Obaigbena Calls for ‘Whole-of-Government’ Approach to Solving National Security Challenges
Salutes Armed Forces, recalls detention by Abacha-Omenka’s DMI Recommends 25% apiece of budget spending on national security, education, health Seeks tax cuts across board in Nigeria
THISDAY Newspapers and Founder, Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, yesterday called for a “whole-of-government” approach to
tackling Nigeria’s national security challenges.
Obaigbena made the call at the third quarter 2024 media
www.thisdaylive.com
Wale Edun: Economic Recovery Imminent
Umahi proposes to e-toll Lagos-Ibadan, Makurdi-9th Mile, Kano-Abuja roads FG constitutes technical committee to assess all dams
ExxonMobil Unveils $10bn Deepwater Investment Plan in Nigeria, Shettima Ecstatic
DP World also proposes multibillion-dollar port project
Nigeria secures $600,000 for flood relief, health, agric sectors' reforms
Shettima to Gates Foundation: Health, nutrition top priorities of our devt agenda
Dangote pays courtesy visit to Vice President in New York
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi Chairman/Editor-in-Chief
Umahi; Minister of Water Resources,
Mamman;
DISPLAYING CERTIFICATES OF RETURN...
officially
NEITI Releases Two-year Oil, Gas Report, Says Sector Owes FG over $6bn
Emmanuel Addeh
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday released its combined 2022 and 2023 independent oil and gas industry report, disclosing that outstanding collectible revenues due to the federal government in the sector as of June 2024 stood at $6.071 billion and N66.4 billion respectively.
A breakdown showed that the outstanding liabilities were $6.049 billion and N65.9 billion in unpaid royalties and gas flare penalties, due to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as collectible revenues by August 31, 2024.
At the well-attended event in Abuja were captains of industry, top government functionaries, civil society organisations, heads of anti-graft agencies, among others.
They included: The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; Chief Executive of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Bakari; Senate Committee Chair, Upstream Petroleum, among others.
The report also provided a detailed analysis of the information and data regarding who owes what in outstanding revenues due to the government.
A further breakdown showed outstanding petroleum profit taxes, company income taxes, withholding
taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT) due to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) amounting to $21.926 million and N492.8 million as of June 2024.
On fuel importation, the latest NEITI report disclosed that a total of 23.54 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol were imported into the country in 2022, while 20.28 billion litres were imported in 2023. This, it said, represented a reduction of 3.25 billion litres, or a 14 per cent decline, following the removal of the subsidy. A detailed 10-year trend analysis (2014–2023) in the NEITI report showed that the highest annual petrol importation into the country, 23.54 billion litres, was recorded in 2022, while the lowest, 16.88 billion litres, was recorded in 2017.
The NEITI report also disclosed that a total of N15.87 trillion was claimed as under-recovery or price differentials between 2006 and 2023, with the highest amount of N4.714 trillion recorded in 2022.
Fiscalized crude production in 2022 stood at 490.945 million barrels, compared to 556.130 million barrels produced in 2021, representing an 11 per cent decline.
However, in 2023, the NEITI’s independent report revealed total fiscalised production of 537.571 million barrels, a 46.626 million-barrel or 9.5 per cent increase from total production recorded in 2022.
Besides, a 10-year trend (2014–2023) of fiscalised crude oil production in Nigeria showed that the highest
production volume of 798.542 million barrels was recorded in 2014, while the lowest, 490.945 million barrels, was recorded in 2022.
The NEITI report also provided detailed information and data on crude lifting. In 2022, total crude lifting was 482.074 million barrels compared to 551.006 million barrels lifted in 2021, it said.
In 2023, total crude lifting stood at 534.159 million barrels, representing an 11 per cent increase of 58.08 million barrels.
According to NEITI, a total of 7.68 million barrels of crude were either stolen or lost in 2023, representing a significant drop of 79 per cent (29.02 million barrels) compared to 36.69 million barrels either stolen or lost in 2022.
On overall revenue generation in the oil and gas industry, the report showed that material companies accounted for $15.549 billion or 96 per cent and non-material companies for $695.604 million or 4 per cent in revenues generated in 2022.
“In 2023, material companies accounted for $21.415 billion (95 per
Energy Transition: Ex-Minister Urges Nigeria to Build More Hydropower, Solar Plants
A former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, has said that if Nigeria is serious about increasing the percentage of clean energy sources by 2060, it should ramp up the building of solar and hydropower plants nationwide.
Speaking at the 2024 International Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency AssociationsAlliance (REEEA-A) in Abuja, Nnaji who is now the Chief Executive of Geometric Power Ltd., argued that although the key pathway to energy sufficiency for Nigeria at the moment is gas, renewables should also be a major part of the energy mix.
The conference which sought to serve as a scorecard for the energy transition plan and the way forward was themed: “Road to Net Zero: Actionable Initiatives for Success.”
The REEEA has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable energy practices and facilitating the transition towards a low-carbon future, with the aim of advancing the discourse on energy transition and showcasing the progress made thus far.
Nnaji maintained that there was the need for a well-articulated programme to meet set targets, but argued that for now, gas remains a viable transition fuel for Nigeria.
“However, for new energy, Nigeria
Mrs Biden Bids Visiting African First Ladies Farewell At UNGA
this gathering, I have a great feeling that I will be seeing more of you in my next chapter of life. I wish you all the best as you all return to your various countries as it has come to my notice that many of you have a long way back home”. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi
Tinubu, attended the lunch, held at Pier 57, New York, as one of the events marking the end of her engagements and participation at the 79th session of UNGA.
Lunch events are common on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, serving as platform for world leaders and their delegation to hold bilateral talks, forge partnership and strengthen diplomatic ties.
should really concentrate on building hydro plants and solar plants,” the former power minister said, but added that studies have shown that although these alternatives can work, they also need to be economically viable.
“And so, this is very, very close to what I would say that for now, hydro, solar are the key ones,” he stressed, explaining that if Nigeria must take advantage of the electric vehicle rush, the recharging infrastructure must be built and should be available at the recharging stations.
Also, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in his remarks, stressed that Nigeria’s energy transition continues to be driven by the need to reduce energy related carbon dioxide emission towards mitigating the effect of climate change.
Adelabu, who was represented by the Director of Renewable and Rural Power, Sunday Owolabi, said that under the Climate Change Commitment, Nigeria seeks to reduce its Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 47 per cent in accordance with the Paris Agreement through its National Determined Contributions (NDC).
“Centralised power capacity is to increase to 200GW by year 2060 comprising 90 per cent renewable
energy; decentralised power capacity to comprise of about 3GW of solar PV and approximately 12GW of Mini-grids/ Solar Home Systems,” he stated. He listed some of the efforts by the federal government to include: the 30MW Gurara Hydropower, 40MW Dandinkowa Hydropower, 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower, 700MW Zungeru Hydropower, and 3050MW Mambilla Hydropower projects, which he said had lingered for years before this administration.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the board of REEEA-A, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, stated that Nigeria is well endowed with renewable energy resources and opportunities for tapping into them for the benefit of Nigerians are great.
“For solar energy, using the commonly available 300 Wp solar panels with about 15 per cent efficiency over 1 per cent of the land area of Nigeria with an average six hours of sunshine and an average irradiation of 500 Watts per square metre can produce the following power output: 551,000 MW at 100 per cent capacity factor; 275,500 MW at 50 per cent Capacity Factor and 37,750MW at 25 per cent capacity factor,” he stated.
Deji Elumoye
Wife of the United States President, Jill Biden has bidded farewell to visiting African First Ladies including that of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Emmanuel Addeh
L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor-elect Dennis Idahosa; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, when Idahosa and Okpebholo jointly and
presented certificates of return to the president at the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
AT THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION IN ENERGY PANEL SESSION...
MAN: Manufacturers Will Pay Over 35% on Credit Facilities
Says sector incurred more than N730bn capital expenses in H1’24 due to rising interest rate
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has decried the latest hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.25 per cent from 26.75 per cent.
The association stated that the increase would compound the chal-
lenges faced by the sector, which included rising production costs in the face of declining consumer purchasing power.
The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said yesterday in public statement titled “Reaction of MAN on the Report of MPC Meeting on September 23-24,
2024” that MAN is worried about the implications of the continuous rate hikes on the productive sector and earnestly expects the CBN to stop the rate hike and explore more of the monetary-fiscal policy handshake option to curb inflation.
Ajayi-Kadir said: “With the increase in borrowing costs,
manufacturers will now pay over 35 per cent on their credit facilities.
‘Clearly, this will lead to increase in production costs, higher prices of finished goods, lower competitiveness and production capacity expansion.”
He noted that “the impact of higher interest rates goes beyond
Gastech: Oando Discusses How Data Management Drives Diversity, Inclusion in Energy Sector
Addeh in Abuja
Oando Plc has joined leading energy professionals and industry experts at the Gastech Conference to discuss the role of data management in driving issues surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the energy.
The conference, which has led global energy conversations for 52 years, held its 2024 edition in Houston, Texas, United States.
A statement from the company said that as thought leaders, select Oando executives participated in the Gastech leadership roundtable and the feature programme: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Energy, to share their view and insights.
Moderated by the Group Legal Counsel, Region Americas, DNV, Isoken Aderele, the feature programme: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Energy hosted a panel discussion titled: “Creating Transparency Through Governance Measurement and Reporting”.
The event gathered leading figures in the energy industry to explore the crucial role of data measurement and reporting in driving DEI initiatives.
The panel comprised Jenny Solomon, Vice President, Strategy Traditional Energy, Woodside Energy; Eyono Fatai-Williams, President, Women in Energy Network (WEIN) and Stephanie Weiler, Managing Director, ESG Advisory Services, Alvarez & Marsal.
Also in attendance was Ayotola Jagun, Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary, Oando Plc.
The panel emphasised the importance of leveraging data to facilitate action and drive meaningful change, with a consensus that meaningful and actionable data was essential for informed decision-making and driving positive change.
The panel highlighted key strategies for effective data collection and reporting, including utilising employee surveys and 360-degree feedback to gauge employee experience and sentiment.
It also discussed implementing AI-powered tools to analyse and anonymise feedback, tying DEI targets to performance appraisals and organisational culture, and ensuring psychological safety and trust through transparent reporting and action on feedback.
Speaking on the role of data management and measurement in analysing the impact of DEI initiatives within organisations, Jagun shared that it was pertinent to have meaningful data from which one can draw information.
“We need the kind of data that gives you a preponderance of information to make quality decisions regarding strategy and the direction the organisation needs to go, particularly in a world that is fast-paced and with a lot of uncertainty.
“It is also important to be able to justify these decisions with credible information, especially to stakeholders,” Jagun added.
Highlighting the challenges of data collection in terms of methods and tools, Jagun suggested that to avoid survey fatigue, information gathering can also be tied to the appraisal cycle.
360-degree feedback, Jagun argued, could be a way of getting feedback from employees regarding how the company is performing in relation to set KPIs for purposes around diversity and inclusion.
Discussing the role of employees in setting DEI targets, Jagun emphasised: "Setting targets can't be the sole responsibility of the HR department, for instance. There is a need to feel the pulse of the organisation in terms
of the culture, brand identity and overall vision”.
Addressing the importance of transparent reporting, Jagun stated: "There has to be some output documents, whether that is going to be DEI reports, reports periodically given to a diversity council or a committee of the board that's responsible for overseeing this. There must be regular reporting mechanism and reports published to the entire organisation to communicate company vision and targets".
Speaking on the need for forward-looking data, Jagun noted: "Information shouldn’t just measure what has happened but must also be forward-looking. There must be an understanding that there is a continuum of goals that have been set. While we may not hit the mark every time, we understand why we
49
The Secretary, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Hajiya Salamatu Mamman, yesterday said protracted funding challenges have continued to limited the efficiency of the commission.
Speaking at the maiden plenary of the newly designated Chief Commissioner and other 37 Federal Commissioner of the commission in Abuja, she appealed to the federal government to release funds to boost its activities which had dragged within the 49 years of its establishment.
She said the commission was still fraught with a lot of chal-
have not and what we need to do to meet those targets".
Highlighting the importance of psychological safety, Jagun emphasised that psychological safety was key to creating a forum where tough questions can be asked and answered with no subject being off the table.
The expert insights highlighted the critical role of data management in driving effective diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, stating that organisations can create a culture of inclusivity and equity by leveraging meaningful data, fostering psychological safety, and promoting transparent reporting.
By embracing data-driven decision-making, businesses, Jagun stressed, can unlock a brighter future for all employees, stakeholders, and communities.
compounding the challenges of manufacturers; it stifles opportunities for investment in crucial areas such as technology, retooling, and expansion within the manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturers will, all the more, be compelled to choose servicing existing credit facilities over expansion and investment in new product lines.
“For instance, over the first six months of the year, manufacturers incurred more than N730 billion in capital expenses due to the continuous rise in interest rates imposed by commercial banks.
“This dilemma hampers innovation, productivity and growth.”
He added that the sector is grappling with depressed consumer demand, primarily driven by lower purchasing power. This decline has severely hampered capacity utilisation within the sector.
According to him, data from the first half of the economic review published by the MAN revealed a troubling trend: the value of unsold finished goods inventory surged by 42.93 percentage points, reaching N1.24 trillion compared to N869.37 billion at the close of 2023.
“This growing stockpile of unsold products underscores the difficulties manufacturers face in a weakening market. The broader implications of these challenges threaten not only the manufactur-
ing sector but also the Nigerian economy as a whole.
“As higher borrowing costs lead to poor access to funds, lower capacities and potential business closures. Truth be told, the capacity to absorb the country’s growing youth population into meaningful employment has diminished significantly with the attendant adverse socioeconomic and security implications.”
MAN also expressed surprised that the CBN is increasing the MPR against the backdrop of the meagre improvement in inflation figures, which could be largely traceable to the onset of the harvest season.
“We also note that this increase is coming at a time that central banks in other climes are either retaining or cutting rates.
“It is, therefore, expedient that government adopt a holistic and balanced approach to policy formulation and decisions, with due consideration of their overall impact on the various sectors of the economy, particularly the productive sector.
“Undoubtedly, price stability is crucial, and so is the survival and growth of the manufacturing sector. This should be top priority at this time and is in line with the government avowed commitment to growing domestic production, creating more jobs and alleviating poverty,” Ajayi-Kadir argued.
lenges especially in funding of the institution.
Mamman said, "Our major problem is poor funding which has affected training, welfare, infrastructure and backlog of promotion arrears, these are all tied to lack of funds in the Commission.
"In 2022, a resolution was passed for an improved funding as the salary structure of staff has been a serious challenge, nothing has been done yet, we are hopeful.
"The primary function of the commission is to provide impartial investigation on behalf of all complainants who feel aggrieved by the actions and inactions of the government in the federal,
states and local level or private companies."
She said the commission remained the ombudsman institution to Nigerians, which was set up to redress complaints lodged by aggrieved citizens against administrative injustice, it is the machinery for the control of administrative excesses.
The commission's enabling Act CAP P37, Laws of the federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 is entrenched under section 315 (5) (b) of the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria as altered. According to her, the commission aimed at promoting social injustice for the individual citizens,
and provide a viable option for Nigerians and anyone resident in the country seeking redress against injustice arising from administrative bureaucratic errors, omission or abuse by officials of government or limited liability companies in Nigeria.
However, the Chief Commissioner, PCC, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, urged the commissioners from all states of the federation to remember they are under oath of office, adding that part of their core assignment was to handle the issues of injustice. He said, "This assignment should be taken as the most important assignment of their lives, putting the nation first in all they do."
James Emejo in Abuja
Emmanuel
President, Women in Energy Network- WIEN; Stephanie Weiler, Managing Director, ESD Advisory Services, Alvarez & Marsal, Ayotola Jagun, Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary, Oando PLC; at the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Energy panel session at the recently concluded Gastech 2024 in Houston, Texas, United States.
You Earned Your Victory, Give Priority to
Devt, Tinubu Admonishes Okpebholo
Deji Elumoye, Michael Olugbode and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, told Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that having earned his victory, he must prioritise the development of his state.
Tinubu assured Okpebholo of the full support of both the federal government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
The president gave the advice at State House, Abuja, at a meeting with the leadership of his All Progressives Congress (APC), where Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of good governance and delivering results to the people of Edo State.
He stated, “Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task."
While acknowledging the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, the president said, ''You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours.
“If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government.”
He congratulated Okpebholo and his deputy and described them as a ''good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.
''You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the
man at our party's helm has been through it before.
''In Kano, he was a front runner, became a second runner, and became a deputy before he eventually became a governor''.
The president acknowledged the role played by former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors and the APC leadership in the success of the governorship election in Edo.
He stated, “I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy. Sincerely, the governors showed up in Edo, they impressed me. They defended the party. They worked hard for the party."
Tinubu also commended INEC and the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and organised election, with no reports of violence or disturbances.
He said, ''I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot, people voted and went back to their houses in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly."
The president urged the party leadership and membership to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “Never mind the noisemakers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and results. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local’, you must respect that notion.
''When you see the stability in the Edo North senatorial district, we see a man that won the central senatorial district and a candidate who has won a seat in the south senatorial district; we did a match – which turned out to be a winning match.”
Tinubu also commented on the heavy downpour on Election Day in Edo and the electorate's commit-
ment to voting in the rain without umbrellas.
“It is a very punching illustration,” the president said, referring to remarks made by the national chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, about the election day rains in Edo State.
Earlier, Ganduje commended the leadership and support of the president, the governors, and all stakeholders.
He said, “On the day of the election, there was an exciting scenario: it was raining heavily, yet people came out to vote without using an umbrella. Your Excellency, the people were convinced that our party is the party to be voted for, and we won the election.”
The APC chairman stated that the party’s next focus was securing victories in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ondo and Anambra states.
Ganduje said, "The election in Anambra is part of our programme.
Political de-marginalisation of Southeast geopolitical zone. Having only two states in the South-east as APC is too small for us. We need more states from the South-east geo-political zone."
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting with the president, Okpebholo said he was expecting a congratulatory message from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who lost to him.
Okpebholo urged the opponents to accept the outcome of the election and proceed to congratulate him on the resounding victory.
"If I had lost I would have borne it, and I would have, by now, congratulated the winner. So, I'm expecting them to congratulate me," he said.
Okpebholo, who received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before visiting the State House to meet with the president, said he
would be a servant-leader to the people of Edo State.
The governor-elect, who also extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents, said, "I am coming as a servant to serve Edo people, which is what is required of me, and that is exactly what I am going to do.”
He stressed that he was ready to work with the opposition and accommodate only quality and useful ideas to raise the bar of governance and development in the state.
Okpebholo stated, "Very soon, you will see a lot of development coming up in Edo.
"We are going to employ teachers. We are going to renovate our schools... a lot will be happening over time. So, with time, you recognise that a new dawn has happened.
"If they have an idea that is beautiful, that is acceptable by the people, then why not? My door is open to everybody."
Oshiomhole said Edo had now been blessed with a governor they
could relate to easily. Oshiomhole, also a former National Chairman of APC, pointed out that governance was not necessarily building roads and schools but about a leadership that was compassionate and listened to the feelings of the people. He said, "Only God can confer power. Man can make all the effort. If God chooses not to crown it, it will be in vain. So, politicians campaign in vain, unless God campaigns for you.
“And I think that is our case, and I am excited not only for the fact that we have reclaimed Edo State, almost in the same manner that we reclaimed it from PDP in 2007, before Obaseki took it away back from us.
"My joy is the fact that Edo people will now have a governor that they can hug, they can touch, they can feel, and the governor that will open the doors.
London-based EIA Signs MOU with ICPC
to
Tackle Environmental Crime in Nigeria
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has signed an historic agreement with Nigeria’s leading agency responsible for tackling corruption in the public sector, recognising the need for increased transparency and accountability to address environmental crime.
A statement on Thursday by EIA, said on Friday 20 September, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC), and Justin Gosling, EIA’s Securing Criminal Justice Programme
Lead, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) opening the door for increased cooperation and information sharing between the respective organisations.
Aliyu recognised the importance of addressing corruption within the field of environmental crime, stating: “Environmental crimes such as wildlife trafficking, pollution and those contributing to climate change pose a major threat to Nigerians.
“The role of public sector corruption is unacceptable and the ICPC looks forward to cooperating with the EIA to improve our response to this important area of criminal
activity.”
EIA has been working for almost five years in Nigeria and in West and Central Africa, developing the capacity of investigators, raising awareness and understanding among prosecutors and the judiciary, forging relationships with the public and private financial sectors and assessing and developing new endangered species legislation, in addition to supporting civil society organisations in the region.
Gosling said the new partnership was critical to evolving the response to environmental crime in the region.
He said: “Environmental
criminal networks are driven by profit and financial gain and the role of corruption in public sectors cannot be underestimated,” adding: “We welcome this groundbreaking agreement with the ICPC and look forward to developing strategies together to address wildlife trafficking and other forms of environmental crime.”
EIA’s projects in West and Central Africa are supported by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Defra Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the Pangolin Crisis Fund and the Full Circle Foundation.
new minimum wage will commence from July 29, 2024. The new minimum wage was slated to take effect from the May 1, 2024, with the old one having expired in April 2024.
However, the legislation introducing the new rate was passed into law on July 29, 2024 without backdating the implementation date.
In the circular titled: The Implementation of the New National Minimum Wage in Federal Public Service - the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (COMPSS), government said: “Consequent upon the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved the revision of the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure with effect from 29th July, 2024.”
The commission also issued along with the circular, a salary table showing how the new minimum wage adjustment will be computed.
The minimum wage implementation circular was addressed to all the heads of the various sectors under federal public service.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry,
Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) yesterday commended the federal government's decision to commence the payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000 to workers in the country. In a statement, the National President of NACCIMA, Dele Oye, expressed concerns about the threat of imprisonment for defaulters, describing the decision as unhelpful. According to him: ‘‘NACCIMA commends the federal government’s decision to commence the payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000. However, we express concerns about the threat of imprisonment for defaulters as this is unhelpful.”
The NACCIMA boss said that the organisation expects state and local governments that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage to do so However, it stated the government should engage with stakeholders, including the labour unions, in a collaborative manner to address the complaint of labour regarding the alleged breach of contract on the increase in the price of fuel and the economic challenges facing businesses and workers.
Emmanuel Addeh, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Former U.S. Defence Secretary Robert M. Gates; NLNG
POLITICS
SAnambra: APGA Going into LG Poll Chequered
David-Chyddy Eleke reports that as the All Progressives Grand Alliance goes into the all important Anambra local government elections, the party is plagued on all sides with controversies.
ome time ago, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) announced that it is set to conduct local government election in the state. The election will be the first since after 10 years that the last one was conducted by former governor, Mr Peter Obi. Indigenes of the state have all along been yearning for Local Government elections, calling on successive governors to conduct it to give the people at the grassroots a sense of belonging as it is deemed to be the closest to them.
The election was slated for September 28, and in the next 11 days, all things being equal, the elections would hold. There have been pockets of complaints from various political parties about the promptness of the election. Most of the political parties, including Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Congress (APC) have complained about the process. While some parties have sworn to boycott the process, others are already thinking of dragging the state government to court. Meanwhile, APGA which is the party in power in the state, which should be the beneficiaries of the promptness of the election are also in crisis. The two major problems of the party in the run up to the election are factionalization and the crisis of disenfrasement of intending contestants.
One party, two forms for same election
The Edozie Njoku-led faction of APGA leaning on a Supreme Court ruling has continued to lay claims to being the authentic faction of the party. The faction has opened a separate state party secretariat in Anambra, away from the state party secretariat of the faction loyal to Prof Chukwuma Soludo and Sly Ezeokenwa as national chairman.
When THISDAY visited the factional office of the party at Udoka Housing Estate recently, party stalwarts who have intention of vying for the position of local government chairmen and councillors were seen coming to pick their forms. Officials however refused to disclose how much the forms were being sold, but the national deputy chairman of the party, Hon Tony Ezekwelu in an interview told journalists that their forms were in high demand because everyone knows that it is the authentic faction of the party presently. This is regardless of the fact that the Ezeokenwa-led faction has also sold its forms.
But in a new twist, the state government sensing the popularity of the faction moved against them. Penultimate Wednesday, officials of the Anambra State government sealed off the office of the faction. They claimed it was a residential building and not meant for political activities.
Ezekwelu who represents the Njoku faction of the party spoke to journalists raising the alarm about the sealing of their office, describing the APGA led government of Anambra as trying to intimidate them.
He said: “We came here this morning and people were going about their normal duties and coming to buy their expression of interest forms for the forthcoming local government election when at around 10 am, a team from Anambra Housing Development Corporation came and sealed off our office. Luckily, I was here in Anambra State because I have been around on official duties to monitor the sale of expression of interest form.
“When we asked them why, they said it’s order from above and that the reason was that this place is originally meant to be residential area and we converted it to party secretariat. This place has always been used for party business and we are just the recent people using this. Too many politicians have used this place and we are not the owners of this property, so we have reached out to the owner of the property.
“We know that this is political and the intention was just to intimidate us, so we told them not to obstruct them, but to allow them to do their duties. We are law abiding people. We were not served any eviction
notice. We came in here just two months ago and no one wrote to us. We view this as an act of intimidation and suppression. This is impunity.”
Ezeokenwa faction bars aspirants from purchasing forms
In a latest development however, THIS-
DAY has gathered that the Sly Ezeokenwa faction of the party has barred interested aspirants from buying forms for the election. It was learnt that because of the shortness of time, and the rancour that may come with conducting primary elections for aspirants, the party decided to print only 21 forms for local government chairmanship candidates for the 21 local government areas.
The forms, a source said, was shared to all the 21 Local Government Area chairmen of transition committees, who were recently sworn in by the governor. The chairman alongside their supervisory councillors will automatically transit to chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the party.
A source who spoke with THISDAY claiming to have interest in contesting for local government chairmanship lamented that he was barred from contesting. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said: “The same day they announced the commencement of sale of form in the party was the same way it was allocated to all the transition committee chairmen, leaving everyone else who has interest to contest in the cold. We are not happy about what is happening in the party because this is not the kind of democracy we anticipated.”
While all these continue to happen, the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has described the crisis in the party as a minor family misunderstanding, which would be settled soon. Soludo while briefing journalists recently said: “Anambra people seem to have come to the conclusion that APGA is the party for the state. Is no longer those years of burning down buildings and turmoil, Anambra is now stable because of APGA.
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Odulaja: A Good Leader Must Be Inspirational and Humble
Tunde Odulaja, the Lapo Ekun-elect for Ijebu Ode, is an industrialist and community leader. In this interview, he speaks on what is required of a good leader as well as affirming his commitment to tirelessly work for the advancement of Ijebuland as a whole. Folalumi Alaran brings excerpts:
How do you feel being chosen as the Lapo Ekun and could you take us through the process of your selection or election?
I feel so elated that Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba ll, has recognised me as the next Lapo Ekun of Ijebu Ode. It’s a title exclusively reserved for indigenes of Ijasi. I thank God that I have been chosen to represent my people, the good people of Ijasi, Ijebu Ode.
What’s your vision for your community, and how do you plan to achieve it?
My vision for Ijasi community and Ijebu Ode is to see Ijebus being vibrant in their commercial ventures, to see more Ijebu men and women educate their children, including the girl child, and ensure that farming should again be our focus, while artisanship and skills acquisition should be our focus for the younger generation. I want to see a more vibrant Ijebu Ode, where prosperity, development and progress will be our new song. We would continue to thrive as a community.
How do you intend to uphold and promote the traditions and culture of your people?
Tradition without history does not hold water; we need to first document a lot of our traditional values. We are fast losing grip of our traditions. Under the leadership of our revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, a museum has been created to curate some of these traditional values and history, but we need to be fast about this as
time waits for no one.
In terms of culture, the Ijebus are always on point, we are proud of our dressing culture, our food culture, our working culture, our administrative culture and ‘isese.’
We the Ijebus are secular by nature; we have Muslims, Christians and traditionalists and we all co-habit in peace. We would continue to strive for peaceful co-existence among our people to bring meaningful development to our people.
What are the challenges facing your people and how do you plan to address them?
Like every Nigerian, our people are not exempted, there is hunger in the land and a lot of impoverishment, but what we would do differently is to encourage our people to work harder to bring back prosperity to the land, a working population is a happy community. The advocacy will be on hardwork
and prosperity. We would also encourage individuals; teach our sons and daughters, by way of CSR, how to fish. We will take them back to the basics through orientation, hardwork and prosperity.
Do you have any plan to engage other traditional rulers and the government in other to benefit your people?
There is an existing platform to engage other traditional leaders. The structure is so much intact that it’s an envy of the traditional councils of other areas. We will continue to foster commendable relationships, contribute one’s ideas on development and go extra mile to ensure that the decisions we make are impacted on our people and their socioeconomic status.
We’ll like to know your philosophy on leadership and how you intend to lead your people?
A good leader is a good listener, a good leader must have a good vision to inspire others to follow. A good leader must be honest, with a strong sense of moral responsibility, a good leader must communicate effectively and he or she must have the ability to articulate ideas clearly and foster open dialogues. Also, a good leader must be inspirational, humble, resilient, accountable and decisive. All of these are what I’m bringing to the table to foster peace and development of my people and to ensure that their voices are heard as a people.
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Arthur Eriye
As Nigerians begin to gravitate towards rail transportation as a result of the high cost of airfares, the sector generated N1.69 billion revenue from passengers in the
second quarter of 2024, an increase of 53.14 per cent from the N1.10 billion reported during the same period in 2023. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the total number of rail passengers
surged to 689,263, reflecting a 45.38 per cent increase compared to 474,117 in Q2 2023. Additionally, goods transported by rail experienced a significant uptick, with 143,759 tons moved in Q2 2024, a notable rise from 56,936 tons in
the previous year.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), also reported a transportation volume of 5,940 tons of goods through pipelines, increasing from 2,856 tons in Q2 2023.
Revenue from goods transported
via rail reached N537.36 million in Q2 2024, a staggering 206.68 per cent increase from N175.22 million in Q2 2023.
The report revealed that Pipeline transportation contributed an additional N42.08 million to the
revenue, up from N12.81 million last year.
Overall, other revenue streams amounted to N994.68 million in Q2 2024, a staggering increase of 5,206.68 per cent from just N18.74 million in the same period last year.
Oyetola: Investm ent in Facility Upgrade Will Ensure Safe Shipping, Port Efficiency
Eromosele Abiodun
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that Nigeria must invest in upgrading port facilities to safeguard shipping and drive operational efficiency in the nation’s maritime sector.
Oyetola who stated this in Lagos yesterday in an event to mark this year’s World Maritime Day themed, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” said increased investment in the sector will help Nigeria to build capacity and ensure the country remains competitive in the global seaborne trade.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Michael Oloruntola, he urged the stakeholders to reexamine the safety and security challenges that confronts the maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions (GHG) from ships.
His ministry, he added, is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth.
According to him, “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimisation to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.
“President Bola Tinubu is investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements.”
Speaking earlier, the
Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the authority is at conclusive stages of the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS).
The PCS, he added, will sets the pace for the operationalization of the National Single Window Project of the Federal Government.
Dantsoho who was represented by the Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Ibrahim Umar, said the maritime sector is not just pivotal to national economic prosperity, but to global economic sustainability.
He said, “Realising that automation is the linchpin of port efficiency, the Nigerian Ports is at conclusive stages of the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), which actually sets the pace for the operationalization of the National Single Window Project of the Federal Government.
“This is in addition to the comprehensive modernization of Ports infrastructure and equipment to enhance competitiveness. Indeed, making global port operations healthier, safer and more secure whilst actualizing the other noble objectives of the World Ports Sustainability Program rests heavily on our shoulders as policy framers, investors and stakeholders in its broadest ramification.
“I have said all of these to establish the irrefutable fact that the maritime sector is not just pivotal to national economic prosperity, but to global economic sustainability. I have said all of this to reiterate the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Ports Authority under the leadership and guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to the maximisation of the opportunities inherent in our maritime endowments
for the benefit of the good people of Nigeria and the larger world.”
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said stakeholders should renew dedication to safety, innovation and responsible stewardship of the marine environment.
Mobereola said challenges in the Maritime sector provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry.
“There are many challenges in the maritime industry. These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry. Rapid technological advancements, environmental concerns, sustainability, and evolving global trade are some issues affecting the industry.
“While we confront these challenges, we must accord safety an important priority. In
this regard, we must invest in cutting-edge safety technologies, enhance training and capacity building for our maritime workforce, strengthen our regulatory frameworks to meet international standards, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors,” Mobereola stated.
Speaking, Chairman of Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Sanni, said safety is an imperative that requires national responds.
He said the National Assembly is committed to policies that would drive safe operations in nation’s maritime sector.
He urged the agencies in the sector to ensure compliance to international safety conventions.
“Nigeria should let safety to be the guiding principle that will position the country as a leading player in the global maritime community,” he added.
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EFCC, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND OTHERS
Our institutions should be held to account, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, should step forward to clear his name and be held accountable for his actions, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI
YAHAYA BELLO, THE ARTFUL DODGER
Fondly called the White Lion, Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has failed to live up to the character of the dreadful animal he took as appellation. Accused of sundry misdemeanours, including money laundering and fraud, the
becoming a fugitive. Ordinarily, a lion fears no foe. But this lion has been out of
However, he showed up in Abuja last week. His appearance was as dramatic as
including Ahmed Ododo, his successor, and heavily armed security operatives, Bello practically entered another lion’s den and emerged unscathed. The absurdity of a criminal suspect declared wanted by a lawful state agency parading the streets agents would soon become a subject of public discourse.
RESILIENCE THROUGH THE CRUCIBLE OF ADVERSITY OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE pays tribute to his father Daniel Uwaezuoke EDITORIAL IMMUNISATION AND ENDANGERED CHILDREN
Commission, which had been on his trial, the occurrence had to be managed to avert divert attention from the substantive issue of bringing the former governor to book. But for Bello, it was an opportunity to embarrass the commission he had accused of playing politics and persecuting him. Between the two lie serious issues of wanton impunity and the capacity of the state to tackle it.
case for a couple of years. Covered by constitutional immunity, the commission had to take its time to make its move. The
January this year. Stripped of immunity from arrest and prosecution, the anti-graft agency requested the former governor to report for interrogation. The allegations were hefty, amounting to laundering over N80 billion of the state’s funds kept in his care as governor, a grave and serious accusation.
Rather than report to clear his name, and persecution and went underground. Although the theatrics of Olanipekun Olukoyede, the commission’s chairman, almost fed into Bello’s narrative, many observers of the unfolding drama were left in no doubt that the former governor’s objective was to avoid prosecution for his alleged crimes. However, it remains
analysts that a crime suspect of Bello’s visibility has remained beyond the reach
The commission’s excuse is that Bello has been hiding under the cover of Ododo’s operatives attempted to arrest the former
governor at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja in April, they were resisted to the governor. The commission explained then that it pulled back because it did not want an escalation of violence between it and the governor’s operatives. The same excuse was given for last week’s incident. This is absurd.
Several times, it has been argued that a governor’s constitutional immunity cannot be extended to cover any other person. Therefore, it is a misconception that a criminal suspect in the company of an immune governor cannot be separated and arrested by designated security operatives.
operatives feel restrained by the need to avoid a clash between them and their counterparts from the Police and State Security Services detailed to protect the governor. Again, this is misconceived.
The primary duty of every security personnel is to prevent crime and arrest it. This is the basis of the rule of engagement establishing inter-agency cooperation. This is why any citizen placed on the watch list by any security agency is bound to be intercepted and taken into custody by any lawful operative from the other agencies.
This matter ought to have been resolved high command if there is a genuine intention to take the former governor into custody. An order from the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the SSS that Bello be arrested and handed over to the
Meanwhile, it must be pointed out to Ododo that whilst he has immunity under the law, his conduct so far amounts to
obstruction of justice, which could amount
subjugate his personal to state interest. While it is a notorious fact that he got into the best he can do for his benefactor is to help arrange his legal defence. Beyond that would be a breach of the law, which can amount to high treason.
This is all the more pertinent as Bello has repeatedly said that he was innocent of the allegations and that his political enemies were persecuting him. Yet, this is why he ought to have been eager to clear his name; after all, a clear conscience, it is said, fears no accusation. The allegations are weighty.
and three others, Alli Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdullahi Hudu, conspired to cream .2 billion from the state treasury.
Wednesday. It accused him and two others, Umar Shuaibu Oriche and Abdullahi Hudu, of stealing N110 billion to buy properties in Abuja and Dubai. They were also charged with laundering millions of United States Dollars in foreign accounts.
For someone who has built a good reputation for years, becoming a two-term governor, his preoccupation should be clearing his name, not playing hide-andseek with the law. As the adage goes, a good name is worth more than gold and silver. Bello should come out of hiding to defend his good name and reputation vigorously. This way, he would put his traducers to eternal shame.
Adebiyi is the media assistant to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu
Our institutions should be held to account, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
EFCC, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND OTHERS
Omojuwa
is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing
OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE pays tribute to his father Daniel Uwaezuoke
RESILIENCE THROUGH THE CRUCIBLE OF ADVERSITY
Like the susurration of a slowly receding, surging ocean’s tide, our last conversation still echoes in my mind. At the time, I had not grasped its significance. But now, in the cold, unforgiving light of hindsight, I see it for what it was—a haunting prelude to the final, mournful chime of his life’s clock.
In the caverns of my thoughts, the old nursery rhyme “My Grandfather’s Clock” keeps repeating itself like a cracked and worn vinyl record: “His life’s seconds numbering (tick, tock, tick, tock)”. And with it, I slowly realised that I had cowardly ignored the ominous signs and missed the unmistakable, albeit unspoken, farewell…
That Tuesday, June 18, morning, the news of his serene passing, broken to me on a WhatsApp platform I shared with my brothers, shattered my existential bubble. In an instant, the kaleidoscope of my world’s vibrant hues dissolved into a surreal greyscale. As I struggled to come to terms with the finality of his passing, the hackneyed adage—“age is but a number”— transmogrified before my eyes into a profound and haunting verity.
Soon after a shockwave coursed through my spine, the realisation dawned upon me, like the slow creep of dawn over a gloomy landscape, that even if he had lived a century and a half, rather than 99 years and three months, it would have been but a fleeting moment, a mere whisper in the eternal gale. And then, like a procession of phantoms, the memories of our time together stirred—memories of the man I called my father, now gone into the great beyond.
Like faded sepia prints, my earliest childhood memories have surrendered to the ravages of time, their edges worn, reality subtly distorted. Yet, amidst the haze, one figure remains indelibly etched: Papa, the unsung hero of my juvenile world. His voice, though oftentimes a thunderclap of sternness, could also conjure gentle showers of solace. Living by the Igbo wisdom, “Beat a child with one hand, draw it closer with the other,” he balanced stern rectitude with tender solicitude.
As I delve deeper into this misty realm of childhood remembrances, a push-and-pull dynamic with Papa looms in my subconscious—a lifelong dialectic that continues to shape me in ways I am still struggling to comprehend. I recall, when I was just three years old, how his stern reproach awakened me to life’s harsh realities, like a sudden splash of icy water on a somnolent soul. Yet his warmth offered a comforting counterpoint, a gentle bulwark against the world’s jagged edges. It was in the living room of our then home in Enugu, now shrouded in the mists of time, that I remember wandering, a tiny toddling lost voyager amidst a sea of unfamiliar faces. The steady hum of conversation had drawn me thither, until a firm hand interrupted my aimless perambulation, proffering a mysterious, dark, frothy liquid that contorted my face in distaste. Papa’s thunderous protest echoed through the room—like a sudden tempest on a sun-drenched day.
These memories, like watercolours exposed to the relentless rain, begin to fade, only to be supplanted by another scene. A delicate pink paper—Papa’s gift, or so I recall—captivated my impressionable heart, which was shattered when a careless playmate’s hand rent it asunder. I wailed, mourning the loss of something so beautiful. Papa’s gentle repair of the damage with a strip of sellotape temporarily soothed my distress.
As the seasons of my childhood dissolved into years and years into decades, the fragments of my recollection coalesced, like the pieces of a puzzle falling into place, revealing a richer, more nuanced portrait of Papa. I soon began to discern the depth of his commitment to our education, a passion that flared like a blazing torch even in my earliest years. A fervent desire to provide my siblings and me with the opportunities that fate had denied him seemed to drive him, his own unfulfilled aspirations egging him on.
Partially orphaned at 19, Papa shouldered the weight of responsibility with stoic resolve, becoming the sole breadwinner for his siblings, step-siblings, and his late
father’s two wives. With no patron to fund his secondary education, he embarked upon a teaching career, a pragmatic first step after graduating from Teachers Training College in Obosi. Yet his ambitions stretched far beyond the classroom. As a teacher in Warri, he nurtured a burning dream: to join the Royal West African Frontier Force, either as a policeman or a soldier, a goal he pursued with unyielding determination.
His steps towards realising this dream led him through the Southern Police Training College in Enugu in 1945. After his graduation, he was posted to Warri, then to Forcados, before proceeding to the CID headquarters in Lagos.
At the Central Criminal Registry, where he spent two decades, he underwent a series of courses, some of which took him to the UK. The first, a beginner’s course in fingerprint study, was at the West Riding Police Constabulary Headquarters in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, in 1955. The second, at the Scotland Yard Fingerprint School in Chelsea, London, in 1963. Thus, well-prepared, he rose through the ranks to the position of Central Criminal Registrar.
The Nigerian Civil War, a cataclysmic conflict that ravaged the nation for 30 months, shattered the trajectory of his illustrious career. As the drums of secession beat louder, he was compelled to flee to eastern Nigeria, a region on the verge of declaring itself a republic.
Amidst the chaos and devastation, his selflessness shone like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the path to survival. Though we were only children during that tumultuous period, the memories of his tireless efforts to nourish our bodies and shield us from harm remain indelibly etched in our minds. As starvation stalked the land like a spectre, he prioritised our survival with a ferocity that defied the horrors of war; his devotion was a bulwark against the lurking dangers.
The embers of the Nigerian Civil War had hardly flickered out when the chapter in his life was abruptly closed. This was no thanks to a controversial decree of 1971, which ended his lawenforcement career alongside those of others of Eastern Nigerian origin. Though this injustice was redressed decades later in the twilight of his earthly life, thanks to the thoughtful and benevolent intervention of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, this unexpected turn of events forced him to initially navigate hitherto uncharted waters. With a young family to cater for, he embarked on a brief venture into business, fuelled by necessity rather than passion. However, the East Central Broadcasting Service in Enugu, a refuge where he could utilise his security officer skills, became his sanctuary. Little did he know that this new path would lead him to a rewarding career, culminating in his retirement as a principal executive officer in 1984.
Uwaezuoke
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
IMMUNISATION AND ENDANGERED CHILDREN
Health authorities must ensure that children are immunised
The World Health Organisation (WHO) report that Nigeria has over 2.1 million zero-dose children who are yet to receive any form of vaccination is deeply concerning. More worrisome is that 70 cases of circulating Variant Polio Virus type 2 (cVPV2) have also been reported in Nigeria. “Every children and 145 women of childbearing age. Most of these deaths are occurring in northern Nigeria,” according to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Executive Director, Muyi Aina who lamented the avoidable deaths due to poor vaccination.
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has kept warning about the danger of high number of zero-dose children in the country. “The statistics of children who have received all the vaccines in the national programme is 23 per cent which is low. It is not surprising that ourdent, Ekanem Ekure who disclosed that most of thesemote and hard-to-reach communities. “We have the unfortunately, these children are dying from diseases that can be prevented, for which the government has made vaccines available for free.”
and we are still on our feet, strong. Some people are 90 and above. So, what really is wrong with vaccine?” he asked.
It is however noteworthy that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, has been proactive on the issue of children immunicountry in the world to roll out a new vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by the World Health Organisation which protects people against meningitis. But Pate needs the support of other stakeholders, including the media, religious and traditional leaders as well as the civil society.
There is an urgent need to intensify education and awareness of the deadly consequences of avoiding childhood vaccinations
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
Due to the security challenge that plagues the nation, routine immunisation, and the inability to access certain areas remains a major problem. Over the years, there have been reports that the country’s childhood vaccination coverage falls short of Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) targets, making many children vulnerable to death and vaccine-preventable diseases. Lending his weight to the campaign, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar for children. “So many of us have been vaccinated,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
The challenge is quite daunting. In its most recent report, the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) had revealed that 67 million children across the world missed out on either some or all routine vaccinations between 2019 and 2021. More disturbing is that on the number of children at the risk of death and vaccine-preventable diseases, Nigeria is second only to India. “We cannot allowother victim of the pandemic. Otherwise, the next wave of deaths could be of more children with measles, diphtheria, or other preventable diseases,” UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell warned.
Immunisation, a measure used to track progress towards lowering child morbidity and mortality, istives. It is thus essential that the health authorities in Nigeria do more to ensure that all children are immunised and protected. Government at all levels as well as other critical stakeholders must also act to “catch up” with those missed vaccinations to prevent more deadly disease outbreaks. More importantly, there is an urgent need to intensify education and awareness of the deadly consequences of avoiding childhood vaccinations. Prevention, which is the whole idea of vaccination, is better than cure.
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.
THE NEED TO MODERNISE BORNO RADIO AND TELEVISION
In the heart of Maiduguri, Borno Radio and Television (BRTV) stands as a vital source of information, culture, and community issue—the station’s aging equipment, which has struggled to keep the area, many of BRTV’s essential tools were damaged, underscoring the critical need for modernization. The Borno state government must take immediate action to invest in new technology, rapidly evolving media landscape.
Modern broadcasting relies heavily on advanced technology to deliver high-quality content. Outdated equipment not only limits the potential for engaging storytelling but also hampers the station’s ability to reach a wider audience. With viewers increasingly turning to digital platforms for their news and entertainment, BRTV risks becoming irrelevant if it does not upgrade its tools. The modernization of equipment will enable BRTV to improve its production quality, enhance its broadcasts, and ultimately, strengthens its position as a credible source of information. Moreover, investing in new technology at BRTV is essential for fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. New
equipment often comes with advanced features that can support a range of multimedia capabilities. This shift can lead to more dynamic programming, including live broadcasts, interactive segments, and digital content that resonates with younger audiences. In an age where media consumption habits are changing, BRTV must adapt to stay relevant. By modernizing its facilities, BRTV can for content creation. The need for modernization goes beyond just equipment; it also encompasses the human element of broadcastfor existing employees is critical. Young professionals often bring fresh ideas and perspectives, which can invigorate the station’s programming. Their familiarity with modern media trends and digital platforms can help BRTV connect with a demographic that has largely shifted away from traditional broadcasting. By bringing in new talent, BRTV can ensure that its content is relevant, engaging, and appealing to a broader audience.
the professional development of current employees. Training pronew technologies and adopt modern broadcasting practices. This
investment not only boosts employee morale but also enhances the their professional growth are likely to be more engaged and motivated, contributing to a vibrant work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
The Borno state government has a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in revitalizing BRTV. By prioritizing modernization
public trust in BRTV as a reliable source of information, particularly in a region where access to accurate news is crucial. The government’s support can also demonstrate its commitment to promoting media freedom and strengthening local institutions.
The modernization of Borno Radio and Television is not merely a matter of upgrading equipment; it is an essential step toward ensuring that the station remains relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape. The combination of new technology, young talent, of information and culture in Borno State.
Roseline John Adamu, Borno State University (BOSU), Maiduguri
Mbah Commends Prompt Services at Enugu UK Visa Centre
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has described the consular services at the UK Visa Application Centre, Enugu, as speedy and courteous, urging the people of the South East and South South regions to make use of the centre.
Mbah also called on other foreign missions in the country to emulate the UK Government by setting up the consular services in the state, noting the huge population and the enterprising nature of the people of the South East region, who, he said, are business people and travellers.
Speaking to newsmen during a visit to the UK Visa Application Centre, Enugu, Wednesday, for visa services, Mbah said that with the Centre, people of South East and South South would not need to travel far again to Lagos, Abuja, and others to submit their UK visa applications.
He equally urged Nigerians from other parts of the country to make use of the Visa Application Centre located at 4/6 Link Road, off Pascal and Jerk bus stop, Independence Layout, Enugu.
“Frankly, the consular services here are fully functional. As you could see, the service to me was quite prompt. I have also been informed that this is the same prompt delivery to all applicants, who sought their services here.
“So, I use this opportunity not only to invite those who are within the South East and South South states to come here for their visa applications, but also call on other foreign missions like the United States, the Chinese Government, and others to equally set up their consular services here,” he urged.
On the viability of such centres, he added, “Do not forget that
Enugu is a very important state in the entire south. So, if you looked at the population of Enugu State alone, you might miss the business and the opportunities that lay here. Do not forget that Enugu, at one point, was the regional capital of what today is known as South East and South South, and we continue to be relevant in the provision of various services.”
“Very Pleased that Uk Visas and Immigration is trialing a new visa application facility in Enugu: a key request from His Excellency, Peter Mbah and others during recent visits to the State by myself and Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter. Hope this works and helps strengthen our links,” UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, wrote on his “X” (formerly Twitter) account, @ RMontgomeryUK.
NAHCO, Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce Sign MoU
The Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahcoaviance) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce to advance economic collaboration and enhance bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and China.
The strategic initiative aims to establish the China-Nigeria (Suzhou) Logistics Park, which will facilitate seamless trade, improve logistics infrastructure, and increase investment opportunities
The collaboration, NAHCO explained in a statement, was a direct response to the landmark
joint statement signed by Nigerian President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the recent China-Africa Forum for Cooperation (CAFCO).
The two leaders agreed to elevate the China-Nigeria relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, working toward the creation of a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
The landmark agreement between NAHCO and Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, is expected to bring about seamless trade, improve logistics infrastructure, and increase investment opportunities.
The Chairman of NAHCO
Plc, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that “The agreement represents a pivotal moment for NAHCO and indeed for Nigeria. By joining forces with the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, we are opening new avenues for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and economic growth.”
President of the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, Mr. Lin Xie, echoed the same sentiments, stating that “We are delighted to enter int o this cooperation with NAHCO. This partnership aligns with China’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with African nations.”
Ministries Collaborate to Enhance Travellers’ Experience
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, recently linked up with her counterpart in the aviation sector, Festus Keyamo, to discuss issues concerning travel and tourism in Nigeria. Both ministers have a mandate from the President to improve travellers experience in Nigeria. The two ministers discussed the role of aviation in developing travel and tourism in Nigeria. Globally tourism flies on the wings of aviation and Nigeria should not be different.
All leading tourism destination in Africa have developed aviation infrastructure. As the Minister of Aviation is revamping the aviation ecosystem, it is expected that tourism
will be the major beneficiary of the improvements. Meetings involving stakeholders in aviation and tourism have been planned to interconnect the important pillars of national development. Tourism in Nigeria has not done very well but the renewed advocacy by the Minister of Tourism seems to be opening new vistas.
Recently she worked with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller
General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap to improve the online visa fees for African Travellers leading to more than 50% reduction in visa fees. This has been hailed as a major milestone for travel to Nigeria. She also had worked out an arrangement with the Minister of Transport to involve Nigerian Tour Operators on the utilization of the rails and road infrastructure for domestic tourism.
Onga Rewards More Winners in Ongoing Promo
A consumer from Lagos State, Patricia Eziashi Ihioma, was rewarded with N1million at the Onga week 2 raffle draw that was held in Lagos.
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During the raffle draw, Ihioma, confirmed that he participated in the ongoing Onga Taste the Millions promo.
He said, ‘’I am really surprised by this great news, thanks Onga for the cash gift.”
The National Key Account Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, Arike Nwachukwu, said there are more opportunities for consumers to win throughout September and October, 2024.
“We are thrilled by the positive response to the ongoing promo nationwide. There are still many more opportunities for our consumers to win big throughout September and October 2024. This promo is our way of expressing gratitude to our loyal customers.
She said, “To qualify for the Onga Taste the Millions promo, existing and new customers are
AIR WATCH
How Akwaaba is Developing Tourism in Nigeria
Chinedu Eze
It was another successful outing for the at the 20thAkwaaba African Travel Market held earlier in the week, which brought together tourism experts, aviation gurus, hoteliers, airlines, travel agents and many others from different parts of the world, especially from African countries to the commercial city of Lagos.
It was another heart-warming experience, as the organiser of the event, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, recalled the genesis of the travel market and how it has significantly influenced the development and growth of tourism in Nigeria.
Uko revealed that before Akwaaba African Travel Market was established, Africans were travelling to London to sell African destinations and he reasoned that Africa should sell their destination in Africa and that was what prompted him to start Akwaaba.
“The vision from the beginning was to bring Africans together. Why do we need to go to London to sell Africa? This vision came to fruition when the General Manager of Eko Hotel and Suits then encouraged me to start the travel market in 2004. In the first exhibition, 80 per cent of the cost was written off by Eko Hotel,” Uko disclosed.
But by the next year, the programme picked a foreign support in the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Ghana, the first Minister to attend the travel market, and thenceforth it has been a success story. And after 20 years of the event, Nigeria has garnered strength through many efforts, including the meetings offered by Akwaaba, to become a tourist destination in Africa.
“Nigeria is ripe for tourism. Nigeria has come of age and it is ready to play,” Uko further said.
The travel market brought together many egg-heads, and many experts who brainstormed during the three-day event; thanks to MTN and the Lagos state government, which sponsored the event, he added.
Travel and tourism stakeholders noted that significant mileage has been recorded in the growth of tourism in Africa, but during one of the panel sessions at this year’s event, experts pointed out the hindrances and positives to the development of tourism in the region.
The experts identified some of the hindrances to include visa policy issues, poor leveraging of technology, non-involvement of the local communities, poor infrastructure amongst others. The fact that obtaining visa from one African country to another had always been cumbersome, it has made the entire visa process a disincentive, coupled with the relative high cost of visa in some African countries.
required to buy one pack of Onga Beef or Chicken 90 cubes pack or two packs of Onga Beef or Chicken 50 cubes pack, and exchange the empty pack(s) for a scratch card at the collection centre closest to them; scratch the card to reveal a unique code; send in the unique code to 1393 to submit their entry and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. Weekly draws will continue until the promo ends in October 2024, with exciting prizes still to be won.’’
Representatives from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Lottery and Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) were present at the event to monitor and ensure transparency of the raffle draw process.
The Media and Equity Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, Olawande Meyungbo, in his remark, thanked everyone who participated in the live draw.
In fact, some countries create the impression that they are doing foreigners who wish to come to their countries a favour. These are those countries that have not realised that tourism is a huge foreign exchange earner.
On the discussion on how to change the aforementioned incentives, the moderator of the session, Ambassador Ikechi Uko said, a change could be achieved only if there is collaboration, partnerships and the political will by the government to do so.
He recalled the recent reduction in the fees of Visa-On-Arrival by the Nigerian government due to the complaints by foreign participants to the Akwaaba African Travel Market, remarking that it brought great relief to the visitors and seamless movement for many others into the country.
CEO of Dodi Travels, Ghana, Mr. Ahmed Naaman, said that restrictive visa policy over the years has limited people from visiting Africa. According to him, those willing to visit know the continent has a lot to offer in terms of tourism but because of having to get different visas for every country they want to visit and with high visa fees, they would rather opt to visit one places and go back, adding that another hurdle is the lengthy processing period of the visas which could be frustrating.
Mr. Edi Lawani of Kuruku Nigeria, pointed out that Africa is yet to fully embrace technology to sell
their beautiful unique tourism destinations to the world, observing that many African countries are still struggling to develop their digital infrastructure, thus making it difficult for tourists to get information about destinations, festivals, activities or even communicate with local tour operators and travel agencies in those countries.
Lawani stressed that, in this era of social media, the continent is lagging behind in the use of social media tools like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and others that are revolutionising the tourism industry globally.
Lending his support to that in the area of payment for tour packages, using technology, a representative of MTN Nigeria at the event, Mr. Bayo Omomowo, noted that the company has revolutionised the payments process with the introduction of their payment platform called Momo in about six African countries.
In paying for packages, he said, a client from Nigeria can pay with the naira using Momo where it is available, eliminating the stress of changing the naira to the currency of the country he or she is planning to visit before paying.
“The Momo base in Nigeria is the highest in Africa so, there is a huge market for you, we can work together, we can digitalise to enable you to a platform for cross-border remittance, and personal remittances. We are now working on the big payment sites, and we can work together on your tours and products once they are available. You can advertise your bookings, packages.”
Mr. Davidson Mugisha from Rwanda emphasised that community involvement remained key in driving tourism, adding that, in many countries, government and the private sectors tend to do everything alone without involving the communities who have the right knowledge of the culture, location of sites and destinations. Community involvement is also important in the area of security.
Mugisha added that government, foreign and private initiatives in their quest to boost the sector, could achieve little if the communities are sidelined and cited the initiative Rwanda has adopted to boost tourism, bringing the youths into the picture.
Mugisha also emphasised that doing things without inputs from the community could lead to conflict and rivalry, adding that, carrying them along can bring about development and job creation for youths in the areas.
Other areas of concern to Mugisha is about the epileptic internet connection, which he described as poor, coupled with the issue of insecurity, and high taxes that tourists pay when coming into the country and when accessing the sites.
Dr. Adama Bah from Gambia, advocated for a collaborative approach across the continent’s tourism industry and highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage as a major asset, underscoring the need for better implementation of strategies within the sector
“If we get support from the African Union (AU) and other unions, we can complete the entire travel market. By joining forces, we can create a Pan-African travel market where we all see ourselves and sell our products. Our biggest asset is culture, but there is a need for improvement in what we are doing,” Bah said.
While identifying recurring challenge faced by Africans across various sectors of the continent’s economy, he said: “In Africa, we are very good at creating blueprints and agreeing on things, but we seldom implement them. That is one of our biggest problems.”
Akwaaba travel market ended on a wonderful note, with strong promise from the organiser that next year show will have a full bouquet of all the tourism and aviation events in one fell swoop, in a three-day event that will bring stakeholders from aviation and tourism, insurance handling companies and others into one roof at Eko Hotel and Suits in Lagos.
Chinedu Eze
Reforms as Elixir for Air Travellers
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo last week encapsulated the federal government’s plan to put the right structures and policies in place to grow the aviation industry with ultimate aim to boost customer satisfaction, writes Chinedu Eze
There are two key factors that play huge role in air travel. One is the airline and the other is the airport. Other factors fall in-between, include: safety, security, cost of ticket and personnel development.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently outlined what could be described as the blueprint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the aviation industry.
It could be said tersely that the minister wants to empower the airlines so that they could operate profitably, acquire aircraft at affordable cost with willing lessors who will offer their equipment to them, pay less insurance premium and bring down cost of tickets so that air passengers can pay less to travel.
On the other hand, the administration also wants to have state-of-the-art airports that are passenger friendly, secure with easy facilitation. To do this, the administration is looking at concessioning the airports, following laid down, transparent process and attracting foreign investors, that will create more jobs when passenger movement is boosted.
CONSUMER PROTECTION PORTAL
It is this objective that prompted the establishment of consumer protection portal by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The establishment marked a significant step towards creating platform for interface between airlines, NCAA and air travellers in accordance with international practices and standards.
The portal offers a comprehensive platform where passengers can lodge complaints, access real-time data on airline performance, and monitor punctuality and on-time operations of airlines.
NCAA said the portal would also serve as a valuable resource for the aviation industry, offering data and tools for research and development, and contributing to informed decision-making that can ultimately improve service delivery.
During the unveiling last week, the minister said that the portal, and all other things the Tinubu administration is doing, were meant to improve the service offered to air travellers and to make air travel easier and more comfortable.
“For us, everything that we do in the aviation sector must finally translate to improved travelling experience for the travelling public. If it does not improve, if it does not translate to that, then we have done nothing. And this is what we have come here today to demonstrate.The travelling public deserve better. They deserve to know how their complaints are being treated. They deserve to know who to complain to.They deserve to know the length of time it will take for their complaints to be addressed. They deserve to know who to hold responsible. And that is what this portal seeks to achieve.
“The portal also puts the regulators under some kind of searchlight too. Because it tells us the length of time it is taking for them to address
these complaints. What exactly they have done in addressing these complaints and so on and so forth.So, it is something I sanctioned. When they brought it to me, I said, look, this is a no-brainer. We have to do it. In the last one year in office, we have concentrated on some of these issues. Of course, you know what has been happening in terms of redesigning the policies to redirect the whole direction of the aviation industry as a whole,” Keyamo said.
POLICIES AND PPP
The minister said the easiest way government could develop the aviation industry is to review and also introduce pro investment policies that would attract private investors, eliminate the policies, which are inimical to growth, and promote private enterprise.
In other words, there are hitherto stringent and conservative policies, which are disincentives to investment by the private sector. Such policies that will hinder their ability to make profit, encourage prolonged, boring bureaucracies and such other policies that can erode the confidence of investors in putting their money in the sector should be done away with. Then opaque actions of government and its agencies should be looked into. The minister believes that when these seeming obstacles are removed, the private sector would be willing to invest in the industry.
It was the Minister’s efforts to achieve these set goals that gave Nigeria high approval rating, as Aviation Working Group (AWG), recently scored Nigeria high and commended the Minister of Aviation because of what he had done in the last one year he was appointed Minister of Aviation.
Speaking on the rating, the minister said:
“In the last few months, I kept informing the public that I was working on this.And I was working on this very seriously. What government can do is to open up the environment for private businesses to thrive. Government does not even need to give money.What kind of money do you want to give to the aviation industry? It is so capital intensive. There is no amount of money government gives to the industry that can make them survive. It is actually the kind of policies to attract foreign investors, to attract patronage, to make this environment especially safe and conducive for people to come in with their equipment, their aircraft, their engines, their parts, for the local operators to survive.”
Keyamo said the lofty plan to make the aviation sector more conducive for private investment, spurred him to do more, noting that the previous administration had more buoyancy and greater possibilities but they chose to do nothing. His administration, he emphasised, would be to ensure that the right sacrifices were made to drive the vehicle of
development up the hill then to the level ground, adding that there is need for concerted efforts and support from stakeholders.
“Look, it would have been easy for us, like some previous people did, to throw up their hands and say, look, it is not working. Some other people have more capacity than us.And then they go outside the country to invite foreign capacities to kill our local capacity. So I am very clear as to our direction in the aviation industry. And Mr. President mandated that we should go that way. I want to thank Mr. President for giving us all the support. Now, I am sure you see the clear difference in policies. One says no, we cannot do it. And so they go and attract people from outside to come and dominate our space. But I am saying no to it because we can do it. Let us see how those people did it and create the same kind of environment for our own people to achieve what others, who are not in any way better than us, achieved,” he explained.
DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
It is these objectives that informed the Tinubu administration’s clear policy shift, leading to a long-term plan to rejuvenate the aviation industry and make it conducive for private sector participation. Keyamo noted that policies that promote short term development cannot go the whole hog and may retard long-term growth.
“This means regular disruptions and hiccups that could encourage self-serving actions at the detriment of the overall interest of the sector.
“Let us go and bring people, and then you will see some seeming change in the first three, four months and at the end of the day, you kill the entire local business. So it is better to take the hard road and to get to glory land at the end of the day. What we have done is to take the hard road. And what is the hard road? We decided to go around the world to say, look, what do you want us to do to be like Qatar?
To be like Addis Ababa? What do you want us to do? And they gave us conditions. Now we have the country already, and we have the economy, and we also have the population. We have the traveling public. So why can’t we be like them? It is very simple,” Keyamo said.
According to him, they gave us these conditions and we have started to address these conditions one by one. Other people ignored these conditions.I saw letters of 10 years ago, five years ago. They wrote to Nigeria to say, you are not fulfilling this. And they ignored those letters. I went back to those letters. And this is the first step (the rating). There are other steps coming.There is still some way to go. But what we did, we actually drew from our wealth of professional background. We did the Cape Town Convention. We did the practice direction. The world applauded. They are applauding. They are rating us high. We
will continue to do this to ensure that this place, this country becomes like every other country in the world that enjoys the patronage of the big resources and financiers across the world. And that is the path we have taken, Keyamo further said.
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT
According to Keyamo, the federal government has the plan to build aerotropolis at the airports and establish hubs but this can only be done when private investors see attraction in what government can offer, which is reliability, policy consistency and other incentives, including transparency in the processes.
“We are saying that we are going to build aerotropolis. We are going to make them proper hubs. However, we cannot do so without private investment. And so we are going out to attract more investors, and we are advertising very soon for concessions. However, we want to carry the unions along. This is my major focus in this drive. I don’t want to do it like previous ones, that there were complaints, either from within or outside. There was resistance by the unions. Resistance from other people, and resistance from even the co-bidders, that the processes were not transparent enough. The first thing about the safety of jobs of those in the union, and one of the first conditions we will give whoever wants to do concessions with us, is that they must carry our liabilities along - the workers. Make sure their jobs are safe, then we can start talking. If the workers are not safe, we can’t start talking. It is as simple as that,” the minister said.
The Director of Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Abdullahi Mamoud, explained that the minister had directed a review of the airport master plan in preparation to the transformation of the airports.
“There is a master plan, the airport master plan, which they are seriously working on. The minister wants to see this master plan so that we can sit down and drive it together. By the time we start driving it and effecting it, I think all these issues will be sorted out. And then another option is that we are trying to leverage some of our airports that have been underutilised to see how we can give airlines some incentives so that at least we can pull out some of the airlines to those airports, which are currently heavily underutilized. So these are some of the options that we are looking at. If you can offer incentives to airlines that fly to certain locations, it will go a long way in encouraging the airlines to utilise those airports, so that pressure can be reduced in some of the major airports,” Mamoud said.
Therefore having the right airport infrastructure as well as viable and profitable airlines, it will significantly improve the aviation industry, which will then increase its contribution to nation’s GDP, create more jobs and also provide robust services to air travellers.
Keyamo
As Court Halts EFCC’s Prosecution of Businessman over Mambilla Power Project
Last week’s order of a Federal High Court shielding the promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, Leno Adesanya, from prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will correct the wrong impression by the agency’s crackdown which portrayed Nigeria as a territory where international commercial transactions are unsafe and where municipal laws and agencies can be used against investors in case of disputes, writes Festus Akanbi
There was a twist to the long-drawn battle over the controversial $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project last week when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from prosecuting the promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, Mr. Leno Adesanya regarding the power project fraud.
The reprieve from the court also included an order to the anti-graft body to remove Adesanya’s name and photograph from the EFCC’s wanted list in newspaper publications.
The judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo equally ordered that the anti-graft agency should remove all other negative contents concerning or about Adesanya in connection with any criminal allegation associated with the contract.
He stated that given the fact that since the Ministry of Power had contested the claims of the plaintiffs and had counterclaimed against them at the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration, the sanctity of the arbitral proceedings must be respected and protected.
The judge stressed that the Ministry of Power must not be seen as a territory where international commercial transactions are unsafe and where municipal laws and agencies can be used against investors in case of disputes.
The suit was filed against the EFCC, the ministry, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The EFCC had declared Adesanya wanted for “an alleged case of conspiracy and corrupt offer to public officers” about the Mambilla project.
However, Adesanya and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, sued the defendants to challenge the EFCC’s action.
THISDAY gathered, however, that last week’s order is pending the determination of the contractual dispute between the company and the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel.
The judge, however, refused to grant a prayer seeking compensation in the sum of N1 billion against the defendants, pointing out that the court, at this moment, is concerned with the protection of the sanctity of the arbitral proceeding of the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration based on the UN Conventions on international dispute resolutions.
Stressing the need to go in the direction of the UN Convention on dispute resolution, the judge said, “Nigeria (the 2nd defendant in this case) is not just a signatory but has domesticated under AMA 2023.
“This judgment is to ensure that parties are compelled to do so. This is the order of
this court,” he said
The judgment was delivered on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/267/2024 filed by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, M.S. Diri, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Diri sought a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC from further investigating, inviting, or publishing Adesanya’s name as a wanted person on its website: https://www.efcc.gov.ng and all other social media handles and notice boards concerning the project.
THE CONTROVERSY
The senior lawyer prayed the court to determine the propriety of the anti-graft commission’s powers to investigate the commercial transaction between his clients, the federal government, and the Ministry of Power, even when the case was already pending at the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris.
He argued that Adesanya, seeking to ensure sustainable power in Nigeria, proposed constructing the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project through Sunrise Ltd as the special purpose vehicle to drive the project.
He said Sunrise and its Chinese partners, North China Power and China Hydroelectric Companies, held various meetings in China with three Power Ministers regarding the Zungeru and Mambilla projects.
He submitted that in 2005 and 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo approved financial negotiations for the project, but to date, no funds had been disbursed by the federal government to the plaintiffs regarding the contract.
He said to amicably resolve the issues concerning the project, the company wrote letters to the Ministry of Power, leading to meetings between his clients and the executive branch of government.
“Following these, the federal government agreed to pay the 2nd plaintiff the sum of $200 million within 14 days of executing the Terms of Agreement, and failure to do so would trigger the commencement of 10% compound interest per annum.
“As a result of the Terms of Settlement, the arbitration in Case No. 23211 was withdrawn,” he said.
He added that by a letter dated
April 22, 2020, rather than honouring the agreement, the federal government wrote through the AGF seeking a review of the terms.
“Consequently, the 2nd plaintiff instituted fresh arbitral proceedings: Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited v. Federal Government of Nigeria – ICC Case No: 26260/SPN/AB/CPB (Exhibits D and E),” the lawyer said.
He stated that the arbitral proceeding was scheduled for a virtual hearing on 22 March.
Diri said despite the pending case, the federal government and its security agencies, including the EFCC, sought to criminalise and scandalise the Mambilla Project, aiming to evade their legal contractual obligations.
However, the EFCC’s lawyer, Attah Ocholi, argued that evidence of criminal activity was established against the plaintiffs during the investigation, leading to charges being framed in a High Court.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Ekwo held that since the Ministry of Power had contested the claims of the plaintiffs and had counterclaimed against them at the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration, the sanctity of the arbitral proceedings must be respected and protected.
He stressed that the Ministry of Power must not be seen as a territory where international commercial transactions are unsafe and where municipal laws and agencies can be used against investors in case of disputes.
Justice Ekwo observed that Sunrise Limited had instituted fresh arbitral proceedings against the Federal Government of Nigeria, which are ongoing.
RESTRAINING EFCC
The judge further held that there is no justification for EFCC’s publication of Adesanya’s name and photograph as a “wanted person” on its website.
Ekwo subsequently declared that the commission was not legally entitled to investigate, resolve, or prosecute the contractual dispute between Sunrise Ltd and the Ministry of Power and the federal government, pending before the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris, under ICC Case Reference No. 26260/SPN/AB/CPB.
NEED FOR QUICK RESOLUTION
Experts who weighed in on the legal tussle over the project said a quick resolution of all the outstanding issues on the project will not only raise the hope of a possible relief in a sector that has been consistently fingered for the setback in the economy but will also boost the confidence of foreign investors.
The Mambilla power station which is located in Kakara village, in Taraba State, close to the border with Cameroon, sits across the Donga River and consists of four dams and two underground powerhouses.
Construction of this power station is expected to generate 50,000 temporary and permanent jobs. The power generated will be sold to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, which will transmit it to two locations, where it will be integrated into the Nigerian electricity grid; one 330kV high voltage transmission line will connect to Jalingo and two to Makurdi. The entire new planned high-voltage transmission system measures over 700 kilometres (435 mi).
However, analysts lamented a situation where a commercial dispute is being criminalised as the EFCC is allegedly unleashed on the company and its staff. This development, according to watchers of the unfolding drama, could make nonsense of the current drive for foreign investment by the current administration.
Adesanya had alleged that the federal government decided to criminalise the power deal because there was no justification or defence for the unilateral cancellation of the deal.
Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited claimed it was awarded a $6 billion build, operate, and transfer (BOT) contract in May 2003 by the Obasanjo administration but stated that the federal government at the time, rejected the agreement.
He alleged the federal government’s disregard for the agreement when, on May 28, 2007, the Federal Ministry of Power signed a $1.46 billion EPC contract for the first phase of the Civil Works project with China Ghezouba Group Company (CGGC) and CGC (now called CGCOC), excluding Sunrise Power from the deal.
Many legal luminaries privy to the matter had advised the federal government to settle amicably with Sunrise Power Transmission on the Mambilla hydro dispute. They warned that Nigeria does not have a good case at the arbitration and would face colossal damage which is more detrimental to the current seizure made by some Chinese firms about similar cases.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede
Tony Elumelu at #UNGA79: Driving Financial Inclusion,
Tackling Global Hunger, Unemployment
From clarion calls to invest in impactful change for Africa to roundtables on speed and scale in achieving Climate targets and even collaborations to tackle global hunger and youth unemployment crises, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that at the United Nations General Assembly, #UNGA79, the Group Chairman for United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, who also doubles as the Chairman Heirs Holding and Transcorp, as well as the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), had set some tripartite goals to interface with global leaders and policy makers on the need to collectively foster progress, drive and invest in impactful change for Africa’s future and put the continent on the global stage
At the onset of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this September 2024, Tony Elumelu (CFR), the Group Chairman for United Bank for Africa (UBA), who also doubles as the Chairman Heirs Holding and Transcorp, as well as the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), had set some tripartite goals to achieve.
As seen in a video where he encapsulated his thoughts based on questions asked by his daughter, Oge, the Nigerian economist-cum-entrepreneur said the outing at UNGA was targeted at convening global leaders to talk about the three things that are important to him.
“Transformative economic growth for Africa so that we can eradicate poverty and create prosperity for all; Making sure we create employment for our young ones. We need to stop wasting our talents on the continent; and thirdly, talk about equitable energy transition that is beneficial for Africa,” he listed.
As the days rolled by, these cardinal points were lived out through various sessions and high level meetings with commitments to doing more for the continent.
CLARION CALL TO INVEST IN IMPACTFUL CHANGE FOR AFRICA
At #UNGA79, Elumelu interfaced with global leaders and policy makers on the need to collectively foster progress, drive and invest in impactful change for Africa’s future and put the continent on the global state.
According to Elumelu, “There is a better way to invest in Africa for a sustainable future that creates value for all.”
This was again reiterated when Elumelu met with President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, where he called for partnership in scaling opportunities, fueling innovation, and unlocking the potential of Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
It is important to note that out of those young entrepreneurs impacted by TEF across Africa, 72 of them are from Gabon.
Also at #UNGA79, Elumelu met with Bard Vegar Solhjell, Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development, where they discussed not only the transformative impact of the foundation in empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, and how they continuously advocate for policies that enable entrepreneurship to flourish across Africa, but also pushed for a collaboration to support additional entrepreneurs.
EMPOWERING AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH TEF
As always, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) took a stand in empowering young African entrepreneurs to rebuild economies and create lasting change in regions hardest hit by conflict and climate devastation.
At the moment, TEF has disbursed US$100million to 20,000 young African entrepreneurs, 35 per cent of whom are driving sustainable solutions for food security across the continent.
In championing African entrepreneurs, Elumelu said: “In addition to our entrepreneurship programmes, we also use our convening power to help create awareness amongst policymakers to elevate issues that frustrate small-scale enterprises. We let governments, presidents and lawmakers know that if you prioritise the young ones, they will help you solve big problems - so create the right environment so that their businesses will thrive and succeed.”
It’s also of note that Elumelu met with Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, one of TEF’s longtime partners given that through the partnership with the European Union (EU), they have successfully empowered over 2,500 young women entrepreneurs across Africa, and set to financially support 1,800 more this year alone, thus ensuring that they are leading the charge in job creation, poverty eradication and inclusive economic empowerment across the continent.
“Already, some of our #TEFAlumna have also gone on to receive additional second stage
funding of up to €50,000 through the partnership called the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) Programme,” TEF said.
Also in a meeting with Jakob Granit, Director General, Swedish International Development Agency, and his delegation, Elumelu said: “Since 2010, TEF has supported young Africans who have ideas but lack economic resources to actualise it. Young Africans need support. Human capital support, technological support, financial support, policy support to actualise their aspirations.”
Armed with information about how TEF is highlighting the transformative impact in empowering young entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, fueling the rise of a new generation of young Africans who are creating sustainable solutions for the continent’s future, Mr. Granit thanked the foundation for its unwavering commitment to entrepreneurs in Africa.
Kenya was not left out of the conversation as Elumelu also met President William Ruto, President of Kenya at the sidelines of #UNGA79 as they both committed to doing even more for young people in Africa. Already, TEF has also disbursed seed capital to 782 entrepreneurs from Kenya who have gone on to create thousands of jobs.
HIGH LEVEL CONVERSATIONS ON PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE CARIBBEAN AND AFRICA
This again was reiterated at the high level conversations Elumelu held with his team and
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness on the need to focus on enhancing partnerships between the Caribbean and Africa.
ACHIEVING CLIMATE TARGETS
Also at the UNGA outing, the group chairman joined former US President, Bill Clinton on the Clinton Global Initiative Executive Roundtable lunch on “Speed and Scale: Achieving Climate Targets”, which emphasised on the urgent need for innovative solutions to climate goals while fostering sustainable development.
TACKLING GLOBAL HUNGER, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CRISES
At the World Food Programme (WFP) reception done in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu joined WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain, to call for urgent collaboration to tackle the global hunger and youth unemployment crises while spotlighting solutions to critical humanitarian crisis, specifically reversing hunger crisis and tackling youth unemployment, of which McCain commended Elumelu’s drive and passion for the continent.
While emphasising the shared responsibility to support the 783 million people facing food insecurity, Elumelu said success in business cannot be realised if people are hungry.
“With 783 million people battling hunger worldwide and 60 per cent of Africa’s youth underemployed or unemployed, this is not just a humanitarian crisis - it is a call for immediate action,” they said.
Tony Elumelu (CFR), UBA Group Chairman with former US President, Bill Clinton Elumelu with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness
Elumelu with Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain
President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon with Elumelu
TEF Founder, Elumelu with President William Ruto of Kenya
Bard Vegar Solhjell, Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development with Elumelu
Jakob Granit, Director General, Swedish International Development Agency, and his delegation.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission with Elumelu photo credit: UBA Group and TEF
AGJEC Trains Women Towards Actualising the African Mining Vision
Esther Oluku
The African Gold, Gemstones and Jewelry Exhibition and Conference (AGJEC) has empowered almost 160 women in 2024 with training as it moves towards actualising the African Mining Vision, the Conference Chairperson AGJEC 2024, Dr. Adesuwa Dan-Princewill, has said.
Dan-Princewill made the disclosure at a Press Conference in Lagos as part of activities to mark AGJEC 2024 taking place in Nigeria between 24th to 28th September, 2024.
The African Gold, Gemstones and Jewelry Exhibition and Conference (AGJEC), supported by the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC), an organ of the African Union, is a strategic meeting aimed towards strengthening the solid minerals industry in Africa and standardising the continent’s commodity exchange market in
line with global best practices.
To achieve this, AMDC through AGJEC is utilising trainings, mentorships and collaborations between professionals in the mining value chain to entrench best ethical processes in minerals collection, deepening regional alliances, sharpening skills and competences within the gemstones and jewelry value chain and championing conversations towards standardising African jewelry cuts and patterns for international commerce.
The Programme Officer AMDC, Mr. Mkululi Ncube said; “borrowing from the efforts that have been ongoing over the years to ensure that we as Africans own the minerals originating from Africa, not to own the minerals for them to be sold, but to own the minerals from a position of the Africa Mining Vision for development.
“It is a mineral development framework for resource exchange and industrialization.
If we achieve what we want to achieve, in five years time, we should have a media house reporting the Commodity Exchange or the minerals that we have.”
Speaking on the progress made towards training women in the gemstones mining value chain through the three years of AGJEC’s existence, Dan-Princewill said: “We started out with AGJEC having just 18 stores in 2022 and we were very happy, excited. In 2023, we had over 30 stores and it was a big break for us. By the time the President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Mrs. went out and spoke to other stakeholders on the continent, this year, we have over 90 stores”
“For this year’s Master Classes, we were planning for a maximum of 70 guests by the day. It was not even midday, when we realized the room could not fit the numbers. Such that, from thinking we
would have 60 participants, almost 160 persons showed up.”
Meanwhile, the President, Association of Women in Mining Africa (AWIMA), Ms. Pascaline Omgba, noted that as Africa works towards connecting It’s markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), dismantling existing trade barriers which limits free movement of goods and persons within the continent must be prioritized.
Omgba said that this will solidify the gains of the AfCFTA and build enduring unity amongst countries in each region within the continent which would ultimately culminate in progress Africa’s progress.
In her opening remarks, President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Dr. Janet Adeyemi stated that through innovation, cooperation and collaboration, the African Mining Vision will come to fruition.
Stardom Against the Odds: Dr. Princess Oghene’s Journey
In a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene has transformed her experiences of betrayal and adversity into a successful business empire.
Her new book, “Ungrateful Souls: My Odyssey from Obscurity to Entrepreneurial Stardom,” offers a candid and insightful look into the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. Through her journey, Oghene exposes the dark underbelly of business, revealing the ungrateful souls who sought to destroy her dreams. However, this is not just a story of survival; it’s a battle cry for entrepreneurs everywhere to rise above the noise, stay true to their vision, and build businesses that thrive despite the odds.
With her passion for fabric inspired by her mother’s
talent, Oghene established GMYT Fashion Academy, overcoming industry-related obstacles and challenges along the way. Her experiences taught her the importance of building robust systems and structures within her organisation, which became a cornerstone of her success. Her definition of success has evolved to focus on systemic achievement and personal growth rather than just milestones. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and maintaining focus on
goals despite setbacks. Through her story, she offers valuable lessons and insights, including the importance of building businesses on solid structures and systems, rising above challenges, and creating a resilient business model. Her approach to relationships and mentorship has been shaped by her experiences, valuing both positive and challenging aspects of interactions.
As a motivational guide, Oghene advises entrepreneurs to be clear on their identity and the value of their brand, uncovering their unique selling point and running with their vision unapologetically.
With her book now shared with the world, Dr. Oghene hints at exciting new developments on the horizon, promising “something more” in her future endeavors. Her inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience, encouraging entrepreneurs to stay true to their vision and build businesses
Africa’s Largest Expo Set to Showcase Continent’s Vibrant Beauty Industry
The highly anticipated Beauty in the Motherland exhibition, conference, and awards is slated to take place at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos from October 1st to 3rd. This premier event promises to be the largest gathering of beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts in Africa.
‘YE! AN AFROBEATS
MUSICAL’ DEBUTS IN LAGOS
The highly anticipated “YE! An Afrobeats Musical” is set to make its grand debut in Lagos from December 27 to 29, 2024, at the prestigious MUSON Centre. Blending the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats with the electrifying energy of Broadway-style theatre, “YE!” promises to deliver an unforgettable cultural experience that highlights the vibrancy and dynamism of Lagos.
YE! tells the compelling story of two young talents, Jemi, a gifted musician, and Rire, a passionate fashion designer, as they chase their dreams on a national talent show. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, the musical explores the pressures of family expectations, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity.
The show celebrates the unstoppable force of Afrobeats, with music that features both original compositions and classic hits, paying tribute to legends of the genre while embracing the new wave of artists.
The production, under the direction of Kelvinmary Ndukwe, promises to be a captivating fusion of music, dance, and storytelling, showcasing the universal themes of ambition, love, and resilience. The music is directed by acclaimed composer Kehinde Oretimehim, who has also created original pieces for the show.
The dynamic choreography is crafted by Uche Onah, bringing the heartbeat of Afrobeats to the stage through movement that captures both tradition and modernity.
“We are excited to bring this uniquely Nigerian story to life with the universal language of music and theatre,” said Tai Ajayi, Executive Producer and Founder of Vibra Company.
“Lagos is a city that thrives on culture and creativity, and YE! is our love letter to Afrobeats, celebrating the sounds and stories that have put Nigerian music on the global map”, Ajayi noted further.
DEL-YORK, AND ABERYSTWYTH UNI SIGN LANDMARK MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Del-York Creative Academy (DCA), Africa’s leading institution in creative capacity-building, and Aberystwyth University, a prestigious academic institution in Wales, have formalised a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This MOU aims to foster educational collaboration, global exposure for students, and joint academic research, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of DCA’s international reach.
The MOU was signed at Aberystwyth University following a visit by Jack Latchford-Coates, Regional Manager for International Recruitment and Development at Aberystwyth University, to DCA’s Lagos facility. The official signing ceremony in Wales was officiated by Professor Anwen Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, and witnessed by Dr. Akanimo Odon, Executive Director of Business Strategy and Internationalisation at Del-York Creative Academy.
Professor Anwen Jones commented, “I am delighted to welcome Del-York Creative Academy to Aberystwyth University for the signing of our MOU. Partnering with Africa’s leading capacity-building institution for film, media, and animation is an exciting step for Aberystwyth in our continued effort to connect with key global partners and provide a top-quality education for our students from around the globe.”
Over 150 top brands will showcase the latest beauty innovations and trends, highlighting the richness and diversity of African beauty. T he conference will feature inspiring speakers, including Tosin Olaseinde, Nneka Eze, Maya Horgan Famodu, and Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, who will share expertise on industry trends, entrepreneurship, and financial management.
celebrate African beauty and excellence. Additionally, a nail art competition and pitch competition will offer opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and expand their business reach nationwide.
The event will provide a platform for attendees to discover new products, learn from industry experts, network with key players, and
“Beauty in the Motherland is a platform to promote African beauty, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We’re excited to bring together the best of the continent’s beauty
industry and provide a plat form for growth and collaboration”, the organisers noted.
The event promises to be an exciting celebration of African beauty, with renowned beauty influencers, entrepreneurs, and experts in attendance. With its rich lineup of activities, Beauty in the Motherland is poised to elevate the African beauty industry to new heights. Registration is now open for this unparalleled event.
Lord’s Gin Unveils Sleek Redesign at 2024 Achievers Awards
Nigerian premium spirits leader, Lord’s London Dry Gin, has launched a sleek new design and revolutionary anticounterfeit technology, Guala Cap, to combat counterfeit products and maintain product authenticity.
At the 2024 Lord’s Achievers Award, the brand showcased its revamped packaging, featuring the tamper-evident Guala Cap, designed to ensure every bottle reaches consumers in its authentic, premium form.
Stanley Obi, Director at Grand Oak Limited, noted,
“The redesign presents a modern and sophisticated brand image, with the Guala Cap symbolizing our dedication to quality, safety, and innovation.” This strategic move aims to combat counterfeit products threatening the industry, safeguard the brand and loyal customers, maintain product authenticity, and raise industry standards.
The Guala Cap launch underscores Lord’s Gin’s commitment to excellence, quality, and consumer trust,
reinforcing its position as a leading player in Nigeria’s premium spirits market. The Nigerian spirits industry faces significant challenges from counterfeit products, and Lord’s Gin’s innovative approach sets a new standard, protecting both the brand and consumers while driving industry growth.
By implementing this technology, Lord’s Gin demonstrates its long-term vision of delivering excellence while addressing pressing challenges in the marketplace. The re-
launch serves as a reminder of the brand’s legacy of quality and its unwavering focus on maintaining consumer trust in an increasingly competitive landscape.
This strategic move is expected to strengthen consumer trust, drive sales and revenue growth, and solidify Lord’s Gin’s market position. Additionally, the brand’s innovative approach is likely to inspire industry-wide adoption of anti-counterfeit technologies, ultimately raising standards across the Nigerian spirits industry.
Linus Idahosa, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Del-York Group, underscored the strategic significance of the MOU: “This partnership with Aberystwyth University represents a pivotal move in broadening the global perspectives of our students. By combining our practical, industry-focused education with international experiences, we are equipping the next generation of African creatives with the skills they need to excel in the increasingly interconnected global creative economy.”
YETUNDE OGUNYANKIN’S QUEST TO CONNECT NIGERIAN BUSINESSES GLOBALLY
In a world where connections matter, one woman is on a mission to unite Nigerian businesses and professionals across the globe. Yetunde Ogunyankin, a seasoned Healthcare IT Analyst, has dedicated her life to fostering collaboration and growth through her innovative platform, Connect Fest Network (CFN).
With over 15 years of experience in IT analysis, Ogunyankin recognized the need for a platform where businesses could share knowledge, expand networks, and explore new opportunities. “I wanted to create a space where people could connect, learn from each other, and grow together,” she explained.
CFN’s inaugural event brought together 30 businesses, marking the beginning of a journey to facilitate meaningful connections and business growth. Ogunyankin’s vision is to empower Nigerian businesses to thrive globally, and her platform is designed to make that happen.
“I want Nigerian businesses to broaden their networks, connect with like-minded companies worldwide, and explore new opportunities,” she said. “Since COVID-19, remote work has become the norm, and there are numerous ways businesses can help each other remotely and get paid for it.”
Ogunyankin’s passion for connecting people is rooted in her experiences as an IT analyst and project manager. “I realised many businesses struggle with marketing, sales, and growth,” she said. “CFN is here to provide a supportive community where businesses can learn, network, and thrive.”
Mary Nnah
Dr. Princess Oghene’
FirstBank Reiterates Commitment to Partnering for Fintech Growth
Nume Ekeghe Oluchi
Chibuzor
The Chief Technology Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria, Rachel Adesina, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to collaborate with partners in the country to deepen the fintech space.
She stated this at the Nigeria Digital Payment Ecosystem conference held yesterday in Lagos sponsored by the FirstBank.
She reiterated that FirstBank see Fintechs companies as partners and would continue to provide opportunities for collaboration in deepening the space as an ecosystem player.
She said: “So, why is FirstBank sponsoring this? So, why are we sponsoring this organisation? For us, we are ecosystem player. We are looking for partners
out there who are doing things that we can associate with. So, this is about the FinTech Festival. This is about creating awareness about what is going on in the Fintech space.
“And so, for us, this is not the only programme that we support. I think earlier in the week, there was another programme that has to do with AI. So, everywhere there are things that have to do with technology, we are involved. We are interested in what is happening in the industry. And we put our support where we believe that we will get maximum returns.”
Speaking also at the bank, on what the bank is doing to improve and deepen financial inclusion, Head, Financial Inclusion Services, FBN, Dr. Obianuju Ndu-Okereke, who drives the bank’s inclusion,
said they do not see fintechs space as competitors but partners.
According to her, “We do not see the fintechs as our competitors. We also look at them as our partners in groups, especially with innovation and innovating product services that we use to penetrate and ensure that the digital payments in Nigeria grows.
“We have a single product that we are driving, and that is agent banking under first money. So first money, the structure is more or less like the fintech, but above and beyond that, we are also partnering with startups.We are partnering, we are collaborating with other fintechs to ensure that we develop and innovate products and services that we would use to penetrate and drive financial inclusion.”
FG to Ensure Energy Security, Says NDPHC Boss
The federal government has promised to ensure energy security within the framework of the President Bola Tinubu’ Renewed Hope Agenda, Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Limited, Jennifer Adighije has stated.
Speaking during her first official visit to the Calabar Power Plant, one of the generation plans owned by NDPHC, Adighije stated that energy security is a cardinal programme within the framework of the present administration’s renewed
hope agenda.
She gave the assurance that NDPHC under her management was focused on achieving significant power generation level for the country.
“There is a linkage between adequate power supply and socioeconomic development and NDPHC is available to help the states in a transparent and legal manner” she stated.
She explained that the new executive management team of the company was determination to recalibrate NDPHC, the biggest integrated power company in Nigeria to regain its pride of place in electricity
industry.
She said President Tinibu is vividly committed toward achieving energy security as the sector is the key driving force in ensuring the success of the renewed hope agenda.
Earlier while briefing the new management led by Adighije, Chief Operating Officer, COO, of the Calabar Generation Company, Bex Ayoade, appealed for management support to ensure that the power plant attained ISO, certification to enable the plant to be managed in accordance with international best practices obtained in the sector.
Industry Partners Celebrate Impact of FCMB’s Flexxtern
As the latest cohort of 30 young graduates complete their internships through the First City Monument Bankpowered Flexxtern programme, partner organizations praise the initiative for its transformative impact on fresh graduates. These graduates leave the programme equipped with practical skills, real-world experience, and a more direct path to career success.
“The Flexxtern programme is a platform for self-discovery and career progression,” said Yomi Adebanjo, Group Head of Human Resources at Signal Alliance Technology Holding, one of the programme’s long-term partners. “We have been part of this since 2021,
and our experience has been remarkable. Our first Flexxtern is employed full-time with us, and the second performed equally well. This initiative is truly an opportunity to empower young graduates and set them on the path to achieving their dreams.”
“The Flexxterns deployed to us have significantly impacted our organization,” said Olawale Ayuba, Vice President of GRC and Enterprise Fraud at ActivEdge Technologies. “Their contributions have been key to our success, and we are eager to continue this partnership to create more life-changing opportunities for young graduates.”
Also speaking, Ifeoluwa
Adeyemo of Insight Publicis said: “The partnership has been a wonderful and impactful experience. The Flexxterns that have come to us are nothing short of great. We have some of them still working with us. We are committed to ensuring this partnership grows and achieves the desired results.”
Divisional Head of Corporate Services & Service Management at FCMB, Felicia Obozuwa, emphasised the importance of partnerships in building a brighter future for Nigerian youths. “Our collaboration with leading organizations is rooted in a shared vision to nurture talent and drive economic development,” she said.
Wema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Awards 2024
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has received two awards of excellence at the Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 which held in São Paulo, Brazil between September 16 & 18, 2024. The awards received are SME Financier of the Year (Africa) and Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa).
The Global SME Finance Forum is the world’s leading, technically oriented and geographically diverse platform focused solely on scaling SME financing worldwide. Wema Bank emerged Africa’s top financier
not just for the general SME landscape but also particularly for women-owned SMEs, at the 2024 edition of the annual Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards.
Expounding on the Bank’s glaring commitment to empowering MSMEs, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, articulated the big picture for the Bank. He said, “MSMEs make up the bulk of Nigeria’s economy and they are critical to not only mitigating unemployment and other macroeconomic challenges but also promoting innovation and significantly boosting the economy towards national development. At Wema Bank,
we recognise the potential that MSMEs hold as well as the challenges that threaten the maximisation of this potential, and we have made a lifelong commitment to providing viable, seamless, accessible, affordable, reliable and effective solutions tailored to the needs of businesses of all sizes across Nigeria; especially women-owned businesses.
“There is a rising need for intentionally inclusive empowerment strategies in not only stimulating growth in the SME sector but also bridging the gap in gender equality, and we have undertaken the responsibility of fulfilling that need.
Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),
Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Divisional Head, Personal Banking, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Adetunji Lamidi (4th from left); Divisional Head, Corporate Services & Service Management of the Bank, Felicia Obozuwa (5th from left) and Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Diran Olojo (6th from left), flanked by some of the
beneficiaries of season 7 of the FCMB Flexxtern youths capacity building Programme during the close-out ceremony held in Lagos....recently
Bassey Inyang
…Your city life in print
Of the National Arts Theatre and the Bankers’ Committee’s Midas Touch
Precious Ugwuzor writes that the renovation of the National Arts Theatres by the Bankers’ Committee is a Midas touch that has transformed the national monument and changed the narrative
In the last four decades, the image of the National Arts Theatre that crossed the minds of majority of Nigerians, who witnessed the monument’s glory days, was of some abandoned building which may never be at the epicenter of Nigeria’s entertainment scene again.
Interestingly, the narrative has changed with the emergence of the Bankers’ Committee comprising all the banks in the country, who with the wave of a hand, breathed life into the walls of the historic building, restoring its enviable stature as a beacon of hope and creativity.
Built for the preservation, presentation and promotion of arts and culture in Nigeria, the National Arts Theatre first opened its doors to world acclaim during the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ‘77) held in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977. It signalled a flourish in the growth of Nigeria’s arts and culture with diverse entertainers, artists and actors flocking the edifice to showcase their works and talents. During those times, every nook and cranny of the edifice was a beehive of activities from theatre and poetry performances, to dances and art exhibitions.
The National Gallery of Modern Art held art exhibitions which featured the beautiful works of Abayomi Barber, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Yusuf Grillo, Sina Yussuf, Irein Wangbonje among other notable artistes of that period. The main bowl was a hub of entertainment too with the theatre performances by various theatre groups of works by leading playwrights of the day such as Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Ola Rotimi, Zulu Sofola, J P Clark, Hubert Ogunde among others.
The music scene was also bursting as international superstars of the period performed at the theatre, among them were Mariam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Ipi Ntombi, Osibisa, Mighty Sparrow, even American artistes such as Skyy, Shalamar, Musical Youth, Brothers Johnson, Dynasty, Kool and the gang and many more.
Just as the excitement was growing and Nigeria’s emergence as the hub of Africa’s entertainment was gaining relevance, things had started going awry at the National Arts Theatre. The monument was suffering mismanagement, lack of maintenance and underfunding. The once glorious edifice was slowly becoming a shadow of itself with cracks, leaky roofs and power outages. It got worse over the years, despite efforts by the management to keep it running. Its deplorable situation was captured by Professor Sunday Ododo, who served as the General Manager/CEO of the National Arts Theatre from 2020 to 2024.
According to him, “Barely a week after assumption of office, I did a comprehensive tour of the internal facilities in the edifice. We started at 8am and it took us 2pm to come out of the edifice. I wept because it’s an edifice; a bowel of riches but underutilized because of failing functionality of the installed facilities. The air conditioners were no longer functional and the lifting system no longer working. One could see visible cracks on the floor and the cooling system not working.”
At this state, the National Arts Theatre would need a Midas touch to bring it back to life. It was concluded that it will require a public-private partnership because of the huge funding required. The Banker’s Committee rose to the challenge by deciding to take up this herculean task through SANEF Creatives Limited, a company owned by the banks in Nigeria and charged with the Restoration and Renovation of the iconic National Theatre.
In 2021, the renovation of the National Arts Theatre was handed over to the Bankers’ Committee, following approval by the Federal Government. Today, the national edifice has been restored to its glory in opulence and functionality of state-of-the-art facilities that would make one echo the praise of Paris at the height of French civilization: “See Paris and die!”
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the late Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Former Group Chief CEO, Access Holdings Plc stated that, “The National Theatre, whether you believe it or not, is one of the greatest and most iconic buildings anywhere in the world and all we need to do is to lift it up and restore it to world class standards. This will help to provide employment to millions of Nigerians over the years, apart from those who are involved in the construction. Think of the creative people and what it means from the skills and enhancement standpoint”
The Bankers’ Committee’s Midas touch can be felt all over the architectural masterpiece with state-ofthe-art renovation works covering different spaces including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000seater banquet hall, exhibition halls, cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, clinic, fire station, lobbies within the four entrances and extensive roof repairs.
Also, the upgrading of the entire Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, power, water supply and sewage systems to match the world-class theatres. The interior is not left out with Audio Video Lighting (AVL), world stage engineering system, 17 lifts including dumb waiters, solar power, new furniture and restoration of artworks including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade.
It also extends to the exterior parts with the refurbishment of the three entrance gatehouses, construction of four themed landscapes, car park block that can accommodate 250 cars, the ring road, and installation of external street lighting and CCTV cameras.
Mr Ade Laoye, Principal Consultant, ECAD Architects, Architects for the National Theatre restoration project while speaking on the restoration noted that, “…We have had to inspect the actual historical adornments and refurbish and renovate where needed. We have been limited in our physical and structural amendments, as there were some things that we couldn’t do away with.
We couldn’t change the shape; it’s become iconic and timeless. People do not know that the roof is actually a tensile fabric roof, it’s not concrete, so we had to create an internal structural steel frame, within the main bowl, to carry all the modern equipment like stage engineering, back drops and even people. There are brand new elements and there are old elements, so we have been able to work together and knit a wonderful patchwork.
The main thing for all of us has been the passion, because we all know the building after so many years of restoration work. So, it has let us for the first time show Nigerians that we can restore, renovate, refurbish and add modern things to an existing monument”.
In ensuring that the restoration of the National Theatre was done to world class
standards, the Bankers’ Committee engaged the best contractors and consultants in the global construction sector to provide expertise in its implementation. Renowned Contactors include Cappa and D’Alberto Ltd as the Main/Civil Contractor, VACC Technical Ltd as Mechanical Contractor, Nairda Ltd as Electrical Contractor and Charvet Nigeria Ltd as Ring Road & Car Park Civil Contractor.
Notable Consultants who played important roles in the successful restoration and refurbishment of this national monument include: Lateral Design Concepts and Alitheia Capital Real Estates as Project Managers; ECAD Architects as Architects; Morgan Omonitan and Abe as Civil / Structural Engineers; CA Consultants as Mechanical & Electrical Consultants; Dufranc & Partners as Quantity Surveyors; SMO Contemporary Art as Artwork restoration/curator; Desmus Mimarlik Ticaret A. Turkey, SI.SA, Y&T Designs as Interior Designers/Specialist Light & Sound Consultants.
The restoration of the National Arts Theatre marks the beginning of a new era in the renaissance of Nigeria’s creative industry. It will serve beyond theatrical performances, becoming a world-class event centre and cultural zone.
As much as we will laud this Midas touch of the Bankers’ Committee along with the prospects that are in it for the burgeoning youth population, one or two leaves should be taken from the book of the past which saw the deterioration of the edifice. In other words, all hands must be on deck to ensure that this project is not left to rot with the appointment of a top-notch facility management company.
Rooftop
Gate House
Cinema
Landscape
Banquet hall
Main bowl
Popoola Applauds Board Diversity at CSCS with Adesola, Oyebode Appointments
Kayode Tokede
The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has announced the appointment of Bola Adesola and Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode to its Board of Directors.
These appointments reflect CSCS’s commitment to strengthening its leadership with highly experienced professionals who bring extensive expertise across key sectors.
The addition of Mrs. Adesola
and Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode supports CSCS’s strategy of enhancing governance and leadership. Their significant achievements in financial services, corporate governance, and social impact will contribute to the company’s continued success in the Nigerian capital market.
Chairman of the Board of CSCS, Mr. Temi Popoola in a statement expressed his pleasure in welcoming Mrs. Adesola and Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode to the CSCS board during this critical
phase of the company’s growth. He noted that “the appointment of these two exceptional professionals not only underscores our continued dedication to fostering diversity within the board but also reflects our confidence in the lasting contributions these individuals will make. With their extensive expertise in financial services, governance, and corporate strategy, their insights are expected to significantly influence the future success of our company.”
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, Haruna Jalo-Waziri noted, “CSCS is dedicated to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged. By appointing two highly accomplished women to our board, we are not only enhancing our leadership team but also setting a precedent for the entire industry. We believe that their contributions will drive meaningful change and inspire future generations of women
leaders.”
Bola Adesola, reflecting on her appointment, said, “I am honored to join the Board of CSCS, an organization that has consistently driven market innovation and eTiciency. I look forward to contributing my experience in financial services and governance to support CSCS in achieving its strategic goals and sustaining its leadership in the capital market.”
Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode expressed her enthusiasm, stat-
ing, “I am delighted to join the Board of CSCS, an institution that has been instrumental in driving the growth and transformation of the Nigerian capital market. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to drive growth and innovation for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Adesola is an accomplished banker with over 33 years of experience. She currently serves as Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER 26/24
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 25 September-2024, unless otherwise stated.
L-R: Panelists, Noela lfediran and Dr. Busayomi Soremekun; Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John; organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, lkechi Uko; President of NATOP, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha; and panelist, Joshua Chijioke, during a tourism session at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market held in Lagos...recently
PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA
L-R: Regional Operations Director, Airtel Nigeria, Peter Francis; Director, Internal Audit and Risk, Ngozi Akamelu; Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Carl Cruz; and Director, Human Resources and Administration, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, during a beach clean-up exercise under the Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS) at Baadun Beach, Lagos...recently
L-R: Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of State intelligence Department, Lagos, Jaiyeoba Joseph; Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of State CID Panti, Lateef Ahmed; Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Fatai Tijani; new Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olanrewaju Ishola; and Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Administration, Salihu Khan, during press conference held at the state Police Command headquarters in Lagos...recently
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L-R: Community Liaison Coordinator, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), Wilson Waziri; Nuru Nigeria Programme Officer, Daniel Drambi; Community Liaison Officer CLO, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), Justine Zakari; Nuru Nigeria Project Coordinator, Humshe Yakubu; Community Liaison Manager, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), David Peter; and Nuru Nigeria M&E Coordinator, Blessing Jima, at the just concluded Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Co-creation stakeholders’ meeting -Gumti Sustainable Livelihood programme in Yola, Adamawa Sate...recently
PERSPECTIVE
Attahiru Bafarawa: When Statesmanship Dies…
By Louis Achi
Valid statesmanship is not earned by self-proclamation but through enduring merit. ‘Statesmanship’ is not a job description despite how much we wish it were. But using the term implies recognition that someone has the character and understanding to exercise certain virtues in political or state affairs.
The misunderstanding of this elevated construct ultimately misleads those who wrongly believe they are statesmen. Unfortunately, this is the selfinflicted dilemma the former governor of Sokoto State Attahiru Bafarawa has walked himself into by leveling extremely flawed allegations against Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
Wamakko is a respected former governor, circumspect national parliamentarian, astute political leader, notable national statesman who envisioned a new Sokoto State and most importantly mentored a youthful successor in the person of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the current chief executive of the state.
Bafarawa served Sokoto State between 1999 to 2007 while Wamakko administered the state between 2007 to 2015, while of them all served two consecutive terms in office.
Recently, Bafarawa claimed his administration left N13 billion in the coffers of the state when he left office in 2007. This curious claim coming 17 years after he left office appears a scheme to trifle with the intelligence of the people and to whip up sentiments for some imagined political gains – given the traffic it has generated in cyberspace.
Bafarawa made this claim - not for the first time - when he spoke recently while delivering a speech at an event tagged “Giving Back,” organized by the Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation in the state.
As it were, Aristotle’s “Ethics”, within the context of this analysis should aid proceedings. According to the ancient sage, greatness of soul means judging rightly that you are capable of doing great things and worthy of the greatest responsibilities, which can only be the case if you have considerable virtue. Did Bafarawa pass this simple test? He failed it woefully.
Incidentally, the former Accountant General of the state, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, who could not stomach the deliberate falsehood, sharply contradicted Bafarawa. Aminu Abdullah later presented some detailed bank documents which testified that the former Governor Bafarawa left only N254 million in the state government’s coffers when Senator Aliyu Magatarkada Wamakko took over from him in 2007.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Abdullahi, a professional to the core, debunked the claims made by Bafarawa while inaugurating his N1billion
foundation on Wednesday in Sokoto. According to Abdullahi, based on Bafarawa’s claim, the then administration of former Gov. Aliyu Wamakko, constituted an investigative committee which was headed by Alhaji Abdurrahman Namadina, and there was nowhere such amount was traced.
In Abdullahi’s words: “The committee scrutinised all the then government banks’ accounts and tendered statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a prolonged trial.
The then UBA main account carried the balance of N254. 5 million as at May 29, 2007 while only N7. 3 million was discovered in the state government’s VAT account.”
He further explained that the then Gov. Wamakko refused to operate any of the 27 bank accounts inherited from Bafarawa’s administration and they were all closed because they became subject of litigation during the
period. Hear him again: “Every responsible person should know that Bafarawa’s claim had been proven false as a Court had delivered a verdict on the issue.”
Abdullahi firmly said that Bafarawa’s claim was baseless, misleading the people or mischievous for simple political gain because an issue of 17 years has been resurrected, noting that, “The question still remains which account was that N13 billion domiciled, as we provided all the bank account numbers and statements, the former governor needed to provide the same detailed explanation.”
The sheer firmness and professionalism of Abdullahi’s reactions speaks to forthrightness and principle in the face of statesmanship in retreat, surprisingly represented by Bafarawa.
As it were, Bafarawa’s successor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko inherited, not a phantom
N13billion but rather a number of unfinished projects. It was no secret that Wamakko subsequently worked assiduously to improve the lot of the people of Sokoto State and left legacies which are still visible all over the state. This scenario perhaps suggests why Bafarawa has chosen an unstatesmanlike path to create division by strangely unearthing a sad part of his own (mis)stewardship. This is clearly the death of statesmanship.
It must be conceded that Bafarawa approached the gates of statesmanship when he stated at his foundation launch that he has “mixed feelings each time” he looks back to his years as governor and even conceded that thoughts of scenarios of misappropriation of funds through acts of omission or commission could be “troubling” and “prick the conscience”.
Bafarawa further said: “I must confess that I entertain some mixed feelings each time I look back to my years as governor. As the executive governor of Sokoto State, I was entrusted with the resources of the people.
“Given the enormous powers of an executive governor, the temptation to transgress is always there. It is therefore possible that one may have taken one action or the other that did not serve the best interest of the general public.
“In other words, one could, through acts of omission or commission, misappropriate funds that could have gone into productive and rewarding ventures. Thoughts of scenarios such as this could be troubling. They prick the conscience. This situation, in my opinion, calls for restitution.”
These were statesmanlike introspection. But why did he choose to kill such elevated thinking by lying and pushing out totally flawed allegations against Senator Wamakko who he probably sees as a rival in the Sokoto State and Northern Nigeria’s story? Big question!!
By deliberately walking this low path, Bafarawa has failed to morph into a true statesman - beyond his puzzling, frequent self-proclamations to that arcane status. He could have become a legitimate heir to several Northern sages who seized their milieux by the scruff of the neck and altered them for good. But perhaps the flip side to Bafarawa’s fixation with being a statesman is in its Nollywood value, a scenario that nicely accommodates the ex-governor’s gruff humour. Nollywood-isation of Nigeria’s political space is probably a useful project in the sense of providing comic relief in a genuinely stressful socio-economic milieu.
Finally, the question still remains: which account was Bafarawa’s phantom N13billion lodged into? So long as this question is not answered, the contrived fog would continue linger on. And so also the embarrassment for Bafarawa!
NDIC Commits to Settle Depositors of Defunct Heritage Bank with Balances Above N5m
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has pledged to pay depositors of the now defunct Heritage Bank Plc with balances exceeding N5 million following the closure of the bank.
NDIC Managing Director, Bello Hassan, said this at the NDIC
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lago State, have congratulated founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and Presiding Bishop of Faith Tabernacle, Bishop David Oyedepoon, who is 70 years old today, September 27. In a tribute, the president rejoiced with the entire Body of Christ, members of the Winner’s Chapel, home and abroad, and the family of the charismatic and visionary leader on the milestone, which deserves all the recognition
workshop organised for Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) and Business Editors in Lagos yesterday with the theme: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Financial Safety-net, The Role of Deposit Insurance.”
“The recent closure of Heritage Bank, following the revocation of its license by the CBN on June 3, 2024, underscores the NDIC’s critical role in safeguarding depositors.
“ Acting in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the NDIC Act 2023, the NDIC was appointed liquidator to manage the orderly resolution of the bank and oversee the payment of its depositors and other claimants.
“In the discharge of this critical
and honour. President Tinubu affirmed the septuagenarian’s worthy legacies in grooming leaders across all sectors of the economy, who are inspired by the wisdom of the scriptures. He noted Bishop Oyedepo’s and his church’s remarkable impact on millions through educational and health institutions.
He praised the influence of the resourceful and respected religious leader by teaching the Word of Faith, which has stimulated the entrepreneurial spirit and reawakened a new movement for growth in Nigeria,
Africa and beyond.
The president believed Oyedepo has consistently brought glory to the country with his teachings, publications, and World-Wide Missionary service and sought the betterment of the people by counselling leaders in the private and public sectors.
He shared the joy of celebrations with the Presiding Bishop, his wife, Faith Abiola, and all the biological and spiritual children and prayed to God for greater heights in the ministry.
Tinubu also prayed for the
role of depositor reimbursement, the corporation began the payment of the insured deposits of N5 million maximum per depositor within a record time of four days of the bank’s closure.
“This was achieved using Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) as a unique identifier to locate depositors’ alternate accounts in other banks without the need to fill forms or
renowned preacher’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being as he continues to serve the nation and humanity.
On his part, Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the renowned cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication and service.
He said Oyedepo’s unblemished records of service in God’s kingdom and his philanthropic gestures over several decades had made him a role model to millions of people.
visits the NDIC offices,” Hassan said.
He added: “This innovative approach has indeed, enabled the payment of 84.98 per cent of depositors with BVN linked accounts to date. The prompt payment of depositors, coming at a time when the Corporation had also recently increased the deposit insurance coverage from N500,000 to N5 million in Deposit Money Banks, significantly cushioned the negative impact of bank failure, especially during the current challenging economic climate.
“ This achievement is consistent with the provisions of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principle 15, which emphasises timely payouts to depositors of failed bank.
“Having largely reimbursed depositors their insured deposits, the Corporation is committed to ensuring that depositors with balances exceeding N5 million are also paid the balance of their deposits. These uninsured deposits represent a significant portion of the total deposits in Heritage Bank.
“ In this regard, the Corporation is already working assiduously to ensure that, all depositors with
amounts in excess of the maximum insured amount of N5 million are paid through liquidation dividends from the realisation of the defunct bank’s assets and recovery of debts.
“ The Corporation has already initiated the process of debt recovery and realisation of investments and physical assets of the defunct bank to ensure timely payment of the uninsured deposits of the defunct bank.”
Hassan noted the importance of maintaining public trust in the banking system during periods of uncertainty, emphasising that deposit insurance plays a key role in this process. He reiterated that confidence is key in the maintenance of financial system stability and the role of deposit insurance cannot be overemphasised.
“As one of the safety-nets, it reassures depositors, thereby instilling trust in the banking system and prevents bank runs during times of uncertainty. Over the years, the NDIC has been instrumental in promoting stability by ensuring that when banks fail, depositors are protected, and their funds are reimbursed promptly.
Attahiru Bafarawa
Eromosele Abiodun, Nume Ekeghe and James Emejo
Nigeria Raises N227.5bn in T-Bills Amid Strong Investor Demand Across All Tenors
Nume Ekeghe
The federal government raised N227.5 billion at its latest auction of Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs), held on September 25, amid robust demand from investors across all tenors.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) offered a total of N227.54 billion spread across the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors, with subscription levels significantly surpassing the amount on offer, totalling N304.27 billion.
The 364-day tenor was the
meeting with ExxonMobil executives on the side-lines of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
The deep-water project came as international maritime giant, DP World, also announced plans to develop a multibillion-dollar port project in Nigeria.
According to Shettima, "This potential investment by ExxonMobil aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu administration's vision for a more investment-friendly Nigeria.
"We are committed to creating an enabling environment for such transformative projects."
The vice president elaborated on the Tinubu administration's efforts to ensure ease of doing business in the country.
He said, "The Renewed Hope Agenda places a strong emphasis on ease of doing business. We have initiated comprehensive reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes, enhance transparency, and provide fiscal incentives that make Nigeria an attractive destination for global investors."
Shettima highlighted recent policy
standout in terms of investor interest, attracting N250.42 billion in bids against an offer of N173.81 billion. A total of N177.10 billion was eventually allotted at a stop rate of 20.000 per cent, with bid rates ranging between 17.65 per cent and 23.28 per cent. This level of interest underscored the prevailing appetite for longer-dated instruments in the current interest rate environment, where investors appear increasingly drawn to locking in higher returns amid inflationary pressures.
The 182-day bills witnessed
changes by the government, saying, "Our administration has taken bold steps to unify the exchange rate, remove fuel subsidies, and implement tax reforms.
"These decisions, while challenging in the short term, are designed to create a more stable and predictable business environment in the long run."
Addressing the specific concerns of the oil and gas sector, the vice president said, "We are actively working on revising the fiscal framework for deep-water operations. Our goal is to strike a balance between attracting investments and ensuring fair returns for the Nigerian people. The potential ExxonMobil investment is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction.
"As we welcome ExxonMobil's renewed commitment, we see this as just the beginning. Our doors are open to all investors across various sectors. The message is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and the Tinubu administration is your partner in progress."
Earlier, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria, Shane Harris, reaffirmed the company's commitment to investment
a more tempered reception, but still reflected strong participation, with N23.19 billion in subscriptions, compared to the N25.58 billion on offer. The allotment for this tenor stood at N23.09 billion, at a stop rate of 17.50 per cent, with bids ranging from 16.75 per cent to 20 per cent. While demand for this mid-term tenor was more modest than that of the 364-day bill, the competitive bidding indicated solid investor confidence.
On the short end, the 91-day bills garnered a subscription of N30.65 billion against an offer of N28.15
in Nigeria.
Harris said, "Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and eight billion barrels produced, we're not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities."
The centrepiece of ExxonMobil's new strategy is the Owo project, a substantial subsea tie-back that could represent a $10 billion investment.
"We're working closely with the president's office and the special adviser to the president to secure favourable fiscal arrangements that will make this significant investment possible," Harris explained.
Despite the planned divestment of its onshore assets to Seplat Energy, ExxonMobil aims to inject $1 billion annually into maintenance operations and an additional $1.5 billion to boost production by 50,000 barrels per day over the next few years.
Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, revealed the company's intention of developing a multibillion-dollar port project in Nigeria during a courtesy visit to Shettima on the side-lines of UNGA
WALE EDUN: ECONOMIC RECOVERY IMMINENT
Edun said there had been signs and evidences that the measures to stabilise the economy were encouraging, despite the widespread difficulties and inconveniences.
The minister stated, "Inflation is coming down, the exchange rate is stabilising, the reserves are rising, the budget deficit is falling, government revenues are recovering.
"But on the basis of that stabilisation, it gives us the opportunity to grow the economy, to grow the economy through agricultural production and agro-industrial processing.
“It gives us the chance to now grow the economy as we are seeing with local production, industrialisation, including as we see local refining of petroleum products and the potential for exporting."
The minister stated that the country was pivoting towards the CNG initiative, a form of a greener product, which the federal government believed will result in improved economic wellbeing, social wellbeing and a better life for Nigerians.
Edun, however, conceded that at 64, and after 25 years of unbroken democratic governance, the country was not where it should be.
He said, "We should not be importing food and the strategy and the aim and objective of government is to get us out of that situation as soon as possible.
"So, the work on the remainder of the wet season harvest, providing inputs, seeds, fertiliser to small-scale farmers, particularly under the Nigerian Agro- pocket scheme, which has been successful, is ongoing.
"In the meantime, there is a short-term measure to import food.
Government has already ordered, procured maize and wheat, which is on its way, as regards the other importers. It is critical, but we do not disrupt domestic production of food.
"It is critical, but we do not disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports that now put prices where farmers are now discouraged from engaging in production and millers are discouraged from engaging in food processing."
He described food insecurity as a worldwide phenomenon affecting about
35 per cent of the world's population, stressing that the federal government is having conversations and consultations to see what quantities can be brought in without disrupting the agricultural sector, particularly the large-scale food milling.
The minister described the removal of petroleum subsidy as a courageous move by Tinubu that had drawn international support in terms of relatively concessional financing to support and to help to maintain a fiscal position.
He said, "And so, we do have, in the petroleum refining sector, the beginnings of a return to the path of industrialisation, when you produce locally, that is meant to give you value added, it's meant to give you jobs. And in the petroleum sector, you save on all the importation costs, freight costs and so forth.
"In addition, Mr. President has implemented a major innovation in facilitating that domestic refiners can buy crude from NNPC in Nigeria.
“The savings there are obvious and I think it is a matter of time when the various benefits of such a scheme will feed through.
“And in addition, we do have lower oil prices, which means we lose on exports, but we do gain in terms of the opportunity and the potential for lower petroleum product prices. As has been said and announced, the subsidy is no more and petroleum pricing is a matter between the various parties in the market."
Bagudu added that it was sensible for Nigerians to transit to CNG as it was a cheaper source of fuel, not just for transportation, but also for irrigation and other productive activities.
He said the country had a very small economy, with the federal budget of about $20 billion, relative to Indonesia of $215 billion, and Brazil, whose federal budget is $750 billion.
Bagudu stated, "Mr. President is ambitious that we can create a onetrillion-dollar economy in as short time as possible and he is doing so. But to create a one-trillion-dollar economy you have to take measures pleasant and unpleasant, but proper.”
Minister of Information and National
billion, resulting in an allotment of N27.35 billion at a stop rate of 17 per cent. The bid yields for the shortest tenor ranged from 15.75 per cent to 19 per cent, reflecting the ongoing demand for short-term liquidity instruments.
The final allotments maturity was scheduled for December 26, 2024 (91-day), March 27, 2025 (182-day), and September 25, 2025 (364-day), respectively.
The strong demand seen across all tenors was a testament to sustained investor confidence in Nigerian government securities,
in New York.
The proposal came as a direct response to Tinubu's aggressive investment drive and efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country.
Sulayem stated, "Nigeria is a massive market with hugely underutilised potentials. The Nigerian market has the capacity to dominate this sector in Africa. It is a major African country with a huge asset and resource base.
"With our supply chain of over 2,500 points of sale to Nigeria, we will bring in the requisite capital, human and material resources needed to achieve this feat."
The DP World chief executive expressed confidence in the Nigerian economy, citing the country's vast import and export market as a key factor in their decision to invest.
Welcoming the initiative, Shettima said the "proposal is a testament to President Tinubu's avowed commitment to attracting foreign investments" to Nigeria.
He emphasised the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to create a more investor-friendly environment.
Shettima said, "Nigeria is open to investors from around the world. We
Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu was implementing a series of transformative policies and reforms designed to address the missteps of the past and set Nigeria to emerge as a formidable economic superpower in the near future.
Idris said, "Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the president has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth.”
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, said the ministry would introduce e-tolling on Lagos- Ibadan Express Way, Makurdi-9th Mile Road, Keffi-Makurdi Road, and Abuja- Kano Road upon completion.
Umahi said the tolling would start with the Keffi-Makurdi Road.
He stated, "We have not rolled out
because we don't want anybody to pay with cash. We are working with the Ministry of Finance on how we can have paperless tolling system over there.
"For example, we are completing Lagos-Ibadan, we are working on Makurdi-9th Mile, we are working on Abuja-Kano. So, these roads are going to be tolled. We are not just tolling them; we are building confidence in the use of the road. People can travel at night because we are building security."
He disclosed that the federal government saved about $60 billion by rejecting the review of the 375 kilometres Kano-Abuja road contract from the contractors, who wanted a review it from $799 billion to $1.5 trillion.
"We rejected that and we have been able to save $60 billion by way of review of the project. And we disaggregated the project into three sections," he said.
despite the broader macroeconomic challenges facing the country, including persistent inflationary pressures and currency volatility. The elevated stop rates, particularly for the longer-dated instruments, reflected the risk premium investors were seeking, amid a landscape where inflation had become a central concern. Furthermore, the auction's outcome indicated the continued attractiveness of government debt as a stable and high-yielding investment avenue for both domestic and foreign investors.
are witnessing a total rejuvenation in terms of economic policies aimed at freeing up the economy and making way for a free, fair, and enduring market."
He reassured the investors of the government's full support and dedication to facilitating foreign investment and economic growth.
Relatedly, the Nigerian government secured a $600,000 relief fund and commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.to hasten relief efforts for victims of the recent devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors' reforms.
The foundation pledged the $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives, with an additional $5 million grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
The donations were announced in New York when Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, led by its head of Global Development Programme, Dr Christopher Elias, outside the UNGA meetings.Shettima reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to prioritisation of health, nutrition, and agricultural development, and placing them at the forefront of the country's development agenda.
"We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis," the vice president stated.
He emphasised the Nigerian government's dedication to integrity and effective leadership in tackling the challenge of development.
Shettima pointed out that there was an urgency in securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme
Promising swift action on import permits for certified seeds, Shettima said, "We recognise the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development.
The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.
"We are pursuing a whole-of-
government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services."
He reiterated the government's commitment to digital transformation.
The vice president expressed belief that "with the expertise" of Nigeria's ministers, "and the continued support of partners, like the Gates Foundation," the country remained confident in its "ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians".
The president of the Global Development Programme at Gates Foundation said the foundation was worried about the severe flooding in Borno and was "committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis".
The foundation also pledged support for Nigeria's health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.
"We're impressed by the national taskforce's efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end," Elias stated.
President of Global Growth and Opportunity Division at the Bill and Melinda, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme.
Voorhies disclosed that a $5 million grant had been approved for the Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
"Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria," Voorhees explained. He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to build a foundation seed system in the country.
Director of Nigeria Country Office at Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership, particularly highlighting a $60 million investment in sector-wide programmes and collaborations on reproductive health issues.
Meanwhile, President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, paid a courtesy visit to Shettima in New York. Dangote is also co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
OBAIGBENA CALLS FOR ‘WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT’ APPROACH TO SOLVING NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
or issues.
The media mogul stated, “The world we face today, we have a national satellite company. We have all sorts of agencies in science and technology. Are they working with the armed forces? Have we integrated our satellite capabilities with our war in the North-east or the North-west?
“Do we know and monitor bandits in Kaduna? We spend so much money on national security. We spend so much money on satellite technology. We spend so much money across the board.
“We have to look at national security as a whole-of-government approach. Have the entire infrastructure, tech infrastructure combined with the army. And the army has to also produce its own weapons.
“We used to have a vibrant defence industry. Is this still on? Why are we importing bullets? Why are we importing arms? AK-47 and the likes. So we have to integrate our whole defence infrastructure, which are technology infrastructure, to keep us safe and protect Nigeria from the new world order.”
Obaigbena praised the Nigerian military for their sacrifices for the
country, but also advised that the armed forces should get their priorities right in the course of their service to the nation.
He underscored the need for the military to desist from involving itself in civil matters, especially in the arrest of protesters, arguing that if there is good governance, protests will not happen.
He stated, “We should not take it (their sacrifices) for granted. We should not take it for granted and we should work with them. Thank you very much for sacrificing yourselves for Nigeria. But you have to do more.
“Stop getting involved with arresting protesters, arrest kidnappers. Good governance will stop protests, but kidnappers have to face the wrath of the law. Stop getting involved with protecting election riggers. We need proper elections for governments to be held accountable.”
The media entrepreneur also called for proper funding of the country’s armed forces, recommending a quarter of the nation’s annual budgets for the purpose.
“We have to ensure that our armed forces are properly funded. I call for at least 25 per cent of our
national budget for national security and the armed forces,” he said.
Aside the 25 per cent spending on defence, Obaigbena maintained that enough attention should be paid to health and education, especially in the north, to ensure a sustainable future for the children of that region.
He said, "If I say 25 per cent of our national budget should go to the armed forces, then 25 per cent should also go to education, especially in the north, so that we can get our people educated.
"Furthermore, another 25 per cent should also go for health and poverty alleviation. We have to support the most vulnerable in our midst. And then we have to reduce taxes across the board and allow people's monies in their hands so that they can grow their own food, their own transport and be able to sort themselves out."
He highlighted the need to protect the media, recalling his encounter with then Col. Frank Omenka, who under the Sani Abacha dictatorship ran him out of town, but turned to seek his help when he got into trouble with the succeeding administration.
Obaigbena stated, “My last
momentous encounter with the Nigerian army was as a guest of the security group headed by Col. Frank Omenka of the Department of Military Intelligence (DMI).
“I remember THISDAY had made some publications against the Sani Abacha government. I was invited and I was interrogated by five generals with guns on the table. After the interrogation, the report or the tape was asked for by Gen. Abacha and they did it a second or third time.
“I later went on exile. On my return from exile, in my house, I just heard knocks in my kitchen and I saw my then friend, still my brother, and he said, please, I have a friend to see you. Who was crawling behind my kitchen? It was Col. Frank Omenka. He said ‘Nduka, please help me, Bamaiyi and co want to kill me’.
“I said, ‘Col. Omenka, if you had killed the media, will you come to us for help today?’ However, we assisted him as a media. So what I'm saying is, the media is your friend. The media is there to protect everybody.
DG, DMO, Patience Oniha
UBA AMERICA COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT UNGA79...
Queen Maxima of The Netherlands and Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, at the UBA America Cocktail Reception held on the sidelines of the ongoing UNGA79 in New York, United States... on Wednesday.
Senate Passes South-west Development Commission Establishment Bill
North
Central Development Commission Establishment Bill passed for third reading
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The senate, yesterday, passed the South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024.
The bill passed third reading during plenary, after the chairman of Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Shehu Kaka, submitted his report.
Kaka said the intents and purposes of the bill were well structured for socio-economic development of the South-west geopolitical zone.
He said, "If the commission is established through presidential
assent to the bill, it will be like other development-driven commissions established on zonal basis.
"It will receive funds from the federation account, donations from development partners, among others, to address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in theTheregion.”senate dissolved into the committee of the whole for the clause by clause consideration of the bill after which it was read for the third time.
In his remarks after the bill was passed, Deputy President of the
Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, who chaired the session, commended the Kaka-led committee for a job well done.
He said the South West Development Commission, like other ones, recently established, will address the infrastructural and ecological challenges in the South West.
Barau said the essence of the various development commissions being set up was to fast track development of the entire country.
He said, "President Bola Tinubu has assented to similar bills passed for zonal development-driven
interventions and will surely assent to this one."
Federal lawmakers in the National Assembly had since the creation of the North East Development Commission, been working towards the establishment of federal governmentfunded agencies for the development of their various geopolitical zones.
Members from the six geopolitical zones sponsored bills to the National Assembly for the creation of fully funded federal bodies for the development of their regions.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been in
Kekere-Ekun Inaugurates 87 New SANs as Supreme Court Marks New Legal Year
Enumah in Abuja
operation since 2000, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo yielded to agitators’ pressure. It was established to address the development gaps in the nine states designated as the Niger Delta following the devastation of the region by the activities of multinational firms in the course of oil exploration.
As a result of the Boko Haram terrorism, which had wreaked havoc in the North-east geopolitical zone since 2009, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) was established in 2017 to help resettle communities devastated by the sect.
The bill for the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu to address the core issues of rehabilitation of projects abandoned since the end of the civil war in 1970. It was also meant to particularly address the massive erosion that was never evident before the war.
the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises destroyed by multidimensional crisis, as well as tackling the menace of poverty, literacy level, ecological, problems, and any other related environmental or development challenges in the North-west states.
Tinubu justified his assent to the SEDC and NWDC bills in a statement by his former media aide, Ajuri Ngelale. He said the bills would accelerate development across geopolitical zones in the country.
The senate’s decision to endorse the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) yesterday, left only the North-central and South-south regions in the struggle.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Monday, September 30, swear-in 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). The swearing-in ceremony, which forms part of the programmes to formally herald the 2024/2025 legal year of the apex court, will hold at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court.
A statement by Director, Information and Public Relations, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr Festus Akande, read in part, "In line with our agelong tradition, during the special court session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will deliver a state-of-the
Flood: 11 Die, 41,192 Rendered Homeless in Niger
At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and 41,192 others rendered homeless as a result of flood which ravaged 19 out of the 25 local government areas in Niger State this year
According to the "Flood Template" jointly released by the Niger State office of the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA, 6,865 households were also affected by the flood. The statement signed on behalf of the two organisations by the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, a copy of which was made available to ThISDAY in Minna on Thursday said the template was for the period of April to September this year.
Baba Arah said further that 529 communities in the 19 local governments of Mokwa, Katcha Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora. Bosso, Edati, Agwara Magama, Bida, Mashegu, Borgu Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau were affected.
In addition, he disclosed in the statement that 34 communities displaced are now in Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) camps created by the Niger State Government while some of them are staying with neighbours. According to the statement several public and private infrastructure including 246 schools, 18 bridges and 80 culverts have been destroyed by flood in several locations across the state.
Arah said 118,692 hectares of farmlands, "some of which had crops ready for harvests" were washed away in addition to over I600 fish ponds.
judiciary address, with a view to highlighting the performance of the Supreme Court, in particular, and the Nigerian judiciary, in general, in the 2023/2024 legal year.
"In the same vein, other leading stakeholders in the justice sector will present speeches bordering on the state of the justice sector of the country. These include: Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),
amongst others."
While recalling that the Supreme Court commenced its annual vacation on Monday, July 22, Akande stated that the court had started sitting since Monday, September 23, adding that the new legal year ceremony is formally held in accordance with the court's tradition.
According to the statement, all the programmes outlined to mark the formal commencement of the new legal year will start at 10am in the main courtroom of the Supreme Court.
Efforts made to pass the bill had been frustrated twice under former President Muhammadu Buhari, first in 2017, and again in 2018.
The bill, which sought to establish the North West Development Commission (NWDC), also passed through legislative procedure and had been assented to by Tinubu.
The NWDC was charged with the responsibilities to, among other things, receive and manage funds from allocations of the federation account and international donors.
The funds will be used for
Lagos Mobilises 63,981 Personnel,
For now, the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and the South South Development Commission (SSDC) are at different stages of legislative process at both chambers of the National Assembly. However, things seem not to be working fine for the South South Development Commission as the senate had stepped down the bill. That was because majority of the senators, who opposed it during second reading, claimed that the oil rich region was already enjoying the 13 per cent derivation from the Federation Account, apart from other benefits through the Niger Delta Development Commission following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act.
14,218
Healthcare Workers for Mass Immunisation Campaign
Funmi Ogundare
As the Lagos State Ministry of Health gears up to commence the immunization of 21 million residents against preventable diseases starting on October 19, Dr. Akinpelu Adetola, Immunization Program Coordinator for the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, yesterday, disclosed that discussions are already underway with 63,981 personnel and 14,218 healthcare workers to join in the fight.
Dr. Adetola made this known at the ongoing two-day media dialogue, in Lagos, aimed at enhancing routine immunization and reducing zero-dose cases. The event was themed, 'Achiev-
ing the Health Sector SDGs for Over Two Million Children at Risk of Death in Nigeria'.
He told journalists that the board has completed its mapping process and is confident that they can secure the necessary number of healthcare workers in the state to contribute to this significant campaign, which also seeks to address the gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign will focus on vaccinating residents against measles and yellow fever, while also providing an opportunity for girls who have not yet received the HPV vaccine to get vaccinated. Dr. Adetola said: "For the measles vaccine, we are targeting
children between the ages of 9 to 59 months. This is a crucial opportunity for children who have not received the first dose to get it, and for those who missed the second, or booster dose, to be vaccinated as well. Achieving herd immunity is our goal."
He added that the yellow fever vaccination will be offered to individuals from 9 months to 44 years, which encompasses around 80 per cent of the state's population. This forms the basis of the 21 million residents targeted by the immunization campaign.
He acknowledged the efforts of UNICEF for filling the gaps in the campaign and providing advocacy that has ensured strong political
will and commitment to healthcare intervention in Lagos.
“To reach this goal, we need all hands on the deck. It's a massive task, but with our partnerships, including collaboration with the media, we can ensure the right information reaches the public early enough so that people understand the importance of the vaccination campaign,” he stated. Dr. Adetola emphasized the need to close immunity gaps caused by breaks in routine vaccination schedules, stressing that preventing diseases through vaccination will not only relieve pressure on the healthcare system, but also reduce the financial burden on parents.
Alex
Laleye Dipo in Minna
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Cabinet Reshuffle: NECA, CPPE, Experts Advice Tinubu to Dump Federal Character, Party Politics for Technocrats
Dike Onwuamaeze
Some members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and economic experts have advised President Bola Tinubu to prioritise economic considerations, welfare and security of Nigerians over political sentiments, federal character and quest to win the next election in deciding who should be sacked or retained in his cabinet.
They gave this advice following the announcement by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, that Tinubu would reshuffle his cabinet. According to them, certain ministries like Agriculture; Industry, Trade and Investment; Budget and National Planning; Power need to be manned by technocrats with requisite technical competence and experience.
The also pointed out that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation need to be rejigged to improve their performance.
The Director General of Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, told THISDAY that attainment of economic objectives and plan should be the overriding factors in the president's choice of members of cabinet because “the time for political patronage and federal character expediency is past.”
“It will be imperative to recruit individuals that have demonstrated competence and verifiable results in their endeavours, irrespective of where they come from and where they currently reside.
“The government cannot afford to play trial and error with the citizens’
Gbenga Sodeinde
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has described gagging of the press as an anti-democracy disposition.
The governor, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, during the annual public lecture/award ceremony and launching of digital journalism tools organised by the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State, said his administration would not gag or intimidate media practitioners and journalists in the state. He explained the role of the media to the development of the nation's democracy, adding that members of the pen profession had been critical to his administration in the last twenty three months
life for the next two years. Therefore, no effort should be spared to get the right calibre of Nigerians.
“It is important to re-emphasise that the nation needs its best hands to help it navigate the current challenging economic terrain,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, a former Professor of Economics and Public Policy at University of Uyo, Akpan Ekpo, reminded the president that there is too much suffering in the land and urged him not to look for people that would help him to win the next election.
He said: “The president should bring in technocrats who will help him to grow the economy so that people’s hardship may be ameliorated.
“By my own evaluation, the ministry dealing with poverty alleviation has not done any work. It is redundant. I did not see the need for a livestock ministry. It should be part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“I think that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has not done anything apart from having workshops and seminars when there are lot of marine resources to be exploited.”
The professor said that the time has come for the Ministry of Education to be broken into three ministries for more effectiveness and responsiveness while some irrelevant ministries should be closed down
“I do not know what the Minister of Coordinating Economy is coordinating because we have the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. So, what is he coordinating?” he asked.
Ekpo added that Tinubu needed a properly constituted economic
in his shared prosperity agenda for the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, said his administration since inception in 2022, had invested in key sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture and industrialisation.
He added that an enabling environment had been provided for private investors to operate and contribute to the development of the state, saying this necessitated the coming to the agriculture and hospital sectors by the Cavista Holdings.
Delivering his keynote speech, the CEO of Cavista Holdings limited, Mr. John Olajide repre-
management team. “What he has now does not qualify to be an economic team because people who should be policy recipients are now policy makers,” he stressed.
He advised that the president should have a forum where he meets with businesspeople and another forum where he talks with technocrats.
“That is how it is works. The role of the government is to surprise the private sector and the role of the private sector is to predict the government. So he should not bring in business people with vested interests into his economic management team,” he said.
A Financial Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of BIC Consultancy Services, Dr. Boniface Chizea, told THISDAY that the proposed cabinet reshuffle did not need to be announced in advance.
Chizea said that the exercise should be delivered as a surprise package so that those the president would want to do away with should not have the chance to pull powerful strings.
“So this puts a question mark on its seriousness and whether it is a trick for them panic and sit up. We should have gone beyond this going by the magnitude of crises we have in the country of over 200 million people with 60 million in multidimensional
poverty.
“A president should know those to go and those to come in. In a cabinet there are technical areas that people with expertise should be lead such as the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. This is not an all comers affair. Also the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Agriculture and Power require people with some level of expertise and experience.
“What is the man in the solid minerals doing? What experience has he got about the ministry? Even the Ministry of Information should be manned by a thorough bred professional that can pass the
decisions of the government to the citizens.
‘‘The president should always have before him the bigger picture, which is Nigeria and Nigeria’s citizens and their welfare and security,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the move to reshuffle the cabinet was a good idea that would reinvigorate the cabinet and build a new momentum for the Tinubu's administration to deliver.
Yusuf said that sound gaps analysis should be carried out to determine the kind of people and experience that would be required in the cabinet.
Ohaneze: South-east Governors Evading Nnamdi Kanu's Release Over 2027 Elections
Benjamin Nworie
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has alleged that the Southeast governors were retreating from pushing for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu due to 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by the Secretary General of the body, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, they claimed that the southeast governors have exhibited a conspicuous lack of political will to engage President Tinubu on the pressing issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
sented by Mr. Dauda Lawal, said his organisation had committed huge resources to the agriculture and hospitality sectors in order to achieve sustainable growth and development.
Earlier, the royal father of the day, who was also an awardee, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, commended Cavista holdings for the giant stride in agriculture in the state, which he said would go a long way in ensuring food security, and job creation in the state.
The monarch who called on Nigerians to embrace agriculture as the only way out of the current economic doldrums in the country, however urged Cavista holdings to extend its investment into forestry.
According to the body: “The prevailing public sentiment suggests that the Southeast governors may be retreating from their agreements, leading to perceptions that Nnamdi Kanu has been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
“For the honor of our region and the principles we stand for, it is essential that they rise to this occasion and present a united front to the federal government”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally condemns the persistent silence and inaction of the Southeast governors, who hitherto have exhibited a conspicuous lack of political will to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the pressing issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s release”.
“While the spotlight shines brightly on the wrestling match of legalities, it
is essential to recognize the multitude of Igbo political prisoners who remain scattered across various correctional facilities, their fates similarly entangled in this complex web of political maneuvering and judicial processes”.
“It has come to our attention that the current Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, once served as legal counsel for one of the sitting Southeast governors, igniting further reflections on the intricate ties that may serve to constrain vital actions towards justice. The implications of such relationships cannot be overstated, especially towards opting for political solution and justice to Nnamdi Kanu”.
Ohanaeze added that the recent decision by Justice Binta Nyako to recuse herself from Kanu’s trial has highlighted not only judicial integrity but also the pressing need for political
accountability.
“Justice Nyako’s choice to step down from presiding over this critical case, particularly following the introduction of amended terrorism charges by Prosecution Counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), speaks volumes about the ethical obligations of those entrusted with the judicial mantle.
“It is a sign of honor, yet simultaneous timidity prevails within our political class. Nnamdi Kanu’s expressions of anger and loss of confidence in the judicial process are justified, reflecting the sentiments of many who have been closely observing these proceedings with great apprehension”, Isiguzoro said. The apex body therefore called on all Ndigbo worldwide to present a united front to the federal government for the release of the IPOB leader.
FG Urges Social Safety Net Coordinating Office to Partner NIMC on NIN Enrolment
Ndubuisi Francis
The federal government has urged the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) to become a front-end partner with the National Identity Management Company (NIMC) for National Identity Number (NIN) enrollment.
This was one of the outcomes of a high-level meeting of the Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme (SIP) convened in Abuja yesterday by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, with
a view to assessing the progress of policies designed to uplift Nigeria's most vulnerable populations.
Key updates from the meeting included the second payments to approximately one million verified recipients under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programme.
"Additionally, the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) was encouraged to become a front-end partner with National Identity Management Company (NIMC) for NIN enrollment, and a new communication strategy was discussed to improve programme
outreach across Nigeria.
"Reforms to the School Feeding Programme were also explored," the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga said in a statement.
In his remarks, Edun emphasised the critical importance of identifying the most vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive their benefits promptly and securely, using digital means. He reiterated the present administration's commitment to ensuring a successful delivery of social investment programmes efficiently and transparently.
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L-R: Organiser, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko and Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John during the closing ceremony of the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos on Tuesday.
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L-R: Marketing Director, Ismail Adeshina; Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran; Director, Information Technology, Kemi Ariyo and Chief Technical Officer, Harmanpreet Singh Dhillon during a Media Roundtable hosted by Airtel Nigeria, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos...recently
Jonathan: I Suspended Sanusi, Not Sack, He Could Have Been Recalled If We Had Time
Says no missing $49.8b, what was discovered to be unaccounted for by NNPC was $1.48bn I’ll not respond to my boss out of respect, says ex-CBN governor Says there are vested interest who don't want a stop to fuel importation
and Kuni
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said contrary to reports, he never sacked former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Jonathan said he only suspended Sanusi to allow for an investigation into alleged infractions under him at CBN.
Jonathan absolved his administration of blame for the alleged missing $49.8 billion during his time in office, after Sanusi blew the whistle.
He said what was discovered to be unaccounted for by the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was $1.48 billion following investigations.
Jonathan spoke during the public presentation of a book, "Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World," edited by his then Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr, Shamsudeen Usman.
The former president said Sanusi could have been recalled if his government had enough time. He said till date, he did not believe such an amount was lost during his presidency, as this could have resulted in the inability of government to pay salaries, because the country’s budget at the time was $31.6 billion.
While noting that it was imperative to set the records straight, he added that after the initial $49.8 billion allegation brought up by Sanusi, it was later revised down to $20 billion, and later to $12 billion, which put him at a loss as to what the actual figure was.
Jonathan stated, "Although I agree with Shansudeen's perspective, I did not quite agree with the perspective of one of the contributors, especially on the accuracy on account of his experiences in service and his personal interactions with me under my administration.
"I don't intend to join issues with him because he is our royal father. I
know he will read the book and there's need for me to state why I disagree with him, not completely everything that he wrote, but some, especially the one that is closely related to me.
"The one he raised that he was sacked because he blew a whistle and that the federal government lost $48.9 billion is not quite correct. He was not sacked, but suspended because the financial reporting council queried the expenditure of the CBN.
“They have the power to audit the CBN and not the Auditor General of the Federation and there were serious infractions that needed to be looked at and that was the reason. Somehow, the time was short and before we finished, our tenure elapsed. Probably, he would have been called back.
"On the issue of the $49.8 billion, till today, I am not convinced that the federal government lost such an amount. If the federal government loses such an amount, the government will not be able to pay salaries.
"That year, our budget was $31.6
ECOWAS Parliament Worried
billion. So, for a country with budget of $31.6 billion to lose approximately $50 billion and salaries were paid, is questionable. The researchers that will read this book should ask questions.
"So after our revered royal father came up with $49.8 billion, it was later $20 billion, and later to $12 billion. So, I don't even know the correct one.
"I asked for a forensic audit from one of the best experts and the report they came up with was that there was one $1.48 billion that they couldn't give proper account and said the NNPC should pay that money into the federation account."
Jonathan recalled that even the senate intervened in the matter by directing its financial committee headed by Ahmed Makarfi to investigate it. He said the committee used external auditors, who found nothing, except for $1.48 billion, which was unaccounted for, and NNPC was directed to pay it back into the federation account.
The former president said, "Makarfi is still alive and was the senate
Over Reluctance of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger to Rejoin Regional Bloc
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has again expressed worries over the seeming reluctance of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic to return to ECOWAS despite the many entreaties of leaders of the regional bloc.
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, disclosed this during the induction training for members of the 6th Legislature at the ongoing 2024 Third Extraordinary Session and Second Parliamentary Seminar of the legislative body in Lome, Togo on Wednesday.
The Speaker noted that the countries, which announced their exit from the 15-member ECOWAS in January 2024, following disagreements over military takeover of governments in the three countries, have not responded to calls for their return to the region’s most important organisation.
Her words: “We have taken a lot of initiatives at the level of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Council of Ministers and at all levels. We have written to the three countries but they have not responded.”
She however said despite this,
West African leaders will continue to reach out to them for reconciliation.
A member of the Parliament, Hon. Shiaka Musa Sama, from Sierra Leone had raised concerns over the continued absence of the three countries and the implications for the citizens of the countries, calling for more efforts to reconcile with the estranged countries and bring them back.
ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on the three countries after the military takeover but had gone a step further, threatening military intervention to restore democracy in Niger.
This initiated camaraderie in the three countries who subsequently pulled out from the regional bloc, forming instead confederation of Sahel states.
The leaders of the three countries had announced at a Summit early this year, stating that: “This summit marks a decisive step for the future of our common space. Together, we will consolidate the foundations of our true independence, a guarantee of true peace and sustainable development through the creation of the 'Alliance of Sahel States' Confederation,’” Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, wrote on X.
“The AES (Alliance of Sahel States)
is full of enormous natural potential which, if properly exploited, will guarantee a better future for the people of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso,” Traore added.
Earlier this September, the three leaders said they will introduce new biometric passports as part of their withdrawal from ECOWAS in favour of a new Sahel alliance.
committee chairman on finance and immediately that complication came out, the senate directed the finance committee and they used external auditors to look into it and they didn't see any of $48.9 billion, or $20 billion or $12 billion.
"So, I'd plead that when we are
giving account of our stewardship, it's good to explain some of these areas, so that anyone reading the book will not go with the impression that $50 billion was stolen during the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan."
Bello to EFCC: You’re Desperate to Execute Hatchet Job for Some Unknown Interests
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The embattled former governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of desperation to carry out a hatchet job for some vested interests.
Bello's claim was in response to a recent statement by EFCC accusing the former governor of frustrating his arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
the fight against corruption.
“The interesting thing is that the more the commission issues press statements under tension, the more glaring this assertion becomes."
The statement expressed sadness that an agency as important as EFCC had now degenerated to the level of "crafting press statements in rogue styles to satisfy the hirers of the gun".
According to a statement by Bello’s media aide, Michael Ohiare, the EFCC statement is a self-embarrassment filled with vulgar invectives that clearly show malicious intentions rather than a genuine intent to fight corruption.
"In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonising travel documents in our common area and facilitating the mobility of our citizens throughout the world", Malian junta leader Assimi Goita had announced.
Also, in September Burkina Faso had threatened to launch new passports without the ECOWAS logo.
The statement said, "Ordinarily, we would not have responded to the clear absurdities in the press statement, signed by Mr. Dele Oyewale, but for the need to set the records straight.
"The EFCC has already shown to the world, with its operational blunder, last Wednesday, that there is another motive behind its fixation on Kogi State and the former governor other than
It stated that even if the anti-graft agency was striving hard to satisfy some supposed benefactors, the EFCC chairman should be reminded that Nigeria is a member of the global village. The statement added, "What the commission should be doing now is self-reappraisal with a view to repairing whatever is left of its battered image and not still dragging the name of our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the mud with practices that are completely alien to the fight against corruption the world over.
"We want to reiterate that former Governor Yahaya Bello has acted like a democrat by subscribing to the rule of law and by approaching competent courts of jurisdiction to protect him. Continues
Niger Gov: 182 Lives Lost in Niger State Boat Mishap in 3 Years
Laleye Dipo in Minna
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has disclosed that 182 lives were lost to boat mishaps in the state within the last 3 years.
Bago said in 2022, 95 lives were lost, 68 in 2023 and this year so far 19 lives have been lost to boat mishaps.
Bago represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, at activities marking this year's World Maritime Day and Distribution of Fibre Glass Boats Organised by the NHydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission N-HYPPADEC in Minna said it was time the country places more emphasis on the adverse effects of flooding and downpour.
He wants more attention to be focused on the riverine communities as one of the ways to mitigate boat mishaps in the country.
The governor described as inadequate the 10,000 live jackets bought and distributed to 10 N- HYPPADEC states and therefore challenged Commissioners for Transports in the catchment states to make proposal for the purchase of more of the items so that "We will have value for life".
The governor commended N-HYPPADEC for the purchase of the fibre glass boats which he described as "not only an investment in infrastructure but an investment in safety and security of our people."
He further said: "This gesture will
not only save lives but give a sense of belonging to these communities and the need for continued support for government initiatives
"As we commission these fibreglass boats, we also commission a pathway to improved community development. These boats are more than just vessels; they are symbols of progress, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
“They will facilitate the movement of goods and services, strengthen our trade networks, and enhance community connectivity."
Bago reminded the people that "rivers and waterways across the country are not only natural resources but also vital arteries of our survivors from the diverse effects of climate
change" adding that "We must prioritise safety and protection for sustainable use".
The Managing Director of NHYPPADEC Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa in an address disclosed that to make waterways safer the Commission had "removed a considerable number of tree logs from parts of Kainji and Shiroro lakes a step that significantly reduced likelihood of boat accidents caused by snags". Yelwa said the 33 fibre boats purchased are improvements over the wooden boats because they are more durable, safer and offer superior performance in navigating rivers adding that unlike the wooden boats, the fiber glass boats are built to withstand the rigors of water travel.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Chuks Okocha
Tyessi in Abuja
ICAN COUNCIL MEMBERS VISIT FBN HOLDINGS...
Bobrisky: FG Suspends Senior Prison Officers
House probes bribery allegation against EFCC, correctional service Passes bill to allow for independent candidacy in all elections for first reading
The federal government, yesterday, suspended some senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service over allegation of infractions raised by Idris Okuneye otherwise known as Bobrisky.
At the same time, the House of Representatives, has mandated its Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions to probe corruption allegation against the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service and report back to the it within 3 legislative weeks.
This was as the House, has passed for first reading, a Bill that allows independent candidates to participate in all elections.
However, a statement by the Secretary, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board. Ja’afaru Ahmed read, gave the suspension order.
“Following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian Correc-
DHQ: Good Governance Will End Terrorism, Other Emerging Security
Threats in Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said the provision of good governance, would help address the root cause of terrorism and other emerging security threats and not military actions.
The DHQ also noted that the military could not win the war against terror and other security threats without the support of the people.
Director Defence Media Operation, Maj Gen Edward Buba,made this assertion while responding to questions during the quarterly press conference on the operational activities of the military and other security agencies in Abuja.
According to him, "If we want to end terrorism and other security threats that we are confronted with, we must change the conditions that gave rise to the problems. Changing those conditions are not something within the scope of military operations. Military
action is just 30 per cent.
"Winning a war is destroying enemies' will to fight. When you destroy enemies' will to fight, then you would have won the war and that is why we are focused on destroying the enemies' will to fight and destroying enemies' will to fight requires cumulative actions.
“We are killing their leadership, we are killing their commanders, combatants, logistics suppliers and informants. We take away their assets, dismantle their military and administrative capabilities.
“We seek international collaboration and media engagement. A combination of all these help us to destroy the will of the enemy to fight and that is what we are doing."
Responding to question on the cooperation of subnational authorities in the fight against terrorism, Buba said, "I have said severally on this podium and I will repeat it again that the life line of terrorism is the people.
tional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, has suspended forthwith the following Senior Officers of the Service:
“Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State.
“Also, the Board has suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the Custodial Centre to a location outside the facility.”
Similarly, the board has equally suspended another Senior Officer of the Service, Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC),
Kuje- Abuja, for allegedly receiving monies on behalf of an inmate.
“The suspension of these officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegations while assuring that the outcome would be made public when concluded,” Ahmed said.
On its part, the House’s resolution to probe the EFCC and correctional facility followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the need to investigate the allegation of corruption against them, moved by Hon. Dr. Patrick Umoh.
Umoh while presenting the motion noted the disturbing and widely circulated publication emanating from Martins Vincent Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan) against critical Nigerian law enforcement institutions: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He stated that the publication alleged that the EFCC dropped money laundry charges against Idris
(also known as Bobrisky) upon collection of the sum of Fifteen Million Naira
Furthermore, the publication alleged that Okuneye, upon conviction for abuse and defacing of the Naira, by the court did not serve his time at the Nigeria Correctional Service, but was lodged outside the confines of the Service.
"The damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agen- cies of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correction Service established by this hallowed Chambers to fight correction and incarcerate persons convicted of crime for correctional purposes, respectively," he said.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the negative image and portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation and Nigeria's struggle to redeem itself from such perception.
Meanwhile, the constitution alteration bill to amend the 1999 Constitution sponsored by Hon. Akin
Rotimi, passed the first reading at the plenary on Thursday. The synopsis of the bill showed that an independent candidate is expected to get the endorsement of at least 10 per cent of registered voters spread across at least two-thirds of the constituency. The signatures of such voters are expected to be verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the State Independent Electoral Commission in the case of local government elections, while no voter is allowed to write the name of another person.
The bill seeks to amend sections 7, 65 106, and 221 among others, while also seeking to establish a desk in INEC to coordinate independent candidacy within the commission.
Speaking to newsmen, Rotimi explained that it was time for qualified individuals, who lack sponsorship from political parties to have the opportunity to run as independent candidates in elections.
Northern Politicians Hold Political Summit on Nigeria’s Economic, Security Challenges
Appoint former Kano governor, Shekarau, chairman Commence visitation to ex-military heads of state, presidents from north
A group of northern politicians across the political divide has fixed November 12 and 13 for a political summit to address the economic and security challenges facing the nineteen northern states, as part of its strategies for 2027. The political summit is billed to hold in Kaduna State.
They have also commenced visitations to the former military president, heads of state and civilian presidents from the north.
According to the statement, the objective is to acquaint them with the economic and security challenges facing the northern states.
The northern politicians under the name, the League of Northern Democrats (LND), in a statement on the outcome of their meeting by Dr. Umar Ardo, as convener and Emmanuel Jime, as secretary announced Senator Ibrahim Shekarau as the substantive chairman of the group
"Structuring the LND’s leadership by the confirmation of Mal. Ibrahim
OBAIGBENA CALLS FOR ‘WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT’ APPROACH TO SOLVING NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
“So those who find themselves in power and feel they can kill the media, when they leave power, they will need the media. The media is a friend of the armed forces of the people of Nigeria. And the media will continue to work with the armed forces of the people of Nigeria.”
Given Nigeria’s challenges, and the happenings in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Egypt, Central African Republic, DRC, Rwanda, Angola, Mozambique, Libya, and Nigeria’s neighbours in Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea and the rest, Obaigbena stated that the Nigerian armed forces had done well. Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, urged media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy and fairness in reporting the activities of the Nigerian Army. Lagbaja appealed to media practitioners to balance their reporting with national security interests, as well as the public’s right to information, and avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security.
The army chief, who was represented by Commander, 4 SF Command, Doma, Maj. Gen. Hilary Nzan, said as the Nigerian Army continued to confront the numerous security challenges facing the country, it was crucial for all stakeholders to actively participate in efforts to secure Nigeria.
He highlighted some of the recent successes of the Nigerian Army, saying, “These include the neutralisation of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and
the restoration of socioeconomic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
“Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production, while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.
“In response to recent humanmade and natural disasters in parts of the country, we activated our emergency response capabilities.”
Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State, as its substantive chairman and Hon. Emmanuel Jime, former Honorable Member House of Representatives from Benue State, as its substantive secretary "Constituting a standing Steering Committee and five Subcommittees.
Fixing of 12 and 13 November, 2024, as the dates to hold its Northern Nigerian Summit in Kaduna; and "Appointing Dr. Ladan Salihu, former DG of the FRCN, as chairman Media and Publicity Subcommittee and also the Spokesman of the League," the league of northern democrats said.
The LND said the Standing Steering Committee was chaired by Sen. Ibrahim Ida (Wazirin Katsina) and the subcommittees created included Contact and Mobilisation, chaired by Dr. Ja’afar Bello Dambazau from Kano state, Programs Planning & Logistics, chaired by Alhaji Danjuma Ibrahim from Sokoto state.
The Intelligence and Security committee was chaired by AVM Monday Morgan from Benue State and the Events and Protocol was chaired by Mohammed Hassan from Borno state.
Explaining further, the LND said,
"The approved summit has principally two main objectives. First is for it to serve as a fulcrum around which to knit Northern unity, security and leadership.
“And second, to proffer viable northern solutions to the existential challenges facing the northern region in three key areas - disunity, insecurity and poverty." Meanwhile, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, have described the formation of the League of Northern Democrats (NLD) as timely and a veritable platform to galvanise efforts at addressing the numerous challenges facing the North and the country in general. Sambo, while hosting the leadership of the league led by its Chairman, former Kano State governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abuja said, “It is very worrisome to note how insecurity has crippled agriculture, while threatening education and health of our children and women, and these have continued to widen the net of poverty and inequality among people of the north and indeed the entire country.”
Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale and Juliet Akoje
Okuneye
(N15, 000, 000).
Chuks Okocha
Linus Aleke
L-R: Head Risk, FBN Holdings, Dirisu Oladipupo; Head, Internal Audit, FBN Holdings, Dr. Bode Oguntoke; immediate Past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Dr. Innocent Okwuosa; FCA, the Diamond President, ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe; Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Second Deputy Vice President, ICAN, Dr. Felix Osuji; the Registrar/Chief Executive, ICAN, Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi; Head, Investor Relations, FBN Holdings, Tolu Oluwole, and Financial Controller, FBN Holdings, Wasiu Shafe, when President and Council members of ICAN paid a courtesy visit to FBN Holdings in Lagos… recently.
SYSTEMSPECS’ 2024 CHILDREN’S DAY ESSAY COMPETITION...
L-R: Managing Director, HumanManager Limited, Ms. Adekunbi Ademiluyi;Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji; and Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Lagos State, Dr. Yusuf Shereefah Adejoke, during the presentation of Laptops to the Winning State of the SystemSpecs’ 2024 Children’s Day Essay Competition in Lagos ... recently
Five Offa Bank Robbery Suspects Sentenced
to Death By Hanging Six Years After Event
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High court, Ilorin, yesterday, sentenced five suspects, who had been standing trial over the Offa bank bloody armed robbery case to death by hanging.
The robbery took place on April 5, 2018, in Offa, Offa Local Government Council Area of the state, where about 32 persons, including nine policemen, were killed.
The court held that the convicts robbed and killed innocent citizens including nine police officers in Offa during the bloody robbery attack.
However, the judgement was meant to be delivered on August 2, 2024 but was put forward because of the the August nationwide protest.
The six suspects: a policeman, Michael Adikwu (now deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Sala-
hudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham, were arrested in connection with the bloody bank robbery incident on April 5, 2018 in Offa, Kwara State.
Michael Adikwu, the leader of the robbery attack, reportedly died in police custody while the remaining five pleaded not guilty in court.
The remaining five suspects standing trial were present in court.
Justice Haleema Salman began
reading the judgement at 9:14 am.
Rotimi Jacob was the lead prosecuting counsel while the lead defence counsel, Nathaniel Emeribe was not in court and was represented by A. S. Abdullahi.
Salman found the convicts guilty of the offence of culpable homicide, and armed robbery among others and ordered that they should be hung by the neck until they breathe no more.
The court, in the judgement
Investigate Zamfara Governor's Allegations against Matawalle, APC Youths Beg Tinubu
A group of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of Tinubu Youth Network (TYN), has asked President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations levelled against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
Lawal had in recent television interviews, accused the minister of having links with bandit leaders, terrorising Zamfara State, including a notorious kingpin, Bello Turji, while serving as the governor of the state.
“If I were him (Matawalle), I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry," the governor had said during an interview with TVC.
Dauda also accused the minister of corruption and misappropriation of N70b, stating that the matter had been with the EFCC for a year now.
Addressing a press conference, yesterday, in Kaduna, Secretary General of the TYN, Yusuf Muhammad, maintained that the allegations against Matawalle were serious matters that should not be handled lightly or ignored.
The group asked the minister to step down for thorough investigations into the allegations, stressing that failing to address the issues could hurt the party in the future.
"The Zamfara state Governor, Dauda Lawal, raised grave concerns
about the issues he inherited upon assuming office. These issues include the accusation of sponsoring bandits and misappropriation of state funds by his predecessor and the junior Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle.
"These are serious matters that strike at the heart of governance, security, and the welfare of the people
of Zamfara State and should not be handled lightly.
"We consider it our responsibility as youths to seek a thorough investigation into these serious claims to uphold the integrity of our party and our esteemed leader, the President.
"Failing to address these issues
handed down three years imprisonment on the convicts for the offence of illegal possession of firearms based on the penal code law.
Justice Salman added that the convicts acted contrary to law and misbehaved by allowing their connections with power that be in government to lead them astray.
could hurt our party in the future.
We want to emphasise that the issues at stake here are not just political problems.
"They encompass matters of life and death, economic survival, and the fundamental human rights of the citizens of Zamfara state, the Northwest, and Nigeria as a whole."
It is Imperative for Nigeria to Move to
Circular Economy, Says NESREA
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has said it is imperative for Nigeria to move from linear economy to circular economy in order to join the ranks of developed countries.
Speaking at a media dialogue on circular economy, the Director General of NESREA Dr. Innocent Barikor while noting that the dialogue is intended to further deepen media knowledge and understanding of the concept of circular economy, said it has become obvious that Nigeria cannot solely depend on linear economy to sustain the high economy demands and development set out to transform Nigeria from underdeveloped to developed country.
He explained that it was on this perimeter that the NESREA organised a media dialogue to acquaint the media with the concept of circular economy and its implementation in the country, highlighting key initiatives
and strategies to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, mitigate environmental impacts and promote green growth in Nigeria.
He said: “This has become very essential as we continue to work together to promote sustainable development of our dear country. Circular Economy is a model which transforms the way we produce, consume and dispose of resources.
“It is a sustainable economy model that aims to reduce waste and the consumption of resources by promoting the reuse, recycling, and refurbishment of products. It seeks to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and pollution.”
He further explained that: “Nigeria has since embraced the circular economy model, with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) spearheading the initiative.
“Through its Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) Programme, the Agency has launched the implementation of circular economy principles nationwide. The Programme places an emphasis on shared responsibility, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“It effectively extends the responsibility of manufacturers, producers and importers beyond production and sales, and makes them responsible for the total life cycle of their products. Under the take-back mechanism, the EPR ensures that these products do not end up in the dump sites but rather become secondary raw materials for some other products".
The Director, Partnership and Education, NESREA, Mrs. Bintu Kolo Mohammed in her welcome address said: “Circular Economy represents more than just a shift in how we manage resources; it’s a fundamental change in how we think about our relationship with the environment.
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, expressed satisfaction over the verdict, appreciating the judge for being thorough despite several distractions that made the case to be prolonged.
Also, the counsel representing the convicts said that the judgement was not unexpected, noting that his principal was already combining all necessary documents for the appeal.
Obaseki Performs Groundbreaking for Loyola Jesuit University in Esan S'East
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Governor Godwin Obaseki of The Edo State has performed the groundbreaking of Loyola Jesuit University in Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.
Obaseki at the event said that the reform of the State’s education system remains the greatest legacy of his administration, noting that the reform has repositioned Edo as a hub for human capital development in Africa.
The proposed Loyola Jesuit University in Ewatto is to be sited on 214.9 hectares of land and is the first Jesuit University in West Africa under the Catholic Society of Uromi Diocese in Esan South East.
Obaseki noted that the project would benefit not only Esan people but will also serve as a nurturing ground for the next generation of thinkers who would contribute to the development of the state.
He stated: “I am pleased to join you here today on this auspicious occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Loyola Jesuit University in Ewatto Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
“This milestone aligns perfectly with our vision of making Edo State a hub for human capital development in Africa. Education remains a top priority for us in Edo State which is why over the last 8 years deployed interventions to change the course of education in our state.
“We focused very intensely in fixing a comatose education system which we met when we came into office in 2016 and by investing substantially in basic education transformation through our EdoBEST programmes.
Today we are proud that the course of education in Edo State has now been redirected.
“We have ensured that our educational system meets the required standards in terms of capacity for the 21st Century.” Obaseki continued: “The reforms of our education system remain one of our greatest legacies as a government. We are proud that over half a million children in Edo State are learning in our public school system and we are seeing learning outcomes that equals what their peers are learning in other parts of the world even as far as Europe and Asia as this gives me boundless joy and a great sense of accomplishment.
“I fought to tackle learning poverty and restore education at the foundation level in Edo State and it has continued to earn us global recognition as a State and we have become a model on how sub-national can properly utilize public funds to transform the education sector and drive productivity and economic growth.
“I have not traveled to Rwanda but know that the Rwandan President has sent people to Edo State to understudy what we have done in education.
“It’s not therefore surprising that a world-class institution like the Jesuit Order will choose its first site for a university in West Africa in Edo State. We are happy to welcome you. That is why we granted all the necessary waivers that you requested to ensure that this university takes off without hindrance.
“There is a levy that the government charges on development which is an access of N200 million and we have a waiver so they can proceed with work. I align with the projects and don’t want a delay in the project.
John Shiklam in Kaduna
PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT
ACCOUNTING TO SHAREHOLDERS...
L-R: Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Odemelam; Company
Director/CEO, Mr. Olaotan Soyinka, at the 29th Annunal General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos...yesterday
Cabinet Reshuffle: Return Police Affairs to
Interior Ministry, Group Tells
Another group makes case for El-Rufai, Shehu Sanni, others as ministers
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Following the plan by President Bola Tinubu to reshuffle his 47-man cabinet, a group under the aegis of Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA), has said the Ministry of Police Affairs be integrated into the Interior Ministry.
In a statement signed and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Head of Research, NDRA, Mr. Chuks Alozie, said the Ministry led by Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has delivered on the critical elements of good governance and public accountability.
The Special Adviser to the
200 Women, CSOs Brainstorm on Peace-building in Katsina
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
No fewer than 200 women from four banditry-ravaged local government areas of Katsina State and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have brainstormed and re-strategised on how to strengthen peace and security in the state.
The women drawn from the four local government areas of Batsari, Jibia, Danmusa and Kankara, through the Women Peace and Security (WPS) initiative of Mercy Corps, converged on Katsina, the state capital, where they deliberated on ways to foster peace.
The two-day women dialogue was organised by Mercy Corps in collaboration with the Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs with support from International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Under its Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in North-west Nigeria (CMCRNW) project funded by the European Union (EU), Mercy Corps and partners seek to build the capacity of women and CSOs in peace-building and peaceful co-existence in the state.
One of the participants from Jibia, Amina Mohammed, said the dialogue would assist all women to work harmoniously towards achieving cohesion in the peace-building process in communities rather than working at cross-purposes due to duplicity of activities.
She said Mercy Corps and its partners have empowered them with fresh insights and recommended better ways of working together to ensure peaceful coexistence among communities affected by banditry in Kankara, Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa and other parts of the state.
MTV Base Takes African Music to New Heights
On Friday, September 20, 2024, MTV Base hosted the highly anticipated Music Day at the 2024 Africa Creative Market (ACM) in Lagos. Bringing together over 500 music enthusiasts, creatives, and influential figures in African music, the event was a hub of insightful discussions, networking, and celebrations centred on the future of African music on the global stage.
The day kicked off with two impactful panel discussions, starting with “Beyond Borders: Building Global Audiences for African Music”, moderated by MTV Base Culture Squad member, Oluchi Harrison. The panelists included Country Manager at Paramount Africa, Bada Akintunde-Johnson; Programme Director at The Beat 99.9 FM, and Head of Label Services & Operations at Gamma, Osi Suave; Founder of WeTalkSound, Dolapo Amusat and Project Manager and Marketing Operations Lead at Native Records, Feyisola Ogunbanjo.
The panelists explored practical strategies for African artists breaking
into the international music scene— leveraging social media, forming strategic partnerships, and utilising digital platforms. Bada AkintundeJohnson, Country Manager at Paramount Africa, captured the spirit of the discussion, stating, “The global musical landscape is evolving, and African music is at its forefront. African music is no longer waiting to be discovered—it’s being heard. We just need to be deliberate about how we continue to position ourselves globally.”
The second panel, “The Art of Sampling: How It Works and When Does It Become Theft?”
Moderated by MTV Base Culture Squad member, Ilooise ‘Iliwitdflo’ Omonhinmin, explored the creative and legal aspects of music sampling.
The panel session featured Bada Akintunde-Johnson; Managing Director, Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) at Virgin Music Group, Olukorede ‘Kay’ Ikazoboh; entertainment lawyer Foza Fawehinmi and DJ Woske, producer and entrepreneur.”
President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga while addressing journalists in Abuja, explained that the reshuffle of the cabinet may be carried out anytime from, adding that the
exercise would be evidence-based.
Onanuga, who noted they the current cabinet was inaugurated in August, 2023, disclosed that the president has instructed his ministers to actively promote
the accomplishments of his administration.
Meanwhile, in the statement the NDRA, said the Minister of Interior activities has increased citizens’ trust in the present federal
Tinubu
government administration. It said: “The NDRA welcomes yesterday’s confirmation by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga of an imminent cabinet shake-up.
182 Lives Lost in Boat Mishap in Niger in Three Years, Says Gov
Laleye Dipo inMinna
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed that 182 lives were lost to boat mishaps in the state within the last three years. Bago said in 2022, 95 lives were lost, 68 in 2023, and this year so
far, 19 lives have been lost to boat mishaps.
The governor represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, at activities marking this year’s World Maritime Day and Distribution of Fibre Glass Boats Organised by the N- Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission
N- HYPPADEC in Minna said it was time the country places more emphasis on the adverse effects of flooding and downpour.
He wants more attention to be focused on the riverine communities as one of the ways to mitigate boat mishaps in the country.
The governor described as inadequate the 10,000 live jackets bought and distributed to 10 N-HYPPADEC states, and therefore, challenged Commissioners for Transports in the catchment states to make proposal for the purchase of more of the items so that “we will have value for life.”
Women Declare Prayer to Save Rivers from Detractors
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Thousands of women from across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, yesterday, converged on Port Harcourt, praying to save the state from suspected destructive detractors of the state government.
This is as the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared free medical care for women in the state, particularly the pregnant mothers, aged people, others.
The prayers session with theme: “Pray, Praise and Posses the Land”, was organised by
Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an organisation Convened by Mrs Sotonye Fulton.
In her remarks during the programme, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, expressed how situation can be changed through praises. She applauded the women of Rivers state for how they have supported the government. She said: “The governor very passionate about the welfare of Rivers women. Today, we have learned on how to stand strong on the word of God, and know that no obstacle can stop us.
Investigate Zamfara Gov’s Allegations against Matawalle, APC Youths Urge Tinubu
John ShiklaminKaduna
Lawal had in recent television interviews accused the minister of having links with bandit leaders, terrorising Zamfara State, including a notorious kingpin, Bello Turji, while serving as the governor of the state.
“If I were him (Matawalle)
A group of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of Tinubu Youth Network (TYN) has asked President Bola Tinubu to investigate the allegations levelled against Bello Matawalle, the minister of State for Defence, by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has promised involvement of more women in the Niger Delta peace process.
He said that his administration will ensure the inclusion of more Niger Delta women in the implementation of the PAP mandate.
I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of the banditry,” the governor had said during an interview with TVC. Lawal also accused the minister of corruption and misappropriation of N70billion, stating that the matter had been with the EFCC for a year now.
Addressing a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, Yusuf Muhammad, secretary-general of the TYN, maintained that the allegations against Matawalle are serious matters that should not be handled lightly or ignored.
Otuaro Promises Involvement of more Women in N’ Delta Peace Process
Otuaro also stated that the women folk of the region would be an integral part of the consultation process initiated by the PAP Office for its peace-building efforts to foster sustainable peace, stability and economic growth in the area.
The PAP boss spoke while addressing the Niger Delta women at a meeting in Warri, Delta State with the theme, ‘Niger Delta Women Empowerment: A Panacea for Peace, Stability and Economic Growth in The Region.’ The meeting was part of an expanded Niger Delta stakeholders’ engagement by the PAP office with traditional rulers, opinion leaders, women groups and youth bodies, leaders and members of the various Phases, among others.
Anambra to Begin Payment of New Minimum Wage from October
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State Government has said it will start paying the new minimum wage of N70,000 from October.
The state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, made the revelation
yesterday at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka, while meeting with principals and head teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
Governor Soludo also said: “From next week, the free
education policy will be available to senior students in all public schools in Anambra State.
“I assure you that even with the binding resource constraint, this administration will continue to work very hard to deliver on the mandate.
“From next month, we also hope to start paying the new minimum wage of N70,000.” The state under Soludo had previously announced the free education policy for primary schools and junior secondary school.
Crunchies Fried Chicken Launches New Website for Online
Crunchies Fried Chicken, a leading quick-service restaurant chain in Nigeria, has officially launched a website to provide its customers with a seamless and convenient online ordering experience.
The website, boasts a userfriendly interface, allowing customers to effortlessly browse
menus, place orders, and make payments online. This development marks a significant milestone in Crunchies’ mission to enhance customer convenience and accessibility.
Speaking on this development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Crunchies
Fried Chicken Limited, Mrs Muka Ohaeji, said their primary objective is to continuously delight customers and evolve to meet their needs at every point.
Order
She stated that the new website is a crucial step towards achieving this goal and they are thrilled to offer the innovative solution to their valued customers.
Ohaeji disclosed that while, on many occasions, customers may crave a bite of their favourite menu items, several factors like unfavourable weather, lethargy, preoccupation or distance may prevent them from walking into the outlets.
Secretary, Mr.Tomi Olagunju; Chairman, Mr. Oluseun Ajayi, and Managing
DAN UKANA
MAKING NIGERIA PROUD…
L-R: NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tatum; Maged Farrag of UBR VR; Peng Chen of HustleSasa; Yewande Akinse of Salubata; Folayemi Agusto of Festival Coins, and NBA
Africa CEO, Clare Akamanzi, at the first NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator Demo Day where Nigerian tech companies, Festival Coins and Salubata emerged first and second winners going home $50,000 and $40,000 cash prize respectively in New York City…recently
Wike : I May Use Area Councils IGR to Pay Striking Teachers
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said he might intervene by using 10 per cent of internally generated revenue (IGR) meant for the Area Councils to pay FCT primary school teachers, who are striking over the non-payment of their arrears.
He disclosed this to reporters yesterday during inspection of the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road project.
Primary school teachers in public schools under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing had last week embarked on an indefinite strike over non-payment of their outstanding entitlements and other unresolved industrial issues.
Niger Gov Redeems N250m Pledge for Act of Honesty
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The Niger Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has fulfilled his promise of N250 million gift in honour of Auwalu Salisu, a Kano-based commercial tricycle rider for his extraordinary act of honesty in returning N15 million that he found in his tricycle.
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUMUJI ABIGAIL OLUWARANTI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KUJIMIYO ABIGAIL OLUWARANTI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I formerly known and addressed as EMMA ODOGWU OKONJI (as written in my old international passport), now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ODOGWU OKONJI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as OYENUGA OLUWAKEMI OLASUNKANMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AJAYI OLUWAKEMI OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as FRANK AZUKA USIH, now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS AZUKA USIH. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and the general public should take note. I formerly known and address as AUGUSTINE CHIBUZOR ANABA Now wish to be known and address as CHIBUZOR ANABA, and my correct date of birth is 20TH OCT 1990 All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as NWACHUKWU FRANK OGBONNAYA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU FRANCIS OGBONNAYA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
This also includes N50 million in scholarships from himself, President Bola Tinubu, ministers, the APC Governors’ Forum, and the Niger State government.
This was announced yesterday in Abuja by the Chairman of Leadership Group Limited, Zainab NdaIsaiah, alongside the Niger State government during the inauguration of a trustee board in honour of Auwalu Salisu.
The board consists of representatives from the Niger State government, Leadership Group, the Sam Nda-Isaiah Foundation, and Auwalu’s family to ensure the funds are utilised effectively, particularly for Auwalu’s education and skill development.
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as YUSUF, OLAYEMI TEMITAYO YETUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as EDUN, OLAYEMI TEMITAYO YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as OGBEIFO OGHENEVWOKE LENNY, now wish to be known and addressed as LENNY-OGBEIFO OGHENEVWOKE. Followon JUNE 6TH 1966, have attested to the All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH
This is to inform the general public that I, IGE TAIWO SAMSON. That on my NIN, my Date of Birth was wrongly captured as 6th of April, 2008. That my correct Date of Birth is 6th of April, 2007. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
This is to inform the general public that I, IGE KEHINDE HANNAH. That on my NIN, my Date of Birth was wrongly captured as 6th of April, 2008. That my correct Date of Birth is 6th of April,2007. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
The Union in a communiqué signed by State (FCT) Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, and issued at the end of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC)
meeting of the NUT FCT Wing held in Abuja, said it resolved and directed all the primary school teachers in the Territory to resume the suspended strike action with effect from last week’s Wednesday.
However, Wike said he would not allow children to be affected by the strike which has gone on for over a week, adding that no serious government would allow it.
The teachers had resumed their
strike on September 18, 2024, following a 14-day ultimatum previously issued to the Area Council Chairmen by the FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
Police Apprehend Four Suspects for Alleged Sextortion
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has apprehended four suspects in connection with an alleged case of ‘sextortion’ and romance scam.
A statement issued by the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects, Abodunrin Rasheed, Abodunrin Tunde, and Abodunrin Rokeeb, were apprehended following a report via the NPF-NCCC E-Reporting portal and an intelligence report
from the centre.
It stated that: “Investigation revealed that the suspects met a Croatian national on a dating app and claimed to be a woman. Their continuous chats progressed to Instagram and WhatsApp leading to an
intimate relationship. However, the Croatian was deceived into sending nude pictures of himself through the dating app. The suspects subsequently conspired and pressured him to pay ransom or have his pictures sent to his family and friends.”
Energy Coalition Asks Dangote, NNPC to Work Together
Energy Security Coalition (ESC), a network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country, has called on Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) to work together in order to reduce the hardship Nigerians go through to get petroleum.
A legal practitioner and Convener of ESC, Frank Tietie, said the task of finding solutions to Nigeria’s myriad problems required collective efforts and engagement.
He called on the refinery to
ensure transparent pricing and to work closely with the NNPCL in the national interest to alleviate the challenges facing Nigerians. He said the coalition sought a transparent and wellintentioned governance regime for the petroleum industry for
the benefit of all Nigerians, including the interests of the Federal Government and the NNPC, which now operates as a profit-driven private entity but still has statutory obligations to ensure energy security for the Nigerian economy.
GIPLC, Better Life Improve Living Condition of 300 Vulnerable Children
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
Global Initiative for Peace Love and Care (GIPLC) has partnered with Better Life for Rural Women, led by Hajiya Aisha Babangida, to improve the condition of over 300 homeless children residing in a dilapidated mosque in Mpappe,
Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The children, faced with severe challenges, primarily due to a lack of clean water, forcing them to rely on a nearby river for drinking and bathing, the situation which resulted in a waterborne infection, prompted the intervention by
Better Life for Rural Women and GIPLC to provide them with better health conditions.
GIPLC had three months ago, partnered Better Life for Rural Women to initiate a fundraiser to rehabilitate the mosque and provide essential water supply. The initiative, with support
from Brains and Hammers, a local construction company, installed a solar-powered borehole with an overhead tank.
Additionally by GIPLC, the mosque was renovated and new bathrooms and toilets were constructed to enhance living conditions.
Osun Goes after Segilola over Tax Evasion, Pollution, Shareholding, Others
Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo
The Osun State Government yesterday raised serious concerns about the operations of the Segilola Gold Project managed by subsidiaries of Thor Explorations Limited, a UK-based company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
According to Prof. Lukman
Jimoda, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Resources, the state investigation revealed various unethical business practices, including alleged tax evasion, use of proxies, and failure to comply with environmental rules and regulations.
The companies involved such as SINIC Engineering, ATF Consulting, Monurent Nigeria, and others are reportedly engaged in outsourcing employment, and operations to undisclosed third parties without proper documentation or environmental compliance.
Prof. Jimoda highlighted that the federal constitution places environmental oversight under the concurrent list, allowing the state to assess companies’ operations for economic and environmental impacts.
He emphasised that the Segilola project, despite its significant production since 2019, has resisted complying with extant laws like the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) which govern tax levies.
Nigerian Red Cross Society Raises N2.5bn to Battle Food Insecurity
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has launched a N2.5billion fundraising initiative to avert the effects of severe hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria. With the N2.5 billion, NRCS aims to scale up their operations, bringing lifesaving assistance to the hardest-hit regions of the country by directly providing food, clean water, and basic sanitation services essentials for survival.
President, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, said if nothing was done urgently 31.5 million Nigerians would be at the risk of suffering severe hunger and malnutrition.
Speaking yesterday at a press conference in Lagos, the
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has advocated the need for organisations to create a safe work space where women do not have to tolerate inappropriate, sexual or discriminatory remarks by others.
According to him, “As far as hunger is concerned, Nigeria is at a tipping point. Over 31.5 million people are at the risk of severe hunger, driven by the impacts of conflict, climate change, displacement, and inflation.
“In just two days’ time, September 28, 2024 the Nigerian Red Cross Society will launch a fundraiser under the theme: ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’.
NAWOG Advocates Safe Space for Women in Workplace
The National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aisha Bura, made this call at a three-day workshop on Gender Equity, Safety, and Gender-Sensitive Reporting for women journalists held in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Bura, who was represented by
the association’s Vice President, B Zone, Mrs. Adeola Adekunle, stated that gender equity and safety are critical concerns within the media landscape, noting that women journalists continue to face various challenges, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and limited opportunities for advancement.
According to her, gendersensitive reporting is essential for ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their experiences are accurately portrayed.
“It involves challenging gender stereotypes, avoiding harmful language, and promoting gender equality in media content.
Fidelis David in Akure
Stakeholders Move against Plans by Gusau-led Board to Give Sanusi Third Term as NFF General Secretary
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Some key stakeholders in Nigerian football are moving against plans by the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give a third term tenure of three years to incumbent General Secretary of the federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.
The proposal expected to be part of the agenda of the NFF General Assembly slated for October 4, 2024 in Asaba, Delta State, is already
this time around, but was handed a cumulative special five-year special tenure extension. By December when the term will run out, he would have served 11 years in charge of Nigerian football. He has served almost two years under current President of the federation, Ibrahim Gusau.
According to one of the States FA Chairmen who spoke with THISDAY at the weekend but do not want his name in the print,
the Ibrahim Gusau-led board of the NFF has started underground moves to push through the proposal to give Dr Sanusi a third term of three years when the General Assembly convenes in the Delta State capital. The General Assembly was earlier scheduled to hold yesterday, (September 26, 2024) before it was moved to October 4 in Asaba.
“This is not good at all. Why will the board be making moves to extend Dr Sanusi’s tenure as
General Secretary of the NFF after serving almost 11 years? What positive impact can you point at during his term at the Glass House in Abuja? I think he should just end this tenure in December and leave for us to have a breath of fresh air in the running of Nigerian football,” observed the stakeholder who confided in THISDAY that he has started to mobilize against the move.
Also, there is the unwritten issue
creating resentment amongst the stakeholders who are querying why give the Kebbi-born administrator another three years when by December, 2024 he would have served the federation for 11 years with no commensurate change in the running of the game in the country. Dr Sanusi was first appointed by the Amaju Pinnick administration for four years. After completing that tenure, Pinnick gave him a second term not just of four years of both the President and General Secretary not coming from the same zone. Gusau is from Zamfara State while Sanusi comes from Kebbi State.
Madugu handed Super Falcons job on interim basis
The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the Federation’s Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen to continue in his role as Head Coach of the Super Eagles, and lead the team in its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya next month.
The 58-year-old, in temporary charge of the squad he had led three times previously, steered the three-time African champions to a 3-0 defeat of Benin Republic and scoreless draw with Rwanda in Matchdays 1 and 2 earlier this month.
Eguavoen and the current technical crew that also includes Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede,
Olatunji Baruwa and Tomaz Zorec will also take charge of the Super Eagles B team for the qualifying campaign for next year’s African Nations Championship, otherwise known as CHAN.
With the departure of Mr. Randy Waldrum, the Executive Committee also approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee for Coach Justin Madugu to lead the remaining technical crew and take charge of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, pending the appointment of a substantive Head Coach.
The Super Falcons’ next big engagement is the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, taking place in Morocco in the summer of next year.
West Africa’s Best Pro Golfers Converge on Lakowe for ETTG
The management of the Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Club has confirmed the arrival of top professional golfers from West Africa for the 2024 “Escape to The Greens” teeing off today, Friday, September 27, 2024 in Lagos.
Respected Ghanaian player, Emos Korblah is leading the foreign players’ delegation that also have another Ghanaian Vincent Torgah. Togo’s veteran golfer, Agbvon Kosivi, will lead golfers from the Francophone countries as well.
Nigeria’s current rave of the moment, Francis Epe, and equally competitive rivals include; Sunday Olapade, Okoko Godwin, Francis Christopher, Francis, Kamalu Bako, Gift Willy, Chukwudi Okoro and Mike Ubi are all on the card.
Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes, Femi Olagbenro, said the development of the course has in no small
measure contributed to the growth of professional golf in the sub-region, and says it's always a pleasure hosting them, yearly.
“The Championship course that we have has added to the few options available to the golf courses in its category. Lakowe Lakes Golf Course is known all over the region as the best golf facility and a facility that redefined the golf experience both as a professional sport and as tourism,” he added.
This year the “Escape to The Green” that combines the professional golf experience of Lakowe Classic and a family tourism package offers a N20million purse for the golfers. At the same time, amateur players' prizes have been enriched with golf gifts and memorabilia. Olagbenro said the event would also feature top amateurs including club members.
FC Bethel has emerged champions of the 2024 1XBET Community Cup and smiled out of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island yesterday with the 10million winners prize money.
Bethel defeated Gunners Link FC 2-1 to become the new champions of the biggest grassroots football tournament in the continent.
Expectedly, Okechukwu Nnanna who emerged highest goals scorer with 12 goals overall banged the winning goal.
It was a fitting end for FC Bethel who didn't concede any defeat all through the tournament. They gave
clear sign of their determination to pick the ultimate prize when they sent out defending champions SBL FC in the quarter final. They were given the scare of their lives in the semifinals when survived Emiloju FC 4-3 in penalty shootouts to reach the final.
FC Bethel swept most of the awards for the 2024 edition of the 1XBet Cup. It's coach, Nathaniel Olagunju emerged the Best Coach of the Tournament; it's creative midfielder, Caleb Okereke was voted the MVP of the tournament while the club also won the Best Goal and
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel’s return to action was marred by a dismissal as his club Fenerbache beat Belgian club Union St.Gilloise 2-1 in the UEFA Europa Cup last night.
Osayi-Samuel was sent off for a second booking in the closing minutes of the match after coming on a sub.
He caused the penalty for the visiting Belgian club to pull a goal back.
The defender missed the Intercontinental Derby against
Galatasaray at the weekend as he was just recovering from injury. Elsewhere in Sweden another Super Eagles forward, Cyriel Dessers gave Glasgow Rangers a perfect start to their Europa League campaign when he broke in behind, rounded Johan Dahlin in goal, and struck the base of the post from an angle. However, his name didn’t go into the scorer’s sheet as his teammate, Nedim Bajrami, who was alert and,
as the ball rolled perfectly into his path from the rebound from Dessers shot, he gleefully stroked home his first Rangers goal for the opener inside 60 second of starting the game.
Malmo looked rattled, though Isaac Kiese Thelin thought he had levelled when he volleyed an angled free-kick back across Jack Butland.
His celebrations were short as the offside flag was raised.
“We have always had this unwritten rule of ensuring that both the President and the General Secretary do not come from same zone. But with the election of Gusau as NFF president in 2022, the two of them are now from the old Sokoto State. What is the justification for this type of situation in the NFF?” the stakeholder further hinted.
Dr Sanusi who is on a monthly $10,000 is believed not justifying his huge pay.
“We have not seen any tangible development or growth with our football. There is no clear path or strategy for the growth, financial autonomy and commercial viability of Nigerian football. Right now, Nigeria is at the lowest rung of the ladder for football growth index in Africa,” fumed the stakeholder. The source however refused to speak on wether State FAs have been benefitting from the FIFA Forward funding of almost $2.5million annually, specifically meant for development, infrastructure and the growth of the women’s game in the country. Nigeria appears the least in comparison with other countries in the continent similarly benefiting from the FIFA funding.
“Do the State FAs look like they are benefit from the FIFA Funding for football development? Go round the state FAs and see for yourself if anything is happening there,” concludes the stakeholder.
After series of misfiring by Dessers, substitute Ross McCausland stepped up late on with a crisp, low strike to secure a crucial win that gets Rangers'
Team of the Tournament awards.
The runner team, Gunners Link FC who contested a dying minute equaliser in vain, received N5million for their efforts while Emiloju FC who won the Third Place match after 5-4 shootouts victory over Emaljus FC. Regulation time ended goalless just like in the team's semifinal game.
The well attended final had on attendance NFF Board Member, Aisha Falode, Technical Director of the NFF, Augustine Eguavoen, over 15 ex Super Eagles players like Henry Nwosu, Friday Ekpo, Wasiu Ipaye, Godwin Okpara, amongst several other.
EUROPA LEAGUE
Augustine Eguavoen (left) Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s clash with Benin Republic in an AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo last month.
Managing Director of 1XBET, Dr. Femi Babalola (left) being assisted by Super Eagles Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, NFF Board Member, Aisha Falode and other unnamed officials to present the 2024 1XBET Cup winner's trophy to the captain of FC Bethel at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island... yesterday evening
Dr Mohammed Sanusi...NFF GS
MISSILE
President Tinubu to African Nations
“A situation in which the raw minerals are extracted from our countries, exported, refined, and sold to us as finished products merely consolidates the foundations of our misery and pushes us further down the depths of underdevelopment” --PresidentBolaAhmedTinubu,callsonAfricannationsto adoptanewagendatoredresstheanachronisticpractice,todevelopAfrica.
ERICTENIOLA
Of Diversity and Unity
Aserving Minister was quoted as saying, that the crisis in the country is being sponsored by those who wish to share power with the President. To me, there is nothing wrong with power sharing. It is only in a country like our own that it is a sin to lose an election. Much as it is wrong for the opposition to want to destroy the country because they are not in government, there is nothing bad in accommodating them in the government.
A coalition government is in no position an inferior government nor illegitimate. Power sharing is good for democracy. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing makes people dependent and responsible. It is essential to avoid violent conflicts, tyranny of the majority and ensure political stability. Democratic rule and power sharing have close links. Power sharing is an integral component of the spirit of democratic rule. It is highly applicable in a diverse society as ours. Let’s face it, a united Nigeria is still a dream. Ethnicity is still the rule here, and if power sharing will help bring about progress and unity, let’s adopt it. Monopoly of power by group, a tribe, a political party, will lead to envy hatred, disunity and jealousy, no matter how that party got to power, even if they bought their way to power.
In some countries it is called coalition. In the first Republic we called it alliance, in the second Republic we called it accord.
In his inaugural address on May 29 last year, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, declared, “Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.
We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.
Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.
We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.
In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard-fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.
The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic. They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore”.
I remember in the first republic that there was an alliance between National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) AND ACTION GROUP. There was also an alliance between Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and Chief Ladoke Akintola’s Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
While at Olofin Anglican Grammar School in Idanre in Ondo state in 1964, I remember the first time I saw Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s wife, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo (25 November 1915 – 19 September 2015) was when she came to Idanre, my hometown, in company of Chief Michael Okpara (NCNC), the then Premier of the Eastern Region, for a political rally. Their alliance then was called United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA).
The alliance between NPC and NNDP, transformed into what was known then as the NNA. That alliance produced the following as Ministers on March 31, 1965. They were Mr. M.T. Mbu(Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, Navy), Alhaji Nuhu Bamali (Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs), Mr. Jaja Nwachukwu (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Usman Maitambari( Minister of State, Transport), Alhaji Ibrahim Tako) Minister of State, Defence, Army), Alhaji Hashim Adaji(Minister of State, Works), Mr. T.E. Orodi (Minister of State, Lagos Affairs), Chief H.O. Davies (Minister of State, Industries), Chief A. Akerele( Minister of State, Information), Alhaji Abdul Rasaq(Minister of State, Transport) and Mr.
D. Ibekwe, Minister of State, External Affairs). Others were Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Prime Minister and External Affairs), Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu (Defence), Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh(Finance), Alhaji Shehu Shagari(Internal Affairs), Alhaji Mahammadu Inuwa Wada(Works), Alhaji Zanna Bukar Dipcharima(Transport), Mr. Raymond Njoku(Communications), Dr. Kingsley O. Mbadiwe(Trade), Mr. Jaja Wachukwu (Aviation), Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya (Housing and Surveys), Chief A.M.A. Akinloye (Industries), Chief Ayo Rosiji(Information), Mr. R.A. Akinjide(Education), Mr. Adeleke Adedoyin(Labour), Mr. Alade Lamuye (Natural Resources and Research), Alhaji Yusufu Maitama Sule 9Mines and Power, Alhaji Waziri A. Ibrahim(Economic Development), Dr. T.O. Elias (AttorneyGeneral and Justice), Dr. M.A. Majekodunmi(Health) and Chief J.C. Obande (Establishments).
Still fresh in memory was the NPN-NPP accord under a Presidential System of Government.
On August 9, 1979 the then Chief Justice of the Federation, Sir Darnley Arthur Alexander (28 January 1920-10 February 1989) GCON, who was born in Castries, Saint Lucia in the Caribbean but came to Nigeria in 1957, on the invitation of the Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR, constituted elections tribunals that would give judgments on various petitions that may arise on the Senate, House of Representatives, Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections. He acted on the electoral decree 1977. The tribunals were for Imo, Gongola, Lagos and Kaduna zones.
For Imo zone, Justice Alexander named Honourable Justices A. A. Adeoba(chairman), F.I. E. Ukattuh and A.A. Ononuju as members. For Gongola zone Honourable Justices D.E.Y. Aghahowa (Chairman), M.U. Anisiobi and Alhaji Garba Alfa Tarfan as members while for Lagos zone Honourable Justices A. Allagoa, A. Desalu and A. O. Ejiwunmi were named. Kaduna zone included Honurable Justice S.E.J. Ecoma(Chairman), honourable Alhaji Bashir Sambo and Mr. S. A. Ibiyeye as members. On the same day of August 9, 1979, Justice Alexander constituted the election tribunal on the Presidential election. Members of the tribunal were Justice Boonyamin Oladiran Kazeem (Chairman) while Justice A.I. Aseme and Justice A.B. Wali were members.
Justice Kazeem was born in Lagos on August 29, 1922. He had his education at the Government School, Lagos, Christ Missionary Society Grammar School, Lagos and the University of London, England. He was called to the Bar and as clerk, 1942-1950, crown counsel, 1954-1959, senior crown counsel, 1959-1961, principal crown counsel, 1961-1963, legal adviser, 1963-1964, deputy solicitor-general, 1964-1965, solicitor-general general and permanent secretary, 1965-1967, judge High Court, Lagos, 1967-1976, appointed judge, Federal Court of Appeal, 1977; member, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, member and Nigerian Society of International Law.
Justice Kazeem was later elevated to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court. On August 11, 1979, the Senate and Presidential elections were held throughout the country.
On August 17, 1979, the Federal Electoral Commission
declared Alhaji Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari as the winner of the Presidential Election.
In a two-page prepared statement read at a Press conference in Lagos by the returning officer, Mr. Fredrick Menkiti, the FEDECO said Alhaji Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari GCFR (25 February 1925- 25 February 1925), satisfied the provision of section 34 (A), subsection (1) (C)(1) of the Electoral Decree No. 73 of 1977 by scoring the highest number of votes cast at the election. I attended the declaration on that day at Onikan, Lagos, almost forty-five years ago.
Mr. Menkiti declared “He also satisfied the provision of subsection (1) (c) (11) of the same section. He has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the Federation.”
“The Electoral Commission considers that in absence of any legal explanation of guidance in the Electoral Decree, it has no alternative than to give the phrase at least two thirds of all the states in the Federation—in section 34(A) subsection 1 (c) 11 of the Electoral Decree the ordinary meaning which applies to it.
“In the circumstances, the candidate who scores at least one-quarter of the votes cast in 12 states and one-quarter of two-thirds, that is, at least one-sixth of the votes cast in the 13th state satisfies the requirement of the subsection.”
This is the full text of the Federal Electoral Commission’s statement on the presidential election on that day:
“I certify that having carried out my duties and the formalities required by the Electoral Decree 1977, the result of the poll carried out in the Federation on August 11, 1979, is as follows in order of the number of votes each candidate received: Candidate ALHAJI SHEHU SHAGARI 5, 698,857, Candidate CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO 4,916,651, Candidate DR. NNAMDI AZIKIWE 2,822,523, Candidate ALHAJI AMINU KANO 1,732,113, Candidate ALHAJI WAZIRI IBRAHIM 1,686,489.
Alhaji Shehu Shagari has satisfied the provision of Section 34 A subsection (i) (c) (i) of Electoral Decree No 13 of 1977, that is to say, he has the highest number of votes at the election.
From the details of the state-by-state results, this candidate has also satisfied the provision of sub-section (i) c) (ii) of the same election in each of at least two-thirds of all states in the Federation.
The Federal Electoral Commission considers that in the absence of any legal explanation or guidelines in the electoral decree, it has no alternative than to give the phrase “at least two-thirds of all states in the Federation” in section 34a subsection 1 (c) (ii) of the electoral decree the ordinary meaning which applies to it.
In the circumstances, the candidate who scores at least one-quarter of the votes cast in 12 states and one-quarter of two-thirds, that is, at least one sixth of the votes cast in the 13th state satisfies the requirement of the sub-section. Accordingly, Alhaji Shehu Shagari GCFR is hereby declared elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
After the declaration, Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR (25 February 1925- 9 May 1987) of the UPN went to the election tribunal headed by Justice Kazeem, who rejected his request.
Justice Alexander retired on August 21. The then Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, invited Justice Atanda Fatai Williams (22 October1918-10 April 2002), then a Justice of the Supreme Court, to a meeting at the seat of power at Dodan Barracks, Lagos. At the meeting, Obasanjo offered Fatai-Williams the office of the Chief Justice of the Federation.
In his memoirs, FACES, CASES AND PLACES, published in 1983, Justice Fatai Williams claimed that the offer “was totally unexpected, and, for the first time in my life, I was at a loss for words”, adding that General Obasanjo “watched my discomfiture with relish and delight.”
Chief Awolowo’s petition finally ended in the Supreme Court which endorsed FEDECO’s declaration on September 26, 1979, just five days before the inauguration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the President. The case was SUIT NO SC62/1979.
Justice Fatai Williams was assisted in his ruling by Justice Mohammed Bello, Justice Mohammed Uwais, Justice Chike Idigbe and Justice Gabriel Ayo Irekefe. Justice Andrew Otutu Obaseki (11 June 1926- 13 July
2017) partially disagreed with the majority judgment while Justice Kayode Eso (18 September 1925-16 November 2012) supported Chief Awolowo’s position. Addressing a press conference after the FEDECO declaration in Lagos which I also attended, Alhaji Shehu Shagari said “I extend my hands of friendship to them and ask them to join me in the task of building a united, prosperous and virile nation of which we can all be justly proud. We need an atmosphere of friendship amongst all Nigerians. I believe that if our nation is to be truly great, we must come together as a family to solve our common problems. After all, the objectives of all the five political parties are similar. So let us work together in harmony towards the fulfilment of these objectives”.
Thereafter his party, the NPN struck an accord with the NPP of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (16 November 1904- 11 May 1996).
It was this accord that made it possible for Dr. Joseph Wayas of the NPN to be elected Senate President on October 9, 1979. He defeated the former Chief Judge of Bendel state, Justice F.O.M. Atake of the UPN by 53 to 42 votes. Dr. Wayas was nominated by Dr. Sola Saraki of the NPN (Ilorin/Asa) and seconded by Senator Garba Matta of NPP(Pankshin/Mangu/Kanam). Senator Atake was nominated by Senator E.I. Akpata of UPN (Bendel Central) and was seconded by Alhaji Idrisa Kadi of the GNPP (Borno North-Central).
The accord also enabled Senator John Wash Pam of the NPP to defeat Alhaji Sabo Barkin Zuwo of the PRP by 51 votes to 43 votes to become deputy Senate President. Senator John Wash Pam was nominated by Senator Jaja Nwachukwu, NPP (Aba) and was seconded by Senator Uba Ahmed---NPN (Bauchi South East), while Alhaji Ahmed Danbata of the PRP (Kano Central) nominated Senator Sabo Barkin Zuwo of the PRP and was seconded by Senator David Oke of the UPN (Ondo West).
In the election for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Edwin Ume Ezeoke of the NPP(Nnewi) defeated Mr. Hamza M. Ngadiwa of the GNPP(Borno) by 245 to 201 votes. Chief Ezeoke was nominated by Mr. Yunusa Kaltungo of the NPN (Tangale-Waja South) and seconded by Lieutenant Colonel(rtd) P.C. Amadi of the NPP (Owerri North). Mr. Ngadiwa was nominated Dr. Gordon J. Idang of the UPN (Etinam II) and seconded by Mr. M.A. Olukoya---UPN(Ijebu-Ode).
For the post of deputy speaker, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim, NPN(Minna) defeated Mr. Faji Fajobi of the UPN(Ekiti South) by 244 to 201votes. Colonel(rtd) Amadi (Owerri North) nominated Alhaji Idris Ibrahim while Mr. Kaltungo seconded his nomination. Alhaji Sidi Alli of the PRP(Kano-Danbatta) nominated Mr. Fajobi and was seconded by Mr. Olaiya Fagbamigbe of the UPN(Akure).
All the elections were conducted by the then Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Gidado Idris GCON. On October 18, 1979, Presidential Shagari submitted thirty-three ministerial nominees to the Senate, presided over by Dr. Joseph Wayas (21 May 1941 – 30 November 2021). Four of the nominees were Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP)members. They were Chief Paul Unongo (Benue), Professor Ishaya Audu (Kaduna), Chief Ademola Thomas (Lagos) and Chief Mrs Janet Akinrinade (Oyo). Apart from the Presidency at that time, the NPN had seven governors out of nineteen namely Alhaji Shehu Kangiwa(Sokoto), Chief Melford Okilo(Rivers), Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim(Niger), Alhaji Adamu Attah(Kwara), Dr. Clement Isong(Cross Rivers), Mr Apar Aku(Benue), Alhaji Abubakar Tatari Alli (Bauchi) while UPN had five governors—Chief Bisi Onabanjo(Ogun), Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin (Ondo), Chief Bola Ige(Oyo), Alhaji Lateef Jakande (Lagos) and Chief Ambrose Ali(Bendel). NPP had three governors--- Chief Sam Mbakwe (Imo), Chief Jim Nwobodo (Anambra) and Mr. Solomon Lar (Plateau). The GNPP had two governors---Alhaji Abubakar Barde(Gongola) and Alhaji Goni(Borno). The PRP had two governors--- Alhaji Abubakar Rimi(Kano) and Alhaji Balarabe Musa (Kaduna).
Even in the Senate elections, the NPN had 36 seats, UPN-28, NPP---16, GNPP—8 and PRP---7. In the House of Representatives NPN had 168, UPN---111, NPP---79, PRP—47 and GNPP----44.
