WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Tinubu to World Leaders at UN: Africa Does Not Need Pity, Won’t Replace Old Shackles with New Ones

Insists broken promises, unfair treatment exacting heavy toll on Africa Vows to help re-establish democratic governance in Niger Says African nations will fight climate change on own terms

that

b lackout as Nigeria’s Power Grid Collapses

Production to start with diesel, jet fuel Petrol refining to commence on November 30 Says NNPC does not have needed crude immediately Company to buy feedstock in dollars

At Supreme Court, Atiku Lists 35, Obi 51 Grounds to Nullify Tinubu's Election

Ex-VP faults tribunal's refusal to void poll over “doctrine of legitimate expectation” Says it erred in decision on electronic transmission, 25% FCT votes Requests rerun between Tinubu and him alone Former Anambra governor wants apex court to allow appeal, set aside tribunal judgement, grant reliefs sought in petition, either in main or alternative

Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Twelve days after the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu of All Progressives Congress (APC), the candidates of Peoples Democratic (Party), Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, yesterday, presented to the Supreme Court reasons the decision of the tribunal could not stand.

After faulting the tribunal's refusal to void the poll over the “doctrine of legitimate expectation”, Atiku filed 35 grounds of appeal, including the fact that the tribunal erred in its decision on electronic transmission, the 25 per cent votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and, as such, requested a rerun between him and Tinubu alone.

Obi, a former governor of

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EXXONMOBIL VISITS PRESIDENT TINUBU IN NEW YORK...

Blackout as Nigeria’s Power Grid Collapses Third Time in Five Days

FG vows to push power generation capacity

I am determined to make impact in power sector Diesel price hits N1,100 per litre

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The nation’s power grid collapsed for the third time in five days yesterday, with electricity generation dropping from a peak of 3,594.60 megawatts (MW) at midnight to a meagre 42.7mw at 12 noon.

This occurred just as the federal government promised to take urgent steps to reform and grow the nation's power sector, vowing specifically to ramp up electricity generation capacity to at least 20,000 megawatts (mw) in the next three years.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made the pledge yesterday, in Lagos, while delivering his welcome address during the Leadership Summit of the Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference 2023. Also, it emerged yesterday, that the price of diesel has climbed to N1,100 per litre.

The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers’ Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

NOGASA President, Mr. Benneth Korie, said diesel has witnessed incessant hike in prices in recent months, a development he said was worsened by marketers’ inability to secure bank loans that would enable them restock.

Korie lamented that the rapidly-rising diesel price was evidently causing hardships in haulage transportation and commuting alike.

“NOGASA is worried about the ugly development and trying to understand why prices of diesel are going as high as N950 to N1,100 per litre in the market with a view to moderating the prices and shocks in the economy,” he added.

Korie advised that the Nigerian refineries should be given emergency attention by the government to ensure rising energy cost does not murder

the economy.

Data from the National System Operator ((NSO), a unit in TCN, yesterday, indicated that only the Delta Power plant was active on the grid at noon, with 41mw, while Afam had 1.7mw.

Nigeria, a nation of over 200 million persons, barely manages to generate and distribute between 3,500 mw and 4,500mw on a daily basis.

The breakdown of the national grid resulted in a nationwide blackout, leaving many Nigerians without electricity.

The World Bank estimates that businesses in the country suffer an annual loss of $29 billion as a result of “unreliable” electricity, with majority of Nigerians reluctant to pay their electricity bills because the bills are not “transparent and clear.”

“Businesses in Nigeria lose about $29 billion annually because of unreliable electricity. Nigerian utilities get

paid for only a half of electricity they receive,” the report read.

“Six in 10 of registered customers are not metered, and their electricity bills are not transparent and clear. This contributes to resistance to pay electricity bills,” the bank said in a report.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had yet to issue a statement explaining the cause of the latest collapse when this story was being put together.

The problem started earlier on Tuesday when supply dropped from 3,594.60 megawatts (MW) at about 1:00 am, while it slumped to a meagre 42.7MW at the point of writing this report.

However, at about 6pm yesterday evening, the system had been restored 1,662 mw, an indication that the grid was being restored gradually.

The last national grid collapse was caused by a fire at the Kainji/

Organised Private Sector Accuses Lawmakers of Abuse of Oversight Function

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The organised private sector in Nigeria (OPS) has expressed concern over what it described as incessant invitations and summons of organised businesses by Committees of the National Assembly for investigative hearings. It said the summons which were being carried out under sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, was disrupting normal business activities.

The OPS is made up of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industries (NASSI) and Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, the Director-General, of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Quadri said members of organised businesses, "have been inundated with several letters of invitations and summons for different investigative hearings by various Committees and Adhoc Committees of the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives), premised on section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended."

According to him, these frequent summons have been a notable challenge since the 7th National Assembly, from year 2012.

He said: "Recently, several letters were received by our member-companies from the Ad-hoc Committee on Non-Remittance to the National Housing Fund and Utilization of the Fund from 2011 to Date, and the Ad-hoc Committee to investigate

the Compliance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government and Corporate Bodies with the Industrial Training Fund Act, amongst other Committees.

"While we appreciate efforts of the National Assembly and its various Committees and Ad-hoc Committees to investigate and carry out oversight functions on Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, we are of the view that sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, relied upon by the Committees of the National Assembly is not applicable to Businesses in the Private Sector."

The DG urged the National Assembly, its various Committees and Ad-hoc Committees to wait for the Supreme Court's ruling on the case it referred to, adding that the apex court's decision would help resolve the issue of the frequent request for information and invitations/ summons of private companies

by Committees of the National Assembly as well as the contentious investigatory authority bestowed on the legislative chamber by sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution (1999) as amended.

"At a time when the economy is undergoing major macroeconomic and structural challenges, as well as struggling with the fallout of recent economic reform measures, we urge the National Assembly to focus on strengthening the capacity of the Executive Agencies to effectively carry out their functions, and refrain from carrying out any activity that would constitute a burden or destabilise law abiding businesses in the form of duplicated audits/ regulations."

Ajayi-Quadri, said the achievement of the 8-point Agenda of the current administrations required a conducive environment and active participation of the private sector.

Jebba 330kV line 2, causing outage nationwide. Before then, the TCN had celebrated over 421 days of consistent grid stability.

FG Vows to Push Power Generation Capacity to 20,000mw by 2026

The federal government has promised to take urgent steps to reform and grow the nation's power sector, vowing specifically to ramp up electricity generation capacity to at least 20,000 megawatts (mw) in the next three years.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated this in Lagos, while delivering his welcome address during the Leadership Summit of the Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference 2023.

Adelabu while lamenting the humongous investments made in the power sector since privatisation with no marked improvement, declared his determination to make positive impacts in the sector.

"As a politician, as a minister of power, I also have a limited amount of time to spend, and I must make impacts. I am determined to make impacts. I've diagnosed the issues to a large extent, and I've found out that the solutions are not as difficult as we all believe.

"In setting targets for ourselves, we also need to set short-term targets. My own vision is for us to increase the stored capacity of our generation to at least 20,000 megawatts in the next three years. And it doesn't stop there.

“We should be able to evacuate and transport this power at the minimum of 80 per cent of the stored capacity to the end users of the exchange system. Then the last issue there is we need to ramp up our investments in collection technology," Adelabu said.

Stressing the need to quickly close the metering gap in the country, which he put at over eight million, the minister added that all households, small businesses, government institutions, and industries must be properly metered so that everybody accounts for the power usage and able to pay for it.

He said the Ministry of Power

was focused on the balanced energy developments that drive socio-economic transformation, thus satisfying the future utility and sustainable development needs of energy security, sustainability, and affordability.

“Thus, as we convene here today, we are united by a common purpose to address the critical challenges and seize immense opportunities in the energy sector in Nigeria.

“The goal of this conference is not just to discuss these challenges, but to collaborate and implement concrete actions that will lead us towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future. We must help one another understand the power of strategic collaborations in this vital sector. This conference should not just be another talk show,” he added.

He challenged participants at the conference to arrive at workable solutions to resolve the highly technical challenges facing the power and leverage the opportunities provided at this conference to address them.

According to him, those challenges also lie in critical opportunities, such as unleashing power from renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, and wind, which would not only reduce the country's carbon footprint in terms of emission, but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

He added that investing in cuttingedge technologies and innovative solutions that could transform the way Nigeria produce, transmit, distribute, and consume power was also important.

The minister maintained that collaborating, sharing knowledge, and building partnerships that transcend borders and ideologies were equally needed by all stakeholders in order to make positive changes in the power sector.

Amid the subsidy removal and the challenge it brought upon the people, Adelabu noted that there were opportunities in the policy which included cleaning the transport system with electric vehicle and hydraulic technology.

to 20,000mw by 2026

Says so much investments made in sector since privatisation with no marked improvement Adelabu:

ExxonMobil President of Global Upstream Operations, Liam Mallon (left ) presenting Red Bull T-shirt to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the visit of ExxonMobil management team to the President in New York on the sidelines of 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York... yesterday

AWARD WELL DESERVED...

Tinubu to ExxonMobil President: Nigeria with Resources, Right Leadership, Ready for Business

Multinational oil firm pledges to raise its crude oil production in Nigeria to 40,000bpd

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, played host to a delegation of the global leadership of ExxonMobil.

According to him, Nigeria was no longer settling for crumbs and leftovers on the investment agenda of the world's most prolific energy conglomerates, saying, "Nigeria has never been more ready for business than it is now."

In a statement by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu stressed that following an illustrious private sector career as a professional accountant in the oil & gas industry,

he had proven his capacity to take difficult decisions as president and was best prepared to solve problems and crushed all bottlenecks standing in the way of new and large-scale capital flowing into Nigeria's oil & gas industry.

"The knotty issues require direct supervision on my part. Despite many contending obligations, I will sit down and oversee the process of removing these encumbrances to job and wealth creation for the Nigerian people.

“We know the industry. We grew up in it. We are positioned to solve the problems, and we are pragmatic, and we will solve the problem," the President assured.

Speaking earlier, ExxonMobil

FG Recovers N57bn from N5.2tn Owed to 10 MDAs

Defaulting govt debtors still being paid through TSA, GIFMIS

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The federal government revealed yesterday that it has so far recovered N57 billion from approximately N5.2 trillion debts owed to 10 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the Project Lighthouse Programme being managed by the Ministry of Finance.

The debts were in the form of debt liabilities to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); refunds to the government by companies which failed to deliver on projects for which payment had been effected, unpaid credit facilities granted to both corporate entities and individuals by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

Others were judgment debt in favour of government, and debts owed to Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) by insurance companies, among others.

Data from Project Lighthouse Programme also revealed that many companies and individuals who owe government agencies and refused to honour their obligations were still being paid, especially through platforms such as Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and Treasury Single Account (TSA) due to lack of visibility over such transactions.

In a statement issued by the Director (Press & Public Relations) in the ministry, Mr. Stephen Kilebi, the government disclosed that the

debts came to the spotlight from data aggregated from over 5,000 debtors across ten MDAs, adding that the aggravation was still ongoing.

"The Project Light House Programme of the Federal Government being managed by Federal Ministry of Finance, has through the consolidation efforts of the Debt Analytics and Reporting Application, been able to aggregate monumental debts of approximately N5.2 trillion aggregate recovery in 10 MDAs due to concerted efforts on the part of stakeholders and federal government.

President of Global Upstream Operations, Liam Mallon, assured Tinubu that he was aware of the new and personal commitment that he was bringing to bear on behalf of Nigeria and was well placed to

reciprocate the president's efforts with new investment as he pledged new production of nearly 40,000bpd in its Nigerian operations in phase one of a new investment push in Nigeria.

His words: "What you told us was that your team would collaborate with us, and that has proven true. We have made significant progress since we last met.

“We are growing our production, and we are working hard on expanding in the deepwater production. We appreciate your efforts, and we will respond in kind. The time is right. Thank you for your leadership."

UNGA: Tinubu Challenges Africans to Look Inwards, Reduce Reliance on Int'l Donor Funds

Commends Elumelu’s $100m support for SMEs, startups

Sanwo-Olu harps on enhancing scale of impact to deepen inclusion, equity, fairness UBA Chairman seeks business leaders’ support to propel Africa’s transformation

Chiemelie Ezeobi in New York, Nume Ekeghe and Oluchi Chibuzor in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu has challenged Africans, including its political and business leaders, to look inwards instead of undue reliance on international donor funds.

He made the call at the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Generation Unlimited (GENU) Breakfast Roundtable meeting, a side event at the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, yesterday.

Also, at a separate session, Elumelu, who is the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Plc, issued a call to action to successful individuals of African descent and

global leaders to actively participate in shaping Africa's development. He made the appeal during one of the sessions on the side-lines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while participating in a panel discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative 2023 meeting.

The TEF and UNICEF event also served as a forum for the launch of the Foundation’s Impact Report titled, "The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme: A Decade of Impact."

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister for Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, also stressed the need for local solutions to economic growth and unemployment, while offering incentives to willing investors

The president said, "I don't think we are doing enough as Africans for Africa. We need to do a lot more.

Tony Elumelu has been the major person driving investments in supporting the youths and start-ups.

"We need to challenge ourselves a bit more further. Africa has some of the richest people on the planet. We have a resource-rich continent with huge population of young people.

"We need to take up the challenge upon ourselves as Africans to support one another. It is about time we stopped looking for international organisations for donor funding. We need to go out of that mentality.

"We will rather have donor funds coming in to support what we have on ground already and not then coming to give us a seed or showing us the way.

“We actually know how to do things. In Africa, we have a rich culture and if we go back to our tradition, there is a whole lot we can learn from each other."

Nigerian Fashion Brand DWL Shortlisted for Qatar Business Accelerator Programme

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Luxury women fashion brand, Defining Women’s Lifestyle (DWL), has been accepted into the Scale7 Fashion Accelerator programme funded by the Qatar Development Bank (QDB).

A statement by the brand’s Founder and Creative Director, Ivie Odemwingie-Osula, said that DWL, currently based in Qatar with operations in Lagos and Doha, was selected alongside nine other prominent Qatar-based fashion and design brands for the programme which kicked off on September 18, 2023.

The programme involves provision of specialised mentorship,

business development activities and funding, the statement added.

Scale7 is the first fashion and design business incubator in Qatar founded by QDB in partnership with M7, Qatar's epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech.

Established by Qatar Museums under the leadership of Sheikha Al-Mayassa, M7 responds to the demands of Qatar’s growing fashion and design industries to support promising innovative entrepreneurs in the country with huge market potential to grow their businesses to iconic global fashion and design brands.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have DWL selected for the prestigious

Scale7 fashion accelerator programme after a rigorous selection process,” said Odemwingie-Osula in a statement.

“This recognition not only validates our vision and hard work but also provides us with unparalleled opportunities for mentorship, networking, and capacity growth towards positioning DWL as a competitive global brand,” she added. On how the support from the bank will impact her business, she noted that it will help to increase the brand’s operations and growth globally.

"Undoubtedly, the government of Qatar will enhance the status of the DWL brand, to increase our

operations and growth, globally.

“For us at DWL, the Business Accelerator Programme will amplify our capabilities, allowing us to refine our strategies and scale faster for enhanced brand presence, increased capacity, streamlined operations, and a wider reach and audience. We are excited for the journey ahead and the positive impact it will have on the DWL brand and community," she stressed.

DWL is a luxury female fashion brand which offers unique designs that present a fusion between modest fashion and western contemporary trends and helps women use the power of dressing as a tool to project confidence and an amplified version of themselves.

On the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), he said they were the engines of Nigerian and African economic growth, adding that they contributed almost half of national GDP, and more than 80 percent of employment.

While wooing potential investors with promises of right infrastructure provision such as regulations, property rights, access to justice, protection from unfair competition, power, as well as roads to market and ports, he said: "We must organise the disorganised SME market, and enable greater organisation and formalisation.

"We must invest in SMEs. Governments and the private sector have important roles to play in this regard. Our investing must be coordinated, targeted, and generous. This is where the example of the Tony Elumelu Foundation is a worthy role model for all.

"We must create and expand pathways for our SMEs to export their products and services and integrate into global value chains."

The president commended Elumelu for the impact his foundation has had on young people and SMEs in the country and beyond since 2010.

In his speech, Elumelu said the event was to highlight the significant contribution of the TEF's flagship $100 million Entrepreneurship Programme in advancing Africa's socio-economic development.

He noted that 13 years ago, the foundation took a bold step to rewrite and change Africa by enhancing entrepreneurship development to galvanise African solutions.

L-R: Director-General Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance, Mr. Humayon Dar; Executive Director, TAJBank, Mr. Sherif Idi; President of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, and Managing Director/ CEO TAJBank, Mr. Hamid Joda, during the presentation of the ‘Best Sukuk Deal of the Year 2023’ award to TAJBank Limited and ‘Most Promising CEO of the Year’ award to Joda at the just concluded Global Islamic Finance Award (GIFA) 2023 in Dakar, Senegal…recently

AdEyEmO On wOrkIng vISIt tO LAgOS...

Adeyemo Urges Nigeria to Take Advantage of AGOA to Unlock Economic Growth

Advises govts in Nigeria to embrace e-governance to fight corruption, enthrone transparency Hails Nigeria’s creative sector

Obinna Chima

The government of the United States of America (USA) yesterday, advised Nigeria to position itself properly so as to take advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market so as to unlock economic growth in the West African country.

Responding to a THISDAY question during a media briefing in Lagos, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Wally Adeyemo, stressed the need for more investments in the agriculture sector, especially through

modernised tools, for Nigeria to take advantage of AGOA. AGOA which was enacted in 2000, provides eligible African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products, in addition to the more than 5,000 products that are eligible for dutyfree access under the Generalized System of Preferences programme. The programme expires in September 2025, and its extension would be subject to the United States’ Congress approval

Adeyemo added: “Fundamentally, our goal is to make sure that as long as this current duration of AGOA exists, Nigeria and other countries

must position to take advantage of it. One of the things that I think Nigeria needs in order to better take advantage of AGOA is to make more investments in the agriculture sector.

“Today, I spent a lot of time teaching them about how digital evolution and revolution in Nigeria can unlock growth. Ultimately, the vast majority of Nigerians are still employed by the agriculture sector. But the agricultural sector is not meeting its potential today because of underinvestment. Under-investment in the utilisation of new technology, land and water.

“One of the things that the United States wants to do in partnership with Nigeria is make sure that we're

making those investments in order to unlock the ability of the agriculture sector, not only to feed Nigerians, but to be able to feed other parts of the world as well and to be able to export products.

“So, we are thinking about ways in which AGOA may be able to change to better meet the demands involved in African economy. We want to work with Nigeria, not only through AGOA as a tool, but thinking about other ways we can partner with Nigeria to make sure that we unlock growth here going forward.”

Speaking about his visit to Nigeria, Adeyemo said it afforded him an opportunity to meet with members

of the business community and some of the largest banks in Nigeria, and he gave a speech at Lagos Business School. In addition, he disclosed that he met some students as well as some startups.

“And I think one of the things that has been the most impressive about my time here is seeing the ways in which Nigeria and Nigerian companies, especially medium sized companies, are now becoming exporters to the rest of the world.

want to invest because we see real potential here,” he added.

He reiterated his support for some of the reforms introduced by the Bola Tinubu administration, just as he noted the challenges facing the Nigerian economy.

According to him, while the petrol subsidy removal comes with some pains, it would, “ultimately create a new opportunity to take that money and invest it in Nigeria in ways that help invest in things like infrastructure, not just physical infrastructure, but digital infrastructure, and agriculture and education in ways that help grow the Nigerian economy.”

Gas

Penetration:

NMDPRA Gives Nod for Construction of 500 MT LPG Plant in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) yesterday announced that it had granted Noretek Energy, an Approval to Construct (AtC) nod for a 500 Metric Tonnes (MT) of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The Authority stated that the move will not only boost the much-talked-about efforts to ramp up gas penetration and utilisation in the nation’s capital and its environs, but will also create employment for the people.

Speaking at the event, the Authority’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, noted that the approval to construct was coming at an auspicious time when the optimisation of the nation’s massive gas resources was taking the front burner.

Ahmed was represented by the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the regulatory agency, Mr Ogbugo Ukoha.

He said: “Nigeria has more than 209 TCF of gas. Not only that, government has also designated gas as the transition fuel for Nigeria. But more importantly, is the fact that the president has given the fresh impetus to these optimisations in deregulating the PMs markets.

“But more importantly, we are prioritising utilisation of gas. Two things, this will enable not just the supply to improve in Abuja. Because generally speaking, Nigeria’s gas utilisation per capita is far below what you have even in other African countries.

“Secondly, as you can imagine, this will provide employment opportunities. At 500 metric tonnes, a number of hands will be required to work in that space. So, it is in that sense that the authority is fast-tracking the regulatory process.

“We provide regulatory supports to ensure that these milestones are met with the construction of every facility within this industry.”

However , he explained that there are other issues like the financial plans and others which the project team at the NMDPRA was ready to collaborate on with the energy firm, to ensure that the project begins operations in full as soon as possible.

Ahmed noted that there were currently several of such LPG plants which will be ready for inauguration in the nearest future, especially in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

“Within the gas value chain, there are many derivatives, LNG, LPG, CNG, propane and it's in our best interest to have a full blast on all these derivatives because some can be deployed immediately for auto gas, some will do better for cooking, while others will do better for powering engines.

“But it's important to have a full bouquet of these so that everybody can have options,” he explained.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Noretek Energy Limited, Edward Traore, noted that the approval was a testament to the rigorous standards and commitment to integrity, professionalism, accountability, and transparency of the NMDPRA.

“Today's milestone serves as a pivotal element in Noretek Energy's

broader strategy. We're not simply investors in projects; we're investors in the future. Our commitment to clean energy doesn't end with this depot; it serves as a catalyst for our more extensive clean energy ecosystem.

“We recognise the federal government's efforts toward clean energy, and our intention is to be more than mere spectators; we plan to actively contribute to this important initiative.

“Launching this 500-metric tonne LPG storage depot marks the first step of the proverbial 1,000-mile journey. We at Noretek Energy have a comprehensive project agenda.

“This initial installation lays the

foundation for our planned expansion of LPG auto gas services and infrastructure across the region as a central element of our long-term objectives.

“Autogas is a key component of our investment plan, and presents a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels, providing both economic and environmental benefits,” he stated.

He added that the firm aims to spearhead initiatives in CNG refuelling infrastructure and CNG conversion technology solutions to provide a reliable and sustainable energy supply to meet the escalating demand in the region.

“And of course, it goes without saying that one of the things that has been the most impressive to me is seeing how Nigerian culture is being exported to the rest of the world, through the creative industry and then an ecosystem that has been built here in Nigeria as well.

“Before joining you for this interview, I had a chance to meet a number of Nigerian startups, companies that are in lots of ways, mostly fintech companies, which are meeting the need for credit in the economy, which is very much needed by the small and medium sized enterprises that make up the bulk of Nigeria's economy.

“As you all know, there are more than 40 million MSMEs in Nigeria that employ 80 per cent of Nigerians and many of them need technology to unlock their potential. And a lot of firms are helping to develop that.

“And it's a place where the United States is trying to play a greater role through the Development Finance Corporation, which is making significant investments here in Nigeria. I'm on the board of the Development Finance Corporation, and I know that Nigeria is a place where they

“In addition to that, taking the step of trying to unify the exchange rate is an important one because ultimately, it means that what Nigeria needs is a stable naira. Stable naira will help give the kind of stability that's needed for international investors to be willing to put money to work here in Nigeria. “Over the course of my time here, I've met with a number of American companies that have investments here in Nigeria. As a person, they want to invest more, because it makes economic sense for them.

“But in order to do so, they need a macroeconomic environment that will create real opportunities for them to make those investments. So I think the government taking the steps that are needed will create an opportunity for investors not only from the United States, but also from around the world, to invest in Nigeria.

Delta Governor Urges FG to Revamp Ailing Petrol Refineries

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the federal government and relevant stakeholders to work towards revitalising the nation's refineries.

He maintained that Nigeria has no reason to import petrol with its cost implications on the economy.

Oborevwori, stated this yesterday, when the National Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) led by its National President, Williams Akporeha, visited him at the Government House, Asaba.

He said there was no justification for an oil producing nation with four refineries to resort to fuel importation for its local consumption.

The governor described NUPENG as a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian project and thanked the president and the union for the support given to him during and after the general elections.

"I am happy that NUPENG has been in this struggle for years and I congratulate you for the struggle for more efficient and people oriented oil and gas sector and I celebrate you because you are a critical stakeholder in the Nigeria project.

"A lot of things have been happening. For years, our refineries have been down and nobody talks about how we can put our refineries to use; instead, we are importing petroleum products.

"This is also biting on the economy of this country. Look at the prices of things which have gone up because

we are not producing. If we were producing, we won't have these challenges. The products we use today are being imported and we have refineries that are not working,” he added.

According to the governor, “"I have promised Deltans in my M.O.R.E Agenda that security is very key. Infrastructure is there too. As you now know, most of the projects just awarded in Warri, will favour NUPENG because without good roads, you can't lift your products.

"Yesterday, my Deputy Governor went on inspection with the Minister of Works to inspect the Benin/Warri road and the Amukpe/Agbor road.

"Today, the Minister of Works is also going through the Ughelli/ Patani/Bayelsa road to ascertain the level of damage on those roads.

Without good roads we can't have access.

"As a state, we have embarked on the dualisation of the Ughelli-Asaba road, we have done about 70 percent. If we didn't embark on that road, we would not hhave had access to the capital city today. I am very sure that by this time next year, we will be completing the dualisation."

He commended NUPENG for its intention to build skill acquisition centre to empower youths of the state on relevant oil and gas industry skills and pledged the collaboration of the state for the success of the project.

Earlier, Akporeha said they were in Asaba to congratulate the governor on his assumption of office and for his laudable achievements in 100 days in the saddle.

L-R: U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo; CEO, Ogidi Studios, Idris Olorunnimbe, and Acting U.S. Ambassador David Greene, during Adeyemo's visit to Ogidi Studios, Lekki, as part of his working visit to Nigeria… Monday

Nigeria’s Chioma Nnadi Picked as New Head of British Vogue

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Global media company, Condé Nast, has appointed Chioma Nnadi to replace Edward Enninful as head of British Vogue, one of the most powerful roles in the fashion industry.

Nnadi will become head of editorial content at the magazine, reporting to Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief at US Vogue and chief content officer across Condé Nast’s global editions.

A London-born 44-year-old whose father is Nigerian, Nnadi is currently editor of the American edition’s digital arm Vogue.com, overseeing digital content for the title.

Enninful, 51, said in June that he would step down from the group after the March 2024 edition but remain as an editorial adviser of the magazine group, sparking fevered speculation over who would replace him in a role as a key taste maker for British fashion.

Under Enninful, British Vogue became a more diverse and eclectic magazine that championed plus-size and transgender models, and featured celebrities such as Meghan Markle, Financial Times,

Anambra State, who filed 51 grounds of appeal, wanted the apex court to allow his appeal, set aside the tribunal judgement, and grant reliefs sought in his petition, either in the main or in the alternative.

A five-member panel of the tribunal had on September 6 upheld the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the February 25 presidential election. The panel, in a unanimous decision, held that Atiku as well as other petitioners against the February 25 presidential election were unable to substantiate their allegations against the poll conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, in its judgement, held that the documentary and oral evidences presented before it could

light on crude and product flows and laid out a litany of complications and delays to the project since it was first mooted in 2013.

"Right now I'm ready to receive crude," said Edwin, who previously ran Dangote Cement. "We are just waiting for the first vessel. And so as soon as it comes in we can start," he added.

Dangote aims to make Nigeria, Africa's biggest producer which imports all its refined products self-sufficient in fuels and leave plenty more for export.

Edwin, said the refinery, which was officially inaugurated by former President, Muhammadu Buhari in May, would launch in phases, beginning with 350,000-370,000 bpd of diesel and jet fuel by October, when the crude distillation unit, sulphur block and hydrogen plant should be online.

Then on November 30, he said the refinery would start the phased ramp-up to 650,000 bpd, around half of it petrol production, the key area of Nigerian fuel demand.

S&P Global analysts predicted that the refinery would not hit full operating capacity until mid-2025, according to a recent note, with further delays still possible. Still, forecasts from S&P Global suggested that Nigerian petrol production would exceed imports until the 2040s as a result of the refinery.

Although the refinery was designed to process light sweet Nigerian crude, state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), which is a shareholder in the project, cannot

reported.

Enninful was long seen as a potential successor to Wintour, who Vogue insiders say shows little sign of loosening her grip on the editorial reins after a decades-long career at the magazine.

The 73-year-old has recently overseen a global “digital-first” strategy where more content has been shared between national editions — a restructuring that sparked upset internally given the loss of some editorial control at a local level.

However, Vogue insiders insist the previous model had led to costly duplication of resources, the FT report added.

Nnadi, the first black woman to edit British Vogue, will become one of the global editorial heads that now help run the magazine publisher.

Seen by insiders as loyal to Wintour, Nnadi has emerged as one of the most prominent editors at US Vogue. Wintour has promoted close deputies to international roles since her appointment as chief content officer.

Nnadi started her career on the features desk of the Evening

not prove claims of irregularities, corrupt practices, non-compliance, among other claims, for which Atiku had asked the court to void Tinubu's election.

However, dissatisfied, Atiku, who claimed that the lower tribunal erred in law by affirming the outcome of the February 25 poll, asked the Supreme Court to set aside the entire decision of the tribunal.

In addition, he prayed the apex court to, after voiding Tinubu's election, declare him as the authentic winner of the poll.

Atiku, who came second in the poll, claimed that he, and not Tinubu, won majority of lawful votes cast at the election, and contended that the electoral umpire manipulated the process in favour of Tinubu.

In the Notice of Appeal dated September 18, and filed by his lead

supply the refinery until November, Edwin said. So, Dangote would be buying oil from trading houses. Vitol and Trafigura recently carried out inspections of the plant, he said.

"At the last minute (NNPC) said, 'We have actually committed our crude on forward basis to someone else', so immediately they don't have the crude," he said. This is a temporary issue, and the refinery should run on exclusively Nigerian crude by November, he stressed.

That Nigerian oil would be purchased in US dollars, not naira as some reports had suggested, because it is located in a free zone on the outskirts of Lagos, Edwin said. However, NNPC would supply some crude at knockdown prices due to its equity stake.

Edwin said the scale of the refinery meant being, "solely dependent on Nigerian crude would not be advisable," meaning the refinery could process most African crudes apart from heavy Angolan grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US light tight oil.

"We can take even some of the Russian grades... if the global system opens up to allow us to receive (them)," he said.

The refinery, he said, was not only targeting the Nigerian market with its refined products.

"Basically if you look at our production profile, 50 per cent of my production will meet 100 per cent of the requirement of the country," Edwin said.

Excess petrol – which would be 10 ppm sulphur Euro 5 quality would be exported to other African

Standard Magazine in the UK before moving to New York to write for Trace, a style magazine. She covered fashion as the style director at Fader magazine before joining Vogue in 2010.

Vogue said there had been “tremendous audience growth” under Nnadi’s leadership, driving engagement across the website and social media.

Nnadi has also written recent cover stories on Rihanna, Cara Delevingne and Erykah Badu, and co-hosts the Vogue podcast, The Run-Through. She will begin overseeing British Vogue on October 9, and will be based in London.

Nnadi said: “Now, more than ever, it feels like a moment to look beyond borders while also celebrating the broad scope of what it means to be British.”

Wintour said Nnadi was “an editor and writer with an impeccable reputation — both here and in the fashion industry at large”.

She added that Nnadi had proved “adept at speaking to our digital audience and has found ways to extend Vogue’s reach, authority, and influence across all of our platforms”.

counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, the former vice president submitted that the tribunal erred in law by not taking into cognisance the "Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation" regarding the failure of INEC to conduct the election in accordance with its own guidelines and the Electoral Act, 2022.

The doctrine of legitimate expectation was first developed in English law as a ground of judicial review in administrative law to protect a procedural or substantive interest when a public authority rescinds from a representation made to a person.

In Nigeria, the doctrine of legitimate expectation demands that a public authority shall respect and apply its stated position or sustained practice in exercising its powers on members of the public.

Expatiating on this line of argu-

markets as well as the US and South America, although the volumes will be relatively small, he said.

Meanwhile, jet fuel would be exported to Europe and diesel will be sold in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Q1, 2023, Nigeria imported 383,400 bpd of gasoline and diesel, according to data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea. Imports fell to 193,000 bpd in Q2 after the subsidy removal.

Edwin said refined products can be evacuated from the refinery by road or by sea, with the two routes able to handle 80 per cent and 75 per cent of production respectively.

Wary of theft and vandalism of pipelines in Nigeria in recent years, which is claiming 400,000 bpd of crude according to NNPC, Dangote's only pipelines connect the refinery to single buoy moorings in its purpose-built port, which Edwin said could handle VLCCs and even ULCCs (very large and ultra large vessels).

"I can load a Suexmax in a day, I can offload a VLCC in a day," he said.

The company is also widening the road connecting the refinery to the expressway. That job is 70 per cent complete, Edwin said.

Although discussions started as far back as 2013, Edwin said Dangote only began physical construction five years ago following a string of delays and mishaps. The first plot of land in a free zone in Ogun state was ditched following potentially "disastrous" political interference, he said.

After buying 33 square km of land

ment, Atiku told the apex court in ground seven that "the lower court erred in law when it failed to nullify the presidential election held on February 25, 2023 on the ground of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, when by evidence before the court, the first respondent (INEC) conducted the election based on very grave and gross misrepresentation contrary to the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, based on the ‘doctrine of legitimate expectation’.”

Atiku point out that the Electoral Act 2022 made the use of Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC's Results Viewing (IReV) portals mandatory in the conduct of the 2023 general election. He added that INEC, through its Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmoud, publicly gave guarantees, undertakings, clear and unambiguous

in Lagos state for $100 million, the team found more than 70 per cent of the plot was swamp and spent a year clearing it. Then, faced with the possibility of rising sea water claiming the land in the next 70 years, Dangote spent $50 million elevating the land by 1.5 meters.

"We had to hire the world's largest dredger, second largest dredger, and third largest dredger to... pump in about 65 million cubic meters of sand," he said.

The company also had to construct a port capable of receiving extremely heavy assembled equipment because it lacked the infrastructure to assemble equipment in Nigeria, import 200,000 pikes to prevent sinking, buy 320 cranes and invest in a 10 million tons per year granite quarry.

Ultimately, delays proved a blessing, Edwin said, because, "we had time to increase the capacity of the refinery (and) improve efficiencies in the design." What will be the world's largest single-train refinery began life as a 300,000 bpd project, Edwin added.

Edwin, who joined Dangote Group in 1992, said the refinery would be "enormously beneficial to the country" by establishing a reliable supply of "environmentally-friendly" refined products and bringing "a huge amount of foreign exchange into the country."

It will also ease a fuel supply crisis in import-dependent West Africa, where Nigeria's recently-scrapped fuel subsidy created a thriving illicit market for gasoline amid price fluctuations, the report noted.

representations to candidates and political parties that polling units results were mandatorily required to be electronically transmitted or transferred directly by the Presiding Officers.

He argued further, "There was no evidence before the lower court that the first respondent altered its aforesaid Guidelines and Regulations to remove the said requirement of electronic transmission of the results of the election directly from the polling units to the first respondent's collation system."

Atiku submitted, therefore, that INEC "conducted the said presidential election based on the gross misrepresentation to the appellants and the general voting public that the Presiding Officers were going to electronically transmit the results of the said election directly from the polling units to the first respondent’s collation system.

"Contrary to the above unambiguous representations, undertakings and guarantees, the first respondent neither deployed the electronic transmission of election results nor the electronic collation system in the said election, sabotaging the raison d'être for the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of the technological innovations.

"Rather than hold the first respondent (INEC) as a public institution accountable to the representations that it made pursuant to its statutory and constitutional duties, which created legitimate expectation on the part of the appellants, the lower court wrongly exonerated the first respondent of any responsibility by holding that the use of the technological innovations to guarantee transparency was not mandatory."

It was also the appellant's position that the February 25 poll was "conducted based on very grave and gross misrepresentation and was therefore oppressive to the appellants and, thus, not free and fair, and not in accordance with the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, and not protected by the presumption of regularity, as well as the preamble and the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) adopted by the lower court”.

Insisting, "The grave misrepresentation negated the legal presumption of official regularity in favour of the first respondent,” Atiku told the apex court that INEC, as a public institution, was not above the law,

and not entitled to breach its own regulations with impunity, after clear and unambiguous representations upon which parties had placed reliance and were entitled to legitimate expectation.

According to Atiku, "The said election ought to have been nullified by reason of the said gross misrepresentation by a public institution based upon the ‘doctrine of legitimate expectation’ as applied by the Supreme Court as a policy court…"

Faulting the tribunal's judgement further, Atiku claimed that the lower court erred in law, when it failed to determine his case with respect to the mandatory verification and confirmation required before the announcement of the results of the presidential election, pursuant to Section 64(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

He averred that all the Collation Officers, Returning Officers and INEC Chairman were under a statutory obligation to confirm and verify that the result being collated was consistent with the results directly transmitted from the polling units before making final announcement on the general election.

In ground eight, the former vice president claimed that the lower court erred in law when in its interpretation of Section 134(2) of the 1999 Constitution held that Tinubu did not need to score 25 per cent of lawful votes cast in the FCT.

He said the decision of the tribunal that the FCT was like any other state of the federation was misconceived and should be set aside.

He also held that the issue submitted to the tribunal called for the interpretation of the material word "and" in the said Section 134(2), adding that the provisions of the section are clear and unambiguous.

Atiku further argued that the striking out of the evidence of his subpoenaed witnesses was in breach of their rights to fair hearing and was to amputate the evidential limbs of the case of the appellant and peremptorily and technically knock out the case of the appellant.

Atiku maintained that the Supreme Court should nullify the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the presidential election on the grounds that he did not score majority of lawful votes in the February 25 presidential election.

Peter Obi’s Grounds…

Obi and his party, while approaching the apex court with their appeal

Chioma Nnadi

PHOTO: AFP/Getty Imagies

ECOWAS, EurOpEAn uniOn, inTErpOL viSiT MiniSTry Of pOLiCE AffAirS...

L-R: Seated: Assistant Inspector General of Police (INTERPOL) AIG Lanre Bankole; Head of Politics, Press and Information Section European Union (ECOWAS/Nigeria) Zissimos Vergos, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo; Head of Regional Security Division, ECOWAS Commission, Colonel Abdourahmane Dieng and others from ECOWAS, European Union and INTERPOL during their visit to the Ministry of Police Affairs in Abuja... on Monday

Invasion of Jutice’s Privacy: Bulkachuwa Fails to Stop ICPC, DSS from Investigating Him

The move by former Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, to stop the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Service (DSS) from investigating him, over claims of invasion of privacy of the office of the president of the Court of Appeal has suffered a setback.

This followed the refusal of a Federal High Court Abuja, to restrained the two government agencies from investigating and prosecuting him for possibly influencing some of the decisions of her wife during her tenure as a judicial officer.

In a judgment yesterday, Justice Inyang Ekwo, held that the suit by the former senator lacked merit and subsequently dismissed it.

Bulkachuwa is the husband of Zainab Bulkachuwa, the immediate past President of the Court of Appeal.

While speaking during the valedictory session of the 9th National Assembly (NASS), the Senator from Bauchi State, had reminded his colleagues of how he had assisted them one way or the other through the wife, when she was in office.

The statement drew strong condemnation from both within and outside the judiciary, prompting moves by ICPC and DSS to investigate the veracity of the statement and also the level of culpability of the former president, of there was any.

But, before investigation could commenced the senator rushed to court to prevent his investigation on grounds of immunity.

In his judgment, Justice Ekwo held that Bulkachuwa, being a lawmaker, ought to understand the implication of the statement that he made on

the floor of the Senate.

Ekwo, pointed out that the legislative immunity which the Bulkachuwa relied upon to argue his case does not avail him.

“It is the duty of every law-abiding citizen to assist and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their quest to carry out their statutory function.

“It is only where a law enforcement agency breaches the fundamental right of a citizen in the process of carrying out their statutory function, then a cause of action could be said to have arisen", Ekwo held.

Bulkachuwa had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the NASS clerk, State Security Service, ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

The plaintiff had asked the court to declare that he, “is covered, privileged and protected by the parliamentary immunity as enshrined in Section 1 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017 and freedom of speech and expression made thereto is privileged.”

He also prayed the court to declare that without exhausting the internal disciplinary mechanism, recommendations and approval of the 9th House of Senate, no other law enforcement agent of the federal government, including the defendants can invite any member of the Senate for questioning/interview.

However, the court held that Bulkachuwa's utterance on the floor of the National Assembly on June 10, was not covered by Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“The provision is that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to

hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

According to the judge, the clear words of Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) cannot be interpreted to mean that a person can say anything he likes.

“In a formal setting like that plenary session or committee proceedings of the Senate, it is not expected-a person who is privileged to voice any expression will utter words or express opinion or impart ideas or gives information that cannot be defended under the constitution.

“Upon studying the provision of Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it Is my opinion, that the words uttered by the plaintiff on the floor of the Senate on Saturday, 10th June, 2023 was a confession of doing an act that is prohibited by law.

“When a person confesses that he influenced a judicial officer to help his friends and colleagues, such a person has gone beyond the limit of freedom of speech that is reasonably covered and protected by the provision of Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“A person who has used the opportunity given to him by the constitution to express himself freely and uses the opportunity to expose his actions or conduct which the law of the land criminalises, has unwittingly invited law enforcement agencies to question him.

“This is what the plaintiff did in this case. I therefore find that the speech of the plaintiff on the floor of the Senate on June 10, was a confession of illegal act and Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) cannot be invoked to cover such and I so hold,” he declared.

In the viral video clip on June 12, Senator Bulkachuwa said his wife had assisted his colleagues at the National Assembly, while serving as a judge.

“I look at faces in this chamber whom have come to me and sought for my help when my wife was the President of the Court of Appeal.

“And I must thank particularly, my wife, whose freedom and independence I encroached upon while she was in office, and she has been very tolerant and accepted my encroachment, and extended her help to my colleagues.

Former Chief Pharmacist of National Hospital, Abuja Sentenced to Life Imprisonment over Sodomy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured a life imprisonment sentence at the High Court in Abuja against a public officer, Dr. Abubakar Mustapha Danraka, for sodomy.

This was a historic and landmark ruling in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

A statement yesterday, by the agency’s spokesman, Vincent Adekoye, noted that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Kubwa, Abuja and presided over by Hon. Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf, on Monday convicted and sentenced Danraka, Ph.D holder to life imprisonment for rape (Sodomy)under Section 1 of the VAPP Act of 2015.

Adekoye revealed that Danraka

was a former Chief Pharmacist of National Hospital, Abuja, and Senior Special Adviser (Technical) to the Director of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

He noted that the ruling ended the three-year-old controversies surrounding this celebrated case which had attracted much attention from stakeholders across the country.

Adekoye, said the convict was arrested on March 27th, 2020, for defiling a minor (name withheld), who happened to be his neighbour, living in the same estate with him in Abuja.

He lured the victim to his apartment and had anal intercourse with him after stupefying him with a drink.

He was charged to court vide a charge dated 9th August 2021, and was arraigned on 5th April.

Kreston OUC Becomes Ecovis OUC

In a strategic move set to reshape the landscape of Nigerian professional service delivery, Kreston OUC (Chartered Accountants) has announced its transformation into Ecovis OUC (Chartered Accountants).

This, it stated aligns with the esteemed Ecovis network.

The rebranding marked a significant stride towards bolstering consulting services for Nigerian businesses, promising enhanced value and effective partnerships for informed decision-making, it disclosed in a statement yesterday.

“With a legacy spanning 80 countries and a global network comprising about 10,000 professionals, Ecovis is internationally renowned for its comprehensive consulting solutions encompassing

taxation advice, accounting, auditing, and management consulting.

“The transition to Ecovis OUC underscores the firm's unwavering dedication to broadening its service spectrum and delivering unmatched excellence to its diverse clientele,” the statement added.

It disclosed that its integration into the Ecovis network presents Nigerian businesses with an invaluable opportunity to tap into worldwide expertise seamlessly fused with localised insights. The firm noted that the dynamic synergy empowers businesses to confront global challenges with tailored local solutions.

It added: “Ecovis OUC maintains its resolute commitment to nurturing all businesses with a comprehensive,

all-inclusive solution addressing financial, managerial, and administrative complexities.

“This approach capitalises on varied expertise to offer holistic solutions. Every client of Ecovis OUC is paired with a dedicated personal advisor—an experienced business professional well-attuned to local dynamics and international trends.

“This advisor network guarantees clients access to a diverse array of insightful solutions that foster growth. The rebranding resonates with the firm's mission to fortify client relationships, a cornerstone for effective decision-making.

“The personalised approach of Ecovis OUC empowers clients with indispensable insights, enabling them

to make strategic choices confidently.”

The firm’s Managing Partner and Chief Spokesperson, Mr. Andrew Uviase said: "Our transition to Ecovis OUC signifies our unwavering commitment to elevating services and nurturing client partnerships. We are steadfast in our mission to equip Nigerian businesses with the tools and insights needed to not just thrive but excel in the dynamic realm of modern business.

“This transformation epitomizes Ecovis OUC's pledge to deliver premium professional services. Aligned with the Ecovis network, the firm stands poised to provide exceptional support to Nigerian businesses striving to enhance their performance and deliver superior returns to their stakeholders.

2022 where he pleaded “not guilty.”

The prosecution team from NAPTIP sufficiently proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt which led to the September 18, 2023 judgment.

Reacting to the judgment, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi, hailed the judiciary for its doggedness in ensuring that justice is served under the VAPP Act.

She said, “I want to specially com-

mend the Judiciary for its sustained collaboration, and support in the implementation of the VAPP/Law in the Country which has culminated in this landmark judgment. This is a victory for us as a country.

NESG: High-growth Sector Financing Key to Sustainable Development

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has tasked government to mobilise finance in high-growth sectors, as a vital step towards achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

The Group, whose 29th economic summit (NES 29), scheduled for October 23 -24, 2023 would be spotlighting the subject as a subtheme, in a statement, noted that sustainable development required deepening national financial systems through facilitation and mediation of innovative sources such as private equity, development finance, digital financial inclusion and microfinance.

“Efforts should focus on domestic revenue mobilsation by expanding the tax net and improving collection efficiency, promoting broad-based investment, packaging, onboarding, and retention of both domestic and foreign direct investments in critical high-growth sectors,” Director of Research, NESG, Dr. Olusegun Omisakin, was quoted to have said.

He added that Nigeria could leverage a compelling portfolio of competitive investment-grade projects and social investment programmes to

“In our bid to make Nigeria a violence–free nation, in collaboration with all our esteemed partners and stakeholders, we will continue to scale our efforts in ensuring more convictions and less impunity,” the NAPTIP Director General stated. access and deploy financial resources in support of sustainable development initiatives.

According to Omisakin, “Promoting innovative financing mechanisms, strengthening public and private financial institutions, and enhancing public-private partnerships are essential for mobilising the necessary funds.

“Hence, it is crucial to shift Nigeria from a predominantly governmentled funding approach to a private sector-led investment-driven economy, while also improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public revenue and expenditure.”

Recently, the NESG announced it would anchor its 29th summit on ‘Pathways for Sustainable Economic Transformation and Inclusion’, in light of the urgency of translating economic growth into improved and sustainable living standards for all citizens.

This year’s summit theme hints at Nigeria’s potential for sustainable development, leveraging innovative policies, robust institutions, strategic infrastructural investments, and human capital development.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

UMAHI INSPECTS FEDERAL ROADS IN EDO-DELTA...

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NNPC Spokesman, Ex-PPPRA CEO, MDs of WRPC, Shipping Line, Others Impacted in Latest Top Management Reshuffle

All affected employees will receive exit package, says Kyari At least 100 non-management level workers to go

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The massive sweep embarked upon by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) continued yesterday, with the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the national oil company, Mr Garba Muhammad, affected by the shakeup.

Among scores of others, also impacted by the top management level staff reshuffle were the former Chief Executive of

the defunct Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Abdulkadir Saidu as well as the Managing Director of the Warri Refinery , Olasunkanmi Jimoh.

A list of those affected obtained by THISDAY yesterday also showed that the MD of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, Ali Muhammed was asked to go as well as the MD NNPC Shipping, Nike Kolawole.

Earlier in the day, the NNPC had announced its intention to sack

top management staff who had less than 15 months to retire from the national oil company.

The development is coming days after the oil company announced the removal and replacement of three of the its Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs).

Those impacted by the previous shakeup included Abdulkabir Ahmed, who was hitherto in charge of gas, power and new energies; Adokiye Tombomieye, who headed the upstream segment as well as

Adeyemi Adetunji, who was in charge of the downstream.

They were replaced by Olalekan Ogunleye as EVP gas, power and new energies; Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan for the company's upstream operations, while Adedapo Segun took charge of the downstream.

In a brief statement Tuesday morning, the NNPC had stated that the new reshuffling was in line with its aspiration to rejuvenate its workforce.

Also swept off by the new

Sagamu Clash: We'll Enact Law Prescribing Death Penalty on Cultists, Abiodun Warns

Ogun State Governor Prince

Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would soon enact a law that will pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught engaging in cult activities in the state.

Governor Abiodun made this known on Tuesday at a meeting with the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and his chiefs at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu.

He expressed shock at the wanton destruction of lives and peace of Sagamu and its environs, even as he warned that the government would not fold its arms and watch unscrupulous persons run riots in any part of the State

He said: "I want to sympathize with the good and law-abiding citizens of Sagamu and of course, our referred paramount ruler and the Kabiyesis and all those who have lost loved ones.

"We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we bring any person directly, indirectly or remotely responsible for these occurrences to book. I have discussed with the Attorney General perhaps it is our disposition that allows for these occurrences of heinous crimes.

"It is well within my powers as the governor of this State to pronounce the death penalty on people and we are going to ensure that we enact that because when people appreciate and understand the consequences of their behaviours, perhaps they will begin to have a rethink.

"I have called on the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Service (DSS), the Commander of the Civil Defence, our Amotekun Commander and all our security architecture to relocate to Sagamu for this purpose.

"We will rely on our Kabiyesis because they are the closest to the grassroots, for all the intelligence support because these people are not spirits. They live within us, they are tenants in our houses.

"The last time I came here, I said any house that we arrest anybody that is connected to either cultism or kidnapping, we will find out where they live and demolish that house. And sadly, it has been very difficult for me to implement because they rent an apartment and the unsuspecting landlords who don't know what they do give their houses to them and after we arrest them and about to demolish the house, those landlords will come and beg us that they did not know the suspects were into that business.

"I am now pronouncing that we will no longer refer to these people as cultists or any other name. We are pronouncing them as murderers and we will mete out punishments that are deserving to murderers," he warned.

The governor said that henceforth, he would not entertain any sentiment from any quarter as the activities of the hoodlums were capable of sabotaging government efforts to bring more development to the state.

"This is an economic sabotage against our state and our people. No body should call me or my SSG nor the Commissioner of Police. I am warning parents, we are going to deal decisively with anybody caught in the act, and we will not spare anyone," he added.

He said his government was committed to the development and prosperity of the state, and no one would be allowed to draw the state backwards.

Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi decried the incessant destruction of lives and properties in the town, saying the needed development would not

come to the town when people continue to cause havoc through criminal activities.

He requested mobile Police and military formations in the area for proper maintenance of law and order.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Assistant Inspector General of Police Olusola Subair (rtd) and Consultant on Security, retired Commissioner for Police Awolowo Ajogun traced the genesis of the clash to dispute on the sharing of proceeds from a land transaction, saying eight people were killed while nine suspects arrested in connection with the incident are currently under investigation.

shakeup were the Managing Director Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), Soibiton Isokariari, MD NNPC Properties, Ada Oyetunde as well as the MD, Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), Barwa Mohammed, among others.

All the impacted staff, including scores of managers and heads of strategic units, were supposed to retire from service between January and December next year.

It was also learnt that more persons, topping 100 at the nonmanagement level will be asked to exit anytime soon to complete the clean sweep.

But in a separate letter obtained by THISDAY, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, who thanked the affected workers for their service, assured that all their entitlement will be paid accordingly.

Pending when new appointments are made, Kyari directed the staff that were shown the exit route to hand over to the most senior staff in their various departments.

“In our bid to pursue effective organisational renewal and significantly enhance NNPC Limited's performance as well as long-term viability, three Executive Vice Presidents were recently appointed to join in driving the ambitious business growth and strengthen the commercial orientation across the value chain.

“ To further support the delivery

of our strategic business objectives, it has become imperative to rejuvenate the workforce.

“Consequently, in addition to the recent exit of three Executive Vice Presidents, other management staff on Grade Levels M6 to M3 with less than 15 months to statutory retirement will be exiting the company effective 19th September 2023.

“While recognising their collective contributions to the success and growth of NNPC, on behalf of the entire NNPC Limited team, we extend our profound appreciation for their service, and wish them the best in their future endeavours,” the GCEO stated.

He added: “In keeping with our employee value proposition, all affected employees will receive an exit package that will be equal to cash entitlements due to them up to their notional retirement date.

“Pending substantive appointments, business leaders are to ensure seamless handover by the exiting staff to their most senior direct reports for continuous business operations. I thank you for your commitment to our journey to global excellence.”

In recent years, the NNPC has been unable to meet its key business targets, including its underwhelming performance relating to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil production quota as well as prolonged petrol shortages in-country.

TAJBank, CEO Win Global Islamic Banking Awards

TAJBank Limited, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing non-interest banking services providers, has won the Global Islamic Finance Award (GIFA) 2023 for its ‘Best Sukuk Deal of the Year 2023’, beating scores of other nominees in the competition.

This was even as the bank’s CEO/ Founder, Mr. Hamid Joda, was also decorated with the ‘Most Promising CEO of the Year 2023’ insignia by the GIFA’s Awards Committee at the event held in Senegal, and witnessed by the country’s President, Macky Sall, and other global leaders and bankers.

Over the years, GIFA has recognised over 500 governments, individuals, and institutions, commending their significant contribu-

tions to the $4 trillion Islamic finance industry.

In his remarks, the bank’s CEO thanked the GIFA leadership for the global recognition, saying, “we are very grateful to the award organisers for recognition of the bank and my humble self for the GIFA 2023.”

“As we keep saying, these awards and several others TAJBank had received in the past three years will further encourage us to do more in surpassing the expectations of our growing customers in terms of quality products and services delivery for invaluable value-addition to them and their businesses,” Joda assured.

Also commenting on the GIFA 2023 awards, the non-interest lender’s Executive Director/Co-Founder, Mr.

Sherif Idi, thanked, “the customers for their increasing confidence in TAJBank to offer them superior products and services with, in some cases, personalised touches to confirm to them that our only interest is the customers.”

The listing of TAJBank’s N10 billion Sukuk bond on February 13, this year on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) enjoyed an unprecedented support from investors, recording over 30 per cent oversubscription.

Joda, had during the beating of the Gong’ formalising the listing of the bond on the Exchange, assured subscribers to the debt instrument its invaluable benefits, particularly its potential for good returns on

their investments.

The GIFA Chairman, Prof. Humayon Dar, commended the winners for their hard work, persistence, and innovative strategies to still be able to make giant strides even in the economy they operate in.

The selection of winners for the 2023 competition by the GIFA was conducted by the GIFA with support from the Cambridge IFA, a financial services intelligence house which specialises in developing and utilising powerful cutting-edge analytical tools to test business data, assess macroeconomic indicators and understand market trends, leadership positioning and brand development relevant to the development of the financial systems.

Minister of Works, (Engr ) David Umahi (R) addressing Commissioner for Roads and Bridges of Edo state, Osazemen Ethan Uzamere and representative of Levant Construction Company in Benin City during the inspection of Federal Roads in Benin.... yesterday

Tony Elumelu (left) and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the TEF/UNICEF Breakfast Roundtable on the sidelines of the ongoing UNGA in New York... yesterday PhOTO: ChIEMELIE EzEOBI

10th Senate: Akpabio’s Leadership Prowess and Legislative Interventions

Jackson Udom writes about the legislative interventions and uncommon leadership skill

Senate, Senator Godswill akpabio, since he assumed office on June13, 2023.

Frank, assertive but unassuming, President of the 10th Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has always cut the figure of a determined and purpose-driven leader wherever the mantle of leadership falls on him since his burst into the political limelight in Akwa Ibom State as Commissioner in charge of three different ministries in 2002.

It was that emblematic assertiveness and affable disposition that made most Nigerians celebrate his emergence as the President of the Senate in a keenly-contested election on June 13, 2023, with majority of the people concluding that the emergence of the twoterm Senator would be a great blessing to the National Assembly, the Presidency of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Nigeria as a whole.

One hundred eventful days down the line, that conclusion about the Akpabio Senate Presidency has not only been justified, it has also proved unassailable, with several decisive and nationalistic steps taken by the National Assembly lending credence to the absolute confidence reposed in Senator Akpabio, first by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and then by his colleagues and Nigerians.

Akpabio’s very first day in office, seemed to have reechoed the words of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, who said his landing on the moon on July 20, 1969, was one small step for a man but one giant leap for mankind.

His emergence on the 13th of June, 2023 as the President of the Senate was not only seen as a great step for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but a giant stride for Nigeria, the turf where Akpabio has remained a shining star and leading light for over 16 years.

Having served as commisioner for six years in three key ministries, as governor for two terms, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic

Party Governors’ Forum, (PDPGF), Senate Minority Leader as a first timer and later Minister of Niger Delta Affairs before his eventful re-election as Senator in March 2023, after he had stepped down as presidential aspirant to support the aspiration of now President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio has bestridden the Nigerian landscape as a political colossus and made great marks on its sands of time. The vast experiences acquired in all these offices would bring a whole lot of good to the National Assembly, the Federal Government and Nigerians in general and this was the main reason his aspiration for the office of the President of the 10th Senate got the endorsements of the Presidency, the leadership of the APC and the 63 Senators who ensured that ‘Godswill’ was done on June 13 and they were not wrong going by the actions and achievements of the Akpabio Senate

Presidency in the last 100 days.

In the aftermath of the election of the Senate leadership, Senator Akpabio brought his wealth of experience to bear on the constitution of Senate Committees and the appointments of Committee chairmen such that the usual ruckus often associated with the exercise in previous National Assembly sessions was unheard of.

In Godwill Akpabio, the Senate has had a sturdy leader, who is providing leadership by patiently coordinating the different tendencies within the Red Chamber by ensuring stability and it is exciting that this is just the beginning.

It is therfore not a surprise when Senator Basheer Lado, Convener of the APC NonServing Senators, commended Akpabio for his exemplary disposition in the composition of Senate Committees, stating that “the strategic composition reflects a remarkable display of leadership, inclusivity, and commitment to the overall progress and welfare of our great nation.”

Even Akpabio’s major challenger for the office of the President of the Senate, Abdulaziz Yari, noticed that selfless leadership traits in Akpabio, when he publicly described him as a selfless leader, when he dropped the gavel against the wish of the leadership of the Senate on the Senator Adams Oshiomhole face off with some Senators.

The Akpabio-led Senate had also displayed a rare disposition of nationalism quite early into the Akpabio Senate Presidency when it was confronted with a looming challenge occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy by the President and the threat of a mass protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

Represented by Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, the Senate leadership was unequivocal about its commitment to ensuring that the

President of the

system continues to run smoothly and that the interest of workers and the generality of Nigerians are respected by the Executive arm.

In what would go into the history books as one of the most impactful interventions that thawed the ice of the Federal GovernmentLabour Union face-off, the Senate had asked for seven days to wade into the crisis and in those seven days, the warring parties were, indeed, able to reach a compromise and avert what would have been the mother of all protests.

The Senate under Akpabio, apart from intervening in the NLC, TUC and FG industrial face off, also played a major role in bringing to an end the strike and planned public protest by the members of Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

In the same vein, Senate moved vehemently against the planned increment of electricity tariff by DISCOS in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy, through a well endorsed motion which saw to the stoppage of the tariff increase.

It is also interesting to note how the Senate President oversaw a seamless and smooth screening and confirmation of ministers, who will work with President Tinubu to bring about the Renewed Hope Agenda promised Nigerians. Unlike previous screenings, where thoroughness and excellence were sacrificed on the altar of partisanship, Senator Akpabio ensured that he guided the Senate to offer qualitative screening while not hurting party loyalty and other democratically-lawful tendencies associated with such screenings.

-Udom is Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President.

Soludo Moves to Douse Communal Conflicts in Anambra

Anambra has been noted as one state in Nigeria with a high concentration of multi-millionaires. Most of these men of means have used their wealth to also influence the leadership of town unions in their various communities, and in places where this has proven difficult, they have instigated violence and conflicts that threaten the very foundation of such communities.

This has happened in many communities where traditional rulers and president general of most communities have been removed arbitrarily. But Governor Chukwuma Soludo has vowed to stand against acts like this. This could be seen in the way Soludo has reined in most fake traditional rulers to the extent of using state apparatus to keep them in check. Soludo recently in Awka, the state capital stopped a factional monarch from parading himself. He has also done the same in many other communities.

The recent case of Ifitedunu community in Dunukofia Local Government Area, where a known money bag has seized power in the community and pushed away the President General and also usurping the functions of the monarch of the community by giving chieftaincy titles, is also receiving the attention of the governor.

There have been a tussle over the position of President General of Ifitedunu Town Union, Chief Uchenna Nwoye and a prominent son of the community, Chief Vincent Udobi. Nwoye had recently in a viral video been beaten up at the community’s market square, by men said to be loyal to Udobi. Udobi had singlehandedly removed Nwoye as a President General.

Nwoye was said to have visited the market square to supervise some shops he was constructing for the community, when Udobi’s men pounced on him, beating him like a common

criminal and video taping him.

The video had caused huge outcry as to who Udobi was to have taken laws into his hands. Nwoye who spoke to THISDAY over the phone on his plight lamented that he has gone into hiding, after Udobi vowed to deal with him.

Nwoye while speaking from his hideout said his problem with Udobi started in 2017 when one Sam Nweke the then President-General and Udobi planed to dethrone their monarch, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno.

“Vincent Udobi and Sam Nweke had plotted to dethrone our monarch. They tried to co-opt me into their evil plot but I blatantly refused. I advised them to write to the state government if they feel the traditional ruler was not doing things right. Because of that, when I wanted to contest for President General, he vowed to work

against me.

“It is because I did not support his move that his thugs beat me up like a common criminal at Nkwo market. I thank the state government because despite everything they have done to me, on 28th of July, 2023, they issued a letter to the community reaffirming me as the duly recognised President-General of Ifitedunu Town Union, but these people are still laying siege in my office with their thugs.”

THISDAY visited Udobi in his home in Ifitedunu, where he insisted that Ifitedunu community has deposed Nwoye as the President General of the community after a recent court judgement convicted him.

“An ex convict cannot be our President General. Nwoye was convicted by the court in a criminal matter, and the community has resolved that he cannot be our President General. Is that too hard to understand?

“Let me ask you, are there no laws that made it clear that an ex convict cannot hold positions? That is why our people are saying no to him.

“The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Collins Nwabunwanne, is the one causing trouble in our community. He is insisting on foisting Nwoye on us because he is his friend. We are calling on Soludo to sack him.”

Speaking on the video of people said to be loyal to him beating Nwoye in the market square, Udobi insisted that what was seen in the video was only a case of two gang of people fighting each other.

Meanwhile, Governor Soludo has resolved to ensure peace in Ifitedunu, just like every other community. The governor in a statement by his Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Collins Nwabunwanne, acknowledged that many communities were in crisis, but said the constitution of each of the communities was being utilized

to ensure lasting solution.

He said: “Ifitedunu constitution stipulated conditions by which a President General could be removed from office. It requires a general meeting supported by two-third of those present, and that has not happened.

“Udobi was wrong to stand against Nwoye because the community’s constitution was not violated in any way. As for Nwoye being an ex convict, it may interest you to know that Nwoye appealed that judgement. We will not sit back and let money bags enthrone impunity in communities because they have money.”

He lamented that it was saddening to watch the video of the President General being beaten by touts, saying Soludo’s government would not let such continue.

Speaking on the brutalization of Nwoye, National President of Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU), Titus Akpudo, lamented that Six presidents general of communities in Anambra State have in the past been killed, despite the selfless community service they render.

According to him: “We will not let this continue. PGs of about six communities have been killed in the past, and here we are talking of a man who thinks he has money, recruiting thugs to beat up a community leader. We have lost PGs in Nimo( Njikoka LGA), Omor( Ayamelum LGA), Orom Etiti( Anambra West( LGA), Nanka( Orumba North) and Obosi (Idemili North LGA). This must not be allowed to continue”.

Also, an APGA chieftain, Chinedu Obigwe, who lent his voice to the crisis said: “Udobi or whoever he is should know that Soludo has delt with more people in communities than himself.

Akpabio

David-Chyddy Eleke takes a look at the many leadership tussles in anambra communities and how the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, is tackling them.

Soludo

Food Fortification: How Companies' Compliance Would Boost Workforce Nutrition, Strengthen Economy

Legislators and critical stakeholders in Nigeria have once again called for essential vitamins and minerals in commonly consumed food for improved nutritional content for all. Rebecca

Ejifoma

writes on interventions for the government to incentivise companies to promote compliance with food fortification and workforce nutrition in Nigeria, among other actionable recommendations

Food fortification, according to research, is essential in Nigeria to nip micronutrient deficiencies in the bud. First, it is a proven, safe, cost-effective strategy for improving diets and preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies.

Again, legislators are confident that fortification can improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal health risk. They argued that increasing the nutritional content of staple foods and adding micronutrients can help restore the micronutrient content lost during processing.

Today, mandatory fortification of wheat flour, sugar, and vegetable oil with micronutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and folic acid has been implemented to address deficiencies in these nutrients in Nigeria. Despite this mandate, food fortification is yet to be effective nationwide, a practice that worries stakeholders.

It is, therefore, to champion food fortification at an industrial scale through canvassing more implementation of food fortification among workplaces that the Civil Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), National Economic Summit Group (NESG) and E-Health held the met minds on pragmatic solutions.

It was an Interface Session with the media in Lagos themed, "Fortifying Nigeria’s Future: Interface Session with Stakeholders (State and Non-state Actors) Towards Promoting Fortification Compliance and Workforce Nutrition," coordinated by the Health System Consultant and Immediate Past Chairman Senate Committee on Health Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe.

They identified the challenges, outlined the opportunities and made holistic recommendations to promote compliance with food fortification and workforce nutrition in Nigeria.

"The 2022 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows that 44.1 per cent of children under five in Nigeria are stunted, meaning they are too short for their age," cited the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani).

According to him, this statistic decreased from 46.0 per cent in 2018, but it is still a high number. Stunting is a sign of chronic malnutrition and can have long-term consequences for health and development.

Thus, Musa harped on the significance of workforce nutrition in Nigeria. Although working-class individuals spend one-third of the day within the work environment (an average of eight hours), he argued that many workers do not eat healthy within this time for reasons such as availability and affordability.

"This has a significant impact on productivity," he warned, "As malnourished workers are more likely to be sick, tired, have industrial accidents, and be absent from work, leading to lost man hours."

Negative Impact on Health, Productivity, and Economy

Sadly, the CISLAC ED cautioned that non-compliance with food fortification could devastate health, productivity, and economic development. "Nigeria loses an estimated $1.5 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to diminished productivity and increased healthcare costs caused by malnutrition," Musa quoted UNICEF 2009.

He also recounted how the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict in Ukraine, and severe climatic events have also hiked the price of nutritious food, making more people vulnerable to malnutrition. Thus, he believes that fortifying staple foods with essential vitamins and minerals is one of the most effective ways of improving the nation's population’s nutrition status.

In his definition, food fortification is the addition of essential vitamins and minerals to food vehicles to improve their nutritional content, arguing that it is a critical public health intervention that can help prevent malnutrition, a significant problem in many countries,

including Nigeria.

"In recognition of this vital process, the government of Nigeria has taken critical steps to ensure that certain food vehicles are fortified," says the CISLAC boss. He highlighted that the government of Nigeria developed regulations and mandatory food fortification policies in 2009 and 2019, respectively, to foster food fortification. It is being implemented by three key agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Accordingly, Musa acknowledges that since the existence of the policy document, these three agencies have been working within their mandates to implement the policy and monitor compliance, with the progress measure recorded.

"However," he admitted, "there is still a need to improve compliance with the policy so that every Nigerian, irrespective of social status, understands the importance of fortified foods and can afford the same".

Statistics from the NDHS

The NDHS also found that 18.7 per cent of adults in Nigeria are overweight, and 4.4 per cent are obese. This is an increase from 17.4 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively, in 2018. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Recommendation

In proffering solutions, Musa underscored the need for legislators and stakeholders to synergise to ensure that all mandatory food vehicles – local and imported – sold in Nigeria are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.

Although he conceded that there are a handful of hurdles to overcome, he expressed confidence in their ability

to achieve the goal since many hands do light work.

Among his recommendations are raising awareness of the importance of food fortification as a way to generate demand for fortified food products; strengthening the enforcement of food fortification regulations, providing incentives for businesses to comply with the regulations, looking at business scale and alternative financing for premixes; need for businesses to be convinced that it is in their best interest to fortify their foods. In his submission, "We can do this by providing tax breaks or other financial incentives."

He also mentioned that all stakeholders need to key into the common Digital QA/QC systems that can be used to monitor food production and distribution in real-time. "Food regulators could collaborate to improve monitoring of food fortification by large-scale producers in Nigeria," says Musa. "These include sharing information among stakeholders, conducting joint inspections to reduce duplication of efforts; developing a harmonised approach for synergy, providing technical assistance to food producers, and promoting public awareness to generate demand."

To the large-scale food producers, Musa outlined the fringe benefits of fortifying their products in line with the regulations, including improved public health, brand differentiation, a healthy workforce leading to increased production, preventing penalties for non-compliance, and positive public image.

Benefit of Govt Incentives

In some countries, the CISLAC ED emphasised that there are government incentives for food fortification, such as tax breaks, subsidies, or grants. Musa noted that the Nigerian government can explore ways to incentivise companies to promote companies’ compliance with this fundamental policy for a healthy population.

He believed that they could overcome these challenges and achieve the goal of improving compliance with food fortification regulation and promoting workforce nutrition in Nigeria if they worked together, shared ideas, and pooled their resources.

His take as one of the legislators who have keyed into the food fortification campaigns

is the Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Representing Ovia SouthWest/North-East Federal Constituency, Edo

State, in the Federal House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa.

To advocate for the enhancement of food fortification compliance and the promotion of workforce nutrition, Idahosa acknowledged that their shared commitment to these vital issues paves the way for a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.

In the remarks, the Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr Michael Ojo, admitted the comprehensive and mature national food fortification programme that is subscribed to by the private sector is primarily understood by the population, with established regulatory structures and oversight with SON, NAFDAC and FCCPC.

Strategies to Reduce Malnutrition

According to Ojo, one important step required to reduce malnutrition sustainably is the upscaling of nutrition-sensitive policies and programs that address the underlying determinants of malnutrition, including poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to the components of healthy diets.

Ultimately, these interventions, he continued, should focus on improving household access to and the intake of high-quality diets such as fortified food products, which can help strengthen their immune functions and cognitive skills.

Ojo also endorsed multi-sectoral and multistakeholder approaches to the complex problem of food insecurity and malnutrition; therefore, partnerships with the private sector, financing institutions, civil society organisations, and the international communities are essential to catalyse the investments needed. "At the same time, the federal and state governments and other stakeholders are urged to work with them, especially in mainstreaming nutrition in its approaches to agriculture," he chipped in.

To this end, Ojo is proud the NESG being part of the Third-Party Advocacy Campaign (TPAC) on promoting fortification compliance and better workforce nutrition, intends to amplify private sector awareness to generate strategic visibility on the problems in the fortification compliance for Nigeria's Large-scale Food Fortification (LSFF) strategy and workforce nutrition while enabling critical stakeholders to understand and engage on the crucial elements of the new LSFF strategy.

Meanwhile, the words of the CEO of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, Laoye Jaiyeola, aligned with those of Musa and Idahosa.

“One important step required to reduce malnutrition sustainably is the upscaling of nutrition-sensitive policies and programs that address the underlying determinants of malnutrition, including poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to the components of healthy diets.

“Ultimately, these interventions should focus on Improving household access to and the intake of high-quality diets such as fortified food products, which can help improve their immune functions and cognitive skills,” he said.

Represented by Olayinka Iyinokakan, he saw the need to create massive public awareness to amplify the importance as well as health and socio-economic benefits of food fortification, taking into cognisance education at individual levels on appropriate food handling and choices

Jaiyeola also called for strengthening enforcement of food fortification through adequate resources for oversight institutions to increase surveillance, continuously monitor compliance, and sanction non-compliance to food fortification across production, distribution and consumption chains.

Adequate incentives for manufacturers and businesses at all levels to encourage compliance with Food Fortification throughout the production chains.

Ultimately, these interventions should focus on Improving household access to and the intake of high-quality diets such as fortified food products, which

help improve their immune functions and cognitive skills

L-R: Representing CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Olayinka Iyinolakan; Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani; Former Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe; Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr. Michael Ojo; and Director, Head Micronutrient Deficiency Control, Federal Ministry of Health, Chief Uruakpa Jonh at the event

Building Financial Resilience, Security for Women

Building financial resilience and security to upgrade the standard of living for women is the forte of Nestle Nigeria, a leading firm in Africa. In its drive towards attaining Sustainable Development Goal 5 before 2030, Nestlé Nigeria recently empowered 32 women from Lagos, Bauchi, and Rivers states, totalling 282. Rebecca Ejifoma writes on how the grants for these women help them navigate the current economic shakeouts and contribute richly to society

Everything became bright and beautiful for the first time in a long while for Blessing Abayi, a single mother from the Bauchi state of Nigeria. She had a touch of Nestlé empowering rural women. "I used to struggle with paying my children’s school fees," she admitted. "After three months in the programme, for the first time, I paid the fees in full and on time." She expressed gleefully, acknowledging her growing business as the reason.

For the benefit of rural women, Nestlé toured the Ikorodu area of Lagos and gave some women a breath of fresh air in cash. One of them is Mrs. Olubunmi Adeoye. She expressed her gratitude to Nestlé for the opportunity to be part of the project. “I am so happy that Nestlé chose me to benefit from this program. It is a wonderful opportunity,” she said.

For another beneficiary in Ikorodu, Mrs Bukola Ajala, Nestlé rural women empowerment looked just like a movie. “I have not seen any empowerment like this before. I know I am going to the next level.” Like Adeoye, Ajala received free goods like Nestlé products as a starter for her trade.

For the best-performing beneficiary, Mrs Oghenetega Delight Jombo, of Jombo Stores, Port Harcourt, in Rivers state, it is no longer business as usual. "I have reached a business growth of 675 per cent within six months of joining the programme," she said enthusiastically, adding, "I have sustained a monthly turnover of over N547,623.67 since."

For these women, who are proud beneficiaries and retailers in Nestlé Nigeria’s value chain, financial insecurity is no longer their Achilles heels. They have been trained, mentored, and furnished with appropriate grants through Nestlé products.

This initiative is possible because Nestlé got the message to the latter— empowering women does not only increase their potential participation in the labour market but enables them to become financially resilient, access economic resources and opportunities, including jobs, financial services, property and other productive assets, skills development and market information.

Components of the Initiative

Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria aims to help beneficiaries scale up their businesses and sustain the new level of up to three times the size of their existing

businesses. Each beneficiary receives grants valued at 300 per cent of their monthly sales through Nestlé products, business training and a three-month mentorship program. Each beneficiary is linked to a mentor for one-on-one coaching over the three months to ensure their success.

At the induction of the thirty-two new beneficiaries in Ikorodu recently, Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, Mr Khaled Ramadan, said, “We are pleased with the success of the 250 beneficiaries of Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria and are delighted by the opportunity to include 32 more today.

282 Women across Nigeria

With 32 additional beneficiaries from Ikorodu, this project boasts 282 women nationwide. The other beneficiaries include 50 women from each of these geopolitical zones, including North Central – Abuja suburbs; South West – Oshogo, Ede and Ilesha; South East – Nsukka and environs; South-South – Port-Harcourt suburbs; North East – Bauchi.

Beneficiaries Enabled Economically

With this addition, 282 women across five geopolitical zones of Nigeria now have a unique opportunity to scale up their businesses. According to Nestlé’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Victoria Uwadoka, each beneficiary received grants in the form of Nestlé products up to 300 per cent of their

monthly businesses.

“They received a mix of Nestlé products, including Maggi and Milo,” she listed. Adding, “We are confident that the new beneficiaries will also transform their businesses, making the best use of Nestlé's support through training, mentorship and grants in the form of Nestlé products.”

Mr. Phranklin Audu is the Head of Partnerships & Training at FDConsults, an implementation partner of the Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project. He is over the moon on their new feat. “As an NGO focused on empowering people to improve their livelihoods, we are thrilled by the impact of this project on rural communities. Over 80 per cent of the beneficiaries have seen their incomes grow and can support their families better.

FDConsults is an NGO with a record of equipping businesspeople in rural areas with the information and skills they need to increase their household income and improve their living standards.

The Journey of Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project

The Nestlé empowering rural women project took off the ground in August 2021, with 50 female retailers from the suburbs of Abuja. The programme soon trickled down to more women from the South-East, North-East, South-South, and South-West, including Lagos.

Owing to this rapid expansion, over 80 per cent of beneficiaries reported an increase of 100 per cent to 200 per cent in their business growth within three months of joining the programme.

Uwadoka reiterates the company’s commitment to building thriving communities by improving household incomes. Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project is one of the ways through which Nestlé Nigeria is Creating Shared Value along her value chain.

“Since inception, Nestlé has been a force for good. Creating Shared Value is at the core of how we do business. Therefore, we always look for opportunities to create value for everyone along our value chain,” says Nwadoka.

For Nestle, women retailers are part of its success story and a significant part of its value chain. Thus, allowing them to scale their businesses will not only swell their financial security but will also benefit their families, society and the nation.

Empowering women does not only increase their potential participation in the labour market but enables them to become financially resilient, access economic resources and opportunities, including jobs, financial services, property and other productive assets, skills development and market information

Beneficiaries of the project and some trainers in Ikorodu during the induction

Some beneficiaries of the project showing their display as part of their induction program in Ikorodu

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

It was a huge celebration for Mrs Patricia Iyere, a widow and her family yesterday in Port Harcourt in Rivers, as the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, gifted her a bungalow.

The philanthropist had earlier given Iyere a car for a taxi-hailing business that would generate income for her. The elderly widow who always cleans the altar at the church headquarters in Aluu attracted sympathy and gifts for her commitment to service to the work of God.

Special Assistant to Apostle Chinyere on Special Duties, Kenneth Nwachi, who spoke on the development yesterday, said Iyere was first gifted a car, after which she came back to the Chinyere to complain about her inability to pay the rent for her apartment.

Nwachi said, “Apostle Chinyere quickly intervened and called those in charge of OPM free estates to enable him to move Mrs Iyere to one of the flats in OPM 18 free estates but was told that the estates are fully occupied.”

He added, “He thought of giving her money to renew the rent but changed his

mind, called his agent and directed him to look for a mini estate so he could buy for the widow. After all the search, the agent could not find any mini estate for the Apostle to buy for Mrs Patricia Iyere.

“The agent finally found a bungalow where Apostle Chinyere paid in full in the name of Mrs Patricia Iyere, the widow and handed the documents to her which made her the owner of the house today (Monday).”

Nwachi also revealed that the OPM founder had built over 50 houses for poor widows in different parts of the country. He said all the gifts were funded from tithes and offerings

of the church.

“Besides buying 14 flat mini estates, which he gave to the late Deborah Samuel’s family, he has also bought mini estates for his resident pastor, personal assistant, head of technical in OPM and his cook, including the late Chima wife of the popular Ikoku 4 in Port Harcourt,” the church leader’s special aide explained.

Nwachi also mentioned that the “man of God also gave landed properties to his more than 43 domestic staff, who are all landlords and landlady in Port Harcourt. Currently, some mini estates are still under construction and will be handed over as gifts to deserving” church members.

OPM Founder Gifts House, Car to Widow in Rivers Masters Instant Noodles Launches in Lagos

Anew instant noodle, Masters Noodles, has been launched into the Lagos market by Masters Noodles Food and Processing Ltd, a subsidiary of Masters Energy Group.

The new instant noodle brand was launched at the Trade Fair Complex in Balogun Market.

“One of the standout features of Masters Noodles is its unparalleled aroma,” the manufacturer said in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the product “is crafted with a secret blend of African spices and flavours that captivate the senses, making it an irresistible choice for anyone seeking a delightful culinary experience.”

During its launch at the Balogun Market, several people “were quick to notice” Masters Noodles’ “distinctive quality.”

The statement said that apart from its “captivating aroma,” Masters Noodles’ price is budget-friendly, adding that the product’s “affordability was met with resounding approval from shoppers who understand the importance of getting the most value for their money.”

The unveiling of Masters Noodles is expected to give shoppers, vendors and consumers new options in markets and homes.

Masters Noodles is ‘Always a Delight’, the statement said, “perfectly encapsulates the essence of the product” and “promises not just a meal but an experience, one that fills the senses with delight and satisfaction.”

“The market activation in Balogun Market is just the first step in Masters Noodles’ mission to become a staple in Lagos households,” the statement said further. “With its unbeatable aroma, attractive pricing, and the promise of delight in every bite, Masters Noodles is poised to make a lasting impression on the Lagos market.”

General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, handing over documents of a bungalow house as a gift to an elderly widow, Mrs Patricia Iyere, in Port Harcourt

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

TEACHERS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The authorities should establish an effective inspectorate department to ensure qualified teachers are hired

Recruitment of teachers has been a persistent and age-long problem in the Nigerian education sector. Relying on a recent survey it conducted, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has indicted many private school owners for contributing to the poor standard of education in the country by employing quacks as teachers. According to the council’s registrar, Josiah Ajiboye, some of the private schools provide less than optimal circumstances for creditably discharging their basic functions, accusing them of unleashing just anybody on pupils in the name of teachers. But the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has rejected the accusation, and as being short on specifics.

The TRCN is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Education with a mandate to regulate and control the teaching profession, private and public. The report claims that about 90 per cent of teachers in private schools in the south-western states of Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti were not qualified to be registered with the council. “If this is the situation in the Southwest, you can imagine the preponderance of unqualified teachers in private schools in Nigeria as a whole. Whereas a large percentage of teachers in public schools are qualified and have registered with TRCN, the same cannot be said of teachers in private schools.”

There is no doubt that there are many challenges facing private primary and secondary schools across the country. One is their alarming proliferations, found in every nook and cranny across the states. But there are more pertinent questions: What are the minimum standards? Are they endowed with quality staff, infrastructure, and teaching materials? Who is licensing them? Are the teachers well remunerated? Private schools are tiny businesses that vary largely in quality.

S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Letters to the Editor

The worry stems from the fact that there are many educational entrepreneurs who are interested mainly in the bottom line, on how much they can reap from their investments. Some of the teachers they hire are, to put it mildly, incompetent. They are neither trained nor committed, just hanging in there for want of anything else. Perhaps these are the ones the NAPPS president, Abayomi Otubela, referred to as “illegal schools.” Some of their teachers receive less than N20,000 a month. And there are plenty of them. But there are also many private schools who are meticulous, equipped with quality and well remunerated teachers and operate from the best of environment. They are disciplined and orderly. Indeed, they are not only competing well and holding their own, but they are also contributing to laying a solid foundation for many of our children. The crisis in education is a systemic one that cannot be dumped at the doorstep of private schools. While many public schools in Nigeria pay their teachers far more than private ones, their students are often worse off. Many government teachers are often absent from schools at any given time, for one reason or the other as teachers spend their time engaged in things not related to their job during official hours. Many poor parents would prefer to send their children to private schools if they could afford it. Indeed, the fact that poor parents are sending their children to private schools instead of free public schools speaks volumes. Even though private schools train a small fraction of the population they have consistently recorded better results in external examinations.

The TRCN has taken the commendable step by its campaign of ensuring that teachers are certified professionals, besides calling on states to vet the list of teachers before registering new schools. It must now establish an effective inspectorate department, while ensuring that school proprietors do not take undue liberties with the curriculum, or toy with the future of our children.

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

LETTERS

NYSC AND ABDUCTED CORPS MEMBERS

Nigeria’s scandalous state of insecurity took a turn for the worse when eight corps members traveling from Uyo to Sokoto State for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service were abducted on August 19, 2023, on a highway in Zamfara State.

About a month later, they are yet to be released as concerns grow about their safety and well-being. In many ways, to say that Nigerians do not feel safe in their country is to put it mildly. For many Nigerians, there is no promise of the next day, not even the next hour.

Every day in Nigeria somehow manages to bring fresh security challenges. Nigeria’s rural communities have borne the brunt of this insecurity.

Tucked into unfavourable terrains and far removed from serious security operations, many of them have been forced to navigate the chilling squeeze of poverty and insecurity.

But who is to blame? For years now, as insecurity has gained traction in Nigeria, blame has become the name of the game.

Security personnel within the country have hardly hesitated to blame vulnerable Nigerians for attacks on them, whenever convenient.

It has quickly played out in this situation too with the NYSC

blaming the corps members for traveling at night.

When the father of one of the abducted corps members complained that the scheme was not doing enough, the NYSC quickly reacted by blaming the corps members for traveling at night and getting abducted.

While the distraught father and the hard-pressed scheme may each have had a point to make, the roots of the problem which have turned the young graduates into victims run deeper. Why can’t Nigerians travel at anytime of the day without fear? Why are the roads so patently unsafe?

Night travel always comes with a measure of risk because under the cover of darkness, the worst version of men usually manages to somehow emerge. In Nigeria, night travel has somehow become akin to signing one’s death warrant. With ruthless criminals crawling all over the country, Nigerian roads have, in addition to being deathtraps no thanks to their yawning potholes, also become lairs for terrorists.

But to blame the young graduates for their plight is to divert attention away from the fact that there is hardly anywhere that is safe in the country. No matter the gravity of the rather unfortunate attempts to deflect attention from the situation, the truth

remains that Nigerians need security. It is as simple as that.

Sources have said that there have been ransom demands made on the families of the Corps members. One source put the ransom demand at N4 million.

In Nigeria’s current economic climate, it is anyone’s guess how the families of the Corps members are expected to raise money to meet the extortionate demand of the kidnappers.

The law In Nigeria also criminalizes the payment of ransom to kidnappers. When the legislation was passed last year, many Nigerians could not help but laugh at the irony of it all. Many were at pains to point out that unless kidnappers were forced out of business, such a legislation was not only impracticable but unfair.

Many months later, Nigerians are still kidnapped at will and forced to cough out millions of Naira in ransom.

Nigerians need to feel safe, wherever they are within the country. To achieve this state of security, security agencies need to step up their game.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

Even though private schools train a small fraction of the population they have consistently recorded better results in external examinations

Interswitch: Banks Lost N12.2bn to Electronic Fraud in Six Months

James Emejo in Abuja

The banking industry lost N12.2 billion to electronic payment fraud in the first half of the year (H1 2023), Interswitch has revealed.

The payment processing company also said N35 billion fraud attempts were recorded in 2022, out of which N14.3 billion was actually lost.

The company’s Head, Retail Payments, Interswitch, Suzan Fasipe disclosed at the Techconnect 3.0 event in Abuja.

She said 58 per cent of fraud losses in 2022 was perpetrated through the mobile, web and POS channels which amounted

to N8.3 billion.

Fasipe said 37 per cent of banks fell prey to some forms of ransomware attack between 2021 till date.

The development particularly highlights the increasing security challenges that the banking industry is grappling with amid efforts to deepen the digital payment infrastructure.

The company also said 93 per cent banking-related fraud occurred through online transactions.

It said at some instances, a chargeback fraud, which occurs when a consumer makes an online shopping purchase with their own credit card, and then requests a

chargeback from the issuing bank after receiving the purchased goods or services - could go undetected by banks for six months.

Once approved, the chargeback cancels the financial transaction, and the consumer receives a refund of the money they spent, and dependent on the payment method used, the merchant can be accountable when a chargeback occurs.

Fasipe also said corporate fraud, which results from weak internal controls accounted for 96.2 per cent of electronic payment fraud.

She added that four banks lost N1.77 billion to fraudulent activities involving their employees and

consumers in 2021.

In her presentation, Fasipe, nonetheless, offered practical hints towards fortifying existing solutions to curb fraud incidents, safeguarding consumers’ sensitive data, and navigating emerging industry trends.

The event served as an instrumental platform for robust discussions on financial inclusion strategies and the pivotal role of regulators in advancing digital financial inclusion.

The company also appreciated its devoted and reward outstanding customers, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to nurturing enduring partnerships and fostering growth within the

digital payment ecosystem.

Interswitch’s dedication to shaping a more inclusive financial landscape through mobile payments reverberates not only across the African continent but also on the global stage.

The company’s visionary leadership stands as a beacon of inspiration for the financial industry, illuminating a path toward broader financial inclusion and economic empowerment for all.

It further reiterated its commitment to advancing financial inclusion, using the transformative power of mobile payments not only within Nigeria but across the entire African continent.

The company’s Regional Head, Northern Business, Thomas Eze, stressed the urgent need to unlock the full potential of mobile payments to orchestrate a more inclusive economy.

He highlighted the profound impact of digital solutions to bridge the financial services divide, especially in underserved areas, ultimately assimilating marginalized communities into the formal economy and boosting economic growth.

He said the empowerment of Nigerians and Africans in general remained at the forefront of the company’s interventions.

Arewa: E-Payments Ecosystem Unlocked $3.2 bn in 2022

Nume Ekeghe and Dike Onwuamaeze

The Group Chief Financial Officer of Parthian Partners, Olayinka Arewa has stated that Nigeria unlocked $3.2 billion in additional economic output through the development and utilisation of electronic payments, particularly real-time payment services in 2022.

Speaking at the 2023 annual conference of the Finance Correspondent Association of Nigeria (FICAN) with the theme, “Strengthening Digital Infrastructure for Efficient

Innovative Payment System in Nigeria,” held in Lagos, Arewa called for stronger collaboration to address challenges facing the country’s e-payment system.

He noted that electronic payments continue to attract substantial global investments and have exhibited the highest returns and growth within the sector over the past decade.

Arewa highlighted Nigeria’s potential as one of Africa’s largest economies to harness the opportunities within this sector, stressing the importance of agility in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Arewa further explained,

“Globally, financial technology has reshaped the consumer experience, with individuals seeking the convenience of conducting transactions anytime, anywhere. Take, for instance, Parthian Partners’ investment app, i-invest, which offers a secure platform for individuals to easily access investment opportunities such as Fixed Deposits, Treasury bills, Eurobonds, and even stock purchases on the Nigerian Exchange in one breath.

“Once your i-invest wallet is funded, you can invest in any product of your choice from

anywhere you are in the world and at any time of the day. This would usually not take you more than five minutes. Electronic payments offer manifold benefits to our economy. According to a recent McKinsey report, FinTech activity in Nigeria, initially centered around payments, has expanded into various sectors. Presently, payment solutions constitute approximately 15 per cent of banking revenue pools in the country, a testament to the growing popularity of electronic transactions.”

Reflecting on the sector’s potential, Arewa added: “In 2022,

Nigeria unlocked $3.2 billion in additional economic output through the development and utilisation of electronic payments, particularly real-time payment services. Electronic payments continue to attract substantial global investments and have exhibited the highest returns and growth within the sector over the past decade. As one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria is well-positioned to harness the potential within this sector.

“Indeed, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable digital transformation, with over 100 million active mobile phone users as of 2023. This

statistic signals the advent of a fully digitized financial services sector. However, despite these advancements, Nigeria’s payment system predominantly relies on cash. Recent events, such as the implementation of the cashless policy following the Naira redesign late last year/early this year, highlighted the challenges associated with the country’s transition to a cashless economy. We understand that these challenges may appear formidable, but we are gathered here today because we believe these challenges are not insurmountable.”

CPS: Agony of Nigerian Workers

When the former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 instituted the Contributory Pension scheme (CPS) to replace the Define Benefit Pension scheme, Nigerian workers and pensioners heaved a sigh of relief hoping that an end has come to the multiple problems bedeviling Nigeria pension system.

Indeed, given the funded nature of the CPS scheme, every worker opted for it to the extent that even those exempted from it because their retirement date was close by wished they were part of it.

On their part, employers of labor in both private and public service sectors were exceptionally happy with the scheme because it automatically relieved them from the stress of looking for funds to pay their workers’ retirement benefits and arrears of unpaid pensions especially on the side of public sector employees.

PeNSioN Before CPS

Before the enactment of the CPS law, there was pension deficit of over N2trillion hanging on federal government’s neck while pictures of hungry, haggard looking and dying pensioners were on daily bases flashed on newspaper pages and television screens to the shame and detriment of federal government’s image. The worst hit in this regard were the railway pensioners.

Against this backdrop, the federal government under the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo instituted the CPS scheme, which it adopted from Chile. The CPS system required funding of pension system by both employers and employees who presently contribute 10 per cent and 8 per cent respectively to each worker’s Retirement Savings Account (RSA) domiciled with Pension Fund Manager of his choice according to the legislation on CPS.

The success of the scheme warranted the increase in the rate of contribution between 2004 and 2014 to the present rate of 18 per cent in order of 8 per cent contribution by workers taken upfront from their salary and 10 per cent by the employee.

CPS ASSeSSmeNt

Looking at assessment of the scheme by economy operators, the CPS which after 18 years regime has accumulated over N16 trillion assets was a huge success having built up such unimaginable long term investible funds most of which is invested in federal government securities.

But for the contributing workers, latest experience in the payment system of the CPS leaves much to be desired making it not looking anything different from the hitherto Defined Benefit system. Many workers especially those of state government that have fully keyed into the scheme have complained bitterly that more than two years after their retirement, the state governments were yet to pay their retirement benefits. Even those of private sectors are not happy either because their retirement benefits payment were seriously delayed. For federal government workers, delay in payment of their accrued often result to delay payment of a retired worker’s accrued right.

For instance the association of CPS Pensioners in Lagos state under the umbrella body National Union of pensioners NUP -CPS said its members have staged fasting and interdenominational prayers all over the state to press home their demand with the Lagos State government as all stumbling blocks towards payment of their retirement benefits shall be removed by fire by force.

The association said venue of the prayers is all the CPS zonal offices in the 20 Local government areas in the state.

The Chairman of the group Mr Michael Omisande in a said, “all pensioners in Lagos state were requested to participate. “We are set to get out of bondage. There are two groups of pensioners in Lagos state. The Defined benefit scheme (old pensions Scheme) and the Contributory Pensions Scheme (new pensions Scheme). The Defined benefit scheme is the old scheme where retirees collect gratuity and

pensions for life. The Contributory Pensions Scheme is the new reform as a result of defect discovered in the Defined benefit scheme such as corruption, inadequate funding and bureaucratic bottleneck. These defects gave birth to the new pensions Scheme of service. In the new scheme the employees and employers are expected to contribute into the retirement savings accounts as you exit the service you collect a percentage of your entitlement and balance goes to our PFA or Annuity for our monthly pensions.”

“The scheme of service met us while we are in service under the old scheme, which made us to be at a serious disadvantage. That is serious lacuna, which calls for a serious attention. A Director under the old scheme earns above N250,000 while his counterpart in the new scheme earns an average of N70,000. The government introduced the scheme to us in Lagos state with the promise that it is going to be better. Lagos workers embraced it. On arrival of the scheme the same government removed all the indices that will make the scheme better such as gratuity, non-remittance of the accrued benefit as at 2007 into our RSA and delay of payment of bonds for three to five years. All these abnormalities made the scheme fail on arrival. The retired think tanks in the service saw the suicidal future of the scheme and ran back to the old scheme.”

Also, a cross section of contributors who work with the Lagos State government spoke with THISDAY recently about their ill feelings with the scheme.

According to them, the Lagos State Government takes good care of its workforce with provision of good insurance package.

They said the only area they were disgusted was the area of pension arrangement because the state government did not make provision for alternative retirement pension scheme other than the contributory Pension scheme.

The employees said they would have preferred any other form of pension arrangement other than CPS.

Asked whether they remembered the problem their predecessors passed through during the Defined Benefit Scheme one of them threw back question on whether the present scheme has made things better in real terms considering the payment system.

According to the LASG employee who said she has less than five years to retire, the fact that workers’ salaries are deducted every month for the purpose of funding the scheme gives an average worker right to determine how to collect his retirement

benefit.

ASSeSSmeNt By PeNCom

But in its assessment of the scheme, PenCom said Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable shift in its pension system in about two decades with the introduction of the CPS.

It said that the innovative scheme has revolutionised retirement planning for employees, providing them with a range of benefits that ensure financial security and peace of mind in their post-employment years. The commission delved into advantages of the CPS and its positive impact on Nigerian workers saying it provided them with Financial Security and Stability

According to the commission, the CPS offers employees a reliable financial safety net, addressing the longstanding issue of inadequate funds to pay retirement benefits to retirees. By contributing a portion of their monthly income, employees gradually build a pension fund that grows over time, ensuring a stable income upon retirement. The scheme’s mandatory nature ensures that employees remain committed to saving for their future, reducing the risk of financial uncertainty in old age.

“Similarly, one of the significant advantages of the CPS is the employer’s mandatory contribution. Under this scheme, employers must contribute a certain percentage of an employee’s salary to their pension fund. This additional contribution, combined with the employee’s savings, accelerates the growth of the pension fund. Consequently, employees can accumulate a substantial retirement fund, enhancing their financial well-being during their golden years.

It is important to note that the CPS provides a social security framework for Nigerian employees. The CPS reduces dependence on family members or social welfare programmes, enabling individuals to lead dignified lives after retirement. With the CPS in place, employees can confidently look forward to retirement, knowing they will have a regular income stream to support their living expenses.

CoNtriButorS’ demANdS

Also NUP- CPS Secretary, Comrade Bisan Olufemi John said the pension arrangement by the government was still far from being favourable to retirees.

He said there was no way government could successfully proffer solution to the economy without adequately satisfying the yearnings of both pensioners and those

currently in service.

According to him, “The federal government has been struggling with getting the economy to work, but one thing that is clear is that the people are the ones that will contribute mainly to make such a reality.

“The government must first think of the workers, improve their welfare so that they can then contribute their quota adequately to the economy. It should be the people before the economy. Government should think of how to build the operators of the economy and also improve on the lives of pensioners.”

While recalling the failure of government to pay Group Life Insurance claims to next of kin of deceased civil servants, he also lamented the perceived conflicts in annuity for pensioner under failed insurance companies.

He further called on the government to provide better opportunities for pensioners to be happy, saying that retirees’ welfare should not just end at the level of being paid their stipends.

Another retiree and member of NUPCPS, Comrade Olagbayo Johnson said it was unfortunate that the current CPS appeared to be failing.

He recalled that it was the failure of the Defined Benefit Scheme, which is government funded, that compelled the federal government to visit Chile to do a check on how the contributory Pension scheme works.

He however lamented that since Nigeria started the scheme in 2004, it had shown little or no difference from the old scheme apart from the fact that employees and employers now contribute towards the pool of funds.

On her part, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos Chapter, Comrade Funmi Sessi, lamented that Nigerian pensioners were still far from having the deserved rest, adding that there was need for them to earn their benefits, rest and enjoy the fruit of their labour.

She condemned the poor approach by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to paying benefits to pensioners.

She also specifically condemned the difficult process in accessing benefits by relatives of deceased worker, stressing that the request for a letter of administration and other documents should be made easier.

THISDAY checks revealed that there is actually no perfect pension system anywhere in the world as both Nigerian pension system and even the Chilean system till date suffers criticism of being inefficient.

The Chilean system is faced with criticism of imposing high contribution rates that discouraged employers from hiring labour and both employers and workers from making proper declarations of earnings.

As the regime of Contributory Pension Scheme in the country approaches 20 years, workers contributing into the scheme lament of uneasy assessment of their retirement benefits as government, economy operators count quantum of accumulated funds, writes e bere Nwoji

Checking Surge in Multilateral Loans

In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance, Nigeria finds itself navigating a complex web of external debt. Recent data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) reveals significant insights into the nation’s external debt profile as of June 2023. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the trends, contributors, and implications of Nigeria’s external debt.

As of June 2023, Nigeria’s total external debt stood at $43,159.19 billion, representing an increase of $487.49 million from March of the same year. This growth, while not unprecedented, underscores the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing its external financial obligations.

One of the striking aspects of Nigeria’s external debt is the substantial role played by multilateral loans. These loans accounted for 48.17 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt during the reference period, growing from $20,658.41 million to $20,790.74 million an increase of $132.33 million.

The World Bank Group (WBG) emerges as the largest contributor to Nigeria’s external debt stock, wielding a significant influence. Within the WBG, entities such as the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) have extended their financial support to Nigeria. The debt owed to IDA increased from $13,841.31 billion in March to $14,027.20 billion by June 2023, highlighting the substantial financial engagement between Nigeria and these international institutions.

In addition to the WBG, Nigeria has outstanding debts to other multilateral lenders, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank. Each of these lenders plays a unique role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape.

BiLateraL DeBtS anD CoMMerCiaL LoanS

While multilateral loans dominate the scene, bilateral debts constitute a noteworthy portion, accounting for 12.79 per cent of Nigeria’s external debt. Within this category, the Exim Bank of China emerges as a significant player, with its share of Nigeria’s debt increasing from $4,336 billion in March to $4,726 billion by June. France, through the Agence Francaise Development, is another bilateral creditor, with Nigeria owing $572.61 million. Germany’s KfW has extended

loans amounting to $135.26 million. Commercial loans, specifically Eurobonds, make up a substantial 36.19 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt stock. These financial instruments are denominated in currencies other than the Naira and are essential tools for raising capital on the international market. Notably, on July 12, 2023, Nigeria redeemed a $500 million Eurobond issued during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013. This marked the due date of the 10-year tenored debt instrument and showcased Nigeria’s commitment to managing its commercial debts responsibly.

ProMiSSory noteS anD BeyonD

Beyond the major categories of debt, promissory notes account for 2.16 per cent of Nigeria’s external debt stock. These instruments represent binding commitments to pay a specific amount on a specified date and are essential for managing short-term financial obligations.

The trends in Nigeria’s external debt profile raise important considerations for the nation’s financial stability and economic growth. While external borrowing can be a useful tool for financing critical infrastructure and development projects, it must be managed judiciously to avoid overburdening future generations.

Nigeria’s engagement with multilateral lenders highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing economic challenges. The relationships with entities like the World Bank Group and the IMF provide access to financial resources and technical expertise that can drive sustainable development.

Bilateral relationships, particularly with China, carry both opportunities and risks. While Chinese loans have funded critical projects, careful negotiation and management are essential to ensure these debts do not become unmanageable burdens.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s external debt profile is a complex tapestry of financial relationships with implications for the nation’s economic future. Careful management, transparency, and a focus on sustainable development will be essential as Nigeria continues to navigate its path through the global financial landscape.

nume ekeghe writes on the emerging trend of multilateral loans taking the lead and significantly shaping the external debt landscape.

Oye Applauds Tinubu, Indorama, NNPC on $7bn Deal to Promote Gas Utilisation

Oluchi Chibuzor

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the successful signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth 7 billion US dollars to promote gas utilisation in Nigeria.

In a statement, Oye said the new deal will provide a significant boost to the country’s economy and create numerous job opportunities for Nigerians.

According to Oye, “the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) commends Indorama Eleme

Petrochemicals Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the successful signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth $7 billion to promote gas utilisation in Nigeria.This momentous MoU is a result of the recent business roundtable held on the sidelines of G20 was by led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR with NACCIMA in attendance in India.

“Nigeria is known to have huge gas reserves, and it is heartwarming to see that Indorama and NNPC are actively taking steps to utilise this vast natural resource. The Indorama petrochemical factory consumes about 100 million standard cubic feet per day of gas, which the company uses to power their fertilizer and petrochemical plants in Nigeria. This agreement will provide a significant boost to

the country’s economy and create numerous job opportunities for Nigerians.”

He noted, “Furthermore, we applaud Indorama for pledging to invest an additional 7 billion US dollars in Nigeria. This investment will help drive the country’s industrialisation, which will lead to a more robust economy in the long run. This shows that Indorama is committed to contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s economy, and we applaud them for it.

“Nigeria has long been identified as a gas country with enormous reserves. The signing of this MOU reaffirms this position and provides hope that Nigeria will be able to utilise its gas resources to its fullest potential. We hope that more private companies will take a cue from Indorama and invest in the country’s gas sector.”

Osunkeye Advocates Corporate Governance in Public Sector

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Omnibus Business Solutions Limited and former Chairman, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Olusegun Osunkeye has proposed the compelling need to introduce corporate governance to the Nigerian public sector for enhanced regulation of the structure, operations, and activities of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS).

Osunkeye, who was the Chairman of the 18th Investiture of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria (CIoD) when Tijani Borodo was inaugurated as the Institute’s 18th President, explained that both the private and public sector should imbibe the key pillars of corporate governance for accelerated growth and

development of the economy.

“It is my view that the Nigerian Code of Governance in the Public Sector is urgently needed to regulate the structure, operations and activities of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS). This is because both the private and public sectors should incorporate the pillars of governance - transparency, responsibility, accountability, and fairness in all ramifications to have a prosperous country, “he said.

The renowned Corporate Governance ascribed the failure of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to refuse to publish its financial statements for seven years (2016 to 2022) to weak corporate governance structure in the public sector.

According to him, the apex Bank failed to publish its financial statements despite the provision of section 50 of CBN Act 2007 that the Audited Account shall be transmitted to the National Assembly and the President within two months after each financial year, and be published in the Gazette.

The keynote speaker at the Investiture and Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Mr Oscar Onyema, noted that the institute which was founded 40 years ago, stood out as the premier corporate governance and leadership development body due to the huge impact it had brought to the leadership of many organizations in Nigeria.

LibertyPay Boosts Informal Sector with 150,000 Digital Cards

Nume Ekeghe

LibertyPay, Nigeria’s leading digital payment solution and distribution brand has digitised and formalised thrift collection (popularly called Ajo) and micro-savings with a robust plan to issue over 150,000 digital cards to various customers participating in Ajo groups across Nigeria in the last quarter of 2023.

LibertyPay digitisation of Ajo, an age-long thrift collection and micro-savings system in Nigeria is set to uplift communities, foster financial inclusion, change lives while ensuring a digitized system that is in tune with modernity.

According to Chief Executive Officer of LibertyPay, Igbene Otimeyin, in a statement

noted that with the Ajo innovation, the company sees over 150 percent increase in seamless savings collections by traditional thrift collectors from Ajo participants, a more streamlined, accessible and transparent system and a secure financial resilience aimed at transforming the lives of Nigerians.

“Traditional Ajo system have long been a cornerstone of informal micro-savings and thrift collection fostering trust and community cohesion. However, these age-old practices have been in need of a digital makeover to keep pace with the modern world. LibertyPay seizes this opportunity in partnership with industry players to usher in a new era of financial inclusion and empowerment

that will not only streamline the savings process but also ensure financial transparency and accountability by all parties,” Otimeyin explained.

He added: “Specifically, we are empowering Ajo collectors with over 1,000 Point of Sale machines simply accessible by dialing *347*180*4#. These devices empower collectors to seamlessly manage contributions and withdrawals, eliminating the need for cumbersome bookkeeping. With these collectors facilitating the transition to digital Ajo, we anticipate a digital thrift collection of N5 billion monthly or an impressive $5.5 million. This colossal shift is set to supercharge the financial inclusion of Nigeria’s informal sector.”

Foundation Inaugurates Youth Empowerment Initiative in Ekiti

Sunday Ehigiator

To catalyze positive change in the lives of young people, Mathew Oke’s ‘Prodigy Foundation’ over the weekend launched its first youth empowerment initiative with a commitment to help youth in the suburban community of

Orin, Ekiti State, enhance a brighter future.

In a statement, the foundation said, “Mathew O’se, The Prodigy Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in October 2020 to honour the philanthropic legacy of the late Chief Mathew Oke, proudly inaugurated its

first youth empowerment initiative in the suburban community of Orin, Ekiti State, Nigeria. “Mathew Oke, fondly remembered as the ‘Oniwaro of Orin Ekiti,’ was a revered community leader, a devoted father, a man of faith, and a retired Assistant comptroller of customs.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $85.71 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $85.84 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L – R: Deputy Brand Manager, Hollandia & Snacks, CHI Limited, Oluseun Adeleke; Managing Director, UAC Foods Plc, Mr Olu Oloyede; Assistant Media Manager, CHI Limited,Edidiong Andem; Senior Brand Manager, Chivita & Capri-Sun, Bose Ogunyemi receiving the Juice Brand of the Decade Award for Chivita juices during the 20th Anniversary of Marketing Edge Brands & Advertising Excellence Awards 2023 held in Lagos...recently

Stock Market Maintains Positive Trend, Gains N264bn

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian equities market yesterday maintained its positive trend driven by bargain-hunting in BUA Foods Plc and 35 others lifting the overall market capitalization by N264billion.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index rose by 482.05 basis points or 0.71 per cent, to close at 68,359.22 basis points from

67,877.17 basis points when the market opened for trading.

Consequently, the overall market capitalisation value gained N263 billion to close at N37.413 trillion from N37.149trillion the stock market opened for trading.

Analysing by sectors, the NGX Insurance depreciated by 0.4per cent, NGX Oil & Gas dropped by 0.2per cent, and NGX Banking Index was

down by 0.1per cent, while the NGX Industrial Goods Index closed flat. The NGX Consumer Goods appreciated by 3.1 per cent, the sole gainer of the day. Market breadth closed positive, as 36 stocks gained relative to 27 losers. Ellah Lakes recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N3.63, while Berger Paints followed with a gain

of 9.95 per cent to close at N11.60, per share.

eTranzact International appreciated by 9.93 per cent to close at N8.08, while Chams Holding Company and Oando rose by 9.92 per cent each to close at N1.33 and N13.30 respectively, per share.

On the other hand, SCOA Nigeria and Secure Electronic Technology led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to

close at N1.26 and 27 kobo respectively, while Multiverse Mining and Exploration followed with a decline of 9.93 per cent to close at N2.72, per share. Cornerstone Insurance shed 8.76 per cent to close at N1.25, while DAAR Communications lost 8.70 per cent to close at 21 kobo, per share.

Also, the total volume of trade increased by 31.3 per cent to 676.74 million units,

valued at N5.89 billion, and exchanged in 7,659 deals. Transactions in the shares of Universal Insurance topped the activity chart with 235.152 million shares valued at N48.168 million. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with 69.102 million shares worth N1.224 billion, while Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) traded 41.573 million shares valued at N274.178 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/19/23

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 18Sept-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

UNICEF: Boosting Learning Outcomes in Nigeria

Reducing learning poverty in Nigeria was the focus of a two-day South-West media dialogue on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State Directorate, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The programme, titled ‘Turning the Tide on Nigeria’s Learning Crisis’, was recently held in Benin City, Edo.

The presentations made by experts, especially from UNICEF and the State Universal Basic Education Board (EdoSUBEB), dwelt on ‘The Nigerian Learning Passport: An Innovative Learning Solution for Classrooms and at Home’, ‘ The Accelerator Programme in Edo State’, and Overview of FLP in Nigeria’.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, emphasised the different initiatives taken by the administration under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBest) programme, saying it has enhanced learning in the state.

She commended UNICEF for its efforts in impacting children across the country.

She highlighted the state’s initiatives, such as mass literacy programmes, particularly targeting out-of-school populations and introducing technology into the education agenda by distributing learning tablets to students and teachers.

“We acknowledge all that UNICEF has been doing. On our part, we engage artisans under the mass literacy initiative and learning by correspondence to teach them how to read and write,” Oviawe stated. “We also introduced technology into our learning agenda and also distributed learning tablets for students and teachers to encourage them and ensure that learning activities are well structured and centralised.”

Reviewing foundational literacy and numeracy in the country, Education Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, Yetunde Oluwatosin, revealed that 73 per cent of 10-year-old children in the country were struggling to read or comprehend simple text, and an alarming nine out of every 10 children in sub-Saharan were grappling with learning poverty.

She said amidst this scenario, only 63 per cent of five-year-olds categorised as the poorest, living

in rural areas and the northern regions, participated in organised learning, adding that UNICEF was determined to expand the number of children with learning materials to 4.8 million by 2027.

The UNICEF education specialist expressed concern that three out of every four children in Nigeria could not read with comprehension or solve basic mathematical problems.

Oluwatosin pointed out that while 73 per cent of Nigerian youths were literate, only seven per cent possessed the necessary ICT skills required for the digital economy. She attributed Nigeria’s learning crisis to limited infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and insufficient learning data, particularly regarding proficiency levels.

She emphasised UNICEF’s efforts in enhancing the quality of teaching materials and providing over 1.8 million children with learning materials between 2018 and 2022.

In his paper, ‘Nigeria Learning Passport: An innovative learning solution for class-

rooms and at home’, education specialist at UNICEF, Nigeria, Babagana Aminu, canvassed adequate funding, resources from both the government and private sector, as well as technical support for teachers and schools as lasting solutions.

UNICEF Communication Officer, Mrs. Blessing Ejiofor, appealed to the media to use their power to reduce learning poverty and influence positive policy from decision makers in favour of children.

“We recognise the fact that the media has the power to influence and trigger actions, policies and budget that will favour the children, being the idea behind the media dialogue,” she stated.

During the two-day programme, journalists took a tour of Samuel Ogbemudia Girls, College, Benin, one of the schools that has taken advantage of digital learning initiatives to enhance quality education in the state.

The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education (EdoSUBEB), Mrs. Eyitayo Salami, said the deployment of digital learning initiatives since introducing the EdoBEST programme had aligned with intelligence gathered through digital platforms.

“Prior to now, when we did not have accurate data, we had schools with more buildings than

they actually needed and some with insufficient structures. So, with the current digital education system in the state, our data is guiding us to know the number of community schools in need and how many neighbouring schools are available,” stated Salami. “Our mandate is to ensure that the school enrollment is always on the increase, and it will always be a priority to us.”

A teacher in the school, Mrs Akintunde Osahi, stated that the platform has increased teachers’ commitment because of its tracking feature.

“I never liked teaching, but when I saw this programme online, I decided to apply and was interviewed,” stated Osahi. “Since I started teaching in the classroom, the way I see the children interact and respond using the platform made me love teaching.”

On the uniqueness of the platform, Osahi said, “It makes teaching fun. We are also able to manage our time, and punctuality is key, unlike when we were on the analogue system of teaching.”

She, however, appealed to the government to convert teachers on casual appointments to permanent jobs.

A JSS 2 student, Miss Jecinta Onyiloha, stated that the EdoBEST digital learning platform offers learning simplicity and improves students’ knowledge and performance, adding she has been using it for the last two years.

Principal of the college, Mrs Josephine Igbinidu, said the EdoBEST digital learning initiative has led to increased student enrollment across public schools in the state. It also allows parents to assess and monitor their children’s academic performance and progress seamlessly.

The digital learning device, she added, helps to deliver accurate content to the students within the reasonable timeframe allotted for each class.

“The School Base Management Committee (SBMC) and Parents Teachers Conference initiatives in the EdoBEST programme also give parents, teachers and other stakeholders an opportunity to meet regularly to address issues concerning the students and the school,” Igbinidu stated. She urged the government to recruit more teachers into the scheme to balance the studentto-teacher ratio.

UNN Professor Launches Foundation in Daughter’s Memory

Uchechukwu Nnaike

To ensure the successful take-off of the Chisom Enyinnia Chukwuneke Medical Foundation, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Nigeria, Prof. Felix Chukwuneke, has announced the release of N5 million. He also appealed to well-meaning individuals and multinational bodies within and outside the country to support the foundation to guarantee its optimum performance.

Chukwuneke, a maxillofacial surgeon, announced this recently while delivering the 186th inaugural lecture of the university, titled ‘Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Practice in a Developing Economy: the Making of a Surgeon’. He said the foundation was established to

keep the dreams of his late daughter alive.

According to him, two weeks before his late daughter’s mock exam in 2019, she changed her mind from studying software engineering to medicine.

“She decided to read medicine to have the opportunity to treat children from poor parents of their health challenges. My daughter was always very passionate about the survival of children whose parents are poor, those who do not have opportunity of getting the best healthcare like her,” he said.

Chisom, who emerged as the best in the 2019 WAEC exams of Graceland College, Enugu, was born on August

24, 2003, and died in a South African hospital on October 18, 2020, after a brief illness.

In the lecture, Chukwuneke announced that surgeons of the faculty of dentistry of the institution had developed some local surgical innovations in the absence of the conventional technique to handle patients.

He said that due to the huge success achieved, some developing countries that found themselves in similar situations like Nigeria, have started copying the new model discovered by the faculty.

He also identified a vicious chain reaction of poverty, superstition, ignorance, poor healthseeking behaviours and limited treatment options to patients default to late presentation of their ailment, which has posed more difficulty in finding a cure.

The inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which was introduced in 1976 to stimulate research and promote academic excellence among the academia was pioneered by Prof. Ikenna Nzimiro with his lecture titled ‘The Crisis in the Social Sciences, the Nigerian Situation’.

The 186th inaugural lecture attracted the highest crowd in recent times, including the deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus (UNEC), Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, who represented the VC; Prof. Charles Igwe and two former provosts of the college of medicine, Prof. Basden Onwubere and Prof. Ernest Onwasigwe as well as former Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Oge Linda Okoye.

ESports: Estars Partners Chrisland Schools to Boost Students’ Learning Experience

Funmi Ogundare

EStars is partnering Chrisland Schools to integrate esports into education in Africa. A leading esports education provider, Estars is committed to harnessing the power of Esports to unlock a unique learning experience for students.

The first of its kind in Africa, the partnership underscores a shared commitment between both organisations to revolutionise education in Africa through esports.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of EStars, Margs Byrne, expressed excitement about the partnership that will activate the transformative potential of esports in education

for students in Nigeria and Africa.

“We strongly believe that this collaboration will yield mutually beneficial and enduring results,” stated Byrne.

“The overwhelming response to the pilot scheme at Chrisland Schools reaffirmed our belief in the transformative potential of esports in the classroom.”

The partnership, sealed in August, has set the tone for schools across the continent and beyond to implement global best practices in education by introducing esports as a vehicle for learning and developing skills.

Managing Director/CEO of Chrisland Schools, Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemi, also

expressed delight about her school being the first in Africa to embark on the initiative with Estars.

“Our commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment that resonates with our students’ interests and aspirations informed the partnership. We believe that the fusion of eSports and education has the potential to unlock new realms of engagement and learning for our students.

The Chair of the Institute of Directors Africa Group, Joel Popoola, who leads EStars’ expansion across Africa, said, “As a dad, I have often found myself telling my children to stop playing computer games and focus on their homework.

“The truth, however, is that some of our

children’s favourite games, including FIFA and Fortnite, are embedded with genuine educational value in areas such as Mathematics, the sciences and information technology. By centring learning around gaming activities, Estars have stimulated a unique interest in children to engage technology in their learning.”

He explained that the partnership between EStars and Chrisland Schools not only promises to empower students with the requisite skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape but is also consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s resolve on the promise of his administration to create meaningful opportunities for our youth including one million new jobs in the digital economy.”

A two-day media workshop on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, held recently in Benin City by the United Nations Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency, Lagos State, and Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, is designed to reduce learning poverty and boost outcomes. Funmi Ogundare reports

Students of Samuel Ogbemudia Girls College, Benin City, Edo State during their lesson using digital learning platform

LAUNCH OF THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK 30 YEARS...

Tinubu Backs AU's Move to Secure Stability, Prosperity for Africa

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has declared that with Nigeria's backing of the African Union (AU), it was strategically positioned to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the world.

Engaging in a bilateral discussion with the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), President Azali Assoumani, along the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the president hinted at this in a release by his Media Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

He said, "There is nothing that can bring development and prosperity, outside of embracing freedom and constitutional order. It is a critical hallmark of sustainable development. We appreciate that the AU is working hard to bring about peace in the Sahel and is actively negotiating between the warring factions in Sudan. Peace in Sudan will be a great achievement. I appreciate your effort in Burkina Faso and our effective cooperation on Niger.

"You can call me at anytime and we will discuss the peace and stability of AU member states. We need stability and prosperity for the black race. This is our era. We must be peaceful in order to take maximum advantage of the developmental opportunities presented to Africa in this era.

“We must build a model of sustainable development. Nigeria will collaborate with you. But we must move beyond those whose vision of Africa is narrow and evil.

We are not afraid of confrontation, but we prefer to be restrained for now, at this time."

On his part, Chairperson of the African Union, President Assoumani, noted that the African Union sought to complete Nigeria's effort in securing peace and prosperity in Africa, rather than competing with it.

According to him, "It is our responsibility to confront the extra-constitutional wrestling for power on the continent. We have told China and Russia that they have a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in these countries, as there will be no developmental partnership, where there is a lack of stability in countries being impacted by coupists. We appreciate your stand on these matters," the AU Chairperson said.

As President of the Union of Comoros, the AU Chairperson said Comoros sought to learn from Nigeria's experience concerning the steady improvement in diversity management, electoral officiation and economic growth over many years.

"We want to turn our country into an emerging economy and we need the experience of Nigeria as we seek your cooperation to conduct an election that will win us the respect of the international community and allow us to develop at the right speed and quality," the Comoros President emphasised.

President Tinubu also welcomed the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and reiterated that the Islamic world has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of

peace and development in Africa, and across the globe.

"The effort we are making in the Sahel is very important. We know we must double our efforts. We must tell our muslim brothers who are struggling to steal power that only Allah chooses leaders. We must respect the will of Allah. I am ready to collaborate with you.

“Your efforts in supporting agricultural growth and food security through the provision of resources from Islamic banks has been most commendable and our region is appreciative. I am determined to work with you in up-lifting Nigerians and Africans," the president assured.

The leader of the 57-nation

body of cooperation praised the Nigerian President for his active effort in bringing African states to a place of common understanding.

"We must gain consensus on the need for peace, especially amongst our member states. When you were elected as ECOWAS Chairman, it gave us confidence and hope that the situation in the Sahel region

would improve because you are bringing people together. We were also happy about your election as President of Nigeria and we see the changes," Taha stated. The OIC scribe, however, extended an invitation to Tinubu to participate at the OIC Heads of State Summit, expected to hold in a few months.

Oyebanji Urges Police to Unravel Mysteries Surrounding Mohbad’s Death

Youths protest in Ogun, Ondo Lagos police sets up 13-man Special Investigation Team

James Sowole in Abeokuta, Fidelis David in Akure and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the police authorities to unravel the mysteries surrounding the death of fast rising music star, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, professionally called Mohbad.

This was as some youths and sympathisers in their hundreds, yesterday, stormed the streets in both Ogun and Ondo States, protesting the untimely passing of the music star.

But in a seeming response to the situation, the Lagos State

Police Commissioner, Mr. Idowu Owohunwa, has inaugurated a 13-man Special Investigation Team to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the minimum the country owed the deceased and his family was justice, which he said could only come through a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to his death as well as various revelations that came out thereafter.

The governor spoke yesterday just as Ekiti youths had also planned to hold a procession in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital

Rising Coups in Africa Show Youths Looking for Liberators, Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has weighed in on the rising military coups in Africa, saying the development shows that young people are in search of liberators.

In recent years, there have been seven coups across Africa, with the latest happening in Gabon on August 30. Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, and Mali are all under military rule.

Speaking at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during an interactive session with a group of youths from Africa for

Africa Youth Initiative (A4A), the former president said he would not support a coup considering his experience in the hands of former military dictator, late General Sani Abacha. He said, “So, the youth are looking for liberators, and we must bear that in mind. Why do we have to allow the youth to start looking for liberators beyond the government of the day? Why?”

According to Obasanjo, certain conditions have been encouraging military takeovers across the continent.

“Having suffered at the hand of Abacha, I will not want a military rule, but if it has to come, what can we do? I will just say okay.

“The point is this, do we have conditions that encourage the type of things that are happening, because if we don’t have the conditions that encourage them, they may not happen. That doesn’t mean it should be encouraged. What it means is that we should make sure that we do everything to prevent coups from happening.

“When you see things that happen in many countries, and I will not exclude Nigeria, then

you wonder and don’t forget, don’t forget particularly the youth, they support most of these coups. The one in Gabon, the Coup Leader was being carried on the head by the youths, not by old wretched men and women like me,” he added.

While calling for the entrenchment of true democratic principles with God-given attributes as a way of discouraging coups in the continent, Obasanjo urged African youths to brace up and take leadership positions today and not tomorrow, which may never come.

to mourn the late Singer and demand justice for him.

Describing Mohbad as a talented singer, who at 27 had already carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world with several hit songs to his credit, Oyebanji said the death of the singer at the peak of his career and the circumstances surrounding it were highly regrettable.

While extending condolences to members of the late singer’s immediate and extended families as well as his fans worldwide, he urged the Nigeria Police to investigate the death and ensure that justice was done.

“Our condolences to the family and fans of the late singer, Mohbad. We feel their pains at this crucial moment and join other well-meaning Nigerians to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his death,” he said.

However, in Abeokuta, some youths who were fans of the late singer, staged a peaceful protest to demand for justice over the mysterious death of the singer.

The youths, in their hundreds adorning black T-shirts began the rally from Panseke and went through Oke-Ilwo, Isale- Igbehin, Sapon to Ake with placards bearing various inscription.

The protest by the youths caused traffic snarl on route taken by the protesters.

Some of the inscriptions read,

"Justice for Mohbad”, “Government Must Arrest Naira Marley and Sam Larry”, Who killed Mohbad”, “No more Marlian”, “Sammy Larry must die”, “Imole must be avenged”, and “Too young to go at 27”, amongst other messages.

The protesting youths while speaking with newsmen insisted that the Nigeria Police must bring the duo of Naira Marley and Sam Larry to book. They also demanded that other persons mentioned in the death of the singer be duly invited for questioning.

In Akure, the Ondo State capital, the youths also took to street to protest the death of Mohbad. The protesters in their hundreds took to the streets wearing black shirts in honour of the late singer as they chanted ‘Justice for Mohbad’.

Some bore placards with inscriptions such as "Say No to Marlian Music", “Justice for Mohbad” and "We want a coroner’s inquest into Mohbad death", amongst others.

The presence of security operatives comprising men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were also observed as the youths marched through NEPA, Arakale and Oba Adesida roads. The protest caused heavy traffic across major routes in the town.

AU canvasses Nigeria's close support in all continental issues President tells Muslim brothers trying to steal power to learn to accept Allah's wish OIC lauds Nigerian leader’s bold economic reforms, geopolitical leadership stability

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Kohath Investment Group, Thomas Eloramo; Trade Marketing Manager - The Edrington Portfolio (NBC), Tsolaye Everett-Eleoramo; The Macallan Brand Ambassador, Abuja, Adeyinka Adepetun; and Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi, during the exclusive launch of The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old held in Abuja…recently

FIdSon HeAltHcAre AnnuAl GenerAl MeetInG...

L-R: Strategy & Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Olugbenga Olayeye; Deputy Managing Director, Biola Adebayo, Founder/Managing Director, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae; Board Chairman, Segun Adebanji and Company Secretary, Yomi Adebanjo during Fidson Healthcare Plc Annual General Meeting held in Ikeja, Lagos ... recently

Slain DPO: Police Kill Four, Arrest Three in Rivers

Apprehends more for organ harvesting

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command, yesterday, said it has arrested three persons in connection to the gruesome killing of SP Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, in Rivers State.

During a press briefing at the command’s headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, revealed that the alleged notorious cultists were arrested when the command stormed a forest in the Ahoada, in attempt to recover the body of the slain

DPO.

Nwonyi said, when the operatives invaded the Odemude forest in Ahoada to recover the remains of the late SP Bako, and possible arrest of the suspects, some hoodlums opened fire on the police team, in the course of which four of the suspects were shot dead.

The police boss revealed that the suspected criminals were rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for medical attention when they (police) noticed they were fatally wounded, but on getting to the hospital they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

At 78th UNGA, Yahaya Seeks UNICEF’s Support for Out-of-School Children

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has sought the support of UNICEF and other agencies of the United Nations in addressing the issue of out-of-school children in his state and the Northern Nigeria.

He claimed that several factors, including poverty, insecurity, and cultural beliefs, had contributed to the high number of out-of-school

nations on the African continent after the military forcibly seized power.

Many of the coup planners had taken advantage of the dissatisfaction with foreign powers, and created the impression that they were heroes on a mission to rescue their people.

Tinubu told the UNGA, “To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.

“As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.

“Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.

“To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”

Tinubu, in the first address before the General Assembly, noted that although many proclamations had been made, Africa’s troubles remained close at hand, stressing that failures in good governance have hindered Africa.

According to the ECOWAS chairman, broken promises, unfair treatment, and outright exploitation

in Gombe and other states of the federation.

He pointed out that accelerating investment in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDGs4), which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, would also aid and contribute to the fight against poverty.

Yahaya, who is on the Nigerian delegation at the ongoing 78th ses-

from abroad have exacted a heavy toll on Africa’s ability to make progress.

He recalled that in the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their war-torn societies, while a new global system was born with the United Nations being a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind.

Describing the period as a high-water mark for trust in global institutions, the president stated that for several decades, Africa had been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resource that described the “Marshall Plan”.

Tinubu maintained that Africa and Nigeria needed firm commitment to partnership, with enhanced international cooperation with African nations, to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He urged the world to see African development as a priority, not just for Africa, but also in their interest as well. He said due to both longstanding internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures had been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation, and equitable distribution of wealth.

The president noted that if Nigeria was to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, it must create jobs and the belief in a better future for the citizens.

To lay a strong foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth and improve investor confidence, Tinubu recalled that he recently removed the

sion of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, made the call while speaking with journalists after the SDGs’ summit.

He spoke on efforts to bring down the number of out of school children in Gombe State, which according to him has been very difficult because of the surge in number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from neighboring states.

“By 2019, according to the

“costly and corrupt” fuel subsidy while also discarding a noxious exchange rate system in his first days in office.

The president stated, “I am mindful of the transient hardship that reform can cause. However, it is necessary to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy our people deserve.

“We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.

“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.”

He said direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports, and meaningful debt relief were important aspects of the cooperation the continent seeks.

Tinubu reiterated his long-held belief that democracy remained the best form of government, and explained that any other alternatives that perpetrated injustice must not be encouraged.

He said, “We must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.

“The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions

UNICEF account, there were 550,000 out of school children in Gombe alone and as of today, the numbers have risen either because of the settlement or rehabilitation of some people from the displaced states.

“You know, we share a boundary with the remaining five states of the Northeast. Therefore, most of them have relocated due to Gombe’s security and safety, adding to our own issues, and we must choose where and how.

to perennial problems.

“Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.”

Stressing that the entire region was locked in protracted battle against violent extremists, he argued that in the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce had now formed, maintaining that along the route men, woman and children are seen as chattel.

Tinubu maintained, “Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.

“This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region. African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.”

To fully tackle the threat of extremism, Tinubu said the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa. He stated, “The fourth important

"On September 10, 2023 at about 1030hrs, actionable intelligence revealed that, gang of notorious Iceland cultists, armed robbery suspects and kidnappers led by one Gift David Okpara Okpolonwo, (aka 2-baba), who led his notorious gang to brutally murder SP Bako Angbashim, DPO Ahoada on September 8, 2023, were in their hideout at Odemude Forest, Ahoada-East Local Government Area.

"Following the information, a combined team of Command Tactical Operatives and Area Commander Ahoada, stormed the forest in the efforts to arrest the notorious hoodlums and possible recovery of the corpse of the late officer.

"The hoodlums, who were battle ready to inflict more injury and casualty on the police, immediately engaged the operatives in fierce gun battle, during which four of the notorious hoodlums, who are yet to be identified, sustained fatal gunshot injuries while others escaped into the forest, three suspects were arrested and a locally made pistol recovered from them.

"Meanwhile, the four notorious

aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.

“The mayhem visited on resource rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.

“The problem also knocks Nigeria’s door. Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources.

“Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.”

Given the extent of injustice and high stakes involved, the Nigerian president stated that many Africans were asking whether the phenomenon was by accident or by design. He urged member nations to reply by working with ECOWAS to deter their firms and nationals from the 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.

Touching on the subject of climate change, which he said severely impacted Nigeria and Africa, Tinubu stated that northern Nigeria was currently hounded by desert encroachment on its once arable land, while the south was

suspected criminals, who sustained serious injuries were rushed to the UPTH for medical attention but were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty," Nwonyi explained.

He said ongoing operation would be sustained, with efforts to arrest the notorious gang leader and other members of his gang.

In another department, three persons were arrested in a community in Abia/Odual Local Government Area of the state, over the murder of Progress Ezuo and harvest of his organ.

Nwonyi disclosed that, "Following credible intelligence, policemen attached to Abua/Odual Division arrested one Odumughan Supa (aka Last Market), Kebin George (aka lecturer) and Odeamuodi Isaac Isikima (aka original), both of Obarany community in Abua/ Odual LGA of Rivers State, for the murder of one Progress Ezuo and harvested his male organs at the community.

"The suspects, who fled from the community were arrested and transferred to SCID for discreet investigation."

pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion.

He said, “In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes. As I lament deaths at home, I also lament the grave loss of life in Morocco and Libya. The Nigerian people are with you.

“African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.”

The president said Nigeria would build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions, which also promote economic good.

According to him, “Projects, such as, a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.

“Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.”

Although nature had been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative people, the president said too often man had been unkind to his fellow man, stressing that the sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.

CONFERMENT OF TRADITIONAL TITLES...

Abiodun: I Knew Adedayo Was Never Stable in Character

Says he must answer to allegations against him Advocates need to instill discipline in APC

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, said the impeached chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Wale Adedayo, who recently accused of mismanaging funds that accrued to the councils, had never been stable in character.

Abiodun, who said he knew all these before allowing him to emerge a council chairman, however, said Adedayo must answer to all the allegations against him, because he defamed him, both as a private individual and governor.

Conversely, the. Governor, therefore, stressed the need to instill discipline within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that members of the party were accountable for their actions.

His words: "I have known Wale Adedayo for so many years. I had been supporting him before I became governor. When I became Governor, I appointed him as a consultant on media. I did not ask for the input of leaders of Ijebu East Local Govern-

predicated on 51 grounds, alleged that the decision of the lower tribunal was "perverse" in its entirety, except in the rulings in its favour.

Obi and LP, in their Notice of Appeal filed yesterday, faulted the judgement of the tribunal for being against the weight of evidence adduced by the appellants.

The appellants, through their lead counsel, Dr Livy Uzoukwu, SAN, told the apex court that "the learned Justices of the Court below erred in law and thereby reached a wrong conclusion when they found and held they did not in their petition specify the particular polling units where the alleged irregularities and malpractices occurred, or specify the figures of the votes or scores which they alleged have been suppressed, deflated or inflated."

The appellants submitted that the details of the polling units were contained in the spreadsheets and forensic analysis reports, which they had incorporated and made part of their pleadings by reference.

In another ground of the appeal, Obi and LP argued that the striking out of certain paragraphs in their petition by the court amounted to a blatant denial of their right to fair hearing and occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice.

They argued that the tribunal was wrong when it struck out the witness statements on oath of 10 out of the 13 witnesses on the ground that the statements were filed after the expiration of the period of 21 days prescribed by the constitution.

ment before I appointed him, so, Wale is not my enemy.

"When it got to the issue of council elections, I thought to myself that council chairmanship isn't meant for him because I know the kind of a person he is. I know that he wasn't a person stable in character.

"The funds for the local government go straight into the account of local governments where they meet, share and remove what we call first-line charge from it; the salary of health workers, teachers in the local government, staff of the local government themselves and the salary of traditional rulers.

"He himself collects his own security votes. It has never been late. I even look for projects for them. Sometimes, I dip my hand into state funds for them so they can also have projects to execute. That same person can now say that I have been diverting local government funds," he said.

Abiodun warned against any attempt to destabilise the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

Obi and LP said the decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which the PEPC cited in support of the decision, did not apply to the facts of this case. They added that in coming to the above decision, the tribunal refused to follow its previous decisions in many cases, to the extent that a subpoenaed witness needed not file his statement alongside the petition and any such statement filed after the time allowed for filing the petition was competent and valid.

Responding to the position of the tribunal that they did not call enough witnesses to prove allegations of corrupt practices and other irregularities, they claimed that the court below overlooked the fact that the petition ought to be read as a whole to discover the complaint or grouse of the appellants.

They stated, "The court below failed to take into account that the appellants listed the states and specific areas complained about in the petition. The appellants also tendered documents in satisfaction of Section 137 of the Electoral Act 2022."

On the ruling by the tribunal that the failure of the appellants to call witnesses from the polling units, wards or other places, where irregularities and malpractices were alleged to have occurred, were fatal to their case, the appellants claimed that the issue of non-compliance by INEC to its laws, guidelines and relevant statutes was a universal

"Those who think that they can distabilise this state won't sleep. They won't even rest. This state will continue to move forward, either with them or without them because it is God himself that has appointed me as the governor of this state at this particular time," he said.

Abiodun made this known during a meeting with leaders of the APC in Ijebu East Local Government, led by a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ijebu North, Ijebu-East and Ogun Waterside between 2007 and 2011,

Chief Segun Osibote, on Monday.

The governor, also disclosed that he was prepared to defend himself against the allegation of funds diversion by the impeached Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr. Wale Adedayo.

According to the him, members of the party must abide by its constitution and be ready to defend their utterances at all times, noting that until people were made to bear the consequences of their words and actions, they would not desist from lying, adding also that he was

prepared to ensure that Adedayo was held responsible for what he had said as he must prove the false allegations made against his person.

"There are two things. He lied against me as the governor, he lied against me as Dapo Abiodun, he spoilt my name, and he tried to incite the public against the government. Wale Adedayo has to answer all these allegations one after the other.

"We have to instill discipline in governance, discipline in the party, people have to become accountable for what they say. You must be

accountable for what you say so that you will always think very well before taking any nasty action.

"People have to be made to bear the consequences of whatever they say and until we do that, they will not stop and I am prepared to ensure that Wale Adedayo is held responsible for what he has said.

"He said he is committed to what he has said. He has to go and prove and show that I, Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, diverted public funds. He has to go and prove that," Abiodun said.

Obi, Abure, Eradiri Lament Poverty, Underdevt in Bayelsa

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the just-concluded Presidential election, Peter Obi, the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure and LP's standard bearer in the forthcoming governorship

complaint because it was an infraction against the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state.

On the issue of technology in the conduct of the 2023 general election, they submitted that the tribunal erroneously overlooked the fact that the use of technology in the conduct of the poll was pivotal to the integrity/credibility and transparency of the election.

They contended that contrary to the decision of the tribunal, the use of BVAS to transmit the election results to IReV under the present legal regime governed by the Electoral Act 2022 was mandatory and not discretionary.

Addressing Tinubu's qualification, Obi and LP argued that the tribunal erred in law when it declined jurisdiction to determine the issue of disqualification based on the alleged double-nomination of his vice president.

They argued that the tribunal was wrong in holding that the appellants did not prove their case of doublenomination of the vice president (Kashim Shettima) because the law and evidence tendered in the court did not support that conclusion.

The duo further claimed that the tribunal misapplied the provisions of Section 137(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) when it reasoned and concluded that Tinubu was not disqualified from contesting the presidential election based on the forfeiture orders made against him by the US District Court.

election in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, yesterday, lamented the level of poverty and underdevelopment in the state. The three LP leaders, who spoke during the official inauguration of the campaign office of the gubernatorial candidate, unveiling of Eradiri and

Obi and LP said the tribunal wrongly read the provisions of Section 137(1)(e) of the constitution (which is a different and independent provision) together with Section 137(1)(d) of the constitution and concluded that there was no evidence that the second respondent had been arrested, charged, and convicted by a court of law to warrant his disqualification from contesting the election.

The appellants further faulted the decision of the tribunal that a winner of the presidential election did not need to score at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in the FCT, Abuja, under Section 134(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They complained that the PEPC ought not to have relied on the preamble to the constitution to interpret the provision because it was clear and unambiguous.

The appellants stated, “The law is that the preamble in an enactment (including the constitution) can only be resorted to in order to ‘clarify any ambiguity in the words used in the enacting part’; and it ‘cannot’ be used to give a different meaning to the clear wording of a provision.”

They also contended that the PEPC introduced and relied on extraneous matters/considerations in its interpretation of Section 134(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) because the issue before the court was not whether or not the FCT had a “special status” over other states; or whether or not every citizen of Nigeria had the equality of vote.

a town hall meeting in Yenagoa, the state capital, expressed dissatisfaction that despite the enormous resources and federal allocation that had accrued to the state since creation, it remained in a sorry state.

They contended that the problem of Bayelsa was purely that of leadership, adding that the state needed purposeful, result-oriented, ingenious, people-oriented, honest, updated, bold and courageous leadership to turn things around for the better.

The LP top chiefs, who stormed the state through the Port Harcourt International Airport were received by many party stalwarts and faithful at Mbiama, the boundary of Bayelsa and Rivers states..

Their arrival was also heralded by pomp and celebration as musicians, hordes of youths, women and men escorted them to the party's secretariat and later the Aridolf Wellness Resort and Spa venue in Okaka, where the town hall meeting held.

Lamenting the widespread poverty in the oil-rich Bayelsa State, Obi said it was sad, unfortunate and unthinkable that a state where oil was first struck in commercial quantity about 67 years ago still remained underdeveloped and poor.

"That you can come to this state and still see poverty is unfortunate and sad. This is a state, where we discover our first oil over 67 years ago and it is worrisome that after such a long time, you cannot drive on a good road to Bayelsa.

"Bayelsa is not supposed to be among the list of poor states for what God endowed them with. It is caused by leadership and that's what we are trying to change. Our candidate has told you other parties will give you money but we are not in politics of sharing money, we don't have any money to share.

“Those who are giving you money are giving you, your own money to share, we didn't steal anything so we can't give anything. When

they give you money, take it but vote your conscience. Labour Party is the party to vote for in order to emancipate you from poverty and underdevelopment.

"We want to reduce the poverty in Bayelsa and the only way we can do that is by using the resources of this state to move the country from consumption to production; it is from production that you will get jobs. I listened to him (Udengs Eradiri) talk about micro credit, supporting small businesses. That is actually the future of the world and the future of Nigeria and the future of young people,” he said.

Eradiri, an engineer by calling, said he would liberate Bayelsa from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment if elected on November 11, 2023.

He said that Bayelsa was greatly endowed with several natural tourism sites that could be harnessed to enhance economic prosperity of the state yet successive administrations in the state had done little or nothing to change the narrative.

Abure, in his remarks, Abure, said he was appalled at the level of poverty that afflict the state, saying it required a pragmatic leadership to ameliorate the situation hence he called on Bayelsa people to vote for LP candidate and not to waste their votes for other parties.

His words: "This is the time we must come out in our large numbers to vote for the candidate of the Labour Party in the Bayelsa governorship election. We must ensure that the we do not only vote LP but we must defend our votes.

"Bayelsa needs redemption. When we drove past Bayelsa State, I wept that there are no roads, no good schools, among others. The causes are not farfetched: it is leadership failure. It is time for the Labour Party to mount the saddle and redeem the state from poverty and underdevelopment."

L-R: Managing Director, CashToken Rewards Africa, Chief Lai Labode; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, and Lai Labode’s wife, Ijeoma, being conferred with the traditional title of Apagun Pote of Egbaland and Erelu Apagun Pote by the traditional ruler in Abeokuta… recently

AT Supreme CourT, ATI ku L ISTS 35, o b I 51 Groun DS T o n u LLI f Y T I nubu' S eL e CTI on

iNNOVaTiON MaKERs CHaLLENGE…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba; Deputy Director, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI), Mr. Kola Oyeniran; General Manager, Quomodo Systems Africa, Adedoyin Segun-Noibi; Sustainability Manager, IHS Towers, Mr. John Isiekwene, and Chief Executive Officer, Mobile Software Solutions and Board Member, Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group, Mr. Chris Uwaje, at the Innovation Makers Challenge 2023 press conference in Lagos… recently

Allow Willing Bandits to Surrender, DHQ Tells Govts

Kingsley Nwezehinabuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday called on governments at all levels to allow armed bandits willing to surrender to do so.

The call came as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed

Lagbaja, ordered troops to sustain tempo of operations to clear terror enclaves.

He also directed commanders to show leadership by example.

A statement issued by Director Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, said the

security advice followed a video clip in circulation across the social media handles of some soldiers engaging with bandits somewhere in Katsina State.

It said the DHQ has launched an investigation of the video to confirm its authenticity as regards the soldiers seen in uniform.

“The DHQ is aware of the

resolve of some bandits to repent and hand over their weapons to the authority. This is yielding good results and is ongoing.

“The DHQ assures Nigerians

that its non-kinetic measures aimed at restoration of peace is yielding results with several bandits and other criminal elements surrendering to authority.

House Committee Threatens to Invoke Legislative Powers against Customs CG, NPA MD

adedayo akinwale in abuja

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced new numbering format for fixed lines, which would take effect from January 2024.

According to a statement released yesterday, by the NCC and signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, Nigeria’s Fixed-lines

Numbering Format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by adding the ‘02’ prefix before existing fixed

January

NCC Begins New Numbering Format for Fixed Lines

number.

The statement read: “The commission hereby informs the public of the changes and also clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of December 31, 2023.

“From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with ‘02’ prefix will be operational. In other words, the old and new number formats are allowed to run concurrently till the cut-over date (December 31, 2023).

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee has threatened to invoke relevant legislative powers against the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi and the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Mohammed

Bello-Koko, following their refusal to appear before it.

The ad hoc committee issued the warning yesterday, at the resumed investigative hearing into the disposal of public property by the agencies between 2010 and 2022 to unravel the extent of illegal auctioning of public property, nonremittance of revenue realised into

Consolidated Revenue Fund’.

The Majority Leader of the House and Chairman of the ad hoc committee Hon. Julius Ihonbvere, said “this political rascality and irresponsibility must stop.”

He added: “This kind of political rascality and irresponsibility must stop! No Chief Executive is above

the law, we are the lawmakers and when we summon an agency here, that agency must show up. Because we have the powers to summon anyone in this country by powers that are guaranteed constitutionally and we think this kind of lackadaisical and almost infantile behavior at this stage, we have to check it and stop it.

Compensate Our Members with Appointments, Oyo APC Chairman Tells Tinubu

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr. Issac Omodewu, yesterday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to compensate members of the party for the role they played in his emergence during the 2023 general elections.

Omodewu, while playing host to the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was on official visit to the state secretariat, Ibadan, insisted that APC members in the state are yet to be compensated for what they did during the election.

The APC chairman, who maintained that members of

the party worked towards the emergence of Tinubu during the election, urged the president to compensate and reward the members.

According to him, “We worked for the party, we won three senatorial seats and nine House of Representatives. We are yet to be compensated because

we worked for our father. We are now appealing to you to compensate us.

“During the primary, our members voted. Former gubernatorial candidate of Labour party is here with us now. There was never a time that Governor Seyi Makinde worked for APC.

TUC: FG Promised to Announce its Position on Wage Award, Other Labour Demands Next Week

Onyebuchi Ezigboinabuja

The federal government would most likely make a pronouncement on the demands of the organised labour regarding palliatives to cushion the economic impact of the removal of subsidy on fuel on

Nigerian workers by next week. This was disclosed by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, while speaking yesterday, on a programme monitored on Channels Television.

He said the leadership of TUC

had demanded an update on their demands ranging from wage award, tax holiday for low income earners, the issue of conversion to CNG automobile as well as modalities for disbursement of palliatives money given to states.

However, Osifo said the union

was told during a meeting with the government negotiating team lead by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong, yesterday, that President Bola Tinubu was going to make the position of the administration on their demands known latest by next week.

Joint Security Task Force Neutralises Bandits in Niger

Laleye dipoinminna

In a counter offensive against the gunmen who invaded Pandogari community last Saturday killing four villagers and abducting several others mostly women, men of the Joint Security Task Force are reported to have neutralised a large number

of the gunmen who carried out the attack.

The gunmen were said to have, after the Saturday night attack, gone into hiding in the forest some few kilometers from Pandogari town. Bu intelligence exposed the hideout of the criminals.

It was gathered that the operatives

mapped out their strategies leading to encircling the place where the bandits were hiding.

In the land and air operations that followed, according security sources, the gunmen were caught hands down leading to several of them losing their lives.

A number of the motorcycles

used for the attack by the bandits were also reportedly destroyed while some of those kidnapped were reportedly rescued.

Among those neutralized, according to sources, were 6six informants two of them Kabukabu riders, who had been residing in the community for more 10 years.

IMF, World Bank, OECD Seek More Consistent Climate-related Financial Data Globally

Ndubuisi Francis in abuja, Nume Ekeghe and Ugo aliogo in Lagos

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and

Development (OECD) have identified lack of robust frameworks in emerging and developing economies, and underscored the need to make climate-related financial data more compatible and consistent

across all the regions of the world.

The three global institutions highlighted this in a new report on climate-aligned finance which they collaborated to release.

The report highlighted the

need for scaling up private finance to support the transition to net zero, discussing the various tools and frameworks, like taxonomies, scoring methodologies, and disclosure employed to achieve this.

Adeleke to Fix Lasting Infrastructural Projects in Osun, Says PDP Chieftain

yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke will soon commence fixing of long lasting Infrastructural projects in the state as part of the promises made to the people of the state.

Speaking with THISDAY in Osogbo, former Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic party ( PDP) in the state, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, noted that all abandoned projects within the state would be revisited for timely completion.

Adekunle stressed that roads

will also be constructed in all local government areas in the state, while the federal constituencies would equally benefit immensely in the developmental agenda of the state governor.

He remarked that since the enthronement of the present

administration, all promises made are being fully followed to the letter. According to him “Adeleke had surpassed people’s expectations considering the situation met on ground because he has done well based on Infrastructural development so far.”

Uzodimma Vows to Fish Out Killers of Imo JTF Operatives

Tony Icheku inOwerri

Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has assured the residents of Imo that the killers of seven Joint Task Force (JTF) members at Ehime Mbano area of the state yesterday will be fished out to face the law.

Uzodimma gave the assurance yesterday evening, when he visited the scene of the gruesome murder at Umuezeala Owerre area of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who was accompanied by the security chiefs in the state, expressed sadness over

the dastardly act.

He gave assurance that “the State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, will fish out the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to book”.

Uzodimma appealed to the leaders and people of the communities in the area to avail the government and security agencies of vital information that could assist in the investigation and immediate arrest of the suspects.

He also prayed for God’s mercy for the victims and the fortitude for the families to bear the loss of their loved ones in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Police Public

Relations Officer, PPRO for Imo State Police Command, Mr Henry Okoye last night confirmed in a telephone conversation with THISDAY, that five members of the JTF security team were killed, while three members were injured and hospitalised.

Earlier, sketchy information alleged that the early Tuesday morning ambush of the JTF claimed the lives of eight officers, (uncertain number of soldiers and policemen) members of in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State sparking off unease and tension in the LGA and surrounding areas

Out-of-school: Nigeria Needs 20,000 More Schools, 907,769 Classrooms, Say UBEC

Kuni Tyessi in abuja

The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Boboye, yesterday, said the country needed additional 20,000 schools and 907,769 classrooms to absorb the growing number of out-ofSchool Children.

Bobboyi, was speaking in Abuja, while briefing the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Sununu.

He identified Infrastructural gaps, inadequate manpower as some of the challenges facing the commission in its efforts towards ensuring equitable access to quality basic education.

Responding, Mamman said the ministry under him would prioritise basic education in the country.

Mamman, also emphasised that the foundation level was the most critical segment in the sector, stressing that it must be properly developed in order to

impact positively on other tiers of the sector and overall national development. He called on all the states of the federation to show greater commitment towards providing counterpart funding to accelerate the development of basic education in the country.

He added the government of President Bola Tinubu would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that every Nigeria child was brought on board the ship of education.

No Increase in Tuition Fee at AAU, Says Acting VC

Adibe Emenyonu in benin City

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Prof. Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin, has clarified that there was no time school fees payable by student of the institution was increased. Adagbonyin, made the clarification during a media briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Benin City, Edo State.

He noted that what the students protested about was just addon (charges) by departments, insurance, identity cards, etc which the Students Union Government (SUG) even negotiated with the school management.

He listed the add-ons to include, Student Union Dues, Alternative Subscription Model (ASM) Fees (formerly known as technology fees) Interswitch Transaction Charges, EDOHIS, Access Card (formerly ID Card), Accreditation

Fees, Student Union Dues and Sports Development Fee, which he said are not new to students. Even at that, Adagbonyin said breakdown of the add-ons amounted to N50,200 only for all the programmes in the Faculties of Arts, Law, Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Environmental Studies; and for all the programmes in the Faculties of Agriculture, Education, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.

Promoters Raise the Alarm as Inflation Bites

Harder on Children with Special Needs

Oluchi Chibuzor

Children with Special Needs advocates across the country have raised the alarm that the current rate of inflation in the country is biting harder on the children with special needs across the country. For them, the cost of living is affecting parents, while several charities are finding it difficult to provide basic medical drugs for the children with special needs in the country. To help generate funds and

bring intervention to some charities, the Worship4Change, a not-for-profit organisation in Nigeria will on 2nd October, 2023, hold a Green Worship musical concert that would see proceeds of about N15 million go to four special needs organisation across the country.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, yesterday ahead of the concert, the founder, Worship4Change, Wale Adenuga, said more needs to be done to help children with special needs in the country.

According to him, “It got to a stage in my life that I asked myself can I leverage the fame I had to benefit the less privileged children in the society? Some kids have not felt government intervention and so all musical artists are performing for free to raise funds for some charities in the country.”

With 14 top gospel music artists slated for the show, the concert is committed to raising awareness and support for charities that care for orphans, children with special needs and indigent children.

Gunmen Abduct 60 Years Old Man in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Suspected gunmen have reportedly kidnapped a 60-yearold man, Mr. Kayode Ajayi, at his farm located in Laluba village in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Already, men of the antikidnapping unit of the state Police Command have been deployed in the village while local hunters and vigilantes

have also swung into action to rescue the victim.

It was gathered that Ajayi was allegedly kidnapped last Monday evening while returning from his farm with his daughter, but his daughter was later rescued.

Sources close to the family of the victim told journalists in Ilorin yesterday that: “Mr. Kayode Ajayi and his daughter were returning from their farm

at Laluba around 7 p.m. when they were kidnapped by suspected gunmen.

“When the duo were kidnapped, they were later moved far away from the farm but his daughter was later rescued but his father was taken away by the gunmen.

“The daughter of Ajayi later called his mother that his father had been kidnapped and taken way by some suspected gunmen.

‘Diphtheria Kills 520 Children in Kano’

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Director General of Kano State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Mr. Nasir Muhammad, has said that at least 520 children were killed by diphtheria in Kano State in the last 10 months and needed to vaccinate an additional six million children against the disease.

Muhammad, in a keynote address he presented at a one-day orientation for media practitioners on the outbreak of diphtheria disease yesterday in Kano, lamented the shortage of diphtheria vaccine in the state.

He said that “the state received 200,000 doses of vaccine which was less than one million doses after the outbreak of the disease.

But according to our findings, we need over 6 million children to be vaccinated.”

“We urged the federal government and our partners to do something urgent to effectively control the outbreak of the disease. I also used this opportunity to appreciate UNICEF for their commitment to emergency response and support.”

ProPerty & environment

Sabreworks’s Grosvenors Mall Fits into Lagos’ Urban Regeneration

Bennett Oghifo

A new state-of-the-art four-floor facility named Grosvenors Mall is being developed by Sabreworks Real Estate Investment Limited, a reputable firm in the property industry.

At the groundbreaking at its location at Ikeja, recently, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Segun Phillips said Grosvenors Mall will be rendered as a game changer in urban regeneration, particularly in Ikeja, and that it was designed and will be built to have modern facilities, good parking spaces underground and traffic control, and all of these have been approved by the Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The mall is “meticulously planned and designed

space intended to nurture thriving businesses, offer entrepreneurs a conducive environment, and provide shoppers with unparalleled convenience.

“This initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for Ikeja. In an era of real estate booms in the country, Grosvenors emerged as a beacon of innovation and progress. This ambitious project is born from a dream to transform Ikeja’s commercial landscape,”

The shops and office spaces will each have their own toilets and for both owners and clients.

The project, Phillips said, is dear to him. “I grew up here in Ikeja and I believe Ikeja deserves a contemporary, state-of-the-art commercial hub that not only serves businesses but also enriches

the lives of all who interact with it.

“Grosvenors goes beyond the typical mall archetype; it’s an ecosystem meticulously designed to foster success. Featuring cutting-edge amenities, a strategic position, and a community-oriented ethos, we present an unparalleled value proposition.”

The project, he said, is expected to begin on October 1 and reach completion by the end of 2024, adding that they collaborating with Sovereign Finance Company Limited, a financial services provider.

Managing Director, Sovereign Finance, Olusola Dada, said: “We were involved financially in acquiring the land and it is our belief that this project will transform the landscape real estate particularly in this environment.

“Our core service is financ-

ing, and we ardently support commendable projects like this. Our doors are open for

similar projects under acceptable terms and conditions.”

He said they will also

attend to off-takers if they met the conditions set by their company.

Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic Installs Sadananda Melanta 5th President

Bennett Oghifo

Eko Atlantic, an upscale allinclusive city spread on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, has its own Rotary Club that plans to raise more than ₦140 million to support a range of projects.

Last Saturday, the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic held its official installation ceremony, presenting Rotarian Sadananda Melanta as its 5th President. This event also marked the inauguration of the club’s board for the 2023/2024 Rotary year and served as a fundraising opportunity for various projects.

The Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, is within Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, and it is one of the dynamic parts of a network comprising over 150 clubs spanning Lagos and Ogun states.

Notably, this club has consistently undertaken significant and impactful initiatives, including substantial contributions to the Rotary Foundation. This year, their ambitious goal is to raise more than ₦140 million to support a range of projects. These initiatives encompass

the establishment of a kidney dialysis center, sponsorship of cataract eye surgery for 200 patients, provision of 200 hearing aids for the deaf, distribution of artificial limbs, donation of 50 wheelchairs, engagement in mental health campaigns and treatment, organization of Blood Donation Camps, and assistance in child patient heart operations in India, among other commendable endeavours.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including District Governor Rotarian *Ifeyinwa Ejezie* , the leader of all Rotarians in Rotary District 9110, Nigeria. She commended the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic for pioneering the tradition of hosting installation ceremonies on a cruising yacht—a historic achievement, which is the first in the history of Rotary International worldwide. District Governor Ejezie encouraged the club to continue championing Rotary’s mission of global goodwill and extended her congratulations and support to the newly inaugurated president.

Among the attendees were esteemed individuals such as District Governor-Elect Rotarian Femi Adenekan, Past District

Governor Bola Oyebade, the Club’s Doyen Rotarian Sanjeev Tandon, Charter President Rotarian Dr. Sunit DeBroy, the club’s second president Rotarian Vinod Kaurani, the third President Rotarian Mamta DeBroy, and the Immediate Past President and fourth President Rotarian GOC Dada.

The event drew a diverse crowd, including Rotarians, friends of Rotary, and even non-Rotary members. It was a day filled with delectable food and beverages, all enjoyed against the splendid backdrop of a cruising yacht, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Welcoming distinguished members and guests, Rtn Sadananda Melanta, HOPE President, Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, said, “Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic is the first international multicultural and cross-national club of Rotary International District 9110. Special recognition to our district Governor district 9110, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie.”

Rtn Sadananda Melanta said, “As I step into this position and take charge, I am aware of the legacy that our club carries —A legacy of Strong Leaderships, Unwavering Commitment to

the Rotary ideals of “Service Above Self” and a tireless dedication towards making our community a better place.”

He said, “The theme for this Rotary year, “Create Hope in the World,” as chosen by Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally, deeply resonates with our unwavering commitment to “Service Above Self.” It serves as a poignant reminder that through our compassion, generosity, and the selfless sharing of our time, talents, and resources, we can accomplish remarkable feats in alleviating the needs of the underprivileged.

“In District 9110, Our Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, is renowned for its vibrant meetings, joyful spirit, and impactful projects. I assure you that we shall continue these traditions while we zero in on our core priorities.

“It is in this spirit of joy and camaraderie that we host this unique installation ceremony, one that promises pure delight. Perhaps history will bear witness to this being the first Rotary installation held onboard a Boat Cruise - an Official event coupled with a sail through the Lagos waters of the Atlantic Ocean,enchanting views, gentle breezes, lively music,deleciuos cuisine and exquisite wines. And as we savor this moment, let us not forget that this gathering also serves to raise funds for impactful projects.

“I must take this moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Planning Committee of this extraordinary installation ceremony, spearheaded by our Dynamic President Elect, Rtn. Suresh Nayak and comprising our esteemed Past Presidents, Board and Distinguished Members who have brought out their best to ensure the success of this remarkable event. I say thank you.

“For this Rotary year, our focus is on a few major critical areas: Membership Development and Retention: Fortifying our Rotary family; Public Image: Amplifying our presence and reputation in

the community; Projects and Fundraising: Expanding our efforts to leave a lasting impact; The Rotary Foundation: Upholding the global mission of Rotary; The Family of Rotary: Cultivating a sense of belonging and unity; Club Training and Leadership: Equipping our members for excellence; Youth Programmes: Empowering the leaders of tomorrow; Health and Education: Investing in the well-being and future of our community; Club Service and Administration: Ensuring the seamless operation of our club.

“These areas seamlessly align with Rotary’s seven areas of focus, and we have laid ambitious plans to bring about meaningful change through a diverse array of projects, including but not limited to: Establishing a Kidney Dialysis Center to start with 3 Machines; Initiatives for Plastic & Waste Segregation & Recycling Project with LAWMA; Provision of Artificial Limbs for handicapped person through Tolaram ISHK Project; Project Ominira for empowerment and School Bag Distribution to promote education; And continuing with previous projects such as Establishing a Coconut Plantation for sustainable agriculture and Environment; Cataract Eye Surgery and Ear Deafness interventions; Blood Donation drives; Maternity & Child Health support; Skill Development & Basic Safety training; Global Wash Project to ensure access to clean water; Mental Health awareness and support; Provision of Wheelchairs & Medical Equipment; Continued commitment to Polio Eradication and Vaccination; Supporting RYLA, Interact, and Rotaract Programmes; Organising Medical Health Checkup Camps; Facilitating International youth exchange Programme.”

These projects, he said, symbolise their collective commitment to making a substantial impact, with a total financial commitment of over N150,000,000. All these projects will not be possible without

the sponsorship support from various corporates especially we want to recognize our major Sponsors of the forthcoming Services projects are Tolaram Group, Kewalram Chanrai group and Sana Group of companies.

As Rotarians, it is our solemn duty to nurture hope where it is most needed, to reach out to the marginalized & vulnerable, and to lead the way in embodying the Rotary legacy of “Service Above Self.”

He said, “Let us always remember that we are not merely giving from our abundance; we are giving of ourselves with renewed zeal. Together, we shall forge hope in the world, armed with the knowledge, skills, and resources at our disposal.

“At this moment, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings that have led us to this juncture. With your unfaltering support and unwavering dedication, I am in my belief that this year shall be marked by monumental achievements. Together, let us embark on this voyage of service, fellowship, and hope, as we continue to construct a better world for all.

“Thank you, and may we all serve with hearts brimming with hope and a spirit deeply rooted in Rotary principles.”

He said, “We are highly honoured by the support of His Excellency Mr Chandramouli Karn, Head of Chancellery, office of Indian High Commission Lagos who is unfortunately not here today as travelled out of the country.

“Our Honorary Members have stood along with us on every occasion and supported us, special mention to them; Hon Member – Rtn Mohan Vaswani ji, Chairman Tolaram Group; Hon Member - Rtn Prince Adelusi Adeluyi, The first ever District Gov of RID 9110; Hon Member - Rtn Siva Subramanian, Group Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group; Hon Member - Princess Rasheedat Abiodun, Executive Chairperson, Eti Osa Local Government.

Participants at the groundbreaking ceremony of Sabreworks Investment’s Grosvenors Shopping Mall in Ikeja Lagos… recently

L-R: Doyen of the Club, Rtn. Sanjeev Tandor; Charter President Rtn. Dr. Sunit DeBroy; the fifth President Rtn. Sadananda Melanta; District Governor Ify Ejezie, (Behind the 5th President); third President Rtn. Mamta DeBroy; Immediate Past President Rtn. GOC Dada; and District Governor-Elect Femi Adenekan, at the installation of the fifth President Rtn. Sadananda Melanta… recently

Olayinka in Action as City Begin Title Defence with Win

Newcastle hold Chukwueze's AC Milan at San Siro

Nigerian international, Peter Olayinka, had only 22 minutes of action for Red Star Belgrade as Manchester City came from behind to begin their UEFA Champions League defence with a comfortable 3-1 win at Etihad last night.

The treble winners were stunned when the Serbian champions claimed a shock lead against the run of play through Osman Bukari just before half-time in Tuesday’s Group G clash

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

at the Etihad Stadium.

Julian Alvarez levelled quickly after the break and was then responsible for City taking the lead as his free-kick was punched into goal by the otherwise excellent Red Star goalkeeper Omri Glazer.

Rodri, matchwinner against Inter Milan in last season’s final, then

Kane Wants Bayern to Compound Manchester Utd’s Woes Tonight

Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane, said yesterday that his side had to use Manchester United's struggles "to our advantage" but admitted Erik ten Hag's struggling side "could be really dangerous" in their Champions League opener.

England captain Kane is set to make his Champions League debut for Bayern tonight after his close-season move from Tottenham.

United have been beset by off-field issues and have also lost three of their opening five Premier League games of the campaign, including Saturday's embarrassing 3-1 home defeat by Brighton.

"We have to use circumstances to our advantage," Kane told a pre-match press conference.

Bayern are unbeaten in the Bundesliga and behind only Bayer Leverkusen, with whom they drew 2-2 at the weekend,

on goal difference.

"United have been going through a tough spell recently but sometimes that can be really dangerous because they're looking for a big response," added Kane.

"We need to be careful,” he said.

The striker will come up against England teammate Harry Maguire tonight and said the defender, who has faced harsh criticism for his recent performances, had been "scapegoated for the way his team have gone in recent times".

"(He is) one of the best defenders in England history... and a really good friend," Kane said.

"If he plays Wednesday night, that friendship goes away for 90 minutes."

United were rumoured to be among the front-runners for Kane's signature in the transfer window before he moved to Germany.

wrapped up a thoroughly deserved victory with a typically composed finish 17 minutes from time.

Prior to taking the lead, City had completely dominated the game,

with Glazer producing a series of fine saves to thwart the hosts and Erling Haaland hitting the crossbar.

The hosts finally started to take their chances in the second period

but could have scored plenty more with Kyle Walker having an effort disallowed, Haaland again hitting the woodwork and Alvarez finding the side-netting.

Elsewhere, Samuel Chukwueze’s AC Milan were held goalless by Newcastle United at San Siro.

For the seven-time winners, who were thrashed 5-1 by derby rivals Inter Milan on Saturday, there was no salvation on a night when they created enough chances, but were unable to take any of them, much to the annoyance of the locals among a crowd of 65,695.

In the other end, goalkeeper Nick Pope had to come to Newcastle’s rescue five times in quick succession after Dan Burn, one of two Geordies in Eddie Howe’s starting line-up, allowed the ball to run across him, forcing Sven Botman to make a hurried clearance.

RESULTS

AC Milan 0-0 Newcastle

Y’Boys 1-3 Leipzig

Man City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade

Barca 5-0 Antwerp

Shakhtar 1-3 FC Porto

Lazio 1-1 Atletico

PSG 2-0 Dortmund

Feyenoord 2-0 Celtic TODAY

B’Munich v Man Utd

Galatasaray v Copenhagen

Arsenal v PSV

Sevilla v Lens

R’Madrid v U’Berlin

Bragga v Napoli

Benfica v Salzburg

Europa Conference

Lille v Olimpija

to Organise U-13 Competition in Three Centres, Probes Its Finances

AFN

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has said that it will organise three U-13 athletics competition in three centres across Nigeria. This was one of the resolutions reached at its executive board meeting, held virtually last Saturday and presided over by Tafida Gadzama,

its 1st Vice President.

The competition will be funded by World Athletics under its Grant for Growth Under-13 National Athletics Competition project.

The three centres are Abuja, Kaduna and Port Harcourt/Enugu.

The AFN executive board also resolved to look into its finances,

its income and expenditure since the start of 2023.

This will be the first time in over two decades an executive board of the federation will probe its own activities to ensure transparency and accountability.

The executive board appointed a five-member committee led by the

1st Vice President, Gadzama to look into the books of the federation since the start of this administration viz its income and expenditure and report their findings to the executive board. Other members of the committee include; Mrs Maria Worphil, Mr Victor Okorie, Mr Samuel Onikeku and Mr Dare Esan.

MTN Secures Exclusive Right to NPFL Broadcast Streaming Air Warriors in Flying Start to Zenith Women’s Basketball League Defence

Following the recent announcement of the Joint Venture between the Nigeria Premier League Ltd, GTI and Propel Sports Africa to stream Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) games live, Propel Sports is delighted to announce that it has entered a deal with MTN Nigeria for the exclusive broadcast of the games on mobile devices on the MTN Network.

The streaming will cover eight live games each weekend, which will translate to over 300 games per season.

Basil Kabbani, Chairman of Propel Sports Africa stated: “The engagement with the team at MTN has been amazing, from the Digital VAS, to the Marketing and Commercial team, their approach has been consistently professional, and their enthusiasm for the NPFL

content has been infectious. From the very start of our negotiations, we knew MTN was the right partner to give our great content, the platform it deserves.”

The deal, concluded by Propel Sports Africa President, Edward Simons and MTN Chief Operating Officer Hassan Jabar, will include in-and-post-game highlights delivered in real time to MTN subscribers through the NPFL Live OTT platform.

Propel Sports Africa’s in-Country Director, Victor Okobi commented, “I cannot think of a better network than MTN to showcase the best of Nigerian soccer on NPFL-Live”.

“We are excited about this opportunity to deliver entertaining content to our subscribers. It is a testament to our commitment to sports development in Nigeria. We

know Nigerians love football and we are glad to partner Propel Sports Africa and GTI to deliver Nigerian Premier League matches in high definition to our customers. We are confident that this partnership will transform the reception and appreciation of the Nigerian Premier league,” said Hassan Jaber, Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria.

Both the Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal and NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye commended the telecommunication giants for the deal with Propel Sports Africa.

“The partnership is very good for the football ecosystem of Nigeria as we strive to deploy technology and efficient solutions to create value for all the stakeholders and other prospective partners of the league.”

It was a good start for the defending champions of the Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League, Air Warriors, as they defeated their Nigerian Army counterparts 61-39 in the first game of the Second Phase of the Savannah Conference in Lafia.

The game which started a little bit behind schedule due to some technical hitches lived up to expectations as the few fans that witnessed the match had something to cheer about.

Air Warriors from the dunk-off made their intention known with Nkem Oyoko and Onome Polycarp dictating the game from the front for the Air Force team. .

Speaking with reporters, the

Nigeria Basketball Federation

Zonal Representative, North Central, Adamu Deshi, expressed appreciation to the sponsors, Zenith Bank Plc, as according to him, it is difficult to bring out women athletes especially from the North to be part of sports.

"Basketball has come to stay and hosting this Savannah Conference in a place like Lafia will open the faces of parents that women can take sports as a profession," he said.

"You can see other youths especially the girl-child coming out to watch and they can take the gospel back home that they can achieve something through sports instead of involving in social vices."

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Isaac Danladi, who welcomed all the teams on behalf of the State Sports Commissioner, Jafaru Ango, urged all the teams to be at their best while also charging the state team, Nasarawa Amazons, to try their best to come out on top.

The competition continues fully today with Plateau Rocks taking on Nigerian Army at 12noon with the second game of the day taking place between Kada Angels and Nasarawa Amazons.

The last game of the second day will be a tough duel between Air Warriors and Nigerian Customs.

Julian Alvarez led Manchester City to come-from-behind to beat Red Star Belgrade 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League.. last night

Harry Kane ...set for his UEFA Champions League debut for Bayern Munich against troubled Manchester United tonight

MISSILE

Electricity Consumers to DISCOS

”ThebruntoftheharshrealityofacapsizingeconomyinNigeriaisusuallyontheendusers (consumers).Thehikeincostofprepaidmeterswasimminentbeforenow,becausethereisalwaysa pushandpulleffect(s)ofapolicydecisioninvolvingahikeincostofitemswithcompositeappendages, thatisdollarrateandmeteraccessories”-TheChairmanoftheEkoElectricityCustomersConsultative Forum, SatelliteTown,Dr.AkinrolabuOlukayode,callingforthereviewandfloatingoftheNationalMass MeteringProgrammePolicy(NMMPP)soastoavoidmeteringgapinpowerdistribution.

Kayode Komo LA fe

The Logic of Solidarity

The lingering question of how mankind could strike a balance between competition and cooperation is implicit in the focus of the 78th United Nations General Assembly which opened yesterday in New York, United States.

Nations have to find an urgent answer to this central question of existence as they grapple with the basic issues in their economies, polities and societies

This year’s meeting of world leaders has the following theme: “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All.”

It is fitting that global attention is on the idea of cooperation in the face of problems that confront humanity as a collective. Such problems cannot be solved by socially blind competition. The solutions would rather be enhanced by solidarity.

President Bola Tinubu spoke appropriately on the theme and the sub-themes from the Nigerian perspective touching on sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation inequality and global humanitarian crises.

In the light of the urgency demanded in responding to these issues, the United Nations (UN) is understandably suggesting the acceleration of action on the 2030 Agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015. However, a cloud of pessimism would hover in the background of the sessions for obvious reasons: half way through the 15-year period proposed for the realisation of the goals none has been achieved. And the future prospects are far from being bright. Indeed, only in July, the UN published a status report indicating that the SDGs “are in peril” what with the soul-depressing fact that barely 12% of the targets are on track. The grim report also indicates that about half of the goals have suffered varying degrees of setbacks.

Just imagine the goals: “No Poverty; Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life on Land; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and Partnerships for the Goals.”

The pessimism about the realisation of the goals in many countries is said to be shared by the government, private sector and the civil society. In fact, some experts are already wondering if the SDGs can ever be saved given the obvious lack of capacity of many countries to reach the goal.

The practical implication of this lack of meaningful progress in the realisation of the goals is manifest. Globally, about a quarter of young people are out of school or work, the earth itself is getting hotter by the day and the sea is becoming more acidic. About 1.1 human beings are still victims of acute multi-dimensional poverty in 110 countries. Solidarity among nations is essential for global issues to be resolved for the sake of human progress. Failure to tackle some of these problems in the spirit of cooperation may put the future of mankind at risk. Unbridled competition among the strong and the weak nations may not be helpful in the present circumstance of humanity. Individualism and greed will not advance the

cause of mankind. The public purpose should be the pull for action. This reality should inform the underlying philosophy of social and economic policies

This point could be illustrated by examining the way the world is tackling some of these big issues - climate change, inequality, pandemics and migration.

Perhaps, the coronavirus pandemic is the most chilling reminder in recent years of the primacy of our common humanity. COVID- 19, the disease caused by the virus has claimed about 6.9 million lives. Cooperation rather than competition suddenly became the dominant trend in the responses by different countries. The global reach of the biological disaster caused by the pathogen has proved the World Health Organisation (WHO) right: “No one is safe from COVID-19 until everyone is safe.” The interconnectedness of social and economic activities of peoples across nations was laid bare by COVID-19. The solution for the problem was not hinged on competition. With the coordination done by the WHO, solidarity was the watchword at the peak of the public health crisis. The outbreak of the disease was in China. Within months countries in the American continent already had their public health systems overwhelmed by the disease. Global supply chains were severely disrupted. The public health crisis triggered a socio-economic crisis. Everywhere in the world people looked up to responsible governments to have a grip of things in combatting the spread of the virus and the disease caused by it. The role of an effective state became central in the scheme of things. The quality of the public health system of each country was put to a monumental test. The principle of solidarity was more prevalent than that of the market in the distribution of the vaccines developed to combat the disease. A take-away from COVID-19 is that healthcare delivery is a public good. Investment in it should be informed by that logic.

Climate change is another phenomenon that should temper humanity’s instinct for mindless competition. Each sovereign nation or economic bloc makes increased growth rate a goal of its political economy. Economic advisers urge governments to make their national economies more competitive. Some nations have even been reduced to “emerging markets” that should be made “competitive.” Policies are implemented in the pursuit of this legitimate economic and social objectives within their national or regional boundaries. But the ecological consequences of these activities transcend boundaries. With the melting of sea ice and global warming, parts of the world are increasingly becoming inhabitable as result of floods, fires and atmospheric pollution. The climate change has shown that for centuries world capitalists hardly gave a thought to the condition of the earth as they pursued profits. That has been the mega trend since the industrial revolution.

The approach towards saving the common habitat can only be that of cooperation and not competition. After all, regardless of the legality of national boundaries the habitat of humanity is the earth.

In response to existential risk of climate change world leaders came up with the “Paris Agreement” on how to address this common problem of humanity. The agreement was drawn up in December 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France. It came into force a year later . Essentially, it is a legally binding international treaty adopted by 196 parties on the way to tackle climate change. The major goal of the treaty is to keep “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees centigrade above the pre-industrial levels” while striving to “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees centigrade above the pre-industrial levels.” Social and economic transformation would be required to achieve the purpose of the agreement. Eventually, it would lead to a global transition to clean energy. Again, the underpinning principle is that of cooperation and solidarity and not competition. It cannot be competition any more because the excessive competition for economic growth and years of mindless consumerism are partly responsible for the present state of global ecology. Rich nations are expected to demonstrate solidarity with poor ones in environmental distress. Developed countries made the pledge to provide the finance, technology and capacity building for the poor countries to join the train moving towards a significant reduction in carbon emission. Unfortunately, a sense of urgency is lacking on the part of the rich countries. They are yet to demonstrate in action that the treaty is indeed

binding on them as their commitments are hardly fulfilled.

Inequality is a social plaque that exists among nations and within nations. A majority of the human population has been excluded from partaking in the benefits of globalisation. Individualism and greed have widened the social gulf within nations. In 1944, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), one the oldest UN agencies, declared in Philadelphia, United States that “poverty anywhere constitutes a threat to prosperity anywhere.” The truism of that statement today is indisputable. The social convulsions are experienced in poor and rich countries alike are proofs of the veracity of that declaration. So it is apposite for the UN to make poverty reduction a top most goal on its agenda. The migrant crisis afflicting parts of Europe is also a reminder that tackling global poverty requires more of cooperation than competition. As the proceedings of the 78th UN General Assembly continue, more than 7,000 migrants are having an immigration battle with officials in the Lampedusa Island in southern Italy. The migrant crisis has again demonstrated the fact the mass poverty and widening inequality are common problems of humanity. The migrants from the poor countries of the south are asserting their common humanity to the face of the people in the rich countries of the north by forcing their way through the borders in pursuit of better life. It is clear that the migrants have no respect for the legality of the borders. That is their own form of globalisation. This has become a moral crisis for European countries. After all, centuries ago there were earlier forms of globalisation in which slave traders, pirates and colonial agents backed by European monarchies and governments rampaged other parts of the world taking human beings and wealth to their countries. For instance, in those epochs there were no borders and no one issued the Europeans any visa to come to Africa.

Solidarity is, therefore proposed as an element in the process of finding definitive solutions to these common problems of humanity.

Reflecting on these big issues, Oxford University philosopher, Toby Ord, says that given the grave nature of the risk humanity faces the first thing to do is to take urgent action that could make the world reach “a place of safety” so as to allow time for further reflection about the future. In his book entitled “The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity,” Ord makes the following proposition: “If we steer humanity to a place of safety, we will have time to think. Time to ensure that our choices are wisely made; that we will do the very best we can with our piece of the cosmos. We rarely reflect on what that might be. On what we might achieve should humanity’s entire will be focused on gaining it, freed from material scarcity and internal conflict. Moral philosophy has been focused on the more pressing issues of treating each other decently in a world of scarce resources. But there may come, time, not too far away, when we mostly have our house in order and can look in earnest at where we might go from here. Where we might address this vast question about our ultimate values.

This is the Long Reflection.”

As the world leaders are making their great speeches in New York, it is important for the rest of us to focus our reflection on these mega trends.

“Unbridled competition among the strong and the weak nations may not be helpful in the present circumstance of humanity”

United Nations Secretary, Antonio Guterres