 30 per cent controlling interest in Unipetrol, later increasing it to 42 per cent in 2001. Following a further acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Agip Nigeria Plc in 2002, Unipetrol and Agip Nigeria were merged in 2003, resulting in the formation of Oando.

One Company, Many Parts

Over the next decade, Oando subsequently built the largest indigenous integrated energy company in Sub-Saharan Africa.

These comprised Oando Marketing Limited, one of the largest downstream petroleum marketing companies in Nigeria with over 500 retail outlets across Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo.

There’s also Oando Supply and Trading Limited, incorporated in 2004, one of the largest independent traders of crude and refined petroleum products in sub-Saharan Africa.

Besides, Oando Gas & Power Limited incorporated in 2004, is a pioneer in the development of Nigeria’s foremost gas distribution network, spanning 264km and serving over 150 industrial and commercial customers in Lagos, Calabar and Port Harcourt.

For Oando Energy Services Limited incorporated in 2005, it is Nigeria’s largest indigenous oilfield services provider, enhancing indigenous participation with a fleet of five rigs while Oando Energy Resources is regarded one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous upstream oil and gas companies.

Oando’s Upstream Journey

Oando’s upstream journey commenced 20 years ago, when in 2004, the company secured

a 42.75 per cent interest in the marginal field, Oil Mining Licence (OML) 56. Subsequently, in 2007, it acquired a 15 per cent stake in OML 125 & OML 134. Not done, in 2008, Oando acquired a 30 per cent interest in the Akepo marginal field, OML 90. This continued in 2009, when it further acquired an 81.5 per cent interest in Equator Exploration Limited, while in 2012, the Company was awarded a 100 per cent in Blocks in Sao Tome EEZ.

In 2014, the company achieved a significant milestone by acquiring ConocoPhillips Nigerian assets for $1.8 billion, inclusive of working capital, securing a 20 per cent interest in the NAOC-Joint Venture. It augmented its total net 2P reserves to 503 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), with peak net production levels of 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboep/d).

In 2016, the company took a strategic decision, to divest from its naira earning businesses and to focus on its dollar earning portfolio, resulting in the phased sale of its interest in the downstream between 2016 to 2019, and

its stake in the midstream in 2017.

In 2021, Oando Clean Energy Limited was established to design and deliver clean energy projects towards the realisation of the nation’s energy requirements and the United Nation’s Race to Net Zero.

Following the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and the Lagos state government to replace the state’s mass transit bus system with electric mass transit buses along with the supporting infrastructure, in May 2023, the company rolled out two electric mass transit buses in fulfilment of the Proof-of-Concept Phase, with 552 buses to be secured by the end of 2023.

Acquisition of NAOC

In August 2024, 10 years after the purchase of ConocoPhillips Nigerian assets, Oando completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of Eni’s interest in NAOC, the operating company of the JV, further increasing its stake in the JV from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, securing operatorship of the JV and doubling its 2P reserves to 996.2

mmboe.

This acquisition also resulted in the expansion of the company’s exploratory asset base portfolio. Today, the company’s strategic focus lies on expanding its dollar earning portfolio and positioning itself for the energy transition through the development of its renewable energy business. This significant milestone of the successful acquisition of Eni’s Nigerian subsidiary, NAOC for $783 million, achieved in a signing ceremony in London, marked a new era for the Nigerian energy sector, describing it as a watershed moment for indigenous oil and gas players. Oando stated that 68 years after the discovery of oil in Oloibiri, it is now poised to lead and operate oil and gas assets previously dominated by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria.

“It is rather uncanny that this acquisition comes exactly a decade after Oando’s landmark $1.8 billion acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ Nigeria interest, a transaction which incidentally made the company a Joint Venture (JV) partner on the asset alongside NNPC E&P Ltd (NEPL) and NAOC.

Oando Plc head office

Separating Facts from Fiction in Wale Tinubu’s Oando-NAOC Story

“The ConocoPhillips transaction propelled Oando’s production from approximately 4,500 barrels of oil per day to 50,000 barrels of oil per day at the time,” the firm added.

The Accusations

In August, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, alleged that President Tinubu as well as his nephew Wale, had underhand dealings in the national oil company’s acquisition of OVH.

Alleging “The criminal hijack of the NNPC by corporate cabals around the current president”, he stressed that the retention of Mr. Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC was a compensation for the alleged acquisition of NNPC Retail Ltd by OVH in which he claimed Mr Wale Tinubu held 49 per cent stake.

He further alleged that the NNPC Retail and OVH acquisition deal was part of a grand scheme by Tinubu to integrate his personal business interests into Nigeria’s public enterprises at the federal level.

Separately, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, challenged the government to clarify how Oando Plc allegedly received accelerated approval to acquire the onshore assets of NAOC.

Of course, it wasn’t the first time such statements were made by politicians. In one ludicrous case under the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, in an attempt to spite the then Nigerian leader alleged that Obasanjo owned Oando.

In fact, he had gone ahead to say that the ‘O’ and ‘O’ in Oando actually represented Olusegun Obasanjo, the first two initials of the former president’s name.

Was Oando’s Acquisition Given on a Platter?

Those who should know better, especially government agencies have come out to explain why other divestment deals slowed down and why the Oando transaction appeared to have been faster compared to those ones.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in an explanatory note, said the approval of the divestment deal between Oando and NAOC followed due process and was done in compliance with existing regulations.

“The commission wishes the public to be aware that the approvals given to the NAOCOando and Equinor – Chappal divestments were in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, defined regulatory framework, and standard consent approval process set by the Commission under the PIA,” the NUPRC stated.

“Furthermore, the commission’s thorough evaluation and due diligence process, anchored on the seven pillars of the divestment framework, ensured that potential assignees were capable and compliant with legal requirements and that all legacy liabilities were identified and appropriately managed.

“The commission subsequently made recommendations to the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources based on comprehensive assessments which covered the timeline for review of application under the PIA and the commission’s regulatory process,” the upstream regulator pointed out.

It also have a blow-by-blow account of how the Oando deal was approved and what led to the delay of the Seplat-Mobil deal, which Atiku specifically mentioned.

To show that there was no bias against anyone, the upstream regulator stressed that the Equinor and Chappal Energies deal had been approved, even though none of the owners were related to the president.

Why Seplat-Mobil Deal is Slower

As for the divestment by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited (Seplat), which Atiku said was being unduly delayed, the statement noted that it was undergoing the same consent approval process and is expected to be completed within the 120-day timeline provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

On a comparative basis, it said that MPNU through a letter dated February 24, 2022, notified the commission of its intention to assign 100 per cent of its issued shares to Seplat Offshore Energy Limited.

It said the commission did not consent to this assignment because MPNU failed to obtain a waiver of pre-emption rights as well as the consent of NNPC, its partner on the blocks to the divestment.

“It is worth pointing out that NNPC’s right to pre-emption and consent under the NNPCL/MPNU Joint Venture Joint Operating Agreement was the subject of Suit No: FCT/ HC/BW/173/2022 Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited versus Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Development Nigeria Inc., Mobil Exploration Nigeria Inc. and NUPRC,” it added.

What about OVH?

Also, the NNPC sought to push back on allegations by Atiku that President Bola Tinubu as well as Wale Tinubu had underhand dealings in the national oil company’s acquisition of OVH.

NNPC in a statement, the NNPC said its investment decisions were strictly determined on the basis of commercial viability and national interest, rather than on the basis of politics.

“At the time NNPC acquired OVH in 2022, Oando (in which Mr. Wale Tinubu has equity interest), had fully divested its equity in OVH to the two other partners – Vitol and Helios.

“Oando actually began its divestment in 2016, with Vitol and Helios coming in as equity partners, leading to the change of name from Oando to OVH. In 2019, Oando fully divested its equity interest in OVH resulting in Vitol and Helios holding 50 per cent equity interests respectively,” the national oil company said.

Contrary to the “false alarm” raised, the NNPC stated that neither Wale Tinubu nor the president has any interest in the OVH acquisition.

It stressed that as a businessman, the former vice president should know that effectiveness in business leadership is best measured by balance sheets and bottom lines rather than pedestrian considerations.

eliminate operational inefficiencies in petroleum product importation, resulting in millions of dollars cost savings for the industry.

For Oando Gas and Power, he developed the nation’s foremost natural gas distribution company with circa 300km of gas pipelines delivering cleaner energy to over 150 commercial customers in Lagos, Calabar and Port-Harcourt. In 2014, he completed the $1.8 billion landmark acquisition of Conoco Phillips Nigerian businesses, fortifying the company’s as one of the largest indigenous oil & gas companies in Nigeria.

Today, OER has interests in 15 licenses with extensive infrastructure across the Niger Delta & West Africa in addition to being a strategic national gas supplier as it is the 2nd largest gas supplier to the LNG and the domestic market as well as being a dominant power supplier to the nation via its Okpai Power Plant Phase 1 & 2.

A philanthropist and humanitarian, he led the drive to raise private sector awareness and funding for the humanitarian crisis in the NorthEast by hosting the 2018 launch of the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund Private Sector Initiative (NHF-PSI) as well as leading a private sector delegation to a first-ever collective tour of two internally displaced camps in Maiduguri, Borno State.

He was conferred with the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (C.O.N) in October 2022, and is the recipient of numerous other national & international awards.

Additional Particulars of Oando-NAOC Deal

On the Oando-NAOC deal, Oando’s Certified Professional Reserves Report (CPR) is from D&M, the second largest in the world. The company had also been auditing ENI/NAOC, Chevron, Shell and all Majors for decades. The CPR notes: “Gross Recoverable 2p reserves on original 20 per cent COP stake and new NAOC 20 per cent stake (Net Present Value) NPV 10 per cent is $2 billion respectively.” This means that total value of the company is actually $4 billion before deducting acquisition debt of the NEWCO, plus legacy debt.

The Man Wale Tinubu

Having started from the bottom, today Wale Tinubu is not a pushover in the oil business in Nigeria. From all available pointers, Bola Tinubu was not the president when Wale acquired those aforementioned assets spanning decades.

Wale started early school in Nigeria before proceeding to University of Liverpool, England for his tertiary studies where he earned a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB). Subsequently, he went to the London School of Economics where he bagged a master’s degree (LLM) specialising in International Business Law in 1989 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990.

He began his career in 1990 as a legal practitioner and later achieved a track record as a serial energy entrepreneur with a proven reputation in building energy companies and institutions.

An astute business leader, and a visionary with a track record of having raised over $4 billion from international financiers for various growth, acquisitions, and development projects. He sits on the board of various companies.

In 1993, he co-founded Ocean & Oil Group leading its growth from an oil trading and shipping company to a fully diversified Oil & Gas Company. In 2000, Ocean & Oil acquired a controlling interest in Unipetrol PLC and two years later, he led the largest ever acquisition of a quoted Nigerian company, with Unipetrol PLC’s purchase of Agip Nig PLC, thereafter rebranded as Oando.

He is globally recognised for the successful transformation of Oando from a petroleum marketing company to sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost integrated energy group. Under his leadership, Oando Marketing became the nation’s leading distributor of petroleum products with a network of over 130,000MT tank storage capacity and over 400 retail outlets.

He also pioneered the construction of a state-of the art mid-stream jetty designed to

“If you apply appropriate discounts + working capital, actual Net Asset Value (NAV) of company less all long term debt, equity value is actually minimum $3 billion. Because its dollar earnings and taking into account inflation differential between US 3 per cent and Nigeria 30 per cent, devaluation is 27 per cent this year.

“Year on Year at least 15 per cent in the best of times. The Investment will be phenomenal in Naira terms. Oando has two power plants of 500MW Kwale 1 and II and three large gas plants.

“There’s dedicated gas line to Eleme Petrochemicals. Main Supplier there. Dedicated gas pipe like to LNG. There are two main suppliers there after Shell. There are over 200 wells in production, nine flow stations and Oando has its own export terminal Brass and it’s the first indigenous company to elevate to the status of a Major IOC,” a source with knowledge of the deal told THISDAY.

Lokpobiri: AcquisitionsOando’sGame-Changer

Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has also been speaking on the implication of the deal. He described the company’s acquisition of two International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria remained a game-changer for the oil industry in the country.

Speaking when the Managing Director of the company, Alex Irune and other members of the management team of the oil company visited him in his Abuja office, Lokpobiri stated that indigenous oil companies were capable of taking over from IOCs.

“If Oando as a very successful company goes to acquire assets in any other countries, it will become an IOC and that is my expectation and indeed the Minister of Petroleum Resources. We have grown enormous local capacity in companies like Oando, companies like Seplat, and a lot of other companies that are doing well locally.

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

Wale Tinubu

FastCash Offers Hassle-free Loans for School Fees, Supplies

Oluchi Chibuzor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has said that it is alleviating the financial worries that often accompany the start of a new school term by offering Nigerians quick access to funds through its instant digital loan solution, FastCash.

“This greatly eases the financial burden on parents and guardians, enabling them to prioritise their children’s education. With FastCash, parents and guardians can swiftly secure up to N200,000 to cover tuition fees and the cost of essential school supplies, such as textbooks, uniforms, and stationery,” it said in a statement.

Divisional Head of Per-

sonal Banking at FCMB, Mr Adetunji Lamidi, highlighted the convenience of FastCash, saying: “We understand the financial pressure families face, particularly when it’s time for students to return to school. FastCash is designed to provide immediate relief by offering fast and hassle-free access to funds. We aim to ensure that every Nigerian can support their educational commitments without delay or financial stress.”

He added, “Enhanced by cutting-edge artificial intelligence, FastCash adapts to individual needs, offering loans tailored to their repayment capabilities. This personalised service ensures that those with a good repayment

history can access even more substantial funds when needed, with the option to top up existing loans without hassle.

“Alongside FastCash, FCMB’s Salary Plus Loan provides further support, allowing salary account holders to access funds in anticipation of their next paycheck and addressing other urgent financial needs that may arise. From January to August 2024, FCMB disbursed over N40 billion in digital retail loans, with FastCash significantly helping thousands of Nigerians overcome short-term financial hurdles. A member of FCMB Group Plc, FCMB is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable growth by connecting people, capital, and markets.”

SON Seeks to Reintroduce Amendment Bill to Boost Enforcement Powers

regime to serve as a deterrent to violators.

The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), has declared its intention to reintroduce a bill seeking to amend its establishment Act to further energise its enforcement powers as well as clarify certain grey areas of the legislation.

SON Director, Legal Services Department, Mr. Bashir Hamis, disclosed this during a sensitisation workshop for journalists in Abuja.

Represented by the Legal Services Officer, Moor Kuma, Hamis said the proposed revised Act will help to strengthen its sanctions

He said, “As of today, we have a backlash with regards to quality of petroleum products. We need a bill for us to have powers to interfere with the quality of petroleum products” According to him, SON also needed to upgrade its laboratories to make them available for effective certification of goods and services nationwide.”

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Director-Genera/ Chief Executive, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, vowed to strengthen partnership with key stakeholders including

the media to boost awareness about its mandate of standards setting.

He further hailed the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council ( PEBEC)’ s ranking of SON as 2nd position out of 20 MDAs recently assessed on their transparency and effectiveness in duty.

Represented by SON Director, Public Relations, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, Okeke revealed that SON had introduced various standards infrastructures, including digital applications and certifications, to ensure products in Nigeria adhered to established quality benchmarks.

ACAEBIN Recommits to Enhancing Internal Audit Process

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening internal audit processes and capacity within banks to enhance transparency, regulatory compliance, and public trust.

This was disclosed recently during ACAEBIN’s 59th Quarterly General Meeting (QGM) held in Lagos, with the theme ‘Building and Sustaining Trust in the Nigerian Banking Industry: The Role of Internal Auditors’.

In his address, ACAEBIN Chairman, Prince Akamadu, emphasised the increasingly critical role of internal audi-

tors in promoting transparency, accountability, and strong corporate governance within the evolving banking landscape.

Akamadu also said ongoing efforts to harmonize internal audit framework for the industry will serve as a comprehensive guide for new and experienced chief audit executives.

According to him, “As Chief Audit Executives, we are at the forefront of fostering and promoting trust. Our role goes beyond executing audits; we ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance within our institutions.”

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank Limited, Abubakar Suleiman, represented by

the Executive Director of Operations, Raheem Owodeyi, underscored the banking sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

He noted that the sector contributed approximately N3.8 trillion to the national GDP in 2023, a 26.5 percent increase from the previous year.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, who was represented by Mr. Titus Osawe, noted that, “internal auditors are pivotal in ensuring robust governance structures, which are necessary to maintain public confidence in financial institutions.”

Rite Foods’ Sponsors Event for Young Nigerian Tech Professionals

As part of its support for worthy initiatives through credible platforms, the Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading brands in the food and beverage sector, sponsored this year’s Test Festival themed, “Making Quality Tech’s Universal Language,” organised by The Bug Detective for young Nigerians who are software developers, Quality Assurance testers and engineers, software engineers, mobile engineers, as well as those in the technology ecosystem.

Speaking on Bigi’s support for the Test Festival, Brand Manager for Bigi at Rite Foods

Limited, Ms. Biola Aransiola, emphasised Rite Foods’ commitment to quality, noting how it is reflected in the meticulous production of their products at the state-of-the-art factory at Ososa.

She emphasised how the Bigi brand serves as a reliable partner for tech professionals, providing high-quality snacks that keep them energised and focused as they work. “Bigi is all about supporting those who push boundaries, ensuring they have the refreshment they need to keep going,” she stated.

Commenting on the significance of the event, Founder of The Bug Detective,

Ms. Abiola Rasaq, explained that the annual Test Festival, which debuted in September 2023, provides a platform for software quality assurance engineers, testers, developers, and data analysts across the tech ecosystem to prioritise quality in their work. “The festival encourages professionals in various sectors to think quality-first in everything they do,” Rasaq noted.

She also commended Bigi for its vital contribution to the festival’s success. “Without Bigi, this event wouldn’t have been as vibrant. We’re grateful for the drinks, water, sausages, and games—your support made all the difference,” she expressed.

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).

L-R: Partner/Co-founder, AO & FA Consulting, Mr. Olawale Abiola; Brand Manager, Rite Foods Limited., Mrs Biola Aransiola; Managing Director/CEO, EnergiHub, Mr. Tunde Akintola; Head, Technical/Projects, Rite Foods Ltd., Mr. Idris Adegunwa; and CFO, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Mr. Edward Dunkwu, during the Finance for Non-Finance Managers training organised by AO & FA Consulting at Lagos Continental Hotel... Friday. AO&FA

James Emejo in Abuja

GTCO Announces Profit Before Tax of N1.004tn in H1 2024

Kayode Tokede

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has released its audited consolidated and separate financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of N1.004trilion, becoming the first Nigerian financial institution to cross the N1trillion mark in profit.

This milestone figure represents an increase of 206.6per cent over N327.4trillion recorded in the corresponding period ended June 2023.

The Group’s loan book (net) Increased by 25.5per cent from N2.48trillion recorded as at December 2023 to N3.11trillion in June 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 39.8per cent from N7.55trillion in December 2023 to N10.55trillion in June 2024.

The Group recorded growth across all its asset lines and contin-

ues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet across all jurisdictions wherein it operates a Banking franchise as well as across its Payments, Pension and Funds Management business verticals with total assets and shareholders’ funds closing at N14.5trillion and N2.4trillion, respectively.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 21per cent, while asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3

Loans which closed at 4.3 per cent in June 2024 from 4.2% in December 2023 and improvement in Cost of Risk (COR) to 1.6 per cent from 4.5 per cent in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje in a statement said: “We are immensely proud of the progress we have made as a leading financial holding company.

“Despite the uncertainties in the operating environment, our performance in the first half of the year, where we recorded our highest profit to date, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of our business model.

“We remain optimistic about the future and are committed to leveraging our unique strengths as a thriving financial services ecosystem to create sustainable value for all our stakeholders as we continue to position all

our business verticals–Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments–for rapid growth across key markets.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 103.6 per cent, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 16.6 per cent, Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 21per cent and Cost to Income ratio of 16.7per cent.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER 11/24

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |

Over the past decade, video gaming in Nigeria has evolved from a casual pastime to a growing industry with the potential to make significant economic and social contributions. What began as a hobby for many has now grown into a platform for competitive eSports, attracting a new generation of gamers and entrepreneurs.

This transformation has been driven by increased access to technology, a growing youth population, and a global shift towards digital entertainment.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, video gaming in Nigeria was largely centred around arcade games and early console systems such as Sega and Nintendo, with games like ‘Mortal Kombat’, ‘Street Fighter’, and ‘FIFA’ becoming household names. Gaming was mostly a social activity, enjoyed in public arcades and among friends at home. While it was a popular form of entertainment, the lack of widespread access to gaming consoles and the high cost of games limited its reach.

“I started gaming with the Gameboy, playing ‘Tetris’ and ‘Super Mario’... then I upgraded to Sega and Windows XP games like ‘Jazz JackRabbit’ and ‘Chicken Invaders.’ Of course, I enjoyed it. Everything changed when the PS1 came out; I began playing action and adventure games. From PS2 to PS3, and even now, I enjoy every single kind of game,” Michael Kalu, an avid gamer, told GAMING WEEK.

The introduction of affordable smartphones and mobile data in the late 2000s marked a turning point for gaming in Nigeria. Mobile games like ‘Candy Crush’, ‘Subway Surfers’, and later ‘PUBG Mobile’ became incredibly popular, providing an accessible entry point for millions of Nigerians.

This shift to mobile gaming democratised access, allowing people from all walks of life to engage in gaming without the need for expensive consoles or PCs. The rise of mobile gaming also laid the groundwork for the emergence of a more connected and competitive gaming culture.

“In the past, accessing high-end video games was difficult. You needed consoles, CDs, and cartridges, which were not only hard to come by but also not very portable. However, with advancements in technology, I now enjoy high-end video games on the go with smartphones and personal computers. The graphics are at another level, and sometimes it feels like time is the only challenge,” said O’Brien Ikart, a staff member of IHS Tower with a keen interest in mobile gaming.

As internet access continued to improve, particularly in urban areas, Nigerian gamers began to explore online multiplayer games such as ‘Call of Duty’, ‘Fortnite’, and ‘FIFA Online’. These games offered more than just entertainment; they provided a platform for social interaction and competition on a global scale. The ability to play against others in real-time, both locally and internationally, fuelled a growing interest in competitive gaming and introduced many Nigerian gamers to the world of eSports.

eSports, or competitive video gaming, has quickly gained traction in Nigeria. What was once a niche activity is now a rapidly growing segment of the gaming industry. The first organised eSports tournaments in Nigeria were modest, with local gaming communities organising competitions in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. These early events attracted a small but passionate group of gamers, setting the stage for the growth of a more formalised eSports scene.

In recent years, several eSports teams, players, and organisations have emerged, contributing to the development of the industry. Government bodies like the Nigeria eSports Federation (NESF) and Lagos eSports have become key players

Paradigm Shifts Driving Nigeria’s Evolution from Casual Gaming to eSports

Iyke Bede reports that the video gaming industry in Nigeria is not just a source of entertainment but also a potential driver of economic growth. Video gaming, particularly eSports, offers Nigerian youths a platform to develop valuable skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are not only applicable in gaming but also transferable to other areas of life and work

in the Nigerian eSports scene, participating in both local and international competitions. Nigerian companies, recognising the potential of eSports, have begun sponsoring events and players, further legitimising the industry and attracting more participants.

There has been a concerted effort to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the growing interest in eSports. Gaming cafes and arenas are becoming more common, offering dedicated spaces for both casual and competitive gaming. Additionally, online platforms like Gamr, Richiez Games Entertainment, and eSport Nigeria have been launched to provide resources, organise tournaments, and connect players across the country. These developments are crucial in building a sustainable eSports ecosystem in Nigeria.

The video gaming industry in Nigeria is not just a source of entertainment but also a potential driver of economic growth. As the industry expands, it is creating new jobs in game development, eSports management, content creation, and streaming. For example, Nigerian developers

“Video gaming, particularly eSports, offers Nigerian youth a platform to develop valuable skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are not only applicable in gaming but also transferable to other areas of life and work.”

like Deluxe Creation Studios and Maliyo Games are now working on locally produced games that reflect African narratives, contributing to the diversification of the global gaming market. The industry’s growth also presents opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest in gaming-related businesses, such as eSports arenas and gaming merchandise.

Video gaming, particularly eSports, offers Nigerian youth a platform to develop valuable skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are not only applicable in gaming but also transferable to other areas of life and work.

The social aspect of gaming helps foster a sense of community and belonging, particularly among young people who may otherwise feel isolated. By engaging in gaming, Nigerian youth are also exposed to global cultures and perspectives, contributing to their personal and intellectual development. However, while these are logical steps to take, current events suggest otherwise.

Charles Augustine, a former eSports player and postgraduate student studying Business Analytics at Northumbria University London, believes gaming can be a viable career option via eSports.

“Nigeria has to its advantage a substantial number of young, talented, and dedicated gamers who are working actively to change the narrative of the eSports community through improved internet services and advanced gaming technology,” Augustine. “With time, gamers in Nigeria will gain the recognition they need and get the support they deserve.”

Conversely, Chiamaka Enekwe, a comic book expert and artist passionate about console games, is not optimistic about how fast these changes are coming.

“The Nigerian network is bad, so playing

online video games like multiplayer games is more laborious than exciting. Also, Nigeria isn’t registered with Playstation, so gamers can’t even access PSN accounts easily,” said Enekwe. “The remedy, at least, would be if we can work on our network to solve the online gaming issue.”

The current rollout of 5G networks promises to enhance gaming experiences by reducing latency and improving connectivity, making online multiplayer gaming more seamless. However, these benefits have not yet been realised on a large scale.

While augmented reality and virtual reality technologies have the potential to revolutionise the gaming industry with new and immersive ways to play, they have also yet to be implemented on a massive scale.

On career viability in eSports, Enekwe’s perspective—a sentiment also echoed by Kalu— highlights the lack of support for gamers.

“I guess it depends on how much money you already have to kick-start a career as a gamer online,” Enekwe explained. “You can start a gaming channel on YouTube or something and painstakingly upload gameplays consistently. Also, to keep up with trends, you still need a lot of money to buy new games.”

The rise of video gaming and eSports in Nigeria is not without its challenges. Issues such as gaming addiction, cyberbullying, and the digital divide need to be addressed. As gaming becomes more widespread, there is a growing need for awareness and education around responsible gaming practices. The industry must work to ensure that gaming remains inclusive and accessible, particularly for those in rural areas who may not have the same access to technology and internet connectivity as their urban counterparts.

o ’ b rien kart

Chiamaka e nekwe

After Raid on Illegal Lottery Operators, NLRC Calls for Collaboration with State Regulators

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission has called on state lottery regulatory agencies to close ranks with it to sanitise the Nigerian lottery ecosystem for seamless and more transparent activities.

NLRC director-general, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, made this call on the heels of a recent crackdown carried out by the NLRC in Lagos and Ibadan, where some challenges marred the exercise.

Disturbed by the harassment of NLRC staff while performing their duties, Gbajabiamila urged state regulators to support the federal government in combating illegal activities within the industry.

Gbajabiamila said, “Despite the harassment of our staff, we are calling on all state lottery boards to collaborate with the NLRC in eradicating unlicensed and illegal operations from the industry.

“The lottery industry has continued to grow beyond state-level control, and only the federal government, with its broader resources, can effectively address international infiltrations and ensure the industry’s integrity.”

He added, “We urge all state agencies and operators within the gaming industry to ensure full cooperation with the NLRC’s regulatory framework.

Securing the necessary licenses and operating within the law is not just a requirement—it is a collective responsibility to protect consumers

and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s gaming sector. Together, we can build a transparent and lawful gaming industry that benefits all.”

Among those targeted in the exercise in Ibadan and Lagos were several establishments engaged in unauthorised online sports betting and online casino activities, which the NLRC promptly shut down.

In response to these actions, some operators have pledged to bring their operations in line with NLRC regulations, demonstrating a willingness to regularise their activities and adhere to the legal framework set by the NLRC.

The crackdown extended across key areas in Lagos, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, and Egbeda, where additional closures were carried out.

National Lottery Trust Fund Explores Partnership with NAN, TVC

In a move aimed at driving the impact of Good Causes in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, received the management of TVC (Television Continental) on a courtesy visit at the headquarters in Abuja to explore potential collaboration opportunities.

The Managing Director/CEO of TVC, Victoria Ajayi, and her team expressed their readiness to support NLTF in showcasing its Good Causes

to Nigerians.

Ajayi emphasised the importance of NLTF’s Good Causes, stating that it’s crucial for the organization to demonstrate it to the world. She offered TVC’s programming resources to help amplify NLTF’s interventions, saying, “Our programmes are available for NLTF’s use.”

Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Group Controller of Current and Public Affairs at TVC, praised NLTF’s executive secretary for his patriotism and dedication to

democracy. He noted that Adeyanju’s appointment has promoted fairness and rewarded his commitment to President Bola Tinubu and the country.

In his remarks, the executive secretary highlighted NLTF’s mandate and his vision to support Good Causes under his leadership, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians. He emphasized the agency’s role in bridging the poverty gap and urged Tinubu to leverage NLTF to drive his administration’s mandates for vulnerable Nigerians.

He also commended the president’s administration for bringing younger Nigerians into power like never before in the history of this country, saying it’s a step towards promoting youth empowerment, fairness and patriotism.

The courtesy visit opened the door to a potential partnership between TVC and NLTF, aiming to showcase NLTF’s Good Causes and increase its impact on Nigerians’ lives.

In a related development, Adeyanju visited the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) headquarters to forge a strategic partnership aimed at promoting the agency’s Good Causes initiatives nationwide.

During the courtesy visit, Adeyanju emphasised the NLTF’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in delivering meaningful projects to Nigerians. He sought NAN’s collaboration to showcase the agency’s achievements, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations.

“We believe that our partnership with NAN will help us demonstrate the President’s dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” Adeyanju said.

NAN’s Managing Director/CEO, Ali M Ali, welcomed the collaboration, praising President Tinubu for appointing a visionary leader like Adeyanju. He assured the NLTF of NAN’s commitment to amplifying its impact through the agency’s vast network of offices across Nigeria and Africa.

Gbajabiamila

Tosin Adeyanju (left) with Ali M. Ali

L–R: Tosin Adeyanju, Victoria Ajayi and Babajide Otitoju

ClOSing CErEmOny Of COWlSO’S 24th natiOnal WOmEn COnfErEnCE...

L-R: Chairperson, 24th National Women Conference, Professor Olufunke Olayinka Adeyeye; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Vice Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO/wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Mr. Lawal Muhydeen Olawale receiving an award as Friend of COWLSO from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; representative of Nasarawa State Governor/Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Rufa’i Ibrahim and the Chairman of COWLSO/First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, during the closing ceremony of COWLSO’s 24th National Women Conference, in Lagos ... yesterday

FCCPC Concerned over High Food Cost, Accuses Traders of Price Fixing, Illegal Acts

Traders

list fuel price hike, police extortion as factors Afenifere: Nigerians are facing economic hardship in the guise of economic reforms

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed concern over the high cost of food and other essential commodities in the country.

FCCPC cited price gouging, exploitative pricing, and illegal activities of some market cartels, such as heavy levies, price fixing, and anti-competition practices, as some of the factors responsible for the high food cost.

The commission also denied reports that it gave traders an ultimatum to crash prices of goods and essential commodities across the country.

But traders listed police exploitation at various checkpoints across the country, the recent fuel price hike, and the unfavourable dollar-to-naira rate as some of the factors responsible for the hike in the commodities.

Speaking at a One-day Stakeholders Engagement on Exploitative Pricing, organised yesterday in Lagos State by FCCPC, Vice Chairman and CEO of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, stated that there was a “growing trend of unreasonable pricing of consumer goods across the country and the unwholesome practice of market associations engaging in price fixing on the other hand”.

Bello stated, “We don’t have the power to control price but we are here to talk about fair pricing. This development is unwholesome and the earlier we come together to address it the better. Therefore, this is a platform for conversation to reach an understanding of the growing trend.

“Let me take this opportunity to debunk reports from our Abuja edition by some online platforms. Contrary

“We commend the efforts of the federal government, Borno and Bauchi state governments, the emergency actors, and humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to the affected communities.”

Senate Minority Leader, Moro, on behalf of the Senate Minority Caucus, also sympathised with the governments and people of Bauchi, Borno and other states of the federation ravaged by floods.

Moro, in a statement, expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and properties, and identified with the governments of the affected states.

The senator called on the federal government and relevant government agencies to take urgent steps to evacuate those trapped and also ensure conducive environment for those displaced and in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

PANDEF Urges FG to Take Action

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)

to what they reported, we never gave market traders an ultimatum to crash prices across the country. This is quite ridiculous.

“Our mandate doesn’t include price control, we are not here to fix prices or dictate to any law-abiding trader or manufacturer, we are to ensure that there is no price fixing or gouging.

“As a commission, we are not acting out of the green wind, we have carried out extensive surveys across the country and our findings were disturbing. We identified the practices of price fixing, gouging and other anti-consumer practices.

“We noticed that the margins in the prices of imported goods are very disproportionate and indeed, prices of locally produced goods are excessively inflated. In some areas, some traders hoard grains to create scarcity, thereby

distorting the market, and resulting in high prices of such food.

“In Lagos, for example, we found that one supermarket on the Island displayed a blender for N950,000, the same blender that was on sale in a popular supermarket in the US for $89, which is equivalent to N140,000.

“With other taxes, even if it’s sold for N250,000 nobody would complain, but to say N950,000 is excessive. That’s what we are talking about. Such pricing models are unacceptable.

“We cannot deny that the price of fuel has affected a lot of things and the unfavourable exchange rate has affected the cost of production in local currency but nothing justifies selling a blender bought for N140,000 for N950,000 in Nigeria.”

Bello added, “Perhaps the case of BUA cement best illustrates how

middlemen distort the market and make it more miserable for consumers.

“Such practices are against the law and constitute some of the offences the commission is against. To be clear, gouging and price fixing are not only unethical but illegal under the FCCPC Act, which empowers the commission to eliminate anti-competitive practices or misleading, unfair, deceptive or questionable marketing.

“Sanction includes N10 million fines or a jail term of around three years. But rather than applying the law, the commission is using the option of dialogue with you to collaborate with us to help check unfair practices in the market.”

The FCCPC chief executive also said, “I am pleased to announce that the commission is upgrading its consumer engagement portal to

make it more inclusive and interactive and in real-time.

“In simple terms, it means when fully calibrated, it will be possible for any consumer who feels aggrieved to lodge complaints and upload receipt of transactions as evidence and such complaints will be processed promptly.”

Reacting to FCCPC’s concern, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, stated, “Although the prices of commodities are primarily determined by the market forces of demand and supply, the current reality of social economic downturn in the world requires the intervention of the FCCPC, particularly in Nigeria.

“This is because our African cultural spirit centres on empathy for the weak, and providing support for the frail and the downtrodden. Let this be our

priority rather than making abnormal profits in our businesses, especially at this time when there is a recession around the country.

“It is a fact that transporting goods and farm produce from the point of harvest to the market attracts more cost in terms of logistics. Some traders are helpless but we always emphasise at our meetings that we need to be considerate.

“Even if we have been getting 50 per cent profit in our trades before, this time around we have to ensure we get minimal profit on our commodities. The checkpoints are also not helpful. “Transportation of goods is frustrated by several police checks. Also, the recent increase in pump prices has forced the market prices of products to rise to levels that were not anticipated.

NACETEM: Nigeria’s Initial Industrialisation Plan Not Export-oriented

Emma Okonji

The Director General/CEO, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odusanya, has given reasons why Nigeria is heavily dependent on the importation of certain goods as a consuming nation.

Odusanya, revealed that the initial industrialisation plan that Nigeria had in the past was not export-oriented, but was rather designed around self-sufficiency.

Odusanya, who revealed this yesterday during his opening remarks at the Stakeholders’

appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct relevant government agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to protect coastal states of the country.

PANDEF’s National Secretary, Dr. Alfred Mulade, in a statement, said the coastal states were already threatened by the flooding coming from Rivers Niger and Benue and the spate of sea water rise from the Atlantic Ocean.

Mulade said the predicted disaster posed an existential threat to the lives, properties, and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians living in the vulnerable areas, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Edo states.

The statement said, “We, therefore, appeal to Mr. President to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the double-ended flooding. The president should order the reinforcing and upgrading of flood defences and embankments.

“There is the need to carry out evacuation of people living in high-risk areas, rapid deployment of emergency relief materials and aid.

“We need a comprehensive support for affected communities, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts

Research Output Conference on Leather Sector Assessment and Local Content Policy Studies, organised by NACETEM in Lagos, said it was a major error on the part of the Nigerian government not to focus the nation’s industrialisation plan towards export orientation.

“If the initial industrialastion plan was export-oriented, Nigeria could have had a sustainability plan that would have allowed industries to survive with ease.

“There is therefore an urgent need for an aggressive reorganisation of the entire industrialisation system of Nigeria, and NACETEM is already

and urgent construction of shelters on higher grounds to provide safe temporary housing for displaced persons.”

CDS Mourns, Commiserates with Victims

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, also expressed sympathy and commiserated with the government and good people of Borno State over the devastating floods that ravaged several communities and paralysed economic activities in the state.

A statement by Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS was saddened to learn of the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of thousands of citizens as a result of the flood from Alo Dam.

"On behalf of the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff wishes to convey heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the government and people of Borno State at this difficult time," he said.

involved in data collection and analysis that will be submitted to the appropriate government authorities that will help in policy formulation to reposition Nigeria for export,” Odusanya said.

The Zonal Director, National Centre for Technology Management, South West Office, Lagos, Mrs. MarryAnn Ngozi Onyejekwe, called for a major shift from a consumption to a producing nation to increase import substitution and high GDP, and entrench economic diversification that will impact foreign exchange.

According to her, local content in terms of manpower, raw materials,

Musa also assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant authorities to provide relief and support to the affected communities.

He directed the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, to offer all necessary assistance to victims, stating that the AFN stands in solidarity with the people of the state and will ensure all affected communities are evacuated to safety.

The CDS also pledged to support the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

The statement said the CDS remained committed to the efforts of both the federal and Borno State governments to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the tragic event.

Marwa Commiserates with Zulum, Others Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) expressed his condolences to the government and people of Borno

technologies, and machinery for Made-in-Nigeria Goods and Services (MNGS), offers the required trajectory to becoming an industrialised nation.

“Nigeria remains the largest producer of leather in Africa, with our leather ranking among the highest quality leather found globally, and generates $ 600 to $800 million annually, hence, the subsector can be a key driver of Nigeria's economic growth and development,” Onyejekwe said.

She further explained that NACETEM, in line with her mandates, conducts policy research to access the awareness and practices of

State over the flood disaster.

Marwa, a former military governor of the old Borno State, in his condolence message to Zulum, empathised with him, the Shehu of Borno, His Highness Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanem, victims and residents of the state over the natural disaster.

The NDLEA chairman stated, “I will like to assure Governor Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, the affectees and, indeed, the good people of Borno State that they are not alone at this difficult time. “Our prayers and sympathies are with them as we continue to pray that the flood will recede quickly and the people will return to their daily life and activities.”

Marwa expressed respect for officials of the federal and state emergency agencies, non-governmental organisations, and well spirited individuals who were providing support, relief and rescue efforts on the ground in the affected communities.

IGP Directs CP, AIG to Support Victims Inspector-General of Police (IGP),

local content policy in the public and private sectors as well as multinational corporations and make further policy recommendations as may be appropriate. Presenting the detailed research reports on Leather Sector Assessment and Local Content Policy Studies, the leaders of the research teams, Dr. Victor Sobanke, Dr. Mirabel Omoruyi, and Dr. Olutunde Babalola, lamented the situation, where Nigeria would export raw leather produce to Spain and Italy, and in turn import finished leather products like Shoes, bags and belts from the same countries at exorbitant rates.

Kayode Egbetokun, directed the Borno State Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 15, Maiduguri, to harness their resources to support the government and other relevant Ministries, departments and Agencies (MDAs) to restore stability to the affected areas within Borno State. Egbetokun sympathised with the government and good people of the state over the loss of lives and property to the devastating flood that occurred in the state on Monday, September 9. A statement by Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP prayed that the people find solace in these hard times.

Badaru, Matawalle Commiserate with Zulum, Victims Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, and Dr. Bello Matawalle, extended their sympathies to Zulum and the people of the state over the floods that engulfed parts of Maiduguri, the state capital.

Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

HOuSE...

LP Asks NSA, EFCC to Probe Obi, Yesufu, Ighodalo over Party's Campaign Funds

The Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party (LP), has called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and other prominent figures, including Peter Obi, for alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of party's campaign fund.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Contrary to its earlier position that the Department of State Security Services never extended any invitation to the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress Joe Ajaero before its men swooped on him at the Airport last week, NLC said the agency only proposed a courtesy visit.

The Labour movement said that Ajaero had a discussion with the Director General, DSS, on a courtesy visit.

A statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Affairs Comrade Benson Upah said that the DSS sought a date for the courtesy visit but was told that Ajaero would not be available until Friday (September 13).

"Our attention has been drawn to a story (circulating in different media platforms) linked to "sources within the agency (DSS)" that preceding his arrest, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress was invited by the DSS but that he did not honour the invitation.

"The "sources" further added that it was the reason for his arrest at the airport on his way to the UK.

"We would like to set the records straight as follows: In the days preceding his arrest, the Congress President had had a discussion with the DG DSS on a courtesy visit.

“A Director in the agency later called the General Secretary of the Congress on the need to fix a date for the courtesy visit".

NLC said that the General Secretary had called to explain to the DSS director that Ajaero would not be available until Friday (September 13) and that the Director assured him they would give Congress leadership a notice of not less than 48 hours for the visit.

According to NLC, the DG, DSS, last spoke with Comrade Ajaero on Saturday night during which Ajaero told him he would be traveling the next day, Sunday, adding that the courtesy visit would be paid after his return on Friday, September 13.

"The Congress President however missed his flight on Sunday and

Aisha Yusuf had exonerated herself of accusations of being involved in alleged conspiracy to divert funds from the LP presidential campaign account.

The party alleged that Aisha Yesufu, alongside Ighodalo and other accomplices, was involved in the mismanagement and diversion of

National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Mr Abayomi Arabambi, made the call on behalf of the National Working Committee of the party, at a news conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The call was sequel to a recent comment made by Aisha Yesufu on the management of the party's fund.

over N12 billion and $15 million in donations intended for the Labour Party’s campaign.

Arabambi dismissed Yesufu’s statement, as an attempt to cover up the alleged financial misdeeds and criticised her statements as an insult to the party’s leadership.

Arabambi alleged that Yesufu and her accomplices were acting

DSS Invited Ajaero for Courtesy Visit not Quiz, Says NLC

had it rescheduled to Monday, September 9th.

"It was on that Monday morning that he was picked up by the operatives of the DSS in a watch list operation on behalf of a sister

directed that all the officials of the ESC should proceed on leave from today till September 23, after the election.

“Government notes that it is unconstitutional for the IGP to make such a declaration since Section 11 (1), Section 11 (2) empower the State House of Assembly to set up structures for public safety and security of the state."

INEC to Mop Up

Uncollected PVCs

INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said plans had been made to mop up uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. He said there were 2.6 million registered voters in the election.

Speaking at the stakeholders meeting held by INEC in Benin City, Yakubu disclosed that the PVCs to be mopped up would be warehoused in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) until after the governorship election.

He said Edo State had recorded a total of 2,629,025 registered voters, adding that in the electoral umpire, in its commitment to transparency, had made available soft copies of the entire register of voters to each political party fielding candidates in the forthcoming election.

Yakubu said in the next few days, the commission would publish the detailed breakdown of PVCs collected for each of the 4,519 polling units across the state.

Urging that all hands must be on deck to make the job of conducting elections easy, he said election was a multi-stakeholder activity and though INEC had a role to play, this must be complemented by other stakeholders.

The INEC chairman said the Edo State governorship election was not

agency. "We want to re-affirm that Joe Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen heading the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation with an illustrious history of patriotism and will certainly not

just a national election, but it was also of global interest. He pointed out that the commission had so far accredited 134 groups (124 domestic and 10 international) deploying 1,836 observers across the state.

He stated, "We have accredited 114 media organisations deploying 721 journalists. We have also accredited thousands of agents representing candidates and political parties at the 4,730 polling and collation locations made up of 4,519 polling units, 192 ward collation centres, 18 local government collation centres, and the State Collation Centre.

"I want to assure you that the accreditation tags for all categories of stakeholders are ready. We will announce the date and venue for collection in the next 24 hours. Similarly, election duty vehicle stickers are available for collection from our Edo State office here in Benin City."

Relatedly, INEC announced an extension of time for the collection of PVCs to enable more voters participate in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

The commission took the decision at the end of the stakeholders meeting, held yesterday in Benin City, capital of the state.

The meeting had in attendance the chairmen of political parties, candidates, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media.

The stakeholders present were unanimous in their appeal to INEC to consider an extension of a few days for collection of PVCs to enable more voters participate in the election Consequently, a three-day extension was granted, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September.

INEC said the cards will be available for collection in its 18 local

snub the DSS. "He is a trade unionist of international repute who serves on the executive boards of world federations of trade unions. His constituency goes beyond Nigeria,"said NLC

government offices across the state from 9am to 5pm daily.

The extension was contained in a statement by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun mni.

The statement said, "The commission appeals to all registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to seize the opportunity of the extension to do so. In line with the commission's policy, no collection by proxy will be allowed."

Police to Deploy 35,000 Men, 8,000 Others

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, said 35, 000 police personnel would be deployed to provide security for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21.

Egbetokun also said 8,000 military and other sister security agencies would be deployed to man the waterways, as well as the entry and exit parts of the state.

The IGP made the disclosure in Benin City, during the stakeholders meeting with political parties and civil society organisations on the election.

He also announced a ban on Edo State Security Network (ESSN) from participating in the security arrangement for the September 21 governorship election in state.

Egbetokun said the task of securing voters and election materials rested squarely on the police, who will be supported by other national security agencies to ensure credible election.

He warned that no private or state-owned security apparatus would be allowed to operate during and after the election.

under the direction of Peter Obi, whom it described as a “political merchant,” to defraud the party.

He equally accused the leaders of the Yoruba Social political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, accusing them of retaining over N600 million in private accounts associated with Afenifere.

According to him, these individuals were hired by Obi to commit fraud, engage in criminal conspiracy, and divert funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign.

"The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun and Sola Ebiseni factions of Afenifere were also culpable as they committed financial infractions of over 600m Naira which they retained in their private accounts and that of Afenifere Accounts in

"All local securities in Edo State should refrain from participating in Edo election. Activities of Edo State Security Network, which has been suspended, remain suspended," he said.

Egbetokun assured that the police would ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act and other relevant laws to provide a conducive environment for peaceful conduct of the election.

According to him, the police will not tolerate any act of hooliganism and violence during the election, while anyone caught with weapons during the election will be treated and dealt with as a common criminal.

Meanwhile, the police said they had apprehended a supernumerary police officer, following his unbridled display of partisanship in the campaign for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

The officer, in a viral video footage, denigrated the characters of Obaseki and the PDP governorship candidate in the coming election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

The police officer in the video footage accused the duo of helping themselves with state resources, and called on voters to reject them at the poll. He appealed to the security operatives to mount surveillance around Obaseki and Ighodalo to prevent them from escaping the wrath of the law.

However, miffed by the unrestrained show of prejudice, Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the video evidencing political comments by an individual dressed in a Spy Police uniform regarding the Edo State governorship election had been brought to the attention of the police.

Adejobi stated that the police

General.

"Mr Peter Obi clandestinely hired Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo and this faction of Afenifere to commit looting, criminal conspiracy, diversions and obtaining money under false pretext from the Labour party presidential campaign fund and yet these individuals parading themselves as elder statemen," he said.

While highlighting the commitment of the party to transparency and accountability, Arabambi called on the NSA and the EFCC to investigate the bank accounts associated with the alleged misconduct. He also called for a thorough investigation into all accounts linked to Adebanjo, Osuntokun, and Ebiseni to determine the extent of their involvement in the alleged fraud.

strongly condemned the act, and, however, clarified that the individual was not a regular officer of the Nigeria Police, but a Supernumerary (Spy) Police Officer employed by a private company.

He explained that Supernumerary Police Officers were private individuals trained by the Nigeria Police for specific security functions, primarily within their places of employment. According to Adejobi, "They are not on the payroll of the NPF and do not swear to the oath of allegiance like sworn regular police officers, thus, they have the right to belong to any political party of their choice and freedom of expression.

“In this extant case, the police frown at the wearing of his official SPY uniform and engaging in political activities."

The police spokesman said the individual had been arrested for further investigation, and his political comments did not reflect the views of the Nigeria Police.

Obi Mobilises Support for Akpata in Benin Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, joined other members of the party in Benin City to mobilise support for the party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata.

Speaking at the different campaign locations, Obi urged eligible voters in the state to come out en masse to cast their votes for LP. He said the party's governorship candidate would fix the state, move it forward, and reduce the current hardship in Edo State.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

L-R: CEO, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Francois Gillet; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, and Promasidor Corporate Affairs Director / Chairman of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang, during a visit to Ekiti State Government House by the management of Promasidor Nigeria ... recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Wecyclers, Mr. Olawale Adebiyi; Managing

and Public Affairs Director,

Police Nab Five Kidnappers, One Armed Robber in Imo

Linus alekeinabuja

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Imo State Command, have apprehended no fewer than five suspects linked to kidnappings in Obinze, Avu, and Ihiagwa, of Imo state and rescue of the kidnapped victims.

The police also revealed that it have also conducted several operations across the country, to tackle all forms of crime and criminality, particularly in Owerri, Imo State, as part of its efforts to boost national security and fortify the safety of every citizen.

Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old male, from Ezza Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State was arrested while attempting to rob two residents at gunpoint near

Aladinma Primary School, Owerri. Noting that the police have recorded several milestones of operational success in the fight against all forms of crime in the

state, particularly kidnapping, Adejobi said the suspects were identified as Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also disclosed that one

FG Grants MaranathaUniversity Lagos Full Operational Licence

sunday Okobi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted Maranatha University, Lagos, the full licence to operate as a private university in Nigeria.

The licence dated September 2, 2024, was signed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris. J. Maiyaki.

The management said the provisional licence given to Maranatha University at inception was replaced with a full (statutory) licence after the university met the

Educational Acts Cap E3 of 2024 requirements that stipulate the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) and other operational guidelines. A Licence Review Exercise was conducted at Maranatha University by NUC from April 14 to 16, 2024.

Other pieces of information contain in a statement issued by the university management stated that: “The institution is a Christian faith-based university, with a vision to be a world-class university built on tripod of Faith, Excellence and Integrity, contributing to the growth and development of tertiary education in Nigeria and globally.

KCOBA to Discuss Nation’s Security Challenges

Wale igbintade

As King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) marks its 115th Founder’s Day Anniversary, the need to address nation’s social and financial security challenges are some of the issues that will dominate discussion at the event.

This year’s ‘Kingsweek’, with the theme “Achieving a Secure Nigeria by 2030” scheduled to hold from September 16 to 22, 2024, will engage leaders, alumni, students, and the public in meaningful conversation on how to secure Nigeria’s future.

Chairman, 2024 Kingsweek Planning Committee, Tonye Cole, who disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos, stated that members of the King’s College Old Boys’ Diaspora, alongside local participants, will discuss the theme of national security in depth. According to Cole, security issues are critical to the nation’s sustainability and future growth, adding that the 2024 anniversary lecture will cover critical aspects of security, including social security, financial security, national security, information security, and energy security.

Eno to Empower 100,000 Youths in A’Ibom

Okon Bassey inuyo

Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, has promised to empower 100,000 youths across the 31 local government areas of the state for supporting his administration.

The governor said the empowerment scheme beginning from the month of October 2024, also promised to create a separate Ministry for Youth Development in the State.

FG Advised to Stop Justifying Hike in Petrol Price

Michael Olugbode in abuja

The federal government has been advised to stop justifying recent increase in pump price of petrol, but instead put up strategies to reduce the sufferings of the masses.

The advice was given yesterday

by the Centre for Social Justice, Abuja in a statement.

The statement read: “To reduce the sufferings of the masses, the federal government must continue to find solutions to reduce the price of PMS. One of such effective solutions is for the FG through the NNPCL and Dangote

Refineries to consider divesting a good part of its profits from all other bye products of crude oil as subsidy relief on petrol.

“It is a known fact that there are other commercial products that could be gotten from crude oil.

Beyond PMS, Wikipedia reports that up to 6,000 products can be gotten from crude oil. Five major products beyond PMS are jet oil, diesel, liquified natural gas, petroleum lubricants used for engine oil, grease, petroleum jelly, etc. The profits made from the sales of these crude oil bye products should be ploughed back to PMS as subsidy.”

‘Expect Bombshell from White Paper Implementation Committee on Contract Awards’

yinka KolawoleinOsogbo

Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has doubled down on his indictment of top officials of the former administration on contract award infractions, saying the public should expect bombshells from

the Kolapo Alimi-led white paper Implementation Committee.

Speaking on Rave FM ‘Frank Talk’ yesterday morning, Mallam Rasheed, who asserted that the governor’s Chief of Staff neither violated the law nor breached the ethical code, said many former APC state officials took contracts for

companies on which they still serve as directors while in government.

According to the spokesperson, Osun people will be shocked by the time the White Paper Implementation Committee roll out the names of commissioners, Special Advisers and top officials of the Governor Oyetola administration who breached the procurement laws and violated various ethical question.

Rasheed said the indicted officials did not only get the jobs for the companies on which they are directors but also participated in the decision making process for the award of the jobs.

FG Markets $100bn Creative Economy Growth Plan to Corporate Nigeria

Following months of comprehensive planning, the federal government has unveiled details of its bold and strategic plans to generate at least $100 billion and create over two million jobs from Nigeria’s creative economy yearly.

The government’s plan was unveiled yesterday by the

Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, at a roundtable for local and international investors where she presented her ministry’s eight-point plan and roadmap. Speaking in Lagos, Musawa said that if implemented to its fullest, the plan has the potential to

achieve the above-stated objectives.

She listed the eight-point plan as follows:Nigeria Destination 2023, a national initiative designed to grow the arts, culture and creative economy under one united vision; skills development; fastrack policy frameworks;strategy governance and collaboration;smart strategic partnerships; growth targets for GDP contribution & sectoral output; enabling business environments and cultural heritage preservation and sustainability. She lamented that despite its huge potential, Nigeria’s creative industry currently contributes just $5 billion to the economy, with its different sub-sectors at various stages of development.

Insecurity: Army to Create New Regime of Training, Says GOC

Onuminya innocent in sokoto

The Nigerian Army has said it would create a new regime of “realistic training” for its officers and men to contain security challenges bedeviling the country.

The acting General Officer

Commanding 8 Division, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of five days operation planning Cadre training for personnel of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto.

General Ajose explained that the Nigerian Army is focusing on promoting efficiency and professional conducts of its personnel at all times, towards tackling insurgency, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the country.

Ajose described the training theme ‘’ Leveraging New Technologies for Innovative Operations Planning Processes by Commanders in a Joint Environment’’ as apt and timely. He said the training was aimed at addressing the dynamic nature of modern warfare and increasing role of technology in shaping military operations.

Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Student Bags First Class in Law

The governor explained that 60,000 youths (N5,000 monthly) will be selected from the database for a one-off business support scheme of N50,000 each within 12 calendar months.

In addition, Governor Eno stated that 10,000 youths will be supported through the ARISE Entrepreneurial Scheme, an empowerment initiative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) based on needs assessment.

Governor Eno announced his plan for the youth at appreciation and engagement rally for youth in the state to express gratitude to the youths for their non-participation in the recent #Endbadgovernance protest in the country. He directed the state Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development and the office of the Senior Special Assistant on ICT to create a database for youth employment.

A student on the scholarship scheme of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Kemien Egbekun, has graduated with a CGPA of 4.77 (First Class Degree) in Law at the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Agbara-Otor, Delta State. Two other students sponsored by the PAP, Oladapo Damilola and Toikumo Prosper, also made

a second-class Upper-Division grade in Law at the same MCIU. They all participated in the university’s 6th convocation ceremony on September 6, 2024. No fewer than 60 students sponsored by the PAP made first class in different competitive disciplines between 2016 and 2023 at various partnering universities as

confirmed by the Head of Education, Dr Charles Ariye.

The disciplines include electrical/ electronics engineering, computer science, civil engineering, accounting, law, petroleum engineering, physics, international relations, chemistry, biochemistry, political science, medical laboratory science, microbiology, industrial chemistry, among others. Though the scorecard for 2024 is being awaited from the various institutions, Egbekun and her colleagues have by their laudable academic achievements, added to the constantly growing number of the PAP scholarship scheme beneficiaries who had scored similar excellent grades in various courses of study at partnering institutions.

Investors Insist on Peace for Prosperity, Wealth Creation in Rivers

Blessing ibunge in port harcourt

Investors in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have said peace must be pursued with all seriousness if the oil rich state wishes to take back their place of pride as investment

destination in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, My-ACE China, and founder of Peace Pageantry, Christian Okoro, said until investors and entrepreneurs find the formula for peace,

they may not discover the secret of investment success in the region. These and other entrepreneurs spoke at the revived Rivers Queen of Peace pageant, which produced the next Rivers Queen of Peace, Tobechi Elendu.

The organisers, who commended China, popularly known as Mayor of Housing for backing the peace pageantry, said Rivers State must be lucky at last to have a Governor of Peace, Mayor of Peace, and Queen of Peace.

in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, from Sokoto State.

Director, Tetra Pak West Africa, Mr. Haithem Debbiche; Sustainability Manager for Maghreb and West Africa, Tetra Pak, Aida Gaha,

Tetra Pak, Shaheen Shaheen, at the Propak West Africa 2024 Exhibition in Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT

Ghana’s Black Stars May Play Remaining AFCON 2025 Games in Uyo

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

Following the Confederation of African Football’s decision to ban the Baba Yara Stadium from hosting international matches, Ghana's Black Stars have been given the option of playing the rest of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying matches either in Côte d’Ivoire, Togo or Nigeria. CAF slammed the Black Stars home ground following series of technical infractions observed during the recent AFCON 2025 Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola held on September 5, 2024.

Now, the Black Stars who are struggling in the ground following their poor results in the series, have to pick between the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny and Stade de la Paix all in Côte d’Ivoire and the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for their home games. Although, there are other options like stadia in Morocco and Cameroon, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) appears still dilly dallying on the choice to make, reports Ghana’s sports medium, Joy Sports Given the close geographical proximity and strong historical ties

Brazil, Argentina Lose in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Brazil suffered their fourth defeat in five qualifying games with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay as Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Colombia in the latest qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami's Diego Gomez scored the winner for Paraguay in Asuncion after 20 minutes as Brazil failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta all started all started for Brazil with the Real Madrid trio of Rodrygo, Endrick and Vinicius Jr in attack.

"I want to apologize to the fans, I know it's a difficult time, but we just want to improve," Vinicius told Brazilian TV channel Globo.

The 24-year-old winger has scored

over 20 goals for Real in each of the last three seasons but has only five goals from 35 caps for Brazil and failed to score at the 2022 World Cup.

"I know my potential, what I can do for the national team," he added.

"Of course, it's been a very complicated process because when you don't have confidence, you don't get goals."

The result leaves five-time world champions Brazil fifth in the qualifying table with only three wins from eight games.

Former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez was the hero for Colombia as the 33-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot to down the reigning world champions, who were without Lionel Messi. It was revenge for Colombia who lost to Argentina in the Copa America final two months ago.

Bankole: Spires 5-Aside Street Soccer Aimed to Create New Standard

Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, a new frontier of community engagement through five-a-side football competition has been created as a new standard in youth empowerment and human capital development.

Speaking at an interactive media session in Lagos yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spires Media, Dr Femi Bankole, said that the tournament is aimed, amongst others, to unearth a lot of football talents on the streets of Lagos not captured by some of the existing football academy.

He stressed further that the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, marks a significant milestone in the promoters commitment to redefining Nigerian street soccer and harnessing the immense talents found within the Lagos communities.

“One of the biggest export of

Nigeria to the world today is human capital. Wether in ICT, Engineering, Medicine, etc , you just name it, it is human capital. Why is Sports nay Football not richly involved? The Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and other footballers are just in minority. This is where a tournament like this is aimed at unearthing great league talents that can help the economy of their families.,” stressed UK-based Dr Bankole.

The flagship tournament commenced early this year with a series of activities that culminated into successful Lagos Divisional Qualifying matches with over 40 games played. More than 400 players were involved in the qualifiers that cut across the five divisions of Lagos FA.

It is these qualifiers that produced the 16 teams to be grouped into four groups of four teams each for the Main Tournament of Round of 16 scheduled to kick off November 9.

between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the Ivorian City offers a convenient and logistically feasible solution for the GFA.

The next international break will see the Black Stars face Sudan in double-header in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Matchday 3

and 4 in October.

The primary concern raised by CAF inspectors about the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi is the subpar condition of the playing field.

The stadium, which boasts a capacity of over 40,000 spectators, witnessed significant deterioration of

its pitch, including uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.

These shortcomings prevent the stadium from meeting the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches as per CAF regulations.

N20 Million at Stake as Benue Revives Governor's Cup after Eight Years in Doldrum

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Benue State Governor's Cup has been revived after eight years break with total prize money of N20 million at stake for the top three teams.

The Commissioner for Youth, Sports development and Creativity, Rt. Hon Terkimbi Ikyange, at a world press conference in Makurdi, said the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) was teaming up with Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth

Alia to roll out modalities for this year's edition, which will kick off on October 1 with a zonal play off. Teams from all 23 local government areas will participate.

Ikyange, who spoke through the ministry's Permanent Secretary Mr John Akume, said the Governor Alia's resolve to harness and empower talented individuals especially the youth through football was unwavering.

"The best form of empowerment is talent discovery and exposure. And

this is the major reason the governor has graciously approved the return of Governor's Cup. And I want to commend the Benue State Football Association, led by Chief Paul Edeh, for his proactiveness at all times and for being results-oriented. We see that development of football in our state is witnessing accelerated pace," Ikyange said.

Also speaking, the Chairman BSFA, Chief Edeh described the revival of the Governor's Cup as a significant moment in the sporting

Lagos Breeds Athletes at the Grassroots Level,

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission LSSC, Lekan Fatodu, has reiterated that the state would continue to leverage on developmental programmes and other initiatives to further churning out rising stars that will take up the global stage.

He made the statement while speaking to journalists as the state prepares for the 8th edition of National Youths Games in Asaba, Delta State. Lagos will be represented in

34 sports with 270 athletes as the national developmental Games commenced from 9th to 19 September, 2024.

Fatodu disclosed that the state is planting the seeds for the future talents and creating an atmosphere to breeds and nurtures budding stars through required mentorship, training and incentives to let them understand that, it's a pride to represent Lagos and an opportunity to showcase their sporting skills.

He commended the Lagos State

This Year’s National Youth Games Will be Better than Last Year’s, Says Gov Oborevwori

Governor

Stadium in Asaba, which is the main venue for the games. The Governor, who inspected the swimming pool, shooting range and other facilities at the Indoor Sports Hall, was conducted round by Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, and top officials of the State Sports Commission. He said 5,776 athletes from 29

states had arrived and registered for the games ahead of Thursday's opening ceremony.

“We are ready for the hosting of the National Youth Games. You know, tomorrow (Thursday) is the opening ceremony. As at this morning, 29 states have arrived and 5,776 athletes have been registered already. I am sure that this year will be better than last year,” observed the Delta governor.

He was excited by presence of several states in Asaba for the Games, stressing that it was avenue to discover more talents to be groomed to represent the country.

"There is good result from hosting these games because, you can see at the last Olympic Games in Paris where athlete like Favour Ofili who once competed in this Youth Games was amongst the athletes representing Team Nigeria.

Government under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring that payment, welfare and plans for athletes are actually coming at the right time, adding that the state is developing sports infrastructure across the various communities for the purpose of getting access to stadia.

Speaking on the athletes age discrepancies, Lekan Fatodu, opined that it has been transparent and fruitful in ensuring that the state parades athletes within the required

history of Benue State. He noted the development symbolises a renewed commitment to the development of grassroots football, which serves as a crucial platform for nurturing young talent and uniting. communities through the beautiful game.

Edeh, who is the only proprietor of two existing women clubs in Nigeria's top flight women's premier league, lauded governor Alia for his commitment to sports development since he assumed office in 2023.

age in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding the NYG. "It's going to be unfair on our own side while we are presenting the right number of people according to their age and other people are trying to short change the system or trying to cheat by presenting over aged athletes.

"It's part of the conversation we want to bring to the front burner at the highest level of authority,so that efforts can be made to eliminate the menace in the sports ecosystem".

This is not the first time CAF has expressed concerns about Ghanaian stadiums.

The letter issued by CAF highlights previous warnings regarding the state of the Baba Yara Stadium, along with Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana’s Black Stars face bleak time following the ban slammed on their home ground by CAF...yesterday

Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (right), acknowledging cheers from athletes for the 2024 National Youth Games at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba... yesterday

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday declared that this year's edition of the National Youth Games will be better than what was witnessed last year.

Delta State hosted the 7th edition of the Youth Games in Asaba last year when the governor was barely a few weeks in office.

Oborevwori spoke with journalists yesterday shortly after inspecting facilities at the Stephen Keshi

Tony Elumelu to Bola Tinubu

“To protect our people, feed them, attract investment, and foster trade, we must prioritise security. Insecurity has become a national crisis, which must be dealt with decisively and urgently. Our people deserve to go to their farms unhindered, live peacefully and conduct their lives and businesses without fear; it is the fundamental right of every citizen.”

––UBAChairman,taskingthepresidenttoprioritisesecurityinabid totacklethecurrentfoodscarcityandattractinvestmentintothecountry.

olusegun AD e NIYI

A Nation Under the Gun

In what must be an act of desperation, the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, last week promised to support communities that are ready to stand up against attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminals. “We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to depend on itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals before the arrival of the security agents” Radda said, while explaining what motivated his decision. “I went to a village, Tsamiyar-jino, where it took me two hours inside a Jeep before I reached the village from the main road. So, if bandits attack such areas, from the time you inform the security, it will take them over two hours before they can respond to the distress call. By then, whatever is going to happen would have happened – they would have killed people and kidnapped others.”

It is difficult to fault Radda on this initiative.

Katsina State has been under the vice grip of criminals for several years and the picture the governor paints is scary. “I am surprised at the way we are dying in such a humiliating manner. You see five criminals attacking a community of 2,000 to 3,000 people, rape daughters, women and abducting others without any confrontation from the people of that community,” Radda said while lamenting the lawlessness that now pervades the state. “If there are 100 youths in the community who confront them, they will not shoot for more than three times without being captured with bare hands. Paying ransom doesn’t even prevent a hostage from being killed by abductors, sometimes they collect the money and kill the victim.”

Before I come to why the governor’s proposed solution may be counter productive, let me state that I understand how Radda feels. In June 2020, I visited Katsina State, following reports that from Batagarawa to Kurfi to Malunfashi to Funtua and Daura (where then President Muhammadu Buhari hails from), bandits had overpowered communities. Perhaps in a bid to underscore the saying that once you take the shepherd, the sheep will scatter, these criminals had also targeted traditional rulers. Within one week, the Village Head of Mazoji who doubled as the Sarkin Fulanin Fafu, Alhaji Dikko Usman was killed by bandits while the Hakimin Garin Yantumaki, Alhaji Atiku Maidabino was assassinated right in his palace in Danmusa local government. In the column I wrote following the visit, I recalled asking the Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, his feelings about the situation in his domain. “You are asking me how I feel when my people are being killed every day? We can spend a whole day discussing that. We are dealing with murderers, people for whom lives mean nothing, but they seem to have overwhelmed the capacity of the state”, the emir responded while also recounting his encounter with former Agriculture Minister, Audu Ogbeh and then CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele who visited his palace and gave him some cotton seedlings. “I asked what they wanted me to do with them. I told them what I needed from the federal government is protection for my people, most of who in any case have been forced to abandon their farms.” What we are experiencing across the country

today is a reign of impunity – with criminals doing whatever they like because they know, or at least believe, that the Nigerian state no longer possesses the required capacity to confront them. Not only have hundreds of innocent villagers lost their lives to the activities of these gunmen, but there is also a feeling of helplessness by the majority of people in rural areas. From cattle rustling to kidnappings and armed robbery, these gangsters roam the streets freely, carrying out deadly raids and forcing dwellers to flee for their lives. In most communities, the local economy has crashed while the poverty and deprivation this has bred are in themselves a serious threat to national security.

The vast land in the North, which should be an asset as we seek to boost food security and get our young population gainfully employed in agriculture, is now ‘bandit territory’ to borrow a famous phrase of Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Meanwhile, we have overstretched the military with a task of internal security while police personnel are saddled with performing guard duties and running errands for our very-importantpersons (VIPs) and their spouses.

Radda is not the first to propose “self-defence” for communities under attack. The last Defence Minister under President Buhari, Bashir Magashi, once said Nigerians should stop being ‘cowards’ at the sight of criminals. “At times, the bandits will only come with about three rounds of ammunition, when they fire shots, everybody runs. In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us,” Magashi said at the National Assembly on 17 February 2021 shortly after bandits abducted 27 students and 13 others from Government Secondary School, Kagara, Niger State. “I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and

capabilities to defend themselves.”

It should worry authorities that a majority of our people, especially in rural communities, are left at the mercy of non-state actors amid compelling socio-economic difficulties. And asking that they defend themselves is not the way to go because of the reprisal attacks that usually follow. I understand that the recent Boko Haram invasion of Mafa in Tarmuwa Local Government of Yobe State that led to the killing of dozens of innocent villagers was a revenge mission against communities that offered resistance. “Around 150 suspected Boko Haram terrorists armed with rifles and RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades] attacked Mafa ward on more than 50 motorcycles around 1600 hours on Sunday,” said Abdulkarim Dungus, Yobe state police spokesperson who confirmed to AFP that it was a revenge attack “for the killing of two Boko Haram terrorists by vigilantes from the village.”

That has been the pattern either with bandits or insurgents. Meanwhile, the security challenge in Katsina, and indeed the entire North-west, is not different from that of other areas of our country. And it is compounded by the factor of geography (vast forests and a treacherous border) as well as an absence of deterrence for bad behaviour. The enduring solution lies in reforming/repositioning our armed forces and the police in such a manner that would give them the capacity to deal with the challenge. The growing charge by authorities that people should defend themselves therefore offers no enduring solution. If anything, it would only compound the problem in a nation where there are already too many guns in the hands of criminal gangs.

The worrying aspect is that those tasked to protect us seem to be abdicating their responsibility, while promoting this warped

idea that civilians can, and should, defend themselves against armed criminals. Following the armed robbery attack at my residence in December 2020, I went to the police station to file the usual routine report. “How many were they?” the all-powerful DPO asked after I had narrated what transpired. “I don’t know how many were outside but only one operated inside our room with a gun.” Before I could explain further that my wife and I had no idea what was happening to our children in the other rooms, she retorted sharply: “And you could not wrestle him to the ground?” She asked the question with so much contempt that I couldn’t tell my wife when I got back home lest she deemed me to be one of those Magashi ‘cowards’.

What those who man the security sector in the country fail to appreciate is that the connecting thread for the variants of violence we are witnessing across Nigeria, as I have consistently argued, is the loss of what Max Weber described as “the legitimate use of physical force” to criminal cartels. And until they muster the requisite capacity and political will to effectively confront those who trouble the peace of our country, there may be no solution to the problem. They should also not deride rural dwellers who would prefer a functioning security from the state than resort to self-help. “It is praiseworthy to be brave and fearless, but sometimes it is better to be a coward”, a fictional character in the late Professor Chinua Achebe’ novel, ‘Arrow of God’ reminded us. “We often stand in the compound of a coward to point at the ruins where a brave man used to live.”

The fundamental obligation of the state to its citizens is the protection of life and property. When state officials therefore promote the gangster ethos of asking the people to defend themselves as a policy, anarchy is not too far away.

The Maiduguri Disaster

With corpses being exhumed from cemeteries while farmlands, schools and hospitals are submerged, it is troubling that more and more Nigerians are joining the growing population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in communities across the country. But there can be no bigger tragedy than that of Maiduguri where snakes, crocodiles and other reptiles have escaped from zoos as hundreds of thousands of people count their losses following the flooding that hit the Borno State capital on Tuesday morning. For the already traumatised people to suffer this kind of devastation on top of the socioeconomic challenges in the country and their own peculiar security situation is just too much. But was it an unavoidable tragedy?

I understand that there have been signals in recent years that the Alau Dam which was completed in 1986 could give way anytime as it has now happened. But nobody paid attention. That the resulting human tragedies leave both the rich and poor counting the costs is why I marvel about why we seem to move on without finding long-term solution to serious problems. But with more than 200,000, including women and children,

already displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), there is an urgent need for mass intervention from the federal government as well as the private sector.

We need a serious conversation about our country and how we waste enormous resources. Nigeria, former Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Director General, Clement Nze told me last year, has one of the best natural drainage systems in the world due to our topography, land and location within the Niger Basin that traverses nine countries in West and Central Africa. On annual basis, according to Nze, a total volume of over 200 billion cubic metres of fresh water drains into the Atlantic Ocean. This is a huge resource from nature that could be a catalyst for the much-touted diversification into agriculture, help resolve some of our security challenges and aid power generation. But, as we have seen over the years, it could also be a disaster if not properly harnessed.

We will come back to this issue another day. For now, it is important that all stakeholders help the people of Maiduguri to recover from this devastation.

Radda... Katsina State Governor