Slashes tax to 0.005% from 0.5% on all electronic transactions
James Emejo in
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it will continue to enforce payment of the mandatory levy on all electronic transactions by banks
and other financial institutions.
This comes nearly four months after the decision suffered a major backlash when it was initially announced in May. CBN, however, disclosed that
the controversial levy had now been reduced to 0.005 per cent, from the initial 0.5 per cent.
The decisions were contained in the CBN’s Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange
Policy Guidelines for the Fiscal Years 2024-2025.
CBN pointed out that implementation of the levy was in accordance with the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
It mandated banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to adhere to the guidelines on the risk-based cybersecurity framework.
The central bank also drew the attention of Other Financial
Institutions (OFIs) to an earlier framework on "Issuance of Riskbased Cybersecurity framework and Guidelines for Other Financial
Continued on page 10
Global aviation Body, Scores Nigeria High over Efforts to Comply with Cape Town Convention, Commends Keyamo... Page 10
www.thisdaylive.com
Party Constitution, Not Governor, Removed
Abure, LP Leadership, Says Peter Obi
Says party warned Nigerians about APC Ex-chair explains why INEC is against him
Chuks okocha in Abuja
The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has stated that the embattled
former national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, was removed by the party’s constitution, as his tenure elapsed. Obi said Abure was not removed by any governor.
Obi, who was represented by his 2023 running mate, Datti BabaAhmed, gave the clarification at the inaugural meeting of the LP caretaker committee held in Abuja
on Tuesday night. He appealed to Abure and his supporters to sheathe their swords and join hands with the caretaker committee to rebuild the party.
Obi counselled, "Listen my friend, no governor unseated Abure, the constitution unseated him. Abure’s time elapsed. Nobody unseated him. As of today, Abure is our good friend,
and a loyal member. We want him back in the fold, we have roles for him to play.
CDS to Obaseki: We Have Tinubu’s Mandate to Ensure Free, Fair Poll in Edo
Governor begs general to talk to IGP on fairness PDP: We’re ready for election, alleges APC bringing thugs from Imo, Kogi Obi rallies support for Akpata, tasks security agencies, INEC on credible polls
Police refute alleged clampdown on PDP Citing alleged police compromise, HURIWA asks NSA to take over security
Chuks okocha, alex Enumah, linus aleke in Abuja, adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and ibrahim oyewale in Lokoja
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday, met with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and assured him that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security agencies, had the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful governorship election in the state on Saturday, September 21. Musa gave the assurances when he and other top military officers deployed to the state on election duty, met with Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Obaseki begged the CDS to appeal to Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, “because we know what #EndSARS protests
Continued on page 10
L-R: Edo
and secure election, in Benin City, … yesterday
Abuja
MiSSioN To ENSurE FrEE, Fair Poll...
State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major Gen Obinna Onubogu, and a senior military officer, during a courtesy visit to the Government House to reassure the governor of free, fair,
EXAUGURAL LECTURE/PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK, THE CATALYST ...
L-R: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Author of the Book, The Catalyst: Nigeria ICT Evolution Through A Journalist Lens, Adedayo Oketola; Presiding Pastor of The Love of Christ Generation (C&S) Church, Nigeria, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi; Chairman on the occasion/a former Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki; and National President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, during the exaugural lecture/public presentation of the book in Lagos… on Tuesday.
NSDC Partners ACCI to Mobilise $5bn Investments into Sugar Production
Niger Food, Turkish firm seal $2 billion soya beans deal
James Emejo Laleye Dipo
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has commenced talks with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for potential collaborations aimed at mobilising about $5 billion to drive investments in the sugar subsector.
The proposed agreement followed the visit of ACCI President, Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, to Executive Secretary of NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, in Abuja. It came on the day Niger Food, a limited liability company partly owned by Niger State Government, and a Turkish firm signed a $2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the offtake of soya beans.
The agreement, which was expected to gulp $200 million annually for 10 years, aimed to boost agriculture, create job opportunities, and improve the economic status of local farmers in the state.
The MoU was signed on Monday at Government House, Minna, by Mr. Sammy Adigun for Niger Foods and Mr. Nurullah Mehemet, Executive Officer of Direkci Group, in the presence of Governor Mohammed Bago.
Bago described the agreement "as a game-changer" and appreciated the Turkish government for its willingness to invest in Niger State.
According to him, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State, and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security.”
The governor said the state was
equally willing to partner Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.
Bakrin said the council had a mandate, through the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), a 10-year blueprint currently in its second phase of implementation, to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production.
He said the target was to be able to produce two million metric tons of sugar annually, which covered the current annual consumption of about 1.8 million tons.
The NSDC boss said a key aspect of the masterplan was the mobilisation of the right kind of funding.
He said, "We estimate that the sector requires about $5 billion. So, one of the key roles of the council is to facilitate the mobilisation of the funding required, both in terms of equity as well as project finance or debt, if you will, of a particular nature that is suited to the gestation or the development cycle of sugar production, which is long-term, low-cost development finance."
He said the sugar roadmap was predicated on about seven pillars.
"And I think this is important, given the fact that as the key platform for private sector operators, it is important to look at how potentially the chamber can also key into different aspects of this," he said.
Bakrin added, "We have identified several critical pillars...a key one is the identification and operationalisation of viable sites for the growing of sugarcane and production of sugar.
"That is a very important thing for us. Part of what we are doing in that
regard is a comprehensive nationwide survey of the most viable sites for growing cane, as well as the establishment of a robust technology platform for tracking the various attributes of the sites that are so identified."
He said the planned partnership will witness attraction of credible players into the sector to embark on sugar production.
He said, "We have seen this demonstrated without any doubt in countries such as Tanzania, Senegal, among others, that have recently embarked on similar programmes with incredible success."
According to him, NSMP II further seeks to ensure sustainability in the host communities by mandating the
provision of the right kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the host communities, and offering minimum employment of locals, natives and indigents in the catchment areas to ensure that they embrace the location or the sighting of sugar projects in their communities.
He said the initiative also provided for the provision of critical infrastructure to support sugar investments.
The NSDC executive secretary said, “This is because obviously a farm, by definition, is located in a rural area, which will require a certain degree of infrastructure to be able to operate.
"But also sugar by itself requires peculiar infrastructure, such as irrigation facilities and so on and so
forth. So, part of our mandate is to facilitate the provision of these types of infrastructure.
“We take ACCI very seriously and we expect that we will be able to key into some of your activities and that they will actually lead to fruitful partnerships with the council; I mean, the various parties that ACCI represents, as well as those interests that we are seeking to promote on our side."
Earlier, Obegolu said the chamber was at the council to seek the sort of partnership and collaboration that will add value to the mandate of the NSDC.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, disclosed that the Turkish firm will off-take 500,000
tonnes of soya bean each year for 10 years that the agreement would last. Adigun added that the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds and fertilisers and ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce. He revealed that the Turkish firm was also investing in a 100,000-hectare "Green House" project with a cold chain facility at the agro-processing zone with an annual output of about 160,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoe and pepper. In addition, Adigun disclosed that the group would establish a total of 2.5 million chicken production poultry facility, including eggs and feed mills production in two phases.
NLNG Harps on FG's Interventions to Attract Investment in Climate Solutions
Reaffirms commitment to promoting sustainable energy development
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has advised the federal government to provide incentives such as financial guarantees, tax credits or deductions, and early-stage funding to tech start-ups to encourage investments into tackling climate challenges in the country.
The liquefaction company also advocated the streamlining of regulations and, the provision of clear regulatory policies, and standards to drive the development of sustainable energy solutions in the country.
Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, made the calls yesterday, while speaking during a panel session at the ongoing
UNESCO to Upgrade Gashaka Gumti National Park to World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is on the verge of upgrading the Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba State to a World Heritage Site. The park, established in 1991, is the largest and most diversified wildlife park in West Africa, with a landmass of over 6,000 square kilometres, more than the size of some states in Nigeria. Conservator of the Park, Mr. Joseph Ntui, disclosed the development during an interview with journalists in his office at Gashaka.
Ntui revealed that a team of UNESCO officials visited the park two weeks ago and would be visiting the park again on September 20 to finalise the planned upgrade.
According to Ntui, "The UNESCO team is working to upgrade Gashaka Gumti National Park to a World Heritage Site. They were here two weeks ago. They will be here by September 20. They would carry out research and come out with documents that will qualify the park as a World Heritage Site"
He disclosed that Gashaka Gumti National Park was the most diversified park in Nigeria and very unique in flora and fauna, saying the park has
1,000 plant species and 102 mammalian species, including 60 species of fishes, 477 species of birds, and 300 species of butterflies.
He, however, expressed displeasure over the extinction of some of the animals in the park, especially lions, hippocampus and cheetah.
Ntui stressed that the use of cheetah as the mascot of the 20 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Serti was because of the presence of cheetah in the park.
He said, "We have 1,000 plant species, and 102 mammalian species. We have 60 species of fishes and 477 species of birds, with 300 species of butterflies. The park is not just the largest in Nigeria, it is the most
diverse and unique.
"Besides plants and animals, we also have interesting sights. The highest peak in Nigeria, Chappal Wada (about 2,400 meters above sea level) is in the park. Other interesting places are nurseries, hot springs, German/ British Fort, slave trade route, etc. We used to have cheetah (that is why 20 Battalion has cheetah as their mascot)."
Lamido of Gashaka, Alhaji Zubeiru Hamman Gabdo, commended African Nature Investors (ANI) for restoring the security of the park and boosting the socio-economic life of the people living in the communities around the park.
Gastech Exhibition and Conference, in Houston, United States.
At the conference with the theme, "Transforming Energy Through Vision, Innovation, and Action," Osobu, reiterated NLNG's commitment to climate action, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reduce emissions and promote sustainable energy development
Addressing the audience with insights to explore investment solutions needed for start-ups to reach commercial viability and maturity, the deputy managing Director joined other stakeholders to call on governments to provide financial guarantees for climate tech investments.
"Also, government initiatives should offer tax credits or deductions for climate tech investments, provide early-stage funding for climate tech startups, streamline regulations, provide clear policies and standards," he stated.
Like in Norway, where the government makes the technology work, Osobu pointed out that the Nigerian government must take the lead in creating an enabling environment that would make venture capital funds to focus on climate tech investments.
He stressed the need to establish carbon markets to incentivise emissions reduction.
Highlighting NLNG's efforts in emission reduction and climate solutions, he noted that the company's potential was enormous, adding, “We are looking at Carbon capture and storages."
He maintained that the NLNG was looking at the prospect of biofuel, noting that the company was also committed to addressing climate change challenges through the implementation of its Green House Gas (GHG) and Energy Management Plan.
He mentioned that the company takes Climate Change seriously and that various actions had been proposed and taken to mitigate the impact of its operations on the environment.
Osobu, said they continue to assess possible impact as well as mitigation actions needed for its port and facilities.
He said the NLNG remains a significant player in the global energy industry, contributing to Nigeria's energy transition and global efforts.
He said this includes cleaner fossil fuel, efficient LNG production process, minimising energy consumption and emissions, Carbon Capture and Storage, exploring solar power for electricity generation and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction, targeting 20 per cent reduction by 2030.
Wole Ayodele
Peter Uzoho
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE UPGRADE OF IBADAN AIRPORT...
L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke; PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Hon Taofeek Arapaja; PDP National Acting Chairman,
Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Debo Ogundoyin and Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal, during the ground breaking ceremony of the
FG Fixes H1 2025 for Launch of SCADA System in Bid to Stabilise National Power Grid
3,000km of fibre optic laid, World Bank pledges support
The federal government through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday carried out a demonstration of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system being built in partnership with the World Bank to help stabilise the national electricity grid.
Stabilising Nigeria’s fragile national power grid, which has experienced about half a dozen collapses and disturbances in 2024, remains a
major concern for stakeholders in the power supply chain.
But while in the past there had been efforts to ensure reliability of the system, obsolete SCADA and telecommunication infrastructure had hindered effective service delivery within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Therefore, the database has struggled to accommodate the everexpanding network, while vandalism of optic fibre further exacerbated the situation, leaving only very limited
coverage of the grid.
To bridge this gap comprehensively, TCN secured financing from the World Bank through the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP), involving the modernisation of TCN’s control infrastructure and ensuring efficient grid management.
Speaking at the demonstration event in Gwagwalada, Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated that the initiative represented not just a technological upgrade, but symbolised government's commitment
The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) yesterday, ratified the 2021 and 2022 audit financial reports of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
The Council also approved the progress made so far by the BPE in the implementation of its 2024 work plan aimed at strengthening its operations.
The Council’s approvals were among the decisions taken at the third meeting of the NCP presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.
The Council also directed the BPE to further engage with the relevant parties in the resolution of the dispute in the sale of the Sapele II (Ogorode Generation Company Ltd) and the sale of coal blocks belonging to the Nigerian Coal Corporation.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President commended the new management of the BPE for its diligence and renewed vision, urging stakeholders to support the realiation of the bureau’s set objectives.
He particularly commended the agency for its close supervision and conclusion of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant concession, as well as efforts to establish an Independent System Operator.
Shettima further tasked the agency to work with the various commit-
tees of the NCP and the Ministry of Justice, and come up with a robust road map to expedite the completion of outstanding transactions, in the interest of the nation.
The Vice President noted that making important decisions in the power sector would be critical to tackling the perennial issues in the country’s energy industry.
Presenting a progress report on the 2024 work plan of the BPE, the Director General, Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, reported that the Bureau generated the sum of N93.47 billion in the first and second quarters of the year 2024 from three transactions, representing 35.9 percent of the expected revenues during the period under review.
He highlighted measures adopted by the agency to improve its operations such as the strengthening of concession management capacity, reinvigoration of post-transaction management capacity for effective performance and the deployment of best practices in reform optimisation of public enterprises.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu;
Solicitor General of the Federation & Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Faruk Yabo, and the representative of the CBN Governor, among others.
to enhancing the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of power supply.
“Today, we are ushering in a new era in the management and operation of the national grid. The SCADA system will empower us with real-time monitoring and control capabilities that are crucial for quick decision making and effective management of the grid.
“By implementing this advanced technology, we are taking a bold step towards addressing some of the issues holding the sector down. The SCADA system will enable us to monitor the entire electricity network from a centralised location, thereby ensuring that we can respond promptly to outages, manage loads efficiently and optimise the overall performance of our power systems.
“With features such as automated data collection, fault detection and remote-controlled operations, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive power sector,” Adelabu, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Nosike, said.
The initiative, he said, aligned with the government’s broader vision of achieving energy security and expanding access to electricity for
all Nigerians, which is the primary objective of the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP).
“The introduction of SCADA is part of our strategic efforts to modernise our power infrastructure and implement smart grid technologies. As we strive to provide reliable electricity, we are also creating an environment conducive to private sector investment, innovation and development in the energy market,” he added.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the TCN, Dr Abdulaziz Sule, stated that it was common knowledge that previously deployed SCADA projects had not achieved the intended objectives.
For that reason, he stated that at the start of the project implementation, TCN’s management set up a team of senior staff to look into the reasons of the challenges of previous attempts with the aim of avoiding those mistakes this time around.
While lauding the stakeholders, especially contractors that were ensuring strict adherence to international standards and best practices, he said their doggedness and determination to push the project despite the challenges faced during the execution had been
unprecedented.
“All these efforts have culminated in the following progress of work: Manufacture and shipping of all the automation, telecommunication, Control Centre equipment and other auxiliary equipment.
“Offshore training of 135 technical staff on the operation and maintenance of the SCADA and telecommunications equipment. Deployment of over 3000km of Fibre Optic Cable on transmission line routes out of about 5400km earmarked for the project.
“Supply and installation of SCADA and Telecommunication equipment in over 100 transmission substations nationwide. Reactivation and reintegration of existing equipment in the network,” he said.
Also speaking, a World Bank representative, Bunu Bukar, expressed that bank’s excitement over the project, describing it as history in the making.
“As we speak right now, the project is actually due to close in December, but we are in discussion to see how to extend it by additional six months. And this is to accommodate the delays that we are having currently, as we speak, with the implementation of this project.
FG Partners UK Valuation Body on Review of Compensation for Publicly-owned Land
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has begun a partnership with the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), a UK-based professional body specialising in agricultural and rural valuation.
The collaboration, a statement from the ministry said yesterday, aims to leverage the expertise, knowledge and experience of CAAV towards finalising the long overdue review and update of methodologies for compensation rates for public land acquisition in Nigeria, with a focus on crops and economic trees.
Speaking on the first day of the Knowledge Exchange Programme in London, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Develop-
ment, Tijani Gwarzo, emphasized the significance of the partnership.
He stated that this was in the context of Nigeria's ongoing land reforms, noting that the programme marked a critical step in the country’s efforts to review, update and harmonise land compensation rates and standards in line with global best practices.
“This collaboration is vital to our ongoing reforms, designed to tackle the systemic challenges in land governance and administration. By leveraging the specialist knowledge of institutions like CAAV, we are confident in developing a framework that is both effective and sustainable,” Gwarzo said in the statement.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry said it has embarked
on comprehensive land reforms aimed at addressing bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the country’s land value chains.
One of the core aspects of these reforms, it stressed, is the review of outdated compensation rates that had been in use since 2008.
During his remarks, Gwarzo highlighted the challenges faced in implementing the Land Use Act of 1978, which defines the process of compulsory land acquisition and compensation for affected landowners.
These challenges, he explained, include the outdated compensation rates and the absence of a nationwide, scientifically grounded structure for determining compensation.
To address these issues, the Nigerian government, through its National Technical Development
Forum (NTDF) on Land Administration, Gwarzo said, has been working on developing a revised compensation regime.
The partnership with CAAV, he explained , is expected to provide critical insights and methodologies for ensuring that compensation rates are updated in real time and meet international standards.
“Our engagement with CAAV will enable us to apply critical professional input in the work we have already done to finalise and develop national reference rates for compensating crops and economic trees in public land acquisition.
“ This will help us implement a dynamic, updatable, and scientifically based central repository of rates for use in various projects,” the minister added.
Umar Damagum;
upgrade of Samuel Akintola Airport Ibadan.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
HALAL ECONOMY BIRTHS IN NIGERIA...
L-R: Former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary General D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador
Economic
Shettima: Nigeria'll Be Leading Hub of $7.7tn Global Halal Market
Vice President Kashim Shettima has projected Nigeria to become the number one hub of opportunities in the global halal economy.
According to him, the nation's economic and demographic size puts it in a vantage position to map out a vibrant investment sector for the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion by 2025.
Shettima who stated this yesterday, during the Halal Economy Stakehold-
ers Engagement Programme held at Abuja, noted however that Nigeria must first reassess its weaknesses and prioritise its strength to achieve this economic feat.
He said: "For Nigeria to become a hub of opportunities in the global halal economy, we must prioritise our strengths and reassess our weaknesses. Today's engagement provides a platform for us to collaborate with key international organisations.
"This will allow us to develop a comprehensive halal ecosystem and agree on strategies that will position
FCTA Appeals to Residents of Abuja Impacted by Earth Tremor to Evacuate Buildings
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has appealed to residents of Mpape, Katampe and Maitama areas jolted by earth tremor since last Saturday to evacuate their buildings in the event of a vibration.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD).
This is also as the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, (NGSA) has confirmed earth tremors in some parts of the FCT urging residents not to panic. The NGSA described the tremors as low and posing no threat.
Head of Public Affairs, FEMD, Nkechi Isa, in a statement yesterday appealed to residents to stay away from electric poles during the vibrations.
The statement also added that an adhoc committee on emergency preparedness plan for earth tremors in some parts of the FCT had been constituted.
Acting Director General of the FCT
Emergency Management Department FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, announced the composition after a meeting with stakeholders on recent vibrations in some parts of Mpape, Katampe and Maitama.
He said the ad hoc committee would sensitise residents on what to do during and after the tremor. According to him, the earth tremor which first occurred on Saturday at Mpape exhibited no physical evidence of rock movement.
In the same vein, the Deputy Director, Solid Minerals, FCTA, Ulom Ifop, noted that it was the fault lines under the ground place stress on the rocks that were causing tremors.
"This thing which has started will continue. There is a seismic substation at Toro and at Katampe Hill. We need a substation at Area 11, Asokoro and Maitama". Ifop said.
On his part, a water consultant, Taiwo Oyekan attributed the tremor to human activities, which might have caused friction on the edges leading to the tremors.
Nigeria as a top halal exporter, targeting high-value markets."
The Vice President commended the private sector for its immense, "contributions to driving the halal economy, particularly in the financial sector," even as he encouraged all stakeholders to partner with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in delivering the halal ecosystem.
"To ensure this, we must attract international investment by showcasing the vast opportunities within Nigeria's halal sector through investor summits, roadshows, and business matchmaking events.
"The expansion of regional trade, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), also provides us with a pathway to become a leading supplier of halal goods and services across Africa.
"Therefore, we must increase public awareness through strategic orientation campaigns, specialised training programmes, and deeper engagement with the global market to elevate the visibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s halal ecosystem."
Describing halal as an economy that accommodates all actors and
stakeholders, Shettima noted that the halal market holds vast potential that aligns "with the overarching agenda of President Bola Tinubu."
On why the nation will become a leading hub for investment in the halal economy, the Vice President said, "Nigeria's economic and demographic size gives us a unique advantage in developing a vibrant halal investment sector.
"With the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion by 2025, this opportunity is not only recognised by Muslimmajority countries but also seized by non-Muslim nations, which have become leading exporters of halal products. They understand that the halal ecosystem is designed to meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability preferred by specific consumers.
"This alignment with ethical principles and rigorous standards provides a compelling avenue for investment and commerce and reinforces our commitment to fostering a dynamic halal economy in Nigeria."
He further noted that the lack of clarity and understanding surrounding compliance with investments in
the halal economy had stifled vast potential in savings, business ventures, and investments.
Shettima, however, expressed delight that in an era of knowledge and enlightenment, more Nigerians are now getting rid of outdated concerns and are, instead, embracing the need to have a say in how their money is invested.
"They seek secure products and services that align with the principles of transparency and ethical certainty, free from interest-driven practices. We must, however, note that Nigeria has already embraced the halal economy.
"We have flourishing financial institutions that offer profit-sharing and investment opportunities that resonate with the expectations of savers and investors, regardless of their faith. The remarkable success of Islamic finance instruments, such as Sukuk, which have funded infrastructure projects across the country, is a testament to the widespread appeal of halal finance.
"As Islamic banks continue to penetrate international markets, we are inspired to position ourselves as leaders in this growing sector, ensuring that Nigerians fully explore the op-
FIRS to Introduce e-Invoice,
The Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has announced that the FIRS would soon introduce eInvoice, which is a digital solution for managing invoices in line with the Tax Administration and Enforcement Act 2007
Adedeji, announced this yesterday in Lagos when he delivered the
keynote presentation at the “Organised Private Sector (OPS) Stakeholders’ Engagement on Emerging Tax Matters,” organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Adedeji, who was represented by the Acting Director, Medium Taxpayers Department (South), Mrs. Otivbo Olaniyi, also said the federal government was exploring the simplification of tax regimes and registration incentives to bring
NGSA Allays Fears Over Earth Tremors in FCT
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, has allayed fears over earth tremors experienced in the Federal Capital Territory, urging residents not to panic.
A statement by NGSA DirectorGeneral, Professor Olusegun Ige, disclosed that NGSA monitored the tremors and found them to be low and didn’t pose any threat to the environment
The statement read: “The Monitoring Station (NGSA-5) at Katampe has been capturing several significant ground motions with high moment magnitudes (Mw) in the past five days, beginning from September 13, 2024 till date.
“Only one mild event was recorded on September 13th. Six of these events were captured on the 14th of September, while over 21 events were captured on the 15th with higher intensities.
“More than twenty events were recorded on the 16th of September. The intensity and frequency of the tremors appear to increase from the 13th to 16th September. There are a few weak events recorded today, 17th September.
“Preliminary analysis of the waveforms showed that the sources of the ground motions are less than 5 km away from the monitoring station.”
The NGSA team also visited the affected areas for on-the-spot
assessments of the events. From the accounts of the residents of the affected areas, the observations by the NGSA team, and findings from earlier interpretations of the airborne geophysical data over the area and adjoining areas, the following conclusions were made.
"The tremors are a result of accumulated stress along the identified faults and released seismic energy, which may have traveled through associated fractures to areas where the tremors were felt around the FCT.
"There are multiple epicenters associated with the recent tremor. Most of the epicenters are located northeast of the NGSA-5 Seismic Station around Mpape axis, while
a few are located southwest of the Station around Katampe axis
"The intensities of the tremors are weak to light, ranging from III - IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale, and pose a very low-level threat.
"The residents of Mpape, Katampe, Maitama, and other areas where the tremors were felt are advised not to panic as the tremors can be generally described as low. The Agency is keeping a close monitoring of the situation and will provide updates as may become necessary.
"The general public should also be aware that the NGSA Seismic Stations are being monitored in real time to ensure prompt alerts on any major event."
in micro and small businesses into the tax net.
He said: “Soon, we will introduce the FIRS e-Invoice, a digital solution for managing invoices in line with the Tax Administration and Enforcement Act 2007.
“This initiative, as part of our Digital Transformation Strategy, will facilitate real-time transaction validation and storage, benefiting Businessto-Business, Business-to-Consumer, and Business-to-Government transactions.”
According to him, “the informal sector, which constitutes a large part of our economy, poses unique challenges.
“Many small and micro businesses operate outside the formal tax system. To engage this sector effectively, the government is exploring simplified tax regimes and registration incentives.”
He explained that the recent restructuring of the FIRS into three operational groups—Small/Emerging Taxpayers, Medium Taxpayers, and Large Taxpayers would allow for a more focused approach in managing and supporting different segments of taxpayers.
He added: “In summary, the emerging tax matters in Nigeria present both challenges and opportunities. By embracing reform, leveraging technology, and ensuring transparency, we can develop a tax system that supports sustainable growth and equitable development.
portunities it provides," he further said.
Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, who emphasised the importance of this initiative, said, "Nigeria, as one of the largest economies in Africa, is launching this programme to engage with the global Halal market. "We are determined to position Nigeria as a leader in the Halal economy, not just in Africa but globally."
Also speaking, Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Aliyu Sheriff, highlighted halal economic potential, noting that "if we can increase our Halal exports to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries from 2% to 6% over the next four years, it could boost our GDP by $548 million."
Sheriff listed some of the key objectives of the initiative to include establishing a robust regulatory framework for Halal certification, increasing consumer awareness about Halal products, enhancing production capacity and partnering with international Halal organisations.
Continues online
“Our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria.” In his welcome address, the President of the LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, said in recent times, Nigeria's tax system has undergone significant transformations driven by reforms and policy changes to boost revenue, simplify compliance, and address critical fiscal challenges.
But Idahosa pointed out that despite these efforts, Nigeria’s current tax-to-GDP ratio stands at just 10.86 percent, far below the African average of about 15-20 percent.
He said:
“The government aims to achieve a tax-to-GDP ratio of 18 percent within the next three years through the newly introduced tax reforms.
“Reaching this goal requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors, along with targeted reforms aimed at simplifying tax policies and encouraging compliance.”
In his goodwill message, the National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Davidson Alaribe, highlighted some significant concerns members of the institute are having about tax matters in Nigeria. Alaribe, who was represented by Dr. Seyi Olarenwaju of ICAN, said one of these concerns bothered on clarity of tax regulations.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Dike Onwuamaeze
Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam; Minister of Budget and
Planning, Abubakar Bagudu and Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami during Nigeria Halal Economy Stakeholder’s Engagement Programme at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja ... yesterday
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Global Aviation Body, Scores Nigeria High over Efforts to Comply with Cape Town Convention, Commends Keyamo
Chinedu Eze
Global organisation, Aviation Working Group (AWG), has scored Nigeria high and has commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for the decision of the federal government to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention by signing the practice direction on dry-leasing of aircraft.
AWG comprises major aviation manufacturers, leasing companies and financial institutions that contribute to the development of policies, laws and
regulations that facilitate advanced international aviation financing and leasing.
Reacting to what Nigeria has done, AWG swiftly adjusted the global score/rating of Nigeria on her compliance status from 49 to 70.5.
The Ministry of Aviation disclosed that this is the largest score Nigeria has attained till date to give comfort to financiers and the leasing world.
It noted that there is also potential for further increase in the next few weeks as the minister has directed the NCAA to immediately adjust its
administrative rules called IDERA to also fully align with the Convention to further boost the confidence of financiers and lessors across the world.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser Media and Communication to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, time, effort and skill deployed to ensure growth of the sector
“In an email received this evening, the Aviation Working Group in London and New York commended the Aviation Minister and his team for the ‘time, effort and skill’ they put
in the last few months into making this a reality.
“They also said they are poised for further increase the score once Nigeria adjust its administrative rules in the next few weeks and the courts actually begin to apply the practice direction,” it said.
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, Keyamo, has now opened the
CDS TO OBASEKI: WE HAVE TINUBU’S MANDATE TO ENSURE FREE, FAIR POLL IN EDO
caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations”.
The meeting came as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, declared its readiness for Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State. PDP urged voters in the state to vote and stay to protect their votes.
PDP alleged that All Progressives Congress (APC) was importing thugs from Imo and Kogi states ahead of the poll. It declared that Saturday’s election would be a battle between federal might and people’s might, boasting that people’s might would eventually triumph.
At the same time, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, tasked security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to play by the rules of the game and ensure free, fair and credible poll on Saturday.
However, a group, Obidients
United for Equity, Justice, and Fairness, accused their Obi of neglecting the principles he once upheld.
That was as the Nigeria Police refuted viral reports in some sections of the media that the police were arresting PDP supporters ahead of the off-season election in the state.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), on the basis of the allegations against the police, called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, to take charge of security of lives and property in the state during and after the poll.
Musa stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces were in Edo State to support and make sure the election was peaceful. He called on political actors to ease tension because.
Musa told Obaseki, “I am delighted to be here and my visit here today is to bring peace. Having watched unfolding events on TV and tension within the state, I usually want to
come a few days before any election to preach peace.
“As Nigerians, we should learn how to do things properly, as there is no need to raise tension because of the election. It's not necessary. We have seen how other countries conduct elections peacefully, as people will be working, and doing their normal things while elections are on. I wonder why ours seem to be different.
“I want to assure you that members of the armed forces are here to support you in this election and make sure that it’s peaceful.
“Our mandate from Mr. President is that the Edo governorship election should be peaceful, free, fair and credible. This is what we are here to do. Everybody you see here is here to ensure that it’s done. That is the mandate from Mr. President.
“This is why I am here to see the troops and address them critically for them to understand the importance
of free, fair and credible elections in Edo State. We give you the assurance that none of us are going to take sides, as we would ensure that there is peace in Edo State.’
The CDS added, “Nobody is to take sides. Whoever is the person that is popular and the people want, the people should be able to elect such a person, but not the person imposed on them. I can guarantee you. We have done it in other states in the past three elections, we want to do the same here.
“You would have noticed that it went well and we want to do the same here. The days of impunity are over. Election is not war. People should not die because they want to elect a leader.”
Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, in a statement, buttressed the CDS’ assurance during his visit to access the readiness of members of the armed
PARTY CONSTITUTION, NOT GOVERNOR, REMOVED ABURE, LP LEADERSHIP, SAYS PETER OBI
"We didn't have crisis. We managed a transition, which was a bit bumpy and that was it. I tell you, no other political party of our size could do that in the time and manner that we did.
“We are a political party who went all the way to the Supreme Court claiming our 10 million votes. They were only able to give us six million votes. So, we are a force to contend with in Africa. What we've done has never been done before. When PDP came they had the military. We had nothing.
“We started, it was organic. It was us. It was Nigerian people. It was Obidients, and we defeated two existing political parties, to the best of our submission, in the courts.”
Obi stressed that he was not surprised about the present economic crisis rocking the country, saying the party warned Nigerians about the impending disaster if All Progressives Congress (APC) was in charge of the country.
He assured that the opposition party was ready to repeat and surpass the feat recorded during the 2023 elections in 2027 by producing a majority in the National Assembly and winning the presidential seat.
Obi added, “What is more, we are buoyed by the fact that we warned Nigerians of the failure of APC, the dangers of APC is happening. They are failing more on the Nigerian economy. They are destroying the security of Nigeria. Every day in the news, you reported it, our citizens are abducted. They are killed in hundreds in villages.
“We warned Nigerians this was going to happen. Desperate people took the victory of Labour Party. What did they do with it? Our currency value was again destroyed. Security destroyed. Hunger in the land. Removal of subsidies managed very very poorly, aggravated corruption continued… lies and lies and lies.”
Earlier, the chairman of the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee, Senator Nenadi Usman, assured party members of the committee's determination to rescue the party from the current challenges, restore and rebuild it as a veritable alternative platform for Nigerians.
Usman further assured of the committee's readiness to lead the party to the path of reconciliation within the short time of its assignment.
She stated, "We are on a rescue mission, not just for the Labour Party, but I tell you for our dear nation Nigeria. The interest this committee has generated extends beyond party
lines.
“The number of telephone calls I have received, not just from Labour Party members, but people from other political parties, who told me that if we get this thing right, we will walk together. So, we have a huge task.
“Our party, by the grace of Almighty God, will become a platform for all disenfranchised and unhappy Nigerians. People who are not happy with the way things are going, we are going to be the platform for them, by the grace of God. Therefore, we must view this as a significant national assignment."
Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, who represented Governor Alex Otti, charged the committee members to work for the growth of the Labour Party and shun acts that could be detrimental to the interest of the party.
In his submission, the secretary of the committee, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, said the committee will work hard within its time frame to produce elected ward, local government, state and national officers for the party.
Abure: Why INEC is against Me
The Julius Abure-led group in Labour Party accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of singling it out for punishment for the role it played in the defence of Obi and Otti during the 2023 general election. Abure said this yesterday in Abuja at a media briefing addressed by the factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, at the party’s national secretariat.
He accused Obi and Otti of betraying all that LP ever stood for, by now taking sides with INEC, which let Nigerians down by bungling the free will of the people during the 2023 elections.
Ifoh said, “The Labour Party thinks it expedient to bring to your notice the recent development in the party, particularly, the efforts by some of the leaders of the party, including the former presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, and the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, amongst others, to annex power of the leadership of the party through subterranean means using the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as their launching pad.
“The media has been awash with INEC’s counter affidavit to the effect that the tenure of the current executives has expired, which was supposed
to be a justification for the inglorious, purported Umuahia stakeholders meeting, where a caretaker committee was produced.
“You will recall that His Excellencies, Peter Obi and Alex Otti a few weeks ago convened an illegal stakeholders meeting in Umuahia where they handpicked some of their cronies, a 29-member caretaker committee, in the most undemocratic fashion as leaders of their faction of the party.
“They subsequently wrote a letter to the INEC on September 6, 2024, informing the commission of the purported and non-existent leadership crisis in the party.
“They hinged their decision on the fact that INEC informed them that the present National Working Committee of the party no longer have a valid tenure after June 2024 and because INEC also did not monitor the Nnewi Convention of the party held on the 26th March, 2024, the commission has ceased from transacting business with the party.”
The factional spokesman added, “As you are aware, the party has since sued INEC challenging its exclusion from the commission’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
“However, INEC had in a counteraffidavit, filed in response to our suit argued that the Labour Party’s leadership, including Julius Abure, is now invalid, stressing that it does not recognise the party’s March 2024 National Convention, which re-elected Abure as chairman.
“The leadership of the Labour Party is, however, miffed by the actions of our leaders, including our former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the only Labour Party governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who should be defending the party at this auspicious and trying moment.
“They ought to know that Labour Party is going through this challenging times simply because of its role in defending both leaders during the 2023 general election.”
opportunity for Nigerian airlines to easily acquire aircraft and compete effectively with others in the world.
The airlines said the minister had 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. AWG by increasing the rating of Nigeria, the statement stressed, has indicated the impact made by the Federal Government by signing the practice direction on the Cape Town Convention.
forces and security agencies for the governorship election on Saturday.
The statement quoted Musa as saying, "I want to assure the good people of Edo State, the armed forces and other security agencies are going to act professionally in the conduct of the election."
He warned that any person with intentions other than peaceful election should leave the state or bear the consequences of the law.
Musa said the military will not tolerate any individual carrying arms and weapons of any kind during the election, reiterating that Tinubu has given the military the mandate to ensure the most peaceful election in the history of the state.
Musa maintained that the armed forces will ensure that Mr. President's directive was implemented. He used the opportunity to appeal to Edo people to come out and vote en masse for the candidate of their choice, while guaranteeing their security.
Musa said the Nigeria Police will provide general security while the military wil give security back-up for the election.
The defence chief also called on the military to be professional before, during and after the election, even as he reminded the troops of the availability of standby court martial to instantly try erring personnel.
Addressing critical stakeholders. earlier, Musa said the entire world was watching, and called on them to create an enabling environment for Edo people to cast their votes freely. He warned that additional security devices had been deployed to watch security agencies involved in the election.
Commending Obaseki for his development strides, the CDS added, “I congratulate you on all your efforts and things you have done for Edo people. I have served in Edo State and the state has been part of me. I thank you for all you are doing and the warm reception.”
Obaseki, who was delighted to receive the Chief of Defence, said the visit was very reassuring to the people of the state.
CBN REINTRODUCES CONTROVERSIAL CYBERSECURITY LEVY
Institutions (OFIs)”.
The guidelines specified the minimum cybersecurity baseline to be implemented by banks, OFIs and PSPs, and mandated the appointment of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to oversee cybersecurity issues.
Back in May, the central bank had ordered the implementation of 0.5 per cent levy on all electronic transactions value as part of efforts to contain the rising threats of cybercrime in the financial system.
The implementation followed the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (amendment) Act 2024 and pursuant to the provisions of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, which provided for the rate deduction.
The directive was conveyed in a circular dated May 6, 2024 and addressed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest and payment service banks; other financial institutions, Mobile Money Operators and Payment Service Providers.
The circular was jointly signed by CBN’s Director, Payments System Management Department, Chibuzo Efobi, and Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Haruna Mustafa.
The correspondence also post-
dated CBN's circulars of June 25, 2018 and October 5, 2018 on compliance with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.
The CBN explained that the deducted funds were to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF), which shall be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Accordingly, all banks, Other Financial Institutions and Payments Service Providers were required to implement the new provisions of the Act as directed.
The central bank stated that the levy shall be applied at the point of electronic transfer origination, then deducted and remitted by the financial institution.
The deducted amount shall be reflected in the customer's account with the narration: "Cybersecurity Levy".
The circular, however, exempted some transactions from cybercrime levy. They included loan disbursements and repayments; salary payments; intra-account transfers within the same bank or between different banks for the same customer; intra-bank transfers between customers of the same bank, and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) instructions to
He said, “I want you to help me thank your men in Edo State. Since the resumption of the GOC, he has been very supportive in terms of security in Edo State. A few weeks ago, we went to commission an army operations base in Ehor, which has stabilised security in the Benin Auchi axis.
“We had approval to build another in Sobe, which has reduced drastically the incidents of kidnapping and banditry around that axis. We are writing to you through the GOC for approval for the third base along the northern border, between Edo and Kogi states, where we are still having incidents.”
The governor said, “The Chief of Air Staff has been kind enough to collaborate with them to set up a FOB towards the Okada axis. This tells you the level of support and cooperation that we have been receiving from your men.
“I am glad you are here today because some of the political actors don't seem to understand the national security implications of this Edo election. The way some people have conducted themselves, it's quite unbecoming of people who swore to oath.
“Politicians can behave the way they like, but members of the security agencies should give the public assurances and confidence. We are not asking for any favour, but saying that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to express themselves the way they wish, and we will accept the outcome of a properly conducted poll.
“But when you have a situation where citizens are being intimidated by men in uniform, it's not acceptable.”
Obaseki alleged, “Last night, I was woken up at 3am that some policemen in Edo Central were trying to arrest people. I got a call again this morning about a Sienna Bus with a mandate to come and arrest people.
“We have people arrested and taken away from Edo to Abuja, instead of trying those they claimed to have committed a crime in Edo. The people arrested and taken to Abuja have been
Continued on page 37
their correspondent banks.
Exemption also applied to interbank placements; banks' transfers to CBN and vice-versa; inter-branch transfers within a bank, cheques clearing and settlements; and Letters of Credits (LCs).
Others included banks' recapitalisation related funding only bulk funds movement from collection accounts; savings and deposits including transactions involving long-term investments, such as treasury bills, bonds; and commercial papers; government social welfare programmes transactions, such as pension payments; non-profit and charitable transactions, including donations to registered non- profit organisations or charities; educational institutions transactions, including tuition payments and other transaction involving schools, universities, or other educational institutions.
Transactions involving bank's internal accounts, such as suspense accounts, clearing accounts, profit and loss accounts, inter-branch accounts, reserve accounts, nostro and vostro accounts, and escrow accounts were also exempted from the levy.
The central bank warned that Section 44 (8) of the Act prescribed that failure to remit
the levy constituted an offence liable on conviction to a fine of not less than two per cent of the annual turnover of the defaulting business, among others.
All institutions under the regulatory purview of the CBN were directed to note and comply with the provisions of the Act and the circular.
However, following a major pushback by the Organised Private Sector (OPS), stakeholders and Nigerians at large, CBN, on May 19, announced the withdrawal of the controversial circular on the implementation of 0.5 per cent levy on all electronic transactions value. The withdrawal was conveyed in a circular dated May 17, 2024 and addressed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest and payment service banks; other financial institutions, Mobile Money Operators and Payment Service Providers. It was also jointly signed by Efobi and Mustafa.
The brief circular read, "The Central Bank of Nigeria circular dated May 6, 2024 (Ref: PSMD/ DIR/PUB/LAB/017/004) on the above subject refers. "Further to this, please, be advised that the above referenced circular is hereby withdrawn. Please, be guided accordingly."
Keyamo
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
As Edo People Choose their Gov on Saturday...
Eligible voters in Edo State will go to the polls on Saturday, September 21, to elect who will take over from the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki, who by November 12, 2024 will complete his eight-year tenure as governor of the state. In this piece, Adibe Emenyonu fact checks some of the gubernatorial candidates and factors that may see any of them emerging victorious.
The People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress have been natural opponents and contestants in Edo state’s political landscape like in national polls. The LP, especially after its outing in the 2023 general poll, has shown its capability to give the PDP and APC something to worry about.
No doubt, the election is a three-horse race, but that of Edo is peculiar in several ways. One, the rivalry between the PDP and the APC, not just at the national level, but is more of a status and influence contest between two former allies, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and now Senator of the Federal Republic. Before the duo parted ways, they were political bedfellows such that against all protestations, Oshiomhole, as the outgoing governor in 2016, made Obaseki, who then was a political neophyte, the governor of the state on the platform of the APC. But
when the handshake krept beyond the elbow, both became political enemies and never agreed again politically. Therefore, this Saturday’s election will rekindle the rivalry between the duo which began with the refusal in 2019 of 14 state elected lawmakers loyal to Oshiomohle from being sworn in as members of state parliament orchestrated by Obaseki. To get back at Obaseki, Oshiomohle then as National Chairman of APC, denied Obaseki APC’s second term gubernatorial ticket which later caused him his job. Obaseki was then forced to move to the waiting hands of the PDP, and all those who had an axe to grind with Oshiomhole rallied round the governor and saw to Obaseki’s victory, which left the Oshiomhole political dynasty stranded as it lost 13 out of the 18 local
government areas in the state. Since then, it has been a ding-dong affair between the two power houses in the state that after the 2020 outing, Oshiomhole’s camp re-grouped and by the time the camp came out of its political laboratory, it was in a good stead to give Obaseki and his PDP a run for their money. The real test of power played out in the 2023 general election when PDP failed to win any of the three senatorial seats in the state. Oshiomhole clinched the slot for Edo North senatorial District for himself and also mobilised APC supporters in Edo Central to get Senator Monday Okpebholo, who is the APC governorship candidate, to win for the APC. The former governor was able to achieve that feat because Obaseki’s attempt to change the political arrangement in the district which shares political offices between the two blocs of Okpebholo and Agbazilo met resistance from the people.
Similar scenario played out in Edo South where Obaseki wanted to foist Matthew Urhoghide who was then finishing his second term as senator representing the area. In the case of Agbazilo and Okpebholo, while Obaseki insisted on returning Senator Clifford Odia from Okpebholo for a third term, the people opted to follow their ancient political landmark of zoning the senatorial seat to the Agbazilo axis. Angered by the governor’s behaviour, when it was rumoured that the LP candidate who naturally would have been a choice was hand picked by Obaseki, the people had no other choice other than to opt for the APC candidate from Okpebholo bloc. That was how the zone which have Obaseki block votes in 2020, changed the narrative.
Arigbe-Osula: Edo Electorate’ll Make Statement with their Votes
Former Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, in this interview speaks on Saturday’s gubernatorial poll in Edo state and the need to allow the electorate choose a candidate of their choice. Ayodeji Ake presents excerpts:
The governorship election in Edo State is just days away. You have described it as crucial. How crucial?
This is the most important election I have known in my adult days because of the prevailing conditions across the nation.
In this Saturday’s election, the entire Nigerians would be speaking through Edo people. We must reject APC and restore hope to the over 200,000 Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. Nigerians are looking up to the Edo electorate for that important duty.
We cannot afford to make any mistake in this election, otherwise Edo State will be taken 100 years back, never to recover and will drive a sword through the hopes of the entire people of this nation. It is very disheartening to note that the APC, the ruling party in our country for the past nine years, is participating in this election. The APC has forced on us, unrepentantly, great and grave hardship. And yet, they are campaigning on the same promises they made that got Nigeria and Nigerians into this horrible situation in the first place.
So, Edo State must know that, come Saturday, the country has a common enemy. We, Nigerians, have a common enemy to the progress of our country, and it is APC. We must take our anger against them and not vote APC on Saturday. The only motivation that would make anybody
want to vote APC is if they are driven by corruption, not peace, not the development of our state, not the security we have long sought after, not the provision of social infrastructures, which APC has shown they cannot provide for Nigeria and Nigerians. So, in Edo State, there is one party we cannot vote for on Saturday,
and that is the APC.
It’s not clear whether you have a candidate in the election. But it is obvious you’re opposed to the APC…
Oh, certainly, I do have a candidate. I have taken time to review the background of the other two candidates (Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party and Asue Ighodalo of the PDP) and there’s no doubt Asue Ighodalo stands out as the person I will ask every progressive-minded Edo person to vote for. My good people of the state should vote for Asue Ighodalo if they want to move the state forward. I’ve had time to also meet personally with him to review his vision, to discuss his plans for the state. They are very laudable, and he’s passionate about them and determined to move Edo State in the right direction. I’m saying this without any reservation: the right person for this job and the right person that Edo people should vote for is Asue Ighodalo.
All sentiments aside, the only thing that should drive any of us to vote and to ask others to vote in this election is the development of our state—not stomach infrastructure that has made a lot of people to congregate under the APC despite the devastation they have foisted on our people nationwide.
One grouse some people hold against
Obaseki and for which they cannot wait to punish him, his party and candidate for is his ‘contempt’ for the Oba? They fear Asue may toe his line of disrespect. As a Bini person, how do you react?
I’m not only a Benin man, I am someone who sees himself as a custodian, an ambassador of our royal heritage that the Oba represents. I would not support anyone who has no respect for the Oba of Benin. However, I have met personally with Asue Ighodalo, and his respect for the Oba of Benin is not in question at all. We shouldn’t forget that, unlike Obaseki, the respect for the palace and the Oba of Benin is in Asue’s DNA. This is not to insult Obaseki, but Asue is from Ewohimi, and the current lineage of the Oba that I know very well runs through Asue. Every true Ewohinmi child, whether born in Edo or anywhere in the world, has a commitment to and respect for the Oba of Benin in their DNA. Asue Ighodalo has spoken to this. There is no one in this election closer to the root and lineage of the current Oba of Benin than Asue Ighodalo. I believe in what he says; his unwavering support, respect, and commitment to the palace. So, Asue Ighodalo is not one to have contempt for the palace of the Oba of Benin.
Akpata
Okpebholo
Ighodalo
Arigbe-Osula
FEATURES
How a Flawed Judicial Process Incarcerated Photographer for 10 Months in Prison for ‘Intentional Insult’
Amidst allegations of abuse of power and a flawed judicial process, Sunday Ehigiator investigates the disturbing case of a former employee of Pesther Photo Studio, Nicholas Peter, who was arrested and imprisoned for over 10 months, for resigning from his job through ‘an insulting text’
On August 28, 2024, a disturbing story surfaced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) involving Nicholas Peter, a 26-year-old photographer.
Human Rights Lawyer Funke Adeoye, a prominent advocate and convener of the ‘Hope Behind Bars’ movement, in her tweet, alleged that Nicholas’ former employer, Oluwole Mike, owner of Pesther Photo Studio in the Federal Capital Territory, had misused his political connections to harass and detain Nicholas for over 10 months. The reason? Nicholas had resigned from his job at the studio.
The Allegation
Adeoye’s tweet read: “This is Nicholas. A 26 year old graduate, photographer & Keyboardist.
“Sometime in October 2023, Nicholas sent a text message to his boss resigning his role as a photographer in the photo studio. His boss was angry at the content of the text message & got him arrested.
“From spending 2 days in police detention, he ended up being charged for intentional insult", locked up in a room with 189 other cellmates at a prison in Keffi because he could not afford the bail sum initially N100,000 & later N50,000.
“He remained there even after the said boss, a politician in the current administration & owner of a popular photography studio in FCT wrote a letter to the court withdrawing the charge.
“Two weeks ago, someone hinted @ hopebehindbar about Nicholas's plight and @thehassanian reached out to a friend of his who donated N50,000 anonymously.
“The first picture is a picture of Nicholas 2 months before prison, the second is a picture of him when we got him out last week and the third is a picture of him at @hopebehindbar office today.
“After working in this space for 6 years, You'd think that we have heard the worst stories but it keeps getting crazier. Imagine spending 10 months in prison for sending a resignation text to your boss.
“Name of Boss: Oluwole Mike, Owner of Pesther Photostudio in FCT and Publisher of One Nigeria Television.”
She would later ask to send Nicholas's account details to emails of people willing to support him, as the post began to galvanise public empathy and criticism of Pesther studio boss, who was also rumoured to be related to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Mike Reacts, Accuses Nicholas of Theft
Following the allegation, THISDAY reached out to Nicholas’ former employer, Mike to get his side of the story.
Reacting to the allegation, Oluwole narrated, “I had never met Nicholas before he visited my branch, offering to sell me a prime lens. My photographer verified the lens's quality, and I agreed to purchase it, despite having bought a new one the previous week. Nicholas came to my head office, and we negotiated a price of 35,000, which I paid him.
“When I asked about the lens's ownership, he claimed it belonged to him and his friend, who was supposedly ill and needed 25,000 for medical expenses. I asked for the receipt, which he said was at home, and told him to bring it the next day. He wrote a note confirming ownership and promising to bring the receipt but never did. Despite this, I paid him the agreed amount, and he left.
“What happened next was that Nicholas returned to my office the following week, complimenting me on its beauty and organization. He expressed his desire to work for me, claiming to be a skilled photographer.
“I agreed to give him a chance, offering
him a test assignment. He passed the test, and I hired him despite his lack of formal certification. Initially, I was impressed with his work and paid him a starting salary of 70,000, with the promise of a raise after six months or a year.
“However, things took a turn for the worse when Nicholas began behaving strangely towards my customers. He would bully them, fail to complete photo shoots and leave his camera for others to finish the job.
“When I confronted him, he claimed he needed money and didn't belong at the studio. One day, I found him unresponsive and bent over at his desk, which frightened me.
“After snapping him out of it, he confessed that he needed money and shared his troubled past, including being expelled from missionary school for jumping over the fence. Despite sensing dishonesty, I chose to mentor him and assigned staff to guide him.
“After three months of employment, Nicholas requested a 20,000 IOU, which I granted without interest, as I sometimes do for staff in emergencies. However, shortly after receiving his salary and the IOU, he suddenly quit via text message. When I asked him to repay the 20,000, he ignored me and later sent an insulting message, which angered me.
“I then got prompted by instinct that he may have gone with the lens I bought from him and decided to take inventory of all my studio equipment. This was when I discovered that my office phone which consists of all the contacts of our clients which we have built for over five years was missing.
“Hence we decided to review the studio's security footage, to ascertain who took it. The CCTV footage showed Nicholas leaving the office with a colleague, and then returning alone to retrieve the phone. He had cleverly switched off the camera power at the changeover point, allowing him to take the phone without being detected.
“I reported the incident to the police, who presented Nicholas with the evidence. Despite this, he denied returning to the
office and taking the phone. The police arrested him on Saturday and charged him in court on Monday.
“I offered to give him the phone, worth N145,000 if he would let me retrieve my customers’ contacts, but he refused. The DPO (Divisional Police Officer) was lenient and advised him to confess, but Nicholas continued to deny the allegations.
“Despite Nicholas' continued denial, the truth began to unravel in court. It was revealed that he had been previously convicted of stealing cameras and photo equipment from his friends, and one of those friends identified the prime lens camera which he sold to me as his own.
“The friend explained that Nicholas had a history of dishonesty, including an incident where he claimed his external hard drive was stolen, only to have it mysteriously reappear after a threat from a herbalist.
“Nicholas continued to call me from jail, and eventually, a pastor from the prison in Keffi contacted me. The pastor was furious with Nicholas and scolded him for betraying my trust.
“Nicholas apologised, and the pastor offered to mediate a resolution. After some discussion, it was agreed that Nicholas would be released if I paid N20,000. I agreed to pay, and the pastor provided a contact to arrange the payment.
“I asked Nicholas for his lawyer's account number to pay the agreed N20,000, but he provided someone else's account number instead. He also failed to ensure the full amount was paid, as the person using his account collected N6,000 from the money.
“When they appeared in court without a lawyer, the judge dismissed them. Nicholas then asked me to retrieve the money from the first person, which became a problem. The barrister had to intervene to recover the remaining amount.
“Nicholas called me again, and I forwarded the money to another ac-
The flawed judicial system in the country may have contributed to Nicholas's prolonged pre-trial detention of 10 months. Nevertheless, Nicholas views his initial arrest, which led to his extended imprisonment, as unjustified, motivated by malice, and deserving of condemnation
count number provided by the pastor, but it wasn't the barrister's account. This delayed his release.
“By November, I wanted to resolve the issue, and my wife suggested forgiving him. I wrote a letter to the judge, but it didn't secure his release. I then appealed to others for help.
“Nicholas sent various people to me, claiming his father was an Army General and his mother a prominent businesswoman in Ghana. However, his friends revealed that his mother was actually ill, and they had previously sent him to jail for stealing their cameras.
“Others called me, saying Nicholas had stolen laptops, cameras, and studio lights from a private school in Abuja and disappeared. I urged them to show mercy, hoping for his release.
“Last week, Nicholas appeared in my office around 9:30-10 am. When Nicholas arrived, I asked how he was doing. He replied that he had just been released from prison and had nothing.
“I inquired about his intentions, and he expressed a desire to return to work. I explained that I couldn't reemploy him, so I asked what else he needed. He requested financial assistance.
“I consulted with three staff members who knew him, seeking their input on how much to give. I offered options of N5,000, N10,000, N15,000, or N20,000. The oldest staff member, a female, suggested giving him N20,000, citing my previous mention of that amount.
“I agreed but tried to transfer the funds, which was unsuccessful due to network issues. We resorted to using a POS machine, and I instructed Nicholas to write a receipt for the N20,000. However, the total amount paid was N20,400 due to transaction fees. He left with the money on August 16, 2024.
“Last Friday, Nicholas messaged me that he had found a job, and I congratulated him. However, he then asked for money for transportation, despite having received N20,000 from me just days prior.
“He claimed he owed many people and needed to pay them. I offered to send him N5,000, but the network connection failed. He continuously called me on Sunday morning, demanding payment, which angered me. I told him not to call me again.
“Despite my anger, I tried to transfer N5,000 to him using office WiFi, but the bad network connection prevented it. Later that day, someone called me, cursing their enemies, and I responded with ‘back to sender in Jesus' name.
“Then, a person messaged me, claiming to know me and saying they didn't like what they were hearing about me on social media. They sent me screenshots of posts from a 31-year-old Yoruba lady who was blackmailing me without contacting me first. She claimed I had imprisoned Nicholas due to my alleged connection to the IGP, which is false.”
Nicholas Reacts
Reacting to the allegation of theft, being an ex-convict, and wanting to return to working for Pesther Studio levelled against him by his boss, Nicholas, while speaking with THISDAY, denied it all.
According to him, “May God forbid it that I ever think of such. I am a highly skilled photographer and so many people want me to work for them. What would make me think of going to work with Pesther?
“And it is not true that I stole my friend's lens and sold it to him. It's not true. Also, I've never been convicted.
NOTE: The story continue online on www. thisdaylive.com
Nicholas and Adeoye of Hope Behind Bars that secured his release
Wale Tinubu, Oando and Flawed Narratives
By Louis Achi
Democracy would lose its defining character if it foreclosed the free expression of viewpoints by its adherents - including often flawed and completely hostile narratives by forces that seek to mislead and divide. Perhaps this scenario borrows from the common saying that “all’s fair in love and war” - and now in politics.
The notion implies that any type of behaviour is acceptable if one gets what he/she wants in matters of the heart, combat and politics. And it is in the eye of this contrived storm that Jubril Adewale Tinubu, lawyer group chief executive of Oando PLC, appears to have found himself in.
What’s the ‘core controversy’? Enlisting the thread-worn strategy of impugning unblemished history, some interests which under close examination suggest political horse-traders dressed up as patriots, have taken on Wale Tinubu, and are casting aspersions on his bold entrepreneurial trajectory and game-changing acquisitions in Africa’s strategic energy sector.
Wale Tinubu’s Oando PLC is Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost indigenous energy group with a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group and on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Obviously to score what these politically motivated shadowy and not-so shadowy forces believe would be damaging points against the Oando Plc founding CEO, they resorted to attacking his familial relationship with the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is incidentally his uncle.
In these quirky attacks, they essentially push the flawed narratives that the Oando Plc CEO is being favoured in his business acquisitions by the government because the president is his uncle. President Tinubu has spent just 16 months in power while the Wale Tinubu energy sector foray is over thirty years old.
Various tropes have been enlisted to paint flawed narratives about the Wale Tinubu entrepreneurial story. His acquisition and later divestment from the downstream as well as his organisation’s buy-over of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), have generated some contrived heat.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, went as far as asking the federal government to explain why Oando Plc got an accelerated approval to buy the onshore assets of AGIP and ENI while other transactions such as the Shell/Renaissance deal and the Mobil/Seplat continue to suffer delays. He even doubled down on his allegation that Oando was being given undue and preferential treatment in the oil and gas sector to the detriment of “more competent investors.”
But the NNPC Ltd. responded to Atiku’s allegations and clarified the core issues. In a recent statement, NNPCL stated: At the time NNPC Ltd. acquired OVH in 2022, Oando (in which Mr. Wale Tinubu has equity interest), had fully divested its equity in OVH to the other partners – Vitol and Helios. Oando actually began its divestment in 2016, with Vitol and Helios coming in as equity partners, leading to the change of name from Oando to OVH. In 2019, Oando fully divested its equity interest in OVH resulting in Vitol and Helios holding 50% equity interests, respectively.
“Upon acquisition of OVH by NNPC Ltd, both NNPC Retail Ltd. and OVH effectively became subsidiaries of NNPC Ltd. However, based on professional advice and sound commercial considerations, NNPC Ltd. opted to merge NNPC Retail Limited into OVH, and thereafter retain NNPC Retail Limited as the company name post-merger.
“The first step of merging NNPC Retail Ltd. into OVH has been completed and the post-merger renaming as NNPC Retail Ltd. is ongoing. “Contrary to the false alarm raised, neither Wale Tinubu nor the President has any interest in the OVH acquisition.”
In fact, at the time of putting this piece together, the post-merger renaming had
been completed, meaning that OVH Energy Marketing Limited is now NNPC Retail Limited and this has been accepted by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The renaming was done via a special resolution dated 11 June 2024, by the board of the company.
Fogs, especially contrived ones, are easily cleared up with facts. The distortions targeted to undermine and mischaracterise Oando Plc and its founding CEO easily submit to this rule from the foregoing.
Wale Tinubu, Mofe Boyo and Jite Okoloko are three notable uncommon gladiators with sharp focus. When they founded Ocean and Oil, now Oando Oil Plc in 2001, the future looked bright. They were successful young men whose storied and sensational lives inspired their peers and made pioneer tycoons feel like they ventured into business at a very wrong time.
Let me take you down memory lane. In 2000, Ocean and Oil Holdings acquired a 30% controlling interest in Unipetrol and later increased it to 42% in 2001. Following a further acquisition of a 60% stake in Agip Nigeria Plc in 2002, Unipetrol and Agip Nigeria were merged in 2003, resulting in the formation of Oando.
Later, Wale Tinubu led the largest-ever acquisition of a quoted Nigerian company, with Unipetrol PLC’s purchase of Agip Nig
PLC, thereafter merging both. He rebranded the new group as Oando PLC, which continues to positively impact the lives of millions of Nigerians till this day.
Over the next decade, Oando subsequently built the largest indigenous integrated energy company in Sub-Saharan Africa comprising Oando Marketing Limited (“OML”), one of the largest downstream petroleum marketing companies in Nigeria with over 500 retail outlets across Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo.
But of late, unquestionably out of political convenience or maybe outright malice, some political actors have been quick to accuse President Tinubu of favouring Oando which precursor entity had come into being far before Tinubu even became the governor of Lagos State.
Many can still recall the visionary Mofe Boyo alongside circumspect Jite Okoloko who helped Wale Tinubu birth what has today become the energy sector behemoth to beat. These three musketeers became the poster boys of the privatization programme then.
These were the three bold entrepreneurs that with Ocean and Oil acquired UniPetrol, a key downstream company in one of the first major privatization programmes. Incidentally, then Vice President Abubakar Atiku was the chairman of the privatisation council as well as the head of the National Economic Council (NEC) then.
Along the line, the trio went further to invest significantly and grew Ocean and Oil, eventually merging Unipetrol and Agip. naming the resulting entity Oando. Their appetite for new investment is boundless. After some years, they acquired Conoco Phillips.
Tinubu was not the president when they were doing all these investments. He wasn’t president when, from Ocean and Oil, they acquired UniPetrol. He wasn’t president when they acquired Agip downstream. Tinubu wasn’t president when they acquired Conoco Phillips.
Tinubu had not even become the president when they made a bid in an international transaction and acquired a major IOC. He wasn’t president when that deal and negotiations were consummated.
Today, fortunately or unfortunately, Tinubu, the uncle to Wale Tinubu became president. Now, all these entrepreneurial positives are being attributed to someone who became president just 16 months ago!
Their acquisition of Conoco Phillips almost brought them to their knees because of the long delays in getting approvals. They have been in this strategic sector for over three decades. These businessmen have a great track record of doing big ticket transactions. With their track record, they can only expand; continue to grow and grow.
The dirt being thrown at the company and Wale Tinubu is clearly politically motivated. Oando is actually the Nigerian equivalent of an IOC.
But there is a backstory to the GCEO of Oando, Wale Tinubu’s storied business trajectory. He is an astute business leader, and a visionary with a track record of having raised over $4billion from international financiers for various growth, acquisitions, and development projects. He sits on the board of various companies. In 1993, he co-founded Ocean & Oil Group, leading its growth from an oil trading and shipping company to a fully diversified Oil & Gas Company.
In August 2024, 10 years after its purchase of ConocoPhillips Nigerian assets, under his leadership, Oando Energy Resources (OER finalized the acquisition of 100% of Eni’s shares in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd) - the Company holding a 20% stake in the NEPL/ NAOC/ Oando Joint Venture (“the JV”), for $783 million.
This transaction increases Oando’s stake in the JV from the 20% secured post 2014’s acquisition of COP’s Nigerian businesses, to a 40% stake in addition to doubling its 2P reserves (from 503.3MMboe to 996.2MMboe based on 2021 reserve estimates).
Furthermore, it expands Oando’s exploratory asset portfolio through the acquisition of a 90% interest in OPL 282 and 48% interest in OPL 135, increases the company’s ownership stake across the JV’s infrastructure, and grants the company operatorship of the JV. Tracking back, Oando’s roots date back to 1956’s Esso West Africa, an entity the federal government acquired, but under the privatization programme yielded its acquisition to Oando. But looking at the big picture, under Oando’s current leadership, the journey has been over a 30-year period, originating from the incorporation of Ocean and Oil Holdings in 1994.
Furthermore, the Company’s Upstream Operations date back to 20 years when it secured its first asset, a 42.75% interest in the marginal field, OML 56. In addition, the Company first foray into the NAOC JV was in 2014, when it acquired ConocoPhillips 20% stake in the NAOC JV and subsequently, exactly 10 years after, it has secured operatorship of the JV through the acquisition of 100% of ENI’s interest in the JV. It is noteworthy that Oando’s ConocoPhillips acquisition in 2014 was approved by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan when current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was still in the opposition.
So it’s about time they stopped recycling these tired, flawed and vicious narratives.
Wale Tinubu
The Health Ministry is resolved to set a standard and measure of harmony among health workers, writes PAUL A. OBI
BENCHMARKING A HARMONIOUS HEALTH SECTOR
tween the NMA – medical doctors and other health workers also remained a centrifugal force and source of health crises in the sector.
The Dangote Refinery is a dream come true, writes SEUN AWOGBENLE
DAWN OF A NEW ERA
In the past, Ministers of Health, who often have been dominated by medical doctors, tend to be perceived as protectionists of their turf who staked all policies against the rest of all other health workers.
Like with most sectors, in ministerial appointments, the president often headhunted professional insiders in order to smoothen situations and create a pathway for harmony where acrimony was the order of the day. In such circumstances, the bedrock of peaceful co-existence among unions in such a sector
“The labour movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress”
Martin Luther King II
For many decades down the road, the Nigerian health sector has been plagued by the highest forms of discord, dispute and acrimony. So much so that, the negotiating power of the unions and the Nigerian state has been weakened from both ends. From the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) among others, the propensity to down tools, combat the federal government, inject agony on patients and healthcare seekers and wreck of unionism and social movement within the Nigerian health sector.
With this trajectory, minister after minister, year after year, union after union in the health sector have all taken turns to either press home their workers’ demands or confront union leaders with the intention to blacklist the government, make untenable demands or put the administration in its place. Added to that, the back and forth between the unions and government on welfare and working conditions regrettably seems to be the most challenging aspect of the acrimonious relationship labour unions in the health sector and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare have had to confront over the years. Another eyesore associated with some of these pecases of government reneging on agreements with the unions, including the strenuous issue of upgrading healthcare facilities across the country.
es the Nigerian health faces and the highest triggers that often propel union leaders in the health sector to down their tools include Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS); implementation of new retirement age of 60 to 65, and 70 age for senior consultant; there is also the palaver of withheld salaries of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Azare and Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Beyond these, the supremacy battles be-
political appointee and his/her capacity to navigate the murky waters of sectoral politics without partisanship and prejudice. A evolved from ministerial and administrative heads of a strategic ministry and sector like health able to overcome the complexities
and administrative guardrails. This, invariably has become the order of the day with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate following his resolve to benchmark sectoral harmony among health workers in the ministry and beyond.
But in one of the ministry’s strategic summits in Abuja, Pate laid it bare regarding the paths in which the government and health workers were destined to follow within the Renewed Hope agenda for the health sector. According to Pate, “the issue with the health workers going on strike is an issue dating back so many years ago. This is linked to trust as we have met with four health workers’ associations and all their demands were very constructive,” the Coordinating Minister further explained that “we need to build trust among various actors and there are the process of being resolved. Some of these issues have been resolved,” he added. Granted, some of those issues dwelt more on wages and salaries, mostly domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. Still, some of those challenges need to be resolved at the ministerial level without the trouble associated with health workers striking and downing their tools.
Recently, at a parley between the minister and the NMA, the onerous task of creating the harmony bubble within the sector came at the forefront between Pate and the association led by the NMA President, Prof Bala Muhammed Audu. Throwing light on the turn of a new leave in the ministry, Pate assured the NMA and other health workers about the deep commitment to advancing healthcareronment for the Nigerian health workforce.
“We understand the challenges that remain and are focused on improving the quality of healthcare services for Nigerians,” he said.
“We appreciate all health workers who are striving despite the obvious challenges we are facing as a country. However, the challenges are not insurmountable, as long as we keep the interest of Nigerians at heart and approach each other constructively,” the minister stated.
Obi is a lecturer, journalist and researcher based in Abuja
From whatever angle you choose to look at it, the eventual production of petrol by the Dangote Refinery is a big and rare moment of pride for Nigeria. After an initial setback, petrol from the refinery is finally available to the Nigerian market, with enough to export to other West African markets and parts of Europe.
For the first time in 28 years, Nigeria can once again refine its own petrol, meet its local demand, and beat the resource curse that has beset the country for several years. Resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, describes the failure of resource-rich countries like Nigeria to fully harness their resource wealth.
Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually importing refined petroleum products, accounting for approximately 40 percent of total import and foreign exchange demand. These imports exert significant pressure on its limited foreign exchange earnings and foreign reserves, leading mostly to a negative balance of payment, weaker currency, and an economy that is flat out on its face.
It is hard to explain why Nigeria, despite being the largest oil producer in Africa, is unable to refine its own crude. According to the comparative advantage theory that guides global trade, when countries specialise in goods with the lowest opportunity cost, it leads to productivity and economies of scale—in simple terms, relatively expensive goods are traded for while relatively cheaper goods are produced. With Nigeria’s advantage in crude oil production, it makes sense for the country to refine its own crude for local consumption and export.
With the Dangote refinery now fully on stream, Nigeria can finally ease pressure on its foreign exchange earnings, boost exports, and grow its foreign reserves. More importantly, the development provides Nigeria with a unique opportunity to end the ruinous petrol subsidy that has put a major strain on its public finances. In 2023, Nigeria spent N5.10 trillion ($8b) on petrol subsidies; this is estimated at about 2.2% of its GDP. In the same year, Nigeria recorded a budget deficit of N13.5 trillion with a total revenue of about N5.99 trillion. The only inference possible is that Nigeria may have used all its earnings in 2023 on fuel subsidies and borrowed to service debts and meet recurrent and capital expenditures. This is a fiscal mess that cannot be allowed to continue.
Another key issue is how the volume of petrol that is consumed by the country has remained largely contentious. The country’s daily average consumption has remained a big question—while some suggest it is in the region
of 50 million litres a day, others have argued that this is impossible and that the country could not consume more than 30 million litres a day, with good argument. One of the positives about the Dangote Refinery is that it can help Nigeria track its actual daily petrol consumption and force transparency in the oil sector. The era of opacity in the oil sector is potentially over.
Since the mid-80s, perennial fuel queues, as a result of supply disruption, have become a familiar scene in Nigeria, that it no longer commands any sense of shame at the highest level of government. The Dangote refinery provides an opportunity for Nigeria to end the fuel queues at once, achieve energy security, and eliminate its overdependence on petrol imports. Energy is an important requirement for productivity and competitiveness. With energy security, Nigeria can finally make a major leap towards industrialisation and galvanise other critical sectors of the economy.
The question, however, remains whether or not this milestone can also lead to lower petrol prices for Nigerians. I have argued severally that lower prices were never a part of the Dangote Refinery promise, and everyone who follows the economics of crude oil would know this. Crude oil is a dollar-denominated business globally; low petrol prices in the real sense are not down to Dangote refinery. It is down simply to the international price of crude and the value of the naira. A stronger local currency and a decline in the global price of crude will lead to a proportional decrease in the pump price of petrol.
However, competition provides an opportunity to drive down prices, even if marginal. If the government can find the courage to get the full deregulation of the oil sector over the line, it is likely to attract new players and investors that can bolster competition in the sector.
The Dangote refinery is a testament to Nigeria’s enduring progress as a nation and evidence of how private enterprise and investment can champion growth. Without any doubt, this is the beginning of a generational shift and the dawn of economic transformation.
Awogbenle, a Development and Public Policy Professional, writes from the United Kingdom. He can be reached via seunawogbenle@gmail.com.
Editor,
Editorial Page PETER
ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE NEGLECT OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES
All stakeholders should invest more in libraries
While education is described as the result of acquired knowledge and the accumulation of observations and experiences, a library serves as both the protector and storehouse of that knowledge and experience. But it is a neglected sector in the country. At the 2024 conference of the national libraries with state librarians in Bauchi State, the Nigeria Libraries Association (NLA) chairman, Vincent Giwa Franklin lamented this neglect. “Most of our public libraries don’t have modern equipment and facilities” while others are left with “outdated reading resources, books and journals.” But more concerning, according to Franklin, is that librarians are not treated like other professionals in the public service, even when they work extra hours, including at weekends.
Since literacy refers to the ability to read, write, and comprehend information, it goes without saying that there is hardly meaningful education without functional libraries. In Nigeria, however, the education sector has long been without functional public libraries since existing ones are no better than the “national archives” they have derogatorily been purpose, with an unconducive environment, old furwhich were published in the 60s and 70s and which
have combined to kill public libraries. It is therefore no surprise that the reading culture has been on the decline, as students prefer the short cut route to success while those who are ready to study get discouraged by the paucity of books in libraries. Indeed, a library not only meets the information needs of individuals, but it also creates and further develops the civic sense and habits of citizens in the constructive use of their leisure time. A library also enables students to educate themselves continuous-
Most of our public libraries don’t have modern equipment and facilities while others are left with outdated reading resources, books and journals
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
as a result of power outage and poor/faulty cooling systems.
In the past, students used to spend more time in the libraries after school because of the availability of textbooks and other reference materials, which help them to prepare for examinations and for self-development. But today, inadequate funding, poor management, government’s insensitivity, lack of public-private partnership and appointment of non-librarians as board members of library concerns,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Letters to the Editor
Regrettably, the advent of social media has also affected the reading culture as a result of misplaced priorities by students who spend a better part of their time on the internet either chatting, playing games or watching movies, rather than taking advantage of the vast instructional materials available online for self-development. The evidence of all this is the mass failure in all our examinations, from Senior School
This poses a problem in Nigerian tertiary institutions, as our institutions of higher learning continue to churn out graduates that are best described as unemployable. The onus is now on government and other stakeholders to overhaul public libraries to prevent their total collapse and curb poor academic performance occasioned by poor reading culture. Public libraries should be stocked with up-to-date volumes of relevant books; and in collaboration with professional associations, government at all levels should set up virtual libraries in all local government areas across the country. Individuals, corporate organisations, educational foundations that operate private libraries, build libraries in communities or donate books to schools’ libraries should be encouraged to do more so that collectively, the country can develop libraries with up-to-date facilities so as to address the problem of mass failure and declining reading culture among the populace.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
TUNDE RAHMAN IS FIT FOR PURPOSE
It’s already in the public domain that Chief Ajuri Ngelale has Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President to attend to his health.
Without doubt, the Bayelsa-born former Special Adviser has This writer therefore wish him success as he opens a new chapter in his career.
Meanwhile, it’s important to emphasize that Ngelale vacat-served a lacuna in the federal government information management system.
Truth must be told, President Tinubu has done exceedingly well in his transformation agenda, taking bold, courageous and patriotic decisions, with a view to ensuring that various reforms bring prosperity and development to all the facets of the economy, education, and health.
Against all odds, the president has been unwavering in ensuring that these reforms better the lot of Nigerians in terms of their well-being and welfare. But, while the reforms are physically there for Nigerians and international community to see, vibrant
dination of the information apparatus have not been there.
For months opposition groups’ propagandists have capitalized on the obvious gaps in federal authority information system to continually feed Nigerians with falsehood, lies and propaganda, capable of inciting the citizenry against the government.
It’s also instructive that since the president got inaugurated in May 2023, it’s quite obvious that the media have not been robustly connected with the government the way it should be, especial-
of media personalities across the country is not unconnected with the fact that they are of the view that ‘their own man’ that they could conveniently relate and confer with is not at the corridor of power.
Meanwhile, the president and the federal authority need the policies and programs to the generality of Nigerians, and permanently silence the propagandists.
This is why this writer is making special case for Tunde Rahman, to be appointed as new Special Adviser, Media and Public-
ity to the president.
There exists no iota of doubt that Rahman is eminently quali-
dent’s public communications, having served brilliantly well at top-echelon in some of the prominent Newspapers in Nigeria, with particular references to Daily Times where he rose to the
like Rahman with extensive experience as a top journalist, as well as tremendous network within the media industry to navigate and key industry players are very important and key for success in this role.
Kola Amzat, FCA, FCIB, Lagos
ITU Calls for Stronger Action to Strengthen
Efforts of Countries Driving Global Cybersecurity
Okonji
Countries around the globe are improving on their cybersecurity efforts in providing a safe and secure digital future for all, but stronger actions are needed to meet evolving cyber threats, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, released recently by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
According to the report, on average, countries have taken more cybersecurity-related actions and improved their cybersecurity commitments since the last index was released in 2021.
Worrisome threats highlighted in the current report include ransomware attacks targeting government services and other sectors, cyber breaches affecting core industries, costly system
Emma Okonji
Tackling systemic barriers towards the participation of young women in Africa’s workforce will drive an estimated $287 billion to its economy by 2030, boosting GDP by 5 per cent, according to a new report commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation.
Conducted in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, the study reinforces the crucial role of women’s economic empowerment in driving the continent into a new era of transformational growth.
The report tagged, “Young Women in Africa: Agents of Economic Growth and Transformation By 2030 - Mastercard Foundation,”
outages, and breaches of privacy for individuals and organisations.
Analysing the report, ITU Secretary-General, Doreen BogdanMartin, said: “Building trust in the digital world is paramount. The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely manage cyber threats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.”
ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI 2024) assesses national efforts across five pillars, representing country-level cybersecurity commitments: legal, technical, organisational, capacity development, and cooperation.
GCI 2024 also uses a new five-tier analysis, a shift that allows a greater focus on each country’s advances with cybersecurity commitments
outlines a series of immediate, actionable solutions for government, private sector, and civil society to reverse the steep decline of young women’s contribution to Africa’s GDP from 18 per cent in 2000 to just 11 percent in 2022.
According to the report, the most pivotal areas to tackle include care burdens that restrict women’s access to the labour market, poor education completion rates, the need to bolster competitive skills in key sectors and adopt gender-inclusive employment policies, and lack of access to financial services.
The report notes that effective private sector-led approaches and government-funded models focused on expanding childcare
and resulting impacts.
The report places 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest of the five tiers, reserved for ‘role modelling’ countries that demonstrate a strong commitment in all five cybersecurity pillars.
Most countries are either establishing Tier 3 or evolving Tier 4 in terms of cybersecurity. The 105 countries in these tiers have largely expanded digital services and connectivity but still need to integrate cybersecurity measures, the report said. It added that a cyber capacity gap characterised by limitations in skills, staffing, equipment and funding, was evident in many countries and across all regional groups.
Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, said: “The Global
centres and employer-provided childcare can alleviate the burden of care on young women and create over 11 million jobs by 2030. With agriculture, education, food and accommodation, trade, wholesale, and retail sectors among Africa’s highest employers of young women, the Foundation advocates for the roll out of apprenticeships and boot camps to accelerate women’s participation in these high-growth areas. The ICT sector is also identified as a leading industry to catalyze substantial productivity, boasting a higher rate of remuneration for women compared to men in Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda.
The study spotlights Namibia as a key model for other African
Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows significant improvements by countries that are implementing essential legal measures, plans, capacity building initiatives, and cooperation frameworks especially in strengthening incident response capabilities. ITU’s cybersecurity projects and programmes are supporting those national efforts to more effectively manage cyber threats, and I hope that the progress demonstrated by the latest index encourages countries to do more in developing secure and trustworthy digital systems and networks.”
According to GCI 2024, the Africa region has advanced the most on cybersecurity since 2021. All world regions show improvement since the last report.
The world’s least developed countries (LDCs) have also started making gains, though
nations to follow in prioritizing the economic benefits of gender equality, having increased women’s economic participation from 40 per cent to 42 per cent in just five years. Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda have the potential to achieve the fastest growth should they replicate Namibia’s strategy, the report advised.
Speaking on the launch of the report, Director, Gender Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, Marieme Esther Dassanou, said: “Empowering young women in Africa is both an economic imperative and a transformative opportunity for the continent. By addressing
they still need support to advance further and faster. GCI 2024 data shows that the average LDC has now reached the same level of cybersecurity status that many of the non-LDC developing countries had in 2021.
Land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) continue to face resource and capacity constraints on cybersecurity efforts, the report said.
Other key findings of the report shows that 177 countries of the world have at least, one regulation on either personal data protection, privacy protection, or breach notification in force or in progress, while 139 countries have active Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) with various levels of sophistication, up from 109 in the 2021 index.
systemic barriers, enhancing skills, and fostering gender-inclusive policies, we can unlock $287 billion in additional GDP by 2030. We need to create environments where women can succeed as employees and entrepreneurs, ensuring Africa’s growth will be inclusive, sustainable, and driven by the full potential of its young women’s population.”
Women’s unemployment rates have historically been higher than those of men, a disparity further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 26 per cent of girls complete secondary school, and the high burden of unpaid care work keeps 35-to-40 per cent of women out of the workforce. Furthermore, financial inclusion
National Cybersecurity Strategies (NCS) are becoming more prevalent, as 132 countries have NCS Strategy as of 2024, up from 107 in the 2021 index, while 152 countries have conducted cyber awareness initiatives targeting the general population, with some also targeting specific demographics such as vulnerable and underrepresented populations, to create a culture of cybersecurity and address potential risks. Governments are promoting the cybersecurity industry through incentives, grants, and scholarships, aiming to enhance cybersecurity skills and foster research in the field, with 127 countries reporting some form of cybersecurity-related research and development, the report findings further revealed.
remains a significant challenge, with 63 per cent of African women being unbanked compared to 52 per cent of men, the report added. The Foundation also plans to expand successful programmes aimed at transforming the educational landscape for women and girls. Over the next seven years, the Foundation plans to scale its long-standing partnerships with Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) with $360 million to support more than 70,400 young women and girls in completing their education journeys, starting their own businesses, or accessing employment opportunities.
Emma
Durodola: ID Holder’s Consent Imperative in Identity Management
Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of UrbanID Global, Mr. Olatunji Durodola, speaks to Emma Okonji on a range of digital identity technology matters, at a time when the world is grappling with how to solve data privacy and identity management issue, emanating from cybercrime and identity theft, but gives thumbs up to Nigeria for being ahead in the fight. Excerpts:
UrbanID is synonymous with the digital identity ecosystem for a long time. What has been your involvement in the ID system industry?
Nigeria has had a lot of issues over the years with identity. In the early 2000’s I became involved in the overhaul of the Identity systems for a large estate in Lagos. I cut my chops in Identity Management during that period.
In 2012, I was fortunate to have been headhunted to attend to some issues in Abuja, and that led me to raise my hand and offer to serve as Systems Integrator and Technical Consultant at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). A three-month contract eventually turned to 10 years. I have also been consulting for a few companies in Europe, advising and giving keynotes on the state of affairs in the Global South.
You were called ‘Linux Prophet’ by a leading technology magazine back in the early 2000s. What is your story in the Open Source tech sector?
I have always had an interest and passion about taking on big players. Microsoft, Oracle, Novell – having to pay top dollar for licensing for productivity. I made a decision one day “anything one can do in Windows, if it can’t be done in Linux, then it’s not worth doing”. So, since 1999, I have been a passionate Linux advocate. Since August 2001, I have not used any Microsoft, Oracle or other proprietary product; yet my productivity and solutions provisions have only increased – decade to decade.
As a leading professional in the digital identity ecosystem, considering the recent experiences of reported data breach in Nigeria’s national identity sector, how could Nigeria have averted such breaches?
There needs to be a more serious approach to identity management. Whilst every company is set up to turn a profit and carry out business, relaxing restrictions so that companies can make money is a classic recipe for trouble.
Each and every verification carried out on a person’s identity, needs to be known, from the natural person carrying out the transaction to the
company for whom that natural person is acting on their behalf, all the way to ensuring that the ID holder is kept in the loop at all times. My identity is mine– not the government. So I reserve the right to know how my identity is utilised, by whom, when and where. If I wish to transfer money to another person, even if it is in two equal tranches, I need to authorise the transaction twice. Where companies are not constrained from doing ‘store and forward’, whereby they keep illegal copies of a legal request for data, it opens up vulnerabilities for such issues. Plenty can be done, if we have the will to make it happen.
In view of trust and reliability issues that arose when individual data could be accessed with the authorisation of the data owner, what is the impact of data breach on a nation’s security?
Many past systems had been designed with a concept of licensing verification entities (relying parties) that are issued access rights to personal information. Some of these parties then build their own Application Programming Interface (API) infrastructure, without the knowledge of the ID holder, and data is then transmitted, sometimes with little or no encryption.
In the era of Data Privacy focus designs, it has become imperative to seek and obtain the consent of the ID holder, each and every time. The National Identification Number (NIN) is a static number; which means that if the NIN is what is used to fetch information, then the ID holder’s input or consent becomes redundant and goes against the positive global trend for enhancing data privacy.
How would you rate Nigeria’s National Identity Database vis-à-vis data security and protection issues, given recent events in the country?
Surprisingly, a lot has been done in a short space of time. Nigeria is actually in the forefront of enhancing Consent and Data Privacy. We just need to tidy up a few loose ends. We are currently, believe it or not, the envy of a few ‘developed’ economies, who wonder how Nigeria could have come up with a system
that puts the NIN holder first. We just need to fine-tune some issues, and we will establish great relevance in the world of identity management and user consent.
How secure is the Nigeria digital identity database given the issues of ID authentication, consent management and verification?
That is a question really for the government to answer. Any response I give may not be a fair one.
UrbanID is involved in ID systems globally, but with key concerns for developing economies like Nigeria. What is UrbanID’s focus on getting Nigeria to be topmost in data privacy as a benchmark for other nations?
It’s about time Nigeria takes the lead on a few positive things, especially in technology. What we have been privileged to have helped Nigeria accomplish, including Africa’s first MobileID ecosystem: last count 23 million users as well as one of the most advanced User Consent Systems based on privacy by design and zero-knowledge proof technologies, with a healthy dose of public key cryptography.
There is so much more work to be done, to get our functional IDs to work seamlessly with the foundational one, ensure strict one-person, one-identity compliance, and more. Are we there yet? No. Is Nigeria on the path? Absolutely. Let’s not relent or roll back.
Your company has a passion for digitalisation as a key feature for getting governments to optimise service delivery, accountability and transparency. What is your target for getting Nigeria to key into this goal?
Good question. The first thing governments need to do, is focus on treating citizens/legal residents as customers whose needs come first. No environment or country is perfect – there are always flaws and issues. But where we take customer service delivery as paramount, and self last, a government will be so highly praised, that even where it has flaws, they will be overlooked.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
Making Africa Technology Hub
Raheem Akingbolu writes on how Cavista Holdings is living up to its promise to groom more software engineers in Africa and impact the continent’s economy with technology
The giant strides being made by Cavista Technologies and its parent company, Axxess, in the far away United States of America, which are now being extended to Africa, Nigeria and Bostwana to be precise, are set to position technology as a business enabler on the continent.
It is therefore not surprising when African leaders and technology experts last week, in faraway Bostwana agreed that the future of the continent lies in technology.
The leaders, including the President of Bostwana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and Founder/CEO, Axxess and Chairman Cavista Holdings, Mr. John Olajide, who converged on the Central Business District, Gaborone for the inauguration of the Cavista technologies’ office also advised leaders across Africa to re-intensify their efforts at grooming more technological savvy youths that would key into the global demand for software and technical services.
Cavista Technology is a global leader in software engineering and development, with a dynamic team of engineers, software developers, and industry experts who provide innovative software and client success solutions, powered by world-class technology.
Giving a keynote address at the event, President Masisi said the occasion saw the realisation of a vision borne out of the belief in the potential of Botswana as a key player in the global business landscape.
Masisi revealed that the process of luring the firm, which is renowned for innovation and excellence, started when he met Mr John Olajide, Cavista Holdings founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in July 2022 at the US-Africa Business Summit in Morocco.
“During that meeting, I extended an invitation
to Mr Olajide to consider Botswana as the next home for his rapidly growing global company, Cavista Holdings. I knew then, as I do now, that Botswana is a fertile ground for growth, with an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Our robust infrastructure, political stability, and a government that is deeply committed to economic transformation through innovation and technology make us an ideal investment destination,” Masisi said.
This set the tone for Olajide’s team to start working with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and other various stakeholders domestically, leading to the investment of Cavista Holdings, which currently has a footprint in the United States, Nigeria, the Philippines and India.
The Chairman of Cavista Holdings, which is the parent company of Cavista Technologies, John Olajide, noted, “We are in Botswana for the long haul,” adding, “Botswana’s youth represent a tremendous opportunity for us to create jobs, harnessing their technical and engineering skills to drive innovation and create value for businesses. Together, we will transform lives.”
This is as he disclosed that by the end of next year, Cavista plans to employ 100 highly skilled professionals in Botswana, collaborating with teams across the company’s global operations.
‘‘In the long term, the goal is to expand to 500 IT jobs in the country,” he said.
Olajide highlighted his commitment to Botswana, which grew out of two years of conversations with President Masisi. According to him, “Our journey here is a testament to the power of relationships built on trust.
On his part, President Masisi warmly welcomed Cavista’s entry into Botswana,
stressing its significance for the nation’s growth. “The official opening of Cavista in Botswana is not just the beginning of a new chapter for this esteemed company, but also for our own country,” he said.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who was a special guest of honour at the event, urged Government at the different levels in Africa to take deliberate action towards opening up the continent’s youth population to skill acquisition to boost the economy.
The former governor said: “In the midst of the current economic challenge, governments should endeavour to look beyond mere creation of jobs and focus on creation of skills. For instance, investment in technology that will roll out hundreds and thousands of software engineers like the Cavista operations in Nigeria, US, India and now Bostwana will help Nigeria and other parts of Africa to cater for multitude of young ones in our various communities. For instance, software engineers from Cavista office in Ilupeju, Lagos can service clients from different parts of the world and earn good money. In summary, the little job being provided by the government cannot fill the gap of unemployment in Nigeria but skills.”
In particular, the former governor referenced that the flourishing youth population in Nigeria would be a quarter of the global youth population by 2050 and urged Federal and state governments to focus more on creating an enabling environment for businesses to solve the problem of unemployment.
In an interview with THISDAY at the sideline of the inauguration, Fayemi commended the Tinubu administration for the effort being made to boost infrastructure and enhancement of broadband connectivity, pointing out that such a step would open up the market to
investors in the tech space.
The former governor said, “In the midst of the current economic challenge, governments should endeavour to look beyond mere creation of jobs and focus on creation of skills. For instance, investment in technology that will roll out hundreds and thousands of software engineers like the Cavista operations in Nigeria, US, India and now Bostwana will help Nigeria and other parts of Africa to cater for multitude of young ones in our various communities. For instance, software engineers in Lagos can be servicing clients from different parts of the world and earning good money. In summary, the little job being provided by government cannot fill the gap of unemployment in Nigeria but skills,” Fayemi urged the government to provide an enabling environment for the private sector as well as leveraging technology as the knowledge economy of the future.
“Technology is the future and the future is here. To bridge the gap, the government must invest in power energy sufficiency, stable electricity, broadband collectivity and of course security. Finally, all those processes that government regulatory authority imposed in the ways of businesses can be synergized, reduced from paper operation and reduce the time required to accelerate business opportunities,”
Earlier, President Masisi had established the fact that the decision by Cavista Holdings to expand its global footprint to Botswana was a bold vote of confidence in Bostwana’s stability, business environment, and the country’s potential to grow into a leading technology hub in Africa. Cavista’s operations here will not only mirror the successes they have achieved in other countries, but they will also be tailored to address the unique needs and aspirations of the people of Botswana,” the President said.
L–R: Former Managing Director, FirstBank, Jacob Ajekigbe; Associate Dean, Lagos Business School, Prof. Olayinka David-West; MD/ CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane; Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney; Group Head, Commercial banking, Lagos Mainland 1, FirstBank, Olufunmilayo Nwanguma; Business Manager, Public Sector (Lagos), FirstBank, Olumide Roberts and Head, Department of Strategy, L agos Business School, Prof. Wale Ajai, during the FirstBank-sponsored Lagos Business School Breakfast Meeting in Lagos… recently
NITRA: Stakeholders Give Imperatives for AI Adoption in Nigeria
Stories by Emma Okonji
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is rapidly transitioning into a knowledge-based economy with the prospects of adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is an enabler of growth, innovation, and increased productivity. This
was the focus of discussion at the 4th edition of Nigeria Information Technology Reporter’s Association (NITRA) ICT Growth Conference themed, “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies and Challenges in Nigeria,” held in Lagos. At the conference, key ICT media voices from broadcast, print and
online platforms including; Editor and Chief Operating Officer at DigiVation Network TV, Hilary Damissah; ICT Editor at Daily Independent Newspapers, Justus Adejumo; and Editor at TechEconomy, Peter Oluka, lent their thoughts to the subject matter of AI alongside other stakeholders in the sector.
Setting the tone for the conversation, while moderating the panel session, Damissah, stirred concerns about the natural anxiety people have, inclusive of Nigerians on the advent of any new disruptive technology like AI and sort to know the preparedness of the nation in terms of policy, security, and probable
MWC 2024 to Explore Role of Connectivity in Africa
GSMA MWC 2024 will return to the Kigali Convention Center from 29-31 October 2024, where Africa’s largest and most influential connectivity event, will convene innovators and political leaders from across the entire continent, geared towards driving the digital economy forward and enabling socio-economic growth.
MWC Kigali will deliver a range of keynotes and panel sessions hosted by industry thought leaders and leading enterprises, focused around the
four event themes: Connected Continent, The AI Future, FinTech, and Africa’s Digital DNA.
Recently confirmed speakers include Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar; Amini’s Founder & CEO, Kate Kallot; the GSMA’s Director General, Mats Granryd; the ITU’s Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin; Lelapa AI’s CEO and Co-founder, Pelonomi Moiloa; MTN Group’s FinTech CEO, Serigne Dioum, among others.
For the first time in Africa, the GSMA Ministerial Programme will be hosted at MWC Kigali, marking a new chapter in the commitment to advancing the digital agenda in Africa. The programme will convene the most influential telecommunications leaders from across the African continent to discuss policy and regulatory topics key to the region.
The Mobile for Development (M4D) team will once again play a central role at the event, driving
Expert Identifies Africa as Next Engine of Global Growth
Stories by Raheem Akingbolu
A project management expert, Mr. George Asamani has stated that by the end of the next decade, Africa’s population will reach 1.1 billion, becoming the largest workforce globally.
Asamani, who is the Managing Director, Project Management Institute (PMI), sub-Saharan Africa, stated this in a statement made
available to the media recently. He stated further that as the world’s most powerful economies grapple with an ageing population and shrinking workforce, the spotlight is increasingly turning to Africa, poised to become an engine of global growth with its youthful, vibrant workforce.
According to him, “The continent’s future and indeed, the world will largely be shaped
by how it equips its youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.”
Asamani, who spoke about the increasing need for certifications for remote jobs, said, “Certifications offer targeted expertise beyond the broad knowledge offered by degrees, providing practical solutions to the needs of the evolving job market.
AAAN Announces Entry Submissions for LAIF Awards
The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has announced the 19th edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival for registered AAAN organisations.
On Tuesday, the LAIF board introduced the LAIF 19th awards in Lagos and announced the inclusion of the Media Independent Practitioners Association of
Nigeria as participants for the first time.
The President of AAAN, Lanre Adisa, said the LAIF Awards were a premier platform for showcasing the best creativity in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
“LAIF celebrates ideas, and all the brands in the marketplace are the products of creative ideas. The inclusion of MIPAN this
year highlights the power of collaboration in the advertising industry,” Adisa said.
The Chairman of the LAIF Management Board, Jay Chukwuemeka, announced the theme for the 2024 LAIF Awards, ‘Staying A-LAIF,’ and stated that it reflected the industry’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, both locally and globally.
Semelas to Lead Airbus in Africa and Middle East
Agnes Ekebuike
Airbus has named Gabriel Semelas as President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, effective from 1st January 2025.
Gabriel Semelas brings more than 24 years of experience in the aeronautical industry, having held key senior executive roles. He returns to Airbus from his current position as Chief Commercial and Financial Officer at Eurofighter
Jagdflugzeug GmbH in Germany. Prior to that, he led the contracts team for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Africa and the Middle East.
In his new role, Gabriel Semelas will be responsible for overseeing Airbus’ operations across all the company’s divisions in the Africa and Middle East region, a key area for Airbus strategic development.
Executive Vice President
International at Airbus, Wouter Van Wersch, said: “Gabriel’s extensive background in the aeronautical industry, coupled with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Airbus’ operations in Africa and the Middle East. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen our presence and partnerships in this strategically important region.”
innovation in digital technology to reduce global inequalities. M4D will host the ‘Mobile for Development
socio-economic effects of navigating the dangers of AI in a developing economy.
Responding, the Chief Information Security Officer, Digital Encode, Mr Oluwakayode Olatunji, explained that while AI is evolving, Nigerians have to adopt its usage into daily activities. He stressed that AI would not take away jobs, but rather create digital jobs.
Adejumo noted the need for media to be knowledgeable about subject matters in order to always disseminate the right information. “We should have better education, that means as
the societal gatekeepers, media professionals, have to be deliberate in acquiring new trainings, build capacities and acquaint themselves more with global trends.”
Co-founder Hyperspace and NeuRal AI, Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, noted that though Nigerians may not readily possess the skills at this point in time, but however said it was a growing trend that doesn’t necessarily require a certification for its adoption, deployment, and use. “AI is a general-purpose technology. It is a piece of technology that can be used across several industries, just like the internet,” Akindeinde said.
Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to 28,153,233,000; 25,576,536,000 and 173,814,852,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN S4 WEB INTERFACE between 8.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Each bid must be in multiple of N1,000 subject to a minimum of 50,001,000. Authorized Money Market Dealers can submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, non–Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.
Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, September 26, 2024, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury Bills.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES OFFICE
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.
For further information, please contact: 07002255226 Signed: MANAGEMENT
TRIBUTE
Happy Birthday to the Philanthropist Called Okorocha
Rawlings Okorie
Sixty-two years ago on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024 in a sleepy village of Ogboko, Ideato South Local Government Area, Orlu zone, Imo State, a couple received answers to their prayers as the heavily pregnant mother gave birth to baby boy to which Mr. Okorocha Sr. with his wife’s consent christened Anayo-Chukwu (Ask of God); but in choosing that name, little did they realize that they were not just asking of God for a son to wipe away their tears alone but that of millions of others across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
One sunny afternoon, a senior colleague, elder Sam, uncharacteristically was humming a religious song as I approach him; with a smile he looked up to me and gave an unsolicited advice: “When you have given your all to whichever service that has been entrusted to your care but you were not adequately appreciated for your service, do not despair because God can bless you through one of your children.” He then regaled me with the good news behind the smile: his first son who had traveled to Canada some years ago for his postgraduate studies which did almost bankrupt him had successfully secured residence visas for two of his siblings in Nigeria to join him in Canada. Talk of answers to prayers.
Elder Sam’s story mirrors the heart desire of the Okorocha’s sixty-two years ago while the heavily pregnant wife was carrying their unborn baby. Who knew how many times Okorocha Sr. suffered from broken promises, cheated out of labors and services rendered? But he kept believing and trusting that one day God will remember him through one of his children and maybe through this one in the womb, because deep in their hearts like in every expectant family’s heart, the baby’s name had already been decided. Faith and hope were made flesh the day the baby was born and was christened – Anayo-Chukwu Rochas Okorocha.
Like every great man and child of destiny, Rochas Anayo Okorocha went through fire and the school of hardship preparatory to occupy the position destiny and fate entrusted in him in accordance with his parents’ prayers. In due time emerged Rochas Anayo Okorocha the philanthropist, God fearing man, father to orphans and widows, businessman, educationist, public Servant, champion of the masses and politician.
Typical of Rochas, he shouldered these roles and discharged them with zeal and equanimity. His smiles are infectious, he carries no air around him. Every person is a human being before him and must be given equal opportunity. His philanthropic
prowess is second to none. His love for education and the realization that education is the best way to empower a child gave birth to the Rochas Foundation which later gave birth to Rochas Foundation College of African (ROFOCA) that offers free education to over 10,000 to 20,000 students across the continent of Africa from secondary to university. Rochas College is located across the six geo-political zones of the country offering free education to kids from the underprivileged backgrounds across Nigeria and Africa. His quest for knowledge led him to pursue a degree in law up to masters’ level.
As a father and husband, he remains a role model to those whose family are dysfunctional on the excuse of being too busy to take care of the home front. A good husband begat a good wife. Her Excellency, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha remains an example of excellent motherhood amid tight commitment to public life. She is the needle that knit all parts together behind the scenes. Their children from A to Z are epitome of discipline, humility and good manners irrespective of their social class. Their down to earth attitude endears you to them on sudden realization of who they are; they mingle and treat everyone with respect least expected in our
opaque culture from kids educated at the best schools in the world such as Oxford. As a politician, his love and commitment for a Nigeria where everyone thrive irrespective of tribe and creed is open for all to see. A detribalized Nigerian who eats and dines with people from every zone of this country. He believes and practices equality of all.
The jury is still out as to whether Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha foray into politics diminished or enhanced his enviable social status, because prior to joining politics Rochas was a household name that invoke awe and philanthropy. However, Rochas understands that in civilized clime politics offers a bigger platform for service and greater empowerment to the masses hence his deep dive into the murky waters of Nigerian politics having first contested for the presidency at the age of 37.
His popular cliché, “my people, my people’’ is his way of connecting with his grassroot fans. The euphoria that greeted his election in 2011 could only be compared with that of the current performing governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti’s election in 2023. His election invoked pride in the average South Easterner after long years of maladministration and political buffoonery. The elation that greeted his election was not just felt in the South-East zone or Nigeria alone but by Diasporan Nigerians including yours sincerely who celebrated with a colleague, an Orlu indigene in our small office in South-East London.
The celebration across the globe was only a nod of approval to the good people of Imo State for making the impossible possible in democratic governance.
As the Governor of Imo State, Okorocha (HERO) didn’t disappoint his teaming supporters and the good people of Imo State. Within the first term of his administration, Imo State witnessed an economic and infrastructural transformation that could only be compared to that of the late sage and the first civilian governor of the old Imo State, Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe.
Being a developmental agent himself, he opened up Owerri for business investments through roads, housing and bridge construction; for the first time students from primary to secondary levels in the State enjoyed free education, while those at the tertiary level benefited from bursary awards. Public institutions such as schools, hospitals, markets and others were not left out of the transformation that was taking place in Imo State. Also not left out in the infrastructural development frenzy was the hospitality industry as Owerri became a beehive of business activity as modern hotels sprang up from all corners of the capital to cater to the needs of tourists and investors coming to the State to partake in the economic upswing and transformation being engineered by the new administration.
This economic transformation also led to the modernization of the Imo State Airport, Owerri. The agricultural sector was not left out of this transformation too. In the area of security, Imo State became a haven for peace and tranquility which ensured that tourism blossomed.
While these giant strides in economic activity were taking place and citizens were reveling in happiness due to the transformative leadership of HERO, critics and political opponents of the administration whose stocks had diminished sought to stoke division against the administration. Funded by well-oiled wealth, they manufactured and sold imaginary lies to the public to the point that some of those who were benefiting from the administration’s transformative drive started believing the falsehoods sold to them. Infrastructural development suddenly became a dirty phrase, bridges and flyovers were no longer seen as achievements.
Happiness and monuments which are symbols of tourism became dirty words. Posterity will surely be kind to the administration of HERO for his tenacity to give the people of Imo State a taste of good governance in the face of torrents of opposition. Unfortunately for those cynics and merchant of lies, the good people of Imo State were not deceived because till date they recognize the man who had genuine love and noble intentions to serve the people.
It is regrettable that our politics has descended to the lowest ebb that some politicians can go to any length to discredit their opponents’ positive achievements just to win an election; but what is more regrettable is when public institutions that should provide guiderails against abuse are being weaponized against opponents.
As the spirit of Okorocha Sr. looks down on us with a smile, he should be happy because his Anayo-Chukwu (ask of God) did wipe away not just his tears and disappointments but that of millions of others and surely, he will still wipe away more tears. I am not a fortune teller neither do I possess a crystal ball, but whatever happens going forward, I see a man who will be fulfilled and satisfied at the end of his sojourn here on earth because of the positive legacy he has made and is still making in the lives of real people.
Finally, as his family, friends, business and political associates across the globe celebrate this man of destiny and accomplishments, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha on his sixty-two birthdays, I join millions of fans and admirers to wish him a happy birthday filled with good health and God’s guidance as he continues to carry the burdens of the people on his shoulders.
Rawlings U. Okorie, a Sales and Marketing Consultant lives in Abuja.
New UNAIDS Report Says Debt Crisis Choking Healthcare Funding in Africa
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Growing public debt is choking
sub-Saharan African countries, leaving them with little fiscal room to finance health and critical HIV services, a new report by the Joint
United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) has said.
The report noted that that the debt crisis was putting in jeopardy progress made towards ending AIDS on the continent.
It added that sub-Saharan Africa
accounts for the largest number of people living with HIV, with more than 25.9 million people of the 39.9 million living with HIV globally.
The region’s success in having reduced new HIV infections by 56 per cent since 2010 , it stressed, will
not be sustained if the fiscal space is constrained.
The report, released ahead of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, showed that the combination of growing public debt payments and
Makinde Upbeat Upgraded Ibadan Airport Will Attract Investments
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrading of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan to international standard, noting that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
The governor maintained that the upgraded airport would also improve the ease of doing business, bring in investments in agribusiness, manufacturing, and technology sectors and position Ibadan as a true regional business hub.
Makinde, according to a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made this remark at the airport in Alakia, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the facility to an international airport.
He noted that the project was awarded to Messrs Craneburg at the cost of N41 billion.
He promised to do everything possible to ensure that the project was delivered in the next 12 months.
This was as the governor assured residents of the state that the Presumptive Tax Law recently passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly would not be implemented at this time due to the general hardship facing the people, stating that his government would only fight poverty and not poor people.
He said: “We took an important decision yesterday at the Executive Council Meeting. We know times are hard and Nigerians are hungry and angry. But I hope this will not boil over. But in Oyo State, we have control over what we can do here.
“I can see that the House has
passed the Presumptive Tax Bill. Yes, it came from us because if we need to expand the economy, we need to generate money. I will sign it into law but we will not implement it for now.”
He said his administration would only promote policies that would leave money in the pockets of the people of Oyo State so that they could spend same on areas important to them.
While stressing that his government would not do anything to deliberately hurt the people, Makinde said the government had paid due compensation to land owners in Ajia, who lost their property to the new Air Force Base being constructed in the area.
According to the governor, the decision to upgrade the airport was taken based on data and logic, adding that it is a strategic investment that includes a first and second phase that
will culminate into the upgrading of the airport, the runway, airfield lighting, terminal and other critical facilities.
He said: “Let me specially thank the members of the committee, who worked on the project in the last six weeks to make it possible for the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place today.
“Some people do not think that upgrading this airport at this time is a good idea, but the decision to upgrade this airport to international standard is based on data and logic. In the next twelve months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope.
“This airport will connect Oyo State to a global market. It will improve ease of doing business, bringing investments into agribusiness, manufacturing and technology sectors and positioning Ibadan as a true regional business hub.”
spending cuts set out in International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreements in the next three to five years will, if unaddressed, will leave countries dangerously under-resourced to fund their HIV responses.
The UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said: “When countries cannot effectively look after the healthcare needs of their people because of debt payments, global health security is put at risk.
“Public debt needs to be urgently reduced and domestic resource mobilisation strengthened to enable the fiscal space to fully fund the global HIV response and end AIDS.”
The report said debt servicing now exceeds 50 per cent of government revenues in Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia, adding that even after debt relief measures, Zambia will still be paying two-thirds of its budget on debt servicing between 2024 and 2026.
It said there had been a noted decline in HIV response spending since 2017 in Western and Central Africa, from 0.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017 to just 0.12 per cent in 2022.
It said Western and Central Africa will need to mobilise $ 4.18 billion to fully fund the HIV response in 2024. This it said will climb to $ 7.9 billion by 2030 unless efforts
are scaled up today to stop new HIV infections. While $20.8 billion was available for the HIV response in 2022 in low and middle-income countries through both domestic and international sources, this funding was not enough to sufficiently finance the HIV response. Western and Central Africa for example had a funding shortfall of 32 per cent in 2022. In 2024 alone, Eastern and Southern Africa will need to mobilise almost $12 billion to fully fund the HIV response. This amount will climb to around $17 billion by 2030 unless new HIV infections are reduced.
It said to enable increased domestic resource mobilisation for countries to respond effectively to their pandemics, sub-Saharan African countries will need to strengthen their tax systems.
It added that this will include closing tax exemptions which currently cost countries an average of 2.6 per cent of GDP in lost revenue across the region.
According to the organisation, donors need also to scale up financial assistance for health and the HIV response between now and 2030, while creditors should offer debt relief to heavily indebted countries to ease the burden.
Okorocha
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 17 September-2024, unless otherwise stated.
Mills: Nigeria’s Future in Emerging Technologies is Bright
Funke Olaode
The United States envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills has praised Nigeria’s impact as a technology hub in the continent and promised that his country will support the country in emerging technologies.
The diplomat made this remark at a reception organised by the U.S. Consulate-General in honor of him in Lagos.
At the event, Mills had an interface with notable figures from Nigeria’s government, business, and cultural sectors, chatting an insightful conversations aimed at strengthening collaboration and mutual growth between the United States and Nigeria.
Recognising Nigeria’s future in the tech and Artificial intelligence spaces, the United States has pledged to bring in emerging technologies to support the country.
He added that the technologies will be applied to
the creative industries, art, film, music and literature.
“I don’t need to tell you that Nigeria, the largest economy on the continent, the largest democracy and anchor state for the future of this continent is an important partner and the United States. US wants Nigeria to have a bigger role and a bigger voice in world affairs, because we share the same values, we see the world in many of the same ways. So I’m very happy to be here at the instructions of the Secretary of State and President Biden to help encourage Nigeria to step up and speak loudly and speak frankly to us,” Mills stated.
He noted that the bonds between the two countries are not just government to government, but a deep one.
He said, “The connections between the Nigerian and the American people are deep and they’re str ong.
I’m very proud that every year over 17,000 Nigerian students choose to study in U.S. colleges and U.S.
universities. And on any given year, there are over 400 Nigerians participating in U.S. government exchange and fellowship programs.
“The connections that these Nigerian students and these Nigerian fellows forge with American higher education institutions, with American businesses, really feel lifelong collaboration between our people. As ambassador, I am committed to strengthening our collaboration in areas old and in these new areas.”
Among others, the ambassador admires Nigeria for its culture, warm, welcoming, outgoing people with immense potential.
The evening attracted many dignitaries such as, Commissioner of police Lagos State, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Lagos State Speaker, Hon. Obasa, wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, Banking magnate, Atedo Peterside, Er elu Abiola Dosunmu, Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori among others.
Infinity MFB Secures Long-term Rating from DataPro
Nume
Ekeghe
Infinity Microfinance Bank
Nigeria Limited has received an A- long-term rating from DataPro, one of Nigeria’s foremost compliance, corporate governance, and fraud risk management consulting firms.
The bank in a statement noted that this new rating represents an upgrade from its previous BBB+ rating, indicating improved financial stability and operational performance. The bank also received a stable outlook, signaling positive expectations for its future.
DataPro’s assessment was
based on a comprehensive review of both qualitative and quantitative factors, including industry dynamics and market intelligence. The quantitative analysis was derived from the bank’s audited financial statements and management accounts.
The A- rating reflects Infinity Microfinance Bank’s strong performance in several critical areas such as capital adequacy, profitability, liquidity, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. DataPro also highlighted the bank’s ability to sustain its healthy financial profile over the medium to long term.
“This rating upgrade
is a testament to Infinity Microfinance Bank’s continued commitment to sound financial practices, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s microfinance sector,” DataPro noted.
MD/CEO, Infinity Microfinance Bank, Gabriel Oludotun Adewunmi, said:
“Our improved rating from the previous BBB to A- is supported by the bank’s very good liquidity position, good profitability, steady growth, strong ability to meet our obligations and good asset quality being accomplished by competent management team and well focused board over the years.”
Orode Educates SMEs Owners on Entrepreneurial Skills
In a bold and ambitious move to redefine the future of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), both in Africa & Europe, a renowned business growth and management expert, Jennifer Orode, has proffered valuable advice to small and medium scale business owners on how to successfully navigate the challenging business ecosystem, economic landscape, and grow their businesses.
Speaking at the virtual launching of Business Xcellerate Summit, tagged
“The Blueprint’’, Jennifer, a member of the Forbes Business Council said the aim is to address the fears of business owners, push the boundaries of innovation, guiding SMEs across and beyond Africa into furthering ahead in their entrepreneurial journey, exploring new, uncharted territories and staying entrepreneurial.
She educated participants on the importance of having entrepreneurial mindset, which she said is a crucial element for thriving in today’s business world.
Jennifer, who doubled
as the CEO of Ingenium Concepts Ltd, a startup advisory and management consulting firm, a firm on a mission to being the force for SMEs transformation, further provided participants with useful insights into a solid foundation for the journey ahead, emphasizing the importance of mental preparedness in steering through the business landscape.
The two-day event was also facilitated by a rare combination of industry professionals, each bringing expertise in leadership during uncertainty, marketing and sales, modern technology utilization, and entrepreneurial mindset.
Also, Kameel E. Gaines (USA), a trucking industry leader and advocate, with over two decades of experience in recruitment and sales, Kameel provided practical advice on leveraging data and technology for marketing success.
Similarly, Sidharth Ramsinghaney(USA & Asia) Twilio’s Director of Strategy & Operations, with over 15 years of experience
across major companies like McKinsey & Company and Deloitte Consulting, Sidharth emphasized the importance of adaptive leadership and bold innovation.
The Convener, Jennifer Orode is a sought-after powerhouse in SME growth and branding for excellence. With a rich, two-decade career spanning strategic development, customer relationship management, and innovative business coaching, she’s redefining the standards of business excellence across Africa.
Speaking at the end of the summit, Sidharth Ramsinghaney, Director of Strategy & Operations at Twilio said, “For me, the summit was a testament of the power of collaboration, and collective drive towards excellence. And it was an honor to be part of such a transformative experience. I personally received numerous questions post-speech and It was clear that the participants are not just looking for ideas but are ready to take actionable steps to innovate and lead in their respective businesses.”
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),
(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Council Member, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Garba Kurfi; 1st Vice President, Fiona Ahimie; Chairman, Interim Executives, Lagos Island District Society, CIS, Hakeem Otiti; 13th President and Chairman, Governing Council, (CIS), Oluropo Dada; Council Member, CIS, Temitope Adeosun; and the Registrar and Chief Executive, (CIS), Dr Josiah Akerewusi, at inauguration of the Lagos Island District Society of CIS in Lagos...recently
Sterling HoldCo Finalise $50m Capital Raising Exercise on CBN Directive
Kayode Tokede
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has taken a major step toward meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirements for its subsidiaries with the infusion of $50 million of fresh capital in a single decisive move.
This capital injection of approximately N75 billion was achieved through a private placement from a consortium of domestic investors and ultra-high-networth groups
in Lagos last week and is in the final stages of approvals by the regulators.
Speaking at the signing ceremony for the placement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Yemi Odubiyi, said that this capital raise signifies the market’s confidence in the vision and potential of the enterprise.
According to Odubiyi, “The investors’ decision to entrust Sterling HoldCo with their hard-earned capital is built on
our ability to challenge the norm in Nigeria’s financial services sector. Our investors recognize that beyond the profits declared,and dividend payouts, we are an enterprise that has consistently demonstrated capacity for innovation, creating and leveraging new opportunities within and outside the industry to deliver value to all our stakeholders.”
Odubiyi continued by saying, “From our modest beginnings as a merchant bank, we have evolved into a dynamic enterprise
with a proven track record that extends well beyond conventional banking. Now powered by an embedded technology stack that is flexible to the unique demands of the market, we are more than confident in our ability to capture major growth opportunities in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Group CEO concluded, “Our vision, performance, and journey continue to be rewarded with the highest form of investor confidence - more capital. This infusion of funds not only reflects
the trust our investors place in us, but also serves as a powerful endorsement of our strategy and future potential. With it, we reaffirm our commitment to driving social, sector, and economic growth beyond banking.
“By investing in and incubating new subsidiaries, we will prioritise value creation that stimulates and sustains growth for both the enterprise and the nation’s economy. Our investment strategy is anchored in sustainable practices that will deliver long-term value
for society and consistent returns for investors.”
Last year, Sterling HoldCo transitioned from a commercial bank to a full-fledged financial holdings company with two subsidiary banks: the specialized financing arm, The Alternative Bank, and the conventional commercial bank, Sterling Bank. With several key businesses in the pipeline, the holding company is strategically positioned to seize opportunities beyond those available to its peers.
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
Providing Access to Affordable Healthcare for Bwari Community
the priority towards health and environment, recently took the “Renewed Hope Medical Outreach” to Bwari Area Council. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that through this citizen-tailored outreach, the HSES Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, ensured provision of affordable and accessible high quality healthcare services to the residents
In line with global best practices used to provide targeted medical and surgical care to meet the health needs of the underserved and vulnerable populations, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reinvigorated its quest to touch the lives of such populations, one community at a time.
Through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), led by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, an award winning physician, who is the Mandate Secretary (MS), the FCTA continuously reinforces priority channeled towards health and environment under the present FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Thus one community at a time, the mandate secretary has been carrying out medical outreaches that are citizen-tailored to meet almost all their healthcare needs, thereby fortifying a transformative public health systems in the FCT and ensuring provision of affordable and accessible high quality healthcare services to residents of the FCT.
At the medical outreaches, like the one in Kuje recently, the communities had antenatal care for pregnant women, general outpatients care, pediatrics, eye and dental care, nutrition services, HIV, hepatitis tests, follow-up care, surgery and even pharmacy. This was in addition to smart gases shared.
An All Encompassing Outreach for Bwari Community
Recently at Bwari Community, one of the many suburbs that dot the FCT, these and many more were their lot when the Fasawe-led team carried out an all encompassing medical outreach in the community.
The outreach covered medical services like health promotion, antenatal care (ANC), immunisation services, free HIV screening, screening for diabetes, hypertension and sickle cell diseases, free dental health services, nutritional assessment, pharmaceutical services for free prescription drugs, distribution of fertilisers for farmers, gas cylinders, sanitary pads amongst others.
While flagging off the free medical outreach at Pilot Science Primary School in Bwari Area Council, the FCT Minister of state, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, stressed 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, who noted that Nigeria is one of the African nations with high maternal and child morbidity and mortality; due poor ANC attendance, low facility based delivery, low uptake of immunisation and family planning services, especially in rural communities, said 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, Mahmoud stressed that FCT Administration is committed to 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.
She also harped on the danger signs in pregnancy, importance of ANC attendance, exclusive breast feeding, importance of immunisation in preventing childhood diseases such as polio, TB, pneumonia, pertussis, diphtheria, measles, importance of screening for HIV, Diabetes, Hypertension, amongst others.
Reaching Underserved Communities
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, acknowledged that despite recent improvements in access to quality healthcare for residents of the Federal Capital Territory, many communities remain underserved.
She noted that free medical missions like what they have been hosting, are global best practices used to provide targeted medical and surgical care to meet the health needs of the underserved and vulnerable populations.
“This strategy has been successfully adopted in many parts of Nigeria, and it takes healthcare directly to those who need it most through mobile health service delivery,” she added.
Fasawe emphasised that the success recorded in the last free medical outreach held in Kuje Area Council that gave birth to the expansion of the 2024 medical mission.
According to her, “We attended to 1,578 general outpatients, with 42 referred to Wuse and Asokoro District Hospitals for surgery. Dental services were provided to 302 patients, including 45 extractions, 12 dentures, and five operculectomies, with 48 referrals to Wuse District Hospital.
“For eye care, we saw 931 patients, provided reading glasses to 531 of them, and made 91 referrals to Asokoro District Hospital, where 29 cataract extractions have been completed. Antenatal care was provided to 74 women, and with 206 enrolled into FCT Health insurance Scheme (FHIS).”
Again, the Mandate Secretary HSES appreciated the efforts of IHS and Zenith Bank PLC for partnering the HSES to ensure the success of the medical outreach. She also called on other potential partners to collaborate with government in order to provide succour through various interventions and initiatives in the society.
The highlight of the event was the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud in company of the Mandate Secretary HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe carrying out consultation on some patients.
From 3rd Left: The Sarkin Bari, HRH Alh. Awwal Ijakoro II; Mandate Secretary FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr Adedayo Laniyi-Benjamins; Permanent Secretary FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Baba Gana Adam; Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud; Mandate Secretary FCT-HSES, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe; Esu Bwari, HRH Mr. Ibrahim Yaro; Executive Chairman Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya; Wife of Chairman Bwari Area Council, Mrs Lami Ann Gabaya and partners during the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach held at Bwari Area Council, recently
Mandate Secretary FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe presenting Cooking Gas Cylinders to some beneficiaries
From 3rd Left; Mandate Secretary FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe; the Honourable Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud; and Senior Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary, Pharm. Odun Akinrinade Ogubiyi, presenting sanitary towels to teenage girls during the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach at Bwari Area Council
ACIS Nigeria to Optimise Allergy Care at First World Allergy Training School in West Africa
Bridge Clinic Series: Role of Technology in Fertility Care
Oladimeji Ajayi
Since ancient times, there has been a strong connection between medicine and technology with some notable advancements and innovations that paved the way for future developments.
Ancient cultures developed medicinal herbal remedies, which involved processing and preparing plant extracts using primitive technologies. Ancient civilizations also recorded medical knowledge in written texts, like the Edwin Smith Papyrus (circa 1600 BCE) and the Hippocratic Corpus (circa 400 BCE), which facilitated knowledge sharing and advancement.
between medicine and technology that has continued to evolve over time.
The Allergy & Clinical Immunology Society (ACIS) of Nigeria in association with Emerging Societies Program (ESP) is set to optimise allergy care at the first ever World Allergy Training School (WATS) in West Africa sub-region.
WATS, which will berth in Lagos, Nigeria, on September 19 and 20, at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is a joint program of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Society, World Allergy Organisation and American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. According to Chairperson ACIS, Dr. Olatunde Odusote, a consultant paediatrician, allergologist and dermatologist, who is passionate about allergy awareness and optimal care for patients, the training school will change the landscape of allergy services in West African sub-region.
This is coming on the heels of the first ever Allergy Congress held in Lagos last year by ACIS Nigeria, where over 50 participants delved into “Current Trends in Allergy Diagnosis and Management”.
With speakers from Ghana, United States of America, Kenya, including Nigeria, over 60 medical practitioners of different disciplines and policy makers are expected for the training.
With the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Society (Nigeria) achieving a full
membership status of World Allergy Organisation about seven months ago, Odusote, who is also Founder and Clinical Team Lead, Asthma and Allergy Clinics, Lagos, opined that the journey to improve outcomes for Allergic conditions in our setting continues.
Stressing that caring for allergy in Nigeria is depressing given the lack of access to care, Odusote, who is the lead visioner of ACIS said the training will empower communities and healthcare professionals in the care of allergies.
According to him, he has been chasing the allergic match and now it’s time to start to give back to “society to empower health care professionals and also empower the community so that, frankly, take care of allergy issues.
“Our society is in the forefront trying to create awareness, advocacy, and to empower health care professionals”.
With a daughter battling with such allergies, Odusote said they had reprieve with GSK drugs until the company left Nigeria, which he said has returned Nigeria to square one, a gap they hope to fix.
While lamenting that access to such drugs are not easy and in cases where they are, it’s expensive, he said the next level for them is to start an institute where they can can offer basic training for personnel that can
care for allergies at the power care level.
Earlier, Dr. James Tracy, President-elect, American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, said while the practice of allergy is not getting the attention it deserves in some parts of the globe, he noted that the understanding of the science and now ability to communicate about allergy has broadened. I think, there’s great there’s great hope.
He said: “The immunology side, which is which is a big part of it also, is really the cornerstone of understanding all of human disease. Therefore, I think that by having meetings such as this, we get a chance both to learn from each other, but also to expand what we know, to make the world, a better place.”
Also speaking, Dr. Tosin Ammond, a consultant paediatrician with interest in allergies, asthma and immunology, said allergies as a disease condition, is increasing by the day, in terms of burden, costs and implications on our younger population even as they grow on to, adulthood.
Stressing that we don’t talk about it enough, she said coming into the space of allergies, she has been empowered and is looking forward to empower others with the same knowledge and ability to help the population in need.
Also speaking, Dr. Babayemi Osinaike, a member of ACIS
Nigeria and the anchor of the press briefing, said the training will give a lot of exposure to the basics and the fundamentals of allergic conditions and also delve into Immunology by helping to connect the dots.
The facilitators at WATS includes Tracy, the President-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology who has served the ACAAl as well as the AAAAl for over 25 years and whose cutting edge efforts, working with CMS and AMA with the development Alternative Payment Models for asthma have been at the forefront of healthcare reform.
Dr. O’Connor, a faculty member, is a board certified Allergist and Immunologist who has published various research articles and is currently involved in clinical research o asthma, allergic rhinitis, immune deficiency and novel treatment for atopic diseases.
From Kenya is Dr. Elizabeth Kiragu, a Paediatric Allergy Specialist and current Chair of the Allergy Society of Kenya (ASOK), who has special interest in food allergies, urticaria, asthma and allergy advocacy.
Dr. Hilary D. Andoh is a Paediatrician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana, where she heads the Allergy Clinic and also doubles as the President of the Allergy Society of Ghana and is passionate about improving diagnosis and management in the field of Allergy in Ghana.
For Maximum Protection against Toilet Seat Germs, Shodan Pharmaceuticals Unveils
An indigenous pharmaceutical company, Shodan Pharmaceuticals Limited, has launched the Sitfine toilet seat sanitizer spray into the Nigerian products market.
The Deputy President, Shodan Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr. Daniel Okeoma, made the announcement at a press conference in Lagos. According to him, the inspiration for the product arose from the need to cater to the hygiene needs of Nigerians as they go about their busy everyday schedules.
Okeoma explained that maintaining a healthy body at home or away from home would require a deliberate consciousness to ensure that surfaces one comes in contact with in the course of answering the call of nature are free of germs, as these germs are capable of impacting negatively
Miss
Ancient civilizations in Egypt, China, India, Africa, Greece, Meso-America and Rome also developed simple medical instruments including scalpels, forceps, and scissors, which were often made from copper, bronze, obsidian, or iron. Animal bones and antlers were used to make instruments like needles, awls, and surgical needles while ivory was used to make delicate instruments like surgical knives and scalpels
Wooden instruments like splints, probes, and applicators were used for various medical procedures and gold and silver were used to make decorative and ceremonial surgical instruments, as well as those used for special procedures like trephining (a form of skull surgery).
These materials were often used in conjunction with other substances like leather, cord, or wood to create functional and durable surgical instruments.
Ancient surgeons developed techniques like trephining and laparotomy (abdominal surgery), which required basic technological advancements. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks also developed simple prosthetic devices and orthotic appliances to aid mobility and function and in Central America Mayan and Aztec healers in the Pre-Columbian era developed surgical techniques, including skull surgery and dental implants. Notable medical practitioners who developed technological advancements in ancient civilizations include Galen, the Greek philosopher and physician, (129-216 AD) who developed forceps and scalpels as surgical instruments and improved surgical techniques.
Today, medical practitioners are heavily reliant on the application of current technology which permeates all aspects of medicine. Examples of this connection between technological advancements and the practice of medicine in modern times include the development of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) which digitalize patient data, streamlining access and management.
Virtual consultations and remote monitoring via telemedicine expand access to healthcare, and advanced MRI, CT, and PET scans enable earlier disease detection. Robotic surgery enables precise surgical procedures with reduced recovery time; Artificial Intelligence (AI) assists in diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans; and cloud computing provides secure data storage and analysis which facilitates collaborative research.
In addition, 3D Printing creates custom prosthetics, implants, and surgical models; gene editing enables precise genetic modifications; and Nanotechnology enables targeted drug delivery Point-of-care testing devices for rapid disease diagnosis and wearable devices which track vital signs, activity, and health metrics have also been developed. These technological advancements have transformed the healthcare landscape, enhancing patient care, streamlining clinical workflows, and driving medical innovation.
In fertility clinics, technology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) have a deeply intertwined relationship, with technological developments driving innovation and advancements in ART.
Technology provides the tools and platforms for ART procedures such as IVF, ICSI, and PGD; enhances precision and accuracy in ART procedures, like embryo selection and genetic testing; and enables increased efficiency by streamlining laboratory workflows, reducing time and costs. Technology enables remote monitoring, telehealth and personalized care, providing an enhanced patient experience by improving patient engagement as well as expanding access to ART services, making them more widely available and affordable.. Technology provides valuable data and analytics to improve ART outcomes, predict success rates, and identify trends; and drives innovation in ART, enabling new techniques like gene editing and stem cell therapies. The use of certain technologies, however, such as genetic selection and gene editing can raise serious ethical concerns requiring careful consideration and regulation. on one’s health. The Sitfine toilet seat sanitizer is a quick-drying aerosol spray which disinfects surfaces while neutralizing offensive odours with the goal of providing users with germ free and pleasant scenting restrooms in the course of their daily lives. With it’s sleek and easy to carry around can, Sitfine
will open up a bold new era for Nigerians by providing a safe and mobile product which assures users of hygiene on the go.
Okeoma said: “Our goal at Shodan Pharmaceuticals is to make sure we reduce or curb the spread of infections. When people use the toilet, they may claim that it is neat but
if observed closely, there are germs that can be left behind.
“To make sure we eradicate infections which persons can contract from the use of toilets, Sitfine comes handy. Sitfine is ideal for personal hygiene in public and private restrooms. It is clinically tested and approved by the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“It is very easy to use. All a person has to do is just spray it on the toilet seat and it disinfects it leaving it dry in five seconds. It is also pocket friendly which means that even the high class individual and the not so high class individual can get a can at a flat market rate of N2,000.”
On his part, Director of Alfa Crest Consulting, Mr. Emmanuel Emeh, noted that the product would enhance the hygiene experience of its users.
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) [980-1037 AD] the Persian polymath invented the surgical needle while the Chinese Hua Tuo (110-207 AD) developed the first general anesthetic and performed surgical operations and Sun Simiao (581-682 AD) wrote extensively on medicine, including the use of acupuncture and herbal remedies.
In Africa, Imhotep (2600 BCE), an Egyptian polymath, developed surgical instruments and techniques, and wrote medical texts and Amenhotep (1500 BCE) an Egyptian physician developed a surgical procedure for cataracts.
In India, Sushruta (600 BCE) wrote the “Sushruta Samhita,” which focused on surgery and described procedures like cataract surgery and caesarean sections and Charaka (400 CE) authored the “Charaka Samhita,” a foundational text on Ayurvedic medicine that described the use of herbs, minerals, and other substances for treatment. While ancient medicine was relatively primitive compared to modern standards, these early innovations demonstrate the beginnings of a connection
Esther Oluku
Chiemelie Ezeobi
Sitfine Sanitiser
L-R: Member, Allergy & Clinical Immunology Society (ACIS) of Nigeria, Dr. Babayemi Osinaike; Dr. Tosin Ammond, a consultant paediatrician; Dr. James Tracy, President-elect, American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology; and Chairperson ACIS, Dr. Olatunde Odusote, a consultant paediatrician who doubles as the Founder and Clinical Team Lead, Asthma and Allergy Clinics, Lagos
L-R: Iyaloja, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs Abisola Azeez; Chairman, Shodan Phamaceuticals Ltd, Mr Seun Shosanya; Vice President, Shodan Phamaceuticals Ltd, Mr Daniel Okeoma; Media Resources Lead,
Oshime Gbafe; and Director, AlphaCrest Consulting, Mr Emmanuel Emeh, during the unveiling of SITFINE Toilet Sanitizer Spray in Lagos, recently
GAMING WEEK
Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
Inside 10N8E: Adebayo Onigbanjo’s Journey from Enthusiast to eSports Leader
10N8E, a truly Nigerian company, is rapidly establishing itself as one of the country’s fastestgrowing eSports providers. The company’s name is inspired by Nigeria’s geographical coordinates, positioned at 10 degrees north latitude and 8 degrees east longitude, writes Iyke Bede
What drew Adebayo Onigbanjo into the world of eSports was not just a career move but a moment of pure family connection. Watching his teenage son immersed in a game ignited a passion that would transform into a pioneering role in Nigeria’s eSports scene. During a conversation with Onigbanjo, his articulate insights and genuine warmth shone through, revealing a person whose personal journey and professional achievements are seamlessly intertwined. This human touch, combined with his innovative vision, highlights Onigbanjo’s significant impact on the eSports industry in Nigeria through 10N8E.
With a background in Computer Science and Data Communication Systems, this University of Ilorin alumnus embarked on a quest to research and explore the gaming industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately placing all his bets on the eSports sector.
“A few things really kicked it off for me,” he noted. “One was discovering that the Comcast family, particularly its head, had started investing heavily in eSports, and Comcast began showcasing eSports events. I found that really interesting. Then, I listened to a Goldman Sachs podcast, which gave me a clearer understanding of the industry. It’s a vast ecosystem with different areas, and we had to figure out where we fit.”
Onigbanjo added, “Early on, we decided to focus on mobile gaming. We didn’t touch consoles or FIFA since others were already covering that space. Now, there’s growing interest in us expanding into console and PC tournaments. We’ll see where that goes, but we’re taking baby steps.”
10N8E, a truly Nigerian company, is rapidly establishing itself as one of the country’s fastest-growing eSports providers. The company’s name is inspired by Nigeria’s geographical coordinates, positioned at 10 degrees north latitude and 8 degrees east longitude, symbolising its deep roots in the nation. With a focus on promoting local talent through regional and national tournaments, 10N8E is not only providing a platform for gamers for
international exposure but also helping to nurture Nigeria’s growing eSports community. The company’s innovative approach is helping to position Nigeria as a key player in the global eSports ecosystem.
With a keen eye for spotting talent in the eSports community, Onigbanjo has steadily gained recognition, collaborating with international publishers like Tencent and Krafton, the publisher of PUBG. These partnerships have helped bridge some of the infrastructure gaps affecting local eSports. Collaboration is a core value at 10N8E, and Onigbanjo believes that by working together with other local eSports
“Early
on, we decided to focus on mobile gaming. We didn’t touch consoles or FIFA since others were already covering that space. Now, there’s growing interest in us expanding into console and PC tournaments. We’ll see where that goes, but we’re taking baby steps.”
providers, the industry can fast-track its growth. However, he acknowledges that the nascent sector still has significant work ahead.
“We’ve partnered others, like GameEvo, for production during the NPL final, while we focused on the game. We’ve also collaborated with AfricaComicade for Cosplay,” he disclosed. “There’s a healthy ecosystem of collaboration among organisers and other entities like the French embassy and Kucheza Gaming.”
He added, “When you think about the whole ecosystem, we see ourselves as tournament organisers. We have our own IPs. You know, there are global tournaments like DreamHack. I think there’s an opportunity for Nigeria to have things like that, whether it’s regionally based or Africa-wide. So, yes, growing into that space is definitely an area of interest. There are infrastructure challenges, but the possibility of having a proper eSports arena is something to look forward to. Additionally, in terms of talent development, there are still huge opportunities around talent management that could grow.”
Onigbanjo is not one to toot his own horn, as he made clear that evening at One Café on Victoria Island, Lagos, calmly sitting with a bottle of water while I sipped on a latte. Despite the significant growth—evident in the acquisition of the Nigerian Pro League tournament in 2022, the yearly expansion of its prize pool and the inclusion of an audience in the latest edition, while creating more opportunities for gamers through events like the Deca Cup—he remains humble, attributing these milestones to years of experience working with numerous multinationals and adopting Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour principle from ‘Outliers’.
“I think the evolution of our company is clear—we’ve learned a lot and continue to do so,” he reiterated. “It’s a very young space, and we’ve always aimed to do things in a structured way. We strive for yearly progress, and I think we’ve achieved that with the types of tournaments we’ve hosted, the number of participants, the prize pool, and the scale of production. That’s been the gradual evolution of the company and what we do. Over the years, we’ve also
identified key partners, and the ecosystem is growing through these collaborations.”
Onigbanjo is convinced that the impact “we’ve had on the ecosystem is probably best judged by others,” noting that from their perspective, “it’s easier to gather feedback from teams playing in our tournaments.”
He added, “We just finished the NPL season 7, and the response was, ‘You’ve taken it to the next level in terms of production size and the overall experience for players.’”
While these various efforts are remarkable in raising awareness around eSports, Onigbanjo is concerned about the unrealised potential and undiscovered talent being lost due to inadequate infrastructure. Although a few Local Area Network (LAN) servers have supported some tournaments, many others still face significant challenges.
“Nigerian players are playing with a handicap, but their competitiveness shows what’s possible,” Onigbanjo lamented. “Because these games are online, publishers typically have servers in various regions. We only recently got servers in Nigeria for Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG. Before that, Nigerians had to use servers in South Africa or Morocco, which meant higher latency and slower reaction times due to the longer distance.”
Despite these current challenges, Onigbanjo highlighted 10N8E’s ongoing efforts to galvanise the gaming community through Discord and WhatsApp groups by fostering engagement and promoting tournaments. He also discussed prospects for expanding grassroots involvement into collegiate competitions, similar to the NUGA Games and GAMR collaboration. He believes that increased awareness and education will improve future participation.
Enthusiastic about the future of eSports and 10N8E’s pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian and African narrative, Onigbanjo shared a deeply personal motivation behind his venture.
“A significant part of this journey,” he explained, “was showing my kids that you can build something from scratch. We undertook the entire process together.”
This heartfelt approach reflects his dedication and highlights the broader impact of his work on the industry and his family.
Deca cup
National Lottery Trust Fund Seeks Partnership with NOA to Promote Good Causes
The leadership of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has visited the offices of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in its continuing quest to secure partnerships with government agencies and corporate bodies aimed at promoting its Good Causes across Nigeria.
The partnership will amplify the impact of NLTF’s human-centred Good Causes, which was discussed during a visit by NLTF’s Executive Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, to NOA’s headquarters. Adeyanju emphasized NLTF’s commitment to utilizing gaming proceeds for the betterment of Nigerian society.
Playtech Sells Snaitech to Flutter Entertainment for €2.3bn
The sale aims to help strengthen Playtech’s core B2B businesses in the Americas and Europe, while Flutter adds purchase to its recent NSX Group deal
Playtech has agreed to sell its Italian sports betting and gaming company, Snaitech, to Flutter Entertainment for a total enterprise value of €2.3 billion ($2.56 billion).
The deal represents a significant return for Playtech, which acquired Snaitech in 2018 for €846 million ($941.45 million).
The sale price of £6.27 ($8.28) per share represents a 16.5 per cent premium of Playtech’s previous share price of £5.38 ($7.11). This is nearly a threefold return on Playtech’s original investment. The sale is valued at 9x Snaitech’s EBITDA for 2023, reports Gambling Insider.
Snaitech, under Playtech’s ownership, saw its adjusted EBITDA nearly double from €136m in 2017 to €256 million in 2023. Playtech helped Snaitech expand
its online market share and strengthened its retail presence as a leading player in the Italian gaming market.
Playtech planned to return £1.7-£1.8 billion to shareholders through a special dividend, which could range between £4.56 and £4.83 per share. A sum that exceeded Playtech’s share price at the beginning of 2024.
The sale would further help strengthen Playtech’s focus on its core B2B business in growing markets in the Americas and Europe.
For Flutter, this adds to last week’s acquisition of NSX Group in Brazil while strengthening its existing presence in Italy – it owns lottery firm Sisal.
Share prices of both Playtech and Flutter have remained steady, but it is still early following the announcement at the time of writing.
“Our focus is on supporting Good Causes that benefit the downtrodden and vulnerable populations,” he said.
NOA’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, praised NLTF’s efforts, noting, “The lottery agency’s proceeds can be used in tackling challenges facing our rural communities.”
Onilu pledged NOA’s 820
offices nationwide would support communicating NLTF’s activities. The partnership aims to enhance information dissemination and assessment of the need for interventions in critical areas. Both agencies are committed to amplifying the impact of NLTF Good Causes and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The regulated betting market in Brazil is set to begin at the start of 2025
The Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA) has set a deadline for betting companies seeking to operate in Brazil to obtain authorisation.
Operators who have not requested authorisation to operate in the region will have operations suspended from October 1 until they receive permission from the SPA.
With this, only those operators already in operation who have requested authorisation to explore the fixed-odds lottery betting modality before this date can continue to operate.
This means that, from October, operators that haven’t requested authorisation through the Ministry of Finance’s betting management system SIGAP will be classed as illegal until they obtain authorisation from the Treasury.
This comes ahead of the regulated betting market in Brazil going live on 1 January 2025, at which point only operators complying with the laws and ordinances can operate.
Demand to operate in the region has been high, with Gaming America reporting towards the end of August that the country had received 114 applications for iGaming licences.
According to Gambling Insider, Secretary of Prizes and Bets of the MF Regis Dudena said, “We will maintain the adaptation period until the end of December only for those who have already demonstrated that they want to act in accordance with the law, in accordance with Brazilian rules. Many police operations involving companies that operate in the betting market in a criminal manner have come to light. This
was the way we found to not wait until January to start separating the wheat from the chaff.”
Dudena added, “We want to protect the mental, financial and physical health of bettors, preventing the activities of companies that use sports betting and online games as a means of committing fraud and money laundering.
“The adaptation period cannot be used to fail to comply with laws already in force, such as the Money Laundering Law (Law No. 9,613/1998), the Financial Crimes Law (Law No. 7,492/1986), the Consumer Protection Code, the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA), among others. When analysing authorisation requests, we are taking into account the commission of illegal acts.”
NLTF Boss, Adeyanju and DO of NOA with their management team
MEDIA BRIEFING ON ARCON NATIONAL CONFERENCE...
L-R: Vice-President, Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) Mrs. Brenda Nwagwu; Chairman, National Advertising Conference (NAC), Tunji Adeyinka; Director General Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Lanre Adisa; and President Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, (EXMAN) Tolulope Medebem during the media briefing on the forth-coming National Advertising Conference with Theme: Navigating the Shifts: Technology, Culture and New Business Models, in Lagos... yesterday.
Borno Floods: FG Deploys Experts to Test for Hazardous Chemicals
Obasanjo tasks Zulum on disaster Benue State government intensifies preparation against flood
and identify sources of hazardous chemicals, and take proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases in the state.
coordinated and comprehensive response to mitigate the resultant environmental challenges posed by the flood.
the effects of the flooding.
The federal government has deployed a team of experts to help mitigate the effects of the flooding that ravaged parts of Borno state.
This comes as former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, tasked Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, to use last week's flood disaster in the state to show his leadership and courage qualities to overcome the unfortunate event.
Also, Benue State government has intensified efforts in response to rising water levels of River Benue following the reported opening of the Lagdo Dam and the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).
The federal government also announced that experts would carry out continuous water sampling and tests
The recent flooding in Borno State, caused by the breakdown of the Alau Dam, resulted in unprecedented devastation, with over 30 lives lost, 23,000 residential houses destroyed, and 414,000 persons displaced, critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, electricity systems, healthcare facilities, and schools, severely damaged, including approximately one million people losing their source of livelihood.
However, in a statement yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, revealed that he led key officials of the ministry to pay a condolence and sympathy visit to the state last Friday, towards mitigating the adverse effects that may occur as a result of the unfortunate flood incidence.
Lawal, stated that it was important to focus on the urgent need for a
He said: “During the condolence visit, I informed the Governor that the Federal Ministry of Environment will send a team of experts from the relevant department, agencies and projects to collaborate with Borno State Government in addressing the impacts of the flood.”
The minister highlighted that the ministry has consequently deployed a team of experts from the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, the Department of Forestry; the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscape Programme Project, the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project, the National Park Services, and the Environmental Health Council to help in mitigating
He said: “The above team will carry out continuous water sampling and tests, identify sources of hazardous chemicals, and take proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases.
Similarly, the team will maintain continuous sampling of water sources which is essential for monitoring water quality, identifying contamination, as well as taking proactive measures to maintain public health and safety in the state.
All agencies under the Ministry in Borno State have been directed to collaborate with the State Government to mitigate the effects of the flood disaster.
“So far, 100 drums of 40kg of chlorine has been deployed to Borno State to disinfect water sources, ensuring safe drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases like cholera.
“Furthermore, the Ministry will deploy 30,000 flyers to sensitise the
Lagos Warns Developers on High Safety Standards to Avert Building Collapse
The General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, has warned building developers in Lagos to adhere strictly to the highest standards of safety and quality to prevent the avoidable collapse of buildings in the state.
She stated this during a visit of a delegation from the Lagos State Parastatals Monitoring Office, led by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Aderemi Oluremi Ososanya, saying the warning was to effectively fulfill the mandate of her agency in protecting the integrity of structures.
She said: “The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency checks all construction materials; asphalt, sand, steel, concrete, bitumen, water and particularly granite which has various forms that can either aid in collapse, or enhance durability of structures.
"Granite has various tenacity ratios to complement the construction process, hence, the Lagos residents have to know this to avoid buildings’ collapse being induced by their incapabilities to withstand structural changes, along with other factors which LSMTL is going to rigorously sensitise about in averting disasters across Lagos State.”
She emphasised that the use of substandard steel, stanchions, brittled concrete mix and salinated soil, often prevail upon buildings to cause ripple effects to peoples’ lives from caved-in structures.
Engr. Abdul reiterated: “Our advocacy and operations will focus on shore settlements of Lagos State, because soil salinity from Makoko, Iyana - Oworoshoki, Lagos Island, Irewe and its environs, as well as Badagry and the connecting Islands are not ideal for buildings’ construction.
“But people dredge these soil contents from the water in minute forms using canoes at the detriment of residents’ safety because they come cheap. All these things seemed right, but upon laboratory scrutiny they definitely constitute to buildings’ collapse”.
“To rectify the defects being shaped by this anomaly, nondestructive tests will be conducted as calibrated per house process to standing buildings that have been erected for more than10 years, to indicate precision in performance. We do not want episodes of collapse in Lagos State anymore,” she added.
The General Manager said: "Education is paramount which truly affects many developers who may not fully understand the importance of using tested materials. We
will initiate awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars designed to educate stakeholders about the value of quality materials testing. These campaigns will highlight the long-term benefits - both economic and safety-related - of adhering to the set standards.”
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Parastatals Monitoring Office, Mrs. Adetutu Oluremi Ososanya averred that
‘walk the talk’ move of her agency was targeted at grooming values in parastatals and agencies of government to mitigate effects shaped by execution of responsibilities for optimal delivery.
She implored for collaborations of LSMTL with other government agencies, in measuring up her standards as the bedrock of the built industry to ensure safety to structures.
public on best sanitation and hygiene practices which include proper waste disposal, frequent handwashing, and personal hygiene to reduce the spread of infections.
“Beyond immediate short-term response, the Ministry will also work closely with Borno State Government to develop comprehensive flood mitigation strategies and early
warning mechanisms to safeguard against future recurrences.
“We will also explore avenues for collaboration with international partners to strengthen the State’s capacity for disaster risk management and climate adaptation,” he added.
FG Targets Enrollment of 825,000 Students with Disabilities in 5 years
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to the provision of inclusive education and has accordingly set an ambitious target to enroll 825,000 students with disabilities cumulatively over the next five years.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, spoke at the First Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education.
He lamented that the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing both education and economic opportunities have persisted, despite significant efforts to create equal access and opportunities for learning and employment in Nigeria.
Sununu directed all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to offer admissions to all candidates with disabilities who possess minimum admissible scores
into the programs of their choice after sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He revealed that JAMB had also sought and obtained approval at the 67th National Council on Education meeting to exempt candidates with disabilities from post-UTME screening. He charged participants at the conference to focus on discussions extending beyond access to higher education and encompasses the economic empowerment that stems from education.
He said: “As we work towards the realisation of inclusive education, we must provide the necessary physical and digital infrastructure to support various access and learning needs of all students.
“Tertiary institutions should not only be admitting students with disabilities but also be taking absolute care with regard to accessibility on their campuses.
The Executive Chairman, Sokoto State Internal Revenue Service (IGS), Alhaji Abubakar Zaki Tambuwal, has said the Service has drastically improved the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from about N2 billion monthly when he took over to N3.8 billion monthly under one year and is determined to meet and surpass the N37 billion target set for the service in 2024.
In another development, the Bank of Industry (BOI), has donated 2,400 cartons of food items to the Sokoto State Government as part of its contribution to reducing the
hardship being faced by Nigerians.
Receiving the food items, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu thanked the bank for the invaluable gesture and expressed optimism that the gesture would meet the food needs of many communities especially the have-nots in the state.
Gov. Aliyu said: "What the BOI has done here has demonstrated its patriotism and love for humanity. I commend you for this."
The governor called on other private organizations and corporate bodies operating in the state to emulate BOI so that their host community can derive maximum benefit of their presence.
Meanwhile, during an encounter
with THISDAY, Wednesday, Chair, Sokoto State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Abubakar Zaki Tambuwal, appointed by Governor Ahmad Aliyu in August, 2023, said payment of taxes by residents will enable the government provide basic amenities and deliver on its social contract with the citizens, including the construction of roads, building of schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructural projects.
Tambuwal said though the state governor is providing basic amenities for citizens, he is not asking for too much by asking the people to pay their taxes to fund his pro-people projects.
He said: "The main purpose of
taxation is to provide revenues for the government to enable it deliver on its social contract with the citizens of Sokoto State, the construction of roads, building of schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructural projects, all of which Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is doing.
“He is certainly not asking for too much by asking the people to pay their taxes to fund his pro-people projects. We have drastically improved the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from about N2 billion monthly when we took over to N3.8
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
Bennett Oghifo
Michael Olugbode in Abuja, James Sowole in Abeokuta and George Okoh in Makurdi
CHURCH SERVICE TO MARK LEGAL YEAR...
L-R: The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; President, Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Adebisi Femi Segun; Chief Judge of
State, Mosunmola Dipeolu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi at the Special Church Service, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, to mark the 2024/2025 Legal Year.
EFCC Surrounds Kogi Government Lodge in Bid to Arrest Former Governor Yahaya Bello
There were more intrigues yesterday night in the faceoff between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, as operatives of the commission were said to have swooped on Kogi State Government Lodge in the Asokoro area of Abuja, in a bid to arrest Bello.
The day had started with a surprise public appearance of the former governor, who had gone into hiding for nearly five months, after the anti-graft agency’s failed attempt to arrest him in line with an order of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Recall that efforts to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence in April was said to have been frustrated due to Kogi
Education, Health Sectors Get High Priority in Niger State’s 2025 Budget, Says Gov Bago
Laleye Dipo
Both the education and health sectors are to take the lion share of the 2025 Niger State budget, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed in Minna on Wednesday.
Bago said this at the distribution of cooking utensils to boarding schools in the state and explained that the decision is to ensure access of the people to quality education from primary to tertiary levels and standard health facilities.
The governor who disclosed that N1.8bn had been released as marching grant for the Universal Basic Education Commission NSUBEC projects this year reiterated the administration's determination to ensure access to quality education is provided from basic to tertiary level.
"Through our partnership with the World Bank Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme, we intend to expand access to education for girl-child and renovate 534 schools across the state," Bago said.
The governor said that: “Given
the importance of technical and vocational education, N1.512 billion was earmarked for the complete renovation and equipping of technical schools in Suleja".
He also commended the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education "as well as all critical stakeholders for their support in revamping the education sector in the state" and urged them not to relent in their efforts.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, said lack of essential kitchen utensils in boarding schools had affected the wellbeing of students pointing out that the distribution of the kitchen utensils" is a significant step in the collective efforts to enhance education in the state".
Mohammed disclosed that the state presently has 43 active boarding schools under the government's Direct Feeding Programme which includes 34 conventional boarding schools and 8 integrated Quranic Education Schools, with 9,382 students, pointing out that the number is expected to rise to 12,000 in the 2024/2025 academic session.
State Governor, Mr Usman Ododo, who was alleged to have shielded Bello and had since offered him refuge at Government House, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Surprisingly, however, Bello yesterday showed up, not only in public for the first time, but also presented himself to the anti-graft agency at its Abuja headquarters.
With videos and photographs of his visit to the commission, his media aide, Mr. Micheal Ohiare, stated that Bello’s decision to surrender himself to EFCC was after due consultation with his family, legal team, and political allies.
Bello’s media office stated, “The former governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had all the while only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former
governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
It added that details of Bello’s engagement with the operatives of EFCC will be disclosed later.
Few hours later, the media office, in an update, said Bello was not quizzed by operatives of the anti-graft agency and he had, subsequently, left the commission’s premises alongside his entourage.
The statement said, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that, all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him, as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”
Responding, EFCC, although, did not acknowledge or deny Bello’s visit to its headquarters on account of an invitation. It stated that Bello remained a wanted person.
A statement by EFCC’s Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, stated that the former governor was not in their custody.
The statement said, “Media reports today that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is incorrect.
The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains
wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
However, few hours to midnight, the anti-graft agency, which had allowed Bello to leave after his purported visit in the morning, made a U-turn and was now seeking to arrest the former governor. Ohiare stated in a fresh statement sent to journalists yesterday night, “It has come to our notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro, in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello.
“They were shooting sporadically.”
The media aide condemned the alleged siege, and pointed out that the action was coming after the former governor went to the EFCC office voluntarily earlier in the day but the commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount a gestapo-like attack on the Kogi State Government facility in Asokoro.
FG Assures Nigerians that Measures are in Place to Address Plastic Pollution
The federal government has assured Nigerians that they need not be afraid of plastic pollution as needed measures are emplaced towards addressing the menace of plastic waste in the country.
The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) had posited that by 2030, plastic waste is expected to double to 165 million tonnes in African countries.
According to NPAP, most of these will be in Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morrocco and Tunisia, calling for concerted and whole value chain approaches to addressing and curbing plastic pollution in Africa.
Also, reports have it that the world’s oceans contain an estimated 100 million metric tonnes of plastic with about 90% of this quantity originating from land-based sources.
Scientific findings also state the world’s marine life is endangered through the exposure of nanoparticles of ingested plastics which penetrate through the blood-brain barrier of seabirds, this is seen as quite alarming as every human being on the face of the earth has a connection with plastics in one way or the other.
Given the assurance of Nigerians’ safety from expected plastic pollution, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister
UK Invests £1.9 Million in W/Africa’s Economy Through Science, Tech, Innovation
Michael Olugbode
The UK government’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) has launched Sankore to support economic growth by strengthening technology and innovation across West Africa, in close partnership with country governments.
The UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the call for creative proposals for the project from nonprofit organisations (including UN agencies) at a press conference on Wednesday in Accra.
The Sankore call for proposals will support the UK government’s
partnership with government in Nigeria and Ghana on science, technology and innovation, facilitate commercialisation of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy and enhance government digital service delivery.
Named after a West African medieval center of learning, Sankore will establish new partnerships worth up to £1.9 million with non-profit organisations (including UN agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria. At the launch and call for proposals, UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, said: “This initiative is all about how we can work together to strengthen
the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies with lots of potential to compete on the world stage. The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its heart, with a strong message that we go far when we go together.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji said: “Sankore project is a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its innovation landscape, by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling policy environment. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to developing practical solutions that
lead to sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Also commenting, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “Sankore exemplifies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria. The project will strengthen partnerships between businesses and innovators as well as drive the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in priority economic sectors. The project will build on the UK’s wider efforts to support economic growth, create job opportunities and propel Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.”
of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, at the stakeholders meeting on the Draft National Guidelines for the Implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for (Plastic) Packaging, said because of the threats the federal government “is therefore putting in place measures towards addressing the menace of plastic waste from our environment, by way of developing a Sector-Specific National Guidelines for the implementation of the up-coming Plastic Waste Control Regulations under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.”
The minister, represented by a director in the ministry, Dr. Ahmadu Jibrin, said the federal government through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations (NESREA), responding to its global commitment to the Basel Convention.
He noted that the primary purpose of this draft national guidelines when in force, is to provide far-reaching guidelines that will serve as a road map to all stakeholders in the plastic packaging value chain for the effective implementation of the EPR Programme as well as clearly defining the various obligations of all sector stakeholders in Nigeria.
He disclosed that: “This document is also poised to amongst others, aid the establishment of a Plastic Packaging Registry in the country which is very germane, align with circular economy principles and sustainability efforts ultimately galvanizing towards the
overall elimination of plastic pollution and the reduction of the adverse impacts of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) from our environment.
“It is thus expected that this draft document has been reviewed by the stakeholders in the 36 states and FCT by key stakeholders, and the submitted comments had been incorporated accordingly.”
He further said: “We are here today to finalize the review comments towards birthing a robust instrument that will stand the test of time in the management of the plastic packaging, plastic waste and plastic pollution across their life cycle.” In his remarks, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, said: “Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our collective efforts to address the pressing challenges posed by plastic waste in our environment. The guidelines we are discussing are not just a regulatory framework; they represent a commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the health of our communities.”
He added: “As we are all aware, the proliferation of plastic packaging ((Bottles (PET, PP or HDPE/PS), flexible mono-layer materials, rigid mono-layer materials, multi-layer and multi-material plastics) has led to significant environmental degradation, affecting our ecosystems, wildlife, and ultimately, human health. The need for a robust and effective waste management system has never been more urgent.
Alex Enumah
Michael Olugbode
Ogun
SANWO-OLU RECEIVES CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BANKERS...
L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju receiving Lagos State Government plaque from the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy call by the governing council of CIBN at the Lagos House, Marina, ... yesterday
Mohammed: PDP Govs Insist Fubara Must Have Control of Party’s Structures in Rivers
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, has declared that the forum was standing by its decision to back the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the leader of the PDP in the state.
Mohammed stressed that as the
number one member of the PDP in Rivers State, the governor must be allowed to have control over the party’s structure.
Addressing journalists after a meeting with a delegation of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party at the Governor’s Office in Bauchi, Mohammed stated that he had
a very fruitful meeting with the delegation of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP led by the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, and five others.
“We discussed extensively on the PDP, the legacy establishing the PDP in terms of its historical significance, the reshaping of
national development as evidenced by our 16 years of good governance in the country, and of course the upgrading of our core values.
“They are of good governance, respect for the rule of law, and the unity of the country, and indeed providing a very stable platform for sustainable democracy for our dear nation.
Gavi Seals Deal with Bavarian Nordic to Secure 500,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance have announced the signing of advance purchase agreement (APA) to secure 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine for Africa.
A statement by the CEO of Gavi, Dr. Sania Nishtar, said the APA would be funded by Gavi’s First Response Fund, a mechanism created after the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure rapid access to scarce vaccine supplies in future health emergencies.
He said the availability of all 500,000 doses has been secured for 2024.
It added: Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance today announced an advance purchase agreement (APA) to secure 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine (marketed as JYNNEOS or IMVANEX ) to be supplied to countries in Africa impacted by the mpox outbreak. The doses will be for delivery in 2024.”
It added: "The vaccines will be funded by Gavi’s First Response Fund, a new financial mechanism created in June 2024 to make cash rapidly available to purchase vaccines in health emergencies.”
According to Gavi, MVA-BN vaccine was received pre-qualification from the WHO on September 13.
It said Bavarian Nordic would be ready to supply the vaccines pending the signing of a supply agreement with UNICEF, Gavi’s alliance partner, which will be delivering these doses.
“The First Response Fund was designed in collaboration with Gavi
donors and partners specifically to provide rapid early funding for emergencies such as mpox.
“Using it today to fund the first direct transaction for vaccines in support of equitable access and the global response, just over a month since mpox was declared a public health emergency, takes us a long way towards our goal of protecting those most at risk,” CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar said.
“We are committed to working with affected governments and our partners to turn these vaccines into vaccinations as quickly and effectively as possible and, over time, to build a global vaccine stockpile if sufficient funding is secured for Gavi’s work through 2030.
"We thank our donors for enabling us to act rapidly by committing funds to the First Response Fund before an emergency occurred,” he added.
On his part, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic, Paul Chaplin said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and strengthen our commitment to support Gavi and other global health partners, who have demonstrated strong leadership in making life-saving vaccines available for the vulnerable populations in developing countries for decades doses secured through this agreement will significantly increase the availability of mpox vaccines for African countries, and we are pleased that Gavi has selected our MVA-BN vaccine, which has proven highly effective during the global mpox outbreak in 2022.”
In addition to activating the First Response Fund, approved by the Gavi Board in June, Gavi said it
has moved rapidly to trigger the mechanism following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency and unlocked emergency funding for affected countries to begin preparations for vaccine rollout, such as training of healthcare workers and community engagement.
Gavi said it was working with donors and partners to help facilitate dose donations.
It assured that Medium- and longer-term measures in place that
were expected to be supportive of the mpox response include authorisation from Gavi’s Board, contingent on donor funding for Gavi’s next strategic period, to establish a stockpile of mpox vaccines for use in future outbreaks, and with an even longer horizon, to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable vaccine manufacturing industry in Africa through the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, which was also launched in June.
“Along that line, we discussed extensively the need for collaboration between the PDP Governors’ Forum and the NWC so that some of the issues can be resolved, including the litigations that cannot be resolved, will be resolved on the table.
“It is along this line that we collectively agreed for the rule of law, and the delegation gave their firm commitment and support for the position of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Rivers State.
“In Rivers State, where we don’t have the established practice in which any governor from the party is the leader of the party and will therefore have the party structure for sustainability.
“On behalf of the Governors’ Forum, we are very grateful to the NWC, ably led by the National Legal Adviser. We also discussed some legal issues that are lingering, and we used the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Governors Forum to ask the delegation to convey our appreciation to the Acting National Chairman of the PDP.
"We insist that, please, those committees they have set up on reconciliation and disciplinary
issues should work in a manner that will do it through consensus and agreement so that we will not at least create anything that can bring imbroglio.
“We are behind the North-Central Zone of the party to be allowed to produce the National Chairman of the party. Precedents have been set in the past when Ahmed Mu’azu succeeded Bamanga Tukur and Ali Modu Sheriff came after him.
"In fairness, the North Central should be allowed to complete its tenure. That is justice, that is fairness, and that is what the PDP stands for.
“Going forward, I assured them that the PDP Governors Forum will be meeting with them from time to time to discuss issues of unity and development of the party. We also want to interface with structures like the Former Governors Forum, Former Ministers Forum, and others.
“By the time the PDP emerges from the present situation, we will be ready, Insha Allah, to take over the leadership of the country in 2027.
We will then build on the massive development of 16 years obstructed by the wasteful years of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).”
IYC Poll Mayhem: I Was Accused of Plot to Install Wike's Candidate, Declares President
Group Seeks result cancellation in Rivers
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa President of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, has lamented the tragedy that marred the Eastern Zonal Elections of the IYC, last weekend, in Abuloma Town, Rivers State, where scores of youths were feared dead and properties destroyed.
Addressing a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Press Centre, in Yenagoa, yesterday, Lokpobiri said his stand against imposition of candidates and demand for a level playing field for all candidates was misinterpreted by a section of leaders that he was plotting to install a candidate that will be loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, and
former governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike. Lokpobiri, who was accompanied by members of his executives, including zonal and chapters’ chairmen, said as IYC President, he had no interest in the election whatsoever, adding that he had warned all candidates and officials that they were bound under oath and moral obligation to support all Ijaw sons and daughters holding political offices.
Lokpobiri, said security agencies including the inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Federal Government should hold Amana soldiers, owned by a popular militant warlord, responsible for the mayhem that left many Ijaws dead and countless injured.
The IYC President chronicled the
intrigues and many attempts by the warlord and some others to derail the process, insisting that his candidate be returned unopposed for the chairmanship position of the Eastern Zones.
Meanwhile, the group has called for the cancellation of its 2024 Zonal election marred by crisis and killings on September 14, in Abuloma area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
THISDAY gathered that the election was disrupted midway when gunmen stormed the venue and began sporadic shooting on supposed opponent.
In a viral video, people in the area scampered to safety during the period, but some persons were reportedly hit by stray bullets in the combat.
The State Police Public Relations
Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who reacted to the incident said the command had launched manhunt for the gunmen involved in the invasion of the election.
But the IYC Eastern Zone chairmanship candidate, Edward Asikitamunoprim, has called for the cancellation of the inconclusive election.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Asikitamunoprim commiserated with the Abuloma people and the families that lost their loved ones in the course of the election. He said the election was done under severe tension, which led to delegates voting under fear and outright intimidation with eventual attendant cancellation of some of his votes.
LAUNCH OF SWAROVSKI RETAIL STORE...
L-R: Customer Experience and Visual Merchandising Expert, Sub-Saharan Africa, Swarovski, Nicole Moorvan; Head of Business Operations, Polo Limited, Olamoniso Nduka; Regional Sales Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Swarovski, Jonathan Paul Minter; and Head of Marketing, Polo Limited Chika Nnadozie, at the official Launch ceremony of the Swarovski Retail Store, held at the Palms Mall Lekki Lagos in Lagos….yesterday
CDS TO OBASEKI: WE HAVE TINUBU’S MANDATE TO ENSURE FREE, FAIR POLL IN EDO detained for more than two weeks on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.
“When we confronted the IGP in Edo, during the Peace Accord signing, he said they were arrested for murder. But when they were finally charged to court, the charge read possession of firearms.
“As I speak, we have our people arrested and being detained in Suleja, Niger State, because they don't want them to participate in the election on Saturday. When you create situations like this, it results in a lack of trust and confidence.
“When an opposition candidate is campaigning with a police helicopter in the state, then I don’t think it’s fair as they are not creating a level playing field for all candidates.”
The governor pleaded with the defence chief, “Sir, if it's possible to appeal to the IGP, because we know what ENDSARS protests caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations.
“We received a lot of information and when we pass it across to the relevant authorities they fail to act. We have intelligence reports of arms movement and thugs being housed in hotels but nothing is being done.
“We don’t want an election that will lead to loss of lives because it’s not necessary. Once citizens feel they are not being treated fairly by the instrument of state, you will see the kind of tension and violence that can occur in an election.
“Your presence here today is reassuring. There can't be a better assurance as you understand the national security implications of this election.”
PDP: We’re Ready for Edo Election, Alleges APC Bringing Thugs from Imo, Kogi States
Speaking at press conference, yesterday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated, "We are ready for the election, where the federal might would be against the people’s might. I can assure you that the people’s might will triumph.
"This is despite the massive importation of thugs from Imo State and Kogi State and they are given police, army uniforms to harass the people.
"But I can tell you that the people will not be bothered. They cannot be intimidated, like what happened at the Ikpoba hill, where a woman resisted the arrest and intimidation of the police and arrest of some PDP supporters."
Ologunagba urged the over four million voters in Edo State
to resist intimidation, while calling on them to vote and stay at the polling stations to guard their votes.
According to Ologunagba, " People’s votes will be legitimately defended through democratic means. No one will render the people’s votes nugatory."
The PDP spokesman called on INEC to ensure that all results were signed by the National Commissioner in charge of the South-south zone, with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
He stated, "We have directed our supporters to stay at the polling stations and defend their votes. They should make a photo shop of the results and post it.
"Our party has also been alerted that the APC has given fake police and military uniforms and dangerous weapons to their thugs to unleash violence on the people of Edo State on election day.
"These harassments, arrests and torture of PDP members and supporters are going on with the knowledge of the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the entreaties by the PDP to IGP to put such to an end have not received the desired attention.
“Against this backdrop, the PDP states in clear terms that our party and the people of Edo State will not fold our hands and allow the APC to intimidate the people, subvert or rig the Saturday, September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election.”
Meanwhile, the state government yesterday, dismissed claims by the media consultant to the Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Kassim Afegbua, that the jobs of civil servants had been threatened.
A statement by media adviser to the governor, Crusoe Osagie said,
“This is, however, not surprising, coming from Afegbua, as these sorts of lies can only make sense in the jaundiced minds of his likes, for whom anything goes, and because anything goes for them, they think it is the same for other people.
“We want to unequivocally state that there is no such thing and the government never made any statements whatsoever threatening civil servants. The dim-witted scribbling is not only false but a figment of the jaundiced imagination of Kassim Afegbua, whose loyalty is to mammon and not the people.
“The civil servants in Edo State are Nigeria’s happiest workers. They are liberated and well-empowered and have no reason to vote for Kassim Afegbua’s sinking party, the APC, whose government at the centre has not only superintended the liquidation of the Nigerian state but has inflicted untold hardship and suffering on the people.”
Obi Rallies Support for
LP’s
Akpata, Tasks Security Agencies, INEC on Credible Polls
The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, tasked security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to play by the rules of the game and ensure credible poll on Saturday in Edo State.
Obi gave the charge at the grand finale of campaigns for the Edo State LP governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, in Benin City.
He said people of the state would resist any attempt by any political party to rig the election.
Obi said Nigerians were suffering today because of the wrong choice of leadership they had made, adding that the correction must start from Edo State by voting in the governorship candidate of LP come September 21.
The former governor of Anambra State said the governorship candidate of the party, if elected, would fix the federal roads that were connected to the state without waiting for the federal government to fix them.
He blamed some governors, who usually shifted responsibilities to the federal government to the detriment of citizens of their states, stating that Akpata would not do such.
Obi called on the people of the state to come out on Saturday to vote Akpata and his running mate, Asamah Kadiri, SAN.
Also speaking, Obi’s running mate in 2023, Yusuf Baba Danti, called on LP faithful in the state to utilise their numerical strength to enthrone their choice candidate come September 21.
The senator representing Edo South senatorial district, Senator Neda Imasuen, said they had done it before and the party should be prepared to repeat the same feat on Saturday.
Group Accuses Obi of Neglect
A group , Obidients United For Equity, Justice, and Fairness, accused Obi of neglecting the principles he once upheld.
Leader of the group, Ms Blessing Edobor, in a statement, queried why Olumide Akpata, a cousin of Governor Godwin Obaseki, from the same region, was adopted against the call of Edo People for Justice, Equity and Fairness.
The statement said, "All over the world, politics comes with certain incontrovertible demands and such demands are more strident in democracies. There are calls/ demands for competency, capacity, commitment to the common good, credibility and character.
“There are those of justice, equity,
fairness and inclusiveness. Even in the recent choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate to Kamala Harris over Josh Shapiro, the fact that Kamala Harris is married to a Jewish American, and that Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania is Jewish was a deciding factor.
“In Peter Obi's 2022/2023 Presidential Campaign Council, there was the reflection of balance on account of religion and region. Even the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges the federal character normative.
“Why does he not think that Edo Central deserves equity, justice and fairness? Why does partisanship, or selfish ambition blind him to the call of the Edo People for Justice, Equity and Fairness?
"He has been jumping from podiums to platforms in Edo State spewing invectives and spitting on the same values that made him popular in 2022/2023, which was the call for justice, equity and fairness.”
The group added, “Yes, those were the lead issues that got him huge endorsements. He didn't query the Labour Party when the party allowed the manipulation of the Labour Party primaries by Olumide Akpata and Julius Abure against the candidates from Edo Central.
“Even when the APC corrected the same error by organising a fresh primary to replace the Edo South candidate they had earlier chosen with a candidate from Edo Central, Peter Obi looked the other way, for his personal ambition and comfort. Truth, justice, equity fairness and inclusiveness can go to blazes."
Police Refute Alleged Clampdown on PDP
The Nigeria Police refuted the alleged viral reports in some sections of the media that the police were arresting supporters of PDP ahead of the Edo election.
The Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the rebuttal while parading no fewer than 14 suspects in Abuja during a press conference at the premises of IRT Office Complex, Guzape, Abuja. Adejobi disclosed that no fewer than 199 suspects were arrested across the federation for sex-related offences.
He said, "For those that were arrested in Edo, they were arrested in connection with the killing of a police man within the vicinity of the airport in Benin City, where others were also injured with bullet shots.
“We are not going to be partial about it. We will remain professional. Let me make it clear here that those who were arrested were the suspected killers of a policeman.
“We do not know where they belong, whether they are businessmen,
or artisans or belong to any political party. We only went after those who killed a policeman."
The force spokesperson stated that the murdered policeman was a Nigerian and his fundamental rights were also protected by the constitution.
According to him, "Right to life is very very key, so for you to kill any policeman, you must have murdered peace and you cannot enjoy peace again. The blood of those policemen will continue to hunt those who had killed them. That is why we arrested them and we will continue to arrest any killer of policemen anywhere in this country.”
Adejobi added, "We have gone forensic in our investigation these days. If we say we have credible evidence to prosecute you for one offence or the other, don't doubt us because that era had gone in the police. We are now more professional, scientific and forensic in our investigation and prosecution.
"We have provided evidence to the court and the court has accepted those credible evidence and they are working on them. If you had done anything wrong, you cannot hide, you can only run but we shall get you."
HURIWA Asks NSA to Take over Security
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, to take charge of security in Edo State during the governorship election.
HURIWA predicated the call on the alleged compromise of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, whom it claimed had allegedly demonstrated a clear interest in favouring APC in the lead-up to the election.
Besides, the group cited reports of biased policing and arrests, targeting chieftains of PDP.
At a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, HURIWA, alongside 13 affiliate organisations, stated that the actions signaled a concerted effort to intimidate and undermine the opposition, further calling into question the fairness of the electoral process.
The human rights group expressed dismay at the perceived collusion between the Edo State Police Command and APC. It said the situation was creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the state.
The association referenced recent incidents, where PDP leaders were allegedly arrested and detained under dubious circumstances, only to be released after prolonged legal battles.
HURIWA described this as a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition and stifle its capacity to campaign effectively.
In addition to calling for NSA’s involvement, HURIWA urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State.
Ighodalo Arrives Esan South East, Gets Heroic Welcome in Ewhohimi, Hosts PDP Leaders
The governorship candidate of PDP in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, got a heroic welcome from an enthusiastic crowd in his hometown, Ewhohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area.
Upon arrival, Ighodalo hosted elders and leaders of the party from Ewhohimi, Ewhossa and Ewatto at his country home in Okaigben Quarters, which marked the beginning of the campaign tour of the local council area. Ighodalo assured the people that they would be proud of him and his deputy.
In his welcome address, the immediate past council chairman, Peter Aguele, thanked the people for the “hard work” they've been doing and the unity within the party. He challenged them to double their efforts because “the last lap is about the election and I beg us all so that we enter the election with same unity and win the election”. Among those present were Sir Prince Lewis Osobase, a PDP leader and former member of the House of Representatives; Commissioner for Finance, Kalu Adaze; Chief Dr. Aghughu Adolphus, and a former Auditor-General of the Federation.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, who accompanied Ighodalo on the trip, challenged the crowd to give him all the needed support. He said they should ensure that the state governor came from their community because of the innumerable gains and advantages that it will confer on them.
Imoke stated, “On Saturday, no one should go to the farm or market. Don’t be too tired, no matter what, because when you win you will have governor and development will come. You all must go back to canvass for Saturday election."
Ighodalo later proceeded to the palace of the Onojie of Ewatto Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Osagie Ikhumwen I. Addressing the Onojie, Ighodalo said he deemed it necessity to pay the courtesy visit because “my father has been very supportive all along in this journey. So, today as we run through Esan South East, we must come and thank you. So, thank you sir for the support,” he said. The Onojie gave Ighodalo royal blessing, saying “Go and celebrate. God has made you victorious.”
ODUMEJE MADE PATRON…
L-R: Liaison Officer, Aureva Club Eastern Nigeria, Mr. Stanley Anyanwu, Global Secretary General/Administrator, Aureva Club, Dr. Juliet Wealth-Sakal, and General Overseer, The Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka CyrilOhanaemere(Odumeje) during a presentation of the Honorary Patron Plaque of Aureva Club to clergyman in Onitsha, Anambra State… recently
Troops Intercept Migrating Terrorists in Ambush, Kill Four in Kaduna
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Army yesterday said that troops on a sting operation in Kaduna State and acting on credible intelligence, intercepted terrorists attempting to migrate from Alawa Forest in Niger State to Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.
A statement by Nigerian Army said the ambush led to a fierce firefight, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, while others managed to flee back, adding that troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and three motorcycles at the scene.
Nakwakina village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Troops sprung an ambush against the terrorists, neutralising two of them and subsequently restoring
“In a separate operation, troops also acted on intelligence about the movement of terrorists at Hayin
FCT School Teachers Commence Indefinite Strike
Primary school teachers in the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing have embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid outstanding entitlements and other pending industrial issues.
A communiqué signed by State (FCT) Chairman, ComradeAbdullahi Shafa, and issued at the end of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting in Gwagwalada, Abuja, directed teachers in the territory to resume the suspended strike action with effect from yesterday.
To this effect, all public primary schools in FCT are to remain closed until the union’s demands are met.
The union noted that in spite of
the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which led to the payment of 40 per cent of the total sum of 25 months minimum wage arrears to the primary school teachers, there still remained knotty matters as payment of the remaining 60 per cent of the 25 months minimum wage arrears, implementation and payment of arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase.
Others implementation and payment of arrears of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, payment of arrears of the N35,000 wage award and correct and continuous implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of the teachers as agreed in 2022.
Reconsider Any Form of Endorsement for LG Poll, Group Tells Sule
Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia
The Awe Local Government Concerned Group yesterday urged the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdulkahi Sule, to reconsider any form of endorsement for the forth coming Nasarawa State Local Government election.
The Awe Concerned Group’s demand to Governor Sule is coming at the heels of reports in the social media that the governor has endorsed one Hon. Sani Musa as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Awe Local Government Area
Aureva
in the forth coming Nasarawa State council poll. Consequently, at a press conference in Lafia, leader of the Awe Local Government Concerned Group, Mahmud Awe, urged Governor Sule to reconsider any form of endorsement, should it have been made.
He therefore, pointed out that several credible and dedicated individuals from Awe Local Government of the state had worked diligently for the success of the APC and Governor Sule during his re-election campaign in 2023.
Club
Appoints
Prophet Odùméje as Patron
Sunday Okobi
An international humanitarian group, the Aureva Club, has stated that it will continue to expand its service in Nigeria and around the world mostly on its mental health awareness campaign.
normalcy in the village that had been earlier displaced by the terrorists. Troops also recovered two motorcycles, a mobile phone, and machetes abandoned by the
fleeing terrorists,” the statement said.
The statement also disclosed that while responding to a distress call, the gallant troops extricated
NIHSA Issues Flood Warning Ahead of Lagdo Dam Water Release
Yinka Olatunbosun
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning to the public that the Authority of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has informed the agency that the dam management will begin
regulated water releases at the rate of 100m% (8,640,000m/day) starting from September 17.
The water release is expected to increase gradually to 1000m% in the next seven days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which is the main feeder
into the reservoir and a major contributor to the River Benue.
In a statement issued by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, it was stated that the dam managers would make the planned water releases gradual in order not
to exceed the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and cause major flooding downstream Nigeria. He stated that: “The spilling of waters from Lagdo dam is expected to stop as soon as there is noticeable decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir.
NDDC: Senate Screened Me for Four-year Tenure, Says Ogbuku
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has faulted detractors seeking an end to his tenure in office, saying that he
was duly screened and cleared for the position he is manning at the commission.
Ogbuku, who provided clarity on the issue of the tenure of the current governing board of the commission, while addressing a press conference at the NDDC headquarters in
Port Harcourt, stated that the members were appointed for a four-year tenure.
He said the insinuations in some quarters that his tenure as the managing director would end this year, was false and without any foundation.
Ogbuku stated that subject
to the provision of Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act, “a member of the board other than ex-efficio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.”
Kano Grain Dealers, FFPIS Intercept 1,600 Contaminated Bags of Wheat
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
The Dawanau International Market Association in collaboration with Federal Farm Produce Inspection Service (FFPIS), yesterday displayed over 1,600 bags of contaminated wheat in Kano.
Speaking with newsmen in Kano, shortly after the display, the President of the Association, Muttaka Isa, said two warehouses with about 2,000 bags of wheat suspected to be substandard were sealed by the association.
Isa vowed to sanction any trader involved in bringing substandard grains or other food items to the market.
He said: “The crackdown on the perpetrators began after over 50 containers of products from the market, believed to have been adulterated, were rejected by some international customers.”
The market leaders added that the association has set up a committee to identify and fish out the culprits for necessary sanctions and prosecution.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Farm Produce Inspection Service (FFPIS), Hajiya Fatima Yakubu, lamented how some disgruntled market dealers were involved in the unwholesome act of displaying contaminated food.
Nigeria’s Economy Gets Boost from FIIRO’s Research Initiatives
Sunday Ehigiator and Ayodeji Ake
The Federal Institute of Industrial Research(FIIRO), Oshodi, has unveiled innovative research initiatives aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economy. This is just as it clarified the situation surrounding using its Abuja office as it relates to its productivity.
According to a statement from the institute, these groundbreaking projects spearheaded by FIIRO’s Director General Dr. (Mrs.) Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, are poised to revolutionise key sectors and create new opportunities for economic growth.
She said FIIRO’s research focus areas include agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
“Our goal is to develop cutting-edge solutions that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and drive sustainable development.
“Of recent, FIIRO has been moving its research products and findings to the Nigeria markets.
“We are loading the investment climate with viable research products that Nigerians can invest in to improve their economic status.
EStars, Ecobank Partner to Transform Esports Education in Nigeria
The visit, the organisation said, marked a new chapter for the Aureva Club in Onitsha and the eastern region, with a focus on using both spiritual and practical resources to address mental health challenges.
The club expressed its optimism that this collaboration would significantly amplify their reach and impact, especially with Prophet Odùméje as a prominent figure leading the charge.
The group stated this yesterday when it visited popular cleric, Prophet Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odùméje, who is the General Overseer of The Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry in Onitsha, Anambra State.
EStars, a trailblazer in the esports sector, has joined forces with Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group, to advance esports education and equip students across Nigeria with vital life skills.
This partnership marks a
significant step in Ecobank’s ongoing dedication to empowering African youth through education and technology.
EStars will integrate its innovative Esports Club and educational qualifications into Nigeria’s schools, building on successful implementations in
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EStars, Mags Byrne, emphasised the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying: “Esports is more than just gaming; it’s a gateway to acquiring essential life skills needed in today’s digital
world. With Ecobank’s extensive reach and focus on youth development, we aim to provide every Nigerian student with the opportunity to gain these skills through our esports curriculum. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of using esports as a transformative educational tool for Africa’s youth.”
ILO Promotes Just Transition to Decent Jobs for Waste Pickers in Nigeria
Dike Onwuamameze
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is promoting just transition to decent jobs for waste pickers in Nigeria by advocating the formalisation of working conditions in the country’s waste management system.
This was declared yesterday by the National Project Coordinator, ILO, Nigeria, Mr. Stephen Agugua, who represented the ILO Country Director, Dr. Vanessa Phala, at
the validation workshop on research study on “Promoting a Just Transition and Decent Work for Waste Pickers in Nigeria.”
Agugua said that sustainable management of waste could be key to achieving several
of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as good health; industry, innovation and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate change and lastly decent work and economic growth.
20 kidnap hostages who were abducted by marauding terrorists along Kwaga-Polewire wire axis of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
OlawaleAjimotokaninAbuja
Olatunji Hits New Height as Sparta Beat Salzburg in UCL Return After 19 Years
Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report
Nigerian forward, Victor Olatunji, recorded a goal and an assist as Sparta Prague secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the first round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
It was a perfect return to the Champions League for Sparta Prague who have been away from the tournament for almost 19 years. The Czech champions last appearance in the competition proper came in December 2005 when they finished last in a group containing Arsenal, Ajax and FC Thun.
The 25-year-old Olatunji became only the third African player to score and assist in his UEFA Champions League debut, following in the footsteps of Daniel Cousin in 2007 (for Rangers against Lyon) and Serge Aurier in 2015 (for PSG against Shakhtar). He’s the first Nigerian player to achieve this feat.
After such a long wait Sparta needed just 107 seconds to take
the lead at home to Salzburg through Kaan Kairinen's effort on the rebound.
Olatunji however doubled Sparta's advantage shortly before half-time
with a fine volleyed effort.
Then, in the second half, Olatunji supplied the assist for Qazim Laci for Sparta Prague’s third. In his 58 minutes of action, Olatunji registered
Sparta Prague’s Nigerian star, Victor Olatunji, celebrating his goal in the 3-0 defeat of Red Bull Salzburg...last night
two goal attempts, 14 touches, and won four of his seven duels. The game eventually ended 3-0 in Sparta Prague’s favour.
Sparta's win was their first in the Champions League proper since beating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003.
Elsewhere, another debutants, Bologna, ended their first ever Champions League match with a hard-fought point claimed in the
goalless draw at home to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Italian side last played in Europe's elite competition when they lost in the preliminary round of the 1964-65 European Cup.
In the other matches of the night, Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Inter Milan while PSG managed a lone goal win over Girona in Paris.
of visiting Slovan Bratislava while Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk settled for a goalles draw. Action resumes tonight with FC Barcelona and Arsenal away in Monaco and Atalanta respectively.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is available to play in his side's opening Champions League tie at Atalanta tonight as manager Mikel Arteta targets more progress in the competition.
Saka was taken off late on in Sunday's derby win at Tottenham as Arteta said he "could not continue".
"Yes he was able to train today (Wednesday), he completed most of the session and he is available," said the Gunners boss before Thursday's match against last season's Europa League winners.
Captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out with a "quite significant" ankle injury but fellow midfielder Declan Rice is back after being suspended for the victory against Spurs.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has also returned after injury, with Arsenal playing Atalanta prior to Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester City, who drew goalless with host Inter Milan at home on Wednesday.
Asked whether having a day less preparation than City before their match was a disadvantage, Arteta added: "Hopefully not.
Lagos, Edo in frenzy battle for second spot in final table
Although, some events are yet to be concluded, host, Delta State, yesterday emerged champions of the 8th National Youth Games after extending its lead on the medals table.
With 42 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze medals, athletes and officials of Team Delta were in celebration mood at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Wednesday. As at yesterday evening, Team Lagos had overtaken Edo in the battle for the second spot. Team Edo had maintained the second position from Day 2 of the competition, but dropped to third on Tuesday evening. While Team Lagos had 16 gold, 12 silver and 16 bronze medals, Edo had 15 gold, 7 silver and 17 bronze as at Wednesday evening.
Last year, when Delta hosted the 7th edition of the Games, the state topped the medals table with 51 gold, 34 silver and 11 bronze medals, with Team Lagos on second spot with 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze. Edo finished third last year with 21 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.
Bayelsa State, which finished fourth last year with 20 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze was on the fifth spot, yesterday behind Team Kwara.
While Kwara had 10 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze on the table as at yesterday, Team Bayelsa had 9 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze.
The situation might change today, as Bayelsa was expected to dominate the wrestling event, which just started Wednesday afternoon.
Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero, declared, yesterday, that Team Delta would still win more gold medals before today’s closing ceremony. The state is eyeing medals in Thursday’s
athletics event.
“We topped the medals table with 51 gold last year. Now, we are having 42 gold, which means the Games is more competitive this year. As at now, 32 states have medals unlike last year when it was about 27 states. Apart from Rivers State, all other states and the FCT attended this year’s Games,” Ohwojero stated.
Delta has won all editions of the National Youth Games from 2016
till date. In some of the events concluded Wednesday, Team Delta won gold in the paraathletics boys t46/47 event through Toheeb Olawale. Akwa Ibom grabbed the silver, while Bauchi settled for the bronze. In female Handball, Delta won the Gold, while Sokoto grabbed the Silver and Edo Bronze.
Team Kaduna put up a brilliant performance, grabbing two gold and one silver medals, yesterday. Kaduna
recorded the feat in Beach Volleyball Girls (Gold), Cricket boys (gold) and Beach Volleyball Boys (Silver).
Thursday’s boys football final will be between Delta and Abia State, as Edo failed to show up for their semifinal with Delta at St. Patrick College, Asaba, yesterday. Team Edo was said to have protested over the decision of the screening committee to restate four Delta players back into the Games.
...Lagos Sweeps All Boxing Gold Medals at Asaba 2024 Games
In a stunning display of dexterity, perseverance, and grit, Team Lagos has swept all four gold medals available in the boxing competition at the 2024 National Youth Games. Team Lagos U-15 puglist's dominance across the weight categories marks a historic achievement for Lagos in youth sports, particularly boxing.
The gold medal run began with Agboola Oyindamola's victory in the 40kg female category. Bello Olamide Lawal followed suit, claiming gold in
The sponsors of the annual National Women’s Basketball League, Zenith Bank PLC, are delighted about the progress of the game in Nigeria, especially in the women cadre. Zenith Bank has been the sole sponsor of the national women’s league for about two decades and the competition has produced many super stars who also developed over the years to represent Nigeria at
the 42kg male category. Yakubu Sofiat clinched the top spot in the 42kg female category, while Bolarinwa Michael capped off the clean sweep with his triumph in the 44kg male division. These outstanding performances reflect the state's commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, with the potential for these athletes to thrive on both national and international stages. This success underscores the continued efforts of Lagos State Governor,
continental and global events.
It is on record that the national Women’s team, D’Tigress has won the AfroBasket competition for four consecutive years while the team shocked the world two years ago at the basketball World Cup.
At the recently concluded Olympic Games in France, D’Tigress also showed so much guts by beating highly rated teams like Australia
Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has prioritised sports development. Significant investments in sporting infrastructure and grassroots initiatives under his leadership have resulted in not only talent identification and development but also inspired an era of sports excellence.
Speaking on the team's success, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, commended the young boxers for their dedication and discipline.
and Canada to earn a berth in the quarterfinal of the event. The team’s coach Rene Wakama, was named the best coach of the global event. It is also instructive to note that Murjanatu Musa, one of the key players of the team at the Olympics in Paris was the MVP of the 2022 event of Zenith Bank’s National Women’s Basketball League.
The Group Managing Director and
"We have so much energy from what happened on Sunday, it was great. We have recovered a few players which is very important for us as well, and we're playing in a competition that we absolutely love, so we're looking at the positives."
Arsenal were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League last season following defeat by Bayern Munich and Arteta hopes his side can learn from that.
Against an Ademola Lookman inspired Atalanta, the London Gunners have so much to do tonight to steady their campaign in this first round. The Super Eagles forward who missed Atalanta’s first three games of the 2024/2025 season due to transfer talks, scored a goal and contributed an assist as Atalanta defeated Fiorentina 3-2 at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday. It was Atalanta’s second win of the Serie A season.
The federal government has said it plans to support and export the 1,000-year-old Dambe sports, a Northern Nigeria cultural heritage.
The SA M&E and Heritage to Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Roshan Nanayakkara, disclosed this during the Dambe Warriors SuperFight 03 held recently in Abuja.
Nanayakkara said the ministry intends to increase its support for the traditional combat sports because it is one of the few unique Nigerian art and practices.
"Dambe sport is ancient and is traditional value to the Northern Nigeria people. We want to support its export and exposure because it is one of the few unique Nigerian arts, just as you have the Japanese
Sumo, we want to have Dambe on the global stage.
"All of the world needs to recognise that arts belong to the nation, that it originated from Nigeria, which exported it to influence culture all over the world," Nanayakkara said.
He added that the project is already embedded into Destination 2030 Initiative of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, which is in full support of the project that every one recognises is an experience Nigeria wants to share to the whole world to buy into it.
"Dambe is an initiative accepted all over Northern Nigeria, but we want an activity that is accepted and practiced all over Nigeria. We need to support it and take ownership for it," Nanayakkara concluded.
CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, says the outfit is always delighted that the investment in basketball is fast yielding positive fruits.
Umeoji said: “We are really happy that the women national team, D Tigress, are catching up with the rest of the world with our products in the league as part of the success story.
“The fast growth of the game will further propel up to do more just as we are happy with the ongoing league across the country. We charge all participants to put in their best efforts so that they will also become national team stars in the nearest future.”
Meanwhile, the second phase of the 2024 NBBF/Zenith Bank National Women’s Basketball League is scheduled to start on September 22nd in two centres.
Club Brugge lost 0-3 at home to last year's losing finalist, Borussia Dortmund.
Celtic FC had a goal feast at home with a 5-1 demolition
Bukayo Saka and Ademola Lookman will go head-to-head tonight as Arsenal take on Atalanta in the first round of the UEFA Champions League
Olawale Ajimotokan
Felix Wilson to Duoye Diri
“The nationwide economic crisis has had a more severe effect in Bayelsa than in any other state, with many families struggling to have a single meal a day as food prices soar in Yenagoa and environs. The proposed secretariat complex is likely to become yet another white elephant project, just like the unfinished Tower Hotel, which has consumed billions with no end in sight”—Bayelsapoliticianaccusingthe governorofprofligacyandmisplacedpriorityonthenewsecretariattocostN45billion.
OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
This Budget is More Than a Mess
Using the hashtag, #TheBudgetisaMess, BudgIT Nigeria made a crisp post Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter): “Just look at this, Nigerians! A Federal Polytechnic (NICTM) in Edo (State) has an allocation of N900 million to construct a road in Cross River (State). This same Polytechnic is renovating traditional palaces for N300 million and supplying motorcycles to Katsina and Bayelsa traders for N100 million to ease the effect of subsidy removal.” The post listed many other projects running into several billions of Naira scattered across the country to be undertaken by this same Federal Polytechnic in Edo State before the conclusion: “Nigerians, these insertions cannot continue.”
BudgIT, a civic organization that promotes transparency and active citizen engagement, has for years been raising awareness about the futility of the national budget. When Senator Abdul Ningi was suspended in March this year following his allegation of an ‘underground budget’ of N3.7 trillion, BudgIT Director and co-founder, Seun Onigbinde, waded in on the side of the senator. And in recent days, Onigbinde has been exposing the various insertions that make nonsense of the 2024 appropriation law. But this is a recurring issue on which I have also written dozens of columns and most times, I preface or conclude with the admonition by Laolu Samuel-Biyi that “If you want to keep hope alive in Nigeria, don’t look at the budget.” The challenge, of course, is that we cannot ignore the budget. Yet, if such an important planning instrument is reduced to sharing money between and among powerful interests, as we have seen over the years in Nigeria, how can our country develop?
Ordinarily, the national budget is the financial plan of a country with the principal objective to reduce inequalities by mobilising and allocating resources for investment in the public sector. Sadly, that has rarely been the case n Nigeria. From buying motorcycles and wheelbarrows to construction of websites to multibillion Naira ‘empowerment’ projects, budgeting in Nigeria is simply about sharing money for items repeated annually.
After President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Amendment) Act, 2020 into law, I wrote a two-part series, ‘A Nation on Ventilator’ where I highlighted these same problems. A few of the items I listed from the 2020 budget: ‘Supply of fertilizers to some operatives in Bauchi Central Senatorial District for N50 million’; ‘Grant to Kutiriko Jummat Mosque Committee, Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency, Niger State’ for the sum of N10 million; grant to ‘Lapai Emirates Development Association’; ‘Construction of Admin Block at ECWA Theological College (Christian Academy) Zambuk, Yamaltu/Deba’ at N19 million; N40 million for ‘Community support in Iwo, Ejigbo and Ola Oluwa LGA in Osun West Senatorial district’ etc. In the budget of the federal ministry of water resources for the same year, there was even a vote of N2 million for the construction of a personal gym that had no location!
One may argue that the sums allocated for a number of these items are small but by the time you multiply them into thousands, you get a fair idea of the quantum of money
deployed for things that do not belong in the national budget of a country. Besides, there is hardly any rigour in the description of these items. For instance, supply of ‘empowerment materials for youths and women in Ondo motorcycles, tricycles, grinding machine, fashion and training equipment, barbing and hair dressing equipment in Ondo Central Senatorial District’ gulped N60 million if you can decipher what that means. The ‘purchase of one unit of CAT Caterpillar grader equipment for rural road rehabilitation in Ondo Central Senatorial district’ took another N70 million. Assuming this caterpillar was purchased (and you find this kind of line item every year), who would take ownership? More noteworthy: That particular ‘project’ was inserted in the budget for the Public Complaints Commission! I understand that the structure of our country encourages lack of accountability in a system that was founded on ‘sharing the national cake’. But as I have also argued on numerous occasions, the essence of budgeting is forward planning. It takes three years to complete the process for one fiscal year in more organised societies—a year to formulate, another to legislate, and yet another to execute. The real issue is not even that National Assembly members insert ‘projects’ without any process but rather that most of these financial allocations are transactional. That explains why ‘road construction’ projects can be domiciled in the Ministry of Health while ‘empowerment’ can be under the Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Projects running into hundreds of millions of Naira are sometimes domiciled in ‘various locations’ or ‘some communities.’ Since it is not conceivable that these Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) officials will execute projects outside their mandates, it stands to reason that such monies are purposely ‘warehoused’ for certain individuals.
More concerning is that while this
challenge has been with us for years, it is now being institutionalized under the current administration. Even if they didn’t do anything about it, previous presidents (from Olusegun Obasanjo to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) were uncomfortable with the manner the budget was cannibalized by the National Assembly. But for the first time, we have a president who is not only comfortable with what the National Assembly has done with the 2024 budget but has also defended it. “I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back. I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget. Thank you very much,” President Bola Tinubu told the National Assembly leadership after the allegation by Ningi earlier in the year. “Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget; they did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought. But your integrity is intact.”
Perhaps the commendation is understandable because this presidency has also been adding luxury items that have more to do with its own indulgence than any attempt to promote the public good. Meanwhile, while signing the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law two years ago, Tinubu’s predecessor had expressed concern over “new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.” These distortions, according to Buhari, “relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of states and local governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed and costed. And many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.’’
With a president who is more concerned about taking from the people (removal of subsidy, increased taxation etc.) than how such monies are expended, it is no surprise that concerns are not raised by the executive regarding the 2024 budget. But we cannot continue this way. When the national budget of a country is replete with ‘stakeholders annual forum’, ‘promotion of energy planning tools in six geopolitical zones’ etc., there can be no meaningful development. It is therefore important that we reform the budgeting process. And that will not happen until critical stakeholders in both the executive and legislature agree that we have a systematic problem which requires dealing with.
Section 88, subsection 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution expects the National Assembly to “expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it”. An institution with such enormous powers cannot afford to be messing with the national budget every year. Let’s take the case of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)—one of the agencies that BudgIT has highlighted in the 2024 budget. Established in 2008 “to promote and support the use of space technology within and outside of Nigeria for the management of
the full disaster cycle including prevention and mitigation”, the mandate of NASRDA is very clear. Despite that two of the three remaining satellites have expired, about 40% of the 2024 capital expenditure by NASRDA is going to ‘Supply Of Empowerment Materials To Indigent Women In Various Communities’, ‘Training And Empowerment Of Clergy, Traditional Rulers/ Heads Of Communities On Conflict And Peace Resolution’, ‘Supply of Toyota Hilus Utility Sports For Sensitization Against Rape And Pre-Mature/Unwanted Pregnancy’, ‘Provision Of Sustainable Appliances’, ‘Provision And Supply Of Large Metal Dustbins, etc. How can anybody defend such budgetary provisions in a space agency?
But I do not want us to scapegoat the National Assembly. The argument of lawmakers has always been that if unelected ministers, heads of agencies and civil servants (who did not go through the rigour of any election) can insert whichever projects they want in the budget of the MDAs, why should they (elected representatives of the people) be precluded from doing the same? And this is a valid question. The issue, of course, is that the budget is a legislative responsibility, so we cannot but hold the lawmakers to account on the issue.
The essence of legislative oversight is to detect and help eliminate areas of waste within public agencies, make government accountable to the people, evaluate the impact of policies and programmes on the society while ensuring that all these are in promotion of the public good. A National Assembly whose members cannot appreciate that such onerous responsibility demands accountability will sooner or later lose the moral authority that surrounds its constitutional power. That exactly is the situation today. But we must also understand their own challenges.
On the second anniversary of the 8th National Assembly on 9th June 2017, I had the privilege of addressing members of the House of Representatives at plenary, at the invitation of then Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara. “While the Honourable members of this House were elected to make laws for the good governance of the country and through that bring developments to the people, what your constituents demand are instant gratifications. They want money to pay the school fees of their children, establish businesses and sometimes even to marry more wives,” I said in my presentation, which dwelt on the power of the legislature and the crisis of expectation on Nigerian lawmakers. “If you are not able to deliver on these, no matter how many bills you sponsor in the National Assembly or how efficient you are in your oversight functions, you are a failed lawmaker, in their estimation.” But I also made the lawmakers understand that the legislative ‘power of the purse’ confers on them the responsibility to serve as watchdogs on the executive in the way and manner national resources are allocated and expended.
Overall, we need a serious conversation on the budgeting process in Nigeria. The current arrangement does not, and cannot, serve the public good. As critical stakeholders in this democracy, our lawmakers (and their collaborators within the executive branch) must appreciate that, and course correct. In their own enlightened interest.
