FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Cardoso Vows to Address FX Liquidity Constraints, Assures Investors of Friendly Climate for Businesses

Plans to unveil monetary policy agenda

James Emejo in Abuja

Following his confirmation as the Governor of the Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso has said the central bank would do all within its statutory functions to address identified

distortions and ensure a conducive atmosphere for different categories of investors. According to a statement

yesterday, he gave the assurance in his office, when a group of investors paid him a courtesy visit, noting that under his leadership,

the new management team at the apex bank would do its best to tackle impediments to liquidity in the foreign exchange market

in Nigeria. While disclosing plans to

Continued on page 5

Gas Flare Reduction: Norwegian Firm Completes Installation of 18 Ultrasonic Meters in Dangote Refinery...Page 6

www.thisdaylive.com

TRUTH

REASON

Atiku Files Response, Says Tinubu's Objection to Release of CSU Records Baseless... Page 5

NNPP to Ganduje: You’re Tinubu’s Biggest Mistake

Says APC chair 'morally bankrupt, corrupt, liability to party'

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), yesterday, said the choice of Abdullahi Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State,

as the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was the biggest mistake President Bola Tinubu had made.

NNPP said it was only in Nigeria that a “morally bankrupt,

treacherous and corrupt person”, like Ganduje, could still be given relevance, adding that the former governor is already a liability to APC.

Ganduje had on Wednesday

taken a swipe at the national leader of NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying he would remain a serial presidential election loser because he is driven by personal ambition at the expense

of the collective good.

Ganduje, who was receiving some defectors from NNPP, went on to gift Kwankwaso some rather unkind cuts, including saying, "The Kwankwasiyya head, who

wears a red cap, is the person, who prefers to be a king in hell than be a servant in paradise. He specialises in deceiving people.

Continued on page 5

NEC Urges Labour to Shelve Planned Strike, NUPENG Threatens to Halt Fuel Supply

AGF says proposed strike gross violation of court order NLC: No agreement reached with FG to suspend planned industrial action CSO, activists vow to enforce sit-at-home Insist phantom fuel subsidy removal was self-serving policy of economic slavery

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo

and Alex Enumah in Abuja

As the clock ticks towards October

3, the date Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have scheduled to commence a nationwide indefinite strike, the federal government appears to be ramping up efforts to appease the trade union centres and try to prevent them from embarking on the industrial action.

National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, appealed to NLC and TUC to shelve the planned strike, pleading for more time for government to address labour’s demands.

Attorney General of the Federation

Continued on page 5

GEJ FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRACY DIALOGUE SERIES...

for

L-R: Former President of Sierra Leone, Bai Koroma; Olu of Warri, His Majesty Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III; former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, and former Vice President of the Gambia, Fatuomata Tambajang, at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation

Democracy Dialogue Series held at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State ... yesterday

Atiku Files Response, Says President's Objection to Release of CSU Records Baseless

Insists results relevant to authentication of certificate submitted to INEC Urges court to overrule Tinubu, order release of records October 2

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the disputed February

25 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, submitted before a United States District court that there was no basis for President Bola Tinubu's objection to the order of a magistrate court directing the release of his academic records at the Chicago State University.

While urging the court to overrule

Tinubu's objection to the release of documents relating to his transcript, admission letter amongst others, Atiku prayed the court to allow the order of Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert and ordered that the academic records as requested in his

August 2, application be released not later than October 2.

Atiku stated this in his reply to Tinubu's objection to Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert's opinion and order, delivered on September 19, 2023.

Judge Gilbert in his judgement in an Application for Discovery filed by Atiku had ordered the release, within 48 hours, limited information about Tinubu's academic records to Atiku.

But, before the order could be effected Tinubu approached a United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, to stay the order till Monday September 25, when he would file his appeal against the order.

He predicated his appeal on the grounds that the magistrate court erred in making such order for discovery

when by law it out to only make recommendations to the district court. Amongst others, Tinubu argued that the documents sought by Atiku were purely for a fishing expedition and not "for use" in Nigeria; one of the major requirements for the order of discovery.

Additionally, he argued that if the high court was inclined to grant Atiku's application, then the order should be reviewed and limited to only his Diploma Certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the court should preclude the release of other documents.

However, Atiku in his response through his lawyer, Angela Liu, told the high court that all the issues raised in Tinubu's objection

NNPP TO GANDUJE: YOU’RE TINUBU’S BIGGEST MISTAKE

"Instead of staying in APC, because of his ambition, he decided to leave APC, after failing to pick the presidential ticket, to go back to the PDP. He could not stay there, again, when he failed to pick up the ticket.

"He still went on his own to contest the presidential poll and was defeated twice. He is a professional contestant for presidential elections and would remain a professional failure. He loves himself so much. I am happy you have dumped the red cap. It is a very sensible action that you have taken."

But NNPP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Yakubu Shendam, said Ganduje was suffering from amnesia, otherwise, he should know that he (Ganduje) was the serial loser while Kwankwaso was a serial election winner.

Shendam said with all the scandals surrounding Ganduje, he should not be taken seriously by any right thinking Nigerian. He said those scandals had done irreparable damage to the APC national chairman and he would not be able to deliver Tinubu and APC in 2027.

The statement said, “With Ganduje as head, APC is already a dead party. Take it or leave it, Ganduje is a liability to Tinubu, a liability to his party, APC, and a liability to the country, and I can bet that with Ganduje as the national chairman, President Bola Tinubu is going to lose the 2027 presidential election, because Nigerians will not vote for him.

"Tinubu will regret allowing Nigerians to see him through the face of Ganduje, for working closely with a treacherous character.”

CARDOSO VOWS TO ADDRESS FX LIQUIDITY CONSTRAINTS, ASSURES INVESTORS OF FRIENDLY CLIMATE FOR BUSINESSES

formally unveil his agenda for the monetary and financial sector in the days ahead, Cardoso stressed the importance of credibility and transparency in implementing the central bank’s monetary policy.

To achieve this, he said the ape bank would focus on strengthening its data-gathering system to ensure that only verifiable data will be relied upon for evidence-based decisions. According to him, the CBN would also adhere to rules that are known, acceptable and transparent for the conduct of monetary policy.

Speaking further on liquidity management, he said his team had a short-term goal of addressing structural issues within the financial system that gave rise to the liquidity challenge in the first instance.

On the relationship between the monetary and fiscal authorities, the new CBN Governor said there would continue to be consensus between both authorities to harmonise their positions on the interest rate and inflation. He, however, said the Bank would remain open to different views in its push for greater transparency.

Furthermore, Cardoso said the bank would only provide strategic policy support to critical sectors of the economy while allowing experts to take charge of such critical sectors, given that the expertise lies within other relevant agencies.

In their remarks, the investors, led by Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu, said they were at the CBN to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration to boost foreign investment in Nigeria.

The group also emphasised issues around the bank’s independence and the need to grow the country’s foreign exchange reserve, among other issues.

Cardoso, had while responding to questions from Senators last week, said: “On the issue of foreign exchange which everybody has been talking about, it is very worrisome to everybody.

“It goes without saying that for the sort of country we want, we need to have an exchange rate that is very stable for a country that we all dream of.

“There are short and medium term measures. The major short term measure has to do with balance of payments over a period of time like the sort of things that are being done already with respect to ensuring that we are getting more petroleum resources and diversifying in the economic base of the country.

“That, I believe, will continue by the present administration and of course it will take time I think we should take that as a medium term approach.

“There are two very important issues that we will have to address if we are confirmed.

“It is what I will term uncorrelational issues. We are aware that there are unsettled obligations by the CBN. Whether it is $4 billion, $5 billion or $7 billion, I don’t know but definitely the immediate priority is to ascertain the extent.

“We need to find a way to take care of that. It will be naive for us to be expecting to succeed if we are not able to handle that side of the foreign exchange market.”

had been resolved by Judge Gilbert before granting the application for discovery.

Besides, Atiku stated that the limited records the magistrate ordered to be released to him were relevant to the authentication of the certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC in aid of his qualification for the 2023 presidential poll, which he won.

While describing Atiku's case as "a straightforward Section 1782 application", Liu, argued that, "Contrary to Intervenor’s inflated rhetoric, Applicant is not seeking “to conduct a fishing expedition into Intervenor’s private, confidential, and protected educational records.

"Rather, Applicant seeks to test (1) the authenticity and origin of 12 pages of documents (including two

very different diplomas) that purport to have been issued by CSU (the “CSU documents”) —all of which have already been submitted to the Nigerian courts and widely published in the media; and (2) the basis for CSU’s categorical assertion that Tinubu received a B.S. degree in 1979, given discrepancies between information in the CSU documents and information in his affidavit submitted to INEC.

"If, as Intervenor asserts, he graduated from CSU in 1979—and the CSU documents are authentic copies issued by CSU—there is no reason why he should oppose the limited discovery Applicant seeks."

Amongst others, Atiku pointed out that Tinubu failed to prove that the limited documents he was praying the court to release to him would not

be accepted by the Supreme Court in his appeal against the judgement of the presidential election tribunal, which failed to address the issue of Tinubu's alleged non-qualification on the grounds that Atiku raised the issue out of time.

"As Judge Gilbert noted, the Court of Appeal declined to consider that evidence and the underlying argument because they were not “raised for the first time in the initial Petition,” and that Applicant intends to appeal (and now has appealed) that decision. Because Applicant submitted evidence in his Application that there is “a mechanism by which new evidence could be presented to the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the discovery sought meets the “for use” requirement.

Shendam added, “Let me remind Ganduje that after losing governorship primary, Senator Kwankwaso picked him as his running mate in 2003; SA to Minister of Defence, ES Chad

Basin Development Commission, and therein, he was picked again as his running mate.

“When Kwankwaso successfully ended his second term, he graciously picked him and

handed over to him in 2015.

Yet, he betrayed him and today, no governor trust their deputy governors to become governor but this we believe will be his last election he will ever contest

and win."

The NNPP national publicity secretary said Ganduje had never won election in his entire

NEC URGES LABOUR TO SHELVE PLANNED STRIKE, NUPENG THREATENS TO HALT FUEL SUPPLY

(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also yesterday, warned the organised labour against the planned nationwide industrial action, stating that going ahead with it would amount to violation of a subsisting court order.

However, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) directed its members to withdraw their services nationwide from Tuesday, in line with the indefinite strike called by NLC and TUC.

Amid the growing tension over the strike, NLC yesterday stressed that it had not reached any form of understanding with the federal government on suspension of the planned industrial action.

NLC’s clarification came as United Action Front of Civil Society, the organised platform of civil society groups and activists on matters of governance and democracy in Nigeria, yesterday, announced its endorsement of the planned industrial action.

NLC and TUC had on Monday directed all their affiliates to commence an indefinite strike by midnight, Tuesday, October 3. The decision was reached after the National Executive Council (NEC) meetings of the two labour centres held in Abuja.

In a joint communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Festus Osifo, the unions stated that they had deeply analysed the current situation in the country, taking into cognisance the extensive hardship and deprivation afflicting citizens across all states of the federation, and unanimously condemned the federal government’s apparent conscious lethargy and tardiness in handling the consequences of its petrol price hike on Nigerians.

But briefing newsmen at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at State House, Abuja, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, disclosed NEC’s resolution on the proposed industrial action, and said the council had asked all the 36 state governors to resume negotiations with labour leaders in their respective states.

Mutfwang said NEC was of the opinion that continuing on the path of dialogue would be the best option for the economy, especially at the state level.

The Plateau State governor stated, “Council noted the notice by the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to proceed on an indefinite strike from October 3, 2023.

“The council noted further the

implication of this strike for the economy and the nation and, thus, urged members to continue to engage with the leadership of their respective states and to appeal to them to shelve the action and continue on the path of dialogue with the federal government. This is the appeal of Council.”

Explaining further the grounds for the council’s appeal, the governor decried the situation of most of the states when the various governors took over on May 29. He stated that many of them were just coming out of prolonged industrial strikes, adding that enforcing a new strike at this time would further damage the economy.

Mutfwang pleaded for more time for government to address the concerns of labour, acknowledging that there are feelers that leaders at every level genuinely want the issues raised by labour addressed once and for all.

According to him, "NEC actually expressed genuine concern on the situation in the country and appreciates the concern by labour to have those issues addressed.

“That is why NEC is appealing for patience, appealing for time to be able to address the concerns of labour. We also believe that Mr. President will be addressing the nation 1st of October and some of the concerns of labour will be appropriately addressed in the president's speech.”

The governor said it was important to recognise that Nigeria was a federation, “So whatever happens, labour is represented in all the 36 states and the FCT and NEC is appealing that discussions should continue at the state levels because there will be peculiarities as to the issues to be addressed concerning the demands of labour.

“Therefore, dialogue is the way to go.

“The nation is at a very critical moment at this time. Some of the states, when they took over on May 29, the workers were on strike, some of those issues have just been resolved, for the workers to return to work. To ask them to go back immediately, it's going to further damage the economy.

“Therefore NEC, while expressing genuine concern about the situation in the country, appeals for calm and patience and I want to believe that the leadership across the nation at this point in time wants to truly address the issues that concern labour and the general populace and move the country forward.”

Speaking earlier, Shettima identified stability as one of the priorities in the

economic agenda of the President BolaTinubu administration for 2024.

The vice president stated that government at the federal, state and local government levels must remain committed to re-evaluating their priorities, streamlining processes, and making bold decisions that would reflect key social issues, including social protection, social investment, and nutrition.

In his opening address at the meeting, titled, “Planning for Stability: Our Agenda for Economic Growth in 2024,” Shettima reminded the governors and other members of NEC that the weight of the tough decisions to rescue Nigeria's economy depended on their cooperation and goodwill.

He noted that what set Tinubu apart as a Nigerian leader was the courage to embark on fixing the country's economy through bold reforms.

Identifying stability as a major priority in next year's economic agenda, the vice president said, "It took courage to embark on fixing an economy hindered by decades of political lip service. But that's what has set President Tinubu apart: his bold reforms to reposition the economy and save it from further erosion."

Responding to a question on the probability of the administration drawing up a supplementary budget, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said there was no need for such yet, going by the presentations before the NEC.

Speaking to a question around the $3 billion loan taken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stabilise the naira exchange rate, Sule said the new team at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would require some time to put their acts together and take steps to achieve the stabilisation.

Equally speaking at the briefing, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the council supported Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, stressing that it holds the key to Nigeria’s development.

“The meeting appreciates all the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his investment drive around the world and measures he has taken so far,” Bagudu said.

The minister said the council was satisfied with the collaboration between the federal and state governments, and advised the subnationals to explore the abundant opportunities in the energy sector, in line with the new Electricity Act.

Bagudu stated, “In particular, the meeting agreed that there should be vigorous implementation of key resolutions in collaboration between the states and the federal government.

“One of the resolutions highlighted is the energy sufficiency for sustainable economic development. Government at all levels should promote the migration of heavy duty industry system from fossil fuel to gas infrastructure as well as acknowledge that the new Electricity Act empowers states and individuals to participate in all components of the energy sector."

Bagudu stressed that state governments were encouraged to carry out energy audits in order to determine their energy needs as well as explore areas of collaboration with the private sector based on their competitive advantages.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said at the briefing that the council, after receiving the report of the special committee on impact of flood and disaster across the states in Nigeria, adopted the grouping of states according to what they suffered from flooding.

Wike listed the states under their various categories to include, “Group A: states with over 15 points (most affected) Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Oyo, Yobe, Zamfara.

“Group B: (states with 10-15 points) Cross River, Delta, Jigawa, Kwara, Ondo.

“Group C: (states with less than 10 points) Katsina, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, FCT.”

The FCT minister said the council directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide intervention to the affected states. He added that a roadmap would be developed and articulated by NEC in collaboration with the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

The governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, gave an update on the distribution of palliatives, as presented by the NGF chairman, and governor of Kwara State, Abdulraman Abdulrazaq.

Radda, who disclosed to journalists that the federal government had released N2 billion to each state and the FCT, added that the NGF chairman

Gas Flare Reduction: Norwegian Firm Completes Installation of 18 Ultrasonic Meters in Dangote Refinery

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A Norwegian firm, Fluenta, has announced the completion of work on the Africa’s biggest oil refining facility, the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, with the installation of 18 ultrasonic flare gas meters on large pipelines around the plant.

The company which prides itself as a global leader in ultrasonic sensing technology for measurement of flare gas, in a statement made available to THISDAY in Abuja, said that the move will help accurate emissions monitoring on the plant.

Fluenta , which has offices globally, noted that Nigerian authorities have recently been leading the charge in the control and regulation of flaring gas and looking towards eliminating the need for routine flaring over the next few years, with a key component

in the challenge being accurate measurement.

It is believed that the refinery will help the country towards energy self-sufficiency, since it currently imports refined petroleum products for its use, even though it is Africa's biggest oil producer.

The world’s largest single-train refinery is capable of refining 650,000 barrels of oil per day, enough to meet Nigeria’s daily fuel supply requirements, with daily surplus of 38 million litres of refined products, already earmarked for export.

“Nigeria is positioning itself as a world leader when it comes to reducing its emissions, and flaring – the controlled burning or combustion of excess or waste gases that cannot be processed or captured for productive use – is a safety and environmental practice employed in the

petroleum industry to prevent release of potentially harmful or combustible gases into the atmosphere.

“Flare measurement in a refinery is essential, from a regulatory and environmental law compliance perspective, and for accurate emissions monitoring,” it stated on the usefulness of the devices.

The statement added that Fluenta spent more than four months working with its exclusive Nigerian representative, Daptem Engineering, and the Dangote project team to deliver a workable, accurate and reliable flare measurement solution.

“Whilst it’s not unusual to have high levels of customisation associated with such installations, the wide variety and sizes of pipelines, which ranged from 18 to 90 diameters, presented a unique engineering challenge.

“Larger pipelines make it difficult to measure accurately as the acoustic pulse has further travel which could weaken it and lead to less accurate readings. In addition, flared gas expelled through these pipelines is high in CO2, a particularly difficult gas to measure using ultrasonic technology.

“The team implemented a multitude of innovative, bespoke solutions, each considered on a case-by-case basis, to ensure accuracy of the system,” Fluenta stated.

It noted that under current Nigerian law, companies refining oil and gas must pay a ‘tax’ for flared gas, to encourage an overall reduction in flaring, underlining the importance of Fluenta’s accurate, trustworthy flare measurement and management.

Protesters Kick as Umahi Bars Ministry Staff for Lateness to Work

Angry staff block road, turn back motorists Minister not locked out, says ministry

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Many motorists who ply the singlelane road adjacent the ministry of works in Mabushi, Abuja, were turned back yesterday after staff of the ministry barricaded the road in anger.

The workers were protesting being locked out by the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, for resuming late for official duties.

Irked by the development, some of the workers, who chanted “Umahi Must Go”, insisted that rather than find out why they were not punctual to work, the minister decided to be highhanded about it.

Umahi had on several forums maintained that no civil servant would succeed in frustrating the work he has begun in the ministry, blaming them, especially the engineers for many of the lapses he discovered since taking over in the ministry.

Aside the issue of lack of

monitoring of projects which he blames for the incessant deterioration of roads, the minister had also accused the senior staff of the ministry of conniving with contractors to jerk up contract sums.

But the angry workers lamented that they reside far away from their places of work and are being paid poorly, making it impossible to cope with the rising cost of transport.

One of the employees who decided to speak on the condition of anonymity, said some of the workers come from as far as Keffi, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Kaduna Road satellite towns.

It was gathered that even though the minister later allowed them in, the workers refused to enter the ministry’s building, insisting that the minister must come out and address them. They were also said to have barred the minister from going out of the office.

They also claimed that Umahi “stopped engineers and directors from doing their work, and has been breaking public service rules since his appointment, by bringing in consultants to run the affairs of the ministry”.

Umahi had insisted that he needed another layer of assurance in terms monitoring of road projects and will deploy individual consultants to the regions to report back to him on daily progress of work.

But in a reaction last night, the ministry in a statement signed by the Director (Information) Press & Public Relations Unit, Blessing Lere-Adams, said that Umahi was at no time locked up in his office, nor denied access.

The minister, the statement said, had attempted to bring sanity and orderliness to the service by ensuring that services are rendered as at when due to grow the Nigerian economy to

everyone's benefit.

According to the statement, the ‘near incident’ was quickly arrested while the situation was brought under control.

“The ministry’s union chairperson, Mr. Williams Kuti during a meeting with the minister, permanent secretary and management staff opined that the minister had started on a good note by identifying both the needs of Nigerians in the quest for good and durable roads and bridges.

“The union chairman alongside other staff during the meeting requested for more staff buses to ease their movement to and from their home locations, especially with the subsidy removal and the high cost of transportation,” it stated.

It added that in his address, the minister reminded them of his several attempts at ensuring that things were done right and also that international best practices were respected in by all contractors.

A Director at Fluenta, Radek Kurkowski, while highlighting the innovative measures to bring the work to fruition, reiterated that flare gas measurement and control remain vital to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to help identify potential safety hazards.

“This is especially true at a plant on this never-before-seen scale and with the world’s largest flare pipe.

“Delivering this solution meant some close work with our local partner and the client project team, and we are delighted with the end result – which will support

bringing energy security to Nigeria and the wider Africa region.

“ Our team used a range of state-of-the-art technology, adapted meter software and special pipe gaskets and ball valves to deliver the pipe flare gas measurement solution,” he explained.

Kurkowski pointed out that Fluenta’s work stands as testament to the power of innovation, creative team work and a desire to always meet the client’s needs.

“ We are extremely proud to support the domestic security of energy supply in Nigeria,” he added.

1.5 Million Children in Kano Malnourished, State Govt. Reveals

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

Kano state government has disclosed that no fewer than 1.5 million children under the age of five are currently stunted due to poor dietary diversification.

The State Deputy Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Murtala Inuwa, disclosed this while addressing journalists, at an annual media dialogue on giving voice and visibility to Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) held in Kano.

He explained that the figure represents 46 per cent of the number of children in the state.

During the media dialogue in collaboration with the Alive and Thrive initiative, Inuwa lamented that Nigeria loses about 2,313 children daily translating to 844,321 under-five children deaths annually, close to half of which are due to malnutrition.

He said Kano has put in mechanisms to face the challenge of stunting due to undernutrition and lack of proper breastfeeding, saying, Kano remains a populous state with 810,000 children aged 6 - 23 months.

"Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria with 810,000 children aged 6 - 23 months. Stunting affects 46 percent of under five children in Kano state.

"Only 30 per cent of children 6 - 23 months in Kano consume food from five variety of foods daily (MDD) and only 40.5 per cent consume

a meal at ideal number of times daily (MMF).

"Only 14.6 per cent consume Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD) and only 28.7 percent consume meat, 12.3 percent consume dairy and 2 percent consume eggs," he said.

Inuwa, added that a window of opportunity would resolve the growing problem adding that the first 1000 days of life starting from the mother's pregnancy to the child's second birthday could be used to prevent undernutrition and its consequences.

"The first 1,000 days of life, from the start of a woman’s pregnancy to a child’s second birthday offer an extraordinary window of opportunity for preventing undernutrition and its consequences. From conception to two years represents a ‘critical window of opportunity’ for the promotion of optimal growth, health, and development.

"Actions targeted at this critical period, such as widely accepted and evidence-based interventions, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life beginning with early initiation, discouraging pre-lacteal feeds and bottle feeding.

"Appropriate complementary foods from six months with continued breastfeeding for up to two years, micronutrient supplementation for women and children to address deficiencies.

"These investments in nutrition, particularly in the earliest years of life, can yield dramatic results for children, their families, and communities.”

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL MEETING...

L-R: Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda; Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji, at National Economic Council held in Abuja .... yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Customs Boosts Monthly Revenue to N343bn Amid Policy Reforms

Adeniyi insists petrol smuggling remarkably minimised

The acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, yesterday, disclosed that the ongoing policy reviews implemented on his assumption of office had resulted in a substantial increase in average monthly revenue collection to N343 billion between July and August. This represented a 70.13 per cent boost in collection compared to N202 billion recorded in the first half of the year.

Speaking at a media briefing to commemorate his first 100 days in office, Adeniyi said the service has consistently exceeded the monthly revenue target of N307 billion,

marking a remarkable departure from previous performances.

He pointed out that the ongoing revenue recovery review activities contributed an additional N8 billion during the review period, further underlining the new administration’s commitment to revenue generation.

The acting customs boss said, “Subject to unforeseen circumstances, our aim is to sustain and even expand this momentum until the end of the year.

“This commitment is driven by our resolve to minimise the deviation from the target, especially in light of the substantial shortfalls recorded during the first half of the year.

“The service was handed a

Ekpo Mandates Contractors to Complete

OB3 Gas Pipeline by December

Peter Uzoho

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has urged contractors handling the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline project to ensure its completion by December this year.

Ekpo, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Louis Ibah, gave the charge yesterday during his tour of the 48×1.8km gas pipeline project.

The critical gas transportation infrastructure was designed to run across the River Niger, conveying gas from the South-south and South-east to the South-west and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Project, among others.

The minister was accompanied on the tour by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, and other top officials of the Ministry, NNPC and regulatory agencies.

Ekpo, told officials of Enikkom and HDD Thailand, who are the joint venture contractors handling the project, that meeting the December 2023 deadline, would greatly assist

the federal government's aspiration of making gas available to all nooks and crannies of the country as well as addressing some of the challenges associated with the removal of fuel subsidy.

He said, "Nigerians are waiting for this project. Mr. President (His Excellency Bola Tinubu) is passionate about gasifying Nigeria, and this is also my mission as a minister. The withdrawal of fuel subsidy has been causing problems in the country, but if we get this project right, the pressure will come down.

"When that is done, it will go a long way in improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria and foreign exchange will come into the country. So, I implore you all to be intentional, committed and passionate about this project's completion deadline."

Also speaking, Lokpobiri commended the contractors and those involved in the project. He described the project as a game changer for Nigeria, saying its inauguration would boost the quest to provide enough gas for domestic use.

On his part, Kyari assured that the project would be completed by the end of the year as most of the initial challenges had been identified and surmounted by the contractors.

revenue target of about N3.6 trillion in 2023, implying that it must collect about N307 billion monthly to meet the mark.”

However, he noted that uncertainties in the first half of the year, including the general election and currency swap among others negatively impacted its performance.

Adeniyi added, “We are witnesses to what happened in the first half of the year; the uncertainty, the currency swap, the elections, and all the crisis. In the first part of the year, we were practically struggling to collect an average of about N200 billion per month.

“But since July and August, we have reviewed our strategies and we have been doing better and it’s about N343 billion. And if we maintain this momentum, we hope that we will be able to at least cover the shortfalls that we have recorded in the first half of the year.”

He said further, “We are not saying the target is impossible;

we will do our best to ensure the shortfall recorded in the first part of the year is recovered.”

Also commenting on the smuggling of petroleum products in view of the comparative cost of buying PMS across the west coast, Adeniyi said, “We are not there yet, at a level where we could say the smuggling of petroleum products has been controlled 100 per cent. But the incidence of smuggling from our seizure report has greatly reduced.”

According to him, “We have also done this analysis and what our seizure report has shown is that the incidence of smuggling still persists.

“Sometimes, it is not about the comparative cost; sometimes, smugglers and those who patronise these smugglers also look at the quantity of the PMS.

“One of the intelligence that we got from our neighbouring countries tends to suggest preference of PMS in Nigeria because of the quality.

“The statistics tend to show that

there is a reduction in the smuggling of petroleum products across the borders.”

Nonetheless, he said in his first 100 days in office, “We embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigeria Customs Service, guided by our policy thrust. We recognised that to effect real change, we needed to incrementally challenge the status quo and instigate a transformation that was both dynamic and resultsoriented.

“One of our primary objectives was to optimise revenue collection. We introduced a series of reforms aimed at plugging revenue leakages, streamlining the customs clearance process, and addressing the existing gaps at the time.”

The acting customs CGC listed some of the noteworthy measures implemented during the timeframe including the immediate set up of a Revenue Review Performance Recovery Team; Dissolution of existing Strike Force Teams that

constituted the multiple layers of enforcement into the recognised structure of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), adding that this was done to reduce the multiple checkpoints from about five units of checks at every stretch to just two that should comprise either the command or the FOU.

Other measures included the introduction of the Advanced Ruling system which represented a notable stride in aligning the service operations with global best practices, in line with the recommendations of the WTO TFA (World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement); the inauguration of a steering committee on the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operators for Compliant Traders, with a clear focus on transitioning from the existing Fastrack 2.0 to the AEO concept among a host of other reforms initiatives under the new regime.

FG Commences Drafting of Nigeria’s Circular Economy Roadmap Framework

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has taken important step towards drafting the nation’s Circular Economy Roadmap Framework to guide Nigeria’s transition to a more circular economy in the short, medium and long terms (2023-2050).

Speaking during a stakeholders’ validation Workshop of Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Idris, noted that Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people generates about 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with little or no segregation was illegally dumped in open spaces or co disposed off with hazardous wastes in dumpsites and burnt openly.

He decried that: “These unwholesome practices have been linked to perennial flash floods across the country, increased respiratory and

cardiovascular diseases, increased incidences of cancer, loss of aquatic life, loss in agricultural productivity, etc.”

He, however, said the large volume of waste being generated in the country presents circular economy business opportunities across the waste management value chain which should be properly harnessed for job/wealth creation, establishment of micro, small and medium scale enterprises, private sector investment including foreign direct investment.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Director, Human Resources in the Ministry, Lawrence Adigwe, revealed that in order for Nigeria to benefit from its circular economy potentials,, a study on ‘Nigeria’s Transition to Green Economy: Linking Circular Economy and Natural Capital for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Investment’ was commissioned with support from

African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Netherlands and the African Green Growth & Development Forum (AGDF) as part of the process for the development of the Nigerian Circular Economy Programme (NCEP).

He said the scope of the study was basically to carry out feasibility studies of all Circular Economy and Natural Capital Accounting Activities in the country and develop a Circular Economy Roadmap Framework to guide Nigeria’s transition to a more circular economy in the short, medium and long terms (2023-2050).

He disclosed that the European Union through the Switch to Green facility was providing support for the development of the Nigeria Circular Roadmap and the stakeholders inception workshop was held on 17th August, 2023 during which the draft Roadmap was presented to stakeholders for their comments and contribution.

He told the participants at the workshop that. “it is on this note that you are here today to validate the Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap as part of the process for its Development to support Nigeria’s transition to circular economy.

He added that “this workshop is apt and coming at time when the global community including Nigeria is making concerted efforts in innovative resource management through circular economy practices.

“As you aware, the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with critical stakeholders has established the Nigeria Circular Economy Programme as part of its efforts to promote the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria as a model of sustainable development in which the productive use of resources is enhanced overtime, wastes reduced and jobs created.”

James Emejo in Abuja

TÊTE-À-TÊTE AT NEC...

L-R: Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at National Economic Council held in Abuja ... yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

SOUTH EAST ECONOMIC AND SECURITY SUMMIT...

South-east in Self-exile, Insecurity, Sit-athome Impacting Us, Anyim Cries out

Asks Igbo leaders to dialogue with agitators to address

Obi

demands Okonjo-Iweala

Onitsha calls for restoration of Igbo values

challenges governors to unite to strengthen

Mbah seeks regional railway, road projects to boost economy

Tony Icheku, Owerri

Former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, has stressed that insecurity and sit-at-home orders have negatively impacted the south-east.

This was just as the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Centre, WTC , Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, challenged the governors of the region to eschew bitterness among themselves and collaborate to maximize the potential of the region and build a vibrant economy.

Anyim and Okonjo-Iweala, spoke yesterday at the 2023 South-east economy and security summit in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Insecurity in the south-east has worsened in recent months with gunmen attacking residents every other week.

Groups like the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been agitating for secession from Nigeria over alleged marginalisation.

The former lawmaker called for a rethink of the Biafra agitation and

strategies to deal with insecurity in the region.

According to him, the south-east region, going by recent developments, risks losing economic and political relevance in the country, with drastic consequences already being felt by the people of the region after years of insecurity and agitation that have been used as a cover by criminal elements to thrive.

He therefore called on political and traditional leaders in the region to state their positions clearly without politicising same, in a bid to ensure that normalcy returns to the region.

Anyim said “robust” discussions with the agitators would generate lasting solutions to the spate of insecurity plaguing the geopolitical zone.

The former Senate president asked political and traditional leaders in the region to state their positions clearly without politicising same, in a bid to ensure that normalcy returns to the region.

He stated: “In the last four years, every Monday has been declared by some non-state actors as sit-at-home

day. The enforcement has been brutal, leading to enormous loss of lives and property.

“It is estimated that hundreds of lives and hundreds of billions of naira have been lost to the sit-at-home order.”

He noted that the implication of this was being felt by all residents of the region, including successful people, who were often targeted for kidnapping and assassination.

Anyim said: “Life has become very difficult in the South-east and almost every successful person in the South East is in self-exile. If care is not taken, very soon, none of us will come home, no matter the number of security personnel you carry.

“Social and economic activities have been dislocated, businesses have collapsed, no social activity can any longer simply take place in the zone and no new businesses are being attracted. If care is not taken, very soon every means of livelihood in the zone may dry up.”

The former Senate president added, “Heavy arms and ammunition

have become instruments of political campaigns, resulting in gross voter apathy. If care is not taken, very soon the South-east will lose national political relevance as votes from the south-east will no longer be of any consequence.

“Crime and criminality have become widespread in South-east because common criminals have taken advantage of the agitation to advance their evil enterprise.”

According to him, with life increasingly unbearable in the region, there was an urgent need to review the agitation for Biafra and adopt new approaches to life and governance in the region.

He said: “There is a nexus between the high level of insecurity in the south-east and the fact that some criminal elements are unleashing mayhem under the cover of agitation for Biafra.

“We must emphasise that the circumstance that led to Biafra agitation in 1967 is not the same as what is happening today. Therefore, we must endeavour to point out the difference in the present agitation.

LIRS Tasks Business Organisations on Consumption Tax Compliance

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has urged owners of restaurants, hotels, and event centres operating in the state to contribute to the state's development by prioritising the monthly collection and remittance of a five per cent consumption tax on all consumables and personal services.

The State on June 22, 2009, enacted the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of Lagos State otherwise called Hotel Consumption Law, which imposed consumption tax at five per cent on the value of goods and services consumed in hotels, restaurants and event centers within the state. The tax base is the total cost of facilities, consumables or personal services supplied to a consumer in, by or

on behalf of the hotel, restaurant or events centre.

Speaking on The Tax Talk programme monitored on TVC, Director, New Growth, LIRS, Jimi Aina, said while consumption tax was a major source of revenue for the Lagos State Government, which uses the funds to provide public amenities and services such as healthcare, education, transportation, and security, owners of restaurants, hotels, event centres, etc are obligated to register with the LIRS as collecting agents.

Aina, submitted that contrary to the misconception a lot of people have about consumption tax, the state has not imposed additional taxes on restaurants, hotels and event centres, rather, consumers who purchase taxable goods or

services in the state are responsible for paying the consumption tax.

The tax is already included in the price of the goods or services and is paid to the collecting agent who collects it on behalf of the Lagos state government.

“Many people misunderstand the concept of consumption tax. It is often thought that this tax is an additional burden on hotels and restaurants, but this is not the case. In reality, it is the customers who are taxed when they dine out, attend events, or have drinks at a bar.

“The tax rate is five per cent. By paying the consumption tax, consumers contribute to the development and maintenance of these amenities and services.”

“According to Section 1 of the Lagos State Consumption Tax Law,

consumption tax is defined as a tax on the supply of goods and services in Lagos State, which is charged and payable by the consumer.

“Consumers who purchase taxable goods or services in Lagos State are responsible for paying consumption tax.

“The tax is included in the price of the goods or services and is paid to the collecting agent who collects it on behalf of the Lagos State Government,” he said.

Speaking further, the New Growth Director said while collecting agents (restaurants, hotels and event centres) have the responsibility of collecting the taxes from consumers and remitting to the LIRS, it was also important to factor in the deadline for remittances.

“Today, we do not have anything that in any way approximates the situation in 1967. There is absolutely no consensus on the purpose, content, method, and boundaries of today’s Biafra agitation. I therefore call for a rethink by all those involved in this agitation.

“In rethinking the Biafran agitation, we need to honestly articulate what has been the outcomes or impact of the agitation so far.”

He added that the situation could be turned around by providing the youth and those in authority with data on the real losses and consequences of insecurity in the region and a return to the economic systems that made the south-east a model of economic strength and growth in the past.

Anyim, lamented the attention of governments in the region has shifted, with governors paying little to no attention to the development of industrial estates and corridors.

This, he explained, may be responsible for the upsurge in crime.

He also faulted the weakening of the South-east’s social entrepreneurship and apprentice system, which was very popular in the region in the 1970s and 1980s. He called for the reform and strengthening of the system and the development of the industrial estates to ensure the south-east continues to contribute significantly to global economic development and growth.

The former Senate President called for a new approach to politics as the current trend was worsening insecurity.

Meanwhile, in her presentation, Okonjo-Iweala, maintained that only deliberate approaches by the governors would boost the region's economy

In her keynote address presented via zoom, at the summit holding in Owerri, the Imo State capital, she noted that the Igbo race had huge human resources could be utilised to advance the economy of the region.

"The Igbo have high human resources. Our people are scattered across the World and are excelling.

I call on the South-East governors to convene an investment forum to examine the cause of blockages within the zone and how to address them, eschew bickering and work together.

"I urge the governors to open discussions with pharmaceutical companies, vaccine producers on how to create a market chain in the zone. It can be achieved since power had been privatised.

"I appeal to the governors to maximise the huge Ndigbo human resource to support professors to develop high quality schools, diaspora doctors to build quality hospitals," she proposed The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe in his remarks tasked Igbos on the restoration of Igbo values to drive economic goals.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, in his remarks, challenged the south-east to maximise their economy of scale and also pool resources to build critical regional infrastructure like railway and roads to create a common market and boost socio-economic prosperity in the region.

Mbah, canvassed a multidimensional approach to tackling insecurity, including a common security command and control centre, inter-agency cooperation, and non-kinetic approaches such as economic transformation, employment generation, moral suasion, among others.

The governor identified transportation and logistics as some of the key enablers needed to transform the south-east economy and thereby reduce poverty, unemployment and consequent crimes.

“How do we ensure that we have a road network that moves across the various cities in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi?

“How do we build a ring road that connects all the major cities in the South East so that we can seamlessly encourage those who are producing and those who are providing services to distribute their products and services across the different cities of the South East seamlessly?

the region’s economy

of

L-R: Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo; and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the South East Economic and Security Summit held in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.

NIGERIA AT 63 INDEPENDENCE LECTURE...

Obaseki Accepts Shaibu’s Apology, Says to Err is Human, to Forgive Divine

Declares dep gov’s unwarranted provocation caused him severe personal discomfort

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, accepted the public apology made by his Deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, noting that as a person of faith,

he was under obligation to accept the apology.

In a letter titled, “Re: Public Apology By The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu,” the governor said in good faith, he trusts that the public apology as

Erisco Foods Founder Vows to Take Legal Action for Damages Over Negative Social Media Review

Nume Ekeghe in Lagos, Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Founder and President of Erisco Foods Ltd, Eric Umeofia, has declared his intention to initiate legal proceedings against Chioma Egodi, a customer who posted a negative review of the company's Nagito Tomato Mix product on Facebook.

Umeofia, said this during an interview on Arise News Channel. He highlighted the substantial damage the development had done to his company, saying it resulted to the loss of a $30 million credit line from foreign partners.

Egodi had posted an unfavorable review of Erisco's product on social media, which subsequently led to her arrest by the police and her subsequent transfer to Abuja.

But speaking on ARISE News Channel, Umeofia underscored that the arrest was undertaken after multiple attempts to contact Egodi, emphasising that he followed legal procedures and channels by submitting a petition to the police to investigate her claims.

He also disclosed that his company had been a victim of oppression by a group of importers who were actively tarnishing the Erisco brand in an attempt to sabotage the business.

He said: "I am taking legal action against her because I have a sense of responsibility. Is it justifiable for her to unjustly criticise my product, with people rallying behind her?

“We employ over 3000 individuals in my factory, indirectly impacting

20,000 people. I cannot permit this kind of 'conspiracy' to jeopardise my business.

“I am pursuing legal actions. I’ll be suing for N5 billion. I have a credit line of $15 million from two customers in China. So, we are going for N5 billion because the damage she has caused is a lot. $30 million is a lot because for the past 5 years, I have gotten credit in Nigeria and for three years no foreign exchange from banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The allegations were grave, my credit line from my business partner has been suspended because of these allegations.”

He continued, "I've been manufacturing this product for over a decade, and I won't allow someone to tarnish it overnight. Should I let her off the hook simply because she's in a weaker position? She is not the first person to provide a product review.

“When we couldn't reach her, we submitted a formal complaint to the Inspector General of Police to request assistance. I have every right to file a complaint when I feel uneasy," Umeofia added.

He added: “We issued a statement saying we would not allow our 40 years labor be destroyed by a syndicate of importers that have been fighting our product from the beginning.”

He pointed out that the lady's posts falsely claimed that his product was causing harm and even went so far to suggest that she would negatively affect their product, which has damaged his brand's reputation.

expressed by Shaibu was genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills.

The letter reads: “I have noted the public apology made by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. This apology followed an aberrant behaviour that contradicts what the people of Edo State stand for.

“To name a few, the Deputy Governor needlessly filed

unfounded petitions in the Nigerian courts restraining me, the State House of Assembly and Security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process, followed by repeated breaches of protocol; unwarranted and unprovoked attacks in the media on my person and the state government.

"The media frenzy as a result of the above and more, provided an impression of crises that has been precarious and distasteful

to Edo people in the state and across the world.

“Although these unwarranted provocations caused me severe personal discomfort, as a person of faith, I am under obligation to accept this apology because as they say, “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”

Obaseki further noted, “In good faith, I trust that the public apology as expressed by the Deputy Governor is genuine and followed by contrite steps

to improve his conflict resolution skills. I also enjoin the Deputy Governor to guide his proxies to act in accordance with his piety.”

He added, “It is my sincere hope and that of my other colleagues in government and all well-meaning Edo people, that these rhetorics will be put to an end forthwith to enable this administration finish strong and deliver the dividends of democracy to the greatest number of Edo people over this final 12 month.”

Ohanaeze Announces Impeachment of FCT Chapter President

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The General Assembly of the Federal Capital Territory Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has announced the impeachment of its President, Ifeanyichukwu Obasi Nweze, over alleged infraction of rules.

In a statement issued and signed by 18 members of the executive committee of the chapter in Enugu, the Assembly said the impeachment was in line with its powers from

article 9 (B) (1-4) of the bylaws of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, FCT Chapter as amended in 2019.

In the statement, the assembly accused Nweze of several infractions, including failure to constitute the required committees for the conduct of the Youth and Women Wings election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, FCT Chapter.

Also, Nweze was accused of failing to inform the Executive Committee and General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT of an

invitation by the Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), in violation of Article 9 (A) (4).

“Nweze also failed to represent or send a representative of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, FCT Chapter at the recent meeting and elections of Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA) held in Kano on Saturday, 17th of September, 2023,” the assembly said.

The assembly further accused Nweze of failing to submit himself for a session with the disciplinary committee to investigate the

allegations against him.

“Consequently, Obasi Nweze ceases from representing the Igbo Community in the FCT in any capacity,” the assembly stated, adding that, “anyone dealing with him is doing so to his or her own detriment.”

In his place and in the absence of a Deputy President, Abia State, the assembly mandated Henry Ugbaja to assume the office of acting president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, FCT Chapter.

USAID, Power Africa Launch Initiative to Foster Gender Equality, Promote Clean Energy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa have launched “the Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative to foster gender equality and promote clean energy solutions.

The initiative aims at equipping approximately 500 women and youth with the required skills and opportunities to secure better jobs in Nigeria’s energy sector.

According to a statement from United States Embassy in Nigeria, historically women have been underrepresented in energy-related professions in Nigeria, and their presence in

leadership or decision-making roles remains limited.

The Powering Jobs Census 2022, revealed a stark contrast in the distribution of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) positions (eight percent), compared to non-STEM roles (64 percent) within the Nigerian workforce.

The statement said: “To address these challenges and align with Nigeria's sustainability goals, Power Africa introduced the Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria initiative to provide women and youth in Nigeria with a wide range of blended learning opportunities and resources to excel in a competitive energy

sector workforce.

“These include professional and technical skills training such as solar installation, project management and communications skills, employability clinics, job fairs, job shadowing experiences, and mentorship programmes.”

USAID/Nigeria’s Economic Programme Management Specialist, Susan Oranye noted that: “Through the Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria seeks to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 and lift 100 million Nigerians out of energy poverty by substantially expanding clean energy generation. This transition is expected to create 420,000 jobs in the power sector alone by

2060, creating an opportunity for women to play a growing role in Nigeria’s traditionally male-dominated power sector.”

According to the statement, the Growing Green Jobs for Women initiative in Nigeria would position women and marginalised groups as central to Nigeria's clean energy transition by improving access to financial resources and eliminating genderrelated barriers.

The initiative is focused on creating a gender-inclusive culture within the energy sector and accelerating Nigeria's shift away from fossil fuels to help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

L - R: Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, at the Nigeria at 63rd Independence lecture at the State House, Abuja ... yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

L-R: Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State branch, Mr. George Onafowokan; Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, at the 38th AGM of Ogun State branch of MAN held at Abeokuta…yesterday

Shettima: We Must Choose Unity over Chaos, Democracy over Anarchy for Dream Nigeria

Seeks peoples’ collaboration with FG Assures citizens their sacrifices won't be in vain under Tinubu

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, declared that the Nigeria desired by all citizens was possible but that the people must realise that their only potent weapon was choosing unity over chaos, and democracy over anarchy.

Shettima, who said this in his address at the 63rd Independence Day anniversary public lecture, however, sought active collaboration of all Nigerians with the Bola Tinubu administration as it works on fulfilling its campaign promises.

The lecture was themed: “Actualising the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socioeconomic Development through Effective Leadership”, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

According to him, the Tinubu administration was not oblivious of the hurdles on its way towards achieving its campaign promises for Nigerians, but noted that the government’s faith in achieving success had been built on the realisation that Nigerians are never broken by temporary setback.

“We knew from the starting point of this race to serve the people that the track will not

be without its holes and ponds.

We knew that challenges will arise and obstacles will test our resolve, but as our history has shown, Nigerians are too ambitious to be broken by a temporary setback. We are going to emerge from this phase of our reforms stronger, each of us, with renewed hope.

“As we honour the labours of our heroes past, as we reflect on the values and principles that have bought us this far, as we strive to excel in all that we do, and as we walk together towards a future where opportunity knows no bounds, let's remember that our most potent weapon is the overriding resolve of the majority to choose unity over chaos and democracy over anarchy,” Shettima said.

The vice-president noted that in the last 63 years of Nigeria's existence, the driving force of the people had been the realisation that achieving the collective dream and surmounting present challenges required sacrifice from all citizens, especially the leadership, sacrificing with the hope of building a sustainable future for generations to come.

He, however, assured Nigerians that their sacrifices for a thriving nation wouldnot be in vain as the present administration has

set administrative models in its Renewed Hope Agenda that would see to developments across sectors, using available resources to achieve national prosperity.

His words: “Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of their socioeconomic challenge. The future of every nation rests on the intention, sincerity and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.

“This is why President Bola Tinubu's eight-point agenda remains an oasis in a scorching sun. We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty.

“We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security and optimise the business environment for our enterprises. We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream.

“We can't achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests. At 63, we recognise that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief

that overcoming the challenges we have inherited necessitates sacrifices, especially from us, the leaders.

“We are driven by the realisation that these sacrifices are not for nought. They are investments in a brighter future, investments that will redeem the future, the fortune of our great generation and guarantee the wellbeing of generations to come.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the present administration also recognises that the sacrifices made by each Nigerian will never be in vain. Such solidarity with the economy revival strategy, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Enugu has inspired our focus on diverse sectors, from agriculture to digital technology, from healthcare to education.”

Present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Esan; Ministers of Information, Mr Mohammed Idris; Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev and their FCT counterpart, Mr Nyesom Wike.

Also there were the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu; Foreign

Hundeyin to UN Council: FG After My Life, Attempting to Silence Me

Emmanuel

Addeh in Abuja

A Nigerian-born journalist, David Hundeyin, has alerted the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) to alleged attempts by the current Nigerian government to abduct him from Ghana, his country of residence.

In a video he posted online, Hundeyin stated that he spoke at the 54th session of the UNHCR in Geneva, about what he described as ongoing attempts to silence him and put an end to his work as a journalist work using ‘illegal rendition and diplomatic meddling’.

“As an investigative journalist from Nigeria, my work primarily focuses on advancing transparency

and accountability in government.

“ I have repeatedly used my journalistic platform to expose and publicise malfeasance and criminal behaviour by powerful people in Nigeria, most recently the new Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, an individual whose FBI file of over 2,500 pages is set to be released publicly for the first time next month.

“He has a matter of public record, forfeited $460,000 to the United States government being proceeds of heroin trafficking.

“Due to my journalistic work, his regime has taken extraordinary steps to silence me, including a recent attempted abduction from Ghana where I have political asylum,”

he alleged.

According to him, the ‘terrible regime’ is currently trying to prevail on Ghana, which historically is a close ally of Nigeria, to violate the ‘non-refoulement principle’ and have him return to Nigeria where he said he would almost certainly face imprisonment, torture, and extrajudicial execution.

The journalist stated that the situation had made him unsettled as he had been recently compelled to always be on the alert for his personal safety.

“To save my life and the important work that I do, I have been forced into a semi-nomadic lifestyle barely sleeping in one place for a prolonged period of

time. In fact, it is from one of these temporary locations that I'm filming this message.

“Under Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and as a journalist, I must be able to do my work without living in fear or living on the run simply because I’m doing my job,” he stated.

He had earlier alleged that President Bola Tinubu was after his life because he revealed that the was involved in underhand dealings in the past, stressing that the Nigerian government was mounting pressure on Ghanaian to repatriate him to Nigeria.

Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; Police Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam; Steel Development, Mr Shuaibu Audu, and Transportation, Sa'idu Alkali,

among others. Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as some members of the diplomatic community also attended the lecture.

Abiodun Assures Manufacturers of Stable Power Supply

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State government has said it was committed to building power infrastructure that would guarantee stable electricity supply across the state in order to boost manufacturing particularly the small and medium enterprises.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, made the promise, while speaking as the special guest of honour at the 38th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State chapter held in Abeokuta.

Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said the government was taking full advantage of its opportunity as the state with the widest gas reticulation in Nigeria to address the menace of irregular power supply, saying when the issues of high cost of petroleum and irregular power supply was adequately tackled, it would forestall the high rate of unemployment and insecurity.

The governor said: “We cannot pretend not to be aware that many manufacturing firms hitherto operating in Nigeria have folded up due to irregular power supply and the high cost of petroleum products, a situation that has resulted in high unemployment and insecurity.

“It was with that determination to change the narrative and redirect the economy for greater performance in the real sector that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government summoned the courage to address the age-long conundrum in the upstream sector of our oil industry through the deregulation policy that led to the removal of subsidies.”

Abiodun enjoined MAN not to hesitate to interface with the federal government on initiatives they know will impact the sector positively while appealing to members of the association all over the country to support the present administration at the federal level.

Speaking as the guest lecturer at

the event, Managing Director/CEO, Financial Derivatives Co. Ltd, Mr. Bismarck Jemide Rewane, said the manufacturing sector was mostly underperformed in the last five years, highlighting some of the reasons to include the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war as well as forex scarcity.

Rewane, said the nation was at crossroads as the naira was undervalued at 32 percent, but acknowledged that the new administration at the federal level had taken a bold step in implementing some key market reforms, reducing the level of market distortion in the economy among others.

The renowned economist advised the federal government to continue on reforms, including rescheduling its debts, institutional reforms, increase private investment in power sector, enumerating the catalyst for growth, road concessioning, implementing the 2023 Electricity Act, digital innovation, boost investment flows, pay at least N75,000 as minimum wage and block revenue leakages among others.

The Chairman, MAN, Ogun State chapter, Mr. George Onafowokan, in his address, noted that the immediate implementation of the dual policies of Naira devaluation and subsidy removal without putting in place appropriate buffers for all sectors of the economy has caused inflation levels to sky rocket and has put immense strain on the manufacturing sector.

Onafowokan, further commented on the high power costs, high interest on loans, post and custom related issues as well as multiple taxes as banes to necessary growth in the sector, urging government at all levels to be committed to engendering policies that promote local survival of companies and facilitate export, simplify the prices for qualifying for loans from government financial institutions coupled with other real sector friendly fiscal and monetary policies to revive and strengthen the manufacturing sector.

38TH AGM OF OGUN STATE'S MAN…

FINAL YEAR SURPLUS CHEQUE DISTRIBUTION …

Imo Guber: Supreme Court Affirms Achonu's Candidacy, Legitimises Abure’s LP Leadership

No distractions, it’s time to rescue our state, says candidate Party demands redeployment

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Tony Icheku in Owerri

The Supreme Court, yesterday, dismissed an appeal brought before it by one Basil Maduka against the Labour Party over the rightful candidate of the party in the Imo State governorship election on the ground of locus standi, and effectively validated the candidacy of Athan Achonu.

The apex court also said two other respondents in the matter were Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the Lamidi Apapa-led candidate, Joseph Ukaegbu, alias Ikenga, whose request to seek a consequential order were rejected by the court, thus legitimizing the leadership of Julius Abure, in the LP. Against this backdrop, Achonu, has hailed the court judgment affirming his candidature, and called on the Imo people to disregard all distractions and vote for him to bring

good and exemplary leadership to the state.

At the same time, the leadership of the LP, yesterday, passed a no confidence vote in the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Imo State, Sylvia Agu, and demanded her immediate redeployment.

A statement by the LP spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, stated that a ppanel of five justices led by Iyang Okoro, cautioned the appellant for abusing court process and wasting the time of the courts all through from the lower courts.

"With this judgement by the highest court in Nigeria, the Lamidi Apapa's plot to hijack the affairs of the Labour Party including the powers to nominate candidates has finally come to an end,” it stated.

Speaking to the media shortly after the judgment, counsel to the Labour Party, Okwudili Anozie, said, "Today at the Supreme Court,

Bayelsa: Uneasy Calm as Court Hears Eligibility Case against Sylva's Running Mate Today

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

There is an uneasy calm in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital as the hearing of the substantive suit filed against the Bayelsa State chapter of the All ProgressivesCongress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver, over his alleged ineligibility to contest the November 11th Governorship poll, is set to resume today.

A female governorship aspirant of the APC, Ikisima Johnson, who also participated and lost the party’s governorship primaries to the eventual winner, Chief Timipre Sylva, challenged the eligibility of Joshua Maciver and seeking his disqualification as the party’s running mate.

Her petition was on the alleged grounds that MacIver was an exconvict, who was sentenced to 10 years prison for terrorism and sea piracy but escaped from prison without completing his sentence.

In suit number FHC/YNG/ CS114/2023/, the APC was listed as the first defendant, while the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sylva, and MacIver as second, third and fourth defendants respectively.

This was as a civil society group, the Coalition for Social Justice and Equity Initiative, has raised the alarm over alleged plot by the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj Gen Tariye Ndiomu (rtd.) and Sylva, to undermine the court processes.

The group alleged that Sylva and Ndiomu were engaged in secret negotiation to insert Maciver’s name into the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) database and tender an affidavit to back it up in the court.

The group, in a statement through its Public Relations Officer, Ezra Areo, in Yenagoa, called on the Presiding Judge, Justice Olaide Quadiri and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to be on red alert to apprehend Ndiomu, Sylva and Maciver over alleged attempt to submit falsified affidavit and documents to the court.

the antics of Basil Maduka and his accomplice Joseph Ukaegbu, alias Ikenga, was put to an end as they met their Waterloo at the Apex Court.

"Today was a culmination of their deceit and lies to Imolites spanning from their misrepresentation of the true position of the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

"Upon the exposure and collapse of their lies before the Supreme Court today, Basil's Counsel, with tails in between his legs, immediately withdrew his subterfuge appeal that was aimed at giving credence to Ukaegbu's sham, non-existent primaries.

"The Supreme Court didn't entertain Ukaegbu's counsel's ignorant attempt to seek a consequential order, which even a first year student of law knows cannot be sought by a respondent especially in this case, where the appeal was dismissed.

"Indeed, today has been a day of reckoning for evil doers, whose sole plan was to stop the aspiration of Imolites in their determination to Take Imo Back through Senator Athan Nneji Achonu."

Achonu, who spoke to journalists in Abuja described the series of legal challenges to his emergence as the LP candidate as a psychological warfare by his opponents through sowing seeds of doubts on voters minds,

of INEC REC

which has now failed.

"I was not sued. I won a fair primary election, and courts never said I was not the candidate. It was a psychological warfare to make Imolites think there was a problem with my candidature, so and dissuade them from voting for me.

"With this judgement, I make bold to again call on Imolites to come out massively to campaign and vote for me so that we can take back our State. I also challenge the press to help save Imo and Nigeria," said Achonu.

Also, the Imo LP chairman, Callistus Ihejiagwa, who led other LP chieftains to protest at INEC's headquarters in Owerri, said,

"The party is no longer comfortable with the current REC in the state, following what we observed during the House of Assembly Election, where INEC guidelines were not followed."

He said the party’s demand was simple: “Remove the REC and follow the electoral guidelines stipulated by INEC. We are tired of politicians occupying leadership positions through the backdoor. Enough is enough."

The LP boss further said Agu had not conducted herself in such a manner that showed that the electoral umpire would conduct credible governorship election in the state on November 11.

Nwifuru: States Should Have More Stakes in Mineral Resource Proceeds

Wants mining act 2007 reviewed

Kingsley Nwezeh, Adewale Akinwale in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, yesterday, called for more stakes for states in mineral resource mining, which proceeds he said was going to the federal government to the detriment of the resource producing states.

He said, for instance, as a state rich in salt deposits, Ebonyi hardly benefited from the proceeds of its huge salt deposits because its captured in the exclusive legislative list. Nwifuru, therefore, called for

a review of the curriculum of universities and other higher institutions of learning to offer courses capable of “putting food on the tables of graduates” and ensure self-reliance.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News Channel, he said he had no knowledge of how much the federal government was making from the salt deposits in the state, because it was the exclusive preserve of federal authorities.

His words: "Ebonyi is the salt of the nation and you ask us how much we are making. It is under the federal government and it is

only the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals that can tell us how much they are making from the salt they are getting in Ebonyi.

"It is not in the concurrent legislative list. It's in the exclusive list. So, I cannot get up and say this is exactly how much we are making because I am not the one managing it.

"As a governor, I know what is going on but I don't have the details, I don't issue certificates. They are not answerable to me, the only people they are answerable to is the federal ministry of solid minerals. Even royalties are being paid to federal ministry.

GANDUJE: YOU’RE TINUBU’S BIGGEST MISTAKE

life except the one Kwankwaso delivered for him as governor in 2015 on a platter.

He said regarding Ganduje, “Every Nigerian knows the story behind the only one he claimed to have won in 2019. It was yet another election he lost woefully.

“In 2007, when he contested against his boss, Kwankwaso, during the PDP gubernatorial primary election, he got 370 votes thereby becoming the least among the contestants, while Kwankwaso got over 7,000 votes. So, where is the comparison? Similarly, in 1999, Ganduje lost election in all the 44 LGs in the state.

“Surely, there's no hiding place for Ganduje, where his

dollar stuffing video was in full display in Edo State, where he went to campaign for the APC gubernatorial candidate two years ago, as the chairman of the APC election committee.

“The APC lost, suffered a resounding defeat and a similar scenario was repeated in Osun.”

He said, hopefully, in the coming governorship election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa, the opposition parties would play the dollar stuffing video to further drive the ruling party’s rejection.

Shemdam said, "We had it on record that Ganduje had to escape from the humiliation and embarrassment he was subjected to in the two states on account

of his moral deficiency.

“It is on record that Kwankwaso has contested election 17 times and successfully won 14 out of those times.

"In the last 30 years, in addition to all the elections he stood and won, the vast majority supported in the last 30 years all the candidates he had supported and they won their respective elections, except in 2019 presidential election.

"Out of the three times he lost, he came second to President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2014 APC presidential primaries in Lagos."

Shemdam also raised the alarm over what he described as an attempt by the Ganduje-led APC

"What the state gets is from the community development. If you look at the Mining Act of of 2007 very well, you will find out that the state is not recognised," he said. The Ebonyi governor stated that, "What is recognised in the act is the community and the CDA agreement is what the community relies on to get what they want and it specified what community should request."

Nwifuru, therefore, called for a review of Mining Act 2007, saying, "That is even what we are agitating for. That states should be given more opportunity to discuss the mineral act."

to thwart the wishes of the people of Kano State. He warned that the attempt to take Kano through the back door, like in 2019, would be resisted by the people and judges of good conscience.

Kano State chapter of NNPP also berated Ganduje, saying he is still feeling the pains of defeat and electoral losses suffered during the 2023 elections.

The state chairman of NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, said Ganduje’s attack on Kwankwaso was a “wrong message in Nigeria's political space” because “available records indicate that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is what he is today due largely to Kwankwaso's large heart and political magnanimity”.

L-R: Head, General Services, Jaiz Bank, Abubakar Sain; Secretary, Jaiz Bank, Abdulwahab Sadiq; Chairman National Hajj commission of Nigeria, Zikrullah Hassan; Guest Speaker, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; Managing Director, Jaiz Takaful Insurance, Ibrahim Shehu, andChairman, Jaiz Takaful Insurances, Zainab Abdurrahman; during the 2021 Final year surplus cheque distribution to clients, by Jaiz takaful Insurance in Abuja. ... yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

POLITICS

Good Governance through Effective Debt Management in Kogi

Governance is a system that provides a framework for managing organizations. Governance consists of the written and unwritten rules by which governments exercise their authority, including their capacity to formulate and implement sound policies and preserve adherence to the rule of law.

The main purpose of governance is to ensure everyone in an organization follows appropriate and transparent decision-making processes and that the interests of all stakeholders are protected.

The key words in this presentation are debt, debt burden, transparency, accountability, and success story.

Debt refers to the sum of money that is owed either by an individual, business or government. Debt burden, on the other hand, is a large amount of money that a country or organization owes to another and which it finds very difficult to pay.

As we know, the massive debt burden of our country, Nigeria, has significantly slowed down growth and development. The more a country services debt, the less resources are available to drive economic growth and development. This will, no doubt, increase unemployment, inflation, and poverty.

Transparency in government context, refers to the State of being open and honest in the governance process. While this is most pronounced in the government procurement process, it is, however, a concept that is applicable to every government activity and business. All government business must be open for scrutiny with a view to improving the quality-of-service delivery. Corporate governance and best practices require public disclosure of all relevant information so that others can make informed decisions.

Transparency is widely recognised as a core principle of good governance. Transparency means sharing information and acting in an open manner. Free access to information is a key element in promoting transparency. The quality of being open and without secret is transparency in action.

Accountability: This is a situation in which Government create the right conditions to be answerable to the people it governs. It refers to a state of giving accounts of stewardship. Transparency in governance is the instruments through which the people can hold government accountable. A government that isn’t transparent can’t be accountable because the grounds upon which such government can be held accountable are non-existent. It is only when people know and can scrutinize what government is doing that, they can be equipped with the tools to hold such government accountable. Kogi State Government takes transparency and accountability very seriously.

The success story

Since the inception of the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State on January 27th, 2016, His Excellency has put in place, deliberate policies to entrench good governance in the state through transparency and accountability and reduction in the debt burden of the state.

The debt reduction strategies adopted by the administration include: (TSA) to reduce states reliance on Commercial Bank Loans rates and extending the tenor. of Arrears management information systems and blocking all revenue linkages to improve the State capacity to repay debt.

The State government through the above stated economic policy, has improved the debt

management and debt transparency. The effective debt reduction strategies adopted by this administration, has made possible the restructuring of the state Bond Facility in 2018

and spread the repayment process to ease the burden on the state’s monthly allocation.

The State also established Debt Arrears Clearance Framework (ACF) in 2020. Another

success story was the Debt Buy Back Exercise

the SFTAS on Debt reporting, improved debt sustainability and arrears of clearance framework. and a pioneer Director General was appointed. The State is doing a lot in the following areas, to grow the economy and improve our capacity to pay our debts:

i. Encouragement of foreign direct investment

ii. Establishment of skills development/

iii. Increased investment in infrastructure: road and health, etc

iv. Improved security systemsibility Commission to promote a planned and balanced economic development.

The Government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has put in place the following to improve transparency and accountability in governance: Town Government, in 2018, initiated Senatorial town Hall meetings on Annual Budget. This hasn’t only ensured openness in the budget process but has significantly improved stakeholders’ participation in the budget process and management. This has earned the State several awards, to God be the glory. The State received $300,000 preparation of the annual budget.

-Idris is Kogi State commissioner for finance, budget and planning

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Group Wants Tinubu to Intervene in Ondo’s Political Crisis

A pressure group, Ilaje Development Summit Group, has called on President Bola Tinubu, to urgently wade into the raging political war between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State.

Agroup, Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) has canvassed for the timely intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the

state Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa.

IDSG also called for respect for constitutional rights and democratic values in

The group, in a release isdued in Akure also stressed that state governance should not be reduced to family affairs, saying the state government should draw a line.

the strained relationship between Governor Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa.

According to the group, this political crisis has not only threatened the stability of the state, but also the democratic ideals for which Nigeria has tirelessly strived over the years.

The possibility of amicable resolution of the feud seems not to be in sight as the State House of Assembly has begun the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor.

In a swift reaction, however, Aiyedatiwa approached the State High Court seeking the court’s order to stop the legislators from continuing on the impeachment process.

IDSG, which raised constitutional breach in the impeachment process said: “what is of the Deputy Governor is a breach of the constitutional rights and democratic values

“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal respect, rights, and privileges that come with the office, and these must be upheld.

“The Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa has been very supportive to his principal and those working to discourage or impede the Deputy Governor, who was elected to serve

But, the group, who said it was normal for two people to disagree, said maturity, tolerance and love for the people whom

they are to serve should make political gladiators to seek for peace.

It, therefore, called on President Tinubu to intervene to prevent a complete breakdown

The group highlighted the ongoing political unrest, including the alleged frustration of Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa’s constitutional rights during Governor Akeredolu’s medical leave.

IDSG expressed concerns about the curtailment of the Deputy Governor’s constitutional responsibilities and the undue influence exerted by unelected family members and cronies of Governor Akeredolu.

The group said: “Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa had a joint ticket but Betty Akeredolu’s intrusion into the governance and life of detestable.

families before her. No wife, no children’s intrusion.

“In Lagos, there was Tinubu, Fashola, Abiodun kept their families away from governance. What sort of government is

It called on President Tinubu to use his influence to rectify the situation and prevent

chaos.

“We the Ilaje people, who are from the been advocating for development and recognition.

“While we have conceded other political positions, we are determined to secure the governorship, given their sacrifices for the state and the nation.

“We shall to employ all legitimate means to resist any attempt to shortchange them

The legal battle unfoldsmed as the Sunshine State grappled with a political crisis that has sparked concerns about constitutional respect, democratic values, and the need for national intervention. raises important questions about the respect for constitutional offices and the need for national intervention to prevent IDSG stated.

The IDSG and Ilaje people emphasize the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional rights in Nigeria. The Ilaje people, the group further said, will continue their struggle for recognition, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional rights in Nigeria.

Asiru Idris writes about specific debt management policies put in place by the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello towards sustaining good governance in Kogi state.

Odebiyi Foundation Gives Bursary Awards to 400 Students

Biden’s African Diaspora Engagement

sible for “promoting trade, investment, and educational exchanges” between the United States and African countries.

The White House announcement stated that the Council will “enhance dialogue” between political figures and African Diaspora residents to “reinforce cultural, social, political and economic ties” between the United States and Africa.

Chiney Ogwumike is one of the daughters of Nigerian immigrants, computer technologies specialist, Peter Ogwumike and top-notch school administrator, Ify Ogwumike. Peter and Ify are my friends.

You really don’t have to look too far to understand why the United States of America has remained the most productive and wealthiest country in the world.

I believe that its capacity for openness and receptiveness to new ideas are vital to its material success.

Second, its willingness to engage persons from other cultures to contribute to the business juggernaut and strength of the country.

These points, in no way, ignore or minimize, the realities and brutalities of racism and other acts of systemic injustices.

It is, therefore, understandable why one of the greatest Presidents of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), stated: “Americanism is a question of principle, of purpose, of idealism, of character. It is not a matter of birthplace or creed or line of descent.”

In my USAfrica column for the first Friday of November 2020, titled “The rise of Nigerian-Americans from November 2020 elections”, I expressed respect and appreciation for the facts that the November 3, 2020 presidential and congressional elections in the United States continue to show aspects of the beauty of its recent democratic traditions. Especially the opportunity it gives to recent immigrants — required to be citizens of the United States regardless of where they come from — to compete in the civic battle of ideas.

It is also within that context that I commend the latest outreach to the African communities in the United States by President Joseph Biden who was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. He was born on November 20, 1942, elected and served in the U.S Senate 1973 to 2009. He wanted several Nigerian-American and African professionals into high levels of government.

For the African continent, the Biden approach of mutual respect, consideration and constructive dialogue are opening on many fronts. Although there are some disagreements on social cultural matters. Overall, it is certainly a remarkable difference from the condescension, name calling and disregard of Africa and its people by former President Donald Trump.

It is from this progression that Chiney Ogwumike, U.S basketball analyst for ESPN and WNBA star, was nominated a few days on September 26, 2023 to serve on a new presidential advisory council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. The Council will be respon-

Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the chairman of the 12-person council. He is the Presiding Prelate of the Fifteenth Episcopal District serving in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. Also, appointed to the council are Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis. “Davis has earned EGOT status through her Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and multi-Tony Award wins. She was honored in 2017 by Time 100 as one of the world’s most influential people and, in 2022, was honored with the Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award for her commitment to social justice causes.”

The full list of members of the Council for the 2023-2025 term are:

D.C.

It is important to underscore the position of the Biden White House on this issue where it stated that “The African Diaspora in the United States, a rich and diverse community of African Americans and African immigrants, is foundational to our 21st century partnership with Africa. This community, which includes descendants of enslaved Black Americans, has long advocated for the prosperity of the African continent and its people, and strengthened the unique relationship between the United States and Africa.”

The 12 members were appointed by the U.S Secretary of State, and they are said to “represent the diversity of the African Diaspora from African American communities around the United States and African immigrant communities across the continent and the Caribbean….. They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa.”

As a non-sentimental analyst of the “Games Nations Play”, I do know that the U.S will use this initiative as a counterweight in its enlarging battles and angles of its fight with Russia and China.

-Dr Nwangwu is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com, and established USAfrica in 1992 in Houston. Follow him on Twitter @Chido247

In fulfilment of his promise to continue to provide financial assistance and his desire to create opportunities for exceptionally brilliant students from Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, through his Tolu Odebiyi Scholarship Foundation has provided bursaries to four hundred (400) beneficiaries of the foundation.

The foundation which has also been creating internship, job, and empowerment opportunities for young minds, is making available these bursaries in time for their 2023/24 academic year in various public tertiary institutions across the country.

The beneficiaries, after receiving their bursaries thanked the Patron of the foundation, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, for the invaluable support and contributions towards making their academic dreams a reality.

The students said the award of bursaries have reduced their financial burdens.

While staying true to the passion of building future leaders, Odebiyi noted that the foundation will continue to strive hard to ensure that the students become better citizens who would be useful to themselves and the society.

Also speaking, CEO of the Foundation, Mrs Folashade Odebiyi, expressed gratitude for the enabling grace to continue with this initiative and also thanked their very supportive partners.

A beneficiary from Sawonjo Yewa North, Olubiyi Jesutofunmi Moyofanu said, “I’m using this medium to personally appreciate you for taking care of me throughout my academic

period at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye for the past five years financially and also the gift of Laptop that boosted my online classes.Thanks for your kind gesture”.

On her part, Ganiyat Adedoyin Akinsanya a student of Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos said, “Very few people can do the things you do, the love, care and consistency. You are so special to us. I received the bursary with thanks. Thank you our Distinguished Omolúwàbí Senator Tolu Odebiyi, and TOD foundation at large”.

Another beneficiary, Olusegun Ayodele Samuel from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye said, “My deepest appreciation goes to Senator Tolu Odebiyi for securing an internship for me at one of the best law firms in Nigeria. He worked tirelessly to secure the internship for me even when applications had already closed. He is indeed an angel sent from God. Senator Tolu Odebiyi is one of the few politicians in Nigeria that gives us hope of a better country. I am eternally grateful to you and your family”.

The Foundation, since 2019 has been building a mass of educated youths with morals, knowledge, expertise and mentality to move this great country forward.

The TOD Scholars as they are referred to, have recorded 68 graduates with 14 first class honors.

In addition, 20 graduates are currently serving the nation in their NYSC service year and those that have completed NYSC are employed in top tier companies including Flutterwave and Main One.

Chido Nwangwu writes about the recent appointment by President Joe Biden of 12 African-Americans to serve in the new presidential advisory council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.

Tolu Odebiyi Scholarship Foundation has given bursary awards to 400 tertiary institutions students deawn from Ogun West Senatorial District in the Gateway State.

www.thisdaylive.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS

DESMOND UTOMWEN

celebrates Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire at 64

opinion@thisdaylive.com

DIRI MAKES HIS CASE

Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa

already in court though, challenging the declaration of David Lyon, the All Progressives Congress candidate as the

See page 21

MOHBAD: WHEN VULTURES COME TO PARTY

Who killed Mohbad? asks JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

to Lyon, saying he amassed 352,552

See page 21

EDITORIAL

REVISITING THE E-CUSTOMS PROJECT

on the eve of his inauguration on 13

court, therefore, said since something hanging in the air and could not mount Party’s, case against the declaration

For Diri, therefore, the circumstances demonstrate that he is not one of those Sylva, the former governor of the state, years and didn’t do any road of that

to do, after all, the strongest case for

city, through several communities

the minister of state for Petroleum President, Muhammadu Buhari, for

minister of Petroleum in President leading out of Yenagoa, the state

With over 50 roads done, Diri argues security in the state are the strong Adebiyi, the executive editor of Western Post, is a member of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers

The helmsman at the glory of all lands seeks to consolidate his work, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

DESMOND UTOMWEN celebrates Adejoke

Orelope-Adefulire at 64

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS

Service to humanity is the highest calling, and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has embodied the commitment throughout her remarkable journey over the last 64 years. Her tireless commitment, particularly to sustainable development, resonates with the wisdom of renowned American philosopher, educator and psychologist, William James, a notable philosopher, who wrote: ‘The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.’ -

As Princess Orelope-Adefulire celebrates her 64th birthday, her life and achievements become the mirror that captures the testament to the remarkable impact an individual can make on their nation and the world. Inevitably therefore, this special report is an attempt to

adequately funded. This initiative is pivotal in securing sustainable financing for the country’s SDG-related projects.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. She spearheaded Nigeria’s sponsorship of a United Nations resolution aimed at strengthening Voluntary National Reviews through Country-led Evaluation. This initiative received support from numerous countries, highlighting Nigeria’s influence in promoting robust evaluation mechanisms for monitoring SDG progress worldwide.

Her strategic vision, collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives have not been any less revolutionary, helping to position Nigeria as a trailblazer in the SDGs implementation journey. Her ability to foster cooperation among stakeholders has been instrumental in driving sustainable development initiatives.

Upon assuming office, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire left no stone unturned in ensuring that the country established essential institutional frameworks for the effective implementation of its SDGs. This included the Presidential Council for the SDGs, the Private Sector Advisory Group, the Donors Partnership Forum and the Civil Society Strategy Group. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing the SDGs agenda in Nigeria.

Who killed Mohbad? asks JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

MOHBAD: WHEN VULTURES COME TO PARTY

If you are one of those rare creatures in Nigeria who for some reason, has not heard of the passing of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba a.k.a Mohbad, you are in a very good position to teach the rest of us about how to live in this it to say, Mohbad’s passing has dominated the news since Tuesday the 12th of September 2023 when he was allegedly killed. I could have written, ‘when he died’, but I generally prefer to use the word ‘die’ only for those whose passing can be immediately attributed to natural causes. Mohbad’s death has gripped the nation by the jugular and two and a half weeks on, the dust from the storm it raised, has refused to settle. His is a curious case however you look at it.

It is hard not to wonder if the public outcry (which has assumed international dimensions), is as a result of the guilt of our not paying attention to his cries for help and protection from those who bullied him repeatedly. To expiate the guilt, the public appears to be on course to memorialise him by securing justice on his behalf. It might seem that the next best

reflect on her illustrious journey as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable development. Notably, the reflection becomes even more relevant as her 64th birthday coincides with her reappointment as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a role she has held with distinction for a while now.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire’s journey in public service has been marked by unwavering dedication, innovative leadership and a deep commitment. That explains why her achievements in various public offices she has held left indelible marks. It is therefore not a surprise that her commitment to Nigeria’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a source of joy to many. Just as well, her impact has resulted in many recognitions, home and abroad.

In 2023, the United Nations bestowed upon her the prestigious SDGs Champions award, recognizing her groundbreaking achievements as the head of Nigeria’s SDGs implementing office. The UN’s commendation of her accomplishments speaks volumes about her contributions to the global sustainable development agenda.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire’s tenure as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals has been marked by transformative leadership. Among others, she played a pivotal role in positioning Nigeria as a global leader in sustainable development.

One of her notable achievements centered around championing Nigeria’s country-led evaluations of specific SDGs, including health and education. Nigeria’s status as number one in the Global South to conduct independent SDG policy evaluations underscores her commitment to evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, her leadership led to the launch of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), a critical step in ensuring that Nigeria’s commitment to the SDGs is

Under her leadership, significant investments and key intervention projects were initiated because they were important to the process of accelerating the progress towards the SDGs. These initiatives spanned across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Notable achievements include the construction and furnishing of over 9,000 classrooms, 66 Skill Acquisition Centres, and the supply of specialized hospital beds to various healthcare facilities.

The commitment to building healthcare infrastructure, including Mother and Child Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres, also reflects her dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.

For her remarkable service in public office, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has received numerous awards and recognitions, both locally and internationally. These accolades reflect her unwavering dedication to empowering women, youth, children and her advocacy for the rights of vulnerable populations.

As we celebrate Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on her birthday and her reappointment as the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, it is evident that her journey has been one of relentless dedication and visionary leadership. Not less are her truly remarkable impacts on Nigeria’s sustainable development journey and influence on the global stage.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire stands out as a beacon of inspiration, one that proves the power of committed individuals in driving sustainable change. Without any doubt, her legacies will continue to shape Nigeria’s path toward achieving the SDGs in ways that will leave lasting imprints on the nation and the world.

Utomwen, a journalist, writes from Abuja

thing to do if you could not prevent someone from being killed is to at least help them get justice after they are gone. Justice will not raise the dead, but at the very least, it will show the world that our country is not a jungle; a place where you can get away with murder.

The call for justice for the young artist has been nothing short of impressive. However, it has not been shorn of the distractions that every

With the outcry at its emotional crescendo, many individuals have taken advantage of a public baying for blood, to further their own agendas.

In the lead are several “veteran” upcoming artists who saw it as a chance to call out their former label bosses. “Veteran” and upcoming because these category of artists have been on the scene for a while but have painfully not made bank. For them, it matters not that there is no correlation between the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s exit from his former label and theirs. To be clear, Mohbad did not just break out, he made hit upon hit. It matters not to these artists that even though millions of naira had been expended on their careers, their craft remains far short of the commercial successes they hoped it would be. To vent, they needed an avenue to cast aspersions on those who invested in their careers without the expected returns, and Mohbad’s death provided a convenient one. It also matters not today, artistically at least, than when they were with these labels. If in Mohbad’s passing they saw an opportunity to cancel the bosses of their former recording companies, they failed miserably.

As bad as the case of these disgruntled artists are, they are not the worst opportunists seeking to gain from the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death. You would expect that most young people would frown at the inhumane treatment meted out to widows in some cultures. For a generation that prides itself on being upholders of values such as equality, inclusion and strident calls for sensitivity to mental health issues, you would expect millennials to be at the forefront of ensuring that widows are better treated. For Mohbad’s widow, Omowunmi Aloba, her treatment, particularly from this section of the public, has been an antithesis of the values usually associated with them. She has had to endure being derogatorily called a ‘Baby Mama’ as though she was unmarried to the late musician. Thankfully, that narrative was countered by the saner side of the conversation, but it did not stop things from taking a darker turn.

The focus of attacks has literally moved from the major to the minor; from son. If you think those calling for a DNA test for the kid want to prove or disprove understand the motivation. I can identify at least two. With Mohbad appearing to earn more royalties since passing than he did while alive, his estate is a ripe target especially as in the order of priority of pole position. Videos circulating online betray an inordinate focus on the late entertainer’s assets by those who ought to be mourning. Also, if they can cast some doubt, no matter how unreasonable, on the entertainer’s widow’s loyalty, it muddies the water and makes it less likely for the culprits to be apprehended and made to bear the consequences of their actions or omissions.

Oftentimes, all a guilty party needs to get away with wrongdoing is to sow confusion by pointing at others. Confusion ensures that people are distracted from asking the most important questions. The the public’s focus from what matters. In this case, it is: who killed Mohbad? This is the most pertinent question that begs an answer today. Nothing else matters at this time. All other questions must wait for this one to be answered. #JusticeforMohbad in its purest form is in the pursuit of those who were involved in his death. It is why should not be allowed the distractions they crave.

For focusing on what is important, I must single out Gistlover for commendation. If you carried out a popularity survey the controversial Instagram platform is probably at the height of its popularity –certainly found a great purpose here. It is well deserved in my opinion because at a

on what matters the most: who killed Mohbad?

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/ author, Digital Wealth Book

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

REVISITING THE E-CUSTOMS PROJECT

There is urgent need to look into the e-customs project

For Nigeria, the E-Customs Project is supposed to be a landmark initiative by the federal government to provide a digital platform for holistic automation of customs processes covering administration, payments, border management, import, export, and transit processing. The aim is to migrate the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) operations to paperless systems. Unfortunately, a project that aims to instil transparency and accountability is at risk because of inability to stick to rules. Curiously, at the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in April, the FEC gave a fresh approval to another company as a concessionaire, despite the subsisting contract and the ongoing court case about its enforcement. The former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, feigned ignorance on the matter.

The story began in 2015, when the ‘NCS Modernisation Project’ was conceived and developed evaluation, based on passfail criteria for bidding companies. The presidency adopted the project as its initiatives on ‘Custom Modernisation Project (Establishment of a digital/ paperless customs administration).’ The evaluation presentation content, and experience. The NCS hosted to Bionica Technologies (WA) Limited “to partner with the NCS by direct capital investment to modernise the scanners and ICT infrastructure of the NCS”. While the model in cooperation with the Africa Finance Corporation and First Bank, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) and other government transaction advisers endorsed it. At the end of these processes, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave the green light to Bionica in September 2020.

However, the former Comptroller General of Customs, Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission the same project. They sidelined the extant approval

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Letters to the Editor

issued by the FEC for the E-Customs Project and contracted a new SPV named Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) to handle the project. This came almost two years after FEC approval and alleging “recalcitrance” on the part of Bionica, amid speculations that the project is ceding responsibilities of the Customs Service to private contractors. But this raises a serious question: Why should Customs override FEC approval without cancelling the previous one by the President-inCouncil?

For years, the country’s ports remain enmeshed in of equipment such as scanners for examination of imported goods, many containers bearing dangerous easily into the country, and in the process endangering everyone. Thus, besides improving Customs’ trading facilitation and stemming tax and duties’ evasion, the e-Customs project will enhance national security through the development of systems and networks aimed at prevention and suppression of smuggling activities. In obvious choice for peace and path of prosperity for the nation and ease of doing business, the acting NCS Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, said recently of Indeed, the country has paid dearly for many legal battles occasioned by faulty contractual agreements. The Ajaokuta Steel contractual disputes that dragged on for decades, and the ongoing Process and Industrial It is worrying that the E-Customs project could be around the modernisation project require the scrutiny of the President Bola Tinubu administration to straighten immediately. It must show more than a passing interest in the venture where Nigeria stands to reap huge revenue. The project should be investigated to ensure the sanctity of Nigeria’s contracts and agreements. A country with a it does not have on expensive legal battles.

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

LETTERS

THE GRUESOME KILLING OF FWIMBE THOMAS

On Wednesday, September 27th 2023, Mr. Fwimbe Thomas, an old student of the prestigious College of St. Joseph (CSJ) Vom, in Plateau State, was killed by a mob in Jos, the Plateau State capital. that of his brother, who said in a Facebook post that Fwimbe was mistaken for a thief, and when a rendition of “thief, thief,” rent the air around Bali junction in Jos, he was mobbed and killed. Other less credible accounts say he was driving when he hit a motorcycle but refused to stop. When he was eventually stopped, he was killed by a mob.

Sir, the images which have so far circulated online are truly ethic and bottomless integrity, killed by a feral mob of okada riders, vagrants, petty criminals and would-be bandits.

Sir, the law in Nigeria of which the Police are the chief enforcer is clear that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic ofsions of fair hearing.

Fwimbe was never provided any opportunity to be a Nigerian

citizen under the law by the mob which killed him. His life was taken in the most agonizing manner by a those whose zero rewhich they took it.

Sir, you can only imagine the number of people traumatized by Fwimbe’s death. They include his family, friends, old schoolmates and the countless Nigerians who have retained their humanity despite the proliferation and popularity of Nigerians who make up the headless and heedless mob which killed Fwimbe.

You can also imagine the fear his death has sown in those who live in the immediate vicinity where he was killed, and those far away, who now have to walk on eggshells because they are unsure of the kind of people they share a country with.

We call for justice for Mr. Fwimbe Thomas, his family, friends and every Nigerian whose conscience has not been smothered by injustice and inhumanity. His killing is one too many, and the disturbing spate of mob justice incidents should shock the Nigeria Police Force into immediate action to arrest, prosecute and incarcerate all those who had a hand in his killing. They cannot be allowed to go scot-free.

They are worse than animals and as such, the only space reserved for them in the sane society that Nigeria is trying so hard to become should be behind bars.

Unless justice is served on both the dead and the living in Fwimbe’s case, there is no gainsaying that Fwimbe’s spirit will not rest. The numbers are stacking up to indicate a grave danger to innocent Nigerians, and indict Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.

and many others are yet to be brought to book. Those who killed Fwimbe must not be allowed to disappear into the vast crowd of killers who prowl Nigeria, looking for whom to devour.

Time is running, and the earlier the law reins Fwimbe’s killers in, the latter they will arrive at the venue of their next killing spree.

his killers are speedily brought to book.

Kene Obiezu Esq, Abuja

Many red flags around the modernisation project require the scrutiny of the President Tinubu administration to straighten immediately

Experts Identify Factors Retarding Growth of Aviation Industry, Proffer S olutions

Chinedu Eze

Aviation experts have identified poor legislation, unpredictability of the cost of airline operation and underutilization of equipment as some of the factors that are retarding growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

In their presentations during a webinar on, “Repositioning the Aviation Sector for Revenue Generation and Growth: The Role of Legislation,” the experts brainstormed on issues that could spur the growth of the industry.

In his presentation, the President of Aircraft and Owners

Pilots Association of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Other panelists observed that some decisions taken by the National Assembly, which give vent to aviation policies, have been found to be inimical to aviation growth in the country.

They noted that aviation business does not exist in a vacuum but within the context of its operating environment and the governing regulations, remarking that aviation regulation and policy is harmonised across the world to ensure consistent levels of safety and consumer protection.

Cvil aviation authorities, they

stated, are usually responsible for determining policy which determines the use of airspace, the economic regulation of airports, licensing and financial fitness of airlines and consumer protection. Legislation should support growth whilst maintaining safety.

However, Nwuba said favourable legislation could help grow the aviation industry or act as a barrier to attracting investment.

He said: “Legislation can help grow the aviation industry or act as a barrier to attracting investment. What are the policy objectives and the intended effects? What policy

options have been considered, including any alternatives to regulation?”

He gave examples and said that the right legislations can affect fleet size and maintenance timing requirement, competition and policy and cabotage, entry into the domestic and international markets, access to the market and freedom of overflying, non-traffic stops and traffic rights; licensing and its renewals; permits, ownership structures and foreign ownership restrictions; air service sgreements, tax and tariffs and charges; and consumer protection.

“In other words, if Nigerian

carriers will remain competitive in the domestic, regional and international markets; their success will be dependent on the policies that emanated from the legislation.

Currently, there have been talks about some Bilateral Air Service Agreement signed by Nigeria with some countries, which are allegedly slanted against the interest of Nigerian carriers and even revenue generation by some agencies. Some foreign airlines are known not to pay the right charges on their operation and when confronted they would cite agreement signed with Nigeria, “he said.

Nwuba also suggested that all legislations should be analysed to identify the growth enablers and the growth barriers, and to provide a full economic assessment, including costs and benefits.

In order to maintain the rapid progress going on in the aviation sector and even surpass it, Nwuba recommended that policy makers should look at the potential markets and opportunities like underserved markets, overpriced market and market segmentation.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: CEO, Digital Health and Innovation Solutions, Auwal Ahmed; Executive Director, Integrated Facility Management Limited, Ibrahim Bapete; Chairman, APC UK Chapter, Tunde Doherty; President K-Pro Consulting, Khuraira Musa; CEO, T-BYK Limited, Mr Babatunde MacAlabi; CEO, FirstBank Group, Dr Adesol a Adeduntan; Executive Director, Corporate Banking, FirstBank, Mr Tosin Adewuyi; President, Image Consulting Group, Dr Remi Duyile at the Africa International Trade Exhib ition, New York on the sidelines of the 78th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA 78)… recently

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Women in the maritime sector and other experts have expressed worries over Nigeria’s ranking in the top ten countries for mismanagement of plastics globally. According to reports, Nigeria ranks ninth globally among countries with the highest contributions to plastic pollution. This was the crux at the Lagos International Maritime Week.

Speaking on the theme, “Marpol at 50: Pollution From Ships, Africa’s Commitment To Clean Oceans, Seas, Inland Waters & Marine Environment,” the president of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke, stressed the need for legislation and other innovative approaches to curb plastic wastes.

She pointed out that WISTA and other women maritime

groups in the country would explore pet projects in recycling in a bid to convert waste to wealth, especially as the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) states that the untapped Nigerian plastic waste sector is worth over N2.2billion.

Ezeoke highlighted that the activities of drilling companies as major contributors to water pollution, especially in the SouthSouth region which records a high

volume of the nation’s oil drilling operations.

Also speaking, the president of African Women in Maritime (WIMA) Nigeria, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, noted that pollution from vessels such as ballast water, also have damaging effect, but stressed that there are laws and regulations to address the menace.

According to Macfoy, domestic wastes, including all plastics and every other non-degradable waste

that is not properly disposed, find their ways into the waters, thereby destroying aquatic life and also endangering water transportation.

She also lamented that even Lagos State lacks appropriate dumpsites and recycling facilities, among others, stressing that waste management activities of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been haphazard with residents in areas like Igando suffering environmental and

health challenges from LAWMA operations.

She further called for appropriate legislation, which will require the manufacturers of plastic containers, among others, as well as those seeking licenses to operate to have a chain-return process that will ensure that their wastes return to them for recycling or appropriate disposal.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Gilbert Ekugbe

Dana Air, 7 Star Hanger, Deepen Maintenance Partnership

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s domestic carrier, Dana Air has announced that it will further strengthen its partnership with 7 Star Global Hanger.

The airline made this known at the just concluded Aviation Africa Conference 2023 held in Abuja.

Speaking during a chat with the media, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete, said Dana Air had shown massive commitment to the development of the sector from capacity building, to training, recruitment of Nigerians in key areas of the sector and first- of- its kind support for a homegrown Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO).

‘’Our contribution and commitment to the growth of the industry, the Nigerian dream and local content is unwavering and we are here at the Aviation Africa

Conference 2023 in partnership with 7 Star Global Hanger to showcase their achievements.7 Star Global Hanger can actually handle line and base maintenance for B737, MD80, Emb 135/145, Dash 8, Learjet, challengers and a host of other aircraft types and we are here to assure them of our continued commitment to their growth and expansion as we work together to position Nigeria’s aviation in it’s pride of place in the comity of nations.

‘’We also wish to commend the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Captain Musa Nuhu, for their commitment towards the growth, survival of airlines and the development of the industry,’’ Ettete said.

The Minister has set some very good KPIs for himself

and seems to have started on a very good footing. He has also assured domestic airlines of his availability to support their growth and sustainability and this is not just commendable but very impressive and we pray the Minister achieves his KPIs and more.

Having recently recruited and trained over 20 Nigerian Pilots, Engineers and Flight Dispatchers, Dana Air stated that it is the first airline to broker a major local maintenance deal with 7 Star Global Hanger signaling the airline’s commitment to see the industry not just grow but surpass its potential.

Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights to major cities in Nigeria. The airline is reputed for its innovative online products and services, world-class in-flight, customer service and on-time performance.

ESUT Set to Partner Eastwing Aviation School Ahead of MoU

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has expressed its readiness to partner Eastwing Aviation Training School to boost the aviation sector in the southeast.

ESUT representatives made this known during the inspection of the Eastwing Aviation Training School ahead of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Dean of Engineering at ESUT, Prof. G.O. Mbah, representing the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, said: “One of the best things happening to ESUT now is trying to establish synergy or link with other institutions.”

He recalled how the Eastwing team visited his office two months

ago. “I saw an opportunity to move ESUT beyond the way we thought.

“This makes me certain about the growth of the Southeast. Henceforth, my team and I will put our best foot forward to ensure the programme excels.

“I promise you, we will take this message to the Vice Chancellor and the management that something bigger than what we’ve been envisaging will begin to happen,” Mbah said.

Proprietor and CEO of the training school, Dr. Christopher Edeh, said the Igbos had been left behind in the scheme of things in the aviation industry.

Edeh, however, recalled how the former governor of the state, Chimaroke Nnamani, encouraged him before he secured a job at

X-Raying Airbus Forecast for Aviation Sector

Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.

In his efforts to give back to society, Edeh insisted on establishing the school in Enugu State amid calls to take it to Lagos.

The CEO firmly expressed commitment to seeing the southeast youths and environs encouraged and given a chance to thrive. He added that although the school specialised in training the engineers only when they took off the ground, others, including the cabin crew flight dispatch, among other relevant training, joined swiftly.

“We plan to visit primary and secondary schools to assist students who can’t afford their tuition fees, even if it’s paying their WAEC examination,” Edeh said.

FinGreen Graduates 25 Nigerians on Financial Literacy

Emma Okonji

FinGreen financial empowerment programme, an initiative of QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, has graduated another set of 25 Nigerians that participated in the second phase of its financial literacy education programme, targeted at empowering 6,000 Nigerian youths on various financial literacy skills.

The beneficiaries of the financial literacy programme, who are now FinGreen ambassadors, were celebrated on Wednesday in Lagos and were charged to remain good ambassadors of FinGreen, while training other Nigerians on financial literacy skills, through their various social media networks.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the second phase of its financial empowerment programme, the training facilitators commended FinGreen for empowering Nigerians on financial literacy and encouraged the beneficiaries to train more Nigerians on financial literacy skills.

Since its inception, FinGreen has trained over 1,500 Nigerians on financial literacy skills across Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun states, and it has achieved the milestone through QNET’s partners like Transblue Ltd, Financial Literacy For All (FLFA) and Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF).

Executive Director, of FLFA, Mr. Laja Shoniran, one of the training facilitators, congratulated the beneficiaries for successfully participating in the programme and reminded them of how to make money, manage money and multiply money. He said Nigerians must be financially literate in order to successfully manage their wealth while growing their businesses. He encouraged the beneficiaries to take a leadership position and extend the financial literacy skills to other Nigerians in order to change the world in which we live.

CEO of CADEF, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe Okafor, another training facilitator, admonished the beneficiaries and advised them to be outstanding always as FinGreen ambassadors. She reminded them of the need to continually carry out research before venturing into any business to avoid making mistakes and losing money. She told them never to limit themselves, but to use the knowledge gained from the financial literacy training to improve on the skills and impact such knowledge to other Nigerians.

CEO, Transblue Ltd, Mr. Abiodun Akeem Ajisafe, thanked the training implementation partners for impacting so much on the beneficiaries.

According to him, beneficiaries

can develop generational wealth for their families by taking advantage of the over 400 products from QNET, spanning lifestyle, health and education.

“As a customer service compliance and logistic company, Transblue partnered QNET in 2022 to drive the QNET business in Nigeria. The QNET financial literacy programme is helping it to advocate to Nigerians, what QNET is all about in Nigeria,” Ajisafe said.

He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the training and the knowledge gained to impact on their lives and make wealth that will transcend to the next generation.

He also advised the beneficiaries to invest in businesses that will yield fast turnover.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke said they would use the knowledge gained to impact on the lives other Nigerians, while growing their different lines of businesses. They thanked QNET for the opportunity to learn new skills on financial literacy, which they said, would help them to begin new businesses that will impact lives and communities. Highlight of the graduation ceremony, was the financial reward for three best graduating students, to support them in growing their chosen businesses.

Aerospace giant, Airbus, the world’s biggest manufacturer of commercial aircraft, recently presented its market forecast for Nigeria in Abuja, during a media briefing at the 7th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition and projected the number of aircraft that would be acquired to operate in Nigeria in consonance to the growth of the air transport sector in the country.

Africa is projected to be the second fasted growing economy after Asia and Nigeria is at the centre of the projected growth, despite the current economic hiccups. The forecast reinforced the hitherto predicted growing demand for aircraft in Nigeria and Africa, driven by rapid urbanization, economic expansion and the important role of aviation as catalyst to economic growth.

Abuja and Lagos are reported to be the world’s fastest-growing cities in Africa, which expectedly will demand substantial surge in aviation demand over the next two decades. According to the 2023 Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), airlines serving Nigeria will require approximately 160 passenger and freight aircraft by 2042. This includes 131 single-aisle aircraft like the A220 and A320 families, along with 28 widebody aircraft such as the A330 and A350 families, all aimed at serving the growing Nigerian market.

Airbus recognises the profound significance of aviation in driving economic development across Africa. As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria boasts a vibrant and expanding economy, making the aviation industry a key player in connecting the nation’s diverse regions and fueling economic progress

The Airbus GMF also predicted that the growth of the aviation sector in Africa will result in an annual increase in services demand by 4.1%, soaring from $2 billion to $7 billion. A pivotal element in this growth is the expansion of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services at local and regional levels. By enhancing MRO capabilities, Nigeria can generate additional revenues, reduce aircraft maintenance costs, and create numerous job opportunities, further contributing to skills development in the nation and across the continent.

For the prediction to be actualized, the federal government has already initiated its five-point agenda, which leans on growth, protection of domestic airlines, infrastructure renewal at the airports, revenue generation that will drive economic growth and collaboration with relevant agencies, aircraft manufacturers and others. It is expected that government will support domestic airlines through policies that will enable them acquire more aircraft, get designated to international routes and protect them through Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

AIRBUS AIRCRAFT A220

The A220 Family, comprising the A220-100 and the A220-300, is the most efficient small single-aisle aircraft. The A220 is a clean sheet design and the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100 to 150 seat market segment -offering up to 1,100nm more range.

Bringing together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and latest-generation technologies and engines, the A220 is perfectly sized for this market and with a range of up to 3,450nm (6,390km).

The A220 offers superior single-aisle comfort: widest seats, largest windows and 20 percent more overhead stowage space per passenger - providing flexibility for operators to right-size their operations.

The A220 Family is the ideal complement to the A320 Family and the latest addition to Airbus leading Single-Aisle Family.

THE A330 CATEGORY

The A330neo, which leverages the new generation technology of the A350, offers profitable and enhanced passenger experience in the quietest cabin in its category.

With 1,809 orders (including 323 A330neo variants) and 1,577 deliveries (including 107 A330neo), the A330 Family has the largest widebody operator base and a backlog of 232 A330 (17 A330 and 215 A330neo) aircraft.

The aircraft has a highly reliable and versatile reputation, serving all mission types in all markets for civil, freight, military, and corporate use.

The A330 has several variants, including the A330-200, which has a range of up to 7,250 nautical miles and seating for 210 to 250 passengers, and the A330-300, with a range of up to 6,350 nautical miles and seating for 250 to 290 passengers. Both aircraft are efficient and offer significant operating costs reduction for airlines. The A330-200F and A330-300 P2F are mid-size freighters capable of carrying up to 70 tons of payload.

The aircraft has several variants, including the A330-200, which has a range of up to 7,250 nautical miles and seating for 210 to 250 passengers, and the A330-300, with a range of up to 6,350 nautical miles and seating for 250 to 290 passengers.

Both aircraft are highly efficient and offer significant operating costs reduction for airlines. The A330-200F and A330-300 P2F are mid-size freighters capable of carrying up to 70 tons of payload.

The A330neo is built on A330 proven values and is the newest aircraft offering unbeatable profitability. THE A350 FAMILY

The A350 Family is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body family, offering operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments from ultra-long haul to short-haul distance up to 9,700 m.

As the only all-new design aircraft in the 300-410 seater category, the A350 offers unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort through its state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics. The “Airspace” cabin of the A350 is the quietest of any twin-aisle, providing passengers and crews with the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.

The A350 Family has received 1,036 orders (997 pax and 39 freighter) from 56 customers, with 552 A350s delivered to 40 operators (including 78 A350-1000) and a backlog of 484 (445 pax and 39 freighter). The A350 has been in service for 4.2 years, with 1,175,000+ revenue flights serving over 305 million passengers. It has an operational reliability of 99.4%, making it the most efficient and reliable aircraft family in the market.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, providing a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft. It features state-of-the-art aerodynamics, including wing morphing technology that continuously optimizes the wing profile, reducing drag and lowering fuel burn. Powered by new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 delivers the world’s most efficient large aero engine with over 70% of the airframe made from advanced materials, including composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys.

A320 CLAN

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft family with one aircraft in three sizes (A319, A320 & A321) that offers the widest single-aisle cabin from 120 to 244 seats. It allows operators to match the right aircraft size to demand, covering the entire market from low-to-high density routes to longer-range thin routes. The A320 Family provides a unique flexibility to operators who can choose among bulk or container capability, as it only does offer containerized cargo as an option, increasing the airlines’ operational efficiency.

Chinedu Eze

Of NIMET and Air Safety in Nigeria

The history of aviation in Nigeria cannot be told without its tragic air accidents but the good news is that Nigeria, in the last 10 years has recorded one of the lowest air accidents and major incidents in the world, especially as it relates to commercial airlines. A prelude to this good news was the decision of the federal government to reinvigorate the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and to make the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) autonomous. Part of the bouquet was also to establish independent Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), which is today Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) that has extended its services to rail and maritime investigation.

BAD WEATHER

It would be recalled that the cause of the last three tragic accidents in Nigeria were weather related. One was the Bellview Airlines accident involving Flight 210 operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, which took off from Lagos and crashed shortly after, killing 117 souls on board.

Also, on December 10, 2005 a McDonnel-Douglas aircraft operated by Sosoliso Airlines crashed on landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, killing almost the 108 passengers on board, most of whom were students of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja. That was a very tragic air crash that etched itself in the heart of many Nigerians. Report indicated it was caused by low level wind shear.

On October 29, 2006, a suspected low level wind shear led to the crash of a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by ADC Airlines, killing most of the 97 persons on board immediately after take off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

These accidents prompted the federal government to review its funding of NIMET, which in addition to its contribution to aviation safety, is critically important for other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, maritime and others. In repositioning the agency, industry analysists said two heads of NIMET gave it a significant mileage among others. The first that began to execute the new policy of the federal government was the former Director General, Dr. Anthony Anuforo who started building the critical infrastructure for accurate weather forecast. The current

Director General of NIMET, Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, took over the vision where his predecessor stopped.

TRANSFORMATION

According to industry observers, Matazu has transformed NIMET and gave it global recognition in such a manner that it has become a representative of sub-Saharan Africa in advancement of meteorology and contribution to accurate weather forecasting. In fact, pilots of international airlines that operate to Nigeria have confirmed at diffrent fora that Nigerian weather forecast is accurate and dependable. Hitherto, some of these airlines depended on satellite for weather information while operating to Nigeria, but now all foreign airlines depend on NIMET weather report, THISDAY learnt.

Matazu spoke to selected aviation journalists recently in Abuja, during the African Aviation Conference. In terms of infrastructure, training and efficient service, NIMET has excelled and

can only be compared to major agencies in the world. Today, NIMET renders daily services to Sierra Leone and Liberia and is assisting many countries in West and Central Africa to develop their meteorology organisations.

Many of these services rendered to these countries are invaluable and cannot be priced but such services, further burnishes the experience of NIMET as service provider for accurate weather prediction.

“We do provide technical service to some countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Niger etc as I said. There is what we call WMO VCP (Voluntary Country Partnership), which is called in ICAO as ‘No Country Left Behind’. So weather is dynamic and it moves from one area to the other. So, if you have the capability and you don’t share that expertise to your neighbours, I don’t think you are helping.

Example, in Nigeria, if there is a problem in Niger Republic relating to drought and flood, we have over a thousand kilometers borders, all of them would move to Nigeria. That is number one. The reason America and other

countries are called Superpowers is by providing some of these supports,” he said.

COLLABORATION

Matazu disclosed that NIMET has been working with many international agencies to broaden its horizon and deepen its knowledge and experience. The agency started Volume Coverage Pattern (VCP) with World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and according to Matazu, “In the VCP meeting that we attended, Nigeria was the only black nation because you have US, UK, Spain, Netherlands, eight of them plus Nigeria because we want to show the world that we are not a beggar nation in all ramifications, even in the science of weather and services, we are not waiting for any country.”

“We just had a meeting with the French Government. We are going to do a programme with them and they were very happy with what they have seen. This provides credibility, trust and relevance and with that you would get recognised by the global community and they suggested Nigeria will help these other countries under this United Nations financed Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF). The essence of this SOFF is based on the UN Secretary General’s statement that in the next five years, all citizens in the world must have access to early warning about weather; you have seen what happened in Libya; 10,000 people unaccounted for and more than 6,000 people confirmed dead in one incident. But if these people got early warning, it has been confirmed globally that if people get early warning on any imminent weather hazard, you are bound to reduce casualties by more than 70 percent. But if they get the information one week ahead, it will increase the number that will be saved,” he said.

Matazu explained that what the United Nations wants is to issue weather warnings like the way NIMET issues Seasonal Climate Prediction, which is almost six months in advance.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Chinedu Eze posits that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has metamorphosed into a dependable organisation that has improved standards and extended its services to other parts of Africa

Dolidol’s Acquisition of Mouka and Quest to Capture Africa’s Mattress Market

The Dolidol Group, a Morocco based foam mattress giant, is poised to make the most of the opportunities that would be offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. In this regard, the group is establishing a remarkable presence in the African foam market with manufacturing plants in West, East and North Africa.

One of its major expansion strategies across the continent is acquisition of existing firms. It initiated a strategic move in Nigeria in 2021 when it acquired Mouka, one of the market leaders in Nigerian mattresses, pillows, and beddings sector. It believed that a foothold in Africa’s largest economy and most populous country with more than 200 million people, Nigeria would offer the group a huge size for market growth.

This was highlighted by a partner at De-

velopment Partners International (DPI), Mrs. Sofiane Lahmar, who commented recently on Mouka’s membership of the Dolidol Group. Lahmar said: “As the most popu lous country in Africa, Nigeria shares many of the same trends as the rest of the continent, including positive demographics, a fast-growing middle class, and rising consumer-spend. We remain confident in the future of the business and look forward to working with both management teams to execute the company’s ambitious strategy and vision.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of Mouka Limited, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, affirmed that as a member of the Dolidol Group, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and technological innova-

tion, Mouka would continually evolve the culture of innovating and renovating its products portfolio to adequately cater to the needs of various demographics segments it is serving.

Mouka is one of the most admired mattress, pillows, and bedding company in Nigeria and it was not surprising that it went into bed with Dolidol, an aggressive foam mattress giant that is based in Morocco.

Dolidol’s stake in Mouka no doubt is a significant boost to the realisation of its expansion bid and quest to capture the African foam mattress industry, sustain its market leadership position and also diversify into other operations within the sector’s value chain.

Stakeholders in the industry believed that Mouka would retain, if not surpass its performance in the foam and mattress

industry, given its pragmatic marketing approach that gave it an unassailable competitive edge above their closest industry rival, an effort that has grown the Mouka brand and earned it a leadership status in the bedding and mattress industry in Nigeria.

Having been involved in propagating healthy sleep among Nigerians with products of ergonomic and global standards for over six decades, Mouka’s sleep solutions have been certified by health experts in the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the National Association of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists (NAOMT).

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Dolidol is set to emerge as Africa’s giant mattress manufacturer with its acquisition of Mouka and manufacturing operations in five countries that are spread across East, West and North Africa, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

Chukwuma Constantine Chinye: Towering Colossus as Legal Luminary, Philanthropist, Human Rights Defender

Acknowledged today as a cerebral thinker and a man with multiple talents, Chukwuma Constantine Chinye, came from very humble beginnings. But whether it was where he spent his holidays as a farm hand or labourer at construction sites or assisting his mother’s kerosene sales and bean cake business early in the mornings before school and on weekends, he was determined to change the status quo for his family. Today, he has lived and surpassed expectations as a consummate lawyer, astute philanthropist and even a Knight. A motivational speaker, public affairs commentator and skilled writer, he is the author of the best-selling socio - political satire “The Nigerian Factor” 2005, and the widely acclaimed Compendium of Nigerian Laws on Corruption, Economic and Financial Crimes, 2013. A committed defender of Human Rights, with a passion for social justice, he once secured the release of over 150 awaiting trial inmates from the Calabar, Uyo and Abak prisons. ‘Pro Bono’. Beyond this, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that he initiated Chuma & Oke Foundation in partnership with his wife to reach out to the less privileged in our society and within the past 10 years, this foundation has impacted lives in prisons, hospitals, orphanages and old people’s homes

Onicha-Ugbo, now a budding township perched on the Benin-Asaba expressway in Delta State was a little red earth village without any medical facilities in the defunct midwest region of Nigeria, when Chukwuma Constantine Chinye was born at a native maternity home, six decades ago, on Sunday, the sixth day of October, 1963.

Chuma, as he is generally called, is the first of six children between the late Sunday Godson Chinye, a police officer and Esther Ndidi Chinye, a grade II teacher. His father had three other children from his first wife.

From very humble beginnings, Chuma spent his early years in his birth place, Onicha-Ugbo. He is the typical example of “Do not despise these humble beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…”as quoted in Zechariah 4: 10 NLT.

After brief stints in Enugu and Benin with his itinerant police father, he attended primary and secondary schools in Onicha-Ugbo where most of his holidays were spent as a farm hand or labourer at construction sites. Chuma also assisted his mother’s kerosene sales business and sometimes hawked akara in the early mornings before school and on weekends.

Whilst Chuma was pursuing advanced level studies at St. Patrick’s College Asaba, tragedy struck as his father, then 53 years old took seriously ill and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a disease he battled with for four consecutive years before he died at the rather early age of 57 years at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Sadly remarkable were the unfortunate facts that Chuma’s father read his letter of admission to study law at the University of Benin in 1983 at a university of Benin Teaching hospital bed, and he died in the same hospital just a couple of days after Chuma completed his four year undergraduate programme.

Today’s celebration is therefore, significant not only for Chuma and his immediate family but for the larger Sunday Godson Chinye family because, Chuma who was prematurely thrown upon the saddle of family leadership has not only surpassed his father’s age, he has by the grace of God enjoyed good health and has so far lived to witness the graduation of three of his four children two of whom already have masters degrees.

To crown it, his siblings who were mostly teenagers and infants at the time of their father’s death in 1987 have all turned out well and are successful in their own rights. This celebration is in fact partly sponsored by them.

MAKING OF A HOME GROWN LAWYER

Chuma attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos from 1987-1988 and was thereafter, called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He served the National Youth Service Programme in Calabar, Cross Rivers State in the private law office of Nta & Ita Legal Practitioners.

On completion of his service programme in 1989,

Chuma began his legal practice career with the same firm as Counsel in Chambers. Due to sheer diligence, determination and excellence, he became the head of litigation and a partner in the firm by the end of the first year. The firm was restructured a year later into Archibong, Nta & Ita Legal Practitioners and Charles Archibong, now a retired Judge of the Federal High Court became the head of the law firm.

In 1993, Chuma in partnership with one of his former bosses, now Justice Eyo Effiom Ita (Rtd), started a law firm known as Ita, Chinye and Associates. He was Head counsel in the Lagos office, whilst Ita held sway at the Calabar office.

PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER

By the end of year 2000 and after years of very fruitful partnerships in his private legal career, Chuma decided to forge on independently. He also began to nurture interests in public policy conceptualization and development, thus C. C. & C. Legal Practitioners and Public Policy Consultants was birthed with Chuma as Managing Solicitor. He however remains indebted to the founding partners of law firm of Nta & Ita Legal Practioners, Calabar which served as the incubator that nurtured his legal career and set it off on the right course.

Chuma’s new firm served as consultants to the Government of Cross Rivers State on Local Government Affairs as well as the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON) and as strategists and policy advisors for numerous government agencies and public office holders.

Chuma’s interest in public policy led to an extensive and rewarding career in public service.

Some of his notable accomplishments in the public sector include being Resident Consultant, National Secretariat of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from 2001 - 2004; Senior Special Assistant to the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from 2004 - 2005; and Senior Assistant to the Governor of Rivers State from 2008 - 2011. Others include state Coordinator SERVICOM, Rivers State from 2008 - 2011; Director, Finance and Administration Rivers State Election Campaign Council, 2010-2011; Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation, 2009-2010; Legal Adviser and member on the Board of the Federal Inland Revenue Services and Joint Tax Board, 2009-2010.

He was also Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Rivers State 2011-2015. Chuma became the first non - indigene to be appointed Commissioner in the State, and indeed in the South-South and South-East geo-political Zones; Special Assistant to the Hon. Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs 2015-2017; Principal Secretary to the National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), 2018-2021; and Deputy Director General Rivers State Governorship and General Elections Campaign Council, 2019-2020.

MOULDING A LEGACY

A committed defender of Human Rights, with a passion for social justice, he served as the coordinator, Legal Services, (Eastern zone) of Civil Liberties Organization (C.L.O) 1989 - 1993, during which period, he secured the release of over 150 awaiting trial inmates from the Calabar, Uyo and

Abak prisons. ‘Pro Bono’. He was also the Convener of People Against Corruption, a non - governmental anti - corruption organisation initiated in 2005 to herald an anti - campaign in our nation and demand accountability from public office holders.

A philanthropist, with a large heart, he initiated Chuma & Oke Foundation in partnership with his wife to reach out to the less privileged in our society. Within the past 10 years, this foundation has impacted lives in prisons, hospitals, orphanages and old people’s homes.

Acknowledged as a cerebral thinker and a man with multiple talents, Chuma is a motivational speaker, a public affairs commentator and a skilled writer. He is the author of the best-selling socio - political satire. “THE NIGERIAN FACTOR” 2005, and the widely acclaimed COMPENDIUM OF NIGERIAN LAWS ON CORRUPTION, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES, 2013.

Chuma is an avid table tennis player and enjoys writing, debating and listening to indigenous music. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association and the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership in the United States of America, Chuma is a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants.

On the social side of life, he is a long standing member of the African club, Calabar. Chuma is a devoted Christian and in 2012, he was recognised as a trail blazer by the kings of the nine towns in Ezechime Clan with the honorary chieftaincy title of OBUZOR I of Ezechime Clan. In recognition of his zeal and commitment to the body of Christ, Chuma was knighted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Uyo as a Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC).

L-R: Amal, Chuma Jnr, wife, Lady Oke; Nwabunor, and Malobi with the cerebral lawyer Sir and Lady Chinye

Sir and Lady Chinye

African Prints Festival Set to Hold in Four Cities

Stories by Mary Nnah

All is set for the 2024 edition of The African Prints Festival, a world-renowned celebration of African fashion, culture, and diversity, which for the first time will take place in four cities across the globe.

Founded by Dr Emmanuel Odole, the event franchise promises a spectacular showcase of talent and creativity in Adelaide, Australia; Nadi, Fiji; Accra, Ghana and Lagos.

According to Odole, on February 17, the train hit Adelaide, Australia for the maiden edition of 2024. It will be the turn of Nadi, Fiji on February 24. The train will be in Accra, Ghana, in May 2024 before finally hitting Lagos, the capital of Nigeria in September 2024.

Odole further disclosed that the festival has appointed Mr. Ovo Ogufere as the festival’s producer for the 2024 editions.

Ogufere is a worldrenowned fashion producer with a stellar track record of

curating unforgettable fashion events, who will be bringing his wealth of expertise and passion forAfrican fashion to the forefront.

Under his visionary leadership, the 2024 editions are set to be a dynamic fusion of fashion, culture, and innovation.

Among others, the festival will present an exquisite line-up of

international African fashion designers, each known for pushing boundaries and redefining the world of fashion.

“These designers will bring their unique styles and perspectives to the festival, creating a truly global fashion experience. They include award-winning Sorobis from the USA, Kaltur-

TERRA DEVELOPERS TO EMPOWER REAL ESTATE AGENTS AT TERRAPY 3.0 FREE REALTORS’ MASTERCLASS

alroots from the USA, African Revolution from Paris, Kais Divo Collection from Togo, Dressmeup from the Benin Republic, Hashid Couture from Guinea, Conakry, Skentele by Etti from Nigeria, Joseph Ejiro from Nigeria and Jurio Luti, also from Nigeria among a host of others”, Odole said.

GLG Communication Boss, Ogbe Wins Outstanding PR Personality of the Year

Sunday Okobi

ANigerian Public Relations expert and Managing Partner of GLG Communications, Omawumi Ogbe, has been recognised for her giant strides in public relations, as she emerged the winner of the coveted Outstanding PR Personality of the Year at the 2023 Annual Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards recently.

At the glamorous gala, where she received the award held at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos, Ogbe, who expressed appreciation to the award organisers, said the

recognition was a testament to her team’s hard work and dedication at GLG, who consistently push the boundaries of possibilities.

The night of glitz, glamour and excellence had many top industry leaders in attendance, including corporate Chief Executive Officers, professionals in public relations, marketing, advertising and the broader integrated marketing communications sector, government leaders, corporate and not-for-profitorganisations,captains of industry, media personalities, academia and C-Suite executives from across the country.

According to her, “This award

is not just for me but the collective geniusesatGLGCommunications. We are very proud of what we have accomplished over the years, delivering quality and award-winning campaigns for our clients. I also share this award with all Nigerian PRpractitionerswho,despitemany odds,remaincommittedtointegrity and excellence.”

Prior to this recognition, Ogbe was nominated for the ‘PR Practitioner of theYear’ award at the 2022 LaPRIGAAwards, where she also led the GLG team to win ‘Best InnovationinPR’forcuratingtheGLG PR Power List, a first-of-its-kind celebration to honour outstanding PR professionals in Nigeria to mark

World PR Day.

The PR expert is also the first femalepresidentoftheLifeCoaches Association of Nigeria(LCAN) and hasreceivedawardssuchasthe2019 Coaching Icon Award, the 2022 Leading Ladies Africa 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria, and the 2022 Class of 40 under 40 Most InfluentialPeopleofAfricanDescent by MIPAD.

At the event, the Publisher/ CEO of Marketing Edge Group, John Ajayi, congratulated all the winners, and said the organisation would continue to recognise sterling achievements across the Nigerian integrated marketing communications spectrum.

Simba Talegent Poised to Resolving Nigeria’s Power Issues

SimbaSolar,theleadingnameinNigeria’s power solutions landscape has said that its newest product, the Simba Talegent solar hybrid inverters, is dedicated to resolving Nigeria’s power issues.

Announcing the launch of the product, a state-of-the-art innovation, at the Nigeria Energy Exhibition and while presenting it to the Honourable Minister of

Power,AdebayoAdelabu,theBusiness Head of Simba Power, Ravi Srivastava, shared his excitement abouttheSimbaTalegent,emphasising its unmatched quality.

“Simba has consistently led the charge in delivering exceptional powerbackupsolutions.TheSimba Solar Talegent is a testament to our commitment, setting a new benchmark in the Nigerian solar

market,” noted Srivastava.

The Simba Talegent inverters have features, including pure sine wave solar inverter compatibility withAC mains or generator power, battery-independentoperationflexibility, multi-unit linkage capability, and robust lithium battery support.

“What truly differentiates us is our unwavering focus on product quality and our unparalleled

after-sales service, which boasts the largest network in Nigeria”, Srivastava added.

With a legacy spanning 35 years in the Nigerian market, Simba’s allegiance to quality and service remains steadfast. The company continues its journey, driven by a mission to elevate the lives of Nigerians through pioneering innovations.

Abuja Continental Purports a New Landmark of Luxury

Continental Hotels, a name synonymous with luxury, excellence, and unparalleled hospitality, has announced the latest addition to its esteemed portfolio, Abuja Continental.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the brand as it extends its legacy of providing

world-class accommodations and services to the heart of Nigeria’s capital city.

Situated at the very centre of Abuja, Abuja Continental stands as a testament to the perfect fusion of n ature and sophistication, offering guests a harmonious blend of tradi-

tion, warmth, and impeccable service. Strategically positioned just 40 minutes away from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and near the Federal Secretariat and the International Conference Center, the hotel boasts an enviable location that combines convenience

Terra Developers, a leading Nigerian Real Estate firm is set to hold the third edition of its professional development summit for real estate professionals; TERRApy 3.0: Realtor Odyssey 360.

The event, themed Realtor Odyssey 360: Decoding and Mastering Real Estate Dynamics, is organised to empower real estate agents, professionals, and enthusiasts by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and essential insights required for navigating the ever-evolving real estate landscape. TERRApy 3.0 is scheduled to take place at the Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Nigeria, on October 2nd, 2023 from 10:00 am.

The event offers numerous networking opportunities, featuring a masterclass and a variety of workshops on real estate sales and financing in the Nigerian terrain. These sessions will be led by industry experts who have successfully navigated the different challenges and opportunities witnessed in the real estate market.Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights and the latest strategies to excel and thrive in the industry.

When interviewed about the event, the Managing Director of Terra Developers, Mr Kola Ashiru-Balogun, said, “We look forward to hosting Real Estate professionals to this crucial summit. Our goal is to contribute to the development of the Real Estate Industry in Nigeria through the growth of industry practitioners; hence we have made this event free for all. We strongly believe that together we can work towards mitigating the many challenges that we face as Real Estate practitioners today”.

Additionally, TERRApy 3.0 will introduce the TERRA Partners Program for realtors in Nigeria, opening doors to exciting collaboration opportunities. The event will provide ample opportunities for attendees to network with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners.

Terra Developers is well-known for its commitment to delivering Real Estate solutions, including the recent launch of Terra Vantage, aimed at helping families acquire homes tailored to their immediate housing needs.

AstherealestatesectorinNigeriacontinuestoevolve,TerraDevelopers believes that there should be an emphasis on redefining customer experience. The event intends to explore themes such as after-sales services, the art of email etiquette, and the importance of nurturing warm and enduring client relationships, conducive to future referrals. Guests can also look forward to learning from renowned industry experts like Niyi Adesanya, Iyore Ogbuigwe, widely recognised as the King of Sales, Barrister Tosin Ajose, and Samuel Obafemi George, to mention a few.

Interested persons can visit the official Terra Developers website to register (www.terradevelopers.com.ng).

Terra Developers Limited was established with a vision to provide tastefully finished and unique homes in safe and secure environments. Their projects focus on a blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality, making their homes attractive to homeowners and investors.

CARBON LIMITS NIGERIA APPOINTS HEINE MELKEVIK AS DIRECTOR

Carbon Limits Nigeria has announced Heine Melkevik as its board member and director. As Director, Melkevik is expected to provide leadership on the company’s business development initiatives as CLN scales up its activities in Nigeria and across Western and Central Africa.

“We are delighted to have Melkevik, his international experience combined with his proven ability at identifying opportunities, developing partnerships, and leading initiatives, will help in our drive to scale up the business in West and Central Africa,” said James Ogunleye, Managing Director of CLN and member of its Board said.

with accessibility.

“We are thrilled to welcome Abuja Continental into our family. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine luxury hospitality,” said Karl Hala, the Group General Manager of Continental Hotels.

NCDMB’s Support is Causing Us to Think Upgrades, Additional Investments

Precious Ugwuzor

The Chief Operating Officer of MicCom Cables and Wires, Bukola Adubi, has said that as a result of the supporthercompanyisgettingfrom theNigerianContentDevelopment and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), through its effective and efficient implementation of the Nigerian Oil andGasIndustryContentDevelopment(NOGICD)Act,MicComnow constantly thinks of upgrades and additional investments.

TheNOGICDAct,enactedin2010, is aimed at domiciling local oil and gas industry capacities. Adubi, while commending the NCDMBforeffectivelyimplementing the Act, said that the Act has created significant opportunities for local companies, like MicCom,

to play actively in the oil and gas industry. The MicCom boss, who stated this in an interview with the Local Content Television, an NCDMB’s media outfit, noted that the NOGICD Act protects local manufacturers like MicCom.

“The NOGICDAct has opened tremendous doors. We wouldn’t have been part of these oil and gas projects. But it has ensured that local manufacturers like us are protected. We’re protected as long as we’re qualified to do the job,” she said.

“It’s amazing that end-users - the clients – are also just as happy for the most part. I’m happy to note that the feedback we’ve received from them has been fantastic thus far. It’s a great deal for us, and I need to acknowledge the NCDMB because they’ve ensured the Act becomes implementable. They’ve

empowered people like ourselves, causing us to think upgrades, additional investments. With more investments will come more employment opportunities; with additional investments will come additional money for the government in the form of taxes.

It’s a truly fantastic opportunity we’ve had, and I know there’s still a long way to go,” she said.

On some of the projects the company has executed for governments, residential as well as the oil and gas industry, Adubi said that MicCom was the biggest supplier to the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and even now with the PHCN Discos, adding that the company played an active role in the building ofsomeofthepowerdistribution stations across the country.

Shereminiscedthatthecompany wasalsopartoftheinitialelectrification of the international airport in Lagos State at the time, which is how the journey started for MicCom. Currently,MicCom,Adubistated,carries out several projects including but not limited to regional offices of the CentralBankofNigeria(CBN),state governments,parastatals,electricity boards, etc.

MicCom has also recently completedthecommunityelectrification for Shell on the Assa-North project, the ongoing rehabilitation of the PortHarcourtRefinery,theongoing NLNG Train 7, and so on.

To accommodate the new things thecompanyisdoing,Adubisaidthat MicComtakesthecapacitydevelopmentofitsstaffseriouslyandensures thattheyareuptodatewithchanges within the industry.

Melkevik has a successful history with Equinor where he spent 14 years in a leadership position. He held various leadership positions with global expertise across the energy value chain, spanning from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

He has served as Deputy Country Manager, where he oversaw international exploration efforts in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Australia.

Further, he served as managing director for exploration in Colombia, Nicaragua, and Suriname. As Managing Director and VP of Equinor Nigeria, Heine focused on oil and gas operations as well as on emerging energy solutions such as biofuels and hydrogen. He holds a BSc in International Business and an MSc in Applied Economics and Finance, both from Copenhagen Business School. He also completed exchange programs at the Faculty of MBA and Finance in Venezuela and the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University in Thailand.

Melkevik is a Norwegian, fluent in multiple languages and equipped with extensive leadership experience, He is a key player in the international energy industry with a decade of senior management experience.

“Having Melkevik on board with us represents an alignment in purpose and core values for Heine and Carbon Limits Nigeria; a path we feel very excited about,” CLN’s Co-founder and Partner, Bolaji Ogundare, said.

“Melkevik will consolidate and build on our strong track record in the region and deliver further growth by opening new opportunities and collaborative initiatives,” the company added.

Co-founder and director Torleif Haugland of CLN added, “His background from oil and gas operations at Equinor and leadership of the company’s activities in Nigeria makes him a unique resource for scale-up of CLN’s activities. In addition, our ambition is that this will contribute further to the development of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Norway on sustainable oil and gas sector management and climate change mitigation”

African Prints Festival Set to Hold in Four Cities

Terra Developers MD, Kola Ashiru-Balogun

Akaraiwe: CBN Monetary Policies Must Prioritize FDI over Portfolio Investment

Kayode Tokede

The Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Blaque Advisory, Mr. Zeal Akaraiwe has expressed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monetary policies must prioritize Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over portfolio investment targeted at its purpose of achieving infrastructural development and employment opportunities.

Akaraiwe who was speaking recently at a webinar hosted by Nairametrics tagged, “Economic Recap of the Current Administration’s First 100 Days,” said FDI structured investment into the economy, stressing that it brings employment opportunity, the creation of value.

According to him, “When a company comes and builds a

$300billion plant in Nigeria, the plant will work, and operate. You will see the effect on the economy.”

Akaraiwe urged the new CBN governor, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso to ensure a calculated monetary policy that is centred around transparency as well as confidence in the market.

According to him, no investor, whether local or foreign, will infuse capital into a system that lacks liquidity and trust.

“The key thing we need to highlight is that investment in general will be direct to two or three factors. One, confidence in the economy is driven by policies. Two is liquidity. Basically, if I bring money into the economy, the one question is can I get my money back?

“If that answer is not an

unequivocal yes, then confidence will begin to deplete. As confidence depletes, inflows from investors have to go down. The value of the currency starts to depreciate. But beyond the foreign investment figures, we need to pay attention to net flow into the economy,” he said.

Speaking, the MD/CEO, KSBC Advisory Partners Ltd/ Arise Business Analyst, Chika Mbonu said it is imperative for the federal government to address current challenges to bolster the nation’s oil production.

According to him, addressing current subsidy and foreign exchange challenges vital to streamline and fortify the nation’s public finance, encompassing both revenue generation and expenditure management.

Transcorp Hotels Sustains Impressive Market Performance

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transcorp Group has said that it has achieved full compliance with the Nigerian Exchange’s (NGX) free float requirement for companies listed on its Main Board through free-float market capitalisation.

This comes following months of sustained impressive market performance that saw the company’s market capitalisation rise to more than N470 billion.

Free float refers to the shares of a company that can be publicly traded and are not restricted. According to the NGX, companies listed on its Main Board, where its top stocks are listed, are required to have 20 percent issued and fully paid share capital or have a N20 billion market capitalisation on its publicly traded shares.

Transcorp Hotels Plc had in

June achieved compliance with the NGX’s requirement as it experienced significant growth in its market capitalisation due to its excellent financial performance and operational efficiency. However, the Exchange monitored the Company’s free float compliance status for a period of three (3) months starting from Friday, 30 June 2023 to Friday, 22 September 2023 in line with its practice of monitoring a company’s free float.

“We further note that Transcorp’s free float currently stands at 12.78% with a value (market capitalization) of N58, 788,278,971.52 as at 21 September 2023,” a notice by the Exchange stated.

Chairman, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Emmanuel Nnorom expressed enthusiasm regarding the achievement, stating, “Maintaining compliance with

NGX’s free float requirement is a testament to Transcorp Hotels Plc’s resilience and strategic positioning in the market. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and corporate governance, factors that underpin our success.”

He also added that the impressive performance of the company over the years has built market confidence, seeing the share price grow by more than 500 percent over the past year.

The Company had in the first half of 2023 grown profit by 49 percent year-onyear, reaching N3.53 billion compared to N2.37 billion in H1 2022. Revenue also soared to N18.98 billion from N14.99 billion recorded during the same period of the previous year, showcasing a remarkable growth of over 27 percent.

Wema Bank, Selar Partner to Empower Africa’s Creative Economy

Wema Bank has partnered with Selar, Africa’s largest creator platform, to empower African creatives and bridge the prevalent gaps in the African creative space. The bank in a statement said the partnership has birthed a power-packed webinar titled, “The Digital Economy and the Future of Work,” a learning and problemsolving webinar aimed at helping Africans—especially Nigerian—creators to maximise their potential and leverage available resources to transform their creativity into sustainable streams of income.

According to a survey conducted by Selar, one in every four creators is an employer, a testament to the potential for creators not only to earn but to create job opportunities, thus bolstering the African Creator Economy as a stable and lucrative source of income.

Head of Innovation & Corporate Transformation at Wema Bank, Solomon Ayodele and one of the speakers at the event, commended the bank’s commitment to innovation, recounting the bank’s storied history of

resilience and technological advancement. He affirmed Wema Bank’s dedication to equipping its customers with practical knowledge to help them monetize the digital sphere effectively.

According to the C.E.O. of Selar, Douglas Kendyson the dream is for the partnership to mark the beginning of a strong network of groundbreaking initiatives from both powerhouses—Wema Bank and Selar—to revolutionise the creative space in Africa and build more jobs for Africans all over the world.

PWAN Hosts Awards Night, Celebrates Employees

Tosin Cleg

PWAN CHAMPION, an affiliate under the PWAN GROUP; the first real estate network marketing company in the world held a celebration last weekend to appraise her successes as a company and to reward her best performing staff and ever-supportive realtors popularly called the Pwan Business Owners.

This year’s award night, the CHAMPIONS NITE 002, was held at the Ground Ball Room, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and was attended by some of the biggest personalities in the real estate industry. The

evening began with a red carpet event that saw celebrities and industry giants from different walks of life adorned in their best outfits just to identify with the Pwan Champion brand.

The MD/CEO, PWAN CHAMPION, Dr. Benedict Abudu Ibhadon’s welcome address opened the event and energetically set up the atmosphere for a blissful experience. Dr. Ibhadon also carefully took everyone in the room on a roller coaster ride from the inception and birth of the company to date; citing both personal and corporate experiences and how each step, each innovation, and

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Airtel Africa, Annika Poutiaineh; Non-Executive Director, Airtel Africa, Awuneba Ajunogobia; Non-Executive Director, Airtel Africa, John Danilovich; Group Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya; Head Teacher, Oremeji Primary School II, Mrs. Anokam Caroline; Chief of Lagos Office, UNICEF, Celine Lafoucriere; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, during a working visit to Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle,

MARKET INDICATORS

each decision helped in shaping the company into what it is today.

He expressed that the Champions Nite is fully to celebrate the marketers who have done well to contribute to the company’s growth, “And today also happens to be our 2nd year anniversary as well and we would be giving our cars, lands and other incentives to appreciate the deserving staff. In less than two years we have 16 estates in Nigeria in more than 7 locations and have done over 10 Billion in two years which is why we have set aside today to celebrate everyone who has contributed to what we are.”

Money

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 AUGUST, 2023

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

to assess progress of the Airtel/UNICEF Re-Imagine Education initiative in Lagos…recently

Foreign Investors Close Gap on Domestic Players, Trade 14.15% in August

KayodeTokede

Foreign investors reduced domestic investors’ control in the stock market transactions after trading 14.15 per cent out of the overall N262.56 billion in August 2023.

This is against domestic that traded 85.85 per cent in August.

Analysts have expressed that foreign investors are reaping significantly from the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange unification by taking position in key fundamental stocks on the Exchange.

Both the foreign and domestic investors traded N2.4trillion in stocks in Year-till-Date from N1.89trillion in corresponding period of 2022.

According to “domestic & foreign portfolio participation in equity trading” statistics by NGX, foreign investors traded

N37.16billion, while domestic investors traded N225.40 billion in August 2023 out off the overall N262.56billion.

The latest statistics disclosed that, “As at 31 August 2023, total transactions at the nation’s bourse decreased by 62.65 per cent from N702.98billion (about $991.91million) in July 2023 to N262.56billion (about $338.13million) in August6

2023.

“The performance of the current month when compared to the performance in August 2022 (N123.97billion) revealed that total transactions increased by 111.79 per cent.

In August 2023, the total value of transactions executed by Domestic Investors outperformed transactions executed by Foreign Investors by circa 72per cent.”

“A further analysis of the total transactions executed between the current and prior month (July 2023) revealed that total domestic transactions decreased by 65.97per cent from N662.44billion in July to N225.40billion in August 2023.

“Similarly, total foreign transactions decreased marginally by 8.34per cent from N40.54billion (about

$52.58million) to N37.16billion (about $47.94million) between July 2023 and August 2023,” the report added.

It will be recalled that during a 16-year period, domestic transactions decreased by 45.30 per cent from N3.556 trillion in 2007 to N1.945 trillion in 2022 whilst foreign transactions also decreased by 38.47 per cent from N616 billion to N379 billion over the same period.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/28/23

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

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 26Sept-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

L-R: Director, Special Duties, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Alhaji Musa Abubakar; NYSC DirectorGeneral, Brigadier-General Yushau Dogara Ahmed; National Deputy President, Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON)/Chairman, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Hon. Aminu Maifata; and Director, ICT, NYSC, Mrs. Christy Uba, during the meeting of NYSC management and representatives of Nasarawa State Government held in Abuja…recently

L-R: Wife of one of the awardees, Mrs. Veronica Nzei; an awardee, Chuks Nzei; Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins; another awardee, Sir Ken Ufere; and First Vice President, Catholic Men Organisation, Lagos Archdiocese, Mr. Amaechina Obinna, during the presentation of awards of recognition to Chuks Nzei and Ufere for their outstanding contributions to the growth of Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, by the archbishop of Lagos…recently

ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Centre Manager, BT Health and Diagnostic Centre (BTHDC), Dr. Wale Olusanya; Radiologists, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC), New York, the United States of America, Dr. Victoria Mango, and Dr. Jeffrey Reiner, at a training session to educate radiologists and radiographers on MRI techniques, hosted by BT Health and Diagnostic Centre in Ikeja, Lagos…recently

L-R: Chief Operation Officer, 9mobile, John Vasikaran; 9mobile Brand Ambassador, Daniel Benson; Chief Executive Officer, 9mobile, Juergen Peschel; 9mobile Brand Ambassador, Franklyn Ikemefune; and Chief Finance Officer, 9mobile, Nkem Oni-Egboma, at a team-bonding event tagged: ‘Unwind with 9’, held at the 9mobile headquarters in Lagos…recently

L-R: Chairman, Apapa Community Development Association, Mr. Ewunmi Regal; Head of CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; Secretary, Apapa Community Development Association, Babatunde Raji; Regional Operations Director (Lagos), Airtel Nigeria, Chika Obanor; representative of Baale of Ajagbe Town, Yusuf Ojola; and Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Sam Adeoye, during the presentation of a community borehole and other items to Sari Iganmu community, Lagos, as part of Airtel Touching Lives Season 7, in Lagos…recently

L-R: Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Yibo Koko; Founder, Eritage Africa, Tamunotonye Pamela; and official, ThankGod Okorisha, during the tour of Contemporary Photos of Port Harcourt 2023 Exhibition to commemorate the 2023 World Tourism Day in Port Harcourt…recently

PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

A cross-section of the prodigies of Africa: L-R: Kola Adedeji, Akin Hezekaiah, Pedro Nwawunze, Sotonye Jumbo, Chioma Okoli, Omonu Salisu, Oluwaseun Loje, Curator, Sachi Hani-Okoroafor, Anayo Achike, and Taiye Ajakaiye, during the presentation of ‘infiltration of the Blues’ at an art exhibition curated by Sachi in Lagos…recently

PHOTO:

FIDSON'S 24TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...

Strategy & Marketing

Jonathan, Other African Leaders Brainstorm on Continent’s Democracy, Development

Sit-tight leaders cause of frequent coups, says Lumumba Diri wants international community to monitor Bayelsa poll

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Issues bordering on incessant military coups, democracy and crisis in African were the talking points among African leaders, yesterday, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as former President Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders brainstorm towards proferring solutions to catalyse its development.

The African leaders including renowned lawyer and pan-Africanist,

Prof Patrick Lumumba, spoke during the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue Series: 'Breaking New Grounds in the Democracy Development Nexus in Africa,' at the Local Content Tower Conference Hall in Yenagoa.

The panel discussants were former president of Sierra Leone, Bai Koroma; former Vice President of the Gambia, Fatuomata Tambajang; Prof Ibaba Samuel Ibaba and Ambassador Joe Keshi, among others

Other dignitaries at the event included Dame Patience Jonathan, Dr Gloria Diri as well as Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; deputy governors of Oyo and Bauchi States, serving and former national and state lawmakers, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and King Joshua Igbugburu, among other traditional rulers.

Jonathan, who was also the

chairman and founder of the foundation, said the annual dialogue was an initiative that brought together stakeholders across Africa to examine issues of democracy and crisis in the continent.

Jonathan said, "Democracy on the continent has gone through a period of crises that thrives by social tension, coup d’etat, insecurity and poor management of electoral process, which in itself is a threat to our democracy in Africa.

"The challenges of poverty and unemployment and non-attainment of basic economic rights has created a crisis of trust in the hearts of citizens on the role and impact of democracy in our society.

"These issues have begun to question the fate of democracy as well as impact on the peace, security and development of the continent."

Lumumba, in his keynote address, suggested that Africans should look inward to solve their problems,

NEC URGES LABOUR TO SHELVE PLANNED STRIKE, NUPENG THREATENS TO HALT FUEL SUPPLY

informed the council that members were making progress and urged them to re-double efforts as states looked forward to more interventions.

Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, said the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, made a presentation to NEC on the fiscal policy and tax reforms. Madein disclosed that the committee was set up by Tinubu to review and redesign Nigeria’s fiscal system with respect to revenue mobilisation through both tax and non-tax avenues; quality of government spending; and sustainable debt management. She said, in addition, the committee would identify relevant measures to make Nigeria an attractive destination for investment and facilitate inclusive economic growth.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, gave details of balances in the country’s excess crude and other accounts as follows: Excess Crude Account, $473,754.57; Stabilisation Account, N34, 936,868,803.58; Development of Natural Resources, N128, 330,636,441.14.

AGF Warns NLC, TUC against Planned Nationwide Strike

Fagbemi warned organised labour against the planned nationwide industrial action.

In a letter to the NLC and TUC lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, the AGF reminded the workers’ union that the law banning any strike action in respect of the removal of subsidy was still in force and must be obeyed by all parties. He appealed to the labour leaders to comply with the law and exploit other peaceful and legal mechanisms in addressing whatever grievances they might have against the government and its policies.

In the letter dated September 26, Fagbemi told Falana that as counsel to the labour leaders, he was under obligation to let them know the consequences of proceeding with the scheduled strike action.

The letter, personally signed by the AGF, drew the attention of the labour leaders to a subsisting order of injunction which restrained them from leading workers in the country to any form of strike action.

The letter read in part, "The attention of the ministry has been drawn to media reports on the proposed nation-wide strike action by the NLC and TUC scheduled to commence on 3rd October 2023.

"You are kindly invited to recall the antecedence of previous steps, actions on this matter, particularly the exchange of correspondence between this office and your firm, before and after the nationwide ‘action/protest’ declared by the NLC on 2nd August 2023.

"Whilst your clients had maintained that the nationwide protest by NLC is in furtherance of its constitutional right to embark on protests, the ministry has repeatedly advised on the need to advise your clients to refrain from resorting to selfhelp and taking actions capable of undermining subsisting orders of a court of competent jurisdiction."

The minister also reminded the labour leaders how the government had abandoned its contempt proceedings against them following the intervention of the president and National Assembly, in order for the government and labour to engage in further negotiations without any form of encumbrances.

Fagbemi stated, "However, in its communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting on August 31, 2023, NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from August 31, 2023.

"Also on September 26, 2023, the presidents of NLC and TUC, jointly issued a communiqué stating that organised labour had resolved, ‘to embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours, Tuesday, October 3, 2023’.

"From a review of the contents of the above communiques and available media reports, the proposed strike action is premised principally in furtherance of issues connected with the removal of fuel subsidy, hike in

fuel price and consequential matters of making provisions for palliatives and workers welfare.

"These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication. Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 restraining both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice.

"We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.

It is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.

“It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.”

The AGF added, "Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress it upon the organised labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike action is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.

"Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the strike action.

"The foregoing will afford parties more room for further mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest."

NUPENG Directs Members to Halt Fuel Supply

NUPENG directed its members to withdraw their services nationwide from Tuesday, in line with the indefinite strike called by NLC and TUC.

NUPENG said it was disturbing and unfortunate that the federal government and other tiers of government were insensitive to the excruciating socio-economic pains Nigerians were passing through as a result of harsh and sudden economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration.

In a mobilisation letter jointly signed by NUPENG President, William Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the oil workers’ union said although they were aware of the huge effect a-24 hour industrial action by organised labour could have on businesses and the socio-economic lives of the nation, the government's actions and inactions were inextricably forcing organised labour to take “this very hard and painful route.”

The letter said, "Consequent upon the joint resolution of the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress ,as the outcome of the joint National Executive Council meeting of the two labour federations, held on September 25, 2O23, we wish to inform all our members in the formal and informal sectors of the Nigeria oil and gas industry and alert the general public that the rank and file members of our union are hereby directed to commence full mobilisation and ensure an unwavering compliance with the directive of the two labour centres to all affiliate unions to embark on a nationwide industrial action from midnight of 3rd October, 2023."

NUPENG described as worrisome the apparent lack of regard for the cries and yearnings of the organised labour, civil society organisations, and the general public by the present administration.

It stated, "It appears the administration is arrogantly taking the goodwill and the tolerance level of the workers and Nigerians in general for granted. This arrogance is demonstrated clearly and loudly by the ways and manners meetings with organised labour and outcomes of such meetings are taking with levity and disrespect.

"Beyond any reasonable doubts, the government has demonstrated high insensitivity, lack of respect and

regards to organised labour and the Nigerian masses.

“Therefore, it is in the light of the above that NUPENG, as a responsive and responsible affiliate union of the NLC, will fully comply with the resolution of the joint NEC meeting and we hereby direct the leaders in the four zonal councils of our great union to mobilise all our members in the formal and informal sectors to shut down services effective 3rd October, 2023.

"All NUPENG members, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Petrol Stations Workers (PSW), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers (LPGAR) and all other allied workers in the value chain of petroleum products distribution must comply with this directive from midnight of Tuesday, 3rd October 2023."

Furthermore, NUPENG directed all its branches and units to ensure full compliance by setting up compliance and monitoring teams in all operational locations.

NLC: No Agreement Reached with FG to Suspend Planned Nationwide Strike

NLC stressed that it had not reached any form of understanding with the federal government to suspend the indefinite strike scheduled for Tuesday. It also said there was no scheduled meeting with government that might lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.

In a statement issued by NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Mr. Benson Upah, the labour movement said it became necessary to make the clarification following inconsistencies allegedly contained in the statement credited to Director of Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Olajide Oshundun.

Upah stated, "Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action.

“Neither do we have any date for a meeting with government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.

adding that the sit-tight African leaders were responsible for the frequent coups in the continent. He said development would never come except Africa was well governed by its leaders and stop receiving instructions from governments of other continents.

Lumumba said, "Good governance is what Africa needs to develop and the time is now. The African institutions must not receive instructions outside the continent.

"While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the ministry. This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting.

"Secondly, while we appreciate the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from unlawful/illegal police detention, we take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders."

NLC advised the Nigeria Police and those behind the travails of the NURTW officials "to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct".

Meanwhile, United Action Front of Civil Society endorsed the planned indefinite nationwide strike.

Head of National Coordinating Centre of the civil society group, Olawale Okunniyi, said, "It is unfortunate that while the arbitrary fuel price hike in the name of subsidy removal on premium motor spirit has pushed most Nigerians below poverty line, government continues to play the ostrich, in spite of the promises made to labour leaders on the need for upward review of workers’ wages, inclusive palliatives to citizens, among others.

“The leadership of the United Action Front of Civil Society wishes to enjoin all civil society leaders, activists, working people in the private and public sectors as well as all well-meaning Nigerians in general to team up with us in rallying support for the success of the indefinite strike action declared by labour by making out time to be part of the civil society coordinating centre charged to enforce citizens’ sit-at-home during the nationwide strike action called to save Nigeria; push for living wages for the working people and better welfare conditions for Nigerians in the face of excruciating consequences of the exploitative and wrongheaded policies of government."

Okuniyi said it was evident that the present government lacked the requisite wherewithal to fix the rots perpetrated by the immediate past government of the same party and might end up worsening the situation.

L-R:

Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Olugbenga Olayeye; Deputy Managing Director, Biola Adebayo, Founder/Managing Director, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae; Chairman of The Board, Segun Adebanji and Company Secretary, Yomi Adebanjo during Fidson Healthcare plc Annual General Meeting held recently at Ikeja, Lagos

NBC INAUGURATES WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FACILITY...

L-R: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Omoyeni Balogun; Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability

The Coca-Cola Company, Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe; Vice Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Prince Muhammed Eshilokun;Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, Oluwasoromidayo George; Vice Chairman Lagos Mainland Local Government, Hon. Emilagba Jubril; and Zonal Director, South West /Federal Controller, Lagos, Federal Ministry of Environment, Oluwatoyin Agbenla, at the inauguration of a Water Sanitation and Hygiene facility as part of NBC’s initiative to support Federal Government in its quest to end open face defecation in Idumagbo, Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

Confusion Trails Split Decision of Kaduna Guber Election Tribunal

Counsels of APC, PDP Clarify Judgment

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Different understandings of the judgement of the Kaduna governorship election petition which was delivered via Zoom yesterday had sparked off confusion.

While some people understood the judgment to mean Governor Uba Sani’s election was upheld by the tribunal, others understood the judgement differently.

It was initially reported that the judgment was inconclusive and Sani was sacked and elections were ordered in 22 polling units in four LGAs across the state within 90 days.

However, another perspective of the judgement said the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the 2023 election, Isah Ashiru challenging the victory of Sani of the All Progressives Congress

(APC).

In a dissenting judgment of two against one, delivered, the three-member panel headed by Justice Victor Oviawie dismissed the petition on the ground that the pre-hearing notice was filed out of time and therefore deemed to be abandoned.

However in a telephone interview after the judgment both lawyers of the PDP and the APC, confirmed that the petition of the PDP was dismissed and the election of Sani was affirmed.

22 polling units that were cancelled because the number of voters there is 16,000 while the margin between APC and PDP is 11,000.

people.

ITUC

Warns FG against Trampling on Workers’ Rights

Condemns forceful eviction of leaders of RTEAN, NURTW

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has urged the federal government to desist from any action capable of undermining the civil and democratic rights of the Nigerian workers.

The Trade Union Confederation called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to champion the cause of human and workers' rights in Nigeria.

Regarding the alleged illegal occupation of the premises of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the ITUC demanded a thorough investigation, prosecution, and appropriate sanctions for the police personnel involved in the act.

In apparent show of solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the ITUC said Nigeria was duty-bound to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and the civil rights of its citizens.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Kwasia Adu-Amankwah, the ITUC said it was deeply concerned about the current attempts in Nigeria to undermine and encroach upon the democratic and civic rights of Nigerian workers.

"We have received reliable information from the NLC that the federal government is planning to exert control over trade union organisations and their leadership through various means, including the potential use of coercive and deadly force by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

"ITUC-Africa asserts that attempts to weaken trade unions and diminish their influence are counterproductive and directly contravene internationally recognized labor rights and principles.

"Therefore, we call upon the Nigerian government to immediately cease these attacks and engage in constructive dialogue with the labor movement for the betterment of Nigerian workers' rights and interests and those of the nation as a whole.”

The ITUC said Article 40 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999) explicitly guarantees the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and association.

It also reminded the Nigerian government, especially in its capacity as the current Chair of the ILO Governing Body, of its obligation to uphold and respect its ratified ILO Conventions.

The ITUC said the persistent disregard of the conventions was not only regrettable but also tarnishes Nigeria's international reputation as a champion of labor rights. Additionally, the ITUC said that the antagonistic approach towards trade unions undermined their essential role in advancing industrial harmony and productivity. It also contradicts the principles of democratic governance and social dialogue.

"However, regrettably, we have observed these rights being violated. For instance, there are documented instances where the NPF forcibly prevented members and leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) from conducting their legitimate activities.

"The Nigeria Police Force's unwarranted interference and disruption of the NURTW's operations, as well as its attacks on legitimate leadership, constitute an alarming abuse of power in favour of vested interests.

The tribunal chairman and another member held that the appeal brought by PDP and Ashiru against the dismissal of their petition at the preliminary stage by the first and second defendants was not meritorious because the filing of the pre-hearing notice was abandoned and out of time, and therefore had dealt the entire petition a fatal blow. However, the tribunal noted that if the petition had not been dismissed for lack of merit, it would have ordered a supplementary election in 22 polling units within 90 days in the substantive judgement.

Sanusi Musa (SAN) one of the counsels of the APC said: “The judgement is simply, the tribunal dismissed the petition based on the motion filed by Uba Sani and the APC on the grounds that PDP has abandoned its petition since the on May 2023.

“So, based on that, the tribunal agreed case was abandoned. But because it is a court of first instance, the court said that notwithstanding, let it consider the merit of the petition, despite the dismissal of the petition.

“The tribunal said had it been the petition is not dismissed, its decision would be that INEC ought not to have declared winner for the elections until after conducting elections in

“But despite this finding, the tribunal had already dismissed the PDP petition so Uba Sani’s election is upheld.”

In his reaction, Mohammed Baba Lawal, one of the counsels of the PDP, said: “What actually happened was that APC raised an objection about our petition that we filed out of time. But the position of the Electoral Act is that the tribunal must go into the knitty gritty.

“Now they found that there is the need for rerun in 22 polling units in four LGAs. “We cannot activate that as inconclusive unless we appeal against that decision that declared our petition abandoned.

“The final decision of the court has two arms, that is what confused

“One declared our petition as abandoned, the second decision declared the election inconclusive but, that inconclusive decision cannot be activated unless the decision declaring the petition abandoned is appealed against and set aside.

“So technically the tribunal declared the petition abandoned and dismissed it. “

Meanwhile, Sani, whom the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared as the winner of the exercise, hailed the court for dismissing PDP’s petition.

“I was happy after the NEC meeting when I heard the news that the tribunal dismissed the PDP’s application against the election. Of course, I was not surprised because, throughout the tribunal sitting our lawyers were briefing me about what was happening,” he said.

Adenuga’s Conoil Showers $2.2m Dividends on Shareholders for 2022

Conoil Plc, owned by Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. has announced a whopping $2.2million (N1.73 billion) as dividends for its shareholders for year 2022. Industry sources revealed that the shareholders will receive the dividends today, September 29, 2023.

Mike Adenuga himself is poised to receive a substantial windfall of N1.29 billion ($1.65 million) in dividends from his holdings

in Conoil Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost petroleum marketing companies.

According to the sources, the profit before tax profile received a major boost as it leapt from N3.83 billion ($4.9million) in 2021 to N6.13 billion ($7.84 million) in 2022, just as its earnings after tax rose by an equally astounding 60%, from N3.08 billion ($3.94 million) to N4.96 billion ($6.35 million) within the same period. Conoil's

profits per share equally rose to an industry high of N7.14 ($0.0091) which is 60.8 percent above the N4.44 ($0.00568) generated in 2021.

These exceptional performances encouraged the company’s board of directors to approve a final dividend of $2.2 million which translates to N2.5 ($0.00319) per share for the benefit of its shareholders.

Conoil is the largest indigenous oil marketing firm in Nigeria with

vast competence in downstream Petrochemicals, Energy, and Chemicals.

The company boasts the sale of Quatro brands of combustibles including aviation fuel, diesel and premium motor spirit popularly known as petrol in the Nigerian market owing to the unflinching business acumen of the business magnate who owns 74.4per cent, totaling 516,298,603 shares of the flourishing oil marketing company.

NAF Airstrikes: Indigenes Flee Anambra Community over Fear of Attack IPOB denies ownership of bombed camps

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Following airstrikes by Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on Osumoghu community in Nnewi South Local Government Area, residents of the community have begun toflee the area over fear of attacks.

NAF had Tuesday bombed camps of terrorists suspected to be members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and their armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN). Spokesperson of NAF, Edward Gabkwet in a press release said the strikes were able to hit the target, causing the terrorists to flee.

Gabkwet stated that the reason for

the airstrikes was because there was intelligence report that the terrorists planned to conduct attacks in the localities.

Thus, yesterday, indigenes of Orsumoghu community in Anambra State started fleeing the community in droves, for fear that the terrorists might regroup and attack them.

A source said: "Our people are leaving the community now. There are rumours that the terrorists are regrouping, and there are likelihood that with anger, any one they find would be their target.

"Those people are heartless. They do not even know who their brother's are. That is the main reason no one

wants to take chances with them. I love here in Awka, but my people in the village have all left," the source said.

Meanwhile, IPOB, has denied ownership of camps bombed by the NAF in Anambra and Imo.

IPOB, in a press release by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said NAF lied, insisting that the group did not own camps in the areas mentioned.

"We debunk the claims by the Nigerian Air Force of bombing IPOB's ESN camps at Osumoghu in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State and Osuihiteukwa in Orsu LGA, Imo State. We are bold to say that ESN

does not have camps in any of the bombed locations," he said.

The group stated that the bombed camps were those of terrorists sponsored by leader of a splinter group, Simon Ekpa, based in Finland.

"The Nigeria Air Force should stop lying and blackmailing this peaceful IPOB with the so-called bombing of IPOB's ESN camps.

"For public information, IPOB doesn't operate camps in those locations. IPOB has offices in Biafra Land and in diaspora. We are not criminals nor terrorist otherwise civilised countries would not give us the freedom to gather in their countries.”

BOOSTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS…

L-R: Promoter of KayiApp, Alh. Saadina Dantata; Managing Director, KMC Microfinance Finance Bank, Alh. Yunusa Muhammad; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Abdullah, during the unveiling of KayiApp, a new digital platform for secure financial transactions in Abuja…yesterday

Kogi APC Ticket: S’Court Dismisses Achimugu’s Appeal, Smart Adeyemi Knows Fate October 23

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Hope of an aggrieved aspirant, Abubakar Achimugu of clinching the ticket of the All Progressives Congress APC (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, was completely dashed yesterday, following the

dismissal of his appeal by the Supreme Court challenging the nomination of Usman Ododo.

Meanwhile, hope of another aspirant, Senator Smart Adeyemi, was kept alive till October 23, when the five member panel that heard his appeal against Ododo’s emergence as APC’s flag bearer

Ogun 2023: Tribunal Fixes Judgment for Saturday

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, has fixed Saturday, September 30(tomorrow) for judgment in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu against the return of Governor Dapo Abiodun as the winner of the March 18, 2023 Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the petition marked EPT/ OG/GOV/03/2023, the INEC, was also listed as a respondent.

The INEC had declared Abiodun winner after polling 276,298 votes, while Adebutu scored 262,38 and Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came distant third with 9, 4754 votes.

Adebutu in the petition is seeking an order of the court declaring him as the winner of the election.

The petitioners also prayed the court to order the INEC to conduct fresh election in 99 polling units in 41 wards which cut across 16

Local government areas of the State where elections were either not held and/or cancelled due to disruption and over-voting.

However, after three weeks of arguing and calling a total of 94 witnesses, the petitioners closed their case.

The petitioners also tendered over 200,000 documents before the Tribunal to prove their case.

Abiodun, who is the second respondent also closed his defence after calling a total of six witnesses, including two subpoenaed witnesses - an official of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), a staff of Zenith Bank, voters and party agents.

Abiodun also tendered hundreds of documents as evidence to prove his case.

After weeks of fireworks, the three-man tribunal presided over by Justice Hamidu Kunaza, fixed the judgment for Saturday.

However and expectedly, both the PDP and the APC, are expressing confidence that the judgment, will come in the way of their own respective political parties.

Ekiti Electoral Body Fixes Dates for LG Polls

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), has concluded plans to conduct elections into the 16 local governments and 22 local council development areas (LCDA’s) in the state.

The Chairman of EKSIEC, Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), dropped the hint yesterday during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti. Listing the activities of the commission ahead of the exercise, the Justice Akintayo, who was flanked by other members of the commission, said that election of 177 counselors would also be conduct.

He explained that ward congresses to elect chairmanship and counsellorship candidates by political parties would come up on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Collection and submission of

nomination forms by various political parties participating in the election would hold from October 12 to October 18, 2023.

Submission of list of qualified and unqualified candidates to political parties and replacement of candidates by political parties would also come up on November 6 and November 10, 2023.

The EKSIEC’s chairman solicited for the supports of the media and other relevant stakeholders in the state for the success of the exercise, adding that publication of person nominated by political parties and issuance of notice of polls would be held on November 20, 2023 while notice of withdrawal of nomination of candidates by political parties and closing of electioneering campaign by political parties would take place on November 24 and November29 respectively.

will deliver their verdict.

Both Achimugu and Adeyemi are challenging the candidacy of Ododo, who was the immediate past Auditor of Kogi State, while Achimugu claimed that Ododo’s nomination breached provisions

of the law, Adeyemi, on his part, faulted the primary election that produced Ododo, stating that election did not take place in over 220 electoral wards in the state.

However, both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in

their separate judgments dismissed the suits for lacking in merit.

Not satisfied, Achimugu and Adeyemi filed the instant appeal which was heard today.

When the individual cases were mentioned, Achimugu’s lawyer,

Udeh Oyibo, took the hint of the apex court and accordingly withdrew the appeal, while Adeyemi’s lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, convinced that his case has merit adopted and argued his brief.

Banditry, Kidnapping Affecting Tourism in Niger, Says Commissioner

Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State Government has lamented that banditry and kidnapping are hampering the opening of new tourism sites and visits by tourists to already established centres in the state.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajia Fatima Adamu, said at an event to mark this year’s World Tourism Day in Minna on Wednesday that “insecurity is also militating against the promotion of tourism in most parts of the state.”

Adamu said new tourism

sites have been discovered in some areas of the state which she did not mention but lamented that insecurity has not made it possible for these areas to be exposed to the outside world especially tourists as a result the veritable source of revenue is being blocked.

The commissioner, who only recently assumed duties declared:”My challenges in promoting tourism in Niger State is funding and insecurity because some of those places cannot be accessed because of the insecurity, most especially the Kwangugari site.

Nigeria Deserves Good Leadership to Achieve Greatness, Says Senate

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Senate yesterday declared that it has been so far , so fair for the country in its journey of nationhood .

The red chamber noted that the lofty ideas and ideals held by its foremost leaders at independence,

had yet to be fully attained.

The Chairman , Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs , Senator Yemi Adaramodu ( APC Ekiti South),stated this in Abuja.

He said the success of Nigeria in her journey of nationhood in the last 63 years , far outweighs

its failures.

He, however, said the country needs to get leadership issue more correctly for the required acceleration in the journey of nationhood.

The Senate spokesperson said: “The past of Nigeria like those of other countries or anything

or persons, cannot be perfect but its future is very bright.

“Having survived her turbulent past , what Nigeria requires now from both leaders and the led , is patriotism which can only be driven by positive mind set of every Nigerian to the Nigeria Project .

We’ll Support, Empower Women in the Mining Sector, Says Adeleke

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed his commitment to support and empower women in the mining sector. Adeleke made this known at the Gold and Gemstone

Conference and Exhibition (GGCE 2023) that was held at the African Gemstone and Jewelry Conference Centre, Lagos.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Mining and Mineral Matters, Professor Lukman

Jimoda, noted that the inclusion and empowerment of women in the mining industry is essential for their own economic emancipation and the overall growth and prosperity of Osun State and Nigeria.

He maintained that the Osun State Government is committed

to promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in all sectors of the state’s economy.

Adeleke said: “Osun State is one of the key states in mineral exploration and mineral processing. We have around 300 mining titles within the state.

Politicians Fueling Traditional Stool Crisis in Akwa Ibom, Groups Allege

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Two socio-political groups in Akwa Ibom State, Peace Advocacy Initiative and Akwa Ibom United Front have said that the ongoing traditional stool crisis in the state was being

sponsored by some unscrupulous politicians.

Akwa Ibom monarchs have been enmeshed in a faceoff following the passage of the amended Traditional Rulers Council Law CAP155.

The royal fathers from

Annang and Oro ethnic nation rejected the new law describing it as discriminatory because it seeks to grant perpetual leadership of the traditional rulers council to the Oku Ibom Ibibio, disregarding the longstanding rotational provision among all

paramount rulers in the state. The state government has already begged the royal fathers to employ dialogue to settle their differences, saying that it would maintain its long standing disposition of not interfering with traditional matters.

Erosion: Awka Indigenes Abandon Homes, Beg Soludo for Intervention

Some residents of Awka community, within the capital of Anambra State have abandoned their homes over the menace of erosion.

Residents of the area, during a meeting to assess the level of damage already caused by the menace, begged the Anambra

State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to come to their rescue.

The gully which has eaten up a large portion of land in Amachalla village is still threatening more buildings, while many residents of the area have abandoned their properties.

Some residents of the area,

including Emeka Ezekwe, Joseph Adimonye and Sam Nwanna, who spoke to journalists said the devastation has made the area desolate.

Adimonye said: “Many people have abandoned their homes because of this very erosion.

“You can see many abandoned

properties here, including those of people who just started their buildings, but abandoned it.

“In this very place five years ago, a man who couldn’t bear the devastation on his house committed suicide. That is the condition we have found ourselves.”

‘Bauchi Taking Steps to Ensure Democratic Tenets Are Upheld’

Segun AwofadejiinBauchi

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, yesterday raised concern that democracy is experiencing a decline in Africa where it is undermined by poverty, insecurity, unconstitutional

change of government and decline in electoral integrity.

Governor Mohammed made this known in a message at the 2023 Democracy Dialogue organised by Goodluck Jonathan Foundation at Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB),

Tower Hall, Yenogoa, Bayelsa State. He said that this statement is confirmed by unconstitutional change of governments in some African countries, which are now under military rule.

The governor said the foregoing narrative about the state of

democracy in Africa is a cause for serious concern because the yearnings and aspirations of the people could only be met in a truly democratic setting characterised by electoral integrity, good governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

EFCC Warns Nigerians on Increasing Banking Internet Fraud

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted residents of Makurdi, Benue State, of the increase in bank internet fraud.

This is even as the commission disclosed that it has secured the conviction of about 107 suspects who were arraigned for financial crimes in the last five years.

EFCC disclosed this to journalists in Benue State during a workshop on ‘Reporting of Economic and Financial Crime’.

In a paper presented by Philip Fitswemila Stephanie, head of

the Anti-Financial Fraud (AFF) Unit, with the title: ‘Trends, Peculiarities and Challenges of Cybercrimes Enforcement in Nigeria’, she said cyber financial crime is on the increase in Benue State.

She said new methods of defrauding people are been hatched successfully by criminals, adding that the commission will continue to take the fight to stop such crime.

“We have succeeded in arresting and convicting several criminals, and we are still investigating several others,” she stated.

In his goodwill message at

the event, the acting Executive Chairman, EFCC, Abdulkarim Chukkol, said the workshop was designed to upgrade the skills of journalists in reporting financial crimes.

Represented at the event by the Makurdi Zonal Commander, Friday Ebelo, the EFCC acting chairman noted that while the Nigerian anti-money laundering framework has been strengthened, EFCC has also reinvigorated a key component of its framework, the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), to drive the fight against money laundering.

Kogi NMA Calls off Strike, Anticipates Release of Kidnapped Colleague

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Following the reassurance by the Kogi State Government and security agencies that the kidnapped medical practitioner, Dr Austin Uwumagbe, will be rescued, the state Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended its strike.

This was disclosed in a communique issued yesterday, which was jointly signed by the state NMA Chairman, Dr. Olusola Baoku, and Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Kelvin, after an emergency congress meeting of the association.

In the past 72 hours, the NMA

had shut down both private and public health institutions in the state, expressing displeasure in the continuous kidnap of medical doctors across the country.

The communique further stated that the emergency congress meeting was called to review the industrial action in protest against relevant agencies and stakeholders over the kidnapping of their colleague, Dr. Austin Umuragbe.

The communique observed that the strike had effectively conveyed the association’s displeasure to society at large, stressing that relevant security

agencies and stakeholders notably have shown remarkable commitment to ensuring the safe release of colleagues.

It read in part: “Following the intervention of the ‘Medical Elders’, the re-assurances from the Kogi State Government, the security agencies and most importantly the plight of our dear patients, the industrial action be suspended across the state at exactly 72 hours from its commencement.

“The State Officers Council (SOC) of NMA should sustain engagement with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the release of Dr Umuragbe.”

FG Declares October 2 Public Holiday for Independence Celebration

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has declared Monday, October 2, 2023, as a public holiday in commemoration of the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary celebration.

The exact Independence Day is always marked on October 1, but this year’s celebration falls on a Sunday, making government to declare Monday, October 2, a working day to mark it.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while making the declaration in Abuja, congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.

Tunji-Ojo, in a statement

on that was issued yesterday and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, assured Nigerians of government’s continued commitment to tackling challenges facing the country.

He said: “It is today a known fact that difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global and Nigeria is not isolated.”

The minister, however, said that the government is daily making efforts to confront these varied and numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes our way.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated that the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the

greatness ahead of the country is achievable if we all work together in unity.

He further stated that our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the “Renewed Hope” of President Bola Tinubu.

The minister while wishing the citizens a memorable independencew celebration recalled that our founding fathers, in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue, came together for Nigeria’s freedom which we enjoy today.

LG Chairman,Monarch Laud Oyebanji for Restoring Electricity to Community

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

A prominent traditional ruler in Ekiti State and the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, has lauded the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for reconnecting his town to the national grid after nearly 13 years of power outage.

Similarly, the Chairman of Gbonyin Local Government Area, Hon. Oluwadamilare B. Ajayi, has applauded the state government

for reconnecting the entire towns and cities in the local government and Aiyekire to the national grid after many years of darkness.Ajayi described the governor’s gesture as salutary noting that Oyebamiji is a people’s governor and a promise keeper

The traditional ruler stated that restoring electricity to the community and other towns would reinforce economic activities and shore up security of lives and property.

Governor Oyebanji, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, restored electricity to Ijan Ekiti and the entire Gbonyin council area that had been in total darkness since 2010 to bolster economic activities in the area.

Applauding the governor for bringing his promise to fruition, Oba Aladesuyi, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists, commended Governor Oyebanji for being truly people-centric in actions and deeds.

Clergy Calls on Tinubu to Scout for More Women for Leadership Roles

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Abuja for the African Church, Peter Ogunmuyiwa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of necessity scout for more women in his cabinet for leadership roles.

He said Nigeria, being a maledominated society, would take time to witness more involvement of women in political activities, adding that culture has further

stagnated the growth of women, particularly in the exhibition of their political skills due to the dominance of the men at the home front.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the training programme for women in leadership positions, which was organised by the Women Wing of Church Council of Nigeria (WOWICCN) with the theme: ‘Women in leadership: An indispensable tool to church growth’, the cleric said naturally,

women are more disciplined than men with proven records that in leadership, they have been reliable and dependable.

“History has made us understand that when something is committed into the hands of women, they do it with zeal and passion more than the men. If you look at their ratio with that of men, you’ll know that women can be more reliable and dependable in leadership and in whatever assignment given to them.

PDP Set to Recapture Kogi, Says Dino Melaye

Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Kogi State election, Senator Dino Melaye, has said the party is set to recapture the seat power at Lugard House “in order to retire the All Progressives Congress (APC) to political oblivion.”

Melaye stated this yesterday in Lokoja during the inauguration of the PDP Local Government Election Campaign Committee for the 21 local government areas held at the party secretariat, adding that the PDP is battle-ready to restore hope to the people of the state.

Senator Melaye, who represented Kogi West senatorial district at

the National Assembly, berated the ruling party for alleged maladministration, nonpayment of salaries, and insecurities, calling on the electorate not to be intimidated, before, during, and after the November governorship election.

According to him, “The APC administration in the past eight years had reduced Kogi State to a laughing stock among a comity of states,” stressing that the present administration has succeeded in dividing the people along ethnic and religious lines.

The PDP candidate, while appreciating the local government area chairmen for their steadfastness towards securing victory for the party, posited that when elected, Kogi State will wear a new look.

He said: “This election is a work over for PDP because of maladministration, poverty, nonpayment of salaries, gratuity, and many others. The people of Kogi State are not happy as they are looking for a messiah that will save them from captivity.

“Dino Melaye and Habiba are saying here send us. I want to advise especially our local government party chairmen that you have all become evangelists and Imam who are going to encourage our people to come out and vote. Our people are afraid because APC has sold fear in the mind of the people. I am telling you that as Dino Melaye, I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello or the APC.

Dabiri-Erewa Hails Judgment over Killing of Ogorchukwu in Italy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike DabiriErewa, has expressed satisfaction over the justice meted out on Filippo Ferlazzo, an Italian man, who killed a Nigerian citizen in Italy.

Dabiri-Erewa, while stating that although the life lost can never be replaced, said: “I am glad that this case finally got justice. Like I always say, there has to be consequences for actions.”

Dabiri-Erewa commended the Nigerian Mission in Rome for following through with the case and other cases involving Nigerians.

The convict bagged 24 24-year jail term last Wednesday for causing the death of a 39-yearold Nigerian man who was on crutches while walking in a Marche coastal city in July 2022.

On July 29, 2022, Alika Ogorchukwu was assaulted in broad daylight as he was hawking. The attacker beat Ogorchukwu to death using Ogorchukwu’s crutches in front of several onlookers, who did not

intervene. Some of the onlookers, however, recorded the video of the attack using their phones.

On July 30, 2022, Filippo Ferlazzo, was arrested on charges of having murdered Ogorchukwu and having stolen Ogorchukwu’s phone. The Italian Police stated that they believed Ferlazzo attacked Ogorchukwu after he had asked Ferlazzo’s girlfriend to buy a handkerchief.

The incident was reported to have taken place at 2 p.m. on Friday in the main central street of Civitanova Marche, Italy. Ogorchukwu was found dead at the scene by paramedics.

Urhobo Leaders Commend Delta Gov’s Performance

The Urhobo Leadership Forum, a think-tank, comprising eminent Urhobo sons and daughters resident in Abuja, yesterday hailed the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Obrevewori, for what they described as “his commendable activities in his 100 days in office.”

The group, in a by its president, Okakuro Bright Igbako and Secretary-general, Pastor Okolosi Briki Paul-Andy, described Obrevewori’s performance in his first 100 days as satisfactory, noting that his programmes and policies are in line with his campaign promises. Listing some of his infrastructure

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development programmes, the Urhobo leaders said they were convinced that the governor was determined to leave lasting legacies for the people of Delta State.

However, they called the attention of the governor to other areas which they also want his government to focus on.

The statement read: “The Urhobo Leadership Forum, a think-tank, comprised of Eminent Urhobo sons and daughters resident in Abuja, congratulates His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Sheriff Obrevewori, Governor of

Delta State, for his commendable activities in his 100 days in office.

“We note with satisfaction the fulfilment of the governor’s campaign promises as shown in the recent award of contracts for the improvement of road infrastructure in the state. We are appreciative of the award to Julius Berger, the road construction giant, of contracts totaling N78 billion for construction of a clover leaf, the flyover roads and expansion of roads, the first of its kind on road infrastructure works in Delta State history.

MultiChoice Offers GOtv Customers

Access to Africa Magic Showcase

As part of Africa Magic’s 20th-anniversary celebration, leading pay-TV service provider, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced that the Africa Magic

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Showcase channel will be open to GOtv Supa+ subscribers from October 1.

In a statement, the company explained that GOtv Supa+ customers will gain access to a rich variety of content available on Africa Magic Showcase, which was previously exclusive to customers on higher DStv packages. Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, Dr Busola Tejumola, said that the ongoing Africa 20th anniversary celebration is an avenue to reward customers who have been vital to the success of Africa Magic channels with more access to exclusive family entertainment content.

Tejumola said: “We are delighted to offer GOtv Supa+ customers an open window to the exclusive Africa Magic Showcase channel during the 20th-anniversary celebrations. We understand that our customers have been a bedrock for our past and present success, as such, they are major stakeholders in the ongoing celebration.

“Africa Magic Showcase is home to some of the finest Nigerian drama and television series such as Crime and Justice Lagos, Covenant, What Will People Say?, among others. These content will offer an exciting variety and enrich the overall viewing experience of customers on GOtv Supa+ package.”

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Communicating with Allah (II) WORLD OF ISLAM

By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

The significance of communication with Allah….

For man, life is all about knowing, worshipping and serving. However, these, in actual fact, are but different names for man’s incessant and pulsating communication with Allah, which comes to pass with various degrees of meaning and intensity, and at various levels of man’s physical, rational and spiritual presence.

It is on account of this that it is said, for instance, that reading the Holy Qur’an means letting Allah speak to a person, a form of communication the content of which should be properly comprehended, reflected on and then, duly acted upon. In other words, a reader, or reciter, of the Qur’an should perceive himself as being instructed, directed and meticulously guided thereby.

Performing daily prayers, furthermore, is to be understood as talking to and conversing with Allah, in which case man plays the role of an active participant under the aegis of divine inspiration and guidance. While performing prayers, a person should understand that he in his capacity as mortal servant has the privilege to converse directly with his Eternal Creator, Lord and Master, praising, glorifying, thanking, supplicating, confessing, testifying, imploring, pleading, and seeking His unbounded forgiveness and mercy.

It follows that the daily prayers are the most powerful and meaningful experience one can have in one’s life. They are the best heavenly gift to mankind. They alone are at once a life-changer and life-sustainer. They are also life-purifiers. Allah thus affirms: “…And establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt…” (al-‘Ankabut, v.45).

Such is the case owing to the rational fact that he who experiences five times a day everything prayer entails, will in no way engage willingly and persistently in any serious loathsome deeds or deeds that run counter to reason. The two prospects are absolutely incompatible in a person. It is unfathomable that a person who most directly communicates with Allah five times a day, will willingly and repeatedly commit a serious wrongdoing. If, however, a person who is constant in prayer does not shun lewdness and iniquity, that would mean that there is something seriously wrong with the former, whose complete state and effectiveness will need review and some drastic adjustment measures.

While performing all other religious injunctions, and while spurning the possibility of committing sins -- both minor and major -- as much as possible, a person should know that he answers Allah’s divine calls that target directly him and his consciousness. Such a realization lies at the centre of the concept of niyyah (the intention in one’s heart to do an act for the sake of Allah alone), which, in turn, is a prerequisite for acceptance of religious acts. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), therefore, is reported to have said that the reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Based on the above, it is incumbent on each and every Muslim to comprehend the meaning of communication with Allah as means of connection between people and their Creator and Master, and as the process of conveying intended meanings and messages from one “side” to the other through the use of prescribed ways and means.

Such communication helps man elevate himself from the stifling confines of the body, matter and this world, to the ultimate freedom and endless potential of the soul and its transcendent realm. It sets man on a journey of self-actualization. It makes him genuine and real. It makes him realize that he is not alone in the maze of life where, without Allah’s light and guidance, nothing makes sense, nor appears heartening and uplifting. It saves him from the dreadful prospect of living and dying as nothing and nobody, presenting him, instead, with a wonderful opportunity to become somebody at as high a plane of existential reality as the heavenly scheme of things, and to never really die.

Furthermore, such communication helps man come fully to terms with who exactly he is, what exactly life is, and, of course, who exactly Allah is. The most important knowledge from this three-pronged, or trifurcated, realization is that Allah is man’s Lord, Guardian and Helper. He is near to him with His knowledge, power and compassion whenever he supplicates or calls upon Him. Allah even says that He is nearer to man than his jugular or neck-vein (Qaf, v.16), which could mean that Allah knows the inmost desires and motives of man even better than man does himself, and that Allah knows more truly the innermost state of man’s feeling and consciousness than does his own ego.

A believing man confidently knows that he has Allah in his life. It is Allah Who is on his side. He administers his life affairs, steering them to what is best for him in both worlds. Fully aware of Allah’s constant presence, yet “nearness”, such a man via relentless communication patterns relies on Allah and fully entrusts his soul, yet his total being, to Him and His Will. He then lives happily in peace.

In short, a person knows that when he is deserted by people, Allah is always there for him, listening to his cries and relieving his plights. He also knows that when nobody cares and listens, Allah is there doing exactly that and coming to his rescue. And that is all that matters; and that is all every individual should ever ask and yearn for.

Whenever a believing man reads the Qur’an, he knows that Allah speaks directly to him, and every “you”, “he” or “they” mentioned therein denotes, one way or another, precisely him, following which a believing man cannot stay indifferent or unmoved. Behind every “you”, “he” or “they”, he imagines his own name being spoken.

By the same token, whenever he prays, thanks, supplicates, remembers, beseeches or implores Allah, a believing man knows the weight and profundity of “You” and “He”, which he extensively articulates in his communication models. He knows that he talks to the One Who is “near”, listens and responds; Who is nearer to a man than the man to himself.

Communicating silently versus communicating loudly

It is in this context that Allah says in the Qur’an that supplications should be made humbly, silently and not loudly: “Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret” (al-A’raf, v.55). About Prophet Zakariyya (Zechariah), Allah says: “When he called to his Lord a call in secret” (Maryam, v.3).

The Prophet (pbuh) also admonished some people who raised their voices while supplicating: “Be merciful to yourselves (i.e., don’t raise your voices), for you are not calling a deaf or an absent one, but One Who is All-Hearer, All-Seer. The One Whom you call is closer to one of you than the neck of his animal” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

It follows that if a person feels he has to pray or supplicate loudly, lest he might be unheard or misunderstood, he needs to examine his faith, for there are, surely, some serious flaws in it. Life is all about drawing closer to Allah and feeling how near He with His Knowledge, Might, Compassion and Munificence, is. The closer to Allah a person gets, the more overwhelmed, more benevolent, more tranquil and, at times, even more introvert he becomes. His total being becomes engrossed in enjoying and “feasting” on the boons generated by his spiritual triumph. He increasingly loses interest in frivolous and worthless things and pastimes, regarding them as serious distractions and deviations. They tend to rob a person of his most precious moments, experiences and opportunities.

His communication patterns with his beloved Creator and Master then becomes impeccably effective and high yielding. Most of the time, such patterns do not exceed the softness of the whispers, even though the whole spiritual kingdom resonates with them. Such is the relationship between Allah and His true servants that sometimes the mere vibrations of their hearts, or the reflections of their minds, connote the most potent, most effective and most hearkened supplications. Outward silence is often the best communication mode. Indeed, a believer’s heart is a place that effectively never sleeps and is always connected with the highest spiritual order of things, meanings and experiences. The closer to Allah he gets, the quieter, more inaudible, more discreet and more tranquil in his worship activities he becomes.

This paradigm applies to any relationship with individuals who genuinely love and care for each other. They are often seen not talking much to one another, and when they do, they do so softly and quietly. They simply whisper, or speak in undertones, to each other. This is so because their hearts are together and are one. And it is right in their hearts that most of their communication unfolds, and mutual understanding takes place. Their united hearts talk, though the separated physical bodies appear still and silent. Regardless, they perfectly understand each other.

On the diametrically opposite side stand relationships with individuals who gravely misunderstand each other. They often, as a rule, quarrel, screaming and shouting at one another. They do so because, even though they are physically side by side, their hearts are worlds apart. They recognise that very well and so feel they have to scream and shout. They know, no matter what, they will not be heard by the one(s) on the other side. Hence, such squabbles never solve anything. They are simply vain attempts to out-scream and out-shout one another. There is rarely any room for reason and sanity in such situations.

Napoli Speak on Offensive TikTok Video Mocking Victor Osimhen

club”

Duro Ikhazuagbe

In what appears a desperate move to placate Victor Osimhen, Italian Serie A champions, Napoli, insisted on Thursday that the offensive TikTok video post on the club’s account on Tuesday was not intended to “offend or mock” the Nigerian striker.

Napoli’s statement yesterday was in reaction to Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, threatening to institute legal actions against the Naples-based club for the video that derided his client. Osimhen also deleted all videos and pictures of him in Napoli shirts from his Instagram page on Wednesday.

But the club stressed further in the statement: “Osimhen is “a treasure of this club”.

“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid

out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club,” the club said.

“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.

“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision.

“In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended,” the statement concluded.

Earlier yesterday, Napoli Head Coach, Rudi Garcia, doused the tension generated by Osimhen’s

into the Serie A clash with Bologna on Sunday.

In an interview with http://Metro. co.uk, Garcia said: “In Bologna we were all frustrated at not winning and he (Osimhen) was even more after missing a penalty, so that can happen,”said Garcia after Napoli’s 4-1 victory against Udinese during which Osimhen ended his goal-drought, scoring a goal on Wednesday. “We cleared the air, it all went back to normal.

“Over the last two days there was a bit of trouble with some clumsy behaviour. Nobody wanted to be hurtful, not the TikTok with the video of Victor, nor Victor by taking his photographs down on social media.

“Nobody intended to hurt anyone, these are instinctive reactions and are understandable.

he can do what he wants with it. All I can say is that he loves this jersey and will give everything for Napoli this season as well,” Garcia defended his prized striker in an interview by Metro.co.ukyesterday.

Osimhen who was on the radar of top European clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and PSG during the summer transfer window is on contract at Napoli till June 2025.

Although Napoli have table a fresh contract for the Nigerian to extend his stay in Naples, Osimhen is reluctant to sign because of lack of a release clause in it.

If they are unable to resolve the present rift, the only option left for the Italian League champions is to allow Osimhen leave in summer for the club to cash out huge profit. If he stays till 2025, Osimhen will walk away a free agent.

Bayern’s Neuer Back to Training After Skiing Accident

Bayern Munich h Captain, n Manuel l Neuer, has returned to team 10 monnths

returned to partial team training 10 months after breaking his leg in a skiing accident.

The 37-year-old German took part in a goalkeeping drill with Sven Ulreich and Daniel Peretz, Bayern's two other keepers, as well as the team's outfield players on Thursday.

Neuer, who has won 11 Bundesliga titles with Bayern, broke his leg in December. “It's a great feeling to be back on the pitch with my team-mates," he said. Neuer, who has won the Champions League twice with Bayern, had surgery on the lower-leg fracture last year and was ruled out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.

Obaseki Confident as Bendel Insurance Battle RS Berkane Falconets Progress to Third Round as Mauritius Withdraw

As Bendel Insurance FC of Benin battle hosts, Renaissance De Sportive Berkane of Morocco, in the last hurdle for a place in the money-spinning group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup today in the North African city, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, remains confident of victory for the Nigerian team.

Bendel Insurance were held 2-2 in the first leg of the second round of the preliminary fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City a fortnight ago.

Obaseki, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Andrew Okungbowa, urged the team to go for broke, as he noted that the Edo people are behind them, praying for their victory and safe return back to Benin City.

“As you file out on Friday (today) to take on your opponent, I, on behalf of the Edo State government and the entire people of the State, urge you to go for victory. You have the talents and means to win,” Obaseki drummed support for the Benin Arsenal.

He continued: “The State Government and Edo people are behind you, praying for your success because we as a people are noted for our exploits. Don’t be deterred but take on your opponent squarely because I know that you are all brave warriors and ambassadors of our dear State. It is time to make Edo State great again through sports.”

Obaseki also assured the team of the support of Edo people and

Nigerians living in Morocco as the State Government and the club management are working with the Nigeria officials in the country to mobilise support for the team today.

Head Coach of the team, Monday Odigie, confirmed that his wards are prepared and confident of defending their pride and dignity in Morocco

today.

Bendel Insurance FC on Monday flew into the North African City aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight to the warm embrace of Emmanuel Ovye Oliver, the protocol assistant and some other officials of the Nigeria Embassy in Morocco.

In the absence of Bendel Insurance’s top scorer, Imade Osarenkhoe,

stand in Captain, Amas Obasogie, echoed the confidence of his teammates to get the job done today in Morocco.

“Knowing the honour that awaits us gif we beat our opponents and qualify for the group stage, we are going to fight for everything in the field of play to return home happy. We made two mistakes in Benin and will not want a repeat on Friday (today),” Obasogie pledged on behalf of his teammates.

Lakowe Lakes Hosts Top West African Golf Stars

United States-based Senegalese professional golfer, Samba Niang, will lead an array of top-flight players to the 2023 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic starting today through Sunday, October 1

Nigeria’s number one player and two-time winner of the 2023 Professional Golf Development Tour, Francis Epe, Defending Champion and former Nigeria’s best player, Sunday Olapade and Ghana’s best golfer, Vincent Torgah, are all part of the star-studded field that will be vying for a slice of the N12million at stake at the event.

The event is sponsored by GAC Motors, ARM Pension, 7up Bottling Company, Providus Bank and the Nigerian Breweries.

The field also include Agbavon Kosivi from Togo and Richard Kouame from Ivory Coast.

Golf Manager at the host course,

Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi Olagbenro, disclosed yesterday that the event will be decided over 56 holes, and the best player will pocket N2 million from the purse.

“Lakowe is one course that tests the players to the fullest, and you will see the best players assembled here this weekend. The Lakowe Classic has become one event the players look forward to because of the experience and the challenge the course presents,” he stressed.

Gift Willy from Python Golf Club, Oche Odoh from IBB International Golf and Country Club, Chidi Tobias from Ikeja Golf, Mike Ubi from Python, and Kabir Mohammed from Kano Golf Club are some of the top Nigerina players on parade at the yearly tournament.

“We are looking forward to a keenly contested event and, as usual,

FIFA U20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

The Mauritius Football Association has notified the Confederation of African Football of the withdrawal of the country’s U20 Women National Team from the ongoing African qualifying series for next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.

“Kindly note that CAF was informed of the withdrawal of Mauritius FA from the African qualifiers of FIFA U20 WWC 2024. Consequently, Nigeria is qualified to

the next round of the competition and the missions of all officials of matches 37 & 38 are cancelled,” read a communication from CAF to the Nigeria Football Federation.

The Falconets were to fly to Mauritius next week for the first leg in Saint Pierre against the Mauritius U20 girls, with the return leg scheduled for the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 14th October.

the indescribable experience associated with playing on our facility awaits all participants.”

Olagbenro added that the event, now tied with “Escape to the Greens” (ETTG), affords nongolfers the opportunities to engage in several activities deliberately curated around the golf estate to accommodate players and nonplayers alike.

“Karaoke, Picnics, Cultural Nights, and Independence Anniversary Party are all opportunities for family bonding that the event provides during the event. While comedians, movie stars, and legendary Jimi Solanke are all billed to feature at the lineup events off the course.”

Amateur players drawn largely from the club’s membership, would be on parade as well. They will be vying for honours alongside the professional players.

12-year-old Multiple Gold Medalist Begs Delta Governor for Scholarship

NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES

Twelve-year-old gymnast, Ogechukwu Stephanie, who won four gold medals in three apparatus of the Gymnastic event of the 7th National Youth Games, has pleaded for Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to make her dream come true by offering a scholarship to complete her education.

The gymnast who is the toast of Team Delta, dedicates her four gold medals to Governor Oborevwori and hopes to win more in her remaining three games.

" I worked very hard during training and I am happy and thank God that I am dedicating these gold medals to the Governor of MORE Agenda, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori ", she said in an interview with topsportsafrik. com at the Games.

Little Ogechukwu Stephanie, a senior secondary 1 pupil who will be turning 13 year old tomorrow, Saturday, 30th September 2023, wished that the Delta state Goverment grant her a scholarship and guide her to the highest level of her gymnastics career.

”Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this

Bayern Munich’s Captain, Manuel Neuer, is back to training 10 months after skiing accident

Victor Osimhen...Napoli explain video not meant to mock him

Onuesoke to Federal Govt

“Before the coming of this new government, I did advise that with the current economic situation in the country, removal of fuel subsidy would cause more hardship for Nigerians, especially the common man, if the refineries are not fixed. My advice was ignored. Now look at the economic mess the removal of the subsidy without fixing the refineries has put the nation” –Delta State PDP Chieftain, Sunny Onuesoke, lamenting the shameful neglect of the local refineries by the government.

PAT UTOMI

GUEST COLUMNIST

Revolution Beckons

It just seems like a National emergency everywhere you look. The despondency seems matched only by the desperate sense of helplessness. The curiosity about this pall of disquiet led me to put my ears to the ground.

I have been navigating Whattsapp groups. Saying little but feeling the temperature and letting the Barometer gauge. Despair reigns in the land. Most think the economy is in free fall. Some think Band aid is being applied where even bandage may not do the job. A band of outliers even pronounce Nigeria dead.

Thank God some people of faith believe that dry bones have been known to rise and walk.

The poor are stunned but voiceless, sometimes with a feel of being castrated. They turn to texting for begging, in desperation and hope. But it is the Middle Class Professionals and intelligentsia that bother me the most. They seem to think the Buhari era was wholesale looting and borrowing to steal. But they sound genuinely ignorant that what the ancient regime inflicted on Nigeria was that deep a cut of the artery of life for the economy. Really?. I am so surprised that people are so surprised by the scale of the damage. I thought it was so obvious from long ago.

Some are calling for the Saudi Crown Prince treatment of locking all the prominent up in a hotel till they vomit the loot. Hmmmmn.

Others suggest instant Japa for those who do not want to go down with the ship.

They turn to the fuel subsidy and crude Oil theft and wonder what corner of Hell those who have been running Nigeria come from. I chuckle because I know some of the people expressing frustration and I remember when some whispered behind me that I was crazy speaking up. And they tangoed with money and power. Now they turn to prose to lament.

But the beat goes on. Even with the mess so complete money is still borrowed to give to Legislators to enjoy the weekend and those feigning anger at yesterday still say nothing. At best they mu murmur among friends lest they get in the bad books of those with the largesse of the public treasury, even for a near bankrupt state. They make it seem like Misgoverning and malgovernance were invented by Buhari. He may have been the champion but many more are guilty. They also forget they were promised continuity by the APC and they just may be getting it.

I have become more cynical with age and the nature of the times but what gets to me is depth of the hypocrisy of the AGIP (Any Government in Power) business elite and quasi intellectuals converting social media to books of lamentation and intellectual masturbation. Sure the roads

are immotorable across the country, the young cannot find work, power is not there to produce or live decently, insecurity has driven the farmer off the farm into IDPs, the courts signal to the world that justice cannot be found in Nigeria so investors local and international keep away, and we wonder why we produce so poorly that the Naira has passed the 1000 rate against the dollar and the price of a liter of petrol is in hot pursuit. Will we soon be like Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe?

Where are the patriots. Did someone line them up and use them for shooting target practice..

Everywhere you look an undeclared state of emergency holds sway as getting confirmed LCs become matters of miracle and manufacturing buckles down as foreign reserves shrink. It seems all bleak but in a culture that has lost a sense of shame who cares but the poor, the vulnerable and the weak who are discovering conditions people are suffering through like in the time of Biafra when Kwashiokor came to many who were unable to pronounce the word, Kwash..or..kor and their neighbors whose hands were too weak to find sources of protein exhibited the ugly side of being malnourished.

In most countries the angry poor would have poured unto the streets but this is Nigeria the country where Professor Ikenna Nzimiro gave the same lecture every week during my days at UNN and for a generation after. ‘ The unfinished revolution’ was offered for a generation of students who either tired of listening or found it comic relief.

This may be cold comfort to those who grab power for self aggrandizement but they should not rest too easy. It takes just one straw for the proverbial Camel’s back

to be broken. Even mass affliction of the Stockholm syndrome, where the victims identify with the oppressors, can yield to a singing of Bob Marley’s Redemption song in a massed Choir.

My problem is not whether the Nigerian revolution is imminent, it is knocking on the door. The burden on my soul is that it could be the dawning of Robert Kaplan’s Coming Anarchy that may be a chauffeur driven passage unto the road to Somalia.

This is why if the patriots have not all been shot at target practice, and the Citizen wannabes have not all fallen to the ranks of tribesmen and idiots, a clarion call must go out for a gathering of tribe of patriots for a salvage operation to reclaim a technically bankrupt economy, morally collapsed political order and paradise lost where the dream of the founding fathers are traded for hubris.

We need to begin again with a constitution that enthrones the people as sovereign and not, as Prof Fr Anthony Akinwale suggests about the extant grand norm, one that elevates agents of those who grab power as sovereign. We must in that document enshrine the right to secede so that politicians who know the people can pull out, in exercise of their fundamental human right to self determination, will strive to serve the people and not their own greed which we can see from the Buhari looting knows no bounds.

As I think of the urgency of this grand document of our modus vivendi I can understand why the British historian Niall Ferguson sees the making of the US constitution, which recognized these norms as one of the greatest exercises of institution building in human history.

Once the moral tribe of patriots arise we will find that countries have overcome the deep hole into which the political class have sunk Nigeria.

India was in a deeper hole in terms of its foreign reserves when in 1991 what was supposed to be a placeholder ‘transition’ government of Natsima Rao who was well advanced in age and was expected to do nothing unveiled Manmahon Singh as Finance Minister and the foundations of India Riding were laid Ditto for the first coming of Instio Lula Da Silva in Brazil.

Nigeria is salvageable but new values, stronger institutions, a place for a meritocracy must be advanced by these patriots. In many ways a key role exists here for the Nigerian Diaspora who live with the evidence of a better way and the confidence of succeeding in the global north. They deserve a special place at the table of the remnants of patriots as the tribe gathers for a rescue mission.

The patriots whose tribe must arise urgently can be found among these judges the youth want to feed to Lions,

the Soldiers tired of chasing terrorists and the Businessmen who currently will dine with politicians whose horns are more evident than the devil has at Halloween.

People need to search deep inside and find the patriot inside.

To save Nigeria is to look at the coups in the Sahel and realize that Africa has gone full circle back to the 1960s. The young are rethinking the state in post colonial Africa and sounding like they have just read Walter Rodney and Fran’s Fanon on how Europe underdeveloped Africa and created the wretched of the earth.

Here I owe a full apology to the International political economy scholars of the 1970s, Immanuel Wallerstein, Osvaldo Sunkel and even Henrique Fernando Cardoso who acquitted himself well in latter years, as President of Brazil when he saw the promise of globalization for his country and embraced it as against prescriptions of some traditions of the Dependency thesis school he led which called for selective de-linking from the international capitalist order. Some of his fellow dependistas would have found Cardoso’s practical shifts treachery.

Back in those days I had been impatient with the Dependistas as I looked for a quick path to overcome poverty and so embraced quickly the Asian Tiger models just them emerging. I complained that Dependency theory was elegant theorizing with limited redemptive value.

But today as I watch a legitimacy droughtstricken Abuja rush to do what it perceives as the desire of Paris and Washington DC against the interest of the people of Nigeria and Niger, I have new respect for the Centre-Periphery thesis where the interest of elite at the periphery is aligned to those of elite in the Global North to subjugate the poor lumpen proletariat, the masses at the periphery of the periphery. the Nigerian masses from which Abuja is alienated and seeks to use force to keep down. These International Political economy models clearly have explanatory power and suggest why Nigeria drifts aimlessly as transactions driven titans of state capture trade favours that cannot solve the problems of the economy in a sustainable way or allow for nation building.

The big challenge is that progress is improbable until governing becomes about these people, the people, and not those the 1979/99 constitution wrongly identifies as sovereign.

The duty of the tribe of patriots is to help the people find their voice. Stephen R Covey already celebrated this as the key habit of the 21st century in his 8th habit. The patriots have a moral duty to help the voiceless find their voice.

•Patrick Okedinachi Utomi is a Political Economist and

of the Big Tent

Tinubu