MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Atiku’s Aide Attacks Tinubu Again, Releases List of Administration's ‘Ten Big Lies’ in 119 Days

Knocks president on false claim of planned meeting with Biden Says fuel subsidy back, despite government’s silence

Chuks Okocha and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, yesterday, unveiled what he described as the 10 big lies that had so far characterised the President

Bola Tinubu administration. In a statement in Abuja, Shaibu stated that the “repeated lies” were evidence

deceive Nigerians rather than do any

France to Pull Troops Out of Niger Following Coup...

www.thisdaylive.com

President 'll Revamp Nigeria's Economy, Boost Energy Sector, Says

Tinubu Orders Security to Rescue Abducted Gusau Varsity Students

ACF condemns development

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and John Shiklam

Continued on page 5

NLC Insists on Indefinite Strike, Says FG Had Enough Time to Resolve Dispute

Business operators to government, labour: incessant industrial action bad for ailing economy, de-marketing Nigeria

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos

Barring any last minute breakthrough in discussions between the federal government and labour over relief measures following government’s removal of fuel subsidy, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) may declare an indefinite strike by midnight tomorrow.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, gave the indication while speaking on ARISE News Channel yesterday.

Ajaero said the federal government had more than enough time to resolve the dispute and address the concerns of the labour movement, but chose not to do so.

But members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) expressed worry over the looming strike and warned that incessant industrial action was de-marketing Nigeria, worsening the ailing economy, and diminishing the livelihood of citizens.

France to Pull Troops Out of Niger Following Coup

France will pull its soldiers out of Niger following a July coup in the West African country, President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday, dealing a huge blow to French influence and counter-insurgency operations in the Sahel region.

Macron said 1,500 troops would withdraw by the end of the year and that France, the former colonial power in Niger, refused to "be held hostage by the putchists".

According to Reuters, France's exit, which comes after weeks of pressure from the junta and popular demonstrations, was likely to exacerbate Western concerns over Russia's expanding influence in Africa. The Russian mercenary force Wagner already present in Niger's neighbour

Mali. The French president has refused to recognise the junta as Niger's legitimate authority but said Paris would coordinate troop withdraw with the coup leaders.

"We will consult with the putschists because we want things to be orderly," Macron said in an interview with France's TF1 and France 2 television stations.

France's ambassador was also being pulled out and would return to the country in the next few hours, Macron added.

French influence over its former colonies has waned in West Africa in recent years, just as popular vitriol has grown. Its forces have been kicked out of neighbouring Mali and Burkina

Macron

Faso since coups in those countries, reducing its role in a region-wide fight against deadly Islamist insurgencies.

Until the coup, Niger had remained a key security partner of France and the United States, which have used

it as a base to fight an Islamist insurgency in West and Central Africa's wider Sahel region.

France's military base in Niger's capital, Niamey, had become the epicentre of anti-French protests since the July 26 coup.

Groups have regularly gathered on the street outside to call for the exit of troops stationed in the capital. On one Saturday this month, tens of thousands rallied against France, slitting the throat of a goat dressed in French colours and carrying coffins draped in French flags.

Pro-coup demonstrators in Niamey have waved Russian flags, adding to Western countries' fears that Niger could follow Mali's lead and replace their troops with Wagner fighters.

TINUBU ORDERS SECURITY TO RESCUE REMAINING ABDUCTED GUSAU VARSITY STUDENTS

he described as reprehensible, said there was no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims, whose only "offence" was their pursuit of quality education.

He, however, commiserated with all the families directly impacted by the sad incident and affirmed that his administration had a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen, and that in line with this commitment, assured the families of the abducted students that no effort would be spared in ensuring their safe return.

Tinubu further pledged the determination of the federal government towards ensuring that educational institutions remained sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and totally free from the menacing acts of terrorists.

But the ACF, in its statement in Kaduna, also yesterday, called on the federal government to ensure that the students were released unharmed.

According to the statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammad-Baba, the forum said the incident had serious implications on the girl-child education.

It said, although official information about the incident was scanty, “personal testimonies from witnesses to the disturbing incident suggests that the attack was well-planned, coordinated and executed by the bandits.”

“Evidently, female students were specifically targeted, and the bandits were at the crime scene fully prepared. Efforts to repel the bandits by the Nigerian

from the bad governance foisted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

He noted that the apologies offered by the government, in some instances, were only because they had been caught and not because they were penitent.

Shaibu said the fact that Tinubu had more media aides than economic and security advisers was enough proof that his administration would rely on propaganda as state policy.

“My advice to the Nigerian media is to always fact-check any claim made by this government, as this would help maintain their credibility. If the Tinubu government says it is morning, go outside to verify if the sun is shining,” Shaibu said.

The first lie told by the administration, Shaibu alleged, was during Tinubu’s inaugural speech, where he stated that petrol subsidy was gone. With oil prices now at $94 per barrel and naira exchanging at N1, 000/$1, the price of diesel, he argued, had risen to about N1, 000 per litre while petrol remained about N620 per litre.

Shaibu stated, “It is obvious to the discerning mind that petrol is now being subsidised, a position which all oil marketers have espoused. Nigerians should not be deceived. Tinubu’s claim that there is no subsidy is a lie from the pit of hell, and the fact that they

Army neither deterred nor stopped the bandits from going off with a yet-to-be fully ascertained number of hapless victims.

“ACF condemns the abductions in the strongest of terms. It is very disconcerting that such a most unfortunate criminal incident is not the first of its kind in memory but it certainly is one abduction far too many to occur in any community in Nigeria, nor elsewhere in the world,” the statement stated.

The forum lamented that, “The incident is very worrisome, with very negative implication, especially, for the girl-child education.

“A pointer to the unfolding tragedy is in an apparent ‘voice note’ on social media where a girl was heard stating that her father

had called her home, ordering that her pursuit of a university degree be abandoned; another was heard advising intending candidates for admission not to select this particular institution as place of choice.

“This is an absolutely and highly regrettable development to be condemned in all its ramifications,” and therefore called for prayers for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students unharmed.

It also called on the security forces “not to relent in the efforts to contain banditry and terrorism in Zamfara State and elsewhere in the country.”

The forum “commended the Zamfara state government for its timely and quick response to the

situation through a high-powered delegation on a confidence-building visit to the scene to commiserate and reassure the community about the government’s commitment to citizens’ safety and security.”

It further called on the federal government “to spare no efforts in ensuring that the abducted students were released unharmed forthwith.”

Consequently, it urged the federal government “to rejig Nigeria’s security architecture and come up with new multi-pronged containment strategies against security and related existential threats bedeviling schools and indeed all communities. Such new strategies should aim at the total eradication of the scourge of banditry and terrorism country-wide.”

Before his death in a plane crash last month, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin spoke in a social media clip of making Russia greater on all continents and Africa more free. Wagner's future has been unclear since his demise.

Wagner is also active in Central African Republic and Libya.

Western nations say it is also present

in Sudan, though it denies this. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger.

French nuclear power plants source a small amount - less than 10 per cent - of their uranium from Niger, with France's state-owned Orano operating a mine in Niger's north.

FG Seeks Monarchs’ Support for Sustainable Peace in N’ Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The federal government has sought the collaboration of traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region to achieve sustainable peace and security in the region.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, made the request yesterday, when he led a delegation of the ministry on a visit to the Palace of Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

Momoh, while addressing the forum of the Delta Traditional Rulers Council at the Palace, said the Niger Delta was vital to the economic potential of the country, noting that Delta was the seventh state the delegation had visited in delivering the message of President Bola Tinubu across the Niger Delta region.

He said the present administration held the traditional rulers at very high esteem, describing them as being the custodians of peace in every community.

He noted that the government was aware that the Niger Delta was a very volatile region and that for the country to maximise her economic potential, Niger Delta must be peaceful.

"Peace and security are amongst the topmost priorities of Mr President as contained in his policy mission. For us to have peace and security, there is no doubt that the traditional rulers and the governors of the states will be highly involved and that is why we are here.

"We started from the office of the governor of the state, because when you are talking of physical stakeholders in any region, you should talk of the governor of the state and you know that the traditional rulers are the next in terms of hierarchy," he said.

The minister acknowledged the challenges of failed federal roads across the Niger Delta region in particular, the East-West Road ,adding that the road should be extended to Benin City from the Warri axis and Uyo-Calabar from the Port Harcourt axis.

NLC INSISTS ON INDEFINITE STRIKE, SAYS FG HAD ENOUGH TIME TO RESOLVE DISPUTE

Though, there were indications at the weekend that the federal government was making frantic efforts, through informal channels, to prevent the labour centre from embarking on the industrial action.

In line with the resolutions reached at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 31, NLC had threatened to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the country within 14 working days or 21 days, unless steps were taken by the government to address the mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced across the country owing to petrol subsidy removal.

The union first observed a twoday nationwide warning strike on September 5 and 6 to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later

are even hiding the information means there is no transparency, and the money is probably being stolen again.

“The second lie told by these charlatans was that the United Arab Emirates had lifted the visa ban on Nigerians immediately and that all Nigerians were free to visit Dubai.

“This lie was well celebrated by many undiscerning Nigerians whose only crime was to believe the deceptive words of an illegitimate government. UAE authorities later confirmed to CNN that it was all a lie. What a national embarrassment!”

Shaibu said a third lie told by the administration was that Tinubu was the first African president to ring the NASDAQ bell, noting that it has since been established that Malawian President, Jakaya Kikwete, rang the bell on September 21, 2011.

Another false claim, Shaibu stated, was the one by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on August 27, that Tinubu was the only African leader the American president, Joe Biden, requested to see in New York, explaining that it has now turned out to be another embarrassing lie, as Tinubu departed without meeting with Biden.

Shaibu said a fifth lie was a claim made by Tinubu on the floor of the NASDAQ where he stated that he had retooled the exchange rate to a reliable, dependable one-figure floating of the naira, where investors would be able to repatriate their

in the month.

From all indications, NLC appears set to declare a national strike by tomorrow if the federal government fails to roll out palliatives for workers in the form of wage award or other measures.

The congress convened an emergency meeting of its NEC on Tuesday to take final decisions on the strike.

In a notice for a virtual NEC meeting signed by General Secretary of NLC, Emma Ugboaja, the labour movement said it would commence deliberations by noon on Tuesday.

Apart from demanding reasonable palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, NLC also demanded that the Nigeria Police should vacate the illegally occupied

funds.

He stated that on August 14, the Nigerian government said on its official Twitter handle that the Nigerian Air Force struck terrorists gathering at Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State. He said, according to a Premium Times report, it had now been revealed that it was pure propaganda.

According to Shaibu, “As part of Bola Tinubu’s propaganda programme, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said on September 6, 2023 that within two weeks, it would inject $10 billion into the foreign exchange market to clear the FX backlog.

“Days after the deadline passed, not a single cent has been injected into the system, as the naira continues its free fall. The institution that Tinubu’s leadership cannot destroy does not exist.”

He pointed out that at his inauguration, Tinubu said he would not favour any group over another, but the president had been running a “government of the clannish, by the clannish and for the clannish”.

According to Shaibu, all key appointments in every sector are going to a section of the country, including CBN, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), customs, army, police, immigration, while Tinubu himself is the petroleum and gas minister.

Shaibu stated, “Last month, the Nigerian National Petroleum

national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and free its detained leaders.

A conciliatory meeting convened by Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong, last week to try to resolve the dispute did not make any headway.

Trade Union Congress (TUC) also threatened, last week, to shut down economic activities in Lagos State today over alleged interference of the state government in the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.

However, speaking on ARISE News Channel’s “THISDAYLIVE”, yesterday, Ajaero said ordinarily, every Nigerian would have expected by now a concrete result on the federal government-labour negotiations on

Company Limited (NNPC) claimed it had obtained an Afrexim loan of $3 billion with which it would help stabilise the naira. We raised the alarm that it was all a ruse to deceive Nigerians.

“Now, we have been justified, as the naira is now trading at $1/ N1, 000 on the black market, while Afrexim Bank has refused to speak on it. This was just audio money.”

He added that the biggest scam and deceit of the Tinubu administration was the Student Loan Act, which he signed on June 12 and which was supposed to provide loans for students’ tuition only and did not cover any other educational expenses.

Shaibu said, “After the law was signed, all federal government schools began increasing school fees. But Dele Alake, the Special Adviser on Media, as he then was, said in a statement that tuition in all government schools remains free and that the only fees that were increased were accommodation, laboratory, library and other costs.

“So if tuition is free and the Students Loan Act covers only tuition fee, that means the Student Loan Act is pointless, and no money will be released. In essence, Tinubu’s government has prodded government schools to increase fees while no loans will be given to the students. This is the height of deception and wickedness.”

palliatives.

When asked if he was confident that the planned indefinite strike would be successful, Ajaero said the earlier warning strike achieved about 80 per cent success, despite efforts to sabotage it.

"For the total, indefinite strike, Nigerians should expect total impact," he added.

Ajaero stated, "First, the basis for asking for palliatives and even wage award should have been there if the government were able to do the first things first.

"But for it to take steps to remove subsidy, every normal human being should have known that there will be effects and we should have equally discussed the effects.

"But within some minutes, subsidy was removed and we say, no, return it back to status quo so that we can discuss. They said, no, ask for palliatives, ask for wage increase. And here, the same thing they had asked us to ask were things we asked for but they can't provide them and they have vacated the negotiating table.

"We don't know what to do again. We gave a notice for protest, we did protest and they promised to get back to us. After that time, nothing happened. We gave notice for warning strike, and the warning strike came and nothing happened.

"We gave another 21 days’ notice, it expired on Friday. I don't know how much time the minister of labour is asking for. We honoured a meeting summoned by the Minister Labour and Employment last week."

Ajaero accused the federal government of trying to undermine the strike, demonise the NLC leadership, and create division among the trade unions. He added that if such time and effort were used to seek solution, it would have been found and the problem would have been solved.

NLC said the mission of the labour movement was to help the poor.

The NLC president also reacted to the concerns of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and Manufacturers Association (MAN) over the negative effect of the strike on businesses and national economy He said, "NECA is our social partner but, unfortunately, the current leadership talks to us through a third party. NECA has not written us, they have asked us to explain issues, so NECA can't be playing to the gallery.

"NECA can't at this point continue to play with all the workers in the private sector.”

Ajaero said NECA should not be saying that the strike would affect the economy when the economy had already been destroyed.

He stated, "Workers are not going to work, even all the state governments are now reducing the number of days workers are coming to work. So if a state government can say workers should not come to work for two days and labour goes on strike for two days, what is the difference? Is it not the same man-hours that are being lost?”

Ajaero accused NECA of ignoring the channels of discussion with labour whenever a dispute arose.

He said, "Unless what is happening is not affecting them, unless NECA wants to continue to play the slave way because the implication is that if we get a wage now, NECA is bound to implement it. Probably, they are not ready to do that, but I don't think that the statement came from NECA.”

With regard to the concern expressed by MAN, Ajaero, said, "I don't know if anything is still being manufactured with the situation of things in the country. With the energy cost going up, I don't know what is being manufactured and what is being sold.

"This is the worry we must all embark on, and address the issue, including the energy cost, to enable them to manufacture very well, because if you manufacture at a higher cost without recourse to the impact on consumers, who are mainly workers that will no longer buy these products due lack of purchasing power…

"I don't think that MAN has equally made effort to find out how to solve this problem, they have not complained about the high energy cost, they don't even know how workers struggle to come to work, which is very important.

"For instance, if I have been going to work with N20 and now I go to work with N100, but you, as an employer, have not increased my transport allowance and then you say I must to work, that amounts to slavery."

Speaking on the alleged plot by government to divide organised labour, Ajaero said government could not create division among the trade

‘TEN BIG LIES’ IN 119 DAYS

INVESTITURE OF ADEYEMI ADESINA AS 12TH PRESIDENT OF ROTARY CLUB, IKEJA...

UBA Partners AfCFTA on $6 Billion Financing Solutions for SMEs in Africa

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced an initiative aimed at providing robust and comprehensive financing solutions to support and boost activities of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.

A statement from the bank yesterday, explained that the financing initiative would be powered by UBA’s recent partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat to provide financing for up to $6 billion over the next three years to eligible SMEs across Africa, an agreement which was signed on the sidelines of the 30th Afreximbank Annual Meeting (AAM) which was held in Accra, Ghana.

Through the initiative, UBA would be giving SMEs the opportunity to access financing for small businesses that specialise in the key sectors of agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive and Transport and Logistics.

By the agreement, UBA and AfCFTA agreed to promote the development of SMEs operating in four sectors under the first phase of the partnership which are largely import dependent, by providing technical and financing solutions for intraAfrican/domestic alternatives. The economic sectors are agro-processing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics.

The Deputy Managing Director of UBA, Muyiwa Akinyemi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the bank, noted that being Africa’s global bank, UBA was committed to supporting the growth/development of

SMEs across Africa.

“This is in line with our strategic focus on the SME segment being a catalyst for the economic development of Africa.

“Under this partnership, UBA will go beyond just financing to provide non-financial services to these SMEs to develop the capacity for growth across the 20 African countries that we are present and build sustainable business practices.

“We shall also be leveraging technology to deliver our financing activities to the beneficiaries and this platform provides us with a unique opportunity to stimulate the development of the continent as Africa’s Global Bank,” he added.

UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, noted that the $240,000 financing by the bank would be in the form of working capital loans and asset finance loans, with the aim of positioning the businesses for growth and success in the evolving African business landscape.

Specifically, she explained that the SMEs in the particular sectors of agro-processing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics would be able to access a working capital loan by way of overdrafts and short-term loans with a maximum value of $120,000 in each of their country’s local currency; and asset finance loan of up to $120,000 in the local currency of the obligor, to use for the acquisition of operational assets and equipment to meet their business expansion needs.

Ladipo, also pointed out that the strategic move aligns with

UBA’s vision to be a catalyst for economic development across Africa, as she noted that by empowering SMEs in key sectors, the bank was fostering job creation, enhancing local production, and promoting intra-African trade, all of which are pivotal goals of the AfCFTA agreement.

In addition to financial support, she emphasised the bank’s commitment towards providing capacity-building

opportunities for SMEs, through various training programs and resources, and how UBA aims to equip the businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive market environment.

She added, “UBA recognises the critical role that SMEs play in driving economic growth and job creation. To facilitate their growth and success. To this end, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving entrepreneurship in Africa.

“Our partnership with AfCFTA and our commitment to SMEs in these critical sectors reflect our dedication to the economic transformation of our continent. We believe that this initiative will not only benefit individual businesses but will also contribute significantly to the overall development and prosperity of Africa.”

UBA is a leading pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than

37 million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries.

With a presence in New York, London, Paris, Cayman Island and now the UAE, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

Nigeria Berates Europe, Global Leaders for Defaulting on $10bn Annual Climate Change Investment Pledge

Nigeria through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, has berated Europe and other global leaders campaigning for climate change and transition to renewables over their alleged failure to fulfill their pledge of investing approximately $10 billion annually to help the country achieve her net-zero and energy transition plans.

At the 26th Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) held in 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland, the global leaders had pledged to support developing countries including Nigeria with funds to help them invest in renewables and achieve NetZero and energy transition targets.

But expressing his misgivings during a Ministerial Roundtable at the just-concluded World Petroleum Congress in Calgary, Canada, with the topic: "What

Does the Energy Transition Mean for your Country", Aduda lampooned Europe and other global leaders for defaulting on their pledge to invest approximately $10 billion in Nigeria’s net-zero and energy transition plans by 2060.

He said various global leaders had at the United Nations COP26 in 2021, made various commitments, which stood at $10 billion, stressing that the fund was to aid Nigeria’s agenda made on commitments to attain net-zero by 2060, but with conditions.

“The truth of the matter is that promises were made as to how the initial injection of $10 billion was going to be done. But, l seat here to tell you that not a cent has been moved,’’ he said.

He explained that part of the conditions was transition to renewable, which he noted did not come cheap, pointing

FG: Lagos - Calabar Highway Contract Not Awarded

Bennett Oghifo

The Federal Ministry of Works yesterday, clarified that the Lagos-Calabar Highway construction contract has not been awarded to Hitech, as reported by an online medium.

A statement by the Director (Information) Press & Public Relations Unit, Federal Ministry of Works, Lere-Adams Blessing, explained that they were still

in discussion on the matter.

"The Ministry has not awarded any such Contract nor has signed any such contract agreement with any company in this regard.

"The attention of the Ministry of Works has been drawn to an information reported online by a publication (not THISDAY), crediting a statement to H.E, Sen. (Engr) David Nweze Umahi the Hon. Minister of works as saying that the, ‘FG

Awards Lagos -Calabar Coastal Highway to Hitech.’

“This information is totally untrue and misleading.

The general public is to please note and be well guided and for the records."

The statement added, "The federal government has only recently opened a maiden discussion with the Engineering company- HITECH on this project, a second meeting is being considered to further

access the possibility of the project being handled by them.

"The Ministry has not awarded any such contract nor has signed any such contract agreement with any company in this regard.

"To this effect, media organisations are to please ensure their facts are duly authenticated with the Federal Ministry of Works before putting out incorrect information to the public.”

out that Nigeria was not shy to say that it lacked the finances to implement the energy transition project.

The permanent secretary maintained that if Nigeria was going to achieve net zero by 2060, it meant that there would be significant financial injection into the system from the country.

He noted that there would also be support across the world, especially those that were responsible for heavy emissions.

Aduda explained, "Now these issues were agreed to and promises were made at COP26, but how much of these promises have been fulfilled?

“The truth is that Africa still sees huge financial exclusion when it comes to the issue of climate change and we have always said it, and the numbers are clear.

“In 2021, 2022, 600 billion dollars of green burns were generated but less than 0.26 per cent came to Africa. When we made this commitment at COP26, His Excellency, the then president, said we would need at the very beginning about $10 billion with a target of $410 billion till 2060."

He said a larger chunk of the funds would be used for funding of infrastructure, especially gas infrastructure across Nigeria.

The permanent secretary, however, noted that Africa remained the most compliant continent in the area of renewable, arguing that it was because Africa had been able to

prove that no other continent had been close to where it was on the use of renewables.

He added that out of the 54 countries in Africa, close to 30 use one form of renewable energy or the other citing Kenya that has 70 per cent of renewables and quite a number of other countries that could also boast at least 40 per cent.

Aduda further said, ‘‘But, what we have been able to put together across all the continent, no other continent is as compliant as African is. Yet, Africa is the least emitter of this hydrocarbons or contributor to this climate issues that we are dealing with.

“More importantly, what does energy transition mean to us as a country? A lot. We totally understand that we are a very rich country in natural resources and our very strength is in gas, which in Nigeria is even much more than crude deposit.

“The proven quantum of gas that we have is about 260TCF with the potential for more. Now we have identified gas in Nigeria as our transition fuel.

“We have tried to rally round in all our policies, everything we need to see that would work within a framework, that allows us to push domestic injection of gas across Nigeria and of course across Africa.

“Because we have always exported gas, NLNG, name it, and we are still working that we reach out with our deposit to other Africa countries and even beyond."

L-R: Member, House of Representative, Hon. Samuel Adedayo; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda; President, Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA, Chief Adeyemi Adesina; and Managing Director/ CEO, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Mr. Joseph Ayodeji, at the investiture of Chief Adeyemi Adesina as the 12th President of Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA, held in Lagos ... yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Peter Uzoho

Bill Gates: Search for Cancer Cure Ongoing and We’ll Get There

On September 25, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, 193 world leaders committed to achieving the 17 SDGs (Global Goals), a series of ambitious objectives and targets to end poverty, fight inequality, injustice, and as well fix climate change, amongst others, by 2030. And from 2000 to 2015, these goals were aggressively worked on until the COVID-19 pandemic hurled whatever achievements recorded downwards as shown in the annual Goalkeepers Report for 2022, which stated that on the 18 indicators – from poverty to gender equality, education to food security, health to climate – the world was off track.But it’s still not all gloom, philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, BMGF, Bill Gates, says to Chiemelie Ezeobi, during a one-on-one interaction on the sidelines of the 2023 Goalkeepers’ event in New York. Excerpts:

Every year, countries make promises to achieve global goals, but they often fail to meet these targets. What’s the solution? How can we shift from just talking to taking meaningful action?

From 2000 to 2015, known as the Millennium Development Goals era, we actually surpassed those goals. The world came together, addressing various health challenges. We tackled issues like child vaccinations through initiatives like COVID-19 vaccine programmes for children and the Global Fund’s efforts against malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. During this time, child survival improved significantly. However, Nigeria faced ongoing challenges in its primary healthcare system, including facility limitations, staffing shortages, and supply issues.

Despite these hurdles, there was remarkable progress. The number of child deaths decreased from 10 million to 5 million by 2015. In 2015, our foundation collaborated with the UN and set ambitious goals to continue this progress. Although the pandemic, the Ukrainian war, financial instability, and market fluctuations posed challenges, our dedication to these goals remained unwavering. Every life matters, and even if we fall short of our ambitious targets, reducing deaths remains crucial.

We focus on improving primary healthcare centers’ quality and ensuring staff availability. In this

pursuit, we’ve developed seven low-cost interventions, some of which are new, while others have been pioneered in Nigeria. I had the opportunity to witness a doctor conducting a trial, and one particularly exciting intervention is the intravenous iron infusion. This innovative approach swiftly reduces anemia, benefiting both mothers and children significantly.

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which one do you believe is making good progress, and which one do you think receives insufficient attention from world leaders?

Our expertise lies in health, and I may be biased, but I believe that health is fundamental. When a child suffers from malnutrition, not only does their risk of death increase fourfold, but their potential is also severely compromised. Malnourished children struggle to

receive an education and contribute to their families and their nation’s development.

In the realm of health, we have access to very cost-effective interventions, such as the measles vaccine, which costs just a few dollars. Comparatively, the journey to finding a cure for diseases like cancer is ongoing, and we will get there eventually. However, when it comes to building and developing a country, the immense impact of providing affordable vaccines to all children cannot be overstated.

I recall when Dr. Pate (the current minister of health in Nigeria) was in the government, he initiated a health drive aimed at saving a million lives. Given the high child mortality rates in the northern region of Nigeria, our country has a unique opportunity to make a substantial difference. By ensuring the basics are in place, including finances, staffing, and supplies, and then integrating

these new, cost-effective innovations, the impact can be nothing short of dramatic.

In your recent panel discussion with President William Ruto of Kenya, he raised the issue of debt relief for indebted countries, emphasising that addressing debt is essential for progressing towards global goals. What specific steps do you believe should be taken to chart a way forward in this regard?

President Ruto, speaking on behalf of African presidents, and I’m confident President Tinubu would echo similar sentiments, has observed a decline in the amount of debt relief and aid reaching Africa, particularly since the onset of the pandemic and due to factors like the Ukraine war and the refugee crisis. In some instances, there seems to be a growing tendency to take development for granted, with a shift towards prioritising climate initiatives over fundamental development issues like prenatal care visits and essential healthcare practices that yield significant impacts.

It’s challenging to predict the exact amount African countries will receive, as many nations are turning inward, and there’s a growing sentiment of

Continued on page 17

Comparatively, the journey to finding a cure for diseases like cancer is ongoing, and we will get there eventually. However, when it comes to building and developing a country, the immense impact of providing affordable vaccines to all children cannot be overstated

We’re Pushing to Meet 2030 Global Goals Target

prioritising domestic interests, often referred to as “America First” and similar notions. While it would be reassuring to secure assistance for these debt-related issues, our foundation remains the largest global advocate for encouraging developed countries to increase their generosity towards developing nations, with Africa being a major focus of these efforts.

In your recent global report, you highlighted that 800 women lose their lives every day due to childbirth-related issues, and you proposed various interventions. How do you ensure that these interventions are customised to suit the unique circumstances of less developed countries, which may lack the same infrastructure as more advanced nations? Can you explain your approach to tailoring these interventions to meet the specific needs of each country?

Each of these interventions was developed in developing countries, like the IDR trial, which had contributions from multiple parts of Nigeria. Even within Nigeria, it’s essential to consider regional differences, as the delivery challenges may vary significantly. We’ve extended these trials to places like Kenya to assess their practicality in different contexts. For instance, the aspect of conducting intravenous iron infusions, we’re examining whether healthcare facilities in the northern regions have the capacity to do it safely. It’s an ongoing learning process.

Additionally, we’re exploring how to utilise cell phones equipped with sensors to simplify the training process and guide practitioners on where to make the insertion, reducing the skill required compared to current methods. The foundation’s focus remains on addressing the most fundamental factors that can save lives, and many of our staff members have firsthand experience working in these challenging conditions.

Maternal mortality, particularly in Africa and Nigeria, is exacerbated by reported cases of abuse during childbirth by midwives and healthcare workers. Aside from providing funding, does your foundation also offer training to maternal healthcare workers to ensure safe and respectful childbirth practices?

While our philanthropic organisation in Nigeria contributes significantly, we aren’t responsible for funding staff salaries. We collaborate closely with the government on this matter. The payment of salaries is typically managed by the government itself or through borrowing from other partners like the World Bank or the Development Bank. We are deeply involved in training programmes to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge. However, the impact only truly counts when these trained personnel can effectively apply their expertise in the field.

We are committed to simplifying processes, such as vaccine distribution, to make them more efficient than before. To achieve this, we conduct patient surveys to gather feedback on their experiences. We inquire about why they sought healthcare, whether they were influenced by rumours, their knowledge of health centers, and the overall effectiveness of their visits.

In some extreme cases, like when negative rumors about vaccines threatened the polio eradication campaign at the turn of the century, we engaged with traditional

leaders to build campaigns. These campaigns allowed people to hear from trusted sources, who were vaccinating their own children. This ongoing relationship with community leaders serves as a vital channel for disseminating essential information to families.

Collaboration is crucial, and no single organisation or country can address global issues alone. How do you strengthen your commitment to tackling these global challenges through the alliances you have established?

Early in our existence, we established the Global Alliance for Vaccines, and we contribute approximately 18 per cent of the funding. The rest of the funding comes from wealthy governments like the USA, UK, and Germany. We’ve also established global funds, where our foundation and governments collaborate on funding. In each area we operate, we form partnerships. In Nigeria, for instance, the Aliko Dangote Foundation is a vital partner. Aliko Dangote not only brings commitment but also a deep understanding of the medical issues. Our foundation’s expertise in healthcare, combined with his generosity and local insights,

strengthens our efforts.

Nevertheless, we are continually seeking additional partners. Organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, with their distinct capacities, are instrumental in our mission. We are particularly pleased that Dr. Pate, whom we are well-acquainted with and who possesses profound knowledge of Nigeria’s health challenges, has been appointed by the president to take on the task of improving healthcare.

Your motivation raises some curiosity. Many wealthy individuals don’t engage in philanthropy to the extent you do. What drives you to want to leave such a significant philanthropic legacy?

When I was fortunate enough to achieve incredible success with Microsoft, it generated an astonishing amount of wealth, exceeding a billion dollars. My central question was, how I could make the most impactful contribution back to society. That led us to conduct a study on child mortality in developing countries. We discovered that very little funding was allocated to critical issues like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea. While vaccines were readily

available for affluent children, those at serious risk in nearly all of Africa were being left without this essential protection. This inequality troubled me deeply, and it became evident that both Melinda and I needed to make global health the primary focus of our philanthropic efforts.

We embarked on this mission by assembling a team of experts, including specialists in malaria, HIV, and maternal and child health. Today, you can see Dr. Obi on stage with me, who is an expert in maternal and child health. Together, we form a strong and knowledgeable team, leading the way in this field. Our work in global health is a full-time commitment. I visited Nigeria in June, and in October, I’ll be in Senegal for our Grand Challenges event. Although we are facing some challenges, especially in terms of funding for Africa, we remain dedicated to the cause. Every year, we strive to reduce the number of child deaths in Africa, and I take great pride in supporting exceptional individuals doing this vital work.

Talking about the Goalkeepers, how do you source for talents and how do you ensure sustainability of each projects they carry out in their respective countries?

We don’t shoulder the entire responsibility ourselves. Instead, we aim to assist individuals and organisations dedicated to noble causes. We provide them with opportunities to learn from one another and develop local support networks. The world’s needs are vast and surpass our capacity to address them all comprehensively.

In the realm of healthcare, our primary focus is on reducing health inequities. This remains at the core of our mission. However, we also extend our support to those working on various other important issues.

In some instances, there seems to be a growing tendency to take development for granted, with a shift towards prioritising climate initiatives over fundamental development issues like prenatal care visits and essential healthcare practices that yield significant impacts

Senate to Screen Ministerial Nominees as N’Assembly Resumes Plenary Tuesday

Sunday Aborisade writes that the National Assembly resumes plenary Tuesday after a six-week annual vacation with the Senate screening two ministerial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu to the Red Chamber for confirmation.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had adjourned plenary on Monday, August 7 2023 to Tuesday, September 26, 2023 after the red chamber had successfully screened and confirmed the 43 out of the 48 ministerial nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu, and also announced the membership of the 74 standing committess of the 10th Senate.

Unlike their counterparts in the House of Representatives who stayed behind to carry out various legislative activities as members of ad-hoc committees, majority of the senators travelled outside the country to enjoy their well deserved vacation especially with the token sent to their accounts by the management of the National Assembly for staying back to confirm Tinubu’s ministerial nominees.

Members of the Senate ad-hoc committee set up on Wednesday, July 19 by Akpabio to investigate the incessant killings of people smuggling rice and other prohibited goods into the country by officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) actually carried out a few days

oversight activies in some parts of the country during the holiday.

The Senate President, had set up the ad-hoc committee at the plenary after Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central) moved a motion to investigate the abuse of firearms by Customs officers.

Akpabio said the committee would be chaired by Francis Fadahunsi (PDP, Osun Central), a retired Customs officer.

Other members of the committee are Shuaib Salisu (Ogun Central), Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Suleiman Sadiq (Kwara North), Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina Central) and Adeola Olamilekan (Ogun Central).

As senators started returning from various parts of the world after the holiday, their leadership and those of the Green Chamber are rounding off a three-day retreat in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

No fewer than 20 principal officers

of the National Assembly attended the comprehensive and extensive legislative training.

The essence, according to the organisers of the programme, the National Institute For Legislative And Democratic Studies (NILDS), was aimed at addressing the institutional memory loss suffered by the 10th National Assembly because 70 per cent of the 9th Assembly members failed to return.

NILDS said the programme was arranged as a retooling opportunity for the new leadership of the National Assembly.

Akpabio who led the leadership which also included the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abass to the retreat said it sought to identify priority business for the 10th National Assembly and develop strategic objectives for the Legislative Agenda of the respective chambers.

He said, “I believe our first priority, as leaders, should be people. We represent people whose pains we should alleviate; whose concerns we should address; whose hopes we should not betray.

“As leaders of those who represent our people,

it behoves on us to set collective action templates for our nation’s developmental efforts, and a collaborative legislative agenda for solving our nation’s challenges.”

Investigations have revelaed that the red chamber upon resumption this week would start its legislative assignment by attending to pending communications from President Tinubu and constitute the remaining standing committees in the red chamber.

It is believed that Tinubu would have sent official communicatios to the red chamber, requesting among others, the screening and confirmation of all appointments made by him which require legislative actions while the senators were on holiday.

Some of the fresh appointments are the nomination of Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim to serve as the Minister of Youth, and Mr. Ayodele Olawande to serve as the Minister of State for Youth

NOTE:

Sani Taking after El-Rufai in Kaduna

Idris Kemmas writes that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has embarked on viable plans and projects aimed at taking the state to greater heights.

On May 29, 2023, Kaduna State like many other states in the Nigerian federation witnessed a change of guard as a new governor took the oath of office and assumed the mantle of leadership.

That man is Senator Uba Sani, a highly charismatic politician who was the chairman of the Senate committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions in the ninth national assembly.

A man of strong convictions and simple mien, Sani is the political protege of Kaduna strong man, his predecessor, Mallam Nasir El - Rufai, who he shares certain characteristics with- a factor that no doubt contributed partly to his being chosen as the successor to El- rufai’s school of thought.

Sani assumed office at a time when his mentor had done extraordinary work of setting a solid foundation for the emergence of a modern and forward looking Kaduna state. These strides can be seen in the areas of security, education, infrastructure, human empowerment, public service reform and economic transformation.

Under the past administration, Kaduna grappled and circumvented many of the crises that besieged it with new and innovative policies, from KADInvest to the establishment of new military bases in Kaduna south to the controversial teachers test. And Uba Sani’s Kaduna can be said to be the consolidation and extension of the progressive strides of a towering politician and a giant of national repute.

Kaduna State has long been reckoned as one

of the biggest and greatest states in Nigeria, being the capital of the defunct northern region and home to the largest number of tertiary institutions in the country, including the famous National Defense Academy, thus earning the appellation, center of learning. But despite its potential, it has not always realised the conceivable possibilities which was lost to extremities of religion on the one hand and greed of the elites on the other.

Thus, it is on this foundation bequeathed by the Mallam that his one time special adviser on politics and his very close associate has decided to erect his seven-point agenda, which includes safety and security, infrastructural upgrade, strengthening of institutions,

enhancing trade and investment, human capital development and citizens engagement.

Governor Sani has promised to carry every citizen and section of the state along, regardless of religious, ethnic or political differences.

According to him: “Our vision is to make Kaduna the Leading Economic Hub in the North. We want to create a business cluster that will drive competition in the Northern Region. Kaduna State is rich in natural and human resources.

“It is the gateway to many parts of Nigeria.

It is a transportation hub. The immediate past government worked assiduously to upgrade the infrastructure in the state. We are determined to build on that legacy to fast-track the economic development of the state”

Central to his economic vision, is human capital development and infrastructural transformation. After assuming the mantle, Sani like his predecessor, promised to make education of children and those pursuing tertiary education a top priority, and making it accessible and affordable.

El-Rufai had done remarkable well in education, particularly for the state owned tertiary institutions and school feeding programme for primary school students and the primary school teachers test and retraining scheme.

While primary and secondary education in public school will continue to be free, Sani announced the review and reduction of the school fees payable in state-owned tertiary institutions.

In essence, the directive affected institutions like, Kaduna State University (KASU), Nuhu

Bamalli Polytechnic, College of Education, Gidan Waya, Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences & Technology, Makarfi and Kaduna State College of Nursing.

Recently, the governor launched the construction of 62 new Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in the state, in addition to the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), a project funded by the World Bank in all the 23 local government areas in the state.

Health, like education, is undoubtedly essential to the administration’s human development and human empowerment endeavor. To make health services available to rural and other communities that are hard to access, the administration launched five medical mobile trucks that are fitted with cutting-edge health technologies.

According to Governor Sanni, the mobile medical trucks would improve healthcare services and the survival and well-being of the populace. This is in addition to the distribution of medical supplies to 290 Primary Healthcare Centers in an effort to increase efficiency.

He explained that the effect of the initiative would go beyond the provision of medical equipment and lead to the training and retraining of healthcare personnel and the creation of environment that foster professional competence.

-Kemmas writes from Zaria.

Sani

Abass Akpabio Barau Yari

This Week In Tech

Tech Top 5 News

CUTSTRUCT TECHNOLOGY SELECTED FOR THE EXCLUSIVE TECHSTARS TORONTO ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

CutStruct, an innovative leader in construction technology, has announced its inclusion in the Techstars Toronto accelerator programme alongside 23 other outstanding companies across the world. With over 2,000 applications vying for this coveted opportunity, CutStruct’s selection is a testament to its groundbreaking solutions and potential to revolutionise the construction industry in Africa.

Techstars, renowned for nurturing and scaling visionary startups, offers CutStruct a unique opportunity to accelerate its growth and expand its reach. Becoming a part of the Techstars community grants CutStruct access to a global network of exceptional founders, influential investors, experienced mentors, and industry leaders. This invaluable network will provide guidance and expertise crucial for scaling the business.

At the core of CutStruct’s mission is the resolve to address long-standing challenges that have plagued the construction sector, such as lack of transparency in pricing, unproductive hours searching for credible vendors, and limited access to financing. To confront these issues head-on, CutStruct built a marketplace for construction materials. The platform seamlessly connects buyers with verified sellers of building materials, empowering them to boost productivity, cut costs, and adhere to budget constraints while building a solid track record. This record facilitates easier access to financing and enables data-driven decision-making. Whether you are a property developer searching for quality materials at competitive prices or a vendor looking to expand your market reach, CutStruct is the go-to solution.

Founder and CEO of CutStruct, John Oamen, stated, “We are thrilled to be selected for the Techstars Toronto accelerator program. This opportunity aligns us with founders, investors, and mentors who share our passion for innovation and are enthusiastic about the future of construction in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

180 ENUGU TEACHERS ENGAGE IN ADVANCED STEM TRAINING

In a concerted effort to fortify Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education within public schools in Enugu, 180 teachers have embarked on an intensive six-month project-based STEM training program. This remarkable initiative is the product of a collaborative endeavour between the Teacher Aid Initiative (TAI) and the TY Danjuma Foundation, aiming to equip educators with advanced tools and methodologies to enhance their teaching approaches in STEM subjects.

The training commenced with a two-day immersive session attended by the participating teachers and esteemed figures from the educational sector. Notable attendees included representatives from the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Science Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and other reputable educational institutions.

Aligned with the TY Danjuma Foundation’s mission, this initiative holds the potential to reshape the educational landscape. By immersing teachers in hands-on experiences and providing them with innovative STEM teaching tools, TAI and the TY Danjuma Foundation are laying the foundation for a more enriching and engaging learning experience for students across Enugu.

Rachael Samndi, Project Officer at TY Danjuma Foundation, said, “We are thrilled about our collaboration with the Teacher Aid Initiative. Together, we are committed to empowering teachers in Enugu State with the necessary skills and knowledge required for effective STEM instruction. We firmly believe that investing in teacher training is instrumental in enhancing educational outcomes.”

Adeola Ojeleye, founder of Teacher Aid Nigeria, added, “At TAI, our vision goes beyond just training. We aim to ignite a passion for STEM in our students, shaping them into future leaders and innovators. This initiative will not only enhance the development of children already inclined towards STEM but will also inspire countless others to envision a future in STEM-related careers.”

Recent statistics have highlighted a widening gap in STEM education across Africa, underscoring the urgent need to invest in initiatives that inspire and prepare the next generation for STEM careers. The collaboration between TAI and the TY Danjuma Foundation is a testament to their dedication to bridging this gap, fostering an environment where students learn and aspire to become future STEM leaders.

TECH PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK

Seun Ayegbusi, Starting New Insurance Rev olution in Nigeria

This week’s featured tech personality is Seun Ayegbusi, the visionary founder behind Insurpass. With a deep-rooted passion for digital insurance innovations and inclusive insurance models, Ayegbusi aims to propel Africa towards a brighter future aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Insurpass stands as a pioneering Open Insurance API, revolutionising the insurance landscape. It serves as a centralised platform that consolidates innovative and cost-effective insurance products from leading insurers. Through a singular API access, fintechs, banks, and digital platforms can seamlessly integrate these insurance products into their applications, extending valuable insurance services to their customer base, many of whom lack coverage.

The platform empowers companies across diverse sectors to seamlessly embed insurance products and crucial backend components into web, mobile apps, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channels, utilising its Open Insurance API.

In its relentless pursuit to enhance insurance penetration and broaden financial inclusion, Insurpass dismantles barriers to insurance access in Nigeria. Leveraging its plug-and-play API infrastructure and embedded insurance model, it facilitates other service providers — including banks, health tech, edutech, and point-of-sale agent platforms — to seamlessly offer an array of insurance products within their own applications/platforms. This opens up opportunities for uninsured customers.

Insurpass’ offering enables partner companies to provide digital insurance services either as a core value proposition or as a value-added service. This strategic approach empowers them to enhance their existing services, driving revenue growth through commissions earned in collaboration with Insurpass. In 2021, the API-driven insurance infrastructure-as-a-service platform secured undisclosed investment funding from Tekedia Capital, a notable US-based investment syndicate focused on fueling Africa’s next category of leaders.

NIGERIA WITNESSES $56.7BN CRYPTO TRANSACTIONS

According to a recent report by blockchain research firm Chainalysis, Nigeria experienced a noteworthy nine per cent year-over-year growth in cryptocurrency transactions, amounting to a substantial $56.7 billion from July 2022 to June 2023. This surge in cryptocurrency interest in Nigeria is attributed to the devaluation of the naira, especially during extreme drops witnessed in June and July 2023. Nigeria grapples with an ongoing economic crisis, notably marked by an 18-year high inflation rate of 25.8 per cent last month.

“People are constantly looking for opportunities to hedge against the devaluation of the naira and the persistent economic decline since COVID,” said cofounder of the Nigerian cryptocurrency exchange Busha, Moyo Sodipo, in the report.

Despite prohibiting banks and financial institutions from engaging in or facilitating cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria since 2021, the country’s young, techsavvy population turned to alternatives such as peer-to-peer trading provided by cryptocurrency exchanges. This was a way to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the financial sector ban.

A recent survey affirmed Nigeria’s status as the most crypto-savvy country globally.

In response to the surge in crypto activity, Nigeria’s financial regulator published a set of regulations for digital assets in the previous year, indicating the nation’s attempt to strike a balance between a complete crypto ban and unregulated use of crypto assets.

Nigeria’s young and tech-savvy population continues to embrace cryptocurrencies, notably through peer-to-peer trading offered by crypto exchanges, finding ways to adapt and thrive in the face of financial sector restrictions.

ABASI ENE-OBONG LAUNCHES SYNDICATE BIO

Abasi Ene-Obong, the former cofounder and CEO of 54gene, an African genomics startup, has unveiled his latest venture, Syndicate Bio, a genomics company with a mission to advance global genomics science. This move follows Ene-Obong’s resignation as CEO of 54gene in August 2022, a departure that saw the company undergo significant restructuring, including laying off 100 employees, constituting 55 per cent of its workforce.

While the precise reasons behind EneObong’s resignation from 54gene remain undisclosed, his new venture, Syndicate Bio, is primed to drive genomics and precision medicine initiatives, initially focusing on diverse regions, notably Africa. The company aims to collaborate with various stakeholders, including governments, pharmaceutical entities, academia, and others, to enhance local precision medicine efforts. Additionally, Syndicate Bio aims to generate invaluable datasets for drug discovery and development through these collaborations.

Taking to LinkedIn to announce the launch, Ene-Obong stated, “After a few months in stealth mode, I am happy to say that we have started Syndicate Bio to empower inclusive advancements in global genomics science.”

Joining him are Jumi Popoola, appointed as the Chief Scientific Officer, and Estelle Dogbo, who takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Syndicate Bio.

The formation of Syndicate Bio represents a significant step towards advancing genomics globally, and with Ene-Obong’s extensive experience and expertise in the field, the venture is expected to make substantial contributions to the world of genomics and precision medicine. The industry watches with anticipation as Syndicate Bio begins its journey to transform genomics science on a global scale.

GOOGLE DEEPMIND’S ALPHAMISSENSE AI ADVANCES GENETIC MUTATION ANALYSIS

Scientists at Google DeepMind have unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence program named AlphaMissense, designed to predict the potential harm or benign nature of millions of genetic mutations. This development is set to accelerate research and expedite the diagnosis of rare disorders within the medical community. The program focuses on “missense mutations,” instances where a single letter is incorrectly spelt in the DNA code. While many of these mutations are harmless, some can disrupt protein functionality, potentially causing severe diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anaemia, cancer, and brain development issues.

Using AlphaMissense, researchers evaluated all 71 million single-letter mutations that could impact human proteins. Setting the program’s precision to 90 per cent, it accurately predicted that 57 per cent of missense mutations were likely harmless, while 32% were likely harmful. For the remaining mutations, the program expressed uncertainty regarding their impact.

In response to these findings, the team at Google DeepMind has released a free online catalogue of these predictions, aiding geneticists and clinicians in their research and diagnostics for patients with rare disorders.

AlphaMissense significantly outperforms existing “variant effect predictor” programs, enhancing the speed at which experts identify disease-driving mutations. Furthermore, the AI may identify previously unlinked mutations and guide doctors towards more effective treatments.

AlphaMissense is an adaptation of DeepMind’s AlphaFold program, which predicts the 3D structure of human proteins based on their chemical makeup. The AI learned common missense mutations by analysing DNA data from humans and closely related primates while familiarising itself with protein “language” through extensive study of protein sequences, enabling it to identify healthy protein structures.

Strengthening Nigeria-British Bilateral Ties

In an era of economic globalisation, fostering robust trade and investment relationships between nations are pivotal. Blessing Ibunge writes that the British Nigeria Business Network, BNBN, under the leadership of its Executive Director, Dr Ifeanyi Ubani has been instrumental in enhancing ties and encouraging collaborative ventures between Nigeria and the United Kingdom

The British Nigeria Business Network (BNBN) is an influential organisation dedicated to promoting economic cooperation and cultural understanding between Nigeria and the UK. Established with the objective of fostering bilateral trade and investment, BNBN serves as a vital platform connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from both nations.

At the helm of BNBN’s operations is its Executive Director, Dr Ubani who is driven by the vision of strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UK.

In a recent interview with journalists, Ubani who doubles as Country Representative of British African Business Alliance UK said the vision and mission entail creating an environment conducive to trade and investment, enabling sustainable growth and mutual benefits for both countries.

The executive director has been pivotal in organising numerous networking events, seminars, and trade missions. These events, actively supported by her partners, British African Business Alliance UK, provide a forum for business leaders, policymakers, and investors from both nations to interact, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

Recognising the importance of an enabling policy environment, Ubani said the organisation has tirelessly advocated for policy reforms that support trade and investment. This according to him, includes addressing regulatory challenges, tariff barriers, and encouraging government initiatives that promote a conducive business environment.

One of the key roles of the executive director is to showcase investment opportunities in Nigeria to UK investors and vice versa. By highlighting the potential sectors for investment and facilitating introductions to local business leaders, BNBN actively promotes foreign direct investment. Trade missions and delegations are essential tools in fostering collaboration. The executive director leads and supports these initiatives, helping companies explore potential markets, establish partnerships, and build trust with their counterparts in Nigeria and the UK.

Recognising the importance of knowledge sharing, BNBN organises training programs and workshops. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of businesses and professionals, enabling them to navigate the complexities of international trade.

Dr Ubani plays a crucial role in furthering the agenda of promoting trade and investment collaboration between Nigeria and the UK. Through various strategic initiatives, advocacy efforts, and a commitment to fostering partnerships, the BNBN is contributing significantly to the growth and strengthening of bilateral ties, ultimately benefiting the economies and communities of Nigeria and the UK.

The executive director was full of praises for President Bola Tinubu, pledging to support and partner with his government to foster outstanding bilateral business relations between the UK and Nigerians business communities.

He noted that the Nigerian leader has demonstrated his willingness

and determination through his economic reforms. He singled out the removal of fuel subsidies, unifying of exchange rates and other positive economic reforms of the Tinubu administration as key steps taken to encourage bilateral trades and investments.

He said: “The British Nigerian Business Network has continued to support the UK-Nigerian Trade and Investment relations.

“On April October 26, 2022, through the invitation of

Her Majesty’s government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, I led BNBN members and delegates of the UK-Nigerian international business community representatives to London for the UK-Nigerian 7th Economic and Development Forum & Communiqué 2022".

He added that in same 2022, he also led BNBN members and Nigerian business delegates to London for the 7th Annual UK-Nigerian Trade and Investment Summit, adding that the organisation has continued to promote trade and investment between the UK and Nigeria by conducting target oriented research works and investi-

gations, international introductions, connections, information management, international seminars, workshops, business deal rooms and several exchange programs for knowledge and technology transfers between both nations.

Ubani emphasised that their UK Principal Partner and Chairman of the British African Business Alliance, Mr David Smith, was in his words, truly outstanding, proactive, and supportive.

“The British African Business Alliance UK has over the years identified and put together UK African friendly investors and investment which makes our work easier by providing the BNBN with a ready-made pool of African-friendly business partnership and relations from the UK”, he enthused.

Ubani was honored with the distinguished Global Peace Award at the 7th Annual London Political Summit and Awards 2022, for his dedication and effective management of such a huge international bilateral business communities, networks and platforms. The event was tagged “The Politics of Democratic Peace through Fair Trade”.

Recognising the importance of an enabling policy environment, Ubani said the organisation has tirelessly advocated for policy reforms that support trade and investment. This according to him, includes addressing regulatory challenges, tariff barriers, and encouraging government initiatives that promote a conducive business environment

Executive Director, British Nigeria Business Network (BNBN), Dr Ifeanyi Ubani

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE DANGER POSED BY QUACKS

Regulators must be alive to their responsibilities

Findings of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on the circumstances that led to the disappearance of late Adebola Akin-Bright’s small intestine have once again brought to fore the danger posed by quacks in critical areas of our national life. The medical doctor reportedly told the committee that he did not carry out any medical examination before performing surgery on the deceased patient. From fake pharmacists whose prescriptions are often fatal to fake teachers whose pupils/students are candidates for failure to fake journalists who write to blackmail, it between genuine and fake professionals in our country today with all the dire implications for the society. Such is the level of decay that when an ordinary Nigerian walks into a hospital, they would be lucky to

fact an impostor or a

In 2016, a fake medical doctor was discovered to have served in the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) for nine years. To worsen matters, the fake doctor rose to Grade Level 13 in the ministry and had worked in the Departments of Hospital Services and Health Planning Research and Statistics (HPRS) before he was eventually detected as a fraud. According to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, the quack doctor secured his fraudulent employment by using the stolen documents of his childhood friend and best man who happened to be a medical doctor. With that,

30th August 2006 and was posted to the Federal Ministry of Health in September same year.

Many make claims they cannot substantiate and there are no consequences while the media cannot be exonerated from this national parade of shame. When people arrange for some of these dubious

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

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Letters to the Editor

media immediately begin to address them by these Soon it becomes a manner of speaking and the rest is added on. In 2018, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara lamented that in Nigeria with “all kinds of persons” now parading themselves as engineers.” The resultant put at risk by collapsed buildings and potholed roads as well as failing equipment and machines, among others.” Unfortunately, the same thing can be said of many other professions.

regulatory agencies to properly perform their supervisory roles has given way to situations where quacks have taken over in most industries. In Nigeria today, fake policemen are all over the place, doing damage to both the institution and the society just as fake soldiers are rampant. In where these fraudsters have not invaded. However, if our society must advance, we must deal with this quackery that is so pervasive. But more worrisome is the realisation that many top decision makers in our public services are people who conned their way into critical Underlining the danger that impostors pose to the system, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria once said: counsel, appearing before them, is genuine or otherwise. Of even greater concern is the fact that members of the public are often left in a quandary over who they can place their trust, property and even lives in.”

We call on the regulatory authorities, including professional bodies, to put in place measures that will checkmate the antics of these fraudsters.

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

ADEDEJI: A TECHNOCRAT WITH A BIG ASSIGNMENT

There is nothing wrong with a very big dream. What is wrong is not having a dream at all. But with a dream, there’s also the possibility of a deluge of hindrances to its actualization. So, dreamers don’t work.

Actually, the dream that motivated President Bola Tinubu to appoint Zacchaeus Adedeji as the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) must be big and vibrant. But how much the Iwo Ate, Oyo State-born technocrat can achieve will depend on the environment and society. Why did I say so? Generally in any hostile society, there is always a force to contend with. While no one is trying to manufacture excuses for poor performance, the dangerous truth is that it is real. So, one cannot but wish Adedeji the very best in his new assignment. For sure, Zacch, as the new FIRS boss is fond-

ly called, will need all the humility in the world to maneuver the onerous tasks before him. The praise-singers, party loyalists and the ever-known this man of very considerable renown and wonderful patience has to be careful. Towards the discharge of his responsibilities, all he needs to possess are commendable acts of compassion, uncomplicatedness and will-power virtue – and his antecedents have shown that he has them in abundance - and people will show him the way. They may even be prepared to work double-shift, just to help him. Yes, they may not be many, but they are always there. They may not even be bothered about promotion, but they will always want him to succeed.

Discreet investigations have shown that FIRS is currently an over-bloated humongous entity with -

ing and/or taxation as a result of which over 60% recurrent expenditure, thereby leaving nothing for capital expenditure. So, it behooves Adedeji to spearhead a holistic constitutional review of the Service’s operations to make them the real and soul of the federal government’s treasury collection. Through the ages, haphazard promotion has been a means of rubbishing productivity. So, this amazrecruitment and promotion which, according to information, are currently lopsided and abused. Provision of working tools, training programmes and is a recipe for zero-level morale.

The failure of the regulatory agencies to properly perform their supervisory roles has given way to situations where quacks have taken over in most industries

Abiodun Komolafe, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

RATES AS AT SEPTEMBER 22,2023

32.5% CRR: CBN Debited 10 Banks N1.62tn in H1 2023

Kayode Tokede

For failing to meet 32.5 per cent Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) threshold, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) debited 10 banks N1.62 trillion in the first six months of 2023, THISDAY investigations has revealed.

The 10 banks are: Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), and FBN Holdings Plc. Others were: FCMB Group Plc Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holding Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Sterling and Unity bank Plc.

CRR is the minimum amount banks and merchant banks are expected to retain with the CBN from customer deposits and it carries no interest and is not available for use by the banks in their day-to-day operations.

THISDAY analysis of the banks’ result and accounts for period ended June 30, 2023, showed that the 10 banks’ mandatory reserve deposit with Central Bank in 2022 full financial year stood at N9.11 trillion compared with N7.49 trillion reported as of June 30, 2023.

THISDAY investigation revealed that within the first six months of

2023, the apex bank debited the 10 banks an estimated N1.62trillion.

THISDAY gathered that Zenith Bank restricted deposit with CBN added N580.49 billion in six months when it closed June 30, 2023 at N2.25 trillion from N1.67 trillion in 2022 FY. UBA followed Zenith bank with about N356.37billion debited by the CBN in first six months of 2023 to N1.64 trillion from N1.28 trillion reported in 2022 FY.

As GTCO’s mandatory deposit with CBN reached N1.22 trillion, representing an increase of N208.5 billion from N1.01 trillion in 2022,. On its part, FBN Holdings

closed the period under review with N199.91 billion added to it mandatory reserve deposit with Central Bank.

“Despite the pressure from competition and the need to cover for regulatory CRR debits, the Group maintained average liquidity ratio of 36.6% during the period under review,” GTCO explained in a presentation.

FBN Holdings closed June 30, 2023 with N1.76 trillion mandatory reserve deposit with Central Bank from N1.56 trillion in 2022.

Unity bank was the only Tier-II bank that reported N3.66 billion

mandatory reserve deposit with Central Bank to N69.05 billion as of June 30, 2023 from N72.71 billion reported in 2022 full financial year.

Hitherto, analysts had called on the CBN to consider reducing the CRR for banks from 32.5 per cent to 25 per cent in view of the high monetary policy rate (MPR).

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN last September increased CRR from 27.5 per cent to 32.5 per cent in a move to tame inflationary pressure.

Analysts explained to THISDAY that the debiting from commercial lenders has become frequent in

recent time as the CBN trying to curb speculation against the local currency as the country’s foreign exchange reserves continue to drop.

Fitch Ratings, global rating agency had said that banks are facing tough times due to CRR policy limiting their capacity to grant loans to customers.

“The CBN has been highly interventionist,” said Mahin Dissanayake, Senior Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa bank ratings at Fitch, said.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

H1: Six Banks Extended N8.87tn Loans Despite Economic Challenges

Nume Ekeghe

Despite macroeconomic challenges in the country, a total of six prominent banks operating in Nigeria disbursed loans totalling N8.87 trillion in the first half of 2023, culminating on June 30, 2023.

The banks include: Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Access Holdings Plc, and FBN

Holdings Plc.

Their total loans to customers amounted to N31.87 trillion by the close of June 30, 2023, compared to N22.99 trillion at the end of the 2022 fiscal year.

This signifies a notable increase of N8.87 trillion or 38.6 per cent in loans to customers during H1 2023.

Further analysis indicates that ETI’s loans to customers surged from N5.07 trillion at the close of 2022 to N8.03 trillion during H1 2023, reflecting a substantial grant

of N2.96 trillion in loans.

Access Holdings followed suit, recording approximately N1.61 trillion in loans granted to customers as of June 30, 2023, with a balance of N6.71 trillion, up from N5.1 trillion reported at the end of December 31, 2022.

UBA extended loans amounting to N1.36 trillion to customers during the same period, with a net loans figure of N4.5 trillion on June 30, 2023, compared to N3.14 trillion in 2022.

Zenith Bank reported N5.05 trillion in loans to customers as of June 30, 2023, up from N4.01 trillion in 2022, signifying a disbursement of N1.04 trillion in loans during this period. The bank attributed this growth to the revaluation of foreign currency-denominated loans and an expansion in local currency loans.

FBN Holdings granted N1.47 trillion in loans to customers, and its net loans to customers amounted to N5.26 trillion, up from N3.79

trillion in the 2022 full financial year.

The Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo expressed confidence in the institution’s ability to navigate successfully. He emphasised their commitment to customer-centric innovations and digital capabilities to enhance operational efficiency.

GTCO extended N429.55 billion in loans to customers, and its net loans reached N2.32 trillion as of

MARKET DATA AS AT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

June 30, 2023, up from N1.89 trillion in the 2022 full financial year.

GTCO highlighted its welldistributed loan book and focused attention on asset quality across select business segments. The bank also noted changes in the oil and gas sector’s contribution to the gross loan portfolio, influenced by exchange rate movements.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

MTN Group Reiterates Long Term Strategic Plan, Eyes 100m MoMo

Emma Okonji in Johannesburg, South Africa

MTN Group has reiterated its long term sustainability plan that will see it attain 100 million MoMo users on its financial transaction platform in 2025, up from the current over 69 million users across Africa.

Other long term strategy include the attainment of 100 million Ayoba users, 300 million voice subscribers, 200 million active data subscribers, 10 million home broadband users across its African markets by 2025.

Chief Sustainability Officer at MTN Group, Marina Madale, disclosed this at the MTN Group Headquarters in South Africa, during a visit by the second cohort of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP-2) fellows from

Users

Nigeria that are currently in South Africa, on a training programme, sponsored by MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with Pan Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos.

She said out of the 69 million users of MoMo across its African markets as at 2022, the Nigerian market contributed 22 per cent of the number, which is the highest among MTN markets across Africa.

The MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is facilitated through a bank account that helps customers transact using the MoMo wallet and they are able to access their funds anytime, using the MoMo wallet.

According to Madale, MTN Group intends to use its Momo platform to close the digital divide and deepen financial inclusion, while making financial

transactions a lot easier for Africans.

“Through the MTN long term strategy plan for 2025, the telecoms giant intends to build the largest and most valuable platforms for its subscribes across Africa, drive industry leading connectivity opportunities, create shared value and accelerate portfolio transformation,” Madale said. She said the value of South Africa’s top exports to Nigeria between 2019 and 2021, increased, but she however said the volume of travels from Nigeria to South Africa between 2016 and 2023 decreased as a result of the visa challenges faced by Nigerians from the South African Embassy in Nigeria, which according to her, is political, that needs political solution between South African and Nigerian governments.

DiamondXtra: Access Bank Renews Commitment to Empower Customers

Ndubuisi

Francis in Abuja

Access Bank Plc has expressed a renewed its commitment to empower its customers, foster financial growth, and continue to be the catalyst for their dreams.

The Regional Director of the Bank, Abuja, Mrs. Neka Adogu stated this during the launch of the DiamondXtra Season 15 reward scheme at the Nyanya branch of Access Bank, one of the satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). DiamondXtra is an interestyielding hybrid account which allows deposit of both cash and third party cheques.

The DiamondXtra initiative was launched in July 2008, by the defunct Diamond Bank, to encourage savings and reward

its loyal customers. Adogu, stated that the DiamondXtra reward scheme has been the cornerstone of the bank’s commitment to show appreciation and give back to loyal customers.

She said: “With each passing season, this being the 15th, the initiative has grown from strength to strength, achieving incredible milestones along the way. As we launch the fifteenth season of the DiamondXtra reward scheme, we are overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. The resounding success of past seasons has been made possible by the unwavering support of our esteemed customers and the unparalleled dedication of our exceptional team.”

She noted that to date, the bank had rewarded more than 26,000 customers with over N6.35 billion,

PenCom Enhances Workers’ Retirement Benefits through Additional Benefits Schemes

adding that it was a testament to the true value of the scheme.

“Our steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence has been the cornerstone of our triumph. Despite challenges and attempts by competitors to imitate our rewards scheme, DiamondXtra remains unrivalled in the industry.

“Our dedication to offering the best reward scheme has only been strengthened each passing year.

In Season 15, we are delighted to announce that 8,448 customers will be rewarded with a grand total of N135 million!,” Adogu said.

In her remarks, a deputy director at the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mrs. Chinyere Anyika, who gave glowing about the DiamondXtra promo, said her organisation was delighted to partner with Access Bank.

Emir of Kano Urges Nigerians to Embrace Insurance

Ebere Nwoji

The Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero has urged Nigerians to embrace insurance as a way of mitigating against loss, especially business and property losses.

The Emir stated this when the Management of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) led by the Commissioner for Insurance, Olorundare Sunday Thomas paid a courtesy visit to his Palace in Kano recently.

Bayero also urged the Commission to ensure insurance obligations were adequately met by insurers and commended the

leadership of the Commission for the giant strides and efforts in developing the Nigerian insurance market.

He also reiterated that insurance was no doubt an important aspect of human life as extensive research has shown that insurance was not conflicting with religious belief, especially with the coming of Takaful insurance.

He thanked the Commission for the visit and promised to support insurance deepening in the country and further assured he would consider the invitation to the National Insurance Conference

and would personally attend the conference.

The Commissioner thanked the royal father for the warm reception and his acceptance to personally attend the National Insurance Conference scheduled for October 22 - 24, 2023, in Abuja.

The Commission thereafter named the Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as Royal Ambassador for Insurance in the country and commended his style of leadership since his takeover of the throne.

In a related development the NAICOM team also visited the executive Governor of NASARAWA State Governor Abdullahi Sule.

ENGIE Targets 3000 Households with Deployment of Renewable Mini- Grids Energy Systems

Gilbert Ekugbe

One of the leading providers of solar homes systems and mini-grids solutions in Nigeria, ENGIE Energy Access has announced plans to deploy renewable mini-grids energy systems.

Indeed, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022 by tracking Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Nigeria has the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million persons out of the country’s over 200 million population lacking access to power supply.

To bridge the energy supply gap in the country, ENGIE stated that

it would be targeting households, businesses, schools and healthcare centres in rural communities by providing them with access to renewable energy through the construction of its mini-grids project in Niger state. The Head, Mini-Grids, ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria, Onyinye Anene-Nzelu, made this known while speaking during a panel session at the second edition of the Solar Week Nigeria 2023 Conference & Awards recently held in Lagos, with the theme, ‘Partnering for success: Collaborating with communities and stakeholders in mini-grids project with energy storage in Nigeria.

According to her, strategic partnership with relevant stakeholders in the renewable energy ecosystem is essential in bridging Nigeria’s huge energy gap. She said, “The importance of collaboration in the renewable energy space cannot be over emphasised. With 92 million people with no access to electricity especially in rural areas, shows that more needs to be done to increase investment in electric power infrastructure, more needs to be done to increase financing for private sector energy efficiency, renewable energy development so as to meet the energy demand of our growing population.”

To fortify retirement benefits for workers in Nigeria, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has recently unveiled the Framework for the Establishment of Additional Benefits Schemes (ABS) under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). This move aligns with Section 4(4)(a) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA), 2014, which allows employers to provide additional benefits to their employees upon retirement.

The PRA 2014 provides that notwithstanding the pension contributions made by the Employer and employee into the employee’s RSA, “an employer may agree on the payment of additional benefits to the employee upon retirement”. Accordingly, any employer may wish to provide additional benefits in the form of gratuity to its employees upon retirement. Employers, especially those in the public sector, can take advantage of the above provision in the law to enhance their employees’ retirement benefits.

The Framework for establishing Additional Benefits Schemes under the CPS ensures adherence to regulatory standards outlined in the PRA 2014. The aim is to promote the proper management and utilisation of pension funds. Accordingly, PenCom issued the Framework to outline the modalities for establishing and managing ABS by employers interested in increasing their employees’ retirement benefits under the CPS.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL BENEFITS SCHEME (ABS)

PRA 2014 permits only institutions licensed by PenCom to hold and manage pension funds and assets. Consequently, only licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) can manage pension assets. Similarly, the custody of pension assets can only be done by approved Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs).

Employers seeking to establish an ABS for their employees must demonstrate compliance with the PRA 2014. This includes up-to-date pension contribution remittances, Group Life Insurance cover, and execution of a Portfolio Management Agreement (PMA) with a chosen Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). Employers may appoint one or more PFAs to manage the ABS, with a lead PFA designated in cases of multiple appointments.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Employers must submit various documents to PenCom for review and approval to establish an ABS. These include the draft Portfolio Management Agreement, Trust Deed, Rules of the Scheme, evidence of pension contribution remittance and Group Life Insurance policy, and evidence of employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs). Employers also need to provide information to indicate if the scheme is a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution and give an undertaking to comply with regulatory provisions and to fund the scheme continuously.

REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE

The appointed PFA is responsible for annual actuarial valuations and audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Reporting requirements stipulate submitting audited financial statements and actuarial valuation reports to

PenCom within specific timelines. Additionally, PFAs or Lead PFAs must submit consolidated monthly valuation reports and fee requests to PenCom.

AMENDMENTS, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND TERMINATION

The Employer cannot alter the Trust Deed and Rules of the Scheme without prior written approval from PenCom. The Framework outlines dispute resolution procedures, emphasising arbitration and compliance with termination and winding-up protocols in line with the Trust Deed and Rules of the Scheme.

WHY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS MATTER TO EMPLOYEES

The CPS is a sustainable pension system that provides a stable, timely, predictable and adequate source of retirement income for employees in the public and private sectors. The CPS was the outcome of reforms in the pension sector initiated by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2004, culminating in the enactment of the PRA 2004. Ten years later, the PRA 2004 was repealed and replaced with the PRA 2014. Stakeholders have adjudged the implementation of the CPS in Nigeria a success. However, there are complaints about low pensions, especially from retirees in the public sector, because of the relatively low pay relative to the private sector. It is vital to state that the CPS provides a comprehensive framework that allows employers and employees to plan and save towards pensions. Accordingly, employers of labour can use the Framework for the Establishment of Additional Benefits Schemes recognised by the PRA 2014 to increase the pensions of their retired employees.

It is imperative to state that various options are available to employers and employees to improve the adequacy of pensions for retirees, especially those in public service disproportionately affected by low pay. Providing additional retirement benefits can have several benefits for both employers and employees. It can attract and retain talent, enhance employee morale and loyalty and improve an organisation’s reputation.

In Conclusion, the Framework for the Establishment of Additional Benefits Schemes is a significant step towards enhancing retirement benefits for workers in Nigeria. By setting clear guidelines and compliance measures, it seeks to ensure a robust and transparent system that supports retirees and contributes to employees’ overall financial well-being in their post-work years. PenCom remains committed to periodically reviewing this Framework to meet employees’ evolving pension needs and aspirations.

PENCOM DG, Aisha Dahir-Umar

NNPC-FIRST E&P JV’S INAUGURATION…

L-R: Secretary, KEFFESO Host Communities’ Development Trust (KHCDT), Hon. Mathew Sele-Epri; Chairman, KHCDT, His Royal Highness , Mokoama Sangana Kingdom, Moses Theophilus; Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Bayelsa State, Dr. Ebieri Jones; Field Coordinator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleu m Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Sylvester Bighoro; Manager, Stakeholders Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mrs. Julie Utang and Executive Director, Corporate Services, FIRST E&P, Mr. Emmanuel Etomi at the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV’s inauguration of KEFFESO Host Communities’ Development Trust held in Yenagoa, Baye lsa State …recently

NIGCOMSAT, Thales Alenia Space Renew Agreement on NIGCOMSAT-1R

Emma Okonji

Following the success achieved during the joint Satellite Based Augmentation System flight demonstration carried out early this year by NIGCOMSAT Limited and Thales Alenia Space (TAS), a renewed joint venture agreement between the two parties has been signed in faraway Toulouse, France for the development of Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).

With the Joint venture agreement, NIGCOMSAT will provide access to the payload on NigComSat-1R

to Thales Alenia Space for the SBAS signal in Africa.

The Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Limited, Tukur Mohammed Lawal who was pleased with the agreement, said it has opened another chapter of business opportunity for NIGCOMSAT Ltd and called on stakeholders in the aviation and non-aviation sectors in the country and Africa at large to optimise this opportunity for the growth of economy in the continent.

Lawal recalled that NIGCOMSAT had demonstrated a flight using Nigerian Airspace Management

FAAN’s Aviacargo Team Visits Addis Ababa, Nairobi Airports

Chinedu Eze

In order to grow air freighting of cargo in Nigeria, a team led by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Kabir Mohammed, visited the leading air cargo airports in Africa to benchmark their services.

Nigeria agriproduce is in high demand in Europe, the US and other parts of the world but Nigeria has mot maximized the freighting of these perishables, which can only be moved by air, a business worth millions of dollars.

According to a statement from the team, Kenya currently leads Africa in air cargo business while Nigeria is number five. FAAN set up the Aviacargo Roadmap committee to design a plan that will lift Nigeria to the first position in the shortest possible time.

To meet this target, FAAN team had to find out what the other airports have done well and why Nigeria is failing despite its huge economy, production capacity and population. The benchmarking visits done in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) enabled the officials from Nigeria to engage with stakeholders in the cargo ecosystems in both countries. There were facility tours of equipments, terminals and transit sheds in both countries.

The FAAN team was led by the Director of Commercial and Business Development Olumyiwa Femi-Pearse. It included Chief of Staff to the MD, staff of Business Development, Cargo Departments, Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, the Coordinator of the Aviacargo Roadmap committee Ikechi Uko and 2 other members of the Aviacargo committee.

The team said legal issues concerning airports as free trade

zones were raised with the Ethiopian and Kenyan officials and how those issues have been resolved in both countries. The proliferation and attendant charges by agencies at the airports were discussed during the stakeholders engagements with both the government and private sector players.

The team went through a detailed tour of all the air cargo facilities available at Bole Airport Addis Ababa. The tour was led by the MD of Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Mr. Abel Alemu and his team. It included tours to the Cold Chain, pharma, perishable and dry goods section. The technological modernisation and the E-Commerce projects were of Interest to the Nigerian team.

In Kenya, the Nigerian team was received by the acting Managing Director of the Kenya Airport Authority Henry Ogoye. The Nigerian team were taken round the leading cargo transit sheds by the operators of the terminals. They visited dry cargo sheds, perishable goods sheds, flower export sheds, fruit export sheds and others. The Aviacargo team rounded up the tour with visits to Nigerian Embassies in Ethiopia and Kenya where they exchanged ideas with the diplomats on opportunities for cargo in both countries.

The team was received at the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa by Dr. Geoffrey Chima on behalf of the Ambassador. The team leader Mr. Femi-Pearse told the Nigerian High Commissioner in Kenya Ambassador Yusuf Yunusa that “this fact-finding visit is an eye opener for Nigeria. We have identified the gaps in knowledge and facilities. We are going back to implement some of the lessons learnt. Nigeria will become a major player in air cargo business in a very short time.”

Authority (NAMA’s) King 350i aircraft with ANGA (Augmented Navigation for Africa) Signal-in-Space (SIS), provided via NigComSat 1R, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, witnessed by a contingent from Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and MadagascarASECNA), EC DG-DEFIS; representatives of AON , AFON, SatNAv Africa JPO; representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy;

Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and prominent aviation stakeholders from 54 African countries among others.

The Project Manager, SBAS Dr. Lasisi Salami Lawal, stated that with the real SBAS flightdemonstration carried within Nigerian airspace, ‘we were able to witnessed a high level of precision on guiding the aircraft laterally in take-off, aligning on the takeoff track and also on initial climb and also on inbound track approached the airport for landing’.

The SBAS is an aviation-grade safety of life (SoL) satellite based navigation enabling reliability with integrity as well as high accuracy in positioning.

According to him, the technology is a ‘game changer for aviation improving flight safety and efficiency while ensuring better user experience as a means of navigation decreasing CO2 emission with fuel consumption reduction.

He said it would also contribute effectively in the non-aviation sector applications such as precision

Agriculture, Land and Maritime Transport, inland waterways navigation, Rail Safety, Oil and Gas, Drone navigation, Mapping/ Cadastral Survey and Mass Market Applications in Location Based Services (LBS), Secured Time Transfer and synchronization in smart power transmission and distribution systems, telecommunications system networks especially 5G networks that requires precision in microseconds timing beyond what GNSS networks can offer.

Advertising Agencies Promise More Participation in 2023 LAIF

Raheem Akingbolu

The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF), Management Board, Jay Chukwuemeka, has assured that this year’s edition, slated for November, would be unique and more inclusive as the board is determined to encourage more member agencies to participate. LAIF is a brainchild of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), the umbrella body for advertising professionals in Nigeria. Speaking at the inauguration of the new management board for the award, the chairman said the theme for this year’s edition, ‘A new LAIF’, signifies a pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution as it hopes to celebrate the hard work, passion and

dedication of creatives around the country. While acknowledging the brilliant works of the previous board, he noted that the present leadership is committed to bringing about a lot of transformation that harmonizes the LAIF brand with the clear vision of its founders and future goals.

Earlier in his remarks at the Press Conference, AAAN President, Steve Babaeko noted that the LAIF Awards remains a veritable platform to celebrate creative excellence and showcase the exemplary works of agencies in the industry. He said this year’s award is quite symbolic as it coincides with the 50th Anniversary celebration of the advertising professional body in Nigeria. He commended the members of previous LAIF boards for their efforts over the past 17 years to keep the tradition going and ensure that the

Heineken Gets Exclusive Sponsorship of Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament

Raheem Akingbolu

Global beer brand, Heineken, has been announced as the exclusive sponsor of the prestigious Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament.

During a press conference held in Lagos, organisers said the partnership marks a momentous occasion in the world of golf, as Heineken joins hands with one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.

The Nigeria Cup, now in its 26th edition, has earned a well-deserved reputation as a premier golfing tournament, attracting top talent from across the country and beyond. As the title sponsor, Heineken is proud to play a pivotal role in elevating this iconic event to new heights of excellence and excitement.

Heineken’s commitment to excellence and passion for sports align perfectly with the values of the Nigeria Cup. This collaboration signifies the convergence of tradition and modernity, as both entities share a dedication to fostering sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a spirit of competition.

The Nigeria Cup, with Heineken’s support, promises to offer golf enthusiasts and spectators an unforgettable experience. From thrilling competitions on the course to exciting social events, this partnership will bring a fresh and exciting dimension to the tournament.

“At Heineken, we believe in celebrating excellence, and the Nigeria Cup embodies this spirit perfectly,” said Alex Lawal, National Key Accounts Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc. “We are honored to be part of this prestigious event and look forward to showcasing the Heineken brand’s commitment to quality, and enjoying good times.”

The Nigeria Cup tournament is scheduled to take place from 23rd to 30th of September, with the professional tournament and gala night serving as highlights. Golf enthusiasts, sponsors, and fans can look forward to an event that reflects the true spirit of the sport, with Heineken adding its own unique touch to the celebration.

pipeline of talents in the industry keeps growing.

Also speaking, the immediate past chairman of the LAIF Management Board, Lanre Adisa, expressed great satisfaction with the awards’ impact on the industry over the last 17 years. He looks forward to a beautiful experience at the forthcoming edition.

“I feel very happy and proud to be part of the awards scheme that has brought a lot of innovations to the advertising profession. I am happy to have contributed my quota in raising the bar for the awards. LAIF Awards will always be topmost on my mind,” Adisa said.

Ecobank Launches EPAC Studios to Boost Africa’s Creative Sector

Nume Ekeghe

Ecobank Nigeria has inaugurated a creative studio, EPAC Studios, aimed at promoting talent and creativity throughout Africa.

EPAC Studios, the bank said in a statement, serves as a dedicated space for the authentic portrayal of African narratives in art, culture, lifestyle, and entertainment.

EPAC, it added, is designed to foster productivity and service excellence, featuring smart offices, a restaurant, a multipurpose conference hall, a gym, a childcare facility, a parking area accommodating up to 130 vehicles, an experience and game center, and a rooftop terrace, among other amenities.

Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications,

Jide Sipe, expressed the bank’s commitment to showcasing and nurturing the creative industry. He explained that EPAC Studios is an open canvas inviting the public to explore, collaborate, and generate premium indigenous content for television, online platforms, and mobile devices.

“The studio is a source of inspiration and entertainment, as well as a platform for brand projection through engaging, high-quality videos. As a bank, we deeply value inclusivity, which is why EPAC Studios is accessible to all creative minds without charge. We are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with other brands to create a dynamic environment where ideas thrive. EPAC Studios represents more than just physical space; it embodies

a world where we stand as your creative partners. Recognizing that dreams are meant to be fulfilled, our mission is to help you transform those dreams into reality.

“For creative individuals, I can confidently say that EPAC Studios serves as an innovation and expression hub. Our primary objective is to join forces with you, breathing life into your visions and amplifying your voices. We are here to facilitate your journey, offering resources, expertise, and a stage to shine. And for those who relish the fruits of creativity, EPAC Studios invites you to immerse yourself in a realm of original content, from thrilling game shows to thought-provoking podcasts and captivating product service videos,” he added.

Kwara Revenue Agency Generated over N35bn in 2022

Hammed Shittu

The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has disclosed that it generated a total sum of N35.4 billion as revenue for the year 2022.

The Executive Chairman of the Agency, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, disclosed this while speaking in Ilorin over the weekend.

Omoniyi, who said that the record represented 112 per cent of the Internal Revenue

Generation (IGR) budget of the state for the year 2022, added that it by was a great leap from 95.5 per cent achieved in 2021.

She appreciated Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for the opportunity and avenue to explore various innovations over the years leading to improved revenue generation.

She also appreciated taxpayers and other stakeholders who, she said, are strategic in supporting its seamless

L-R: President, Nigerian Gas Association and General Counsel & Company Secretary, Nigeria LNG Limited, Akachukwu Nwokedi; Authority Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed; Hon Minister of State for Gas and Petroleum Resources, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Head Gas Ventures, Neconde Energy & Chairperson NGA DEI Study Group, Engr. Chichi Emenike; Chief Strategy Officer, Axxela Limited and 2nd Vice President, NGA, Olufosayo Duduyemi; and Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energies, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Abdulkadir Ahmed,, at the Gastech Exhibition and Conference 2023, in Singapore…recently

MARKET INDICATORS

processes of tax administration in the state.

She further appreciated and charged staff of the agency to continue to work tirelessly in ensuring that the set target is met.

Omoniyi also encouraged them to remain focused and dedicated to the assigned duty of revenue administration in the state by embracing innovations required in doing more together to achieve more success.

Bayelsa TUC Chairman Advocates Privatisation of FG’s Refineries

Olusegun Samuel

The Bayelsa state Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Julius Laye has advocated for the privatisation of the federal government owned four Refineries.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu led federal government to fast track the issuance of modular refinery licenses to capable investors interested in the business.

Laye who made the call in Yenagoa, while exchanging views with journalists on

contemporary issues about the state of the nation, said, the move apart from mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy’ removal; would also impact positively on the GDP growth, boost employment, taxes, and exports.

He said emphatically that management of refineries under NNPC Limited, and by extension in the hands of the federal government have not been effective..

The TUC boss recalled that between 2015 to 2022, Nigeria’s government spent billions of Naira to resuscitate the nation’s

refineries in order to make the petroleum product available at affordable pump price; but nothing good come out of it.

He decried the scenario where Nigeria, a leading crude oil producer; is now a notoriously importer of petroleum products with devastating effect.

“It is amazing and uncalled for, for us to have crude oil in this country ; for us to have refineries in this country, and to take our product out; and then buy it, create scarcity and make us disadvantage in terms of foreign exchange.

Firm Launches Multi-functional, Time, Money-saving Zipper Tool

Sunday Okobi

A fashion and jewelry company in Lagos, Crafties Hobby-Craft Limited, has unveiled fashion style -enabled and zipper-assist product, ZIPME, which it described as a multi-purpose piece of Jewelry, which removes the dependence on others and allows a woman to zip up without assistance.

At the launch of the gendersensitive product recently at Fashion Souk by Eventful in Lagos recently, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi, told THISDAY that since many women need assistance to zip up their dressing, the revolutionary tool (ZIPME) would enable every woman to do her zip by herself as easy as possible.

Abdullahi, who is also the creative force behind Zilman Jewelry, described her innovation, the ZIPME, as a liberating tool, and a time

and money saver specifically for women. She said the product does not only help women to zip up their clothes unaided saving them from many embarrassing situations, it is actually a fine piece of jewelry that can be worn as a necklace and also serves as a belt.

The entrepreneur stated that she has been organising craft workshops and training for over 20 years, adding that her company is committed to empowering and supporting people in their quest for creativity; hence, Crafties is known as “the hub for creative expressions”.

According to her, “I believe we can use our hands to make beautiful things here in Nigeria. Crafties teaches that beauty must be evident in hand made things and encourage the making of beautiful, well finished items.

“Many women need assistance with their zip when

dressing up but that is now a thing of the past, as this revolutionary tool is an innovation that enables every woman to do her zip by herself, thereby saving them time and money.”

While narrating to THISDAY how she discovered this innovative idea to create the tool, the Crafties HobbyCraft Limited boss said: “For many years and until recently I could not zip up my dress by myself. However I inadvertently injured my left shoulder while trying to free a zip that was stuck. I was in so much pain and I lost the flexibility I had in the shoulder as a result. I had to rely on my husband to help with my zip for weeks and when he was away, my son could help. One day, both of them were away, and I had to leave home with my zipper undone. At my destination, I called on the first woman I saw passing by the car to help me.”

Money

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 AUGUST, 2023

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).

Conoil Grows Gross Earnings to N145.8bn, Reward Shareholders With N1.73bn Dividend

KayodeTokede

The nation’s total energy provider Conoil Plc, grew its gross earnings by 5.3 per cent to N145.8 billion for the 2022 financial year, from N138.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2021.

The major oil marketer in a statement at the weekend on its audited results for the year ending December 31, 2022, said despite the massive

developmental challenges in the country and the tough operating environment, its Profit Before Tax grew by 60.1 per cent to N6.13 billion in 2022 from N3.83 billion in 2021, while Profit After Tax increased by 60.1 per cent from N3.08 billion to N4.96 billion in the same period.

With the significant improvement in profitability in the petroleum-marketing subsector, Conoil’s earnings per share rose to N7.14, representing a 60.8

percent increase over the N4.44 earned in 2021. The company also recorded an increase of 22 per cent in net from N53.98 billion to N65.91 billion.

Thrilled by the impressive allround performance, shareholders at the company’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibnom State, at the weekend, unanimously approved the proposed final dividend payout of N1.734 billion, which translates to N2.50

per share, for the 2022 financial year. Conoil had assured the shareholders of its commitment to continue to deliver strong and sustainable performance that would enhance returns to its shareholders.

The Chairman, Conoil Plc, Dr. Mike Adenuga (jnr), in his address to the shareholders at the meeting, said that company remained motivated in creating excellent value for its shareholders, while also ensuring that its

share price remains on the rise. Said he: “We have shown a consistent ability to improve our operating margin and grow our volumes across all our locations. We have a great brand portfolio with energized and talented personnel with a reach pan-Nigerian. Our overriding goal is to ensure the continued delivery of excellent services to our customers and ultimately ensuring that our shareholders are rewarded.”

“Conoil plans to consolidate on the progress made in the previous years to deliver a strong and sustainable performance that enhances returns to our shareholders. Regardless of the odds, the company is marching forward in the year with confidence and optimism, as it strategically and continuingly positions its business to take advantage of key opportunities, ”Adenuga assured the shareholders.

Eyeing Monetary Policy Revamp as Cardoso Assumes Office

Louis Achi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pick as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso, formally assumed duty in an acting capacity on Friday, September 22, 2023, following the resignation of Dr. Godwin Emefiele.

Alongside the new Deputy-GovernorsDesignate, Cardoso subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the CBN Head Office in Abuja. He has since settled down to the task of administering monetary and financial sector policies of the federal government.

It could be recalled that, leaning on his constitutional discretion, Tinubu had on Friday June 9, 2023, suspended Emefiele, then CBN governor who was directed to hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, who acted as the apex bank boss until Dr. Cardoso’s appointment was made.

Cardoso would lead the apex bank for an initial term of five years, pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. His appointment is widely seen by the critical financial sector community as aligning with Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda targeting revitalisation of the Nigerian economy and building confidence among Nigerians and international partners.

The demonstrable capacity and adroit skills of Cardoso, a notable economic and development policy advisor, circumspect financial sector leader with over three decades of managerial experience would certainly be sternly tested as he takes over at the CBN, an entity many see as severely compromised.

For a stuttering dollar-denominated, consumption-driven and almost solely petroleum-funded economy plus a misunderstood role of central banks the world-over, Cardoso will be expected to dig deep and redirect the course of the nation’s apex bank. A more rigorous, logical analysis of micro and macro-economic dynamics in a national economy suggests the new CBN boss is left with little wiggle room but to frontally confront the challenges.

At a fundamental level, Nigeria’s economy is debatably not worse off than most other comparable commodity exporting emerging economies. But as a consequence of opening up the nation’s economy to “all-comers” and dropping all capital controls by the previous administrations, performance of the economy naturally dipped and requires proactive interventions to resuscitate it. This is Cardoso’s forte.

As part of CBN’s long-term strategy to strengthen the Nigerian economy, Cardoso would need to evolve initiatives to resolve the underlying factors goading challenges to long-term GDP growth, economic productivity, unemployment and poverty that had pervaded the economy over the past decades.

He would have to grapple with these transformative imperatives without going beyond CBN’s monetary policy mandate which restricts wholesale delving into developmental issues, although the CBN Act (2007), as amended, to some extent recognizes this.

But clearly, strengthening the economic recovery process in Nigeria is certainly not a picnic. As it is, the project has now been handed over to a patriot who believes in Nigeria, who has unflinching faith in the ingenuity of Nigerians and

who holds dear, the promise of the nation’s shared future under an administration that has promised a renewal of hope in the national journey.

Besides, to effectively manage the seismic global economic environment configured by the Sino-American tension, Russia-Ukraine war, rising tendencies and incidences of protectionism, new nationalism and anti-globaliSation - especially in the western hemisphere requires a bold, well-informed and experienced administrator on duty.

Further, to enhance a crucial macro-economic stability, emphasis would now shift to supporting improved GDP growth and greater private sector investment; the apex bank would need to leverage monetary policy tools in supporting a low inflation environment, while seeking to maintain stability in the exchange rate.

To achieve Financial System Stability, a resilient and stable financial system is imperative for continued growth of the nation’s economy given the intermediation role of financial institutions, to support the needs of individuals and businesses.

Key sector analysts believe that the CBN has intermittently veered into areas that are not its core mandate. It could be recalled that the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, a financing model for small-holder farmers, was part of the last administration’s efforts to boost the nation’s rice production, supply, and

distribution and consumption value chain. These quirky extra-mandate experiments, according to economic gurus, should certainly cease under a Cardoso-led CBN.

Cardoso is a prominent figure in the vibrant Nigerian finance and public policy arenas. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to the private and public sectors, leaving an ineradicable mark on the country’s economic landscape.

He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in managerial and administrative studies from Aston University in the United Kingdom. Driven by a thirst for more knowledge, he later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

A remarkable career with prominent financial institutions marked Cardoso’s private sector trajectory. He kicked-off his banking career with Citibank, eventually rising to Vice President. Later, he co-founded Citizens International Bank, where he served as an Executive Director for eight years. Perhaps not surprisingly, his expertise in the financial sector contributed significantly to his later roles in public service.

In 1999, as Nigeria transitioned to civilian democratic rule, he was appointed as the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State. In this role, he played a pivotal role in crafting and overseeing the implementation of a blueprint that catalysed economic development

in Lagos, Africa’s foremost megacity. Cardoso introduced significant reforms during his tenure that improved the state’s financial autonomy and tax revenue generation. His visionary leadership paved the way for economic growth and transformation in Lagos. He also spearheaded initiatives such as the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Security Trust Fund, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). His influence extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. He advised and collaborated with major international development organizations, including the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN Habitat, World Health Organisation, and the Swedish Development Foundation. His contributions to global development initiatives helped shape policies and strategies for poverty alleviation and growth.

Cardoso’s leadership roles included chairing the board of Citibank Nigeria, where he steered remarkable growth and garnered accolades. Under his leadership, the bank’s total assets increased by 308.3 per cent and total revenue grew by 235.6 per cent. He championed diversity and gender inclusion within the organisation, significantly increasing the percentage of women in both employment and board membership.

He also served on the boards of Nigerian subsidiaries of Texaco and Chevron. He chaired the committee of EFInA, a financial sector development organization supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These roles showcased his commitment to financial inclusion and development.

Significantly, Cardoso’s contributions did not escape the attention of a grateful world. He received several awards, including an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Aston University and Citibank’s Global Distinguished Alumni award. These honours recognised his outstanding contributions to business and society. His compelling trajectory from the private sector to public service and policy advocacy reflects a lifetime of leadership, achievement, and a commitment to positively impacting society. His influence is felt in Nigeria and on the global stage where he continues to shape policies and initiatives that contribute to economic growth and social development.

A calm, simple family man with even simpler tastes, Cardoso’s persona contrasts sharply with that of his former American peer - the astute economist and ex-Chair of the US Federal Reserve Board Alan Greenspan who held the secondlongest tenure in that position behind William McChesney Martin. Although unassuming in his public appearances, not unlike Cardoso, saturation media coverage raised Greenspan’s profile to a point that several observers curiously likened him to a “rock star”.

Will the Nigerian media extend similar favours to self-effacing Cardos? Though an urbane fellow, he is not a ‘rock star’ but neither craves that quirky status, in a third world country yearning for economic redemption, through proactive, circumspect regulatory governance that promotes monetary stability and a sound operating financial environment.

Cardoso

HomeS & Design

Opic Towers, a Shining Edifice in the Heart of Abeokuta

The Ogun state Property and investment Corporation (OPiC) Towers is an unmistakable edifice in the heart of gateway City. it serves as the headquarters of the corporation with lettable office spaces. Bennett oghifo writes

OPIC Towers is a 12-storey multi-let building that provides flexible office spaces of various sizes. It was commissioned in May 2011. The development consists of two highrise buildings: a six-floor office building known as DIYA HOUSE, which serves as the

corporation’s headquarters. It was commissioned in September 1984.

OPIC headquarters and towers are located within the OPIC roundabout, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Ogun State Property & Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a statutory corporation focusing on developing residential,

commercial and industrial real estate hubs and new cities in Nigeria.

OPIC was established by Edict 10 of 1984 laws of Ogun State, Nigeria and by its mandate, it is empowered to create new towns and cities across Ogun state and beyond. OPIC’s finished and

upcoming development pipeline varies across locations and is designed to meet international standards. As a result of our expertise and robust balance sheet, we have built a diverse portfolio of urban developments in both the residential and commercial sectors in Lagos and Ogun states.

Okonjo-Iweala: We Have Seen Upsurge in Number of C ountries Seeking to Join WTO

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in this interview on the sidelines of the just concluded Public Forum of the global trade body, in Geneva, Switzerland, stressed the urgent need for countries to ratify the fisheries subsidies agreement. Among other issues, she also argued that despite the rise in regional and bilateral trade agreements driven mostly by geo-political tensions, the multilateral trading system is still alive and thriving. Obinna Chima provides the excerpts:

OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM

We hear a lot of discussions on whether globalisation and the multilateral trading system is still working; whether we are now in ‘slowbalisation’ and that globalisation is gone. Given the geopolitical tension we face; those questions are coming. So, people are also talking about governments making so many regional and bilateral trade agreements and asking if the multilateral trade agreement is still alive and what is the WTO doing.

People tend to take the multilateral trading system for granted, but you need to know that 75 per cent of world trade today, takes place on WTO’s Most Favoured Nations (MFN) terms. That means trade taking place on all the rules of the WTO. So, three quarter of world trade taking place on WTO’s platform. That is why we are not concerned, because the largest chunk of global trade is still taking place on WTO’s terms.

The reason people don’t think about this is that they tend to take trade for granted. You know, trade is not something you think about all the time, it just happens. If we were to remove the WTO, then what would you have? There would be no agreements underpinning world trade and that may result to anarchy. So, the multilateral trading system is still strong and is still growing and makes up 75 per cent of world trade. The rest may be trade done under different terms bilateral or regional agreements, but it is a small fraction of global trade. Even the regional or bilateral trades are patterned after the WTO.

However, some of them are quite innovative and have added other chapters that you may not find at the WTO. If there is an agreement that has issues about gender for instance and how micro, small and medium enterprises can benefit them more, climate and the environment, that a little bit more advanced than what we have, then we think it will be exciting. That is because we can learn from that kind of agreements and integrate them. Similarly, those doing bilateral agreement can learn from us. The second point I will like make is that in spite of the challenges due to the war in Ukraine where supply chain looks vulnerable, and we have to admit those vulnerabilities. We saw that some supply chains are so concentrated that the products are produced in only a handful of countries. For instance, pharmaceuticals, vaccines. We found that only 10 countries export 80 per cent of the vaccines used in the world, and that was why when the crunch came, there were many countries who were not making vaccines, exporting or producing and they had to wait. So, this is a concentrated supply chain. So, is the world really vulnerable with this concentration or should we de-concentrate and diversify supply chains.

So, we saw those vulnerabilities, but the point is, at the end of the day, trade proved to be really resilient. The multilateral trading system proved resilient because after the initial hiccups, it was able to deliver vaccines and medicines for places where they were needed. Without the trading system, you could never have this exchange. Even as trade in other good decreased, trade in medical supplies increased during the pandemic. So, it shows that the trading system helps in making supplies to those who don’t have access to. Similarly, with food. The trading system has proven resilient, at a time when food inflation is high in the world. Everywhere, food prices are volatile.

Those countries who have had problems accessing products from places they normally import, let’s just take the war in Ukraine for instance, it meant that the Black Sea region has not been able to export wheat and countries have not been able to buy wheat, fertilizer and other products from that region. But with trade, what does that mean? If you cannot find in that region, you can check in another region. That is what trade is all about. It enables you to diversify supply sources. For instance, Ethiopia can now buy more wheat from the United States that is used to buy, because it couldn’t get from the region it was getting it from.

Europe, when they could not get the supply of energy from Russia, what did they do? They were able to go to other part of the world to get supplies. That is trade! But people don’t think it through, they just take it for granted. I think we need to bear all these in mind as we go into our 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). That is because there tend to be pessimism around trade.

Okonjo-Iweala

EXPECTATIONS AHEAD OF 13TH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE (MC13)

I remember when I came, there were a lot of pessimism around MC12 and that it was not going to achieve anything. That was because in the MC11, there was nothing achieved and tracing back, there were many Ministerial Conferences that did not achieve anything. But, we were able to prove that wrong at the MC12. Members and ministers worked hard, negotiating round the clock and we were able to come out with agreements. I just want to say that going into the MC13, there is also an atmosphere of pessimism, the world is fragmenting and we found some evidence of some of that in our Global Trade Report.

But, we are not at the point where our trading system is falling. And the point we are trying to make is that for our MC13, let’s concentrate on things that our multilateral trading system can deliver. What are the deliverables? So, going into MC13, we are looking at several things. The first is the entry into force of the first fishery subsidies agreement. Why is this important? It is good to negotiate and agree, but getting it to enter into force is even better and for the fishery subsidies agreement where we are seeing that our oceans are 50 per cent over-fished, there is an urgent need to ratify this agreement because the longer we wait, the more over-fishing there is.

So, this is one reason why we are fighting very hard. So, far we have 43 members who have ratified, and we need about 110 members, so we have quite some work to do. But already, it is gathering pace. As you know, I have been going around trying to get this ratification. We all need to take responsibility because this is our ocean that is being depleted and our sustainability being affected. I think the next thing is to complete the second phase of fisheries subsidies negotiation.

That part would look at the needs of developing companies for policy space and for special and differential treatment and how do we make sure that the development needs are factored into this second part. So, we hope to complete that. We know it is not going to be easy; it is very tough, but so far we are moving on.

REFORMS AT THE WTO

You must have heard about the reforms going on here, to make committees work better and for the WTO to function better. Those are going on well. We are compiling the reforms and many members and ambassadors made suggestions on things to do. Of course, we have some big reforms, such as the reform of the dispute settlement system, which we are trying to get done. At least, we are aiming to see that we deliver substantial part of that reform at MC13.

That is a big deliverable. Again, it is not easy. You know this has been around for few years now, but we are working hard on it. It is being led here by the Deputy Permanent Representative from Guatemala. Agriculture is another one. This is one where we have not had much success in the past. But at the MC12, we were able to do something very exciting on food security, because agriculture has many aspects. We are talking about food security because we have high and volatile food prices in the world.

WTO members made several good agreements, including making sure that there are no export restrictions barring the World Food Programme from purchasing food in any country, so that they can help feed hungry people. We did all that before. Now, for this MC13, we are trying to see the breakthrough we can make in our agriculture negotiations because the issues are very tough. There are some members who want to work on the enormous amount of subsidies – trade distorting subsidies we have in agriculture – which are harmful to competition between countries. There are others who want to work on issues of stockholding – how do we safeguard and much sure we have large stocks, if we have large population for example, like India and under what conditions do we procure the stocks.

There are arguments about that. There are others who only want to talk about market access. So, different members have different agenda on agriculture and you know that in agriculture we have very big and powerful farm lobbyists in every country. So, it is very

difficult for governments to move because they can find resistance when they take certain moves. That is why agriculture is so intractable. However, its being about 22 years since these negotiations have been on and we have to ask ourselves how do we make progress from these and try to deliver something that would work for the developing world. Agriculture is quite difficult and if we can get some agreement on the food security aspect again and how to make that work better, I think that would also be a good thing. We also have to deliver on the development agenda.

Developing countries are expecting to get some benefits out of the WTO and they have tabled several demands that they would like to see. Also, how do we treat the developing countries that are graduating out of that status? Can we give them a transition period so that that they don’t have to immediately jump from being least developed countries to having to implement all the rules as if they are now one of the middle income or lower middle income countries? Bangladesh is in that status right now of trying to transition. So, we need to agree on that. We need to agree on some other demands they have tabled and look at some past agreements to see if there are provisions that can be more helpful to the developing countries. On e-Commerce moratorium – you know we have this moratorium on not charging Customs duties on electronic transmission.

Now that trade is going digital, this is a very important agreement. We have been able to extend it every year. There are members who want it permanent and there are others who don’t, and we have been able to get around it by approving continuation for a year. So, we need to decide if we would do it again or we have a permanent agreement. So, those are some of the areas. Now, I want to mention that we have a couple of plurilateral agreements because what I have been talking about are the multilateral agreements. We have great plurilaterals where members of like minds came together to negotiate.

One that I want to talk about that is common is the investment facilitation agreement with 100 members, 80 of them from developing countries, trying to sweep away those rules that deter investments in countries. We all want to attract foreign direct investments and even make our countries attractive for our domestic investors, so that we can grow our economy. This agreement is a plurilateral, it would help and we hope to get it penciled down by then. We are also looking at accessions. There are many countries coming to the WTO wanting to accede, who are not members. That is very exciting. People don’t come to join you if they think you are not doing well. Now, we have seen an upsurge and we may deliver two at the MC13. But we have about six countries that are really working hard to join.

The last point I want to make is that we would deliver another product called Deliberative Sessions. We have not really done that before. We have many difficult issues and giving ministers a forum where they can get together and discuss this issues and try to get answers to the questions they have is important. We are going to set this up for the first time and ministers would have the opportunity to discuss issues on trade and climate; carbon taxes and prices being charged by different countries; inclusion and how you deal with MSMEs and women; industrial subsidies. You can see we have an absolute agenda in front of us, and if out of these whole list we can get two or three done, that is a success.

ASSESSMENT OF YOUR 30 MONTHS AS WTO DG

I love my job and I feel very privileged to be here. I think it is one of the most challenging, but one of the most exciting jobs. When I came into this room for this meeting, I was quite tired, but as soon as I started talking about the issues, I just wake up because they are so interesting. So, I feel charged up, ready to go and I try to deliver results for people. That is the bottom-line. What I am interested in at the WTO is if the agreements we are making touching people.

NOTE: The story continue online on www.thisdaylive.com

Kuru: AMCON Alw ays Ready to Resolve Issues with Arik Air Owners

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, in this interview, spoke about the Arik Air saga as well as issues around a proposed airline, NG Eagle, which ought to be its exit strategy from its aviation portfolio, but was frustrated by some persons in the immediate past administration. Obinna Chima and Eromosele Abiodun bring the excerpts:

There has been so much talk around AMCON’s sunset date, when is that supposed to be?

AMCON by its creation has a sunset date and the sunset date is built around its funding model. We believe strongly at AMCON that once you address the funding model bit of it, AMCON has no role to play again. AMCON wasn’t created to be there perpetually. The earlier we finish, which is what everybody is working towards, the better. But we can’t just walk away like that. It is not like a door you will just close and go.

There has to be a process. We have more than 2,000 cases, we have more than 6,000 obligors and you have outstanding. All these things need to be looked at and we are looking at it. So, one cannot say there is a specific date, but I can tell you that for the funding model, we have extended it beyond 2025. Our goal is to come up with a framework that we would have before that time, and it is possible. The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Finance and National Assembly are on same page on this and it is something that we can figure out a framework within 30 days.

For us, we are a resolution agency and we are always willing to receive obligors that really needs to come and talk to us for resolution. We have thousands of cases and we have closed more than 4,000 cases of people that came to us and we sat down and resolved. There are so many obligations that we don’t believe can be closed in a day, but I believe we can sit down with Arik or anybody and have a resolution. But the person must have a mindset that you want to have a resolution. If your outstanding obligation is more than N240 billion and if you sit down with me and say you want to give only N5 billion or N10 billion, then there is an issue. But if you look at what makes sense given the current economic situation. A lot of them like to hear that AMCON is winding down, so they think they can walk away. But it doesn’t work like that because Nigerians would not accept it. It doesn’t work like that. There must be a framework. The government can decide to set up a taskforce; they may decide to go to the National Assembly to set up a law that addresses how to seize people’s assets. Some obligors even stopped picking our calls when they felt that AMCON was winding down. It never works like that. For me, even if they say they are winding down, it is better they come and talk to us.

What is the update on Arik Air because we have seen reports alleging that AMCON has mismanaged the airline?

So, we went into Arik Air in 2017. Particularly, when we came on board in 2015, we never went near Arik, because at that time, the airline was carrying more than 40 per cent of the passenger load. But by 2017, Arik Air had entered into a very big crisis. They were not paying salaries, they were not paying insurance, the technical partners had gone, the guys they brought from Ethiopia had packed their bags and were going, they had more than N32 billion to pay the regulators – Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Everything was wrong with Arik.

Some of us can recall. They were now delaying and cancelling flights for days. Sometimes, when you have an Arik ticket, you could be at the airport for two to three days. Then the international community started writing and they started arresting the Arik’s aircraft. Then British government wrote because they were not paying the commitments to the international airports. At that time, the federal government felt that AMCON needed to support Arik. If we had not entered Arik in 2017, Arik wouldn’t have latest two weeks.

So, we were able to pump money into Arik to make sure that they continued to fly. But you know, today, everybody in the aviation industry will tell you that the sector is challenged. It is not only Arik or Aero Contractors that are facing challenges. If you ask the operator of one of the biggest airlines today, who is the Chairman of Air Peace, if he tells you what he goes through in running the airline, you will give him national award for him to continue to fly up till today. Fundamentally, the problem with the industry is

Kuru

that you can’t pick one airline and say it has run successfully for 10 years. Nigerians are very dynamic people and in all spheres of life, you will find Nigerians that are doing well. But there is no airline that has ran successfully for 10 years.

That tells you that fundamentally there are issues and these issues have to be addressed.

I am very happy that the new minister has promised to look into some of these things. Recently, the association of pilots commended us for the fact that Arik is still flying because they know what we are going through. We just make sure that the airline continues to fly. But people try to judge you based on one. Unfortunately, the obligors are the ones that are going about feeding members of the public information that are fundamentally not correct. What we always say is that if there are facts, come to us. We are a government agency and we can only do things based on the law that created us.

There is the claim that AMCON inherited 30 aircraft in the fleet of Arik, which has been decimated to about three. How many aircraft are in operation right now?

The time we entered into Arik, there were about seven Aircraft on Ground. Aircraft on ground doesn’t mean it is flying, but it is on ground, which means if you fix one or two things, it will fly. However, at that time, based on the record that we had, Arik was supposed to have more than 30 aircraft. But some of them had been vandalised and others cannibalised. If you pass through Arik’s hanger, you will see so many aircraft parked and they looked so innocent as if you can start the engine and fly them out. But some of them don’t have engine and landing gears. It also became a challenge because most of the aircraft belong to lenders such as Afreximbank, Access Bank, Zenith, EDC of Canada.

Some of them when they even tried to seize the aircraft, they realise that the body was for one bank and the engine was for another bank. Frankly speaking, the guy that set up Arik had a good idea because he wanted to have an international airline, but he got it wrong buying some aircraft

that run into hundreds of million dollars. The aircraft are there, but it will shock you to know how much was paid for them. It’s a serious challenge and usually, we’ve seen it in Arik where someone decides to steal from himself. It’s a problem. Let me make something clear. AMCON doesn’t get involved in businesses. It’s just unfortunate that we got caught up in this Arik saga and we didn’t go there by accident. The government of that day wanted a situation whereby Arik should be saved. Because based on the security report they had, Arik would not have lasted another one or two weeks and Arik was very fundamental to them. We had a meeting in the office of the former vice president, who was the acting president. And then the idea that Arik must be saved, you know, because of the prominence at that time. AMCON, at that time made it very clear that we don’t want anything to do with aviation. The minister of aviation was there.

Captain Roy was headhunted from the industry and everybody that is in the aviation industry knows who Captain Roy is. Then, there was Captain Ado Sanusi. Even if you are running a private business, it can’t be better than that. These are some of the best guys in the industry. It’s not like AMCON went there and started riding the aircraft from the Tarmac. But the fact that the AMCON name is there, and it is having challenges. We hardly close down a running business, I can tell you. Hardly. Some of those businesses were already dead. AMCON cannot just go and see a thriving business and just lock it. It doesn’t happen like that. But something that is just hanging there by whiskers. Just touch it and it drops. Then they will say AMCON has come and they have closed our shop.

So, is there is no way of resolving the Arik Air debacle?

There is always a way out of every resolution. It is just a question of give and take. What is important is for us to sit down with the owner of Arik if he is ready and agree on what makes sense to him, to us and the government and then we go back

to the CBN as well as the Ministry of Finance and share such resolution strategy with them. If you recall, in the past, we resolved issues that are more difficult and more complicated than the Arik issue in the banks, oil and gas, manufacturing sector, real estate and investment, automobile, telecommunications, just to mention a few. But for any resolution to take place, the two parties or the parties involved must have understanding.

We are convinced that there is always a way out. In our resolution initiatives, we focus more on the business than even the recovery. Sometimes we let go where we realise that the business will survive and the key benefit to that is that you will keep employment because there are more than 1,000 persons working at Arik and it is providing services in an industry that still has gaps. So, sometimes when you look at the feasibility of keeping the business going, it also makes you to give more concession. but the party on the other side must come with the mindset that they are ready for resolution.

For Arik, we would continue to maintain, we have said it privately and we are saying it publicly, we are always ready for us to have a conversation. So many people have come to us and we have encouraged them to encourage the party on the other side to come and talk to us. At the end of the day, we have to come up with a strategy on how to move forward, because the current situation is not sustainable. Our prayer is that we have a resolution with the owners of the business, such a way that it would be a win-win situation for everybody.

NG Eagle was supposed to be an exit strategy on the Arik Air and Aero Contractors debacle, where are we on the proposed airline?

NG Eagle, if you recall, when we entered into Arik, the intention was to stabilise the business. Usually, when AMCON enters into any business, normally it is for recovery. But when we took over Arik, the intention was not for recovery, but to stabilise, because as at that time, government was interested that the airline must continue to fly. So, by the time we entered, we agreed that there must be an exit strategy. Beside the financial obligation hanging around Arik, which was in excess of N250 billion to N300 billion, there were other debtors. Arik had quite a lot of challenges, both locally and internationally. Some of those assets that were at Arik, actually didn’t belong to Arik, but they belong to banks and AMCON.

So we said why don’t we set up and independent airline and then move those assets into the new airline because those assets were not encumbered, and then that new airline would be disposed without any issues and there were quite a lot of investors who were interested in entering into the aviation space. We had meetings and started the process of setting up the NG Eagle airline. It took us almost two years to follow the process. At that time, the aviation ministry asked to see how they can help the process. We had to get through the rigors of getting a licence and at the last point when we were just picking up the licence, the aviation industry come up to say we are planning to set up a national carrier. So, for reasons not known to us, we were frustrated.

They reported us to the National Assembly and people started talking about past due obligations that were part of the original agreement. That was how we were frustrated. There were three aircraft that were branded, sitting on the tarmac and they sat on the tarmac for almost two years, which was very strange to us in AMCON.

We didn’t wake up overnight and decided to set up the airline. The aviation authorities were with us all through the process up to the point that we were to pick our licence. We got to a point where people started saying we wanted to do a national carrier. AMCON has no business setting up a national carrier; we are only interested in resolving debt issue. We were frustrated and we had to find a way of dealing with the licence because it was going to expire after a certain period if we didn’t use it. We therefore started a process to sell the licence and we were able to sell it to somebody who intends to continue flying. If the persons that bought it doesn’t meet the requirements of NCAA, unfortunately the licence may expire.

INAUGURATION OF KEFFESO HOST COMMUNITIES’ DEVELOPMENT TRUST...

L-R: Secretary, KEFFESO Host Communities’ Development Trust (KHCDT), Hon. Mathew Sele-Epri; Chairman, KHCDT, His Royal Highness, Mokoama Sangana Kingdom, Moses Theophilus; Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Bayelsa State, Dr. Ebieri Jones; Field Coordinator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Sylvester Bighoro; Manager, Stakeholders Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mrs. Julie Utang and Executive Director, Corporate Services, FIRST E&P, Mr. Emmanuel Etomi at the NNPC/ FIRST E&P JV's inauguration of KEFFESO Host Communities’ Development Trust held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State ….yesterday

Devastating Ginger Disease Outbreak Wreaks Economic Havoc in Kaduna

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal government has promised support following an outbreak of ginger disease which has ravaged several communities, leading to loss of livelihoods to farmers in Kaduna State and its environs.

The state accounts for 80 per cent of the ginger grown in the country and the commodity is referred as the mainstay of the state’s economy.

About 95 per cent of the entire ginger grown this year has been wiped out following the epidemic which was first noticed in August and characterised by the sudden yellowing and drying of ginger leaves, thereby resulting in the rotting of its rhizome in the soil.

An assessment conducted by the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, identified the disease as a fungal infection, which is both air and soil borne.

Although, fungicides were recommended for fumigation of the affected farms, the solution came rather too late, the farmers claimed.

The state government and stakeholders and traditional rulers have continued to appeal to the federal government for support amid the devastation.

Speaking during the inspection of the affected farms in the Southern Kaduna communities, over the weekend, the Executive Director/ Chief Executive, Nigerian Export

IFAD Backs FG in Digitalisation of Agriculture in N'Delta

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

In a bid to enhance job creation for the youths and women across the Niger Delta region, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has expressed commitment to supporting the federal government in the digitalisation of agriculture in the region.

To achieve this, the project, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) funded by the federal government through a loan from IFAD, would be executed by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Recognising the need for such innovation for the Niger Delta region, the federal government recently had an exchange visit to the IFAD-assisted Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme - Climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods (KCEP-CRAL) Project in Kenya.

During the international exchange programme, attended by other IFAD funded Projects targeted at job creation, the leadership of the FGN/NDDC/ IFAD LIFE-ND Project reiterated its commitment to transforming agriculture in the Niger Delta through digitalisation.

The team shared valuable insights on how ICT tools and strategies could

be deployed to effectively improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers.

The Nigerian Project, according to the media unit, extensively explained how to boost agric productivity and livelihood by harnessing technology.

The team explained that the innovation would revolutionise farming practices, enhance food security, and improve the socioeconomic well-being of local communities in the region.

The IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, during the exchange visit, explained the importance of collaboration and partnerships and the desire of IFAD to use ICT tools for agricultural development.

She acknowledged the strides already made by KCEP-CRAL and the opportunities inherent in supporting the achievement recorded by the LIFE-ND project in the area of ICT for Development.

Also, the Director, Project Coordinating Unit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Bukar Musa, noted the position of the ICT for Development initiative with the agricultural policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He further stated that ICT for Development was a veritable tool for ensuring food security, job creation and economic growth in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak, said the devastation could affect the commodity world market supply chain as the country remains the fourth largest producer of ginger, adding that it would negatively impact non-oil performance.

He told THISDAY, “Next year, you will see or realise that the entire spectrum of the world market will be affected by this disease and that’s why we are all here to have a first-hand information – to look at things and see what we can do in terms of intervention.

“It is not a good thing for us in terms of exports because with what we have seen here about 95 per cent of the entire ginger has been wiped away in Kaduna and what that means is that it is going to affect our non-oil export performance and that’s why we are worried and it is a thing of concern.”

Describing the outbreak as a pandemic, the NEPC boss said all hands must be on deck to address the problem

He said, “The way COVID-19 came and all efforts were on that

Customs

disease, we should also place must attention on this disease because it is something that would affect the economy of this nation.

“I want to tell you that Nigeria is the fourth largest ginger producing country but Nigerian ginger is the best because of its pungency, high aroma and oil content.

“So, if this is happening to Nigeria, it’s like it’s happening to the world because eventually, it is going to affect the world market.”

Yakusak, said the NEPC would intervene by providing improved seedlings as well as build the capacity of ginger farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) going forward.

He said, “And another thing the council is going to do is to see how we can get improved seedlings to be distributed to farmers. It is not an easy task but we have to do that because the situation is actually pathetic.

“We’ve seen it, the whole ginger is actually melted and it is quite a strange disease that we don’t know where it is coming from – and it’s both air and soil borne because if you go

to every farmer, the story is the same -this moment the ginger is fresh and green, the just the next moment, it is dry and melted completely.”

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Murtala Dabo, described the situation as really sad as about 2,500 hectares of farmland was affected adding that more than seven farms had witnessed unprecedented level of devastation.

He said, “As you can see, over 90 per cent of the farms are gone, melted. And the sad reality is that in this part of the state, our mainstay is ginger, we hardly cultivate the food crops. It is from ginger that they buy food, sponsor their children to school and from ginger they do every other thing.

“So, our livelihood is gone and there is so much strain on our people. We really need all the support we can get.”

According to the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, already confirmed it was a fungal attack.

He said, “They came, took samples of the plant and the soil and as it is now, they’ve made their

recommendations for the fungicide application but it came late.

“We bought the fungicides and distributed among our smallholder farmers but the larger part of the farms is gone. We are trying to salvage the little may be for the seeds. Truly, we need to have improved seeds against next year.

“The loss is unquantifiable. Over 2,500 hectares are gone and with between N8 billion and N10 billion in monetary losses to farmers.”

The Sole Administrator, Jaba Local Government Council, Kaduna State, Hon. Nita Byack George, while calling on the federal government for urgent intervention, said the development had affected the lives of individual persons and the economy of the local government. She told THISDAY, “It would amaze you to hear that there were some of our people who collapsed on their farms the moment they saw the devastating situation of their crops.

“A lot of families are really in great confusion because ginger is their source of livelihood and greatly affected the economy of the communities.”

Decries Despicable Working Environment for Personnel

Launches work-life initiative to improve health of officers across commands

The acting Comptroller-General of Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, has decried the despicable environments its personnel across commands carried out their daily duties, lamenting that such do not promote good health.

Speaking while flagging off a 5-kilometre work-life balance initiative in Abuja, he said the service was witnessing an increase in the reported cases of avoidable diseases as a result.

Adeniyi, said Customs personnel come under pressure to fulfil various obligations, often mentally demanding, and physically exhausting.

As a result, he said the service has established 32 clinics and medical centres across the country to cater to the health needs of its personnel.

Speaking shortly after the

5km walk from its Wuse Zone 3 office to the newly inaugurated Maitama corporate headquarters, over the weekend, Adeniyi said, “Our officers all over the country work in environments that do not promote good health. Those living in big cities are forced to acquire lifestyles where their commitment is overwhelmingly skewed in favour of work and at the expense of their well-being.”

He noted that the implication of imbalance was shown in the preponderance of many reported cases of medical conditions among its workforce.

He said, “We are witnessing an increase in the reported cases of avoidable diseases like low blood sugar, high pressure, weight control and obesity. As a tradition, we subject all officers who participated in the training through a test at the beginning, middle and end of the month programme. There is a

need for deliberate effort to improve the health condition of our officers through their lifestyle.”

Adeniyi, pointed out that the decision was reached after an analysis of recent data by officers who reported for a five-month training at the Service’s Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

He explained that over the period of their training, it was discovered that over 50 per cent of the officers return to the college with conditions of high blood pressure, 60 per cent of them with diabetics, 40 per cent with obesity, and other weight-related programmes.

He stressed that by the end of their training when they go through these lifestyle changes and exercises to improve their health, they recorded a positive improvement to the tune of over 50 per cent in all our courses.

He added, “While this has proven to be effective, a more sustainable

approach lies in our effort to promote a healthy work-life balance among our officers.”

He encouraged the officers to continue to engage themselves in extra exercises such as jogging, mountain hiking, dancing and all other curricular activities while also urging them to embrace the work-life balance as it will continue to improve their health and also contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the Service.

The acting CGC also mentioned that the exercise will facilitate the unity and love between Customs officers across the federation, stressing that “participating in this brisk walking exercise fosters friendship and unity and sense of shared purpose amongst us.”

The brisk walking exercise was attended by Deputy ComptrollerGenerals of Customs in charge of different Units, Assistant ComptrollerGenerals, and all Comptrollers down to Assistant of Customs III.

FG promises support as farmers estimate losses at N10bn, livelihoods threatened, 95% of farms ravaged NEPC says epidemic will negatively impact country’s non-oil revenues, mulls provision of improved seedlings, training on good agricultural practices

James Emejo and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

LAGOS-ABUJA ROAD PROJECT BRIEFING...

CPPE Sets 10-Point Agenda

Says banking recapitalisation imperative for New CBN Governor

As the value of the naira weakened to N1,000 per dollar on the parallel market last week, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has identified restoration of confidence in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and the recapitalisation of the banking industry as the most urgent tasks facing the Acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso.

This was contained in a statement titled, “10 Points Agenda for the CBN Governor,” issued yesterday, by the Founder of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf.

According to the CPPE, the 10 points agenda are restoring confidence to the foreign exchange market, deepening the financial system, ensuring efficiency of the financial system, capital requirements for banks, addressing ways and means financing of fiscal deficit and complete jettisoning of the controversial naira redesign policy.

Others are the tenure and cost of funds in the banking system, reducing concentration of risks in banking sector, initiation of stakeholders’ engagement and

corporate governance.

Yusuf added: “Dr. Cardoso is assuming the leadership of the CBN at a very crucial time in our economic history. There is a serious confidence crisis in the foreign exchange market fueling an unprecedented speculative onslaught on the naira.

“The economy is grappling with severe adverse effects of depreciating exchange rate, soaring energy costs, ravaging inflationary pressures, huge backlog of foreign exchange obligations that needs to be cleared and debt service obligations that need to be redeemed.

“Sadly, these outcomes are manifesting at a time when the country’s foreign reserves have been substantially encumbered.”

He pointed out that economic management orthodoxy of market forces was being called to question in the country following the social outcomes of the recent marketoriented reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, adding that, “this is evidently an economic management quandary that the new economic team would have to manage, and urgently too. And the CBN has a key role to play in this.”

He, therefore, enjoined the CBN to ensure strategic and transparent intervention in the foreign exchange market in order to minimise volatility, as far as the country’s foreign reserves can support.

“In addition to the ‘I & E’ window, it has become necessary to create an autonomous window in the banking system where the currency can trade freely without any encumbrances. This is necessary to avert the diversion of remittances to other jurisdictions or the black market. We cannot afford to live in denial at this time.

“The clearance of the backlog of foreign exchange obligations should be accorded high priority to restore the confidence of domestic and foreign investors,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf also told Cardoso that the time was ripe for another recapitalisation exercise in the banking industry because of the considerable loss of value due to the depreciation of the naira in the foreign exchange market.

He recalled that the minimum capital requirements for banks was raised from N2 billion to N25 billion during the last banking consolidation exercise in 2004, which was an

equivalent of $187 million capital base.

He, however, noted that, “today the same N25 billion is an equivalent of just $32.5 million. This is a clear indication of the phenomenal erosion of the capital base of the banks.

“Recapitalisation of the banks has, therefore, become imperative. It is important to ensure that the capital base of banks can support their current exposures in the interest of the stability of the financial system.”

He advised the governor of the CBN to suspend the naira redesign policy indefinitely.

“It should not be a priority at this time. There was really no compelling argument to undertake the naira redesign in the first place,” he added.

The CPPE called for the deepening of the financial intermediation role of the deposit money banks to increase the ratio of credit to the private sector in Nigeria that was a mere 20.6 per cent of the nation’s GDP in 2022, against sub-Saharan average of 28 per cent and global average of 145 per cent.

The CPPE also highlighted the, “need to reduce the ratio of noninterest income as a percentage of income of banks, which was 42.5

LIRS Chief Clarifies Stamp Duty, Says It’s Revenue Stamp, Not Postage Stamp

The Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Mr. Tokunbo Akande has clarified the misunderstanding about stamp duty as he maintained that it is a revenue stamp and not a postage stamp.

Akande, made this known, while featuring as a guest on The Tax Talk programme on Channels Television recently.

He said contrary to public opinion, stamp is not just for courier services as it is meant to certify the underlying transaction between two entities, whether they are corporate entities or individuals, thus, the framework for stamp duty is to verify the documents for underlying transactions and ensure that they are admissible in court in case any disputes arise.

Akande noted; “It's interesting to note that stamp duty, a tax law that dates back to 1939, is still in effect today. Although it was reenacted in 2004 and has been updated over time through the finance act, the basic premise remains the same.

“Stamp duty places the responsibility on those involved in certain transactions to provide documentation that explains the details of the transaction. For example, if someone purchases an item from another person, a receipt is given to show the transaction.

“This receipt must be stamped to be considered admissible evidence in court in case any disputes arise. In the past, the postal stamp was used to denote the stamp duty.”

Akande, who noted that Stamp

duty has contributed significantly to revenue generation in Lagos State, as the state has generated over N5 million from stamp duty over the past few years, said the agency believes there is still room for improvement.

While stating that the agency was considering the introduction of revenue stamps for wholesalers and distributors for receipts over N10,000 in the state, he noted; “This approach was previously utilised in the 1970s, and we are eager to revitalise it. We are fully committed to engagement and process improvement.”

He said the agency had taken the step of digitising its stamp duty operation by transitioning from manual to electronic processes.

According to Akande, “The Joint Tax Board (JTB), which oversees all Internal Revenue Services (IRSs), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), customs, immigration, and other related bodies, has been at the forefront of promoting awareness about stamp duty in general.

“LIRS (Lagos State Internal Revenue Service) has also made significant efforts in this area by holding town hall meetings, issuing public notices and guidance notes, and engaging with professional bodies.

“However, despite these efforts, the message has not been fully received. It is important to note that the law requires that all transactions between two entities must be stamped, and even items such as cheques have a small stamp on them.

per cent two years ago and would have gone up by now given the numerous headwinds confronting investors in the economy while in most developing economies, the ratio is less than 30 per cent.

“This income structure is a reflection of the failure of financial intermediation in the economy. This, therefore, needs to be addressed. The core function of the banking industry is financial intermediation.

“A situation where non-banking activities are crowding out the financial intermediation functions of the deposit money banks is detrimental to the growth of the economy,” CPPE said.

Yusuf, pointed out that the spread between deposit and lending rates in the Nigerian banking system was too high.

“It is an indication of serious efficiency issues in the banking system. In Nigeria, the spread is over 20 per cent, one of the highest globally. The average for sub-Sahara countries is 10 per cent and global average is about 6.6 per cent. The large spread is detrimental to investment growth and disincentive to savings.”

He also called the attention of the governor of the CBN to the use of ways and means to financing of government’s fiscal deficit.

He argued that, “ways and means finances of the CBN must be kept within statutory limits to avoid the damaging impacts of high-powered money on the macroeconomic environment. The experience of the last few years must not be allowed to repeat itself.”

NSITF Secures Enrollees from Maritime University

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) said it has reached an understanding with the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, to help bring more enrollees under the innovative social insurance scheme.

As a social security agency of the federal government, the NSITF said it has enormous role in lifting lots of the workers in Nigeria out of poverty. It said apart from offering free occupational safety training to workers to eliminate hazards and promote productivity, the NSITF also strives to meet the workers at their critical point of need.

A statement by the NSITF General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Nwachukwu Godson, quoted the Managing Director of NSITF, Mrs. Maureen Allagoa, as having stated this during a sensitisation visit to the Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State.

Allagoa, who was represented by Warri Branch Manager of the Fund, Mr. Erhire Joseph Ọghifo, leading other members of the Compliance Team, said the NSITF had successfully keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

“We offer free occupational safety

training to workers to eliminate hazards and promote productivity. We also meet the workers at their critical point of need – eventuality of accidents or even death in the course of work. We rehabilitate, we pay benefits and assist a worker get up on his feet again.

“And where the inevitable comes, we assist dependants, the bereaved family live beyond tears,” he said. Oghifo further listed increased productivity and industrial harmony as part of the benefits of the scheme and listed a number of claims beneficiaries in Warri and the environs, explaining that the advantages of the ECS over the repealed Workman Compensation Act (WCA) lies in the uniqueness of the ECS as a "no fault scheme."

In his words, “the fund is determined to live down its past and pull along the nation’s workforce at a time no effort should be spared towards a fulfilling world of work.”

While welcoming the team, the Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Prof. Emmanuel Munakurogha Adigio, applauded the new management team of the Fund for its visible commitment towards the actualisation of the Employee Compensation goals.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

L-R: Chairman, AEC Network Limited Consortium, Chief Kenny Martins; Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi and Head, Public Private Partnership, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs Abimbola Asein, during the MinisterPress Parley on the Proposed Lagos-Abuja Greenfield Super Highway project (470km) in Lagos at the weekend. ABAYOMI AKINYELE

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE YOUNG IMPACT ASSOCIATES PROGRAMME BY MASTERCARD …

Reduce Bogus Committees for Efficiency, David Mark Urges NASS Leadership

Laments rising hardship following subsidy removal

Sunday

Aborisade in Abuja

Former President of the Senate, David Mark, has faulted the high numbers of standing committees recently created by both chambers of the National Assembly, saying it would encourage legislative inefficiency.

Mark, stated this in a paper he presented at a two-day retreat of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly held in Ikot Ekpene , Akwa Ibom state which ended at the weekend, He said the number of special and standing committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives were too many and would affect productivity.

He added, "There are eight Special Committees and 63 Standing Committees in the Senate. Similarly, there are Seven Special Committees, 74 Standing Committees in the

House of Representatives.

"The US Senate, has a total of 24 Committees made up of four Special Committees, 16 Standing Committees and Four Joint Committees. This is for the sake of comparison.

"Most of the legislative works are done in the committees. Therefore, it is important that the Committees are made to function properly and effectively.

"In the Senate Standing Orders 2022 (as amended), Order 94(2) it is stated that a Senator shall not serve in more than seven committees, which means a Senator can be in six committees. This clearly in my opinion is not a wise thing to do.

"A legislator if he is in six committees will not be able to participate effectively or efficiently in the committee assignments.”

Speaking further, Mark said: "Besides this, the total of 71 committees (8 plus 63) in the Senate

Alliance Plans 200-bed Hospital, Medical University in FCT

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A major healthcare provider in the Federal Capital Teritory (FCT), the Alliance Hospital Group has revealed plan to commence the construction of a 200-bed hospital facility in the capital city before the end of the year.

The Chief Medical Director of Alliance Hospital Group, Dr. Christopher Otabor, who disclosed this to members of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalist (ANHEJ) at the weekend, said the group was also planning to establish a University of Medical Science that would help train postgraduate doctors to become consultants.

The surgeon who said Alliance Hospital was established in 2011, as a clinic, now has 66 beds space with five Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds to attend to patients in critical health conditions.

"As we speak, we're working on our permanent site before the end of this year. I am going to invite you people to the groundbreaking ceremony for our permanent building. And it's meant to be a 200-bed hospital facility in the FCT.

"We also intend to have a University of Medical Science, so we can have full time trained medical doctors and also train postgraduate doctors to become consultants. We are looking at maximum of 10

years to complete this project, just a projection but before the end of this year by God's grace, we will lay the foundation stone for the hospital," he explained.

Speaking on the facilities available at the hospital, the Medical Director said Alliance Hospital currently boosts of fully equipped five ICUs that are used to take care of patients in very critical health conditions.

He also said the hospital has special baby care unit with ventilators.

Atabo, said the five ICU beds in Alliance Hospital are all equipped with ventilators that have life support. According to him, each ventilator cost the hospital N20 million to acquire.

"That means at any time someone is not able to breathe, or somebody's heart stops, or someone is not able to take charge of himself, we will take charge of him and of his life till when he recovers, and we have been able to save a lot of people with these five beds," he said.

Atabo, also spoke of the importance of a well- equipped medical diagnostic laboratory centre, adding that not having good diagnostics of patient's illness was a big problem in Nigeria healthcare system, because not too many diagnostics centres have the equipment to accurately diagnose a problem.

and 81 committees (7 plus 74) in the House of Representatives, in my opinion is unwieldy.

"You must understand that not every Senator or House member can be a chairman of a committee.

"A ranking member of a committee is as effective and as influential as a chairman of the committee.

"Creating so many committees for patronage and political expediency is counter-productive. In constituting the committee, it will be advisable to ensure expertise, party spread, geographical balancing and ranking. I must emphasise the issue of ranking; it is very important in the legislature.

"Furthermore, the committees should be properly funded, staffed and encouraged to interact more with the public, and do more research."

Mark, suggested that the reduction of the committees would increase membership per committee, thus bringing in more expertise and party spread.

He also said fewer committees

in the parliament would improve funding and make for better meeting attendance and participation

He explained that the parliament would adequately employ qualified staff and ensure coordinated research that would avoid duplication of efforts.

Mark, said the most important function of the committee was oversight adding that lawmakers should not see the exercise as a mere visit or jamboree.

"If the Executive is allowed to fund the oversight, the likelihood of compromising is increased," he added.

The former Senate President said the 10th National Assembly came into the equation at a very difficult and trying period in the history of this country. He said, "First, problems associated with the necessary but untimely removal of the fuel subsidy without immediate palliatives and other economic programmes in place.

"This has brought untold hardship on the people. The merits and the demerits of the removal

notwithstanding, it has painted politicians as insensitive, increased crime rate and exacerbated poverty.

"Secondly, the high level of insecurity in the years preceding your elections adversely affected the economy, prevented farmers from going to the farm. This has resulted in food scarcity.

"The Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) decision to float the naira, laudable as it may be, has resulted in all sorts of hardship.

"It has reduced the spending power of the worker and the ordinary Nigerian. It has resulted in the depreciation of the Naira and also escalated high cost of living.”

Mark tasked the 10th National Assembly to prioritise its legislative agenda to address among others the controversial inconclusive elections in future.

Furthermore, Mark listed some of the problems facing the nation to include deteriorating economic situation, high crime rate, unemployment, farmers/ herders clashes, banditry, terrorism, food shortage , insufficient and decaying

infrastructure, out of school children and poor health facilities among others .

He noted that although the problems were primarily not the creation of the legislators, but Nigerians elected them to proffer solutions.

To address the myriad of problems, he told the Akpabio-led principal officers of the National Assembly to be innovative, think and act outside the box pointing out that, “it cannot be business as usual.”

He said, “You must therefore design a legislative agenda that can provide a legal and regulatory framework that will support government initiatives and policies. The agenda must show in clear and concrete terms how to address the issues facing nation.

“It must respond to critical national issues like growing the economy, job creation, tackling insecurity, anti-corruption and show synergy between the legislative agenda and the executive programmes.

Tinubu 'll Revamp Nigeria's Economy, Boost Energy Sector, Says Rone, FLNG Boss

A leading gas company, UTM Offshore Ltd, owner of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquified Natural Gas (UTM FLNG) company has x-rayed the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and expressed optimism that the administration would revamp the nation's productive sector.

The Managing Director of UTM Offshore Ltd, Dr. Julius Rone, at the weekend said Tinubu's commitment while speaking to international oil and gas stakeholders at the sideline of the just concluded 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, was a major boost to the Nigerian energy sector. The UTM boss hinted that leveraging on the policies of the administration, his company has intensified collaborations with world-class energy conglomerates as part of its effort to ensure affordable gas in the country.

Rone, who had already signed a Head of Terms (HoT) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited as well as Front End Engineering Design contract with JGC Corporation of Japan, Technip Energies of France and Kellog Brown & Root KBR of United Kingdom, believes that such collaboration would leapfrog gas production, drastically reduce the price of gas for home,

automobile and industrial use, provide jobs as well as lower gas flaring and its attendant hazards in the country.

He expressed confidence in the ability of indigenous energy companies to collaborate with other conglomerates across the world to fast-track the development of the Nigerian gas sector.

The UTM MD assured that the floating LNG project would create over 7,000 jobs opportunities and support other efforts to accelerate the nation’s economic growth in line with the commitment and policy thrust of the Tinubu-led administration.

He said when completed the facility would produce, on annual basis, 1.5 million tonnes of LNG for export, 300,000 metric tonnes of LPG for domestic market and some quantities of condensate.

He commended the Tinubu administration for its commitment in providing access

to clean, accessible, affordable, available and abundant energy for all Nigerians and reiterated UTM's commitment to partner the federal government to realise this agenda.

Tinubu had while speaking to officials of the global transnational Oil and Gas giant, ExxonMobil on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA last week, gave assurance that the federal government was poised to solve the challenges of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

“Despite many contending obligations, I’ll sit and oversee the process of removing these encumbrances to job and wealth creation for the Nigerian people…We know the industry. We grew up. We are positioned to solve the problems and we are pragmatic and we’ll solve the problem”, the president had assured the international stakeholders according to a statement issued by Presidency

L-R: Country Director, Nigeria, Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn; Chief Executive Officer, Preston Associates for International Development, (PAID), Dr. Nkemdilim Ene; Representative, ITAD, Tosin Abayomi; Young Impact Associate graduate, Seember Ishuh; Associate Director, Global Integrity, Jorge Florez and Chief Executive Officer, Cloneshouse, Oludotun Babayemi during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Young Impact Associates Program by Mastercard Foundation held in Abuja...recently

Dr. Julius Rone

SHARING EXPERIENCE SERIES…

Akwa Ibom Governor: I Prefer Good First Term to Useless Two-Terms

Pledges to invest in 7.9 million Akwa Ibom people than few individuals

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa

Ibom State has said he would be satisfied creating an impactful single term than a two-term in office without anything to show.

The governor spoke against threats that his inability to service stakeholders’ structures may work against his chances to be re-elected for second term.

At a media parley at Government House, Uyo, at the weekend, Eno said he would rather invest in the 7.9 million Akwa Ibom people than a few individual.

"We are trying to ensure that my recurrent expenditure does not run at par with my capital expenditure. Whatever we save is to be put back in the rural areas. Every N500 million I save would give me a school, would give me a hospital.

"I prefer a good first term than a useless two-terms. It is only when you account for four years well, that you would be asked to go again.

"I'll rather put money in rural communities. My job is to ensure that the 7.9 million people are satisfied. I discovered that almost everybody is waiting

on government," he stated

On infrastructure development in the state, the governor said, "the challenge before us is to maintain the existing infrastructure. We lack maintenance culture. That is why we seek to establish an asset management agency to help in maintenance of our assets. We build new ones when we have to.”

In order to turn around the rural areas in the state, Eno said the state government was working with the 31 Local Government chairmen on agricultural development.

"We will be using not less than 50 hectares of land per Local Government Area for farming.

"On rural development, we are doing the best we can to take development to rural communities. We have started building model schools, we are soon going to start ambulance services in the rural areas.

"I am not perfect, but i promise that I will not deliberately launch this state into something we would regret. We will do our best," he pledged.

He lauded President Bola

IG, Five Others Sued for N10bn over Alleged Rights Abuse

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Inspector General (IG) of Police and five others have been slammed with a N10 billion human rights enforcement suit for allegedly breaching the fundamental human rights of two investors in the country.

The plaintiffs, Ibrahim Shehu Tenimu and Jemima Monosoko Shehu, who claimed to be Directors with an indigenous Paz Oil Nigeria Limited, had dragged the defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja, over alleged breach of their rights.

Those sued alongside the IG were the Nigeria Police Force; Commissioner of Police in Kwara State Command, Superintendent of Police Sadiq Sule; Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, and his Company, Kam Steel Integrated Limited as 1st to 6th defendants respectfully.

The main grouse of the two plaintiffs was that Yusuf, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Kam Steel Integrated Company, was allegedly using the instrumentalities of police to breach their fundamental rights without due process of law. Specifically, they claimed

that Yusuf, the 5th defendant in the suit, was using police through the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) of Kwara State Command to intimidate, harass, witch hunt and oppress them and their family members over a pure civil transaction.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1278/2023, was instituted by Akintoye Balogun, against the defendants on behalf of the applicants.

The suit has been listed before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja but no date has yet been fixed for hearing.

The applicants are seeking amongst others, "A declaration that the serial acts of intimidation, incessant invitations and persistent threats of the 1st to 4th respondents (the Police) to invite, witch-hunt, arrest, detain, embarrass and humiliate them on the alleged prompting and instigation of the 5th Respondent (Dr. Kamoru Yusuf), amount to a violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in sections 35, 37, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"A declaration that the

serial acts of intimidation, incessant invitations and persistent threats of the 1st to 4th respondents to invite, witch-hunt, arrest, detain, embarrass and humiliate the applicants herein, on the prompting and instigation of the 5th respondent, over civil transactions between the applicants and the 5th and 6th respondents is illegal, unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional and constitute a blatant violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights as enshrined in sections 35 to 37, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

"A declaration that the violent invasion, viet armis of the 1st applicant’s residence at Plot 1, Ibrahim Shehu Tenimu Close, Gwarimpa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by operatives of the 1st to 4th respondents at the instigation of the 5th respondent, on the 1st and the 2nd of August 2023 to arrest the 1st and 2nd Applicants, without a warrant or a court order to that effect, is ultra vires the powers of the respondents is illegal, unconstitutional and constitutes a violation of the applicants’ fundamental rights to privacy and dignity

Nigeria Pushes for Open, Secure Internet Access

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian government has subscribed to a free and secure Internet for Africa, which is capable of bridging the digital divide and creating innovative opportunities within the continent.

creating policies and strategies that would shape the future of the internet in Africa.

of human person as guaranteed by sections 34 and 37of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

"A declaration that the applicants are entitled to a public apology and adequate compensation from the respondents as provided for in sections 35 (6) and 46 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered, Sections 314 (1) and 323 (1), (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, for the blatant violation of the Applicants’ fundamental rights, over a civil transaction.”

They applied for an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the respondents from the continuous invitations, witch-hunting, arresting and attempts to arrest, detain, embarrass and humiliate them.

They prayed for an order directing the respondents jointly and severally, to pay them a sum of N10 billion only as exemplary damages for the wanton and grave violation of their fundamental rights without following the due process of the law.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the suit by Justice Olajuwon.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who canvassed this position at the just-concluded Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) at Abuja, stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to engendering necessary collaborations and international dialogues to achieve these objectives.

The minister, who addressed the forum virtually, said Nigeria, as the largest telecommunications market in Africa, would continue to be conscious of all the dynamics of emerging technologies around internet usage and would continue to work with countries in Africa on different fronts to ensure that the internet was effectively governed so its innumerable resources can be leveraged for citizens and nation's growth.

“The need for our consistent collaboration to develop our economy collectively is preeminent in the agenda of the current administration in Nigeria. It is through this kind of forum that we can bridge the digital divides, enhance cybersecurity, ensure digital rights and foster innovation.

“It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure that the Internet remains open, safe and beneficial for all,” Tijani told participants from Africa that attended the forum.

The minister encouraged all the stakeholders to prioritise a collaborative approach to

Tijani, specially commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other agencies of government that constituted the Local Organising Committee (LOG), on behalf of the Nigerian government as well as all sponsors, for a successful 2023 AfIGF.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, provided insights on NCC's commitment to driving a secure internet ecosystem in Nigeria through various regulatory initiatives. Danbatta, stated that Nigeria has attained tremendous growth in broadband penetration, basic Internet usage, and voice subscriptions and recorded impressive contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The NCC CEO said as Nigeria hosted this year’s edition of the AfIGF, the country was focused on sharing experiences with other sister nations in Africa as well as learning from the AfIGF parliamentarians from Africa who gathered at the forum to collectively drive the frontiers of the ideals of proper utilisation of Internet resources to promote socio-economic development on the African continent.

Chief of the Section on Innovation and Technology at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Dr. Mactar Seck, thanked the NCC and all entities of government that provided support and played a great role in ensuring the success of the event, said with a forum such as the AfIGF, African nations can continue to aggregate views that allow them to speak with one voice to get greater benefits for African economic development.

Tinubu for making him part of the delegation of governors to the 78th UN General Assembly meeting in New York, which he said opened his eyes in international politics.

L- R: Vice Chairman Programmes Committee Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Lara Ibirogba; Chairman Programmes Committee, Tajudeen Ahmed; Moderator,Gbenga Aborowa; President/ Chairman of Council NBCC, Ray Atelly; GMD/CEO SO&U (Guest Speaker), Udeme Ufot, and Council Member NBCC, Jumoke Koleoso, at NBCC's Sharing Experience Series, held in Lagos…recently

IHS TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD...

House Targets Enrollment of 14m Out-of-school Children

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has said it was working on a framework that would ensure that over 14 million out-ofschool Nigerian children are enrolled in schools.

The intervention by the Green Chamber, under the leadership of the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, targets addressing public education by tackling poverty and value gaps.

In partnership with relevant government agencies, the intervention aims at improving

access to education for all Nigerian children in line with the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-4) on qualitative and inclusive education for all.

The framework, which is in the form of an intervention through the House Committee on Alternative Education, chaired by Hon. Almustapha Aliyu (APC, Sokoto), would also see the out-of-school children trained with relevant skills to become productive members of the society.

The project tagged 'Nigeria

LASIMRA Staff Celebrates New NIMC DG

Dike Onwuamaeze

Staff of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) at the weekend held send forth ceremony in honour of their former General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LASIMRA, Mrs. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, who is the newly appointed director general/ CEO of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The staff also used the ceremony to recount many of Coker-Odusote’s achievement at LASIMRA, which included increase in revenue generation of the agency and launching of a book on code of conduct to guide the behaviour and work ethics of members of the agency.

According to the Director of Administration and Human Resources of LASIMRA, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oladeji, the tenure of the former general manager, which lasted between 2019 and 2023, saw to the redesigning of the agency’s organogram for effective and efficient performance as well as the creation of satellite offices and headquarter annex for best service delivery.

Other achievements that were created to the ex-general manager included the introduction of stakeholders’ conference, retreat for staff, and “introduction of monthly performance review meeting to identify what had been done, achieved, yet to be done, challenges and solutions.

“Improved staff welfare/support packages for motivation and staff confidence (weddings, child birth,

birthdays, retirement, demise, loans, festive seasons and end of year.”

Her tenure at LASIMRA, according to the staff, was marked by “enhanced capacity building via training and re-training of all LASIMRA’s staff through the introduction of internal training, conference for eligible staff, participation of all female staff at the annual conference of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials” and the setting up of the whistle blowing application for the detection of illegal activity.

In her response, Coker-Odusote thanked the staff for all the agency had been able to achieve for the good of Lagos State during her tenure.

She said: “The management and all staff of LASIMRA, I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and mixed emotions as I bid farewell to this incredible organisation.

“This ‘sent forth’ ceremony is not just about me; it is about the wonderful people I have had the privilege to work with during my tenure as the general manager/CEO of LASIMRA. First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude to each and every one of you.

“Your dedication and hard work and unwavering support had been the driving force behind the successes we have achieved together.”

In her vote of thanks, the Director, Public Affairs of LASIMRA, Ms. Abadariki Oluremi, thanked the former director general for her impact on the welfare of the workforce of the agency. “We appreciate you. Thank you for your extremely large heart,” she said.

Mass Reduction of Out-of-School Children and Youth Project' (NiMPROP), was proposed to last for a period of four years.

The project would also significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through non-formal accelerated education system and other alternative schooling programmes, according to Rep Almustapha Aliyu.

The government agencies that the committee was working with include the National

Commission of Almajiri and out-of-school children, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education and the National Commission for Nomadic Education.

The committee is also working to ensure that 16.5 million Nigerians are lifted out of poverty, which would ensure the return of out-of-school children to schools. The committee assured that necessary machinery

has been put in place for the actualisation of the intervention as the House gets set to reconvene from its annual recess on Tuesday.

Part of the initiative is to ensure the significant reduction of poverty in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the Northeast leads in the poverty index with 71.86 per cent of its population

in poverty, followed by the Northwest with 64.84 per cent, while the North Central has 42.70 per cent. Others are: South East, 42.44 per cent; South South, 21.28 per cent and South West, 12.12 per cent.

However, the intervention targets the reduction of poverty as follows: North-east, 4 million people; North-West, 3.4 million people; North-Central, 2.5 million; South-east, 3 million; South South, 2.1 million, and South-West, 1.6 million.

NDLEA Destroys 40 Tons of Cannabis Plants in Ekiti

Intercepts over 4,000kgs of illicit drugs in Lagos, Kogi, FCT, Kaduna, Sokoto, Edo raids

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Over forty tons of illicit and controlled drugs including consignments of nitrous oxide popularly known as laughing gas, skunk, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and tramadol have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), during interdiction operations in the last one week in Lagos, Kogi, FCT, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto and Edo states.

A statement yesterday, by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, also stated that no fewer than 1,194 cylinders of laughing gas with a total weight of 2,547.2 kilogrammes loaded in two Toyota Sienna buses were last Friday, intercepted by NDLEA operatives along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway.

He said two suspects: Onyebuchi Ikpozu and Kenneth Igwe who were taking the consignments to the nation’s capital, Abuja for distribution have been arrested and taken into custody.

Babafemi, said while one of the Toyota Sienna buses marked KTU 582 HV was conveying 99 cartons containing 594 cylinders weighing 1,267.2 kilogrammes, the second bus with registration number FKJ 329 YA was conveying 100 cartons of the substance with 600 cylinders weighing 1,280 kilogrammes.

He also said a 48-year-old woman, Mrs. Ugo Eluba, was also

arrested in Abuja, in a follow up operation after 2,400 ampules of pentazocine injection and 100,000 tablets of Exol-5 intercepted in Kogi state were traced to her.

In the FCT, operatives intercepted 977 kilogrammes of skunk last Wednesday, in a trailer marked LSR 343 XW, bearing cartons of maggi.

The spokesman said the skunk consignment was loaded into the truck at Ipele junction in Ondo state. “While 959 kilogrammes of the substance were meant for distribution in Sokoto state, the rest was to be dropped off at Gwagwalada.

“Two suspects: Auwal Mohammed and Abdullahi Abubakar have been arrested in connection with the seizure, while two other suspects: Mutari Abdulazeez, 31, and Ayuba Madaki, 28, were also arrested last Saturday at Zuba area of the FCT with different quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis and 13,930 pills of tramadol,” it added.

Babafemi, also revealed that Shuaibu Yusif, 27, and Abubakar Hussaini, 20, were last Saturday nabbed with 89.1 kilogrammes of skunk along Kano -Hadejia road, Jigawa state during a stop and search patrol by NDLEA operatives.

He disclosed that no fewer than 6,000 ampules of pentazocine injection were recovered from a suspect, Usman Sidi, 35, last Monday along Abuja - Forest road, Kaduna while on his way

to Bauchi state.

He said a follow up operation in Bauchi led to the arrest of the actual owner of the consignment, Dominic Chukwuma, 35, last Tuesday with at least 2.58 kilogrammes of diazepam and 36.55 kilogrammes of pentazocine injection recovered from his home.

“Two other suspects: Inuwa Nuhu and Isiyaku Sani were also arrested same Tuesday in connection with the seizure of 49 blocks of cannabis sativa concealed in a black sack weighing 26 kilogrammes in a commercial vehicle coming from Ogere, Ogun state to Kano,” he added.

Babafemi, said a total of 183kgs of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from body compartments of a J5 bus intercepted in Lagos last Wednesday, operatives in Sokoto, last Tuesday arrested one Charles Okeke, 44, with 473 bottles of codeine syrup at Unguwar Kosai area of Sokoto.

“In Edo state, 365 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 258 kilogrammes were recovered from a Toyota Camry car marked KTU 886 EZ at Igarra, Akoko Edo local government area,” he added.

He disclosed that in a massive operation between Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th September, the NDLEA operatives stormed thick forests in Ijesha Isu-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti state, where they destroyed 40 tons (40,000 kilogrammes)

of cannabis plants covering 16 hectares of farmland.

“Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the week.

“Instances include: WADA sensitisation lecture at Madarasatu Tarbiyyatil Aulad Islamiyyah Izala Mosque, Sabon Gari Wudil, Wudil local government area of Kano State; WADA sensitisation town hall meeting with principals of secondary schools in Kaduna north and south local government areas organized by the Zone J command of the agency; WADA advocacy visit to the palace of Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, Enugu state and WADA sensitisation lecture for students of the Oyo State College of Science and Health Technology, Ibadan, among others.”

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the Lagos, FCT, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kogi, Sokoto and Edo Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitisation lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.

L-R: Senior Manager, Public Policy and External Relations IHS Towers, Kayode Olaniyan; Director, Sustainability and Corporate Communications IHS Towers, Cima Sholotan; CEO InstinctWave, Akin Naphtal; Director

Commercial, IHS Towers, Merabel Puwo; Chief Commercial Officer, IHS Towers, Akeem Adeshina; Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Towers, Dapo Otunla; while IHS Towers was receiving the award for Telecom Infrastructure Company of the Year at the 7th Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) 2023 in Lagos … weekend

MTN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CEREMONY...

Falana Blasts FG over Move to Hike Varsity Fees

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, has condemned the move by the federal government to increase university tuition fees.

Falana said yesterday while speaking on Arise Network interview segment programme, THISDAY Live.

He warned the Nigerian state against commercialising education, which he described as a basic requirement enshrined in Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to the effect that federal government would provide free and affordable education from primary to university level as and when due.

He said the country was endowed with enough resources and should be in a position to fund education adequately if government prioritised its programmes.

“It is the responsibility of the government to invest in education so that our human resources can be developed. My only worry now is that whereas

our country is training young people they are trouping out of the country after graduation and the government does not seem to be bothered. How can you spend money to train your own citizens to serve other governments?” Falana questioned.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy coupled with raging economic crises had “phenomenally” impoverished over 140 million Nigerians as many children of the poor would no longer be able to access education if it was commercialised.

His words: “What is the way forward? We need to make three percent of the profit of every company go into funding of education. Again, under the UBE Act, the Compulsory Free Education Act provides that state government will contribute counterpart funding to the money released by federal government for Universal Basic Education.

“So every Nigerian child from primary to junior secondary school should be educated at

the expense of the state. If the law is implemented we would not have our children roaming the street,” Falana said.

He also urged government to think outside the box and display political will by

collecting over $15 billion which the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report said the NNPC was withholding as well as the $62 billion which the Supreme Court said was

lost by Nigeria by the failure of the IOCs to comply with the Offshore Production Basic Act for 18 years.

Falana further knocked the recent approval of 35 per cent and 25 percent salary increment

for staff of all federal tertiary institutions as unthinkable, saying it was ridiculous that a professor would be earning N520,000 per month or ($500 per month) as salary in the present world.

Edo North APC Leaders Endorse Agba for 2024 Guber

Prominent political leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo North,have endorsed a former Minister of State for Budget and National Panning, Clem Ikanade Agba, as their choice aspirant that would be supported to clinch the party’s ticket for governorship primary election.

The endorsement was announced on Saturday at a meeting convened in Jattu by a former Chairman of Etsako West Local Council, Alasa Idaro Mohammed.

Mohammed said the meeting was convened for Edo North leaders to discuss and reach a broad consensus on who the zone should support

in the party’s forthcoming governorship primary election and the subsequent governorship election in 2024. He spoke about the necessity to support someone from Edo North that would approximate both the zonal and state interest, pointing out that by virtue of his wealth of experience, Agba should be supported to win the party’s ticket and to become the next governor of the state. A former Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, Comrade Suleiman Bagudu, also said Agba was eminently qualified to occupy the position of Edo State governor, adding that all hands must be on deck to

work assiduously for his victory.

Bagudu informed the meeting that the governorship ticket of the party was not exclusively ceded to any particular zone, even as he maintained that the race for the governorship ticket would be thrown open to all the Senatorial Districts in the state.

A former Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Hon Sufianu Igafe, said Agba's qualifications and achievements had necessarily made him the next governor of Edo State and advised everyone to see and key into the project and engage in the process that would eventually see him through.

A prominent woman politician,

INSISTS ON INDEFINITE STRIKE, SAYS FG HAD ENOUGH TIME TO RESOLVE DISPUTE

unions. He said if the move to divide the ranks of organised labour was a strategy by government such plan was dead on arrival.

"What unites us is the people, our wage and poverty in the land," he said.

Ajaero said TUC might have adopted a strategy of waiting for some more time, but NLC, which is the union of the least paid workers experiencing the hardship the most, would want that problem be solved now.

He said on the issue of wage and other items on the table, TUC and NLC were on the same page.

"We are agreed on it, no matter the modes of arriving at the destination, whether by vehicle or through an aircraft."

THISDAY gathered that the labour minister had tried to use informal means to reach out to the leadership of organised labour to try to prevent the strike.

A reliable source told THISDAY at the weekend that the minister was employing all options, including holding informal talks with the NLC president and other labour leaders, in a bid to persuade them to wait for government's pronouncement on their demands, which was expected this week.

“Although, the ministry was yet to fix any formal meeting with NLC, indications emerged that the minister was engaging informally with the labour leaders to persuade them give government more time to sort out issues relating to the demands," the source said.

At the weekend, also, THISDAY learnt that the federal government might be considering the option of dragging NLC to the industrial court to prevent the colossal damage an indefinite nationwide strike could cause the economy.

Business Operators to FG, Labour: Incessant Strike Bad for Ailing Economy, De-marketing Nigeria

OPSN expressed deep concern over the looming workers’ strike and warned that incessant stoppage was de-marketing Nigeria’s ailing economy and diminishing the livelihood of the average Nigerian.

In a statement at the weekend issued on its behalf by Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, OPSN called on the federal government and the labour unions to work towards averting the looming disruption of socioeconomic activities in the country because Nigeria’s “economic indicators are not good and simply put: the economy cannot afford a nationwide strike at this time”.

Members of OPSN include MAN; Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); NECA; Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

The statement said, “The government and labour unions need to

understand that our economy is being de-marketed and the livelihood of the average Nigerian is being diminished by these incessant bickering. One is beginning to wonder if the wellbeing of more than 200 million Nigerians is being factored into their negotiations.” OPSN further stated that its members “have keenly watched the back and forth consultations between the government, on the one hand, and the NLC and TUC, on the other,” and concluded that “it is evident that the series of consultations have not yielded positive results and the latter (the unions) have resolved one way or the other to go ahead with the protest/strike.

“We are worried that adequate consideration is not given to the dire situation of the economy and the devastating/disruptive impact that a nationwide strike will have on the country at this time.”

OPSN said while it recognised the rights of the labour unions to pursue the welfare of its members, “We continue to implore the government to employ its best endeavours to reengage the leadership of the (labour) unions and find an amicable ground to avert the imminent disruption in business activities that will attend the protest and nationwide strike.

“We opine that adequate consideration should be given to the grim state of the economy and the possible unintended consequences of social unrest that may result from the protests.

“In the same vein, while appreciating the deep concern of

our members about the imminent strike, we urge them to be circumspect in their business operations, as we continue to intervene in last minute attempts to avert the strike.

“Adequate measures should be taken to protect company assets and contingency plans be made to keep business afloat.”

OPSN stressed the need to begin to have a conversation around how the labour unions and the government could resolve their issues without jeopardising the livelihood of the average Nigerian and truncating companies’ business projections and activities.

It said, “There should be some innovation around how the conversation between the government and labour will not always end up in holding the economy hostage. The unintended consequence on the fortune of the average business and people of Nigeria is unwarranted and becoming too high.”

OPSN also tasked the government to demonstrate good faith in keeping to its promises during the negotiations with labour and abstain from making promises it could not or did not intend to keep.

“On the other hand, labour should do a realistic assessment of its demands, within the context of prevailing economic realities and possibilities, while going the extra mile to indicate how its demands could be met,” OPSN stated.

It added, “We look forward to a time that labour will extend the scope of its demands to

include recommendations on how government could meet those demands, with implementation strategies and realistic timelines.

“There appears to be a general consensus by government and labour, and the generality of Nigerians on the need to assuage the hardship occasioned by recent government economic measures. It behoves the government to advance the frontiers of this consensus to chart an agreeable roadmap and enable concrete programmes that will bring relief to the workers and Nigerians.”

OPSN further noted that governance was a collective effort and all the segments of the society should work with government to create conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive and realistically hold government accountable for the improvement of the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Speaking in a similar vein, Director General of NACCIMA, Mr. Olusola Obadimu, told THISDAY that in consonance with the views of OPSN, NACCIMA was in support of discouraging any activity that might disrupt productive activities at this time.

Obadimu said, “This is a difficult time for productive businesses as it is. The situation is better not compounded with disruptions. We urge the government to find ways to address this situation; discuss fruitfully with labour and avert possible strikes.

“There must be assuring signals from government to address the

Chief Mrs Edith Ayeni, aka Mama Africa, from Owan West Local Government Area, said that Agba had the capacity and experience to be the governor of Edo State.

A chieftain of the APC, Alhaji Kelly Oshiomhole, noted that politics was a game of number, played by the people, explaining that, “It is not a personal venture because no one can singlehanded make it through.”

Other leaders who spoke at the well-attended meeting included the former Secretary, Etsako West Local Government Council, Hon Zibiri Mohammed, Chief Mrs Waziri Oshiomah, Prince Alan Funzi and Chief Mrs Florence Anagaba.

current situation. The fact is that wage levels in real terms are actually declining due to the continual falling value of the naira and rising fuel prices.

“There is even a need for stability in cost indices as regards foreign exchange rates and fuel costs for business planning purposes. A continual instability for both cannot be good for business sustainability. All these are additional problems to infrastructural deficits that businesses are already grappling with.”

Similarly, Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, told said NECA’s strong believe was that social dialogue should continue and both government and labour unions should continue to demonstrate maturity in resolving the issues.

Oyerinde said, “In our view, the strike will not serve any positive purpose. Rather, it will further put pressure on citizens, escalate the cost of doing business and, in the long run, further impoverish workers.

“Organised businesses are already faced with multidimensional challenges and negative onslaught from different ad-hoc committees of the National Assembly. Any form of work disruption will deepen the despair of businesses, which might lead to more job losses and outright closure of many more businesses.

“We urge the government to do the needful and save organised businesses and, in fact, the economy the needless strike by addressing core workers’ demands as regards welfare and cost of living.”

L-R: Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya; MTN Scholar, Joshua Dawang; Director, MTN Foundation, Mrs Aishatu Sadauki; Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Honorable Peter Akpatason and MTN Scholar, Eniola Toba-Joshua; during the MTN Foundation Scholarship Award and Induction Ceremony held in Abuja recently

PR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD…

L-R: Head of Portfolio, Bond and Connect, Pernod Ricard Western Africa, Bodam Taiwo; Managing Partner, GLG Communications, Omawumi Ogbe, and Publisher/Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Edge Group, John Ajayi, at the 20th anniversary edition of the annual Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos, where Ogbe was honoured with the Outstanding PR Personality of The Year Award…recently

Zik Varsity Dismisses, Suspends Staff for Alleged Misconduct

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has applied varying degrees of sanction on its staff over misconduct.

The institution sacked and suspended lecturers and other categories of workers in the institution, including students, after the recommendation of a panel set up by the management of the institution.

The Senate of the institution had last week warned against sexual harassment, threatening to sanction those found culpable for such act.

A statement issued by Dr. Emma Ojukwu, the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Public Relations and Special Duties, revealed that a priest, three lecturers and students were involved.

Ojukwu said: “The Nnamdi

Gunmen Kill Fulani Leader in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Unknown gunmen have killed a Fulani Leader (Ardo), Mr. Adamu, of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Mr. Markus Artu, in a statement, condemned the killing of Gabdo, describing it as barbaric and an act of criminality by enemies of Plateau State who are against the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

Artu assured the people of

Azikiwe University, Awka, has taken disciplinary actions against the following staff and students for various offences.

“Principal Executive Officer II abandoned his duty post for a considerable length of time. As a result, he was indicted for gross

misconduct and suspended from duty for six months to serve as a deterrent to other officers.

“A Senior Executive Officer

was also indicted for fraudulent financial transaction concerning the university. She was suspended for six months on half salary.

New LCDAs: Delta Communities Protest Annexation to Ondo

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The people of Opuama, Tsekelewu and Okirigbo communities of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have protested against the alleged annexation of the

Mangu that the security operatives are on the trail of the perpetrators, and they would soon be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

He said that the people of Mangu have put the past behind them and have resolved to leave in peace with each other irrespective of tribe or religion and would not allow anyone to come between them.

He described the incident as a deliberate act by hoodlums and a clear act of criminality, which has nothing to do with tribe or religion.

Group Lauds Abiodun over Return of Amosun’s Loyalists to APC

James Sowole in Abeokuta

A youth group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) known as APC Progressive Front(APF), has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what it termed an exemplary attribute of political maturity he displayed over the weekend.

Hundreds of APC members, loyal to ex-governor Ibikunle Amosun, across all the 20 local governments in the state, led by the one-time Chairman of the party,

Chief Derin Adebiyi, were on Friday received back to the mainstream of the party by Abiodun, alongside the Chairman of APC in the State, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and other party bigwigs.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its coordinator, Rasheed Sanusi and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the group lauded the leadership capacity displayed by the governor, saying it is unprecedented in the political space of the state

Missing Intestine: Private Medical Doctors Fault Lagos Assembly Panel

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Lagos State chapter, has faulted the report of the panel by the state House of Assembly to investigate the missing intestine of the late 12-year-old Adebola Akin-Bright. It noted that the absence of a doctor for the investigation made the panel’s job difficult.

The association also brushed off the call to arrest the private

doctor who carried out the surgery on the now-deceased boy.

ANPMP expressed displeasure through a statement signed by its state chairman, Dr. Makinde Akinlemibola, and the General Secretary, Debo Adebiyi.

It added: “There is no rationale to call for the doctor’s arrest for simply doing his job, especially when the government hospital involved and his personnel are left untouched.

communities into the newly created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Leaders of the Delta communities in a petition jointly issued by Hon. David Ugedi, Dr. Bright Abulu,

Reverend Doyah Clement, Chief December Aweh, Chief Felix Adanse, and Sir Christmas Ukugha respectively, and made available to journalists in Warri yesterday, accused the Ondo State Government of illegally annexing the communities into Ilaje East LCDA under

Ugbo Ward 5 of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The Delta communities noted that they would continue to resist any attempt to illegally merge them with Ondo State no matter what it might cost them, insisting that they remained part and parcel of Delta State.

Bauchi Stakeholders Decry Fluctuations in Allocation to Agriculture Sector

SegunAwofadejiinBauchi

Stakeholders in Bauchi State’s agricultural sector have observed a decrease of 0.4 per cent, equivalent to N19,747,560,714.39, in the 2023 agricultural budget, saying that the sector is experiencing fluctuation in allocation for the past seven years,

that has rendered the attainment of the 10 per cent Malabo declaration for agriculture unreliable.

The stakeholders made the call recently during a one-day consultative meeting to deliberate on the 2023 budget performance at the office of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP)

conference hall in Bauchi.

The Chairperson of Bauchi Budget Committee Group, Mrs. Tabawa Atiku, and the State Chairperson Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria, Ms. Marka Abaas who addressed journalists in Bauchi shortly after the consultative meeting, said that the budget committee group

on agriculture working to eradicate poverty, promote social justice and gender equality and budgetary process, deemed it fit to draw the attention of the state government to the paltry allocations to the agricultural sector of the state and the poor participation of Smallholder women farmers in the budgetary process.

Court Orders Coroner’s Inquest on Remains of Man Allegedly Killed for Stealing Noodles

A Coroner’s Inquest would on Tuesday be held on the body of a man, Mr. Tochukwu Onyemelukwe, who was alleged to have been killed in 2021 by a mob for stealing noodles.

A magistrate court siting in

Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, and preside by Ms. Chioma Ikejiofor, ordered that an inquest be held on the man’s remains despite having long been buried, following an application by Chief Nnoruka Udechukwu (SAN), for the deceased family.

This was disclosed to journalists

by the Counsel to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kyije Abang.

The IGP had dragged four men: Mr. Joseph Omegha, Mr. Godson Oforkansi, Mr. Martin Okeke and Mr. Jacob Enemuo, to court for providing police with false information about the death of

Onyemelukwe, who they alleged was killed by a mob led by one Mr. Emmanuel Ezeobi and others. Abang said: “Yes, the matter was adjourned for September 29, but that will be after a coroner’s inquest on the remains of Onyemelukwe, which would hold on September 26.

Bayelsa, Rivers Link Road to be Inaugurated in October, Says NDDC Boss

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has disclosed that the Oruma rigid pavement road, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State would be inaugurated

by next month.

Ogbuku said when completed the road would serve as a major by-pass for commuters in many communities in both Bayelsa and Rivers states.

Speaking during an inspection of the road, in company with NDDC directors and engineers,

Ogbuku, said the commission is fast-tracking the construction work to meet the scheduled date for completion of the road project.

He explained that the Oruma Road, which links another NDDC road, the 23.5-kilometre Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego Road and bridges, connecting Bayelsa

and Rivers communities, would enhance the impact of the regional road.

According to Ogbuku, the completion of the road project was part of efforts by the NDDC management to complete all on-going projects in the Niger Delta region.

PDP Tackles TIC Chairmen over Alleged Conversion of Security Vans

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has expressed concern over the purported conversion of the security patrol vans by the Chairmen of Transitional

Implementation Committee (TIC) into their private use in the state. The party, however, said that the development has continued to hinder the commitment of the government to tackle insecurity in some local government councils in the state.

Contacted on the issue, the Chairman of All Local Government Council of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Mr. Jide Shonibare, who denied the allegation said:”None of the TIC chairmen has converted the security patrol vans into their private use in Kwara state.”

Shonibare, who is also the TIC Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Council Area of the state, however, said: “ Please don’t mind the PDP, the TIC Chairmen in Kwara State are not converting the security patrol vans to personal use.”

Oshiomhole: Agenebode Hasn’t Benefitted Infrastructure Devt, Democracy Dividends under Obaseki

Ugo Aliogo

The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, in the Senate, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has stated that Agenebode, the headquarter of Etsako-East Local Government Area, has been marginalised by the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He therefore, said the region has not benefitted in terms of infrastructural development and dividends of democracy.

He lamented that there are no schools, and the few schools that exists, there are no teachers, adding that the indigenes of the region do community service to be able to pay the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) teachers, which

is a responsibility that the Edo State government should able to handle.

Oshiomhole, who disclosed this weekend in Lagos during Weppa Wanno Pyramid Club of Nigeria

8th biennial retreat with the theme: ‘Politics as a Veritable Tools for Community Development,’ said he doesn’t know why the state government has neglected the

region in this manner.

“There is no tertiary institution, a tertiary institution can be galvanised by the State. The general hospital is supported by us. We donate medical supplies to them from time to time. These are responsibilities that the state should bear. We do them because the state is nobody. It is not somebody that is called a state.”

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Osimhen’s Goal-drought Continues, Misses Penalty in Napoli Draw

Boniface fires sixth goal, lifts Leverkusen par with Bundesliga leaders Bayern

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Victor Osimhen’s goal-drought continued last night as he even fluffed the chance to convert from the penalty spot away at Bologna. The Italian Serie A champions who finished the game on a barren note

are now drifting in the seventh spot on the log on eight points from a possible 15. It was also Osimhen’s fourth game without hitting target. However, the high point of the miserable night for Osimhen was when he was substituted. The Super

Eguavoen, Portuguese

Tactician to Handle NNL

Pre-season Seminar

The Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguavoen, and Portuguese tactician, Thiago Conde, will lead the resource persons billed to drill coaches of Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs in a three-day pre-season seminar scheduled for next month.

The coaches training designed to upgrade all 40 coaches in the Nigerian National League will take place at the Remo Stars Football Club Stadium at Ikenne, Ogun State between October 15th and 18th, 2023.

According to the Chairman of the Nigerian National League Board, Mr George Aluo, the training will upskill the coaches technique and knowledge about football in order to improve the standard of the league.

“When our coaches are properly

trained, the standard will improve and compete with any other league in the world. We want a better league, but you can't achieve that without first training the coaches,” he noted. He further said the event which will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium is a collaboration between the NNL and the National Institute for Sports. This collaboration is in line with the mandate of the NIS to train coaches.

The Director-General of NIS, Professor Olawale Moronkola, has assured the coaches of the Institute’s support by providing some of the resource persons.

The coaches are expected to arrive on 15th October 2023, while the event holds from October 16th to 18th.

Top Players Set for National Chess Championship

With just eight days to the commencement of the annual Nigeria National Chess Championship (NCC) 2023, all the main stars in the Nigerian chess scene have prepared themselves for the tournament.

All the regional stages have been concluded with top-rated players set for the eight-day chess fiesta in Lagos.

The NCC is the biggest and most important chess event in the country and it is to determine the National Chess Champion and the National Women’s Chess Champion of the year.

This edition is scheduled for October 2nd to October 9th, 2023 at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

The championship will feature an Elite Invitational Section where

24 of the best chess players in Nigeria will compete for the Nigeria National Chess Champion and Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion titles. The winners of these titles will represent Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship (AICC).

Hundreds of players and visitors participate in this annual chess event.

Orchid-Lekki Chess Club (OLCC) is the host of the Nigeria National Chess Championship on behalf of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).

The 24 players in this section went through a rigorous selection and qualification process which includes a Nigeria National Chess Championship Qualifiers Tournament, to be able to compete in this final stage.

Eagles frontman ragged at Head Coach, Rudi Garcia for pulling out in the 86th minute for Giovanni Simeone. It was however not certain yet was punishment such behavior would fetch the top striker. Napoli had the chance to bury the game in the 71st minute and the chance for the Nigerian to end his goals holiday. But he blasted the kick off target to the consternation of Coach Garcia who has become

bothered by the slide in the fortunes of the champions.

However, credit must go to Bologna’s Colombian defender, Lucumi, who kept Osimhen quiet for most of the game. Napoli are yet to hit the heights they reached last season under coach Luciano Spalletti.

Osimhen’s national teammate, Ademola Lookman was on target as Atalanta defeated Cagliari 2-0.

Lookman grabbed the opener in the 33rd minute before Palasic added the second goal in the 77th.

Elsewhere in Europe, while Osimhen is in the cooler, Super Eagles new invitee, Victor Boniface, grabbed his sixth goal in the German Bundesliga, in Leverkusen 4-1 win against Heidenheim.

Boniface appears the hottest Nigerian striker in Europe at the moment, scoring a brace in the

game. He opened scoring after nine minutes.

Boniface got his brace in the 74th minute, when he put away a penalty.

He is now just four goals behind the leading scorer in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen have shot to second place with on 13 points from five matches, same points as leaders Bayern Munich but with an inferior goals’ difference.

RESULTS

Premier League

Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham

Brighton 3-1 Bournemouth

Chelsea 0-1 Aston Villa

Liverpool 3-1 West Ham

Sheffield 0-8 Newcastle

La Liga

Sociedad 4-3 Getafe

Vallecano 1-1 Villarreal

Las Palmas 1-0 Granada

Real Betis 1-1 Cadiz

Serie A

Empoli 0-1 Inter

Atalanta 2-0 Cagliari

Udinese 0-2 Fiorentina

Bologna 0-0 Napoli

Bundesliga

Leverkusen 4-1 Heidenheim

Frankfurt 0-0 Freiburg

7TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES

Sports Minister Harps on Talents Discovery, Hails Delta State

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, has said that the discovery of fresh talents is the paramount aim of the apex sports ruling body as the National Youth Games began on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State.

Enoh said it was obvious that the competition would foster friendship from various parts of the country but he added that the main objective of identifying future champions for the country must not be jettisoned in any way.

“I am aware that the youths will be happy to socialise and

mix with one another just as there will be lots of inter-cultural friendships. As officials, we are going to concentrate on those talents with potential to take the country higher in the years ahead. The objective of the games must not be lost,” observed Enoh, a former member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly from Cross River State.

The Minister, however, charged the athletes to be of good behaviour and avoid performance enhancing substances.

He said he was delighted to start his tenure with a grassroots event in a sports-loving state like

Delta. “No doubt, Delta has raised the bar for other states with what I am seeing so far.

“I am so delighted with the facilities and setting here. I wish the athletes a peaceful contest, " Enoh concluded in his message at the opening ceremony where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare the Games open.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, remarked that Delta State has gradually assumed the status of Nigeria's desired sports destination, and commended the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for its consistence

and dedication in organizing the National Youth Games.

The National Youth Games has come to stay, the governor noted, describing it as "a powerful vehicle to discover new talents from the grassroots" and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ succession as well as promoting national unity.

Oborevwori said, "Aside from athlete development, the National Youth Games has also proven to be a cost-effective and reliable tool to promote national unity and advance development and peace agendas of both the national and sub-national governments.

Brand New PAN Car at Stake in IBB Golf October 1 Tourney ....Ekiti Recalls Sports Council Boss over Athletes’ Poor Kitting

History is set to be made at the 2023 IBB Golf Club Independence Golf Tournament where the grand winner will drive away with a brand new car from PAN Nigeria Limited for the first time.

Over 500 players from Nigeria and four other countries will be jostling for glory in the prestigious event taking place at the IBB Golf Club from today, September 25th to October 1st.

The IBB Independence Golf Tournament has long been a highlight on Nigeria’s golfing calendar, attracting top talent and enthusiastic participants from near and far. This year's event is featuring a record number of over 500 golfers with players coming from Rwanda, Cameroon, Uganda and Ghana .

This year's tournament will feature a challenging course that will

test the skills and strategies of every golfer. With pristine fairways and meticulously maintained greens, the IBB Golf Club provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable week of golf.

"We are thrilled to host the Independence Golf Tournament once again, and we wanted to make this year's event extra special," said the IBB Golf Captain, Banjo Obaleye.

“We are also using the platform and wonderful game of golf to highlight the business opportunities in Nigeria and promote vibrant trade between Africa countries. This year’s event will include a business dinner with delegates from the other African countries.

“The tournament will also offer opportunities for networking, socializing, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golf enthusiasts.”

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has recalled the General Manager of the State’s Sports Council, Mr. Adekunle Adeyemi, from the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State to account for the poor kitting of the state’s athletes at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

The directive followed the shabby appearance of the state’s contingent at the march-past event of the opening ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Adeyemi is expected to explain circumstances leading to the shabby kitting of the athletes aptly captured and gone viral on the social media.

He was directed to hand over to the next most senior official of

the state at the Games and return homeTheimmediately. official who will act as head of the delegation, is to oversee the welfare and wellbeing of the athletes at the competition.

A statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, described the development as unfortunate.

It however added that the Ekiti State would take full responsibility for the regrettable incident.

The Commissioner, however maintained that the state government made adequate provision for the team’s participation at the Games. He restated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to

providing platforms for Ekiti youths to exhibit their God - given talents in line with the youth development and job creation agenda of his administration.

Meanwhile, Florence Olarinoye of Lagos State yesterday won all three gold medals in the 49kg class of the female weightlifting event on the Day 2 of the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba.

Aged just 13, the younger sister to Adenike Adijat Olarinoye – Africa and Commonwealth Champion –Florence showed class and vision as she outlifted her opponents to secure the all-important three gold medals for Lagos.

Also yesterday, Team Edo cyclists won Gold and Bronze medals of the cycling event.

Victor Osimhen missed from the penalty spot as Napoli were held goalless at Bologna. This game is Osimhen’s fourth game without a goal this season

Florence Olarinoye...wins three gold medals for Lagos State in the 49kg category of the female weightlifting event of the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State... yesterday

MISSILE Alake to Illegal Miners

“I am giving Illegal miners in this country just 30 days' grace to join cooperatives or find another vocation. For the last time, let me declare again that the ministry is giving such persons 30 days...On the expiration of the period, the full weight of the law will fall on anyone seen on a mining site without a determinable status" –MinisterofSolidMineralsDevelopment,DeleAlake,warningIllegalminers, justastheZamfaraStateGovernorhasissuedshoot-at-sightorderagainstIllegal miners in the state.

Home and Abroad, Tinubu’s Nigeria is Taking Its Rightful Place

Having hit the ground running at home, with a series of very bold and unprecedented reform decisions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gone ahead to seize the opportunity offered by the month of September 2023, to make a grand entry onto the global stage.

In what has been his busiest month on the global stage since he assumed office, President Tinubu traveled to India for the G20 Summit on the special invitation of Prime Minister Modi, made a stopover on his way back home for a crucial meeting with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on lingering issues of concern between UAE and Nigeria, and then traveled to New York to make his debut at the most important annual gathering of Heads of State, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

At the UN—in a delivery reminiscent of the powerful and iconic ‘Africa Has Come Of Age’ speech by the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, almost five decades ago—President Tinubu caught the attention of a listening world with his emphasis on an equal and mutually beneficial relationship between Africa and the world, instead of one defined by condescension, pity and greed.

The President spoke boldly for the entire African continent, tracing the history of the post-World War 2 global system, starting with a Marshall Plan that helped redeem Europe. Asking for a 21st century equivalent for that Plan, President Tinubu added, “We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe. We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.”

At every engagement, he has taken the time to remind the world of just how significant his first four months in office have been, in terms of laying the foundation for unlocking levels of economic growth and prosperity that we have always been capable of, but have sadly remained a pipe dream..

He ended a costly and wasteful fuel subsidy regime that has, over the decades, deprived the country of tens of billions of dollars in potential infrastructure and human capital investments. He also commenced an overhaul of the Central Bank of Nigeria, shaking up the leadership of the bank and supporting it to abolish

an inefficient system of multiple exchange rates, which, like the petrol subsidy, has seen a lot of abuse, and stifled domestic and economic confidence in the economy.

President Tinubu has also assembled a cabinet with an impressive representation of young people and women, while also creating new Ministries and ministerial portfolios to reflect the pressing realities of the 21st century, as well as the priorities of our administration.

For example, we now have a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, recognizing the unlimited potential of that sector to produce national prosperity. We also now have a dedicated Ministry for the Creative Economy. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has been revised to include Food Security, underpinning the President’s declaration of a national emergency on Food Security early on in his administration.

On the regional level, President Tinubu has, in his role as recently-elected Chairman of ECOWAS, shown great commitment to stemming the condemnable wave of military takeovers that have rocked the sub-region, and I expect his diplomatic efforts to yield enduring fruit in the months ahead.

The President is being supported in his many onerous assignments by a very energetic and committed Cabinet. In the last few days, I joined some of my colleagues

for events at the UN General Assembly, and can testify to the remarkable levels of determination within the cabinet, to solve Nigeria’s problems with the support and cooperation of the global community.

I can boldly assert that we stand on the threshold of a Nigeria that is a true global giant, a country that is able to fully exploit its immense potential energy of demographics, culture, and entrepreneurial dynamism. I have no doubt that my colleagues and I, under the leadership of the President, will step boldly forward, not backwards, from this historic threshold.

We have a very busy last quarter of the year ahead of us. The administration will finalize and unveil its inaugural budget, which will set the tone for investors and other potential partners, about our priorities. Nigeria will take part in the annual global gathering for Climate Change, COP 28, in Dubai. We will push forward with work on the various reforms that the President has kickstarted, from tax policy reform to a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transition for petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles, to the full implementation of a comprehensive relief package to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy.

As the President has repeatedly said, most recently last week in New York, “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.”

He understands how important it is to engage with the world to achieve this. During this month of diplomatic shuttling, he has met with Presidents and Head of States from the United States, India, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, Angola, Jordan, among others.

From the global business executives he has held meetings with this month— Exxon Mobil, Bharti Enterprises, Oracle, Hinduja Group, Indorama, Skipper Seil, and others—he has received pledges amounting to several billions of dollars in new investments. This cannot be overemphasized: at the end of the day, one of our administration’s overriding goals is to attract new investment that will create jobs and wealth for the people of Nigeria.

We will continue to finetune and amplify our narrative in this regard—a message that the President reiterated at every opportunity in New Delhi and New York—that Nigeria is open and ready for business, with partners who are equally open and ready for business with us, and who are not looking to exploit us or treat us like junior partners. And we will follow up the talk with action.

My Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will be very critical to the success of our national messaging, and we will give it everything required for our narratives to succeed. We have a vision that includes redesigning how the Federal Government of Nigeria engages with the Nigerian people at home and abroad, and with the world.

As part of this, we will scale up our engagements with stakeholders, modernize our tools and platforms of information and communication, and work to craft credible and believable narratives that Nigerians will be proud of and delighted to share with the world.

In a few days, our dear country will celebrate its 63rd Independence Anniversary. It will offer an opportunity to further reflect on our nationhood journey, and the expectations of our citizens, and for us as leaders to rededicate ourselves to delivering on the bold and dynamic leadership that will enable Nigeria to fully assume its rightful place on the global stage. I have absolute confidence that success in this regard will be a defining legacy of this momentous era of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu