MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Targets

over one million

Second Assassination Attempt on Trump in Two Months, Suspect in Custody

FG: Lifting of Petrol at Dangote Refinery Marks Return of Industrialisation

NNPC sets Lagos price at N950/litre, Borno’s at N1,019 for Dangote fuel

National oil company assures fuel queues to disappear in few days

Declares naira-for-crude arrangement to ease FX volatility

Fuel scarcity in Nigeria over, Otedola says

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Compressed

State of Nation: Former Military Leaders, Others Meet in Minna Behind Closed Doors

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

Three former military rulers and some other generals, yesterday, met behind closed doors in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and

former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar met over what many suspected to be the state of the nation.

The meeting, which took place at Babangida’s uphill residence, also had in attendance former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau. The trio were reported to have

waited for Obasanjo for a long time, before he eventually arrived. Although details of the meeting were not made public, it was thought to be around the security situation in the country and the refusal of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21.

It was gathered that the meeting lasted about two hours, after which Obasanjo returned to Abuja.

Obasanjo had arrived at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Airport in Minna about 4.30pm in a Gulfstream V aircraft believed to have been chattered, and departed in the same aircraft

about 6.30pm. He was received at the airport by some protocol officers from the Niger State Government House.

The Niger State government also provided the vehicles that took the former president to Babangida’s house and back to the airport, while the same protocol officials saw him off. Obasanjo

FG: LIFTING OF PETROL AT DANGOTE REFINERY MARKS RETURN OF INDUSTRIALISATION

the feasibility of establishing a refinery.

The federal government yesterday expressed excitement over the commencement of lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol from the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery in Lagos, stressing that it marked the return of industrialisation in Nigeria.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who led the government delegation to the refinery, described the event as epoch-making and a major win for local refining.

"This is the resumption of Nigeria's march toward industrialisation. It represents a return to what we once had—local refining and local supply of petroleum products in the Nigerian market. It has been decades since we last achieved this, but we have it today," he said.

The minister, who was accompanied by Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on naira-based crude sales to local refineries, also stated that the initiative will ensure energy self-sufficiency and security in Nigeria.

He explained that the availability of the product to Nigerians will end perennial scarcity and long queues. He noted that this aligned with President Bola Tinubu's vision of adding value to raw materials before they leave the country.

According to him, Tinubu originated the concept of the free trade zone during his term as governor of Lagos State.

"Today, you have taken an important step towards energy self-sufficiency in Nigeria. We have advanced toward energy security and the implementation of the government's policy of boosting domestic investment.

“It is President Tinubu's vision that no raw material should leave Nigeria's shores without some form of value being added. Commendation is due to His Excellency, who facilitated the supply of crude to local refineries in naira by ensuring that NNPC provides crude to these refineries," he added.

Edun lauded the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Dangote, and his team for restoring Nigeria's status as a producer of refined products, nearly three decades after the country ceased local refining.

He praised Dangote for his patriotism and for exemplifying the can-do spirit of Nigeria, despite scepticisms from many quarters about

from the former president when he was spotted and agents fired four to six rounds at him before he dropped the gun and fled. It was not clear if the suspect was aiming his weapon at Trump.

The source said the suspect got into a vehicle and witnesses reported the license plate number, which was tracked by authorities. The suspect was stopped and taken into custody.

Bradshaw said along with an "AK-47-style rifle," two backpacks were found at the scene with a GoPro camera and ceramic tiles inside.

The sheriff said the golf course was not surrounded by law enforcement because Trump is not the sitting president. “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded.

“ But because he’s not, security is

"We congratulate Dangote, Africa's foremost businessman and industrialist, and arguably one of the top investors in the world, on this day of triumph and success. They said it couldn't be done, that we could not produce PMS from this facility, but today we are all witnesses to the commencement of PMS loading here.

“This refinery is producing PMS that is sufficient for the entire Nigerian market, with a surplus for export. We call on other domestic refiners to not only supply the local market but also to change the narrative by producing petroleum products for the sub-region and beyond. This will generate additional foreign exchange revenue for the betterment of the economy. We are thrilled that this day has arrived,” he said.

Praising the quality of the products from the refinery, Edun noted that the facility's global competitiveness enables it to export its products and sets a benchmark for Nigerian companies to compete favourably on the international stage.

He also commended the technical sub-committee on naira-based crude sales to local refineries for finalising all formalities, ensuring a smooth supply of crude to local refineries. The minister added that Tinubu was also focusing on enhancing food security.

In the same vein, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, stated that the commencement of PMS production from the refinery fulfilled Dangote's vision of addressing energy supply challenges in Nigeria.

He emphasised that it was a point of pride that a Nigerian company has designed and built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex, which will not only make Nigeria self-sufficient in refined products but also a net exporter.

"If you consider the refinery's capacity for PMS alone, processing 52,000 barrels of crude each day generates more than 54 million litres of PMS. Additionally, the refinery can produce other products. Specifically, 44 per cent of the refinery's capacity can meet 100 per cent of domestic needs, while 56 per cent is allocated for export. It is indeed a massive refinery," he said.

Edwin maintained that the refinery will significantly benefit the country’s economy by reducing Nigeria’s foreign exchange demand by at least 40 percent while also generating foreign earnings through exports.

“It will not only substitute imports but also boost forex generation through export. We will save foreign exchange

limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible. So, I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter," he added.

But Republican Senator, Lindsey Graham said he already had concerns about the Secret Service after the first assassination attempt against Trump and advocated moving the agency from under the Department of Homeland Security and back under the Treasury Department, "where it had more focus."

A Republican who spoke with Trump shortly after the incident told ABC News that Trump said he was near the 5th hole of the Trump International golf course when he heard "popping sounds" in the vicinity. The source said Trump

in two ways: first, by reducing expenditures on importing petrol, jet fuel, diesel, and other products, and second, through the revenue generated from exports,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about tankers overwhelming the Ibeju-Lekki area, as seen in Apapa. Edwin assured that the refinery has made provisions for loading petroleum products via its jetty and emphasised that it includes a self-sufficient marine facility capable of handling the world’s largest vessels.

He said that for 52 years, the President of Dangote Group, Dangote had been trying to solve the problem of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol supply in Nigeria using local solution, saying that finally, the solution had come.

Edwin said: “My President has been showing in his presentations that 52 years ago, we were trying to see how to solve the problem of PMS supply and the queues. Now, after 52 years, we have a solution. And the solution is local production of PMS and it is from a Nigerian oil company. And an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, it was constructed by a Nigerian company.

"So, it’s a matter of pride that a Nigerian oil company, constructed by a Nigerian-owned company, is able to generate PMS from the local crude. This will not only meet the entire requirement of Nigeria, but can also have surplus to export. So, it is a time and moment of great pride to every Nigerian.”

Also, early this morning, the NNPC released estimated prices of petrol obtained from the Dangote Refinery in its retail stations across the country, stressing that in line with the

Michael Oluwagbemi, told journalists in Abuja at the weekend, that in the last 45 days, the office has been able to distribute over 6,000 to 7,000 conversion kits.

“We have signed up over 75 conversion partners across eight states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Kogi, Nasarawa, FCT, and Kaduna. Later this month, we’ll add nine more states, including Kwara, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Rivers , Enugu, Kano, Niger and others,” Oluwagbemi stated.

He stressed that the PCNGI was expecting additional 12,000 kits in the next 30 days, which will enable it get more conversions

was in "good spirits."

Sheriff Will Snyder of neighbouring Martin County told ABC News that his units detained a man following the incident. Snyder said after the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department, the Secret Service and the FBI put out a "Be on the lookout for" alert, one of his officers saw the suspect vehicle northbound on Interstate 95 and other officers "forced it to a stop without incident."

Snyder said the vehicle matched the description in the bulletin but "now we have to determine if this, in fact, was the right suspect."

Shortly after the incident, Trump sent a fundraising email saying that he was safe and well and that no one was hurt.

"But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to

provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), petrol prices are not set by government, but negotiated directly between parties.

“The NNPC can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1, 2024.

“The NNPC assures that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100 per cent to the general public.

In the attached document, the NNPC stated that fuel from the Dangote refinery will sell for N950.22 per litre in Lagos; N960.22 in Oyo; N980.22 in Rivers; N992.22 in Abuja; N999.22 in in Kaduna; N999.22 in Kano; N999.22 in Sokoto and N1,019 in Borno, based on the September pricing template.

A breakdown indicated that the final price from the Dangote refinery was N898.78, according to the statement, while distribution in Lagos is N15 per litre, inspection fee is N0.97, NMDPRA fee is N8.99, with an expected margin of N26.48.

This is coming just as the NNPC has assured Nigerians that the lingering petrol scarcity and the long queues at filling stations will disappear in the next few days with the loading of refined petroleum products which commenced at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos yesterday.

The national oil company also stressed that the pump price of petrol from the refinery would not be fixed by either the NNPC or Dangote Refinery, saying it would henceforth be purely determined by market forces.

Speaking during an interactive session in Lagos, at the weekend, the

done by the end of this year, with additional 100,000 to 250,000 kits before the end of Q1 next year.

Oluwagbemi pointed out that this will enable government hit the goal of 150,000 directly conversions in the next one year, explaining that there were only seven conversion centres in Nigeria when the scheme started.

“But I'm pleased to announce to you that today there are over 130 conversion centres in the country as a result of our work. And before the end of the year, we have an additional 120 to get to about 250 before the end of this year,” he stressed.

In terms of refuelling, he noted

stop us," he wrote.

In a follow-up fundraising email Sunday evening, Trump wrote, "My resolve is only stronger after another attempt on my life."

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the "security incident at the Trump International Golf Course," the White House said in a statement Sunday.

"They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team," the White House added.

After being briefed on the incident, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement, "There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind."

"The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Schumer added.

Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC, Mr. Dapo Olusegun, also dispelled the insinuation that the national oil company had been frustrating the take-off of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery which is owned by Africa’s richest man, Dangote.

Commenting further on the distribution of petrol productions, Olusegun said: “There is a process for getting premium motor spirit from either the gantry at Dangote Refinery or to the vessels and there is a process of taking it from there to the pump. So, as we have started loading products, definitely, in some places, you might get fuel to buy at the pump the same day.

“For example, if a truck loads at Dangote Refinery and it is going to a filling station at Epe in Lagos, you will probably get the product same day. But if is going all the way to Kano, you won’t expect to get it that quickly.

“And if it going on the vessel to Calabar, before it gets to the trucks, the supply chain continues. So, it is not impossible to get to the filling station the same day after loading, but that is limited to the filling stations that are close to the refinery.”

Olusegun pointed out that there was no reason why the NNPC would have frustrated the take-off of the privately owned refinery, saying commenters keep forgetting that the NNPC has a stake of 7.25 per cent in the asset.

“Now it wouldn’t make sense for a shareholder to seek to frustrate a company that it has equity participation in. I can tell you that the NNPC has not at any time done anything to frustrate Dangote Refinery. The reverse is the case. NNPC has gone out of its way to support Dangote Refinery, which is

that when the programme started, Nigeria had only 13 centres, with most of them concentrated in Benin, where there was previously a pilot done by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in 2017.

According to him, today, there are about 55 fuelling stations and an additional 15 before the end of the month, with the planned deployment of about 500 CNG buses this year and release of 80 so far.

He stressed that the programme cannot be activated overnight in every state because of the limitation in terms of dispensers, which will take time to get to some sub-nationals.

Oluwagbemi stated that the balance of some equipment was being assembled by local manufacturers because the shipping routes from China and from India as well as other countries were clogged as a result of the Yemen crisis in the Middle East, thereby slowing down importation.

“In some of the states in Nigeria, there is CNG capacity, but they don't have dispensers. So we are working with the governors, we are working with the local industries to ensure these dispensers are made available to them, either through our programme or through the investment of private sector investors.

“These dispensers are not manufactured in Nigeria at the moment. We are also enabling local manufacturers and capacity to ensure that we get it across to them. But we want to ensure the President's promise to the

what we expect a shareholder to do.

“So, when you talk about delaying Dangote crude cargoes, all of these are business transactions. Some terms and conditions guide every type of transaction and the trade of crude oil and the trade of refined products is a global business.

“The terms and conditions are global terms and conditions and so there are conditions to be met before a cargo of crude can be released. If those conditions are not met, then it's just normal business to wait until those conditions are met before you can release the cargo. So, that's basically what it is. So it's not anything. It's not anything personal, we're running a business and Dangote is running a business.

“All of the marketers and all companies are running businesses. You have terms and conditions that we all sign off to.

“It's just us keeping to the terms and conditions of our business transactions. I can tell you, there's nothing unfair going on. Everything that's going on is according to the terms and conditions signed by both parties, and that is the way business should be done,” he explained.

Olusegun, emphasised that with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the national oil company is now a going concern and no longer a corporation that relies on the government for support.

“Today, if the NNPC starts making losses and cannot meet its obligations, the government cannot bail it out, because it will be illegal for the government to do that as it is against

Nigerian people that we move them to a cleaner, safer, more reliable gas future.

“Our nation has been subsidising petrol for between $8 billion to $10 billion consistently in the last 15 years, and every single dollar of that $8 billion to $10 billion has been borrowed, while we as a country in the same period, just in the last five years, we've burnt and flared $12.5 billion worth of gas,” he added. With the estimated 1 million conversions, the PCNGI chief executive stated that there will be 100,000 direct jobs that will be created while 25,000 technicians will be enabled across 1,000 conversion centres as well as over 2,300 refuelling stations. On how Nigerians will be able to know commercial vehicles powered by CNG so as to benefit from the lower fares, Oluwagbemi pointed out that it is usually indicated on the buses, but further stressed that some of them still run partially on petrol.

“In India, for example, there is a policy of not registering petrol or diesel vehicles for industry or commercial use. And I think that's a policy that every state in Nigeria, as soon as they have CNG capacity, should look into. Mass transit vehicles are responsible for over 80 per cent of our PMS consumption,” he explained. He also used the opportunity to simultaneously launch the distribution of over 1,250 CNG kits in some states to provide an opportunity for commercial drivers to participate in the conversion incentive programme.

Obinna Chima in Lagos, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY NESG AND FEDERAL MINISTRY OF BUDGET...

L-R: Board Director, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Nnanna Ude; Co-chair, Private Sector Joint Planning Committee for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30), Mrs Cecillia Akintomide; Board Director, NESG and Chairman, NES#30 Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Mr Udeme Ufot; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Emeka Vitalis Obi; Director, Macroeconomic Analysis, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Felix Okonkwo; and CEO, NESG, Dr Tayo Aduloju, at the World Press Conference organised by the NESG and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for NES#30 in Abuja...weekend

$1trn Economy: Deployment of Forensics, a Necessity, Says CIFCFIN

Bennett Oghifo

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has said that the present administration’s drive for a $1 trillion economy in 2026 is achievable adding that forensics would catalyze the process.

Speaking during the Institute’s first Professional Forensic Practitioners’ graduation ceremony at the EFCC Academy, in Abuja, recently, the President, Chairman in-Council, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki said there is a clear link between forensics and our national economic

aspirations.

His words: “By applying forensic techniques in law enforcement, revenue management, election integrity and other key sectors of the economy, we can build a more robust and resilient Nigeria.”

According to him, forensic audits and investigations are powerful tools for ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue generation.

He said the public and private sectors can benefit immensely from forensic audits and investigations, leading to the recovery of lost funds.

The CIFCFIN President called

on all stakeholders, government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society, to embrace forensic and fraud investigation tools and work together to create a transparent, accountable, and just society.

“Together, we can build the Nigeria we envision- a nation where justice, integrity, and prosperity go hand in hand,” he surmised.

Also speaking on the role of forensics in attaining the goals of the present administration, the former Accountant-General of the Federation, James Kayode

Naiyeju, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that his government makes the best use of forensic practitioners and fraud investigators to achieve better result in combating corruption, frauds and illicit financial flows in the country.

Naiyeju, a former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) as well as Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) was one of the 50 high-profile participants at the intensive training by CIFCFIN at the EFCC Academy, Abuja, for certification as Professional

Tinubu Back in Abuja After Visits to China, UK

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to the nation's capital, Abuja, after an official visit to China and a stopover in the United Kingdom.

Forensic and Fraud Investigation practitioners

Explaining the rationale for the training, the chairperson of the Professional Practice Committee, Shiva Rae M’ovul Kondoun, said it will set the tone for the future of forensics and fraud investigation in Nigeria.

Her words: “The 1st Professional Practice Certification Training is a milestone that would reflect not only the collective responsibility and commitment to excellence in the fight against financial crimes but finding the truth through scientific and principled systematic evidence gathering as well as reporting the truth that would lead either to the apprehension of a crime perpetrator or to the discharge of a wrongly accused suspect.”

era where financial crimes was increasingly becoming more sophisticated and globalized; that the skills of forensic and fraud investigators have to be up scaled to ensure that investigations are carried out thoroughly in order to apprehend the culprits.

The President was received at around 10:40pm on Sunday at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport by top government officials including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

held talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The two nations elevated their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership."

President Tinubu also addressed issues of global peace and multilateralism at FOCAC before meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora in China.

During his state visit to China, Tinubu attended the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC) and

Several key agreements were signed, including a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project and the Lagos Green Rail Line.

While in the UK, the President held discussions on climate change with King Charles III at the Buckingham Palace in London.

Aig-Imoukhuede-led ABCHealth Becomes New Secretariat for Africa's Alliance against Malaria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

The African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) yesterday announced its appointment as the new Secretariat for the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA).

The development, it said, marked a pivotal moment in its journey towards enhancing health systems across the continent, as it takes on stewardship of CAMA from the Global Business Coalition for Health (GBCHealth) in New York.

CAMA focuses on mobilising the private sector to drive impactful partnerships for malaria control and elimination in workplaces and communities. Besides, it creates opportunities for the private sector to engage with peers and with leaders from governments, civil society, academia, and other sectors to

scale impact in the fight against malaria.

As the new secretariat for CAMA, ABCHealth said it will build on the successes achieved over the past 17 years, providing value to its members in relevance and scaled impact in the fight against malaria.

The appointment, it stressed, was a key milestone in GBCHealth’s plan to transition its work to being fully African-led.

“Placing the leadership and management of CAMA within ABCHealth is a testament to its theory of change in cultivating partnerships and mobilising private sector resources to improve healthcare in Africa and change the way it works.

“ABCHealth works closely with Africa’s private sector leaders as well as global organisations to help improve the health and wellbeing of all Africans.

“This new charge to lead CAMA and its esteemed member organisations, as well as the wider Malaria ecosystem to collaboratively control and eventually eliminate malaria across the continent is a responsibility ABCHealth is proud to take on,” a statement from the organisation stressed.

Global business leader, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Founder & Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation & Chairman of ABCHealth amongst others, stated that to tackle the health problems in Africa, there was the need for private sector collaboration.

“The current challenges facing Africa’s healthcare and its disproportionate disease burden reinforces the strong business case for private sector engagement in health.

“The transition of CAMA to ABCHealth is a further opportunity

for partners in both public and private sectors to collaborate towards improved health outcomes across Africa,” he added.

Chief Executive of Aliko Dangote Foundation and ABCHealth Board Director, Zouera Youssoufou, expressed her delight about the move.

“Our Principal and ABCHealth Co-Founder, Aliko Dangote, who is also the Chair of the End Malaria Council in Nigeria, looks forward to seeing a scaling up of the impact of CAMA in Africa now that the organisation will be fully led by Africans,” Youssoufou.

Chief Executive of ABCHealth, Dr. Mories Atoki, said: “Our Coalition is fully committed to moving CAMA further. We recognise the impact of members’ activities, and look forward to working with all of them as well as with new members in the coming year and beyond.

She emphasised that the training was designed to connect to an

Sharing his experience as a participant in the training, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Philips Salawu, said he and his colleagues have been well prepared to wage war against corruption, as it has remained a cancer that has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation’s economy leading to the underdevelopment of the Nigerian state. Therefore, “we, the participants in this training exercise, are going into the society as eagles to fight corruption, especially financial crimes,” he declared.

Navy Seeks Credible Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity in N/Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Nigerian Navy has sought for credible intelligence in the Niger Delta to boost security in the region.

Specifically, the security outfit in the maritime sector wants intelligence sharing between the Naval Base and its host communities for a secured and peaceful environment.

Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Escravos, Navy Captain Olayinka Aliu, made the plea over the weekend during an educational outreach organized by the Base in Ugborodo and adjourning communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said that the educational outreach was to encourage the children to be of good behaviour, study hard and eschew all forms of criminalities capable of jeopardising their future.

Navy Captain Aliu noted that the educational rhapsody, which was coming up on the heels of a medical rhapsody recently conducted naval base in Ugborodo general area, was "part of the non-kinectic component of 'Operation Delta Sanity 111',

aimed at utilizing soft approach to win hearts and minds of the locals in the fight against COT".

“Aside from the medical intervention, we decided that for communities in Ugborodo where we domicile, we should add educational outreach. At the end of it all, we are giving them exercise books and mathematical sets to help them in their academic pursuit", he said.

The Naval Boss urged the pupils to be disciplined and dedicated to their academic pursuit noting that the sky would be their limit in whatever profession they decide to choose.

He solicited for credible intelligence and cooperation from the leadership to boost security in and around the host communities and ensure a conducive environment for business to thrive in the area.

The outreach, which was climaxed by refreshments, music and words of advice from the attendees, was attended by the king of the Ugborodo kingdom, HRH The Galaxy, the Eharaja of Ugborodo kingdom as well as leaders from the various host communities, among others.

AHMADU BELLO'S ONLY SURVIVING MALE GRADUATES...

L-R: Hafsatu Shinkafi, Fatima Shinkafi, Ahmadu-Bello Shinkafi and Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu during the graduation ceremony of Bello-Shinkafi. Bello is the only surviving grandson of late former Premier of Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello...recently

FG

Demands

More Private Investments in CNG Conversion, Filling Stations

Commences conversion of 150 vehicles to CNG in Kaduna

The federal government has called on the Nigerian private sector to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI) and invest in setting up more facilities for conversion of petrol-run vehicles to CNG-powered.

The government also called for increased private investments into building and establishing additional outlets that offer CNG refilling services in order to deepen its adoption and penetration in the country.

Special Project Advisor, P-CNGI, Mr. Olayinka Rufai, made the call in Lagos when his team visited Mezovest workshop, in Ajah, one of the accredited CNG conversion centers.

In another related development, the federal government has also delivered 150 Compress Natural Gas (CNG) kits and cylinders for the conversion of 150 commercial vehicles in Kaduna State.

The kits were delivered at the Rolling Energy, one of the conversion centres in Kakau, along the KadunaAbuja expressway by Thomas Ayu, Coordinator of Logistics and Supply

Chain, Presidential Initiative CNG.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, Ayu said the programme aimed at supporting transporters to convert their vehicles to a more efficient, economical, and safe energy source.

Speaking in Lagos, the Special Project Advisor, P-CNGI, Mr. Olayinka Rufai said currently, only about 20 CNG conversion centers and few filling stations exist in Nigeria to serve the emerging CNG auto market in the country, a situation he noted, informed the need for increased investment from private organisations.

He said the government was not intending to establish CNG filling stations and conversion centers to avoid crowding out investors, pointing out that the government only plays the role of business enabler through the introduction of policies and programmes such as the P-CNG initiative.

He added that the government was currently running the kits conversion incentive programme where about 10,000 commercial vehicles will be converted free of charge on a firstcome-first serve basis within the next 18 months, while targeting to ramp it up to one million converted vehicles

Airtel Africa Foundation Launches $500,000 Fellowship Programme for IIT Madras Zanzibar Students

Mary Nnah

Airtel Africa Foundation has unveiled a prestigious fellowship programme for undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first-ever foreign campus of an Indian Institute of Technology.

The programme, valued at $500,000, will support 10 deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds pursuing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, marking a significant milestone in the quest for digital and financial inclusion, education, and environmental protection in Africa.

The Airtel Africa Fellowship Programme will cover 100% of college fees, approximately $12,000, and provide an additional $500 for living expenses, empowering students to focus on their studies and reach their full potential.

This initiative aims to bridge the education gap in Africa, fostering a new generation of leaders who will drive technological innovation and economic growth, and contribute to creating a prosperous and sustainable continent.

Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Ogunsanya, emphasized, "We are pleased to partner with

IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education.

“This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent, and we look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection."

Zanzibar's Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa, praised the partnership, saying, "IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region.

“We are thankful for this support from the Airtel Africa Foundation, which will enhance our efforts in providing access to high-quality education for students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent."

IIT Madras Director, Prof. V. Kamakoti, expressed gratitude to Airtel Africa Foundation, saying, "We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year. We are immensely grateful to Airtel Africa Foundation for providing financial assistance for these future global leaders."

by 2027.

Rufai stated: "We are encouraging private investment to see that there is an opportunity here. And trust me, we receive letters of intent and requests for information from all kinds of private investors who are willing and able and ready to set up filling stations all over the nation, and you will see a lot of those as well

"Remember that government is not in the business of business. So, we are encouraging private investors to do what they can to establish CNG refilling stations nationwide and I expect that that is something that is happening on a daily basis. We do not believe that this is something that is going away.

"So, I call on any organisations, groups or individuals to get on board, support this initiative of the federal government of Nigeria, support what we are trying to do here. It's a win-win for everybody.

“So, yes, it is something that

we are doing. This is part of the encouragement. If you wait to have enough filling stations before you start converting, it doesn't make sense."

He said the government was doing everything necessary to increase CNG filling stations as well as increasing the number of people that require filling to further encourage people to adopt the alternative cheaper energy product.

According to him, inspection of vehicles for free conversion has been going on well in many centres across the country and that most of the vehicles inspected were eligible for conversion to CNG.

"So, we expect a high turnout. As words continue to go out, we expect more and more people coming. The centre here - Mezovest seems adequate to be able to have a high capacity of vehicles at the same time", he added.

He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the CNG initiative because

of economic benefits, explaining that using CNG will significantly reduce the cost of transportation and food items as it is far cheaper, cleaner and safer than petrol.

Rufai however mentioned that more schemes were in the pipeline which will also contribute in crashing the initial cost borne by private individuals or organizations to convert their petrol vehicles to CNG.

On his part, Thomas Ayu, Coordinator of Logistics and Supply Chain, Presidential Initiative CNG, said the initiative is a collaboration between the federal government and private companies that is handling the vehicle conversion.

Ayu allayed fears being expressed by some motorists about the safety of carrying a gas in a vehicle, assuring that, it is safe, more efficient and cheaper than petrol.

“CNG is a clean energy. It’s clean, cheaper, more effective in consumption compared to fuel.

"So, for people who are having fear of gas explosions as a result of carrying gas in their vehicles around, I can assure them that there is nothing to worry about, people should come out en masse to convert their vehicles,” he said.

According to him, the kits are in different categories - six cylinders and for four cylinders, "in line with what Mr. President wants Nigerians and the transport sector to enjoy as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy. He added that the kits and conversion are free and called on transport unions and transporters to take advantage of the programme to convert their vehicles.

He said: "For Kaduna State in this programme, we have 150 kits and 150 cylinders. We are going to provide more kits and more cylinders in the coming months.

"We are targeting to give more than 10,000 kits this month across the country".

NAWOJ, UNICEF, Bauchi First Lady Collaborate, Organise 2-day Training for

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Office of the Bauchi State First Lady, on Saturday commenced a Two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) for selected women from across the state.

The two-day TOT is for CSOs especially those of women development focused plan on crafting a comprehensive advocacy strategy to reduce the rate of malnutrition in the state which is becoming so alarming.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya

Women CSOs on Malnutrition

Rasheeda Yusuf, said the partnership is in the forefront to commence the process of equipping the participants and also developing a strategic plan that will give a direction on effective way to drive advocacy for maternal and child nutrition in the state.

Rasheeda Yusuf stressed that, "This training will provide a unifying platform for our collective contributions to providing a roadway in improving nutrition advocacy across the 20 local governments in the state."

She explained that, "The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is a group of Women Professional Journalists working in various media organizations in the state, committed to evidence-based

advocacy, creating awareness and sensitization of stakeholders and members of the general public on issues of human development particularly to women and children in the state."

Further according to her, "NAWOJ also amplifies the voice of the vulnerable groups in the society which aimed at targeting policy makers and relevant stakeholders in all sectors such as Health, Education, Economic Empowerment, mitigation of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) for positive outcomes and behavioral change."

The NAWOJ Chairperson stressed that, "The country is facing a severe crisis of malnutrition with millions of children seriously affected particularly

in the North East and the North West in which our dear state falls.

"As journalists, our various findings showed that inadequate access to food, poor feeding practice and weak health seeking behavior coupled with the socio-economic challenges in the country increase the high rate in the region and the state."

"It is on this note that we all gathered here to brainstorm on this issue that is becoming a scourge in the state which is malnutrition. As you arrive for this mission, I urge you to keenly listen to all the presentations and discussions and as well, participate actively so that, you can reap so much for your individual groups," she urged.

DSS: We Were Not Involved in Omoyele Sowore’s Arrest, Detention

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Department of State Service (DSS) yesterday washed its hands off the arrest of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore was arrested on Sunday morning at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State by Nigerian Immigration officials but later released.

A source at the DSS said the agency had nothing to do with the arrest as being speculated by

some media platforms.

He said though the politician was once on the watch list of DSS , his name had since been removed and therefore there was no reason to arrest him.

The source said: “We have nothing to do with Sowore’s arrest . He used to be on our watch list , at the moment he is not on our watch list .

“ I don’t know why some media platforms would be so reckless in their reporting. I expected them to do little investigation and know which agency that carried out the arrest.“

Sowore had written after his arrest

:“I have just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown.” Meanwhile, Sowore was said to have been released minutes after his arrest.

In a post via his official X handle, Sowore revealed that he had been released by the Nigerian Immigration

Service and his passport had also been released .

“I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me,” he wrote . Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday, ordered an immediate investigation into viral video footage alleging unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Abbas Haruna, for six years without trial. The DHQ also noted that the new order was in response to the allegation.

Peter Uzoho and John Shiklam in Kaduna

COURTESY VISIT BY OERNL EXECUTIVES TO BAYELSA GOVERNMENT HOUSE...

After Acquisitions of NAOC, Oando Commences Operations with Visit to Bayelsa Government

Diri welcomes energy firm, hails commitment to community development

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The new owners of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), has kick-started its operations in Bayelsa state, with a bridge-building visit to the Governor of the state, Senator Douye Diri.

Describing it as a 'promising note', a statement by the company stated that it also made a public commitment to building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, regulators and local communities.

The visit led by the Managing Director, OERNL, Alex Irune, and other members of the company’s leadership team, also afforded the company the opportunity to outline its plans for the state.

“Irune shared Oando's 30-year history in Nigeria, from its humble beginnings in the downstream sector

to its growth in the midstream and upstream sectors, highlighting the ConocoPhillips acquisition which gave Oando its initial 20 per cent interest in the Joint Venture (JV) with NAOC and NNPC.

“ He also discussed Oando's recent acquisition of the company NAOC and its 20 per cent interest, which brings Oando’s interest in the JV to 40 per cent alongside NNPC’s 60 per cent,“ the statement from the company stated.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Diri, welcomed the Oando delegation and praised the company's efforts to establish a strong relationship with the state government and communities.

"We are happy to receive you as the new owners of NAOC. You are now part and parcel of the family of Bayelsa. We are excited that an indigenous company is now in charge of a multinational oil company

like NAOC that has operated here for four decades,"he said.

Bayelsa State is Nigeria's oil hub, with significant reserves and production. The state's economy relies heavily on the oil and gas industry. Oando's acquisition of NAOC and her assets is expected to boost economic activities and create jobs across the four states its operations reside in.

The governor commended Oando's commitment to local content, saying: "We are glad to see an indigenous company taking over the operations of NAOC. We believe that you will do better than the previous operators."

He emphasised the importance of involving local communities in decision-making processes.

Oando pledged to prioritise community development, focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The company said

it aims to increase production and bring value to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

During the visit, the governor and Oando's management team discussed ways to address the state's energy needs.

Bayelsa state faces significant energy challenges, with many communities lacking access to reliable electricity.

Diri encouraged Oando to continue on the positive path, saying: "We pray God grants you the grace to do better. We are confident that you will add value to Bayelsa State and Nigeria."

Oando's commitment to transparency and accountability was also highlighted, as the company pledged to engage with stakeholders regularly, providing updates on its operations and community development initiatives.

As Oando takes over operations

Adeniyi: Customs' Trade Modernisation Project a Concessionaire Agreement Not Contract

James Emejo in Abuja

Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, has emphasised that the Nigeria Customs Service's $3.2 billion Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) remained strictly a concessionaire arrangement and not a contract as erroneously referred to in some quarters.

The first phase of the Customs $3.2 billion project seeks to automate and simplify its mandate as well as enhance revenues to the federal government.

The project which has been concessioned to TMP Limited for 20 year will generate over $250 billion for the federal government within the period.

However, speaking at the opening of the 2024 Public Relations Conference, held at the Service's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Adeniyi said the TMP was still being tagged a contract, insisting "It is not a contract".

He said, "It is a concessionaire agreement", adding that the customs public relations unit "must take that responsibility, break down the details and let Nigerians know what trade

modernisation is all about".

Adeniyi said amid the current changing dynamics, public relations strategy must evolve in response to the evolving society.

He emphasised the need fof continuous capacity building, challenging the officers to "continue to strive to be a better version" of themselves to cope with the challenges of the modern age.

The CGC specifically commended the current customs' National Public Relations Officer, NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, and his team for spearheading strategies aimed at boosting the image of the service amid challenges.

He said under his watch, public relations activities will enjoy continued to support.

"We will continue to invest in capacity building to make your job easier," he further assured them.

Adeniyi said the customs public relations must continue to be strategic in communication approach, stressing that it must go beyond announcing seizures and revenue generation.

Adeniyi said, "Communication can no longer be like we have generated N20 million or we have made five seizures.

We now have to look at the

bigger picture.

"We now have to begin to align what we do to the objective of Mr. President.

Mr. President has a direction. If we look at the economic agenda of Mr. President, decongesting the ports, making our economy and our ports more efficient, and more competitive.

"We now have to begin to align our communication messages towards those bigger objectives away from the fact that you have made seizures or that you have generated X trillions of Naira."

The CGC also said the service was consummating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to further build the capacity of its officers.

He said, "There will be a lot of challenges for us in modernisation.

"There will be a lot happening in that ecosystem and we must ensure that we have a responsive and robust PR strategy that will bring this closer to all our stakeholders."

Earlier, in his welcome address, Maiwada, said the conference with the theme, "Navigating the Horizon: The Evolving Paradigm Shift in the Public Relations Activities of Nigeria Customs

Service," aptly reflected the critical juncture on the economy.

He said the event was not merely a gathering of minds but a "chance to collectively reflect on our journey, assess our present, and envision our future."

He said, "As we explore the chronicles of progress, we will trace the historical path of our unit, acknowledging the milestones reached, the challenges overcome, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

"This retrospective view is crucial as it sets the foundation for our discussions on the contemporary dynamics, the current landscape of PR strategies, media relations, and communication technologies shaping the identity of the Nigeria Customs Service today."

According to the customs spokesman, "Looking ahead, our focus will shift to future horizons, where we will envision the role and strategies of the Public Relations Unit in the coming years.

"We must embrace innovation, adaptability, and emerging trends to ensure our communication remains effective and relevant in an ever-evolving global environment."

in Bayelsa State, the company said its focus will be on local content, community development, and transparency, which it said has already sent a positive signal to stakeholders.

With its rich oil reserves and strategic location, Bayelsa State is poised for growth, and Oando is well-positioned to play a key role in this development, the statement added.

By working together, Oando, the state government, and local communities, the statement stressed, can achieve great things, quoting the governor as saying that: "If you add value to Bayelsa State, you've added value to Nigeria."

With its experienced management team and commitment to transparency, Oando said it was poised to make a lasting impact in Bayelsa state.

Otti: Democracy Must Be Saved in Africa to Guarantee Inclusive Growth, Development

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

As democracy continues to face existential threat in Africa, the governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, has called for concerted efforts to save the flickering flame of the most cherished form of government from being extinguished in the continent.

He made the call weekend in his keynote speech at the 2024 Africa Innovate Conference held at the George Washington University, DC, United States, against the backdrop of resurgent military take-overs in some African countries.

Otti participated and delivered his speech virtually at the conference involving a gathering of global icons like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Madam Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, among others.

He acknowledged that Africa has been witnessing a loss of faith in democratic system of governance as it has not lifted the continent to the pedestal of development due to leadership failures.

This partly explains the reason a number of African countries, including Guinea, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad have in recent times slid back to military dictatorships, he held.

"The ugly challenge of political instability also besets our continent as millions begin to lose faith in the promises of democracy after decades of failed expectations," Otti said.

"There is, therefore, a growing need to save democracy in the continent, for that is the only way to guarantee inclusive growth and development".

For democracy to survive, the Abia Governor advocated that "we must think beyond winning and losing elections" and bring into the

mix other ingredients that make for a democracy that engenders development.

He said: "It has become necessary to take the long view of our roles as citizens, the leadership selection process, the quality of individuals we promote for public offices, and our disposition to electoral outcomes.

"Violence has no place in a democracy, but such events can only be avoided by making the electoral process transparent through institutional mechanisms that are difficult to manipulate".

Otti stressed the need for democratic system of government to be practised in a manner that builds trust between the leadership and the people, as well as trust in the institutions on which democracy is sustained.

"The fruits of development can only mature in an environment of trust - trust in institutions, processes and systems," he stated.

The Abia chief executive, who is a renowned economist and had left indelible mark in the banking sector of Nigeria's economy, noted that Africa would not be attractive to investors if the system is not trustworthy.

According to him, "investments that will stimulate improved living conditions for Africans can only happen when investors believe that the system is transparent and supportive".

"We will only be deceiving ourselves if we imagine that anyone will put his money in a system that thrives on bribery and nepotism - where contract terms are violated at will without any clear path to justice".

He agreed with the general consensus amongst development experts, scholars and investors that Africa offers two very strategic prospects for the future of our civilisation.

L-R: Dr. Ainojie 'Alex' Irune, Managing Director, Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL); His Excellency, GovernorDouye Diri, Bayelsa State Governor; and Honourable Minister, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil); at the Bayelsa State Government House during the courtesy visit by OERNL executives following its recent acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) on Thursday,

TRIBUTE

Nick Fadugba: A Life Dedicated to Africa’s Aviation Growth

Wole Shadare

The African aviation industry last month lost a great aviator, Nicholas Fadugba. He was simply known as Nick in the global aviation industry. He died aged 69. Fadugba was widely respected for his leadership, advocacy and unwavering dedication to advancing aviation across the African continent. As African Business Aviation Association chair from 2018 to 2023, he played a pivotal role in promoting business aviation within Africa, earning recognition for his integrity and vision.

His efforts were not limited or confined to business aviation alone. Nick was also the Founder and CEO of African Aviation Services, where he worked to develop and promote the broader aviation industry across Africa. His commitment to the industry extended beyond advocacy. He was instrumental in initiating high-level international aviation conferences specifically tailored for Africa, providing a platform for the continent’s aviation growth to engage with global stakeholders. He also pioneered aviation publishing in Africa with the launch of African Aviation, a publication dedicated to promoting the African aviation industry on the global stage.

Fadugba’s contributions were widely recognised, including his election, as Secretary-General of the African Airlines Association and his advisory role to the Association of African Aviation Training Organisation. He was also a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a prestigious honour reflecting his achievement in the field.

The death of the foremost aviator last month shocked the global aviation industry. His impact on global aviation was unequalled just as he helped to bring global consciousness of the world to Africa, showing that Africa is the next frontier for aviation exploration. Nick was humble. He was very knowledgeable and understood aviation like the palm of his hands and was very much at home while discussing any topic in aviation, ranging from aircraft leases, airline development, aeropoliltics and the intricacies of airline business models and a very good arbiter in resolving tough disputes between airlines and lessors. He was a consultant par excellence and one who despite his enormous success was humble and carried himself with dignity.

firms and sponsors like Boeing, Airbus, aircraft engine firms, aircraft lessors and top government officials from around the world who are seeking investments in Africa and the best possible way to gain market share in the continent.

This tribute to the memory of an outstanding aviator should have come earlier. I found it extremely difficult to come to terms with his demise since the announcement was made public by his publicist, Louise Mulvey. Nick means so much to many people. He means so much to me because he was one of the few who encouraged me in the early days of my sojourn as an aviation reporter with The Guardian Newspapers from 2002 until when I left The Flagship as The Guardian is known to New Telegraph in 2014.

I got to meet Nick through our common friend, the late Francis Ayigbe, one of the best aviation journalists and a former chairman of the League of Airports Aviation Correspondents. Ayigbe contacted me in 2003 to be part of the conference he held in Nairobi. That was the beginning of our relationship and my participation in many of the conferences he organised across many cities in Africa Johannesburg, Cape Town, South Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and other African cities.

Nick’s conferences were always packed full

In August 2009, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Virgin Nigeria, Capt Dapo Olumide, ran to Nick for help when the carrier severed ties with Virgin Atlantic founder, Sir Richard Branson, and signed a cooperation agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to share aircraft maintenance and staff training. The partnership separated Virgin Nigeria from British billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic, which was looking to sell its 49 per cent stake in the airline.

The deal was tough to arrive at. I was part of the three journalists invited to be part of the trip to Addis Ababa where a former Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s most successful airline, Ethiopian Airlines, Ato Girma Wake, supervised the deal. It was a tough deal as Virgin Nigeria’s hope lay on the deal as the carrier was sitting on a thin rope.

Olumide and Nick frequently visited the room where the three journalists sat at the headquarters of Ethiopian Airlines to paint a grim picture of the entire deal. It was tough as Nick expressed confidence that the deal would sail through. We reported to the headquarters of Ethiopian Airlines at 10 am and sat through, waiting anxiously for the good news that did not come until 2 am. The room erupted in jubilation.

The team of Olumide, the late Francis Ayigbe who was communications manager for Virgin Nigeria at the time and the other journalists returned to Nigeria with an air of accomplishment. This joy was short-lived when businessman Jimoh

Olumide’s resignation from the company. Ibrahim was shocked that Olumide resigned. He accused journalists of publishing his resignation when he had not intimated to him of his planned resignation from the company. Olumide sensed the danger of working with Ibrahim and opted to throw in the towel to save his reputation.

The last encounter I had with him was in April 2024 in Addis Ababa where he had his last conference. As usual, he invited me, Mr Chinedu Eze of ThisDayand Mrs Sola Adekola of The Nigerian Tribune to what happened to be his last public engagement. He and his team managed to make our travel arrangements work even in serious health conditions which we were not aware of until we came face to face with him. He had lost so much weight; an indication that he was going through a difficult health challenge. It turned out to be Nick’s last conference.

About 10 years ago in Cape Town for one of his conferences, Nick prevailed on Ayigbe and me to visit Robben Island; a tourist attraction which is famous for the incarceration of Nelson Mandela. He suspected that we didn’t have enough cash to make the trip from the hotel in Cape Town to Robben Island and offered to lend his credit card. He jocularly told us that the card was loaded with more than £ 300, 000. He disclosed the PIN or passcode. He pleaded with us to handle the card with care because the loss of the card would cause so much inconvenience to him.

Fadugba established African Aviation Services in 1990 with the pan-African vision of promoting aviation development throughout Africa. He believed that aviation could be a vital catalyst for Africa’s economic and social transformation. Since 1988, he

provided a wide range of consultancy and advisory services to international aviation, finance and leasing organisations and African governments. He was also instrumental in fostering business relations between Africa and the international aviation community in critical areas such as aviation finance, aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance, air safety and aviation training. Nick had unique experience in aviation finance and aircraft leasing negotiation, arbitration and dispute resolution in Africa. Other areas of speciality included developing airline business plans, fleet planning, aircraft leasing and finance advisory services, airline route network development, market information research and analysis, reconciliation of aircraft leasing/finance accounts and debt recovery, negotiating the acquisition of airport slots and air traffic rights, and establishing London Heathrow Airport operations for foreign airlines. He was appointed an Interim Non-Executive Director to the Board of South African Airways on December 9, 2020, and acted as Chairperson of the SAA Technical until April 2023. He was elected Chairman of the African Business Aviation Association in May 2018, handing over the chairmanship last year. He was a former elected Secretary General of the African Airlines Association; a launch member of the African Business Aviation Association and Vice Chairman of its Safety and Training Committee. He was Chief Advisor to the Association of African Aviation Training Organisations; a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, United Kingdom; a member of the Aviation Club of the UK; a member of the German Aviation Research Society; the European Aviation Club; the Institute of Directors, UK; the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading, US; a volunteer for Airlink, the international aviation charity, and a member of the ISTAT Scholarship Programme for African Students. In 2021, he was elected as a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation which was founded in 1994 to support individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism. He worked on the ISTAT Foundation’s Grants Committee which manages fundraising and programming that meets the Foundation’s objectives.

Nick helped pioneer international aviation conferences focusing on aviation finance, leasing, aircraft maintenance and aviation training, specifically tailored for Africa, providing a unique forum for African and international airlines, airports, aviation, finance and leasing organisations, industry regulators and government officials to discuss key commercial, financial and regulatory issues affecting the African aviation industry and to seek practical solutions through mutually-beneficial cooperation.

In 1990, he also helped pioneer aviation publishing in Africa with the launch of AFRICAN AVIATION, Africa’s aviation industry journal, to promote the African aviation industry globally. For over 30 years, Nick organised the Air Finance Africa Conference, the MRO Africa Conference, and other aviation events. Adieu, Nick and thank you for your dedication. You gave your all to African aviation.

•Shadare is an aviation editor with the New Telegraph

Corporate Governance: FRC, CAC, NILDS

Chiefs Honoured with ICSAN Fellowship

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, has been conferred with the honorary fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Nigeria (ICSAN) during the institute’s 48th Annual Conference, Dinner and Awards. The President and Chairman of Governing Council of ICSAN, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, said that Olowo remained a corporate reporting and public finance leader adept with developing and implementing corporate governance across private and public institutions. Olowo received the honorary fellowship of ICSAN along with the Registrar General/Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr. Hussaini Magaji (SAN) and the Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman at the weekend.

According to Ekundayo, the conferment of the 2024 honorary

fellowship of the institute to these three eminent Nigerians, who are top-notch administrators and accomplish governance professionals, underscored the highly restrictive nature of conferring ICSAN’s fellowship on only those Nigerians who have truly distinguished themselves in good corporate governance practices.

She said that the honorary fellowship award of ICSAN was institutionalised in 2016 during the commemoration of the institute’s 50th anniversary and has been previously conferred to only 15 eminent Nigerians, which positioned it as a highly competitive and coveted category.

She said: “I hereby congratulate all the recipients of the honorary

fellowship for making it to the proverbial Hall of Fame in the narrative of good governance in Nigeria and by the foremost and leading governance institute in Nigeria.

“In further sustenance of our tradition, we are also this year giving out some ICSAN awards for excellence in corporate governance.”

Fadugba

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

Each Time You Sleep with Two Eyes Closed in Lagos, Thank Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is doing everything possible to make the security of life and property the centrepiece of his legacy, writes Shola Oyeyipo

It is not an accident that governments the world over consider the security of life and property their number one responsibility. This is because in an atmosphere of insecurity, no meaningful development – social, political and economic – can take place.

Unfortunately, the growing insecurity across Nigeria is a major cause for concern for all compatriots. Although it is a statement of fact that whatever security challenges being grappled with today didn’t start with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, it is also true that the situation is not abating under him either.

In other words, the incidences of kidnapping are on an alarming upswing, and a poignant pointer to the disastrous and dire economic situation many have found themselves in.

However, Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state, and the economic nerve centre has continued to be marked safe due largely to the state government’s proactive and prodigious investments in security architecture and gizmo, as well as her steadfast commitment to delivering a safer Lagos for the benefit of all.

Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, with the pervasive hunger and hopelessness, plumbing many further down the poverty line, has now led to an upsurge in the incidence of kidnapping for ransom, a new report published by SBM Intelligence has revealed.

SBM Intelligence is an Africa-focused, geopolitical research and strategic communications consulting firm that addresses the critical need for political, social, economic and market data, and big data analytics.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, the report, titled: “Grim Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry – A 2024 Update”, revealed that 7,568 individuals were abducted in 1,130 incidents across Nigeria.

Within the same period, the report stated that, “Kidnappers demanded at least the sum of N10, 995, 090, 000 (approximately $6, 871, 931) as ransom, but received N1,048,110,000, a mere 9.5% of the money demanded, indicating that kidnappers have become less targeted in their victimology.”

The North-western states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have the highest numbers of incidents and victims of the 1,130 reported kidnapping cases.

Zamfara ranks highest with 132 incidents, 1,639 victims, and 146 civilian deaths. Kaduna had 113 incidents with 1,113 victims; while Katsina reported 119 incidents with 887 victims.

The report averred that the three states also have the highest number of civilian deaths, adding, “In the year under review in this report, kidnapping has become more lethal, with 1,056 people killed in 1,130 reported kidnap incidents. On average, someone is killed each time there is an attempted kidnap.”

The haunting dimension to this year’s kidnapping incidents in the North is the increase in mass abductions. From January to June, the report stated that there were 135 mass abduction incidents involving at least five victims per incident, with 3,277 people kidnapped and 125 killed.

For geo-political zones, the Southeast stands out for paying the highest ransoms, totalling N419.2 million out of the N645 million demanded, representing a 65% collection rate – the highest across the board.

The report added: “There is speculation that the kidnap figures from the Southeast might be underreported. However, sources indicated that sustained pressure from security forces on criminal and separatist groups like IPOB and its rival splinter factions had reduced their capacity to carry out such attacks.”

Curiously, in the period under review, Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state with an estimated 24 million inhabitants, recorded only

seven cases of kidnap, while Ekiti and Osun States recorded six cases each.

Gombe brings up the rear with only one reported kidnap case while Jigawa, Bayelsa, and Kano have two, three, and four cases respectively.

As Nigeria’s economic nerve-centre, which also welcomes over 100,000 people from across the country daily, it is easy and pardonable to presume that Lagos would be porous and most attractive to perpetrators of kidnap for ransom, but the reverse is the case. Lagos is one of the safest states as revealed by the report.

Fairly, an incumbent is rewarded or pilloried for what happens on their watch. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu may not roll out the drums to celebrate this coveted acknowledgment of his strides in securing the lives and property of Lagosians, because of his belief that

it is all in a day’s work, but it deserves copious mentions.

Over the past five years, Sanwo-Olu has proved that he is best placed to protect Lagosians from potential and real threats and keep the state moving forward.

He acknowledged early that meaningful development could not exist without comprehensive security, and that securing Lagos requires more than military power or siloed technology systems. It needs effective security solutions for incident prevention, emergency response, surveillance, evidence collection, and investment decisions. Therefore, ‘Security and Governance’ is one of the pillars of his T.H.E.M.E.S (Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century State; Entertainment and Tourism, Security and Governance) development agenda.

“We will make sure that we create the right environment in which security and safety of lives

Over the past five years, Sanwo-Olu has proved that he is best placed to protect Lagosians from potential and real threats and keep the state moving forward. He acknowledged early that meaningful development could not exist without comprehensive security, and that securing Lagos requires more than military power or siloed technology systems. It needs effective security solutions for incident prevention, emergency response, surveillance, evidence collection, and investment decisions.

and property is guaranteed. Our ultimate goal would be to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work, and invest in,” he said at the outset of his administration.

Thus far, Sanwo-Olu has been proactive and pragmatic in the handling of the state’s security, providing the required support for the police and other security agencies while donating security assets like communication gadgets, ballistic vests and helmets, and anti-riot water cannon vehicles.

He has also provided Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, and patrol motorcycles for use by the Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police Force. Additional men were equally recruited into the Neighbourhood Security Watch to complement the efforts of existing security personnel.

The Sanwo-Olu administration has also substantially supported the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), an interventionist agency established in 2007 as a public-private partnership organisation to raise funds and cater to the needs of security agents and agencies so that businesses and individuals could develop their potential and succeed in reaching their goals while also being able to engage in social events and other recreational activities in a secure environment.

His words: “This administration has been working closely with security agencies in the state in our firm resolve to raise the bar of governance, which includes ensuring a wellsecured and safe environment for investment and other socio-economic activities to thrive.

“We strongly believe that investment in security must be prioritised because the security and welfare of the people remain the primary duty of any government,” the governor said.

In furtherance of this, the governor announced in January, 2024 that N7 billion would be raised in support of the agency to enhance the capabilities of the security agencies while pledging the provision of 300 vehicles to bolster the logistical operations of security operatives across the state.

Similarly, the state government is installing smart cameras connected to a Command and Control centre, where several points in the city are monitored in real-time. The command and control centre has direct lines to the Police emergency first responders, and fire and rescue service, among others.

From October 2022 to September 2023, the Lagos State Police Command reported notable milestones. According to Waheed Ayilara, the late former acting Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, out of 189 robbery incidents, 172 were thwarted, resulting in the arrest of 257 suspects. 175 cultists were also arrested and 108 of them were prosecuted with commensurate sentences handed out.

Instructively, for the fourth consecutive year, Lagos recorded no armed robbery attack against any financial institution in the state. This is the longest period in which no bank has been attacked in the state over the last two decades.

“Our efforts have paid off as Lagos State still retains the record for the longest number of years without a bank robbery. Also, our security agencies have been able to keep home invasions at a minimum while seriously tackling cases of kidnapping and other emerging security matters.

“We achieved this through the magnanimous donations of a few corporate organisations and individuals with the support of the Lagos State Government and Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas,” Ayilara said.

Without a doubt, Sanwo-Olu is making good his promise to create the right environment in which the security and safety of lives and property are guaranteed while ensuring that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work and invest in.

Governor Sanwo-Olu

Despite ‘Operation Flush’, Traffic Robberies Thrive in Lagos

When the Lagos State Police Command launched Operation Flush, it was targeted at tackling traffic robberies. One year down the line, the state is still riddled with incessant cases of such incidents, with rising attacks daily, especially in blackspots and traffic-prone areas, Osho Oluwatosin reports

In 2023, the Lagos Police Command launched ‘Operation Flush’ to specifically tackle traffic robbery in the state following incessant activities of these miscreants in the mega city. According to the PPRO, SP Ben Hundeyin, the operation would focus on some areas that are liable to traffic robbery attacks with immediate effect.

To further consolidate this stance, the state Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, launched a state-wide operation designed to identify exact trouble spots, especially along construction areas, and flush out criminals, particularly traffic robbers and other miscreants.

Unfortunately, one year after its launch, not so much success has been recorded as there are still reports of traffic robbers activities, with motorists including important personalities lamenting bitterly after becoming victims in areas that have always been hotspots for these ungodly activities.

Over the years, the Alapere-Gbagada route has always been a major venue for the operations of these traffic robbers and despite ‘Operation Flush’ promising to tackle crimes in places like this, nothing significant has been done.

Lamentations

Countless traffic robbery attacks occur in Lagos but not everyone gets reported publicly because it has become a norm. Most of the time, it is only when it affects a popular personality that it gets featured in the media.

Some of the cases that were reported include the experience of the DPO of the Alausa division in the hands of traffic robbers in April this year. According to the report, the DPO had to part ways with her phones and other items during the attack.

“On the 9th of April,’2024, at about 11 pm three suspects who are members of an armed robbery gang surfaced from their criminal hideout and suddenly attacked the Divisional Police Officer, Alausa Division with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons and they made away with her Samsung s22 phone.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect forcefully snatched the handset from the DPO CSP Abaniwonda Tokunbo and also macheted her on the back. Further efforts led to the arrest of one Richard Etim aged 25.

“Investigation revealed that the ring leader has been robbing on Otedola Bridge for the past five years but changing his boys now and then. However, they were later arrested in Ogun state after they fled the scene of the crime but this is simply a case of ‘bush meat capturing the hunter.”

Likewise, A senior police officer said on March 15, at about 7:30 am, a motorist, while in the traffic, at Agungi, Lekki, two men, who disguised as beggars, approached him and started pretending as if they needed money from him, and forcefully robbed him of his phone and necklace and took to their heels.

The victim quickly alerted men of the Ilassan division stationed at Jakande Roundabout, and the police stepped up a manhunt for the two robbers. He said the effort of the policemen paid off as they arrested two suspects: Olumide, and Ibrahim, who they took to the station where they were being interrogated.

A few days ago, the president of Ughelli Rovers FC, Oke Umurhohwo lamented the operations of traffic robbers in Lagos after he escaped an attack from them by the whiskers.

Oke, in an update he shared on X (formerly Twitter), revealed that there was an attempted robbery on him in traffic in the Alapere area of Lagos state. He took a picture of the culprit, which he shared while narrating his experience with traffic robbers.

He also called on the police to do more in curbing miscreants' activities, especially in traffic-prone areas.

“This guy and his cliq tried robbing me in the traffic around Alapere. They were hitting my car windows violently while trying to break my side mirror unless I wind down my mirrors for them. This can't continue naa @PoliceNG. Your men need to do more in traffic-prone areas”

Several other victims narrated their experiences in Oke’ comment section. One of the victims said, “In the morning from 7up inward Alapere they usually operate around that Abiola gardens axis,

in the evening Gbagada inward Alapere they usually operate from that under the bridge into the mid-level of the bridge.”

Another narrated that, “Lagos is a street whore right now.. things are getting out of hand. I was chased the other day at Lekki around 8:07 pm when returning home... it's crazy and unbelievable that we are witnessing the devastation and menace with no control insight!”

Another person who was a victim at Orile explained how he was forced to screw down his glass by a traffic robber who threatened to blow his head off if he failed to cooperate.

“A few weeks ago at Orile bus stop one shouting I should screw down my glass or he will blow my head he needs me to give him money .. open his bag and show me the gun. I had to give him only cash with me 2k show him my wallet nothing more he left for the next car. I’ve complained here severally.”

Unfortunately, these victims are not police officers like the other ones above, what then is the fate of motorists who are civilians in the hands of traffic robbers?

The audacity of these miscreants has gone beyond attacking private individuals alone, government-owned vehicles have surprisingly joined the list of victims. A few days ago, confirmed reports have it that a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus was attacked, with passengers aboard robbed in broad daylight by thugs in

the Orile-Alaba Suru area of Lagos State.

The Lagos State-owned BRT bus with registration number 2163 was coming from the Mile 2 area and heading to Lagos Island before the thugs suddenly attacked it.

Another victim narrated in a video: “There was traffic, we thought it was normal traffic and we were going. All of a sudden, we saw boys, plenty of them from Orile coming down to Alaba. The next thing, they stopped the three buses ahead of us, then they faced the BRT Bus, saying, A maa ba bus yii je” (we will destroy this bus), and started throwing stones.

“Everybody was robbed inside the bus as well. We were all robbed. They stole all our phones. I have to use someone else’s phone. Some of the staff were injured along with the vendor in the bus.”

Efforts of the Police

In the last few months, the Lagos Police Command made some arrests in relation to traffic robbery including Olawale Odunsi, the ‘most wanted’ suspected traffic robber operating around the Ijora Badia area of the state.

In January, it was reported that some notorious traffic robbers were arrested in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos State. The arrest was made after a tip-off by members of the public.

The hoodlums, numbering about eight, were said to have emerged from under the bridge in a commando style, brandishing dangerous weapons such as machetes, broken bottles, sticks, and jack knives to dispossess innocent members of the public of their valuables inside the traffic

Likewise, there is a need to review the punishment for miscreants arrested in traffic for robbery and it must be publicly known. Most of the time, the police only parade them and that will be all the people who will hear about these traffic robbers, no one gets to know the punishment or if they have been released to perpetrate this illicit act again. For effectiveness, the police or whoever is in charge must come up with more stringent punishment for offenders if indeed traffic robbery must be curbed.

in the area.

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) also arrested two traffic robbery suspects in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

The suspects, Azeez Folarin, a 23-year-old man and Azeez Rilwan, ‘m’, 27, were arrested at about 7 am in front of Ikeja City Mall.

Spokesperson of Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the duo who specialise in using one of the suspect’s medical conditions to perpetrate the robbery.

However, compared to the state of traffic robbery in Lagos, the arrests made so far are minimal, and there are still so many arrests to be made.

On the most recent robbery attacks in Lagos, all efforts to get the Lagos PPRO, SP Ben Hundeyin to comment proved abortive as he didn’t respond to requests made at the time of filing this report.

Recommendations

In the absence of adequate security for Lagosians in traffic robbery-prone areas, there is a need for motorists to ensure they are always on guard, it is recommended that motorists have materials that can render some security assistance to them before help comes from the police.

Some personal safety measures include an Emergency Alert System which a personal safety alarm or panic button can draw attention if you’re in trouble, a phone with emergency Apps that can quickly alert authorities or loved ones in case of an emergency and pepper Spray: Legal in many places, pepper spray can be used for self-defence in dangerous situations.

For the Lagos State government, we have several security operatives in Lagos state and some of them must be stationed in volatile places most especially those where robbery attacks happen frequently. Alapere-Gbagada route is one of the hotspots in this aspect, the government needs to seriously deploy special forces to routes like this to make the city a secure one for the people. Likewise, there is a need to review the punishment for miscreants arrested in traffic for robbery and it must be publicly known. Most of the time, the police only parade them and that will be all the people who will hear about these traffic robbers, no one gets to know the punishment or if they have been released to perpetrate this illicit act again.

For effectiveness, the police or whoever is in charge must come up with more stringent punishment for offenders if indeed traffic robbery must be curbed.

CP Adegoke Fayoade

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

TINUBU’S LEADERSHIP ON SECURITY

FREDRICK NWABUFO argues that recent operations of security forces across the country bear a mark of resolute leadership

See page 21

HISTORY, HISSY FITS, AND HATCHETRY ABOUT THE IGBO

The 50th UDUS’ Inaugural Lecture by Professor Ahmed Bako was disappointing, reckons CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

See page 21

EDITORIAL

True leadership demands more than charm, argues LINUS OKORIE

WHEN LEADERSHIP CHARMS FAIL

Charismatic leadership. The term itself exudes magnetism, invoking images of bold visionaries, eloquent speakers, and captivating personalities capable of inspiring entire organizations to move mountains. It is no surprise that charisma is often viewed as a golden ticket in business and politics—something that separates the great leaders from the average ones. After all, who wouldn’t want to be led by someone who can effortlessly command a room, make compelling promises, and ignite a sense of shared purpose?

However, as alluring as charisma may be, its power comes with a dangerous flipside. Charisma is often mistaken for competence. When someone radiates confidence, speaks persuasively, and makes grand visions seem not only possible but also inevitable, it is easy to overlook deeper questions about their actual capabilities. Underneath that charm, is the leader truly equipped to handle the complexities of a business? Or are they using their charisma to mask incompetence, indecision, or even narcissism?

This occurrence happens too in recruitment, where it is regarded as "previously undetected recruitment error." During interviews, candidates who exude confidence, speak eloquently, and present themselves with enthusiasm can create an illusion of competence. Their magnetic personality may cause hiring managers to bypass critical evaluations of their actual skill set, experience, or fit for the role. The persuasive nature of a charismatic applicant can lead decision-makers to make emotional judgments, overlooking key indicators of job performance. Upon resumption, it becomes evident that their charm masked a lack of depth, revealing serious gaps in their qualifications or capacity to manage the demands of the position.

Charismatic leadership can lull teams, stakeholders, and entire organizations into a dangerous sense of security, preventing people from asking the tough questions and making rational, fact-based decisions. There is a reason why leadership experts frequently warn against "charismatic overload." The charm that first draws people in can easily become manipulative. Leaders who possess this trait can leverage their charisma to control, influence, and steer decisions—not based on merit or logic, but on emotion and personal loyalty.

One of the most significant risks of charismatic leadership is the erosion of rational decision-making. Under the spell of a charismatic leader, followers may begin to ignore facts, overlook flaws, and forgo their own critical thinking. Emotional decisions—driven by loyalty or the sheer belief in the leader’s vision—replace analytical, rational approaches. In the worst cases, this results in what some call “charisma-induced blindness.”

This was the tragic case of Enron Corporation, one of the largest companies in America. At its peak, CEO Jeffrey Skilling was a charismatic leader who convinced both employees and investors that the company was untouchable. This resulted into a culture where dissent was stifled and no one dared question the decisions made at the top. Enron’s eventual collapse exposed a company rotten at its core—a collapse fuelled by charismatic leadership gone unchecked. Its collapse affected over 20,000 employees and shook Wall Street.

The dangers extend beyond financial collapse. The manipulation fostered by unchecked charisma can breed a toxic workplace culture. Relationships deteriorate as leaders wield their charm to divide and conquer, turning employees against one another or silencing dissent. What starts as charismatic influence can evolve into emotional manipulation, eroding trust and morale within the organization.

Take Adam Neumann, the co-founder and former CEO of WeWork. Neumann’s charisma was legendary. He sold investors on a vision of a global empire of shared workspaces, promising a future where his company would revolutionize how people live and work. His charm and confidence attracted billions of dollars in investment, pushing WeWork’s valuation to dizzying heights. But behind the scenes, WeWork was bleeding money, and Neumann’s leadership was increasingly erratic.

Eventually, the company’s financial troubles caught up with it, and Neumann was forced to step down. WeWork’s initial public offering (IPO) was postponed, and the company’s valuation plummeted by tens of billions of dollars. In this case, Neumann’s charisma blinded investors and employees alike to the company’s underlying weaknesses.

Nevertheless, do not mistake this critique as a wholesale condemnation of charisma. When used wisely and tempered with substance, charisma can be an asset. The trick lies in understanding how to recognize when charisma crosses the line from inspiring to manipulative—and how to balance the strengths of charm with the

need for integrity, competence, and rational decision-making.

So, how can you tell when a leader’s charisma is a strength or a potential danger? How can organizations ensure that their leadership is not built on charm alone? Charisma is powerful because it taps into deep psychological needs. Humans are hardwired to respond to confidence, vision, and the emotional pull of a compelling narrative. Charismatic leaders often have a unique ability to communicate in ways that make people feel seen, heard, and valued. They know how to craft stories that resonate with the dreams and desires of their followers. It is not uncommon for employees to feel an almost personal loyalty to such leaders, believing in their vision with near-religious fervour.

Take Steve Jobs, for instance. Jobs was known for his magnetic personality and his ability to inspire loyalty and passion from his team. His charisma was integral to Apple’s meteoric rise, as he convinced his employees—and the world—that they were not just selling computers; they were changing the world. Under his leadership, Apple became more than just a company—it became a movement.

True leadership demands more than charm—it requires authenticity, accountability, and a commitment to ethical practices. Charismatic leaders must be held to the same standards of responsibility as any other, ensuring that their influence serves the organization rather than themselves. The key to avoiding the dark side of charisma lies in balancing it with transparency and fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are valued. Leaders who embrace accountability and encourage honest feedback create a more stable foundation for long-term success. Charisma may ignite momentum, but it is the blend of competence, humility, and collaboration that sustains it.

Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre

The 50th UDUS’ Inaugural Lecture by Professor Ahmed Bako was disappointing, reckons CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

HISTORY, HISSY FITS, AND HATCHETRY ABOUT THE IGBO

“A historian ought to be exact, sincere and impartial; free from passion, unbiased by in-ful to the truth, which is the mother of history the preserver of great actions, the enemy of oblivion, the witness of the past, the director of the future.” Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar History is endangered in Nigeria and those who research or teach it as their vocation are at risk of extinction. Every opportunity to celebrate or learn from history or historians in a country like this, therefore, is not one to be spurned.

When the Usman Dan Fodiyo University (UDUS) in Sokoto, north-west Nigeria, announced that the latest instalment of its Inaugural Lectures would engage with the universe of history, a coincidence of three factors guaranteed them more than the usual bandwidth reserved for such events.

First, this was advertised as the 50th Inauyear of the university. UDUS began life in 1975 as one of 12 federal universities established by the military in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War with a mission to disperse the frontiers of enlightenment across the country. Usman Dan Fodiyo after whom it is named was the founder of the Caliphal system and a scholar of some repute.

Second, the subject matter of the Inaugural Lecture had audacity written all over it. The framing was: “The Igbo Factor in the History of Inter-Group Relations and Commerce in Kano.” It departed from the usual preoccupation with academic comfort levels and promised a peek into delicate recesses of the Nigerian narrative.

Third, this was only the second Inaugural Lecture from the History Department of UDUS and the lecturer was a man who had spent over 43 years teaching and researching Nigerian history. He had every right to be taken seriously. Moreover, this was the teacher of Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), no less. Here was an opportunity chairman as an alchemist of fantasy was a product of nature or nurture.

By the time he stepped up to the podium in Sokoto for his lecture on 5 September, 2024, Professor Ahmed Bako was guaranteed an audience like none that he had encountered in nearly four and a half decades as a university teacher. A full auditorium in the university was more than outstripped by the remote audience.

The esteemed lecturer began by acknowledging that his subject matter was one steeped in “extreme prejudice and emotions”, particularly, “in recent years when a lot of stories are being told or rumours being peddled

put matters “in proper perspectives” (sic), the lecturer wasted no time in fulsomely embracing the prejudice.

Growing up, he confessed, he “heard a lot of frightening stories about Igbo as wicked people who killed Sardauna.” On the evidence of his rendition, this tragedy was not the origin of their wickedness; it was proof of it.

According to Professor Bako, the Igbo in Kano are a “diaspora”, which calls into question any claims they may have to Nigerian citizenship. The pioneer Igbo cultural organization in Kano, the Igbo (State) Union, was both clannish and “extremely militant” and

the contemporary pan-Igbo socio-cultural institution, Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo, is a “separatist” organization.

He was only warming up. The Igbo, he theorized, “embarrassed” (sic) education “all with the hope of eventual domination of the country; not necessarily for developing it for solidarity”, he claimed, the Igbo “gradually marginalized or even displace (sic) large number of Hausa traders.”

Far from an Inaugural Lecture, this read very much like a 21st Century Bill of Attainder. There was hardly a constructive contribution to be gleaned from his study of or occasional interaction with the Igbo. Even the Igbo Union School built entirely form community resources of the Igbo and launched in 1959 was dismissed as “exclusively meant for the Igbo, the school had only nine non-Igbo students.”

In the absence of any organizing theoretical or philosophical framework, the lecture read found an occasion to occur. Its context, subtext, and texture belied its ostentatious claim early in the text that it was “purely historical not political. It is base (sic) on Archival (sic)

Blinkered by prejudice, Professor Bako could not muster the curiosity to interpret his own evidence. Earlier in his lecture, he acknowledged “the colonial residential seg-

binned the Igbo in Kano into an ethnic ghetto in Sabon Gari. He could not have been so bereft of imagination as to be unable to discern it was ethnic discrimination that forced the community to build the Igbo Union School. -

ucation to their children who may otherwise have missed out on it altogether, all he had the capacity to see was ethnic malevolence. Professor Bako trotted out hackneyed tropes with a recklessness that dispensed with evidence, authority or comparison. For instance, he claimed that “searching for economic power and dominance make the Igbo to be desperate and aggressive. Desperation is what make (sic) them to not only be disliked by host communities in several of the areas of their dominance in Northern Nigeria but to pushed (sic) some young Igbo into criminal activities.” In support of this claim, he provides neither archival material nor evidence from anthropology, criminology or comparative criminal justice research. It wasture.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

FREDRICK NWABUFO argues that recent operations of security forces across the country bear a mark of resolute leadership

TINUBU’S LEADERSHIP ON SECURITY

It takes decisive leadership to roll back the forays of terror. Terror understands the language of terror. The recent successful operations of Nigeria’s security forces across the country bear a defining mark of resolute leadership.

On Thursday, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji made a quick delivery. They dispatched terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu, and his gang of death-dealers in a five-star caravan of wry irony to the netherworld.

Bandit leader Sububu had risen in notoriety with the savagery he dealt on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of northwestern Nigeria. He was loud, imperious, and brutal, issuing threats and making crowing pronouncements on videos. Lives have been lost, communities displaced, property destroyed, and citizens maimed by the sheer industry of Sububu and his gang.

The troops also scored another victory, neutralising Sani Wala Burki, kin of Sububu in the terror business, and his gang, as well as extirpated a terrorist hideaway in Kaduna, freeing 13 kidnapped students.

According to PRNigeria, an authoritative news source on security operations, the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji also eliminated four terrorists in Zamfara State -- Ibrahim Nagure, Lawali Dodo, Kadiri, and Jambaleri.

In another valiant endeavour, the security forces apprehended terrorist leader, Hosseini Osman, in Plateau State. The news agency says Osman was netted at Ganawuri village, in the Riyom local government area, where he confessed to masterminding numerous attacks across the state.

The troops further launched offensives against fleeing terrorists in Sambisa Forest, neutralising many of them.

This string of propitious outcomes in the north-west and the north-east follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone and his consistent support to the security agencies.

President Tinubu is a renowned democrat, but also a firm and bold Commander-inChief.

On September 3, in a decisive response to

the killings in Yobe State, the President had said: ‘’The perpetrators of this sinister act will have an inevitable encounter with justice.’’ And true to his promise, the troublers of the nation are having fated encounters with justice, and so will all those visiting terror on Nigerians.

Additionally, the successful operations also show that there is synergy and proper coordination among the security agencies and the intelligence agencies. Intelligence is a fundamental piece in the counterterrorism puzzle.

In the past, inter-agency rivalry had been a detraction to the counter-terrorism effort. The effective coordination and deployment of security resources attests to a strong and reinvigorated leadership.

Fundamentally, successive actions against terrorism will not be effective or be permanent solutions without a conscientious plan to address the underlying cause. A prominent contributor to the challenge is youth illiteracy and socio-economic dislocation. Economic and social security is essential for corporeal security.

This is the reason the President Tinubuled administration is making critical investments in education. The federal government through its out-of-school initiative recently reintegrated four million children into the educational system. Also, the Out-of-School Children Commission, set to commence this month, will provide training to approximately 10,000 young Nigerians.

The Tinubu administration is addressing the bottom-line precipitates of social-economic insecurity through seminal policies and programmes while redistributing wealth to the vulnerable and the most vulnerable through revamped social welfare schemes.

As the President re-affirmed, immediate and latent security threats will be decisively dealt with.

Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the

Family

members, friends, corporate executives and captains of industry yesterday came together in Lagos to celebrate the first anniversary of the death of Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant, Mr. Akintola Williams, who died on September 11, 2023, at the age of 104. The guests were treated to melodious songs at the event. Here are the faces of some of the personalities that graced the occasion

ICAN PAST PRESIDENTS

...

L-R: Dr (Mrs) Comfort Olu Eyitayo, mni, OON, FCA; Mrs Ibironke Osiyemi, FCA.

Captions

A CROSS SECTION OF ICAN PAST PRESIDENTS...

A CROSS SECTION OF ICAN COUNCIL MEMBERS...

Mr

Mr Dele

Dr

Captions

Captions

Captions

The late Akintola Williams

Captions

The late Akintola Williams

Captions

Captions

L-R: Bashorun J.K. Randle, FCA, Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola, FCA, Dr (Mrs) Comfort Olu Eyitayo, mni, OON, FCA, Mrs Ibironke Osiyemi, FCA, Sir Herbert Agbebiyi, KJW, FCA, Chairman, Body of Past Presidents, ICAN

L-R: Mr Tajudeen Olayinka, FCA, ICAN Council member; Mr Dele Oladipo, FCA, ICAN Council member; Sir Herbert Agbebiyi, KJW, FCA, Chairman, Body of Past Presidents, ICAN; Dr Yemi Sanni, FCA, ICAN Council member; Dr Seyi Olarenwaju, FCA, ICAN Council member

Sitting L-R: A cross section of ICAN Council members: Mr Gaddafi Ekhoragbon, FCA; Mr Tajudeen Olayinka, FCA; Mr Dele Oladipo, FCA; Dr Seyi Olarenwaju, FCA; Dr Yemi Sanni, FCA: Standing behind is Ms Tokunbo Williams, Daughter of Mr Akintola Williams.

L-R:

Tajudeen Olayinka, FCA;

Oladipo, FCA;

Seyi Olarenwaju, FCA; Dr Yemi Sanni, FCA

Ms Tokunbo Williams in a warm handshake with the Deputy Registrar, Technical Services, ICAN, Dr Ijeoma Anaso, FCA while the Registrar/Chief Executive, ICAN, Dr Lanre Olasunkanmi, FCA (sitting to extreme right) cherishes the moment with other ICAN Staff

A cross section of some ICAN Council members: L-R Mrs Seun Ejodame, FCA; Mr Tajudeen Olayinka, FCA; Mr Dele Oladipo, FCA

A live music performance.

On the back of business expansion and drive to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) minimum capital requirement, a total of 12 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), raised an estimated N2.6 trillion fresh capital from investing public between January and August 2024.

These 12 companies comprise of five financial institutions, two manufacturing companies, one Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) firm, among others.

According to an investigation by THISDAY, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and International Breweries Plc have raised the highest amount, followed by GTCO.

While Nigerian Breweries Plc is in the market to N599.1 billion, International Breweries has raised

Arthur Eriye

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.98 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms during the first quarter of 2024. From the data, it could be inferred that the services sector was the key driver of Nigeria’s GDP growth, with a substantial increase of 3.78 per cent. This sector alone accounted for 58.76 per cent of the total GDP, which was instrumental to the country’s economic

N588.28billion fresh capital from investing public.

Nigerian Breweries in August 2024 got approval of Rights Issue of 22,607,491,232 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N26.50 per share on the basis of 11 new ordinary shares for every existing 5 ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Friday, July 12, 2024.

The Issue is part of Nigerian Breweries’ business recovery plan to strengthen the company’s capital base by deleveraging its balance sheet, eliminating certain foreign exchange-related exposures and reducing bank borrowings, thereby giving the Company greater financial flexibility to promote business growth and continuity.

Nigerian Breweries has been operating in a position of negative working capital since 2020. The company posted a negative working

performance. Agriculture also showed a positive trajectory, with a growth of 1.41 per cent, up from 1.50 per cent in the second quarter of 2023.

The NBS report stated that the aggregate nominal GDP at the basic price was N60,930,000.58 million. This is much better than the second quarter, when the GDP was N52,103,927.13 million, reflecting a nominal growth rate of 16.94 per cent year over year. Also, the top seven sector that contributed to the country’s turned out to be, agriculture, information and communication,

capital of N102.3 billion at the end of FY 2020. It declined to N152.4 billion in 2021, stood at N252.3 billion in 2022 and N356.9 billion in 2023.

At the end of half year ended June 2024, Nigerian Breweries had short-term and long-term obligations of about N588.2 billion, marking a net increase of N246.6 billion from the end of 2023. A review of the company’s loans and borrowings shows its obligations are to Nigerian banks, the Bank of Industry, and the parent company, Heineken N.V Group.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Hans Essadi, had explained that the Issue represents an opportunity for shareholders to support the company’s strategic vision and participate in the next phase of its growth.

Essaadi further disclosed that the proceeds of the Issue will

trade, manufacturing, finance and insurance, mining and quarrying as well the oil sector.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector in the second quarter of 2024 grew by 1.41 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms, a decrease of 0.09 per cent points from the corresponding period of 2023, and an increase of 1.22 per cent points from the preceding quarter which recorded a growth rate of 0.18 per cent. It grew on a quarter-on-quarter basis at 7.35 per

be channeled towards payment of its foreign and local currency denominated obligations, thereby eliminating foreign exchange risk and revaluation losses and enhancing long term profitability and sustainable value creation for its shareholders.

For International Breweries, the N588 billion rights issue programme was 87.75 per cent oversubscribed, with 141.43 billion shares taken up by the company’s shareholders. It amounted to a capital raise of N516. 2 billion for the company, which was used to offset the company’s current liabilities.

Further investigation by THISDAY revealed that out of the N2.6 trillion raised in the period under review, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc contributed about 35.75 per cent

cent. The sector contributed 22.61 percent to overall GDP in real terms in the second quarter of 2024, lower than the contribution in the second quarter of 2023 at 23.01 percent and higher than the first quarter of 2024 which stood at 21.07 percent.

Information and Communication

In nominal terms, in the second quarter of 2024, the sector growth was recorded at 11.86 per cent (year-onyear), 29.81 per cent points decrease from the rate of 41.67 per cent recorded in the same quarter of 2023, and 2.08

or N937.97 billion amid CBN’s latest policy in the banking sector.

In 2023, the governor of the CBN. Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had suggested the possibility of raising the minimum capital requirement for banks, despite the sector’s relative stability in recent years.

He noted that the proposed increase is based on the observation that many banks lack sufficient capital to back an economy aiming for a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1 trillion, as targeted by the Federal Government.

Recall that on March 28, 2024, the CBN revised the minimum capital requirements for Banks.

In the new dispensation, commercial banks are facing minimum capital thresholds of N500 billion for international authorisation and N200 billion for national authorisation.

In contrast, those with regional authorisation are expected to achieve

per cent points lower than the rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

The quarter-on- quarter growth rate recorded in the second quarter of 2024 was 11.91 per cent. The Information and communication sector contributed 19.78 percent in the second quarter of 2024, higher than in the same quarter of the previous year at 19.54 percent and higher than in the first quarter of 2024 at 17.89 percent.

Trade

In real terms, Trade’s year-on-year growth stood at 0.70 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, which was

a N50 billion capital floor. Similarly, non-interest banks with national and regional authorisations will need to increase their capital to N20 billion and N10 billion, respectively.

The directive, which was contained in a CBN circular emphasised that all banks were required to meet the minimum capital requirement within 24 months commencing from April 1, 2024, terminating on March 31, 2026. To enable the banks to meet the minimum capital requirements, the CBN urged banks to consider injecting fresh equity capital through private placements, rights issues, and/or offers for subscription; Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As); and/or upgrades or downgrade of license authorisation.

1.71 per cent points lower than the rate recorded in the previous year at 2.41 per cent, and 0.53 per cent points lower than in the preceding quarter at 1.23 per cent growth rate. Quarter-on-quarter growth stood at 4.42 per cent. This growth was higher than the quarter-on-quarter growth recorded in the first quarter of 2024 at -14.98 per cent. The trade sector’s contribution to GDP was 16.39 percent, lower than the 16.8 percent in the previous year, and higher than the 15.7 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

Kayode Tokede

SERVICE SECTOR ACCOUNTED FOR 58.76%

OF

TOTAL GDP IN Q2 2024

2024,” it said.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said that despite the prevailing high inflation rate which has been ravaging businesses, pension assets and contributors into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have maintained upward growth trajectory with the total pension assets standing at N20.48 trillion as at the second quarter of 2024, up from N19.66 trillion margin in the first quarter.

PenCom said the number of contributors into the CPS rose from 89,061 in Q1: 2024 to 100,063 in Q2: 2024.

“Just as remittance of pension contributions increased by 20.26 per cent from N314.17 billion in Q1 2024 to N377.83 billion in Q2

The commission said overall pension funds and assets witnessed 4.17 per cent growth from N19.66 trillion as at Q1 2024 to N20.48 trillion as at Q2 2024.

“The Nigerian economic landscape in Q2 2024 continued to experience a mix of growth and significant challenges, particularly with the rate of inflation, increasing to 34.19 per cent in June, 2024 from 33.20 per cent in March, 2024. The increase led to an upward adjustment of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the monetary authority from 24.75 per cent in Q1 2024 to 26.25 per cent in Q2:2024. Many other factors including depreciation of the naira, sluggish agricultural productivity and increased transport costs due to fuel subsidy removal and regional

Banks, NDPC Partners to Enhance Data Security

Kayode Tokede

The prospects of active data protection and security has brightened with the partnership between Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and banks to create awareness about the requirements and operations of the Data Protection Act.

With more than two-thirds of Nigerians’ personal data and transactions in excess of a billion, banks arguably have the largest private data bank and are seen as critical stakeholders in data privacy and security.

While banks constitute less than one per cent of the over 500,000 data processors’ organisations in Nigeria, their huge customers’ base and data make them one of the most significant pillars of national data protection and security.

The KPMG West Africa Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey 2023 found that “the security, integrity, and privacy offered by banks continue to be important values for customers”, with a sense of security and privacy moderating customers’ choices. The survey also found a notable increase in digital lending, which exposes customers’ data to more online activities.

President, Association of Corporate & Marketing Communication Professionals of Banks (ACAMB), Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, during a working visit to NDPC headquarters in Abuja, engaged with the top management of the data protection agency with a view to achieving stronger collaboration with the financial services sector.

He said a stronger working relationship between NDPC and banks and other operators in the financial services sector would enhance regulatory oversight and achievement of the goals of individuals’ data protection and private security.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, assured ACAMB of the NDPC’s willingness to collaborate with financial sector players.

According to him, the Commission’s role is not punitive but rather to ensure full compliance with the Data Protection Act.

He welcomed ACAMB and NIPR Finance Hub’s offer to support the Commission’s advocacy efforts.

He noted that the NDPC’s mandate is to safeguard individuals’ data privacy rights, foster safe personal data transactions, and prevent the misuse of personal data, among other objectives.

Analysts said collaboration between banks and NDPC would be a game-changer for Nigerian data security given banks’ extensive investments and experience in data privacy.

instability has continued to affect the economic landscape and ultimately disposable incomes”.

Giving an update on Retirement Savings Account Registrations, the commission said a total of 100,063 new RSAs were registered and associated PINs issued to employees in different sectors in the quarter ended 30 June 2024.

On individual company performance in the exercise in

terms of number of contributors registered by each of the Pension Fund Administrators, the commission said analysis of the RSA registrations across PFAs revealed that Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited had the largest market share of 30.11 per cent of new registrations with 30,127 contributors registered, followed by Access Pensions Limited, which had 20.12 per cent with 20,137

new contributors registered. ARM Pension Managers Limited, Premium Pension Limited and Leadway Pensure PFA Limited followed with 7.97 per cent 6.31 per cent 5.68 per cent of the new registrations during the quarter respectively.

According to PenCom, consequently, the top five PFAs collectively held 70.19 percent while the bottom five PFAs

recorded an aggregate of 3.71 per cent of the 100,063 new RSAs registered in Q2:2024. On micro pension registration and contribution, the commission said a total number of 16,624 Micro Pension Contributors (MPC) were registered during the period under review by 15 pension fund administrators bringing the total number registered MPCs from inception to 143,565 as at 30 June, 2024.

Akutah: NSC Activities Will Aid Efficiency, Competitiveness at Seaports

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah has said that the agency’s activities as port economic regulator will aid efficiency and competitiveness as well as improve on cargo throughput.

Akutah stated this when the Global Chief Executive Officer Officer of PIL Shipping, Mr.

Lars Kastrup and his team paid a courtesy visit to the NSC’s Headquarters in Lagos.

He lauded PIL Shipping for making Nigeria an investment hub and provision of logistics solutions, noting that it will be of immense benefit for both the PIL Shipping and Nigeria.

Akutah also called on the shipping company to take

advantage of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in their operations in the country.

Earlier, the Global Chief Executive Officer of PIL, Singapore, Mr. Lars Kastrup thanked the NSC boss for the support and the robust relationship between NSC and the PIL Shipping.

He said PIL is encouraging the shipment of Nigerian exports to different parts of the World, noting that Nigeria is a driver of global trade.

Speaking, the Regional Managing Director of PIL Shipping, Ghana, Kelvin Taylor urged Nigeria not to depend on oil but encourage export He applauded Nigeria’s government for its economic reform program which has a significant impact on the nation’s economy.

Keyamo Removes Hindrances to Aircraft Acquisition to Make Nigerian Airlines Competitive

Chinedu Eze

With the legal backing to the compliance with the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment 2001, known as Cape Town Convention, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has opened the opportunity for Nigerian airlines to easily acquire aircraft and compete effectively with others in the world.

Following the issuance of Practice Directions on Cape Town Convention by the Federal High Court which is vested with the constitutional jurisdiction on Aviation matters, last Thursday, the airlines said the

Minister has reached a milestone in the effort to make Nigerian carriers lease aircraft at cheaper cost and also to make lessors rescind the blacklist of Nigerian operators on dry lease of equipment.

The signing of the Practice Direction was presided over by the Vice-President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima at the meeting of the Presidential Council of Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Spokesman of the Minister, Tunde Moshood, explained that since taking over office, one of the key points of the Minister’s 5-Point Agenda

than the initial demand.

Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions that defeat cyberattacks, has released its findings from its annual sector survey report, tagged: “The State of Ransomware in Education 2024,” which showed that most educational institutions in the world that were attacked with ransomware, paid more than the original ransom demanded by hackers.

According to the report, the median ransom payment is $6.6 million for lower education and $4.4 million for higher education organisations.

In addition, the survey stated that 55 per cent of lower education respondents and 67 per cent of higher education respondents paid more

Ransomware attacks are causing more of a strain as only 30 per cent of ransomware victims surveyed in both lower and higher education were able to fully recover in a week or less, down from last year’s 33 per cent (lower education) and 40 per cent (higher education).

The report suggested that the slow recovery rate could likely be due to education organisations operating with limited teams and resources, making it harder for them to coordinate recovery efforts.

Analysing the report, Director, Field CTO at Sophos, Chester Wisniewski, said: “Unfortunately, schools, universities and other educational institutions are targets that are beholden to municipalities, communities and the students

is the support for the growth and sustenance of local airline businesses whilst holding them to highest international standards.

“In pursuit of this agenda, the Minister was confronted with the lingering problem of the low rate of Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention - a Convention that regulates the dry-leasing of aircraft by major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus and major lessors across the world who perceived Nigeria as a non-compliant country. This led to the blacklisting of Nigeria by the Aviation Working Group (AWG),” Moshood explained. He disclosed that the AWG on

themselves, which inherently creates high pressure situations if they are hit and destabilised by ransomware.

Educational institutions feel a sense of responsibility to remain open and continue providing their services to their communities. These two factors could be contributing to why victims feel so much pressure to pay.

“We also know that ransomware attackers have upped the ante when it comes to getting paid. Compromising their victims’ backups is now a mainstream element of ransomware attacks, giving adversaries the opportunity to subsequently increase the ransom demand when it is clear that the data cannot be recovered without the decryption key.”

Despite difficult dealings with ransomware, the overall attack rate dropped over the last year. Sixty-

Cape Town Convention (CTC) compliance index shows Nigeria’s substantial non-compliance with the CTC which is largely as a result of legal impediments in the country’ judicial process which have adverse impact on the implementation and compliance with terms of the Convention.

“The Minister, with the key support of Mr. President, the Vice-President and the Attorney-General of the Federation, then reached out to key institutions and offices in the judicial sector to make this possible, which resulted in the signing of the Practice Direction today (Thursday),” Moshood further disclosed.

three percent of lower education organizations and 66 per cent of higher education organisations were hit by ransomware attacks – down from 80 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively. At the same time, the rate of data encryption has increased slightly, with 85 per cent of attacks on lower education and 77 per cent of attacks on higher education organisations resulting in data encryption, slightly up from the 81 per cent and 73 per cent, respectively, reported in the 2023 survey.

The survey reveals that exploited vulnerabilities were the leading root cause of attacks in education, providing cybercriminals with a way into the network for 44 per cent of lower education and 42 per cent of higher education ransomware attacks.

Ebere Nwoji

Emma Okonji

ALTON Declines Industrial Action Option on Telecoms Tariff

Emma Okonji

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), at the weekend, turned down an alternative offer to apply the option of industrial action against the federal government in pressing its demands for upward review of telecoms tariff across telecoms networks.

Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, turned down the offer presented to its members by a trade union, known as Private Telecommunications and

Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), when the trade union visited ALTON in its corporate office located in Lekki, Lagos.

The PTECSSAN team, led by its General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, presented an alternative offer to ALTON during the visit, suggesting that ALTON should resort to the use of industrial action to compel the federal government to accept its proposed tariff hike for voice calls and data services.

ALTON had in April 2022, written

to the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), asking for a 40 per cent hike in voice and data tariff, to enable telecoms operators cope with the high cost of delivering telecoms services across the country, but ALTON is yet to receive the NCC’s nod.

Disturbed by the delay in approving tariff hike for telecoms operators, the trade union wrote ALTON, requesting for a visit and possible collaboration with ALTON to help telecoms operators achieve

their desire for tariff hike.

While presenting the alternative offer to ALTON during the visit, Abdullahi said: “As a critical stakeholder in the private telecommunication sector, we are concerned about the economic challenges in the country that is threatening the existence of the telecoms sector and the refusal of the government to agree to the call by the network providers for increment in tariff on all telecommunications services in the country.

“Since ALTON is at the fore-front of this call for increment in tariff, we deemed it necessary to meet with you to deliberate on likely alternatives that can be placed before the government.”

Government cannot say no to increase in telecoms tariff because the cost of offering telecoms services has skyrocketed. If government refuses to accept increase in telecoms tariff, then government should be ready to supply diesel directly to telecoms operators at a discounted rate,

offer favourable Forex rate to telecoms operators and give tax waiver to telecoms operators, Abdullahi said.

Adebayo who welcomed members of the trade union, and expressed deep appreciation for the visit, however said ALTON would not accept the use of industrial action to address the issue of tariff hike. According to him, ALTON is already in talks with industry stakeholders and the industry regulator, and will not be confrontational over the issue.

L-R: Executive Director Finance Administration, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Vivian Richard-Edet and the President & Chairman of Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (CIoDN), Tijjani Borodo during the Induction Ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (CIoDN) in Lagos… recently

NIMASA, BoI Exploring Collaboration to Grow Maritime Sector Capacity

As part of efforts to enhance capacity in the Nigerian maritime sector, the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Bank of Industry (BOI), have initiated discussions on potential strategies for capacity building in the sector.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, made this disclosure during

a visit by the Management of the Bank of Industry, led by Executive Director of Large Enterprises, Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’Okpala. He stated, “In addition to safety, security, and maritime labor, the Agency’s mandate encompasses capacity development aimed at growing the sector.” He also reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to collaboration as a vital tool for achieving its mandate. “The aim is to actualize the vision of the Federal Government to

reposition the maritime sector, especially with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.

On her part, the Executive Director of Large Enterprises at BOI, Mrs. Uz’Okpala, affirmed the Bank’s readiness to support NIMASA. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing a robust capacitybuilding initiative that will contribute to economic growth in Nigeria.

Call for Stronger Financial Inclusion of People with Disabilities Intensifies

Emma Okonji

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has restated the need for increased efforts to ensure people with disabilities (PWDs), have full access to financial services.

The call was made during a one-day workshop organised by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), in partnership with Consumers International.

The workshop, themed: ‘Digital Financial Literacy for PWDs’, explored strategies to enhance financial inclusion for PWDs.

Senior Manager of the Development Finance Office at the CBN, Adeniyi Bunmi, stressed the importance of alignment and coordination among disability groups and financial institutions.

“Financial services should be accessible to everyone, but PWDs still face significant exclusion. While progress has been made since 2012, more needs to be done to meet our 95 per cent financial inclusion target,” Bunmi said.

“PWDs remain a priority segment, and we must move faster by working together to address their unique challenges,” she added.

Key financial institutions, such as Zenith Bank, also participated in the workshop. Chinonso Umeh, who represented the Head of Retail Services at Zenith Bank, reiterated the bank’s commitment to PWDs.

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), also called for increased public-private collaboration to address the financial barriers faced by PWDs.

General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasised the need for tailored financial products and accessible services.

Mary Nnah

President of the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) in Nigeria, Sanjay Jain has shared his expert insights on his country’s remarkable economic growth and the pivotal role its independence from United Kingdom has played in driving business success.

Jain recalled his own experience attending the Independence Day celebration in Delhi, hosted by the Government of India. “It was a memorable celebration, with over 50,000 people in attendance,” he said.

essential to recognise the significance of independence in shaping our economic destiny”, he added.

“India’s independence has created a fertile ground for business growth and innovation. We must continue to nurture this environment to drive economic expansion and job creation”, Jain noted

‘Independence Cat alyst for Business Growth, Innovation’ CIS Inaugurates Lagos District Zone

Speaking with THISDAY in Lagos, Jain said, “Independence has allowed our leaders to make decisions that benefit our people and country, resulting in consistent economic growth. Today, India’s economy stands at rank number five in the world, and this achievement is a testament to the power of independence.”

Jain also emphasised the need to educate the younger generation about India’s freedom struggle and the value of independence in driving business success.

“The state of independence we enjoy today was achieved with huge sacrifices. We must imbibe good manners and educate the youth about our freedom struggle to help them value independence,” he said.

India’s independence, Jain argued, has fostered an environment conducive to business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“Independence has enabled us to create our own policies, regulations, and laws that support Indian businesses and industries. This autonomy has attracted foreign investment, boosted exports, and fueled economic expansion,” Jain explained.

“The flag-hoisting ceremony, patriotic songs, and the President’s speech created an electric atmosphere of patriotism and national pride,” Jain added.

“India’s growth story is a prove to the resilience and determination of its people. As we move forward, it’s

As part of its organic membership drive the need for collaborative efforts, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has inaugurated the Lagos Island District Society of the Institute.

By this inauguration, stockbrokers in the area, shall meet regularly to update themselves on the latest development in the Institute and the financial market, uphold the tenets of professionalism, deepen investor education and encourage young ones to take career in securities and investment profession.

In his inaugural speech, the 13th President and Chairman of the Institute’s Council, Oluropo Dada, explained the uniqueness of the Lagos Island District Zone, which comprises the largest concentration of securities and investment professionals in

With India’s Independence Day celebrations serving as a reminder of the country’s remarkable journey, Jain’s insights offered a glimpse into the nation’s bright future.

Nigeria.

According to him, this imposes on the District, the responsibility to play vital role in the growth and development of the Institute.

“The Lagos Island District Society holds a unique position in the annals of our great Institute. It is the district with the largest concentration of securities and investment professionals in our dear country, and as such, much is expected from this district. With a significant membership base, this district has a distinct opportunity, and indeed the responsibility of significantly impacting the growth of the Institute,” said Dada.

The maiden Chairman, Lagos Island District, Mr. Hakeem Otiti, assured that his members shall collaborate with the Institute’s Principal Officers to bring

ASHON Congratulates Dangote on Commencement of Operation of Refinery

Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), has congratulated the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on the commencement of operation of Dangote Refinery.

Dangote Refinery with capacity of 650 barrel per day (bpd), the largest in Africa, has commenced operation.

In a letter, signed by ASHON’s Chairman and Executive Secretary, Sam Onukwue and Athan Ogbozor respectively, the professional body, described the refinery’s commencement of operation as a new dawn for the Nigerian economy.

“ It is indeed a new dawn for the energy sector and the entire Nigerian economy to have achieved this feat. Your commitment, faith in the Nigerian economy and tenacity in the face of several obstacles is an inspiration and legendary in the annals of African history. You remain an inspiration as you have clearly demonstrated that in all key sectors of our economy and beyond that Nigeria nay Africa can only be developed by Africans.

“We pray the government and indeed the good people of Nigeria will continue to appreciate and honour you for the great feat you

have achieved for the economies of our continent. You have single handedly saved our country from the shackles of ravaging external economic forces that put prey on our foreign reserves as well as the monster of oil subsidies.

“We rejoice with you and the good people of Nigeria while we pray that God will grant you long life in good health to enjoy the fruits of your uncommon vision for Nigeria. Congratulations once again, and thank you for your vision and tenacity in rendering this selfless service to our fatherland,” the letter read.

Anchor Celebrates Two Years of Pioneering Embedded Finance in Africa

Funmi Ogundare

Anchor, Africa’s leading embedded finance company, is commemorating its two years of driving innovation and expanding financial access across the continent.

Since its inception, Anchor has remained steadfast in its mission to transform Africa’s financial landscape by equipping businesses with the tools to seamlessly embed financial services into their products.

The platform is reshaping how

finance is delivered and accessed, enabling a new wave of financial inclusion. The CEO and Co-founder of Anchor, Segun Adeyemi stated that from day one, its vision has been clear: to increase access to financial choices for Africans by making banking products accessible, intuitive, and scalable for businesses of all sizes.

According to him, “Our journey has been fueled by the belief that every African deserves simple, fair financial choices, and we’re just getting started.”

In just two years, he stated that

Anchor has made remarkable strides.

He said, “With a growing team of 23 passionate professionals, the platform now supports over 200 businesses, empowering them to create and scale financial products with unprecedented ease.

“Anchor’s comprehensive suite of services—ranging from virtual accounts and payments to card issuance—has become the backbone for businesses across sectors, enabling them to offer tailored financial solutions to their customers.”

“At Zenith Bank, we pride ourselves on people, technology, and service. We are committed to working with stakeholders to improve the financial experience for PWDs and ensure they are fully included,” Umeh said.

Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Head of the Legal Department, Mr. Safiu Babatunde, urged the banking sector to be more responsive to the needs of PWDs. Earlier in her speech, the Executive Director of CADEF, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in the financial sector. She shared her personal experiences witnessing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing banking services, which sparked her commitment to finding solutions.

Tourism Minister Announced Special Guest at African Youth Tourism Event

The highly anticipated 20th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Africa’s leading tourism and hospitality event, is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria.

about rapid development in the securities and investment profession.

Otiti noted that his members were aware of the responsibilities ahead and would work as a team to support the Institute.

A major highlight of this year’s event will be the 7th African Youth Tourism Bantaba, where Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Minister’s involvement underscores the Nigerian government’s dedication to youth empowerment and tourism development. Minister Ade-John, a strong advocate for sustainable tourism, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the role of young Africans in shaping the future of tourism on the continent.

Organisers of the event said

that African Youth Tourism Bantaba has grown into one of the most important segments of the Akwaaba Travel Market, providing a platform for young tourism enthusiasts, students, and emerging professionals to interact with industry leaders, share ideas, and gain insights into the workings of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“With Africa’s tourism industry projected to grow rapidly, this year’s Youth Bantaba will focus on ‘Activating The Youth Tourism Potentials of Africa, A Call To Duty’”, spokesman of the Organisers, Ikechi Uko said.

Chinedu Eze

BUSINESS SPECIAL

As CBN Strips Banks of Unclaimed Balances, Dormant Accounts

James Emejo writes on the potential impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to remove unclaimed balances, and dormant accounts from the custody of commercial banks

In a move that apparently caught the banking sector off-guard, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on July 19, reeled out revised guidelines on the management of dormant accounts, unclaimed balances and other financial assets in banks and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) in the country.

The new framework, which took effect from October 2015, further compelled financial institutions to ensure that accounts that have remained dormant for 10 years and above are transfered to the custody of the apex bank.

The circular signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulations Department, Mr. John Onoja, aimed to standardise the management of dormant accounts, unclaimed balances and financial assets, and outlines the procedure for the administration of these balances, funds, and assets by banks and other financial institutions.

The apex bank observed that financial institutions hold deposit accounts and other financial liabilities in their books with no customer-induced activity over a period, thus, rendering the accounts dormant.

Typically, dormant accounts constitute bank accounts that have been inactive for a certain period, typically 12 months or more, depending on the banks’ policies. These accounts are often bereft of transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, or fund transfers, except for interest credits or fees. After a period of inactivity, the bank typically classifies these accounts as dormant.

On the other hand, unclaimed balances refer to the money left in dormant accounts that remain unclaimed for a prolonged period. If the account holder does not reactivate the account or claim the balance, the funds may eventually be transferred to a government authority, such as a central bank or a treasury, depending on existing regulations.

FRAUD- PRONE ASSETS

In justifying its policy direction, the CBN argued that the continuous maintenance of such accounts results to accumulation of huge unclaimed balances at the disposal of the financial institutions for which the depositors may not be adequately compensated.

In addition, dormant and unclaimed balances are increasingly susceptible to fraudulent transactions or abuse.

The revised regulation also aims to curb abuses in the operation of dormant and inactive accounts and set operational standards, and to strengthen the oversight functions of CBN on the management of dormant and unclaimed balances.

In addition, the guidelines identify dormant accounts/unclaimed balances and financial assets with a view to reuniting them with their beneficial owners; hold the funds in trust for the beneficial owners; and establish a standard procedure for reclaim of warehoused funds.

Eligible accounts are dormant accounts balances that have remained with financial instructions for a period of 10 years and beyond. Others include current, savings and term deposits in local currency; domiciliary accounts; deposits towards the purchase of shares and mutual investments; prepaid card accounts and wallets; government owned accounts; proceeds of uncleared and unpresented financial instruments belonging to customers or non-customers of Fls; unclaimed salaries and wages, commissions, and bonuses.

Other assets affected by the new directive are proceeds of stale local and/or foreign currency drafts not presented for payment by beneficiaries; funds received from a correspondent bank without sufficient details as to the rightful beneficiary and/or a recall of funds made to the remitting bank to which the Nigerian bank account had not been debited; and judgment award among others.

WHY UNCLAIMED ASSETS CAN BENEFIT BANKS

Analysts agree that banks often benefit from dormant and unclaimed balances in several ways, adding that they could feel the impact of the revised directive, albeit moderate. This is partly because banks often charge fees on dormant accounts for maintenance, which adds to their revenue. Though regulations may limit or waive these fees in certain cases, they

can still be profitable.

The unclaimed funds in dormant accounts can also be used by banks to support their liquidity needs by investing the funds or deploying them for lending, contributing to the bank’s financial strength; and since these accounts are inactive, they require minimal management, allowing banks to reduce their operational efforts while still benefiting from the balance.

Also, depending on regulations, banks may eventually write off the dormant balances as profit if they remain unclaimed for a long time, if the laws so permit.

Though these accounts can be advantageous to banks in some ways, regulations usually require them to attempt to contact account holders before treating balances as their own or transferring them to the state.

POTENTIAL DISCOMFORT FOR BANKS

It is,however, believed that when the central bank or government takes control of dormant accounts and unclaimed balances from commercial banks, this could potentially affect the bank’s operations, though the impact is generally not severe.

Notably, dormant accounts contribute to a bank’s overall liquidity, and stripping them of unclaimed balances cause them to loses access to these funds, which could reduce their available liquidity for lending or other investments. But, the impact is usually minor because dormant accounts generally represent a small portion of a bank’s total deposits.

Also, banks often charge maintenance or service fees on dormant accounts. When the accounts are transferred to the central bank, the bank can no longer collect these fees, leading to a small but notable loss in fee-based revenue.

The process of transferring dormant accounts and unclaimed balances to the central bank involves administrative tasks like notifying customers, tracking down

account holders, and managing the transfer of funds. These tasks can add to operational costs in the short term.

In addition, if banks hold onto dormant accounts for too long without following proper procedures, they might face penalties or closer regulatory oversight. In this case, transferring dormant accounts to the central bank reduces this risk but might expose the bank to scrutiny if compliance was not followed properly.

Also, given that dormant accounts are considered liabilities on the bank’s balance sheet because they represent customer deposits, transferring them to the central bank reduces liabilities, which might make the bank appear more efficient or alter certain financial ratios. However, this is generally a minor effect unless a large proportion of accounts are dormant.

It is yet unclear, the magnitude of these accounts with Nigerian banking system.

While there is some impact on liquidity, revenue, and administrative burden, the transfer of dormant accounts and unclaimed balances to the central bank is often seen as a manageable issue for most commercial banks as these accounts often represent a small fraction of total operations, and banks generally plan for such regulatory requirements.

ANALYSTS’ PERSPECTIVES

Nonetheless, the apex bank’s latest position on the dormant accounts and unclaimed balances have elicited conversations among analysts. While some welcomed the development, others picked holes in the revised framework.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the CBN directive came as a surprise to the industry.

He said: “The fact that an account is dormant today does not mean it will be dormant tomorrow. Some of the customers of these dormant accounts may be living

abroad and may not have any need to transact on those accounts now.

“The accounts may have been left dormant by their owners for different reasons,maybe for savings purposes.”

According to the former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the revised directive may evoke legal actions.

He said: “Some of the accounts may belong to a deceased customer whose family members may be pursuing the letters of administration.

“Litigations may emerge in respect of this directive as the owners of such accounts may come for their accounts and monies anytime. These are the issues.”

However, Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market/pioneer President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the policy move was desirous amid a lack of credible database of dormant accounts in the country as well as the potential to defraud their owners.

He said: “I recall that the CBN had issued a guideline on this back in 2015 which was overtaken by the provisions of Section 77 of the Finance Act of 2020 which provides that any unclaimed amount in a dormant bank account which has remained unclaimed for a period of not less than six years should be transferred to Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund.

“I think it is a welcome development not least because unlike many developed and developing countries, Nigeria lacks a credible database of dormant accounts.

“It’s also difficult to quantify the number of dormant accounts in the Nigerian financial system that have gone unclaimed, particularly in the old generation banks.”

Uwaleke said:”In addition, dormant and unclaimed balances are increasingly susceptible to fraudulent transactions or abuse.

The UK, for example, has a very elaborate regulation and scheme for the management of unclaimed banks deposits.

“Similarly, in other developed countries and some developing countries such as Japan, Ireland, United States(US), India, Kenya and Liberia, there are detailed regulations for dormant accounts and other unclaimed assets of banks.

“The law provides for the transfer of the funds to the state or special organisations to be used for the general good of the society pending the identification of the rightful owners or heirs.”

He said: “This practice is based on the principle of escheatment. Before escheatment, serious and concerted efforts are usually expected to be made to unite owners with their forgotten deposits.

“I am glad to note that the new CBN guideline has raised the dormancy period from six years to 10 years consistent with global standards and has established a procedure to standardize the management of dormant accounts as well as the reclaim of warehoused funds.

“What is now required is for the CBN and the financial institutions to step up sensitization campaigns to ensure that customers of banks are aware of these procedures.”

On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, said the CBN directive will pool funds to government for the benefit of the economy.

He said: “The various banks have been enjoying the benefit of these funds in their pool to the detriment of the economy and have been using them lending purposes.

“The aggregate of the dormant assets is enough to boost the agricultural revolution plan of the government and help in granting single digit interest rates to deserving SMEs and companies to oil the economy.

“If properly utilised by government there will be no needs for borrowing to fund these ventures. The funds under control and supervision of the CBN will encourage banks to be more innovative and engaging with their customers so that incidences of dormant accounts can reduce and the prospects of using such accounts for fraudulent purposes will also be greatly averted.

“This is a welcome development for the economy because it will spread liquidity instead of benefits being retained by DMBs.”

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso

Domestic Dollar Bond Boosts External Reserves by 10.7%

Stories by Nume Ekeghe

In a promising development for Nigeria’s economic stability, the country’s external reserves surged by 10.7 per cent over the past three months, rising from $33.30 billion on June 13, 2024, to $36.87 billion by September 12, 2024.

This impressive increase of $3.57 billion has been attributed to several key factors, including successful domestic dollar bond sales and favorable macroeconomic conditions.

Recent data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that a notable $621.2 million increase in the country’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves occurred within just 10 days, following the successful sale of a domestic dollar bond. Between September 2, when reserves stood at $36.24 billion, and September 12, when they reached $36.87 billion, the bond issuance played a crucial role in attracting foreign exchange inflows and boosting liquidity in the financial system.

The first significant uptick occurred on September 3, 2024, when reserves increased by approximately $30 million, climbing from $36.24 billion to $36.27 billion. Incremental gains followed over the next few days, with reserves

rising to $36.30 billion on September 4 and reaching $36.33 billion on September 5. The real momentum came after September 6, 2024, when reserves jumped to $36.39 billion, and further to $36.64 billion by September 9. This $250 million surge over a single weekend highlighted strong investor demand for Nigeria’s dollar bonds and the increased foreign exchange inflows tied to the sale.

Nigeria’s external reserves began the period of review at $33.30 billion on June 13 and gradually increased to $34.19 billion by June 28. This growth of nearly $889 million reflects a steady accumulation, supported by remittance inflows and early signs of improvement in the trade balance.

Reserves rose sharply in July, starting the month at $34.34 billion on July 1 and ending at $36.79 billion by July 31. The increase of $2.45 billion was fueled by robust foreign direct investment, rising export earnings, and favorable global economic conditions. July marked a turning point in the country’s reserve position, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s economic policies. August saw reserves peak, beginning the month at $36.83

billion on August 1 and reaching $36.87 billion by August 7, before stabilizing at $36.30 billion by the end of the month. Although there were minor fluctuations, the overall stability of reserves around the $36 billion mark reflected strong foreign exchange inflows from non-oil exports and remittances, despite routine portfolio outflows.

In early September, Nigeria’s external reserves were given a significant lift by the issuance of a domestic dollar bond. Reserves stood at $36.24 billion on September 2 but quickly climbed to $36.87 billion by September 12, marking a rise of $621.2 million within just 10 days. The bond sale attracted substantial foreign exchange inflows, reinforcing Nigeria’s financial position and providing a strong buffer against potential economic shocks.

In addition to the bond sales, other contributing factors to the overall rise in reserves include increased foreign direct investment, a positive trade balance, and robust remittance inflows from the Nigerian diaspora. CBN’s strategic management of the FX market has been central to stabilizing the reserves, reflecting effective monetary policy measures that enhance confidence in the Nigerian economy.

FCMB Wins Impactful Lending to MSMEs, Sustainability Awards

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been recognised by winning two prestigious awards at the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) 2024 Annual Lecture Series and Awards in Lagos.

The bank was named the “Best Bank with the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time in Nigeria” and the “Highest Disbursement to Sustainability Projects.”

The bank in a statement noted that these awards highlight FCMB’s commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability in Nigeria. Between January and June 2024, FCMB disbursed

loans worth N180 billion to over 800,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) across various sectors, significantly bolstering their growth and resilience.

Commenting on the feat, Managing Director of FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun said: “As Nigeria’s MSMEs-friendly bank, we are honoured to win these awards and to continue leading the charge in supporting businesses across Nigeria. MSMEs are vital to economic development, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary financial and non-financial support to reach

their full potential. Our efforts reflect our purpose of fostering inclusive and sustainable growth by creating a robust ecosystem that connects people, capital, and markets in Africa.”

In 2023, FCMB secured over $280 million in funding from Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) to support MSMEs, including those led by women and enterprises in critical economic sectors, aligning with sustainable development goals. The bank has also actively financed renewable energy projects, granting credit to customers in need of solar energy solutions.

FirstBank Educates Businesses on Cyber-fraud Amid Rising Threats

First Bank of Nigeria has taken proactive steps to educate businesses and customers on protecting themselves from the growing threat of cyber-fraud, particularly during the “ember months,” a period notorious for a spike in online criminal activity.

The initiative was spearheaded through the bank’s quarterly webinar on information and cyber security, themed “Social Media Savvy: Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud.”

Chief Information Security Officer at FirstBank, Harrison Nnaji, explained that the final quarter of the year often witnesses a surge in cybercrime, with fraudsters adopting more sophisticated techniques to exploit unsuspecting individuals. During the session, Nnaji outlined various tactics employed by hackers and provided actionable advice on how customers can safeguard their finances against these threats.

He emphasised the critical role that social media plays in both creating opportunities and presenting risks.

The guest speaker, Manager and Data Protection Officer at Digital Encode Ltd, Ifeoma Okoh, outlined prevalent scams such as investment fraud, fake job offers, lottery scams, and clickjacking. She emphasized the importance of verifying links, using two-factor authentication, and staying informed about emerging online threats.

Polaris Bank Inducted Premium Member of NBCC

Polaris Bank has been inducted a premium member of the prestigious NigeriaBritish Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), marking another milestone in the Bank’s journey towards enhancing profitable trade between businesses in Nigeria and promoting global commercial partnerships with businesses in United Kingdom.

The Managing Director/ CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal speaking at the induction expressed gratitude

to the Chamber for the recognition and highlighted Polaris Bank’s commitment to, “leveraging this platform to drive sustainable economic development and deeper engagement with stakeholders.”

“Distinguished guests, members of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce, and esteemed colleagues, it is truly an honour to accept this induction, on behalf of Polaris Bank. Being part of this esteemed Chamber is

a significant milestone for us, as it aligns with our vision to build stronger partnerships and contribute meaningfully to the growth of trade and investment between businesses in Nigeria and the UK.”

He further added that Polaris Bank is committed to using its membership of the NBCC to exchange innovative ideas and provide long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that promote growth of businesses in Nigeria and beyond.

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),

Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Jibril Abba (3rd left); Executive Director, Large Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Ifeoma Uz’Okpala (2nd left); Director, Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Kabiru Murnai (left); Director, Legal Services, NIMASA, Aishatu Jidda (right) and others during a visit by the Management of the Bank of Industry to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos…recently

GTCO, Stanbic IBTC, Zenith Bank Reward Shareholders with N86.74bn Interim Dividend

Kayode Tokede

The shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, and Stanbic IBTC Holding Plc, are to share N86.74 billion as interim dividend for half year ended June 2024, an increase of 74per cent from N49.85 billion declared in half year ended June 2023.

The leading banks in the period generated N1.6trillion profit after tax, representing an increase of nearly 150 per cent

from N6640.13billion reported in the corresponding period of 2023. Zenith bank rewarded shareholders an interim dividend of N1.00 per share in H1 2024 from N0.50 per share, bring its payout by value to N31.4 billion, as shareholders of GTCO got the same N1.00 per share in H1 2024, with a market value of N29.43 billion.

In addition, the management of Stanbic IBTC Holding rewarded N2.00 per share in H1 2024 from N1.50 per share in H1 2023, to brings it total payout at N25.91

billion, a growth of 33per cent when compared to N19.44 billion in corresponding period of 2023.

THISDAY gathered that GTCO leads other banks as most profitable bank, when its profit hits N905.6 billion in H1 2024, about 223 per cent increase from N280.48billion reported in H1 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO, 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.”

In the period under review, Zenith Bank declared N578 billion profit, an increase oof 98 per cent from N291.73billion in H1 2023, while Stanbic IBTC Holdings announced N116.36 billion profit in H1 2024, a growth of 71 per cent from N67.92 billion reported in H1 2023.

The Chief Executive Stanbic IBTC, Dr Demola Sogunle in a

statement stated that “The operating environment in the first half of the year was challenging, evidenced by intensified inflationary pressure and subdued demand causing the Stanbic IBTC Bank Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) to drop to a seven-month low of 50.1 points in June 2024.

“The government also implemented policies to stabilise the economy and attract foreign investment. Amidst these diverse factors, the economy showed resilience.”

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 12th September-2024, unless otherwise stated.

CITYSTRINGS

How Benue Farmers are Reaping from ACReSAL Agricultural Support

George Okoh in Makurdi writes that farmers in Benue State are thriving through the AgroClimatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, a World Bank initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in rural areas

In 2013, Philip Swende, obtained his first degree from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, formerly University of Agriculture Makurdi, in Plant Breeding and Seed Science. From Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA), Philip is 39 years old now, married and has three kids.

Though a staff of Makurdi Local Government, Philip says life had been challenging and so he had to farm to support his young family. Even at that it had not been easy, barely managing to harvest a little from his farm to augment what he spent on food. Beyond that, Philip organised a cooperative society, and they began making contributions, loaning money among themselves for farming and other agriculture related activities.

All along, the 39-year old, with his group needed support to grow. Then came AgroClimatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).

This is the second year of the implementation of the six year project in Nigeria, with Benue State only meeting requirement for participation because the Government of the State, under the leadership of Fr. Hyacinth Alia, paid the counterpart funding of One Billion Naira, indicating commitment for takeoff.

That was how Philip is today, an employer of labour.

"Fr. Alia is the best. He gave One Billion Naira that's why ACReSAL has released the money," Philip told this reporter, excitedly on his farm.

"It is benefiting people. People wait for me here so that they will work and get something. So with ACReSAL I am an employer of labour," Philip went on. Over 10 workers were on the 10 hectares rice farm at the time of the visit. It explains his reference to "people" benefitting from the project.

ACReSAL project, according to the Benue State Project Coordinator, Bldr. Victor Ama, is a World Bank initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in rural areas. Ten communities, five each from Makurdi and Vandeikya Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state are piloting the scheme.

The objective of the project, Bldr. Ama explains is to provide access to agricultural credit and inputs, enhanced skills and knowledge through training and capacity building programmes, investment in rural infrastructure, such as roads, markets, and storage facilities, facilitating the transportation and sale of produce, support for value chain development, linking farmers to markets and promoting the production and sale of high-value crops and increased access to social services, including healthcare and education, benefiting poor households and vulnerable groups.

"With this, I can fly now," says Philip, whose cooperative society, Kentors Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, is one of the benefiting cooperatives in Makurdi LGA. He is also serving as the Community Based Agent (CBA) (North Bank, Makurdi community). Other beneficiary communities in Makurdi include Wurukum, Adaka, Modern Market and Wadata.

Philip, who before the intervention was growing rice and maize now concentrates his energy on rice. With his group, they have cultivated 10 hectares of rice.

According to Philip, "for the purpose of this ACReSAL project, we are farming rice only," haven received the first trench of the loan (60 per cent of the total amount) on 1st July, with 31st December, 2024, set aside for complete refund of the loan.

"We were given the loan on 1st July. We are to refund everything by 31st December. We have a Community Revolving Fund Management Team that holds the money in trust for the benefiting cooperatives and only transfer to the accounts based on specified conditions," explains Philip.

He adds that the money is not to be taken back and will be available for other cooperatives within the benefiting community to access.

Another member of the cooperative, Ordam Daniel, 38, is optimistic that "in few years ahead if this programme continues there will be less poverty in the state." Orwam has been farming for the past 21, haven inherited it from his parents. He is married and has seven children.

Ordam is thankful to ACReSAL for the loan and is praying God that "it gets to places it is yet to reach. I believe that it's a good programme."

He is excited that with the level of progress of the farm, they will be able to "pay back the loan and have a lot to help our families."

Gbenda Andrew, from one of the beneficiary communities of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) Loan in the Vandeikya Catchment Area says the ACReSAL intervention has impacted his community positively, leading to increased production.

According to Gbenda, with the intervention, production is sure to increase, with consequential positive impact on supply and economic return.

ACReSAL's involvement with local farmers in Benue State represents one of the biggest interventions in improving food production in the state, be it by government or international support organisations.

The intervention is received with enthusiasm. Fr. Simon Peter Sesugh Akpenpun is one of those whose ministry is excited with the intervention. He commends ACReSAL, for introducing Climate Smart Technologies and methods through the provision of Solar-powered boreholes, solar streetlights, Community Revolving Funds, Climate-smart implements for agricultural practices. Fr. Akpenpuun represents a large congregation of Catholic faithful.

Thankfully, Ama says ACReSAL holds religious leaders and places of worship in high esteem, with high propensity for partnership.

"Awareness creation, sensitisation and support to farmers to embracing climate smart agricultural practices like agroforestry, farm ecology and pemeculture is necessary to enhancing food production," says Victor Asobo, founder/Chief Executive Officer, Viktuwa Environmental Managers, who is working with the project in the state.

According to Asobo, ACReSAL "programmes are community driven, with appropriate technologies. We have components like environmental education in schools, churches, and so on, on issues of disaster risk education and we are going

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project is a World Bank initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in rural areas….by providing access to agricultural credit and inputs, enhanced skills and knowledge through training and capacity building programmes, investment in rural infrastructure, such as roads, markets, and storage facilities, facilitating the transportation and sale of produce, support for value chain development, linking farmers to markets and promoting the production and sale of high-value crops and increased access to social services, including healthcare and education, benefiting poor households and vulnerable groups

into climatic revolving fund."

ACReSAL may be invariably working towards checking rising food prices, with its intervention in agriculture in Benue State.

According to the World Bank Food Security Report in June 2022, "domestic food price inflation remains high around the world. Information between May to August 2022 shows high inflation in almost all low-income and middle-income countries; 93.3 percent of low-income countries, 90.9 percent of lowermiddle-income countries, and 93 percent of upper-middle-income countries have seen inflation levels above 5 percent, with many experiencing double-digit inflation. The share of high-income countries with high inflation has also increased sharply, with about 85.7 percent experiencing high food price inflation (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/ agriculture/brief/food-security-update)."

The report adds that the situation is worsened by the war in Ukraine, which "has altered global patterns of trade, production, and consumption of commodities in ways that will keep prices at high levels through the end of 2024 exacerbating food insecurity and inflation."

This year, rates of produce have reached all time high.

Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia says his government is partnering development partners such as ACReSAL, to open up new opportunities for value addition and agro-processing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Fr. Alia, who a knowledged the resilience and dedication of Benue "farmers who work tirelessly to ensure food security in our State and Nigeria at large," is confident that his administration has prioritised the agricultural sector as the lowest hanging fruit to catalyze growth and economic development of the state.

According to the Governor, there is the need to "encourage our young men and women to embrace agriculture. We are committed to making farming attractive and a viable means of wealth creation for all. Through various initiatives and support systems, we are ensuring that agriculture is seen not just as a profession, but as a gateway to economic empowerment and sustainability.

"We have the resources to turn our agricultural sector into a powerhouse of production and innovation. As I often say, with agriculture, we are too rich to be poor. We have fertile lands, skilled farmers, and a government that is willing to invest heavily in the future of its people. I want to assure every aspiring farmer that we are here to support you. Come, and we will provide you with the resources you need to farm free of charge.

"Let us all work together to transform our state into the food basket that is capable of feeding the entire nation and beyond."

Swende and his farm, boosted by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes

Shettima Reiterates FG's Unwavering Support for Traditional Institutions

Describes Oba of Benin as a living history fostering unity

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the federal government's unwavering support for nation's traditional institutions and continuation to respect the role of royal fathers in nation-building.

He noted that traditional rulers have an age-long practice of sustaining peace and preserving the culture of their people.

Shettima spoke weekend when he paid homage to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in his palace while on a visit to Benin City, the Edo State capital for the

grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial campaign ahead of next Saturday's governorship poll.

The Vice President maintained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to engaging with traditional rulers across the nation in order to tap into their wisdom.

His words: "I am assuring you of the federal government's unwavering support for traditional institutions like yours. Our administration recognizes the crucial role that traditional rulers play as custodians of our cultural

THISDAY Correspondent Wins N1m Dinning Voucher at Chinese Mooncake Festival

THISDAY Correspondent, Michael Olugbode, has won a million Naira dinning voucher at the commemoration of 2024 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Nigeria.

It was two-time lucky for Olugbode who after winning the top prize was picked in another draw for those with WeChat that saw him going home with two bottles of exotic spirit.

The event which was held on Saturday at the magnificent Chinese Silk Road Restaurant located at the Central Business District, Abuja, was organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

The prizes won include electronic devices, TV boxes, dining vouchers, health products among others to Nigerians and Chinese who were guest at the occasion.

The THISDAY correspondent seat number 59 was picked for the ultimate prize of the N1 million dinning voucher as the last raffle for the seat after other prizes have been picked.

He was later picked again for another raffle registered with the WeChat which saw him going home with two exotic bottles of spirit.

Speaking on the prizes, Michael Olugbode told journalists at the event that this can only be divinely arranged as he was already contemplating leaving for home after almost all

the prizes have been won and the event so dragged.

He said: “Something just kept urging me to wait till the very end especially as I had some colleagues that I needed to pick in my vehicle.

“It was great winning the voucher and I must thank the Chinese Embassy, Cultural Centre, China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, and the Silk Road Restaurant for the two prizes. In fact, they have by this made me an ambassador of Chinese Culture and the Mooncake Festival.”

The Mooncake Festival, one of the popular Chinese Festivals was organised in Nigeria to promote and strengthen people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists on a sideline of the event, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Li Xuda, said the festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture for the past 3,000 years.

He added that the festival represents the harvest season and the idea that hard work leads to a fruitful result.

He said: “Today’s celebration is very important and meaningful because the Mid-autumn, also called ‘the Mooncake Day’ , is one of the most important Chinese traditional festivals.

“In this festival we celebrate family reunion, friendship and togetherness; like the popular proverb in Nigeria, united we stand and divided we fall.

heritage and as key stakeholders in national development.

“You play a great role in fostering peace, unity and progress in our great country. Your role in conflict resolution, promoting harmonious coexistence and in guiding our youths cannot be overemphasized".

Shettima described the Oba of Benin as a living history, adding that the monarch has played a great role in fostering unity and upholding the revered culture built by his ancestors. According to him, "Your

imperial majesty, you have shown remarkable leadership. Continue to uphold the rich traditions of your ancestors while embracing progress and development for your people. You are one of the most respected rulers in this country.

“Your efforts in promoting Benin culture, fostering unity among your people and advocating for the return of stolen Benin artifacts have not gone unnoticed. The recent return of some of these treasures underscores your diplomatic skills. It is a testament to the ingenuity,

organization and wisdom that have been the hallmarks of the Benin Kingdom for centuries.”

The Vice President also solicited the royal father’s blessings for the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Opkebhole, as Edo State goes to the polls on Saturday to elect a new governor.

“Our party’s candidate Senator Monday Okpebhole comes with a vision of progress and development for Edo State, building on the illustrious history of this great land.

“We believe that with your

support and the collective will of the Edo people, we can usher in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity for the state,” the Vice President said. Responding, Oba Ewuare II, who thanked the Vice President for visiting him, solicited the federal government's support for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum. He appreciated the Vice President for praising the Benin culture and tradition, which he said he will do his best to continue to preserve.

Child Nutrition: Sokoto Govt Partners UNICEF

‘1.5m Sokoto children lack birth records’

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has assured the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) of his administration's determination to key into the children's nutrition funds in the interest of the state’s children.

Governor Aliyu spoke weekend when he received the UNICEF's Country Representative, Christien Muduate, on a courtesy call in Government House, Sokoto.

The involvement of the state government in the nutrition funds is geared towards ensuring that children in the state derive maximum benefit from the funds, the governor enthused.

His words: "I assure you that in a couple of weeks, we will make

funds available for the nutrition funds."

In another related development, UNICEF revealed that 1.5 million children under the age of five in the state lack birth records.

The agency country representative Cristian Munduate stated this during a courtesy call on the wife of Sokoto State Governor, Hajia Fatima Aliyu in Sokoto and also urged the state to intensify efforts on the birth registration of children so as to properly plan for their health care and education.

She sought for a collaboration with wife of the state governor, Hajiya Fatima Aliyu to improve birth registration and nutrition issues in the state.

Meanwhile, while commending the UNICEF for its various

intervention programmes on children, such as protecting the rights of children and preventing the spread of diseases, Governor Aliyu restated his administration's commitment towards investing on issues affecting children in the state.

He added that the present administration has introduced several programmes to cater for the needs of the children in the areas of healthcare delivery and education, among others.

Earlier, the UNICEF County Representative, Christien Muduate, extolled Governor Aliyu's efforts in the areas of education, healthcare delivery as well the interest he has shown on children's nutrition.

According to her, the unwavering commitment exhibited by Governor Aliyu on children's nutrition would

go a long way in ensuring that more children benefited from the progrmme across the state. She further solicited for stronger partnership with the state government in the overall interest of the state. The courtesy call later went into a closed-door session.

During her visit to the Sokoto First Lady, UNICEF Country Director Cristian Munduate said: "Let me tell you Sokoto State has over 1.5 million children under five years who have not been registered. And having a certificate when you are born, not only gives you the right to have an official name, but also it can help households, families and children to have better access to social services such as health, nutrition and education," Cristian stated.

Bauchi Zonal ASUU Berates Varsity Administrations for Wickedness, Victimisation Against Members

Segun Awofadeji in Bauch

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has berated Visitors/ Administrators of the public universities in the country for alleged wickedness and victimization against its members which have led to many deaths and shattered dreams.

ASUU made the declaration through its Bauchi Zone which addressed journalists at the end of its Zonal EXCO meeting held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi on Saturday.

The Bauchi Zone of ASUU, comprises 6 Universities (University of Jos, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Federal University Kashere, Gombe State University, Gombe; Plateau State University, Bokkos and Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi).

While reading the text of the press conference at the ASUU ATBU, Secretariat, Prof. O. A. Timothy Namo, Zonal Coordinator, Bauchi Zone, stated that, "The union resolved to set aside September 10, 2024 as the National Day of Solidarity with our victimised members in some universities."

According to him, "These universities include Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo; Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba; Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki; Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma; Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam."

He explained that, "All Branches and Zones of the Union were directed to organise programmes and press conferences to mark the day. The Bauchi Zone has decided to hold this press briefing in line with the directive of the Union." The issues according to him are the "unjustifiable and excruciating hardship being meted to our colleagues in the aforementioned universities. Our Union is worried that the respective Visitors and Administrators of these universities have continued to victimise our members through wicked actions including, but not limited to, termination of appointments, suspension from work, withholding of salaries and allowances, denial and delay of promotion, exclusion from statutory meetings and non-remittance of union dues and other third-party deductions."

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

REVITALISATION OF ENUGU PALM PRODUCTS LIMITED...

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, performing the formal flag-off of the N100bn Revitalisation of the Enugu Palm Products Limited in partnership with Pragmatic Palms Limited at Ibite-Olo, Ezeagu LGA... last Thursday

Celebrate with Muslims IGP promises enhanced security Leaders Pray for Nigeria at Eid-el-Maulud

Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, George Okoh in Makurdi, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Nigerian leaders from different walks of life, yesterday, celebrated Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) with Muslims across the country and seized the occasion to pray for Nigeria.

This, nonetheless, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians that the police would put in place adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful and secured environment during the 2024 Eid-el-Maulud celebrations.

Abba Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has extended deepest congratulations to the entire Muslim Ummah in the state and across the nation on the occasion of Eid Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, the governor, described the occasion as a special one for Muslims to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings, and virtues of the Prophet, who embodied peace, compassion, humility, and love for humanity.

“As genuine and good Muslims, we must emulate and strive to uphold the exemplary virtues of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in our daily interactions with one another as sure path to getting Allah’s blessings in our worldly endeavor and a gateway

to salvation in the hereafter,” he said.

He therefore, urged Muslims to use the occasion for prayers, seeking divine intervention for peace, stability, and prosperity in the face of the current persistent security and economic challenges in the state and the entire country.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Muslims to emulate the teachings and deeds of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

He also implored Nigerians to

continue on the path of love, peace, unity and tolerance for a better society, irrespective of religious, ethnic, and political differences.

“We thank God for the grace to celebrate another Eid-el-Maulud this year. On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I rejoice with millions of people around the world, particularly Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and Nigeria, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.

"The celebration of Eid-el-Maulud, marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is an important ceremony in remembrance of the birth and life of the great Prophet of Allah.

“I want to implore all Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to keep praying and working together for peace in our dear Lagos State and Nigeria. Let us be hopeful of a better country."

FCTA to Build World-class Healthcare Infrastructure for Abuja, Says Fasawe

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that it will embark on the development of modern hospital infrastructure in Abuja. The administration also restated its resolve to ensure that there is zero tolerance for maternal mortality in the FCT, adding that there will be no reason for a pregnant woman to die in Abuja due to child birth.

Mandate Secretary Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, revealed this while speaking to journalists during the roll out of a free medical outreach services for residents of the Bwari Area Council in Abuja last Friday.

She said: "It is also my pleasure to announce that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike is moving into the

infrastructural development in health sector. If you look at our hospitals today, a lot of them are looking old, we are working on remodeling, introducing best practices and building new hospitals facilities. Hospitals where people can access quality care.

"Very soon the minister will be commissioning new projects in the health sector that will serve the people in Abuja".

Speaking while flagging-off the free medical outreach, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said that the FCT administration is fully committed to meeting not just the peoples' health needs, but also the needs that would give the residents of the FCT the best health services.

Mahmoud noted that Nigeria is one of the countries in Africa with high maternal and child morbidity and mortality resulting from poor

ANC attendance, low facility-based delivery, low uptake of immunization and family planning services, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

She also noted that rapid population expansion leading to increased demand for health services has posed serious health challenges to the administration.

To address some of these identified challenges, the minister stressed the FCT administration's commitment in improving the primary healthcare system, such as renovation, upgrading and building of more primary health centers across the six area councils, and employment of more healthcare workers.

While explaining the objective of the outreach programme, Fasawe said that free medical missions are global best practice used to provide targeted medical and surgical care to meet the health needs of the underserved and

vulnerable populations.

She also said that the outreach programme was meant to create awareness on the benefits accruable to residents who register on the FCT Health insurance scheme.

Her words: "The minister, Nyesom Wike has declared that there's zero tolerance for maternal mortality; that means in Abuja, there's no reason for a pregnant woman to die due to childbirth complications, and that is why we have brought this programme here.

"We have even brought our health insurance desk here so they can register. Today is just to show them what you will get if you register on our health insurance scheme. Everything we have brought here today will be left in the Bwari General Hospital to encourage people that if government says so, they will do so.

Hyacinth Alia

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, while felicitating with Muslims on the occasion of this year's Id el Maulud, urges all the faithful to reflect on the principles of the Prophet’s life of kindness, compassion, and his role as a spiritual guide.

He charged them to always engage in dialogues and conversations aimed at promoting the unity and growth of the state and country.

The governor solicited for continued prayers and support for the APC-led government, assuring the people that his administration would continue to

do everything possible to deliver on its campaign promises.

Inuwa Yahaya

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,has called on the Muslim Ummah to draw inspiration and lessons from the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as they celebrate this year's Eid-el-Maulud.

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, encouraged Muslims to imbibe the Prophet’s qualities of tolerance, humility, modesty, and honesty in their daily lives.

Gov Mbah Gives Security Agencies 48hrs to Produce OMMATA Chairman's Killers

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has given security agencies in the state 48 hours to fish out the killers of the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, OMMATA, Chief Stephen Aniagu.

Vowing that no one would commit such heinous crime in the state under his watch and go scot-free, Mbah also commiserated with the deceased’s family and OMMATA.

It will be recalled that Aniagu was killed by yet to be identified assailants at the outskirts of Enugu metropolis, Saturday evening.

Reacting to the development on Sunday, Mbah said, “My heart grieves over the brutal murder of the Chairman of OMMATA, the late Chief Stephen Aniagu. This is a sad loss, not only to OMATTA as a body, but also to the entire state.

The governor said: “In the meantime, I have directed security agencies in the state to produce his killers within 48 hours. As we have always maintained, and every

merchant of death or criminal in the state ought to know by now, that we have demonstrated the capacity to bring them to book.

“We have the will, technology, and resources to pursue, track down, overtake, and defeat such workers of wickedness.

“Therefore, those who committed this atrocity have bitten more than they can chew. They have murdered sleep, hence neither they nor the government and security agencies will sleep until all the perpetrators are captured and justice served in accordance with the law sooner than later.”

Commiserating with Chief Aniagu’s family, community, and OMMATA, the governor noted that the late market leader served his community, the association, and Enugu State creditably.

“The Government and people of Enugu State grieve with them. But I urge them to find solace in the service he rendered to our dear state and the fact that his killers will never go scot-free. It is a promise,” he concluded.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

PRESENTATION OF N1 MILLION DINNING VOUCHER ...

281 Inmates on the Run in Aftermath of Maiduguri Flood as NAF Airlifts Relief Aids

Seadogs seeks judicious use of N3bn FG’s assistance to states

Michael Olugbode and Linus Aleke in Abuja

About 281 inmates are currently on the run following the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said it had commenced the airlifting of relief materials to victims of the flood, in fulfilment of its statutory role of providing military aid to civil authority.

Besides, National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, raised concerns over the flood disaster.

The flood displaced over one million people, leaving children and families trapped in their homes as it spread uncontrollably.

While initial reports attributed the flooding to the collapse of the Alau Dam, in Borno State, the federal government said the overflow of the Ngadda River was the primary cause, and not the dam failure.

Experts had long warned about the potential dangers posed by the Alau Dam, which had suffered cracks

and erosion for years due to neglect.

However, counting the losses of the NCoS in the flood that left over 50 per cent of Maiduguri and its environs submerged in water, spokesman of the service, Umar Abubakar, said, “The unfortunate incident has left scars, bringing down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the city.

“Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.” He added that the service was in custody of their details, including their biometrics.

According to Abubakar, “The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.

“Presently, a total of seven inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

“While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does

not impede or affect public safety.”

NAF

Commences Airlift of Relief Materials

The Nigerian Air Force, yesterday, commenced the airlift of relief materials to victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster.

NAF explained that the materials, donated by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), were aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the floods, which had disrupted the daily lives of Maiduguri residents, destroyed their property, and displaced millions.

Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the airlift missions, which commenced on September 14, had the first batch of the relief items, comprising 300 bags of 50kg rice, successfully delivered to NAF Base, Maiduguri, via the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Ali disclosed that the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore UU Idris, received the materials and handed them over to the Commissioner for Inter-Governmental

and Special Duties, Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim, who was accompanied by Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, MD Malah.

He added that heavy-duty trucks provided by NAF were used to transport the materials to Borno State Government House for onward distribution.

Earlier, NAF had launched a medical outreach programme to support flood victims, in addition to the feeding of over 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The initiative, Ali said, included the provision of medication, food, and water supplies to help mitigate the effects of the flood and address the urgent needs of the affected population.

"The NAF’s airlift mission and medical outreach are part of a broader effort to support national disaster response initiatives and highlight the critical role of military assets in humanitarian crises," Ali added.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, directed that the operations should continue, "ensuring that both relief materials and free medical aid reach all affected areas".

Peter Obi’s Media Office Decries Attempt to Liken Him to Trump, Says It’s Scandalous

The Peter Obi Media Office has described as scandalous the presidency’s attempt to link the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the United States politics, and dubbing him the Donald Trump of Nigerian politics.

A statement by the new media spokesman of the Peter Obi campaigns, Ibrahim Umar, said, "Perhaps the most laughable of such delusions is the presidency’s effort to ridicule Obi by dragging his name into the United States of America (USA) electioneering process, by scandalously linking him with the Republican Party candidate, Donald Trump.

“We are very much aware of the motive behind these ridiculous comparisons, which is their uncanny way of currying favour so undeserved from the Democrats.

“Nigerians, who mused about the derisory and facetious comparison, have tried to ask: ‘will your calling Peter Obi 'a Trump’, translate to or mean that Tinubu is Harris’?”

Umar said every discerning mind, who wanted to compare Obi and Tinubu, and attempted to equate them with the two American presidential candidates, Trump and Kamala Harris, knew too well the similarities and parallels in terms of morality, transparency, good-standing antecedents, and people-focused policies.

He said, "The presidency, by indulging in such clever-by-half comparisons, which are intended to discredit Obi, merely brings to the fore the glaring weaknesses of the incumbent administration and their crassness and inability to discern the realities and especially the pains and pangs their actions and policies foisted on the nation in the past year. Nigerians are not so gullible to be fooled by such empty propaganda.

"It’s even ironic that the spin doctors of a leader, who since the early campaign days into over a year as President has remained disturbingly aloof and seemingly incapable of presenting himself and his policies to the Nigerians through

the media, and who has continued to evade public accountability, are trying to malign Obi who has easily emerged in all ramifications as the most visible, focused and articulate political personality in this dispensation.

“Obi remains a man, who has not only become the conscience of the people but also their hope for a new and egalitarian ddemocracy."

The spokesman of the Peter Obi Media further stressed, "Rather than strive to market and justify their rusty and anti-people deleterious policies that have put Nigeria and Nigerians in the most horrendous, conditions, they have resolved to convey misleading accounts of our principal’s activities just to distract the credulous public.

The NAF spokesperson stated that the service would persistently collaborate with other security agencies to mobilise human and material resources for the support of flood victims.

He stated that the operations would be sustained as long as necessary to ensure that relief materials effectively reached those affected by the disaster.

NAS Seeks Judicious Use of N3bn FG Aid

National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, raised concerns over the recent flood disaster that devastated Maiduguri and surrounding communities in Borno State.

In a statement yesterday, NAS, through its Cap'n, Dr Joseph Oteri, condemned government's insufficient response to disasters.

Oteri said despite repeated warnings and calls for action, nothing substantial was done to prevent the crisis in Borno.

He stated that neglecting critical infrastructure, like the Alau Dam, only exacerbated a dire humanitarian situation in a region plagued by food insecurity and conflict.

"The failure to take preventive action has deepened the suffering of an already vulnerable population," Oteri remarked, adding, "Over a million people have been affected, and the flood has worsened the food insecurity in Borno, which serves as a key hub in the conflict-stricken North-east.”

NAS expressed concerns that the N3 billion aid by the federal government could be misappropriated or diverted to other uses, as had often been the case with disaster relief funds.

Aregbesola: Owa Obokun, Lion is No More

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,yesterday, commiserated with the family of the late Owa Obokun Adimula, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.

According to him, "I received with shock, utter disbelief and despair, but gratitude to God for a life well spent, the report of the ascension to the great beyond of Owa Obokun Adimula, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.

“It is the end of an inimitable and unforgettable era. Oba Aromolaran was the quintessential monarch –regal, majestic, intellectually sound, wise, discerning and decisive. He had a compelling personality and personified kingship.

“With his sterling education and sagacity, he uplifted the throne and

the institution of his fathers. He kept his head high even in an era of the decline of traditional rulership.

“He was my father before, during and after my two-term governorship in the state. He was also my life coach and advisor in practically every area of life and governance.

“He was a tree that could make a forest. A giant among men. An inimitable ruler with a special appeal. Osupa ileki, a mo roro la'gbo.

“His ascension to the throne was described as the coming of the lion. He was and lived like a lion, dominated his territory and was feared and respected beyond.

But the lion is gone!

“My heartfelt condolences go to the Osun State Government, the good people of Ijesaland, his chiefs and his immediate and extended family. May God comfort and grant them his peace. May he give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Promoting Chinese Culture: From the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria Li Xuda (L) presenting N1 million Dinning Voucher to THISDAY Correspondent, Michael Olugbode during the Commemoration of Chinese Mooncake Festival at Silk Road Restaurant, Abuja on Saturday

RESIDENTS OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED HOUSING ESTATES IN LAGOS ISLAND...

L-R: Chairman, Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate Resident Association, Ajah, Mrs. Bolanle Bodede; President, Lekki Estates & Stakeholders Association, Alhaji Sulyman Bello; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola; Director, Estate Department, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, ESV. Olukemi Fosudo; and Chairman, Security Committee, Lekki Estates & Stakeholders Association, Prince Wale Ojora,

Edo Election Not Do or Die, Inter-Party Advisory Council Fires Back at Gov Obaseki

Govt reiterates police intimidation, arrest of PDP chieftains, wants Tinubu to intervene APC: PDP, Ighodalo, Obaseki hallucinating AA candidate stands down for Okpebholo

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged stakeholders not to view the Edo State governorship election as a war.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had on Saturday, during the grand finale of the rallies, said the September 21 governorship election would be a do-or-die affair.

Edo State Government alleged that despite appeals to the police to end the indiscriminate arrest of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the police had deployed other squads of cops from outside the state to begin massive arrest of PDP leaders perceived to be politically strong in their various constituencies in order to pave the way for the manipulation of elections in those areas.

the law,” he said.

Responding to a question on the expected amount the NNPC would fix the pump price of petrol to be lifted from the Dangote Refinery, the executive vice president said: “Let’s imagine companies like Total, Shell, NIPCO, can we say that they are the ones to fix the price of petrol? Absolutely no.

“The same thing applies to NNPC. The NNPC is just like any of these businesses. the only difference is that the shares of NNPC are entirely owned by organs of government - Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated. That's the only thing - the shareholders of NNPC.

“So the NNPC is not a regulator. The NNPC has no regulatory powers and cannot fix prices. That's why citizens must study the PIA to understand that things have changed. I've seen that there's so much misinformation out there, even within even within government settings, understanding the new NNPC.

“What we've done in this specific case with Dangote Refineries is that we went into the room and we negotiated like every other business would do. Dangote comes into the room and says ‘I want this much for my petrol,’ and we say, ‘No, we are paying this amount,’ and we negotiated to come to some agreements, and that is what has happened. So it's neither we (NNPC) nor Dangote that sets the

However, Director of Publicity, Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, JP, said PDP, its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and Obaseki were suffering from horrific hallucinations.

Meanwhile, the candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, yesterday, stood down for the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election.

National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, who spoke on behalf of the council, stressed that the election was intended to select leaders who would promote good governance, accountability, and development.

Dantalle stated that all those involved in the election must prioritise peace, equity, and justice, and called on stakeholders in the off-cycle election to collaborate to create an environment conducive

price. It's basically the market forces that set the price.

“The price is indexed to the Brent. If the Brent moves up, the price moves up and if the Brent moves down the price moves down. We don’t determine Brent's price, they don’t determine Brent, it is the market that does,” he added.

Olusegun, described the nairafor-crude and naira-for-product arrangement that was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as a payment solution that would help ease foreign exchange volatility. He confirmed that: “For the immediate off-take, that is from September 15 to the end of September, we would be paying Dangote in dollars. Why? That is because the crude that Dangote used in producing the petrol that would be taken was paid for in dollars, so it is fair that we buy the product in dollars.

“But from October 1, crude supplied to Dangote and products taken up by us would be paid for in Naira. Here is how it works: It is a zerosum arrangement. In this instance, for October now, we have reached an agreement to sell 385,000 barrels a day to Dangote Refinery.”

Meanwhile, billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, yesterday said that with the commencement of refining of petrol by the Dangote facility, the age-long challenge of fuel scarcity was over.

“Kudos to President Bola Tinubu for making this a reality! Fuel queues

to credible elections.

He said, “To all stakeholders, let us remember, election is not war. It is simply an exercise in a democracy, where we choose leaders, who will promote good governance, accountability, and development.

“As stakeholders, we must prioritise peace, equity, and justice. Let us work together to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

“I urge all stakeholders to adhere to the principles of democracy, respect the rights of others, and prioritise the interests of the Edo people and Nigeria, in general. I call upon you to join us as we work towards deepening democracy in Nigeria.”

State Government Insists Police Still Intimidating, Arresting PDP Chieftains

are now a thing of the past as Dangote Refinery starts loading PMS today Sunday 15 September 2024,” Otedola said on his X handle.

Earlier, the Chairman of Geregu Power Plc as well as First Bank Holdings Plc, Otedola, had hailed Tinubu on his support for the new Dangote refinery located in Lagos.

Describing the President’s backing for the project as ‘unwavering’ Otedola in a message on his X handle, stated that Tinubu’s support for the 650,000 barrels per day, $20 billion facility had been instrumental to the success of the project.

“First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and belief in actualising this monumental achievement under his administration.

“This day belongs to every Nigerian who has dared to dream of a better future. Congratulations to our great nation—today, we all stand a little taller,” Otedola stated.

In his message to his friend, Dangote, on the successful completion of testing of the product and imminent release of petrol to the public, Otedola had praised Africa’s richest person for never giving up on the dream shared by both of them.

Also, confusion continued to trail the actual pricing of petrol from the refinery last night as the facility disowned the N898 price per litre announced by the

in Edo

Edo State Government said in spite of appeals to the police to end the indiscriminate arrest of PDP members, the police had deployed other squads from outside the state in a massive arrest of PDP chieftains to pave the way for poll manipulation.

The state government described the alleged intimidation tactic as irresponsible and most reprehensible. It said by so doing the security agency did not mean well for people of the state.

The government called on President Bola Tinubu to order the security agencies, especially the police, to stop the attacks on unarmed and harmless Edo people and Nigerians, who had done nothing wrong, except that they wanted a free, fair and credible election so that they could vote for the candidate of

NNPC spokesman, Olufemi Soneye.

“Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPC spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per litre to the NNPC.

“This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today (yesterday), September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedevilled the economy in the past 50 years.

“We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on nairabased crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars.

“It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPC in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing. With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature.

“We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country,” a statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said.

their choice.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, stated that intelligence report available to the government had also uncovered massive production of masks and police uniforms by agents of APC to veil their thugs, who they planned to deploy to disrupt voting processes in units and wards where they knew they did not stand a chance of victory.

According to the duo, only recently, a chieftain of APC wore one of those uniforms and the police even presented a defence for such wanton display of impersonation.

They stated, "We called this press conference today to draw the attention of our country’s leadership, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and diplomatic corps to findings of our intelligence, which we have uncovered ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.”

APC: PDP, Ighodalo, Obaseki Hallucinating

Director of Publicity, Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, JP, said in the past few weeks, the only thing that came readily to mind was the ghost of late Inspector Onuh Akor, who was murdered in cold blood.

Omo-Ojo also stated that the ghost of an imminent defeat on September 21 had become a horrible, nightmarish feeling for Obaseki and Asue, pointing out that the reality of their inability to use the notorious ESSN to disrupt the scheduled election is responsible for their phantom make-believe stories.

The APC campaign spokesman stated, "Yesterday, September 14, 2024, PDP showed that truly, Asue will continue from where Pharaoh Obaseki will stop on November 12, by snubbing the Palace of Benin, when Atiku Abubakar and others, in company of Asue Ighodalo, refused to visit the monarch.

“By their action, PDP has confirmed their ignoble position of 'Oghionoba', enemy of the Oba. Edo people have accepted the challenge and will defend what they treasure most next Saturday.”

PDP 99th NEC Meeting Now Holds Oct. 24

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will hold on October 24, as against the earlier September 26 date.

In a statement by PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party said the meeting was in line with the resolution of the NEC meeting that took place on April 18.

According Anyanwu, in line with “Meeting held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Year 2024 Timetable, Guidelines and Schedule of activities were approved.

“According to the timetable, congresses were approved to be conducted in twenty-four (24) state chapters for the purpose of electing new executives of our party at the appropriate levels.

"Against this backdrop, NEC scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, August 15, 2024, for the purpose of ratifying all newly elected executives."

The national secretary said after the NEC meeting, the chairman of PDP

Governors’ Forum, Senator Abdulkadir Mohammed, drew the attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) to the holy period of HAJJ, which coincided with the proposed NEC meeting of August 15.

He stated, "To that effect, the National Working Committee (NWC), after a wide and extensive consultation, adjusted the proposed NEC to Thursday, September 26, 2024.

“Furthermore, pursuant to the directive of NEC to conduct of congresses in 24 state chapters of the party, the NWC commenced the congresses, but could not conclude the exercise in some states owing to various reasons, ranging from court litigations, disagreement amongst stakeholders, logistical challenges among others.

"States where congresses are yet to be concluded due to court litigation are Abia and Ebonyi, while those still on-going are Benue, Ekiti, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Sokoto.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

during Stakeholders' Forum for Residents of Government-owned housing estates in Lagos Island Division... recently

LAGOS GREENHOUSE REGISTRY…

L-R: Former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Toyin Onisarotu; Deputy Director and Head, Air Quality and Emissions Control Unit, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mrs. Ayodele Osho; Lead Consultant, TPHG Technologies Limited, Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja; Director, Zonal Directorates, LASEPA, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye; Technical Consultant, LASEPA, Dr..Babatunde Saka, and Director, Sustainability (E- Waste) LASEPA, Mrs. Dayo Adebayo, at the public sensitisation/ stakeholders’ engagement on Greenhouse Gas Registry in Ikeja, Lagos… recently

Group Condemns Sponsors of Disunity in South-east

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A group under the aegis of Coalition of Youths in the South-east (CESYD), has warned political stakeholders fanning the embers of disunity in the South-east to desist and allow the people in the region to enjoy peaceful environment.

The group, in a statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, and signed by its coordinator, Wisdom Akunna Fabulous, said the South-east people will rather want peace and unity, than allow some individuals in the name of politics continue to cause disunity in the region.

In the statement, the group

Two Kwara State civil servants, Adeyemo Olarewaju and Tajudeen Alao, were over the weekend docked at the state Upper Area Court in Ilorin the state capital.

The duo were charged with alleged fraud of N14.609 million

The affected civil servants, who are members of staff of the Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of The Herald titles, appeared before Mr. Sunday Adeniyi of the Upper Area Court in Ilorin over allegations of fraud in the Cooperative Society being operated in the media organisation.

According to the details of a direct complaint from the corporation’s New Hope Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, the duo are the immediatepast chairman and secretary of the cooperative society respectively.

The criminal summons presented to the court against the duo disclosed that the two officials

could not account for the sum of N14,609,100 (fourteen million, six hundred and nine thousand, one hundred naira) only after their tenure between 2012 and 2022.

The criminal summons further revealed that: “However, after the tenure of the duo, the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperative officials audited the account of the cooperative and imposed N1 million penalty on the defendants for their poor management of the account of the cooperative society but the defendants failed to pay the penalty till date.

“The defendants also failed to refund the sum of N14,609,100 misappropriated despite repeated demands, hence this application.”

In his bail application, counsel to the defendants, Mr. Bisi Adedayo of Onaolapo Chambers prayed the court to grant his clients bail in liberal terms, assuring the court that they would provide reliable sureties that would stand for them before the court and that they would not jump bail.

AAJ Express Moves to Enhance Local Logistics Sector

Indigenous international logistics firm, AAJ Express, has announced the launch of its nationwide doorstep delivery service. With this, the firm has thus begun its foray into the local logistics market, after years of operations and innovation on the global stage. Already, the company has made significant investments in cutting-edge technology and operational infrastructure, to provide a seamless and efficient delivery experience across Nigeria.

The new service, according to the company, would offer realtime parcel tracking, ensuring that customers can monitor their parcels all the way.

In his remarks, the Founder/ CEO of AAJ Express, Adekunle Adeyemo, reiterated his commitment to revolutionising the logistics industry in Nigeria.

Adeyemo said: “Our mission is to deliver a tech-driven,

affordable and premium service that meets the diverse needs of e-commerce businesses, corporate entities and individuals throughout the country. With real-time parcel tracking and a focus on excellence, we are setting a new standard for local delivery.

“AAJ Express’ innovative approach and commitment to quality service were recently recognised by Business Day Newspaper, which named the company the Most Innovative Logistics Company of the Year 2023.”

This accolade highlights the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of logistics and delivering exceptional service.

Currently operating 40 express centres across the country, AAJ Express has an ambitious plan for further expansion.

The company envisions establishing a delivery centre in every local government area, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enhanced service delivery nationwide.

also threatened to henceforth name and shame the individuals whose interest they claimed is to hijack of the South-east Development Commission (SEDC) Bill recently signed into

law by President Bola Tinubu. Fabulous alleged that the individuals he is yet to mention are planting their stooges to serve as conduits to channel public wealth into their pockets while

denying long-suffering ‘Ndi Igbo’ of the benefits that should accrue from the Commission.

According to the group “The Coalition of Youths in the Southeast under the auspices of the

CESYD, is compelled to react again to the choreographed and innocuous attempts at sponsoring disunity amongst political stakeholders in Igbo land.

FG to Ensure 30m Nigerians are Digitally Literate By 2027

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has disclosed that the federal government has completed plans to ensure not less than 30million Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027. He said the government was also proposing digital literacy as a course in formal institutions in the country from next year as part of steps to meet the target.

Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested one Akeem Sulaiman, 24, a resident of No. 23 Aladorun Compound, Iwo, Osun State, for allegedly vandalising AUD Primary School at Iwo.

Speaking at the flag off of the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) in Minna, Niger State at the weekend the directorgeneral said: “To accelerate the diversification of the national economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the organisation should ensure Nigerians are digitally literate by the target date.

literacy that can aid our people. We want all Nigerians to develop in competency areas, like how to protect data and then focus on content creation.

“By 2027, we should be able to attain 70 percent digital

“Through the DL4ALL, Nigerians will be able to surf safe online and be able to do problem solving by doing simple trouble shooting.”

Osun NSCDC Arrests 24-year-old Bricklayer for Alleged Vandalising Govt School

According to the state Commandant, Michael Adaralewa, the suspect was apprehended by NSCDC personnel in Iwo on September 7, 2024, around 11:15 a.m. while moving the stolen valuables to metal scrap buyers.

Recovered items from the suspect included 13 pieces of new

stainless washing hand basins, Pumping machine monitoring box, communication cable, three stainless trays and four hand shovels.

Discreet investigations revealed that the suspect, was a former labourer, employed by the building contractor during the school’s construction and has been stealing from various buildings under construction for six years, selling the items to metal scrap buyers. Commandant Adaralewa stated that Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34, Law of Osun State, Nigeria, makes it an offence to wilfully and unlawfully destroy or damage property.

2024 Guber: Corruption, Incompetent Leadership Hindering Ondo’s Growth, Says Akinmurele

The candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, John Otitoloju Akinmurele, has attributed incompetent leadership, mal-administration, and corruption as major problems hindering the growth of the state.

This is just as he warned the state Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to stop playing politics with people’s lives ahead of the poll.

Akinmurele stated this at the weekend in his hometown, IluTitun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state where he was received by a mammoth crowd

of supporters, amid cheers and jubilation.

The YPP governorship candidate, who was received by Majuwa of Moribodo kingdom Ilutitun, Oba Ernest Adeoye Idepefo; the Oniju of Iju-Odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun; the head of his family, Chief Aaron Ojapinwa and the party Chairman, Dotun Ojon, noted that Ondo State is blessed with abundant natural resources, and if properly harnessed, would help tackle poverty and other issues affecting the people.

Precisely, Akinmurele said to move the coastal state forward, the electorate must ensure that incompetent, selfish and arrogant people are not allowed to lead at any level again.

Anambra Businessman Drags Police Officer to Court for Unlawful Arrest, Detention

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

An Anabra State businessman, Mr. Tochukwu Nwokoye Nwosu, has dragged a police officer serving in the state Police Command, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu,

to court for unlawfully arresting and detaining him.

In a matter filed on his behalf by his counsel, Joseph Ezeh, at the High Court of Anambra State, with suit number A/ MISC. 392/2024, Nwosu

is claiming N20million in compensation for his detention. Nwosu was said to have been arrested on September 4 at Kamali Estate Phase 3 in Awka by men of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on the order

of the respondent, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, and later detained. His counsel in the suit stated that: “The arrest of the applicant is unlawful and a clear violation of the applicant’s right to personal liberty.

Infrastructure: Ekiti RAAMP Pays N71.5m Compensation to Farmers

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has disclosed that it has paid N71.5 million as compensation to farmers and other Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in 12 of the 13 roads it awarded in July.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti the State Project Coordinator, Hon Sunday Adunmo, who noted that the beneficiaries were 217 farmers and other PAPs said RAAMP has also commenced the construction of a new mosque at Afolu in place of the old mosque which would be demolished later to allow creation of safe

thoroughfare on the new road.

He said compensation is a critical component of the project as PAPs must be properly compensated before the commencement of civil works on the roads.

The 13 roads are: Edu Odi junction-Igirigiri road, OmisanjanaBen Foalrin-Oke Aso road, Oye-Are road, Afolu-Odofin road, Ise -Imola road, Owode -Anaye road, Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu road, Iye-Isapa-Olopomeji road and Igbole-Osi-Iropora road.

Others are: Ara-Ekameta school road, Ilupeju-Igbo Egan-Ayede road, FMS Farm-Oke Ako road, and Ikogosi-Aba Osun-Aba ori okuta road.

Katsina PDP Suspends Ex-National Secretary, Tsauri, over Anti-party Activities

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tasuri A ward of Kurfi Local Government, Katsina State, has suspended the former National Secretary of the party, Senator Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri from the opposition party over

alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement by the PDP chairman of the ward, Danjuma Abubakar and Secretary, Abdullahi Garba, the party also accused Mr. Tsauri of uttering unguarded statements against the national leadership of the party.

The statement read: “The Tsauri

A ward executives of the PDP at its sitting of 13th September, 2024 has suspended Senator Umar Ibrahim Tsauri from the party pending the outcome of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate him on the followings:“Anti-party activities, unguarded utterances against the

national leadership of the party, actions and associations capable of embarrassing and bringing the party to disrepute. The suspension is in line with provision of Article 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution which empowers ward party executives to take disciplinary action against erring members.”

Fidelis David inAkure

Raheem Akingbolu

Hammed ShittuinIlorin

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY…

L-R: Pioneer Governor, Rotary Club, Distinct 9111, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi; Overall Best Girl on Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA 2024) Rofiat Mosunmola; past Assistant Governor, Gbenga Ojo; Chairman, RYLA 2024 and Assistant Governor, Azuh Arinze, during the RYLA 2024 closing ceremony, in Lagos… recently ETOP

Coalition of United Political Parties Calls for NNPCL Investigation over New Fuel Price

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called for an investigation of the new price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), alleging. conspiracy and exploitation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)

In a statement by the National Secretary of the CUPP, Peter

Ameh, the coalition said that the recent disclosure by the NNPCL that it purchased fuel from Dangote Refinery at N898 per litre has sparked widespread controversy and outrage.

CUPP said that this revelation raises fundamental questions about the cost of production, transparency, and the continued exploitation of the Nigerian masses.

Over 200 Members Unjustly Victimised, Sacked, Says ASUU

Kemi OlaitaninIbadan

The Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday raised the alarm that more than 200 members of the union are being victimised through unjust termination of appointments and deliberate refusal to pay owed salaries.

The union specially accused the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, of victimising its members for opposing the award of professorship on former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.

The Zonal Coordinator of the

union, Prof. Oyebamiji Oyegoke, in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday, disclosed that onslaught by those he described as some elements of the Nigerian state in the quest of destroying what is left of public universities in the country has not abated, stating that the latest onslaught is now from Visitors and university administrators.

The Ibadan Zone of the union comprises the University of Ibadan; University of Ilorin; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso; Osun State University, Osogbo; Kwara State University, Malete and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.

‘FG Committed to Free CNG Conversion of Commercial Vehicles’

The federal government under its Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), has restated its commitment to free conversion of petrol-powered commercial vehicles into compressed natural gas (CNG) across the country.

The Business Development Executive, P-CNGi, Louisa Afu, who gave the commitment at the weekend in Ibadan, during the kick-off of the distribution of conversion kits at three locations, said it is part of the efforts of the

administration of President Bola Tinubu to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy and promote cleaner energy.

According to her, the conversion process which has been carried out by certified technicians involves installation of CNG kits in vehicles allowing them to run on natural gas instead of petrol.

She noted that the free conversion exercise is expected to benefit many commercial vehicle owners in Ibadan and its environs who will not only reduce their fuel costs but also contribute to a cleaner environment.

According to the statement from the CUPP, “Firstly, the high cost of fuel purchased from Dangote Refinery is unjustifiable, especially considering the absence of tariffs,

landing costs, and port charges. With crude oil supplied in local currency, the refinery’s production costs should be significantly lower. It is imperative that Dangote Refinery

Eid-El-Maulud: Oborevwori Hails

provides a detailed breakdown of its cost of production to justify the exorbitant price of N898 per litre.

“The lack of transparency and accountability in the pricing

mechanism is alarming. The NNPCL’s revelation suggests a conspiracy to continue the exploitative price regime through the back door.”

Muslims, Urges Prayers for Nigeria’s Progress

Glo celebrates with Muslims

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Muslims as they celebrate 2024 Eid-el-Maulud, marking the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary,

Festus Ahon, the governor urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for the peace and prosperity of the state and country at large.

According to Governor Oborevwori, the country was in dire strait which required the sincere prayers of all citizens

to overcome the economic and security challenges currently bedeviling it.

He urged Muslims in the state and other parts of the country to emulate the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful existence

any where they live.

Oborevwori added: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid-elMaulud in Delta, Nigeria and around the world.

Flood: Steer Clear of Water Channels, Delta LG Boss Warns Property Developers

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, has cautioned property developers in the upland and riverine areas to steer clear of natural water channels.

Agbateyiniro in a statement issued at the weekend frowned at the manner in which some persons build residential houses, shops and other business structures on water channels.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate situations where shop owners erect

makeshift structures on drainages.

The council boss challenged community and opinion leaders as well as heads of faith-based organisations to partner his administration in the resolve to re-orientate the minds of residents of Warri, to ensure cleaner environment and prevent

flood disaster in the city.

Agbateyiniro stressed the need for people of Warri South Local Government Area to be compliant with ongoing efforts by the state government and his administration on cleanliness and beautification, cannot be over-emphasised.

Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti Lawmakers on Constructive Oversight Functions

The Ekiti State Government has tasked lawmakers in the seventh state House of Assembly on constructive oversight functions.

The state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Habibat

Adubiaro, gave the admonition at a one-day retreat for Ekiti State House of Assembly members.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the charge at the weekend also enjoined the lawmakers to uphold the principle of integrity, diligence and service towards changing the future of residents of the state.

According to him, “Our legislative body must actively engage with stakeholders, including community members, experts and other governmental bodies. We must ensure we work effectively with executive agencies to ensure that oversight is constructive.

“Our work is not just about creating policy but about changing the future of Ekiti State and improve the lives our dear citizens. I wish to urge you to seize this opportunity to refresh and restrategise in ensuring that we are diligent in our legislative oversight functions.”

Bauchi Senator Seeks Justice for Slain Charcoal Seller, Injured Constituents

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Senator representing Bauchi South District, Shehu Umar Buba, has promised his constituents that construction of three rural roads would commence in two weeks in Toro Local Government Area of the Bauchi State. Buba made the announcement at weekend when he paid a condolence visit to the family of a charcoal seller who was allegedly killed by some members of hunters group earlier in the week in Zaranda community.

The lawmaker tasked concerned authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and stop extra judicial killing of his district members.

He said: “This killing is unfortunate. The killing of the innocent people who were going about their lawful businesses before they were attacked in Zaranda by a group of militia led by one Shayi.”

National Library Goes Digital at Twilight

of Diamond Jubilee

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has upgraded by going digital in all of its services in meeting up with global standards and best practices within the last three years, even as it clocks 60 by November this year.

So far, over 20,000 titles have been deposited in the apex library from 36 states of the federation including the FCT.

With this, researchers no longer need to come to the headquarters to acquire International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International

Standard Serial Number (ISSN), index of newspaper publications and other services as they can get information from NLN when they visit its website and social media handles.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, the Chief Librarian and CEO, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi. who assumed office on September 14, 2021, said despite paucity of funds, hike in fuel price and other challenges facing the country, members of staff of the agency remain undaunted in meeting the needs of Nigerians.

The need for new strategies to project the good works of the present administration under the leadership of the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has been reemphasized given the numerous achievements recorded in the state.

Forum

Buba said that he would take action to ensure that the deceased and the injured person got justice.

Police had said that it gathered from the local residents that a charcoal dealer was arrested by members of a quasi-security outfit, specifically the Nigerian Hunters Forestry and Security Service and resulted in “sporadic firing (of gun)” by the hunters.

Information Managers Strategise for Better Projections of Ododo’s Strides

The Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Jacob Edi, disclosed this while speaking shortly after all appointments of the governor on information and media were received in audience with the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja at the weekend.

The Forum of Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants on Media and Publicity has therefore reiterated their unwavering commitment and dedication to their official assignment as the state has embarked on revolutionary and

in Kogi

transformative developments in the media sector.

Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner, Fanwo, urged the appointees to be meticulous, diligent, and professional in discharging their official assignment as they look forward to projecting the image of the state to the whole world.

of South-west Majority Leaders Calls for Full Security, Economic Collaboration

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Forum of Majority Leaders from across the South-west region at the weekend in Osogbo, Osun state capital, has emphasised the need for full security, economic collaboration and harmonised governance in the region.

The forum stated this at this year South-west Legislative Reform Implementation Committee (SLRIC) which successfully concluded its second quarterly meeting, held in Osogbo, Osun State.

The gathering brought together majority leaders from across the South-west region to discuss crucial issues impacting the region’s legislative, security, and economic landscapes.

However, while speaking on behalf of others at the close of the meeting, Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chairman of SLRIC, said the meeting focused on several key areas, notably the harmonisation of standing orders across the South-west region.

He further observed that this critical reform aimed to streamline legislative procedures and ensure that all Houses of Assembly in the South-west are aligned, fostering seamless governance and legislative efficiency.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja

UKUTT

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

ONLY THE LATEST CALAMITY

because it is not a state capital. Many canoe accidents occurred in recent years in Niger and Kebbi States, on the River Niger and its tributaries. In April last year, a boat sank with a film crew on River Niger in Anambra State, leading to the death of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four others. Some years ago, we also had a sea surge in Lagos, and major roads on the island were washed away by seawater.

Not only in water, but calamities on dry land have also been our lot in Nigeria. One of the worst vehicle accidents occurred in 1986, when two luxurious buses travelling in opposite directions collided in Edo State, with the loss of some 80 lives. Although there is a whole agency in Nigeria set up in 1988 to combat road accidents, the combination of our roads, our Tokunbo vehicles, our heavy traffic including overloaded articulated trucks, our national habit of ferrying petrol, diesel, steel and cement by road, not to mention our drivers deprived of sleep and our brash young child drivers, all combine to make FRSC’s work nearly impossible. I got an idea of what happens on our roads one day in 2010 when I entered Abuja’s Jabi Motor Park at midnight, looking for diesel. I saw whole rows of commercial drivers sleeping on benches and on cardboard mats, densely packed together like sardines, with not even enough space to turn. They were waiting for dawn to load passengers, jump into their vehicles and hit the highways.

Plane crashes tend to get the most publicity, maybe because they are rarer and also because the most important citizens travel by air. Among the worst cases were the November 1996 ADC plane crash into Lagos lagoon in which Prof Claude Ake was among the victims; the October 2005 Bellview plane

their ties with African nations, creating more comprehensive partnership options for African leaders.

In this evolving global chessboard, the question remains: Is Nigeria a pawn in the hands of international powers, or can it become an active player shaping its destiny? Nigeria's vast natural resources, demographics, expanding technology sector, and strategic location make it an attractive playground for foreign investment and global geopolitics. However, the country's ability to benefit from this renewed battle for global influence hinges on its ability to navigate the complex landscape of international diplomacy and partnerships, in addition to the quality of domestic governance , the power of immigration , the rise of Ai and ICT and its positioning in the new global economic order. This is purely a function of leadership that has understanding and requisite navigational skill.

At present, Nigeria faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, foreign investments can drive much-needed infrastructure development, job creation, and technological advancement. However, the ever-present risk of economic dependency and the challenge of maintaining sovereignty exists. China's large-scale infrastructure investments, often funded by loans, have sparked concerns over Nigeria's rising debt burden and the potential for long-term economic vulnerability. These concerns underscore the need for Nigeria to adopt a cautious approach, ensuring that foreign partnerships do not compromise the country's sovereignty or its long-term developmental goals. This delicate balance requires strategic decision-making and a clear understanding of Nigeria's long-term interests in the global geopolitical landscape.

Nigeria's potential to play an active role in the African continent and emerging global dynamics is inextricably linked to its domestic stability, achieved by strengthening democratic institutions, improving security, promoting inclusive development, and maintaining a favourable investment environment. Nigeria inevitably must build a strong economy as the foundation for effective foreign policy. We cannot continue to tumble from one economic policy to the next and expect to be given strategic importance in this new war for influence by powerful global nations on the continent.

Nigeria's leadership is central to its success in this new scramble for Africa. Without visionary and strategic leadership capable of

crash outside Lagos that killed many VIPs; December 2005 Sosoliso plane crash at Port Harcourt airport, with 60 students of Loyola Jesuit College among the victims; the September 2006 crash of a military plane in Benue State that killed ten Army Generals including Major General Nuhu Bamalli; the October 2006 plane crash in Abuja that claimed many lives including Sultan Muhammadu Maccido; Nigeria Airways plane crash at Enugu in 1983 that had Governor C.C. Onoh’s daughter on board; the 1992 Hercules plane crash at Ejigbo that consumed nearly 200 Army Majors returning to Jaji for a course; not to forget the January 22, 1973 Jordanian Airlines Boeing 707 place crash at Kano airport, which killed nearly 200 returning pilgrims, including my uncle. Also calamitous have been train accidents, probably the worst being the February 1970 Langalanga train disaster in present-day Nasarawa State which killed dozens of passengers. In his biography, Dr. Ahmadu Ali also told a story about how he only just escaped a train accident in Ibadan in the late 1950s.

In the 1980s, we used to have a lot of kerosene explosions in Nigeria. Housewives lighted kerosene stoves or kerosene lamps only to have them explode, because the kerosene got mixed with petrol. We have had much less of that in recent years, no doubt due to greater diligence by the authorities. We however have even more calamitous gas explosions, in houses and in sales depots. Despite many tragic explosions in the past, Nigerians cannot resist scooping free petrol from a fallen tanker, which sometimes explodes with fatalities and injuries. Not to mention people scooping fuel from a vandalized pipeline; the worst explosion was probably the one at Jesse, Delta State in October 1998

when nearly 1,000 people died.

Sometimes it was not our fault. In August 1986, an estimated 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide gas erupted from under Lake Nyos in Cameroon, killing 1,700 people in nearby villages, some of them in Nigeria. Whole herds of cattle grazing by the lakeside were also killed. After road accidents, fire is probably our most common calamity in Nigeria. Although the Federal, every state, many Local Governments and many public and private agencies have fire fighting agencies, fire still kills many Nigerians every year and destroys a lot of property. Fire in a petrol station is one of the worst; I witnessed one in Kaduna in 2003 and the flames in the sky looked like Doomsday.

Another common calamity in Nigeria is building collapse. Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja are the Ground Zeros of building collapse. Whenever it occurs, Nigerian Society of Engineers will be huffing and puffing, that professional engineers were not used, that substandard materials were used or, often, that the building’s owner violated building approvals and added a storey or two on top of the approved plan. I was participating in an Editorial Board meeting at Jabi, Abuja in 2008 when we heard what we at first thought was a plane crash. We soon learnt that a multistorey building collapsed not far away, with many fatalities.

Talking about disasters, there was the Ikeja armoury explosion in January 2002. Lots of people died, not from the explosion, but because they fled into the nearby lagoon and drowned. When Defence Minister General T.Y. Danjuma visited the scene, he said something memorable: “When you hear an explosion, you don’t run! Take cover!” The BBC report on the incident also expressed surprise that

understanding global dynamics and advancing Nigeria's long-term interests, the country risks being left behind in the race for international influence. The need for such leadership is urgent, as Nigeria's leaders must prioritise its strategic autonomy, leveraging its vast resources and human capital to negotiate favourable terms with global powers. Nigeria needs to be more active in a world where geopolitical competition intensifies. Its foreign policy must proactively build alliances with traditional and emerging powers while safeguarding the nation's long-term interests. The country's leaders must recognise the importance of actively shaping Nigeria's future and Africa's collective destiny. Nigeria, with its potential and resources, has a significant

although this country has lots of rivers and lakes, too many Nigerians do not know how to swim, which is a major survival skill. [I was a good river swimmer in my primary school days, but have since lost the skill]. We once had relatively minor earth tremors in Ogun State in the 1980s, in southern Kaduna State and in Katampe area of Abuja about ten years ago, the latter attributed to mining activity and possibly the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes. We have had mines collapsing onto miners, especially in the olden days of Jos tin mining, Enugu coal mines and more recently, in illegal Zamfara gold mines. Other national calamities include disease epidemics. Malaria is the biggest killer, but it gets nowhere near the publicity that the great Cholera epidemic of 1970 got, not to mention the 2020 AD Covid pandemic. Animal disease epidemics were not left out, including rinderpest, Mad Cow, foot and mouth disease and bird flu. Man-made calamities resembling natural disasters have also bedeviled Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, Sit At Home, anti-government riots, and communal clashes such as Kafanchan 1987, Tafawa Balewa 1991, Zangon Kataf 1992, Ife-Modakeke and Aguleri-Umuleri. We still thank God that in Nigeria we have never had a typhoon, a hurricane, a Central Asia-style major earthquake, an Australia-style mudslide, a Pacific-rim style tsunami, or a Chernobyl-type nuclear reactor meltdown. I sympathise with the people of Maiduguri on this latest national disaster. I am not doing so only because my great grandfather immigrated out of Borno in the mid-19th century. Alau Dam was built 150 years after he left, so he didn’t have a premonition.

is uniquely positioned to lead the continent in defining its collective positions in dealings with external powers. However, this requires smart diplomacy and a Pan-African approach, whereby African nations present a united front in their negotiations with global actors. If African nations act as individual entities, they risk being divided and conquered by more considerable powers with far more excellent resources and strategic leverage.

Africa's ability to thrive in this new era of global competition depends on its capacity to unite as a bloc to secure mutually beneficial deals with external partners. By adopting a coordinated Pan-African strategy, African nations can negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring they benefit from foreign engagement rather than being exploited.

The new scramble for Africa presents both opportunities and risks for Nigeria. Foreign investment offers a pathway to infrastructure development, economic growth, and technological innovation. However, the risk of neocolonialism and economic dependency looms as Nigeria and other African nations rely on external capital for their development. A culture of dependence on aids and foreign capital often creates a disincentive for critical thinking and institutional development.

Nigeria's future will depend on its ability to manage these external influences, prioritise national interests, and strengthen its internal governance. With strategic foresight and effective leadership, Nigeria can turn the renewed global scramble for Africa into an opportunity for national development, positioning itself as a key player worldwide. However, if Nigeria fails to navigate these challenges, it risks repeating past mistakes and falling prey to the forces that once sought to dominate it.

role in shaping the continent's future.

So far, sound bites from Nigeria's foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, seem reasonable, but action is more important. Nigeria is championing the 4D principle, Democracy, Demographics, Development and Diaspora. We led the UN tax reforms but till date we are yet to appoint a permanent representative in the global body to further advance our agenda items. Nigeria has yet to appoint substantive ambassadors for all our missions in nearly one year, yet we expect the world to take us seriously in diplomatic engagements. Regional leadership in West Africa and the continent should be our natural forte, but we also are not getting it right.

As one of Africa's largest economies, Nigeria

The historical and contemporary scrambles for Africa share similarities in the way foreign powers seek to exploit Africa's resources for their benefit. However, the modern scramble is driven by economic partnerships rather than direct colonisation. With exemplary leadership, Nigeria can be central to this new global competition as one of Africa's most influential countries. While foreign investments bring growth opportunities, Nigeria must navigate the challenges of dependency, corruption, and internal security issues to ensure that it benefits from the new scramble without repeating past mistakes. Nigeria's future depends on its ability to manage foreign relations while prioritising its national interests and development.

Tinubu

Ademola Lookman’s Goal Inspires Atalanta to Victory against Fiorentina

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, helped Atalanta to comeback from a goal down to beat Fiorentina 3-2 in an Italian Serie A game on Sunday evening.

The Ballon d’Or nominee who is also in the running for African Player of the Year, had before his goal provided an assist that helped the UEFA Europa League holders draw level with Fiorentina with scores at one all.

Atalanta however again fell behind at home when Moise Keane fired

the visitors into the lead again in the 32nd minute.

But Atalanta who lost their last two games (2-1 at Torino and 4-0 at champions Inter Milan), were not ready to throw a third match in a row. They dug deep and sensationally turned the match on its head on the stroke of half-time.

Ederson whipped in a dangerous ball, allowing a towering Charles De Ketelaere to bury his header from close range.

Team Lagos Scoops

Swimming Medals at

As the 2024 National Youth Games

day three,

shone brightly, claiming medals in the swimming event. Kanu won gold medal in 50metres freestyle girl's while her other teammate's Tise won gold in 200metres individual medley boy's and Chidelu settled for silver in 100metres boys.

The stellar performances of the Lagos rising stars shored up medal

haul in the swimming event to four, heading into the final day of competition of the aquatic event on Sunday at the Swimming pool of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

In another development, Sunday Emmanuel added another bronze medal in weightlifting after a total lift of 111kg.

Emmanuel (49kg) put up a good show after lifting 50kg in snatch and 61kg in clean and jerk bringing the total lift to 111kg.

An elated Emmanuel gave thanks to God and the Lagos State Government forthe opportunity to showcase his talent at the National Youth Games, elated with the success in his first outing as a budding weightlifter.

He said his career in weightlifting was influenced by his mother as a coach and also those who have successfully made significant milestones in the sport, including African and Commonwealth Champion, Adijat Olarinoye.

Similarly, Lagos female football team defeated hosts, Delta to 2-0 defeat in a match played at St. Patrick’s College in Asaba,

Two goals from Kashimawo Temilola and Kemi Adegbuyi was enough for the indomitable Eko girls to continue on their impressive form as they look forward to defend their title in the football event of the 2024 National Youth Games.

Earlier, Lagos volleyball team beat their Bauchi counterpart 2-0 (25-20,25-20) and Team Lagos wrapped up the day with victory in the table tennis event as Aisha Rabiu and Faisat Musbau claimed gold in the girls doubles final beating their counterparts from Delta State on Saturday.

Just one minute later, a stunned Fiorentina defence let Lookman speed away on the left, and the Europa League final hero cut in to roll inside David De Gea’s near post for the first half to end 3-2 in favour of Atalanta.

That goal was Lookman’s first in his first start of the new season. There was a more muted feel to

the restart, but what few chances presented themselves were for the hosts to extend their lead. Somehow Raoul Bellanova failed to nudge past the goalkeeper following a defensive mix-up, before Lookman sliced wide after some fluid link-up play with Retegui.

Their dominance continued, and if it wasn’t for a variety of saves

from De Gea to deny each of De Ketelaere, Davide Zappacosta and Lookman, the Nerazzurri would have been well out of sight. Lookman then skied a clear chance as he looked to cap off what had been a stellar display, but that wasn’t pivotal in the end as Fiorentina never got their attack going beyond the break and failed to to salvage a point.

Getting revenge for a 3-2 loss in this fixture at the end of the last campaign, Atalanta got their start to the season back on track after two consecutive defeats, while the visitors saw a seven-match unbeaten league run come to an end having led twice. Atalanta now have six points from four matches

NPFL: Katsina Utd’s Stoppage Time Goal Denies Insurance Point

Plateau United took the lead in the 39th minute through Victor Dawa, before Shooting Stars restored parity on the dot of half time courtesy of Uche Onwuasoanya.

On Saturday, Remo Stars stopped Sunshine Stars 1-0 and Rivers United defeated Heartland 3-1.

The organisers of the annual Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup have announced October 4 as the kickoff date for the seventh edition of the competition.

In a timeline released, the official kickoff will take place at the St. Patrick's College, Asaba, Delta State.

The preliminary matches and screening will take place between Monday October 7 and Friday October 18 across all local government areas of the state with the zonal matches expected to take

place across four designated venues within the state taking place from October 21 to 25.

The quarterfinal and semifinal games will take place on October 28 and 30 respectively with third place game and final match to be played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on November 7.

Top Delta Dtate government officials and Zenith Bank topshots are billed to grace the kickoff game of the annual developmental competition involving all secondary schools in the state.

Manchester City defender, Manuel Akanji, has joked he may have to retire at 30 because of the relentless fixture schedule.

Akanji - who is 29 - has played 127 games for club and country since joining City two years ago this month.

The Switzerland centre-back has made seven appearances this season, including the Community Shield and two in the Nations League, having played his final game last season on 6 July when England knocked his country out of the European Championship.

Akanji will be part of the City team who open their campaign in the expanded Champions League against Inter Milan on Wednesday, a repeat of the 2023 final.

It is one of eight first-phase games - with City facing Sporting Lisbon, Juventus and Paris St-Germain among others - which could be followed by a play-off, even before the last 16 begins.

City will also compete in the 32Team Club World Cup in the United States, which ends on 13 July, just four weeks before the likely start

date of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, which will be followed by the World Cup.

"It's so tough," said Akanji.

"You don't just think about this season - but also next season. Let's say we win the league or cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield is three

weeks after. So when do we have holidays?

"There are no breaks in winter, so if we are lucky we get two weeks and then we need to be back and into next season.

"Then the next summer it's the World Cup. There's no end to it."

Akanji's comments will strike a chord with the Professional Footballers' Association, who are threatening legal action against world governing body FIFA for an alleged refusal to negotiate over the Club World Cup.

The Premier League has also joined the legal action, amid a view that has been articulated in private that FIFA want the major domestic leagues in Europe to be reduced to a uniform 18 teams.

"It's just game after game and I don't know how it will work out over the next couple of years," Akanji continued.

"You can't just keep adding game after game and assume everything will be like it was. You have to think about the players as well.

"At some point you'll be too tired to play any more games.

Ademola Lookman (second, left) celebrating his goal for Atalanta in the 3-2 defeat of Fiorentina... yesterday

Manuel Akanji...excessive fixtures for both club and country may force early retirement of footballers

point for Akwa United in stoppage time in Uyo. In a late kick-off game, Shooting Stars also had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Plateau United. Visitors

enter

Chioma Kanu, Sokunbi Tobi and Ezumba Chidelu

Monday, September 16,

MISSILE

Peter Obi to Fifth Columnists

“Mystatementwasunequivocal,andIamgenuinelysurprisedbythemisrepresentation ofmywords.Fortheavoidanceofdoubts,IneverstatedatanytimethatIwouldbevice presidenttoanyoneandit'sunequivocal.IhaveconsistentlymaintainedthatIamopen toworkingwiththosecommittedtobuildinganewNigeria.MycommitmenttoNigeria remains steadfast..."-LP2023PresidentialCandidate,PeterObi,saysFifthColumnists distortedhisremarksinthe TV interview.

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

One city wag said the Biblicalproportion flood that overcame whole sections of the city of Maiduguri last week was second in national impact only to the recent increase in fuel prices, but I did not agree. We are yet to have a final tally of the Maiduguri calamity, including the number of lives lost, the injuries suffered, the number of houses and property washed away, critical infrastructure destroyed, productive man-hours lost, the hunger and homelessness suffered, disease outbreaks that could follow, and the anguish suffered by parents separated from their children by the floods.

You get a certain measure of the calamity from videos of major highways turned to gushing rivers; women, children and the elderly wading through gushing waters, grabbing anything they could for support; University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital’s priceless cancer therapy and diagnostic machines swimming in the currents; some youths sitting on the rooftops of their houses, only a meter or so above gushing waters; Shehu of Borno’s palace flooded; Vice

a protective ring around them in case water tried to wash away the big men; claims, though disputed, that hundreds of convicts and awaiting trial persons escaped from the medium security prison, some of them allegedly Boko Haram chieftains.

The Navy, other security agencies and locals deployed canoes along the [former] streets in order to rescue trapped people. It reminded us of Noah’s Ark. All this calamity caused by the Alu dam, which either collapsed or the water gushed over it, according to contradictory accounts. The last time we had a calamitous flood of this proportions, sweeping away parts of a major city, was the Ogunpa flood disaster in Ibadan in August 1980. We saw television pictures at the time of President Shehu Shagari shedding tears at the riverside when he visited the scene. There was also comic politics to it; when a delegation of Ibadan Descendants Union paid a sympathy visit to Governor Bola Ige, he dressed them down, saying it took them long to come when the Sokoto man Shagari promptly arrived at the scene.

In between Ogunpa and Maiduguri, we had the River Niger flooding of parts of

Lokoja and other riverside towns in 2012 and again in 2013. No doubt our town planners’ dedication to their duties leaves much to be desired. Maiduguri was probably a once in a generation calamity occasioned by an unforeseen dam collapse, but when I saw videos of whole town wards in Lokoja, with only the tips of their rooftops visible, I wondered why houses were allowed to be built in the valley of River Niger, the mightiest river in West Africa, in Lokoja, after it has travelled thousands of kilometers all the way from Fouta Djallon mountains and crashed into the mighty River Benue, itself having arrived all the way from the Cameroon highlands.

In between calamitous floods, in Nigeria we have also had terrible canoe accidents. One of them just occurred three days ago, at Gummi town in Zamfara State, where 40 farmers on their way to their farms were said to have drowned. This year’s rains have been exceptionally heavy; Gummi town suffered a mighty flood, which did not get the same attention as Maiduguri

Continued on page 38

Only the Latest Calamity DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Nigeria and the Scramble for Africa 2.0

"Scramble for Africa" historically refers to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European powers colonised and divided the African continent, seeking political, economic, and strategic dominance. Africa was mercilessly exploited, and to date, the scars remain. With its rich resources and sizable population, Nigeria became a prime target of British colonial authorities, a historical fact that underscores its continued strategic importance on the continent. Fast forward to the 21st century, and a new scramble for Africa is underway. This time, global powers compete for influence, resources, and markets rather than territories. Once again, Nigeria plays a central role in these geopolitical and economic dynamics. In this modern scramble, the dynamics differ considerably. The focus has shifted from territorial to economic conquest wrapped in infrastructure investments, aid and strategic alliances. Leading global actors—such as China, the United States, the European Union, and emerging powers like Russia, Turkey, and India—vie for influence across

Africa through diplomacy, trade deals, and development initiatives. While politically independent, Africa remains a stage for intense geopolitical competition, as the world's most powerful nations recognise the continent's potential and seek to secure a share of its resources and promising future.

Nigeria is pivotal in Africa's trajectory as the continent's most populous country and largest economy. The country is rich in oil reserves, has a rapidly expanding technology sector, and boasts an increasingly youthful and growing population. By 2050, projections indicate that one in four people will be African, and Nigeria is expected to account for a significant portion of that demographic shift. This youthful population, with its energy and potential, presents a promising future, making Nigeria a focal point in global power plays, with its future development and stability crucial for Africa and the world.

However, Nigeria also faces many domestic challenges that complicate its ability to maximise the benefits of this shadow battle for influence by global

powers. These issues include endemic corruption, ineffective political leadership, and security concerns. These issues have created a fragile environment for economic growth, even as foreign powers, as part of their grand strategy, seek to invest in the country's resources and infrastructure to position their countries for influence and economic advantage.

In recent years, a series of high-profile international summits have been held aimed at solidifying relationships with African nations. These summits, often referred to as an 'old trick' in international diplomacy, remain effective in the modern scramble for Africa. They serve as platforms for global powers to compete for influence and partnerships, highlighting the continued importance of Africa in the global geopolitical landscape.

Unfortunately, Africa has learnt nothing from history. Some notable examples of these partnership summits include the Russia-Africa Summit, the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit, the European Union-African Union (AU) Summit, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, and China's Forum

on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Each of these summits represents a strategic attempt by global powers to strengthen ties, secure economic partnerships, and cement their geopolitical foothold in Africa. For instance, the European Union's Global Gateway project, announced at the EU-AU Summit, seeks to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by offering substantial investments in African infrastructure. Likewise, the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit highlighted a $55 billion investment plan over three years, reflecting a renewed focus by Western powers on regaining influence in a continent where China's presence has become increasingly dominant. China's FOCAC remains a crucial pillar of its engagement with Africa. At the 2024 FOCAC summit, China pledged USD 51 billion for 30 infrastructure projects across Africa, positioning Beijing for more significant influence on the continent. Meanwhile, emerging powers like India, Turkey, and the Gulf states are also working to deepen

Continued on page 38

Borno gov, Babagana Zulum

President of the Federal Republic and the Governor of Borno State wading through waist-high water in order to reach the Shehu’s palace, their security aides forming