THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2023

World Bank Cuts Nigeria’s 2023 Economic Growth Projection to 2.9%

Says current growth rates in Africa inadequate to create enough jobs

Ndubuisi

Citing currency pressure, insecurity, and other challenges, the World Bank Group yesterday, revised

its economic growth outlook for Nigeria in 2023, to 2.9 per cent, lower than its earlier projection of 3.3 per cent for the West African country. This was revealed in the mul-

tilateral institution’s latest ‘Africa Pulse,’ a regional macroeconomic outlook released yesterday, where it noted that Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic outlook remained bleak amid an elusive growth recovery.

Nigeria and Angola are leading oil producers in Africa.

It noted that rising instability, weak growth in the region’s largest economies, and lingering uncertainty in the global economy were drag-

ging down growth prospects in the region.

The Washington-based institution stated: "South Africa’s GDP is expected to only grow by 0.5 per cent in 2023 as energy and

The report forecasted a deceleration of economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa to 2.5 per cent in 2023, from 3.6 per cent in 2022. Continued on page 9

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TRUTH & REASON

Tinubu Meets Constitutional Qualifications for President, But Focus Shifts

Continued on page 9

CSU: Tinubu Our Graduate, But We Didn't Issue Diploma He Submitted to INEC

Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel addeh and alex Enumah in Abuja

The registrar of Chicago State University (CSU), Mr. Caleb Westberg, Tuesday, told a court ordered deposition in Illinois that even though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu graduated from the university, it did not issue the CSU diploma certificate Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 presidential run.

Westberg made the disclosure while responding to questions from Angela Liu, lawyer to former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a United States legal proceeding.

The former vice president will today hold a world press conference on the result of his discovery effort at CSU.

But Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the issues surrounding the president’s academic qualifications as frivolous, saying the administration cannot waste its time

Continued on page 9

PrEsENTaTiON OF NEsDMP...

L-R: MD/CEO, North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Alkali; Chairman, Retired Major General, Paul Tarfa, and Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, during the presentation of the Highlights on the NEDC MasterPlan (NESDMP), held at the Presidential Villa Abuja...yesterday

Francis in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

CourtEsY visit...

CourtEsY visit...

Shettima: Nigeria Must Break Shackles of Overreliance on Oil, Harness Non-oil Potential for Export

VP to NEDC: Prioritise agriculture,

Commission unveils 10-year

Yakusak urges FG

Deji Elumoye, James Emejo and Aisha Yakubu in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday said the country must take urgent steps to drastically reduce its over-dependence on oil and focus more on harnessing the untapped potential in the non-oil export sector.

Also, yesterday, Shettima has charged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise investments in legacy projects, including agriculture, education and smart transportation also referred to as electric transport vehicles and tricycles.

Speaking while declaring open the second National Conference on Non-Oil Export with the theme:

“Building a Sustainable National Economy through Non-oil Export,” organised by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), he said the country’s future depended on the ability to urgently free itself from the, “shackles of overdependence on oil in a world that is rapidly moving away from fossil fuel.”

The vice president said the first task before the present administration was to prioritise capacity building and skills development for the non-oil export sector.

He added that the government was prepared to invest in human capital, research and development, and technology transfer to enhance productivity and innovation by equipping entrepreneurs and workers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to drive growth in the non-oil sector.

education, smart transportation as legacy projects

master plan Diversification efforts yielding results, says Anite

to declare ravaging ginger disease crop pandemic, give succour to farmers

This came just as the Executive Director, NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, called on the federal government to declare the ginger fungi infestation currently ravaging farmlands a crop pandemic and, “fight it with the same viciousness our nation fought the COVID-19 pandemic to a standstill.”

He said with the outbreak of the disease, Nigeria’s non-oil export performance may experience a steep decline, except the issue is adequately addressed.

The NEPC boss said, “This is not the time for us to accommodate any minute disruption in our foreign exchange inflow. “With the current state of the naira, every single source of foreign exchange must be carefully and jealously protected.”

Shettima was, however, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

While commending the NEPC for the laudable initiative aimed at diversifying the economy through non-oil receipts, he said, “We must continue to diversify our export market beyond our traditional partners.

“While these time-tested partners remain important, we must also rapidly grow opportunities in the emerging economies across Africa, Asia, the Middle-East and Latin America.”

He said, “We must forge strategic partnerships, improve market intelligence, and leverage existing trade agreements to expand our market reach and reduce our dependency on a few established markets.

“Today, Nigeria is one of the

largest domestic markets in Africa yet with a very low level of formal intra-African trade. We need to work diligently to access the opportunities offered by AfCFTA.”

The VP said with Nigeria’s leadership role, access to the single largest market in the world, and increased investment opportunity, Nigerian businesses have unprecedented opportunities to scale and diversify exports and deepen existing regional value chains, as well as grow new ones to earn the much-needed foreign exchange.

He said the Tinubu-led administration had already commenced the task of prioritising the policy coordination and regulatory environment required for businesses to thrive and scale across Africa.

He added, “We are convinced that delivering a sustainable national economy through non-oil exports is

the inevitable route to escape from an economic quagmire created by our being oil hostage to oil revenues and the dependency syndrome.

“Now is the time for us as a country to fully embrace non-oil export as an intelligent strategy for accelerating economic growth and augmenting our foreign exchange reserves.

“Now is the time to collaborate and unlock the untapped potential within the non-oil sector and a time to collectively forge a robust adaptable and diversified economy that would benefit generations of Nigerians yet to come.”

Also, speaking at the conference, the Minister, Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said Nigeria has operated a monoeconomy for too long while focusing on oil and gas to the detriment of other exportable commodities.

She said the country’s diversification efforts are however beginning to yield success.

According to her, Nigerian nonoil exports grew by almost 40 per cent in 2022, reaching $4.82 billion as semi-processed and manufactured products accounted for almost 37 per cent of these exports, surpassing agriculture’s 30 per cent.

She said, “This is a big step in the right direction. We no longer have the luxury of business as usual when it comes to the business of making sure Nigeria succeeds. We can no longer afford to export raw materials cheaply and import finished products at premium prices.

“That train has stopped and will not be starting again. Our focus for exports is locally manufactured value-added products, that create both business and employment.”

The minister pointed out that the

Nigerian economy was going through tough times at the moment amid the rising cost of fuel and everyday items.

She, however, expressed confidence that, “significantly increasing non-oil exports will help us come out on the other side, of this tough time, victorious.”

She added, “We must do all we can to encourage more business owners to explore exports, even if it is in a small way. E-commerce platforms, shopping apps, and other tech solutions have revolutionised the way we trade and made it easier for even micro-enterprises to consider cross-border trade.

Nonetheless, Yakusak said, “I will not do justice to this address if I do not present the challenges being faced by farmers and exporters of ginger in Nigeria.

FIRS Boss Says Solid Minerals Sector to Boost Nigeria's Revenue

The Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji, has expressed optimism that the solid minerals sector would play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation's economy.

In a recent meeting with the

Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, Adedeji emphasised the sector's potential to rescue the country from its heavy reliance on the declining oil and gas industry.

Adedeji, stressed that the solid minerals sector, with its highest taxable limit of 18 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), could substantially contribute to

FRC to Engage Banks, Others on Lending to Govts, Public Institutions

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) is set for a stakeholders’ dialogue on how to implement sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 (FRA) relating to lending by banks to governments and public institutions in the federation.

The FRC is an agency saddled with the task to promote a transparent and accountable government financial management framework for Nigeria.

Its mandate includes ensuring that revenue-raising policies, resource allocation decisions, and debt management decisions are undertaken in a prudent, transparent and timely fashion as provided for in the law.

In a statement made available to THISDAY, the FRC spokesman, Bede Anyanwu said, "The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has concluded preparations to hold a Stakeholder Dialogue on implementing sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act that relate to lend-

ing by banks to governments and public institutions in the Federation.

"The event to be held in Lagos this weekend will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including banking Institutions, government representatives, economists, academics and experts in fiscal governance."

The Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA), which is Nigeria’s foremost legal framework for the promotion, monitoring and enforcement of fiscal discipline and accountability in the

management of public finances, stipulates that lending by banks to governments or their agencies in contravention of certain provisions of the Act shall be unlawful.

According to Anyanwu, "the Commission aims at using the stakeholder dialogue to refresh the attention of stakeholders to this provision of the Act and to engender stakeholder agreement on ways to enhance compliance, and thereby improve the nation's debt management practices."

Nigeria's revenue.

Currently, the country's oil and gas sector accounts for a significant 78 per cent of taxable income, making diversification into solid minerals increasingly imperative.

"This is our next oil, and that is why we are here," declared Adedeji.

"If we get it right in this sector, it means the future of Nigeria is secured. We are confident in having Dr. Oladele Alake as the Minister of Solid Minerals; half of our job is secured."

In response, Alake reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to achieving economic growth and prosperity. He outlined the administration's initiatives, policies, and programs designed to revamp the economy in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's hope agenda.

The Minister stressed the importance of precise data collection, stating, "We will invest heavily in data generation, concise and precise data generation that will empower and enable investors to

make informed decisions."

This commitment forms a crucial part of the renewed strategy to tap into the $700 billion value of minerals beneath Nigeria's soil.

Meanwhile, Alake has lauded the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) for its support in transforming the solid minerals sector.

During a visit by President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC Mr. Samaila Zubairu, the Minister highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts to improve data gathering and create an enabling environment for investors.

Zubairu, in turn, underscored the immense value of Nigeria's solid minerals and advocated for a framework to support local investors, ultimately increasing tax earnings for the country.

The AFC pledged support for initiatives such as the Big Data project, value-added processing centers, and enhancing security measures, all of which will play a crucial role in driving the sector's growth.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji (right), with the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, when Adedeji paid a visit to the Minister in his office in Abuja... yesterday

Acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji (left), with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, when Adedeji paid a visit to the Minister in his office in Abuja... yesterday

PArtnEring tO rEdUcE nUmbEr Of AwAiting triAl...

Niger Bans Export of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Nigeria Impacted

OPEC leaves oil output policy unchanged

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Niger has banned all exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) until further notice, the government said in a statement on Tuesday, a decision that will impact Nigeria which gets some LPG imports from the country.

Ironically, Nigeria has the 9th largest reserves of the natural resource while Niger Republic does not even appear in the first 100 countries globally.

Nigeria’s 209 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) and 600 TCF potential molecules continue to lie mostly untapped due to low investment in the sector, a development which has also affected the country’s gas transportation system.

“National production should be used to supply the domestic market, and in case of surplus a special authorisation can be requested to export it”, the statement said, according to Reuters.

The main destination of Petroleum Gas exports from Niger, THISDAY gathered, are: Nigeria , Azerbaijan , Sao Tome and Principe, and Belgium. But the country also imports petroleum gas primarily from: Nigeria, United States , Netherlands , Equatorial Guinea and Angola.

Niger is believed to have current gas reserves of 34 billion cubic metres with recoverable reserves of 24 billion cubic metres.

The country has recently had diplomatic spats with Nigeria

following the unconstitutional removal of the sitting president in that country, which Nigeria kicked against. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu had vowed to intervene even if militarily.

Meanwhile, an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ministerial panel that met on Wednesday made no changes to the group's oil output policy, after Saudi Arabia and Russia said they would keep voluntary supply cuts in place to support the market.

Ministers from OPEC and allies led by Russia, known as OPEC+, held an online meeting. The panel, named the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), can call for

a full OPEC+ meeting if warranted. Oil had jumped towards $100 a barrel for Brent crude, the highest since 2022, although prices have come under pressure in recent days from concerns that interest rates may remain persistently high and from weaker economic growth.

"The committee will continue to closely assess market conditions," an OPEC statement issued after the meeting said, adding that the panel recognised and acknowledged the Saudi and Russian cuts.

Earlier on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia said it would continue with a voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) until the end of 2023, while Russia said it would keep a 300,000 bpd voluntary export curb until the end of December.

US Agency Rallies MRS on Business Growth, Reaffirms Commitment to Boosting Nigeria's Blue Economy

The Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation at the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs of the United State Department, Jessye Lapenn, yesterday visited MRS Holdings in Apapa, Lagos, in continuation of her meetings with key stakeholders of the Nigerian business community.

Lapenn, who on Tuesday, met with the Nigerian government in furtherance of the Atlantic Cooperation Partnership, a move intended to tap into the opportunities inherent in the marine economy, reiterated the commitment of her country towards supporting MRS' business and Nigeria's economy.

Speaking to journalists at the sidelines of her visit to the company, she recalled that the US Secretary of State and the Government of Nigeria represented by the Minister of Blue Economy and 31 other countries had launched a partnership for Atlantic Cooperation last two weeks in New York.

"My first stop since the launch of the partnership is to come here to Nigeria. I spent yesterday (Tuesday) with the government and today I'm in Lagos really listening and learning to understand all that Nigeria is already doing in the Atlantic Cooperation and on

the opportunities that exist", the ambassador said.

"Critical of course in cooperation is not just government, it's people, it's companies, it's organisations. And so, I've been visiting MRS now just to really get a sense of what's happening and again, where we might look to grow cooperation," she added.

Lapenn, noted that the impression she got during her outings in Nigeria was, "really positive", adding, "What's happening here is very exciting. There's a lot about the energy and enthusiasm, and I'm very much looking forward to figuring out how we can join in and partner."

Also speaking to journalists, the Chairman of MRS Holdings, Patrice Alberti, said the visit of the US diplomat to the company was encouraging, adding that the US still has appetite to see the company succeed.

Alberti stated, "Of course, it's very exciting to see the Ambassador actually took her time to visit us here and to see what we are doing.

It's very encouraging. This is the second ambassador that has been here from the beginning and we can see that they still have appetite to make sure that we succeed. I'm really not a good speaker when it comes to public speaking but all I can say is to thank her for taking

out time to come."

He said the US had always stood behind the company every step of the way in the business operation in Nigeria.

"The Ambassador came in here when nobody came and of course, it is also good for them to come and see what we have done in the last six to seven years. And you

(journalists) actually visited the factory with us and you saw what we have done for your country.

"We can actually seriously take the country to a much brighter future. So, the factory speaks for itself and the product you see in the market can tell you the quality that people can buy and use", Alberti added.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, speaking on the Rossiya-24 news TV station, said the joint cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia had helped to balance the global oil market. "We are also fulfilling our obligations in full," he said.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who chairs the JMMC, last month said OPEC+ cuts were needed to stabilise the market, and prices were not being targeted. The next JMMC meeting is on November 26.

NHIA Sign Medicine Supply Agreement With Local Manufacturers

Onyebuchi

Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pharmaceutical manufacturers and Drug Management Organisations (DMOs) in a bid to empower local manufacturers and guarantee medicine security in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement on NHIA Medicines Supply Initiative (NMSI), Director General of NHIA, Prof. Nasir Sambo, said the initiative wouldnot encourage local manufacture of medicine but could guarantee its quality and efficacy.

He also said part of the plan was to reduce the cost of medicines especially that of intravenous fluids by as much as 50% of the current market price.

Sambo said as part of its “rebranding agenda”, NHIS had held meetings with the local pharmaceutical

manufacturers and companies, with the aim of finding solutions to outof-stock syndrome bedeviling the healthcare system.

"As a follow-up to the engagement, I inaugurated the NHIA Medicines Supply Committee on 19 February 2020. The Committee submitted its report in June 2020 and adopted branding of NHIA medicines and other health products as the way to go in order to eradicate out-of-stock syndrome as well as ensuring the quality of its medicines.

"It also recommended the setting up of an implementation committee to bring the initiative to fruition."

Sambo further pointed out that that the initiative of branding NHIA medicines and other health products was to facilitate the supply of affordable, acceptable, accessible, available and quality medicines and other health products.

Carlyle Founders, Dangote Back New African Private Equity Fund

A team spun out of Carlyle Group Inc. said they’ve got backing from the founders of the US private equity firm as well as Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote for a new Africa-focused fund.

Carlyle co-founders, David Rubenstein, and Bill Conway are among investors in the Alterra Capital Partners fund, Partner Genevieve Sangudi said.

The Private Equity (PE) firm plans to raise as much as $500 million in the coming months and has garnered $140 million in its first closing, she said.

According to Bloomberg, while large investors including Carlyle, Blackstone Inc. and KKR & Co. have retreated from Africa, smaller firms were seeing opportunities as startups mushroom to fills gaps on a continent that lacks financial and

logistical infrastructure.

Alterra plans to invest in the telecommunications, technology, logistics, healthcare, consumer and retail sectors, Sangudi said.

“This is an excellent time to put money to work in Africa as many of the current macro themes provide attractive potential investment opportunities,” Sangudi said in an interview.

“For example, the power challenges across Africa provide opportunities to invest in private distributed power solutions, while technology continues to drive Africa digital transformation at a rapid pace.”

Other investors in Alterra’s fund include Standard Bank Group Ltd., International Finance Corp., Norfund AS, Germany’s Deutsche Investitionsund Entwicklungsgesellschaft GmbH and Allianz SE’s AfricaGrow fund,

Sangudi said.

In mid-2020, during the height of Covid-19, Washington-based Carlyle spun off its $700 million sub-Saharan African fund to its local investment team.

The new firm, called Alterra, took over management of Carlyle’s assets.

Alterra, which also includes two other founding partners — Eric Kump and Bruce Steen — has exited six companies and managed to return about $600 million to investors, said Sangudi.

The team has invested about $1 billion in 23 companies in Africa.

Alterra has a team of 17 people, including two partners — Paul Maasdorp and Bryce Fort — who joined from Africa-focused private equity group Emerging Capital Partners LLC.

The firm would face competition

from other Africa-focused companies such as Helios Investment Partners LLP and Adenia Partners Ltd., which have doubled down on the continent, adapting their operating models and building local capacity.

Last year, firms raised about $7.6 billion for African investments, according to the Africa Private Capital Association.

About 82 exits were recorded, the association said.

The biggest challenges for private equity investors remain currency risk and illiquid and small domestic capital markets that contribute to the cost of doing business in many cases, Sangudi said.

“The new fund will target hard currency-denominated and hard currency-linked investments that offer a hedge against currency depreciation on the continent.”

Peter Uzoho

L-R: Judge, Edo State High Court, Anthony Erhabor; Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Judge, Edo State High Court, Efe Ikponmwonba, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, in Benin City... yesterday

EnErgy SEcurity On thEir MinDS...

L-R:Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; with Secretary-General of OPEC, Haitham Al-Ghais; during the meeting to discuss market developments, energy security, and possible avenues to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the Organization in Dubai... yesterday

British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak Faults Transgender Ideology, Says 'a Man is a Man'

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sparked a social media debate with his recent comments on transgender people.

During his closing speech at the 2023 Conservative Party conference yesterday, he shared his stance on gender debate and said, "a man is

State House Male Staff

a man and a woman is a woman".

Addressing the conference, he noted, "We shouldn't get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be - they can't. A man is a man and a woman is a woman. That's just common sense."

women,'' he added.

The Prime Minister’s comment attracted criticisms by social media users.

argument that affects the trans debate.''

Now Enjoy

14 Working Day Paternity Leave

Villa promotes breastfeeding at work place

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government's policy that allows male officers to take time off work to bond with and care for a new baby or newly adopted child is now fully operational at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking yesterday, at an event tagged ''Baby Show'' at the State House Medical Centre, aimed at promoting the health and well-being of infants and mothers through exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding, a Consultant Pediatrician at the Medical Centre, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, confirmed that the policy on paternity leave was already in effect among federal civil servants at the Presidential Villa.

According to her: ''We are setting the pace as the apex hospital in the country."

Keshinro noted that the paternity leave was an important step towards recognising the vital role father’s play in their children's lives from the earliest stages, encouraging them to be more actively involved in caregiving responsibilities, providing essential emotional support and nurturing their children.

She also added that paternity leave also complements existing family friendly initiatives of the government such as providing crèche at work places and six-month maternity leave for working mothers.

''State House Medical Centre was designated a baby-friendly centre in 1997 and a year after in August 1998; the Breastfeeding support group was initiated.

''Since then, the State House Administration has consistently and actively promoted breastfeeding through supporting programmes that relate to breastfeeding of its staff through various courses, workshops, and initiatives, including

the establishment of crèche and lactation facilities in the workplace,'' the Consultant said.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, ''Make Breastfeeding and Work, Work,” the Head of Nursing Department, State House Medical Centre, Thompson-Olatigbe Taiwo, said nursing mothers in the workplace should be able to work effectively and efficiently while also breastfeeding their baby.

She expressed gratitude to the management of State House for providing a functional crèche at the Medical Centre, and to the government for enacting maternity protection laws, policies and regulations for breastfeeding mothers.

The Baby Show was attended by working nursing mothers and outsiders registered at the State House Medical Centre, who sang the Breastfeeding anthem: "in the office, in the market, everywhere and anywhere, I will breastfeed.''

He added: ''We are going to change this country and that means, life means life. That shouldn't be a controversial position. The vast majority of hard-working people agree with it. It also shouldn't be controversial for parents to know what their children are learning in school about relationships.

“Patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or

NDTV quoted one social media user to have said: ''The persistent attacks on not only one of the smallest but most at-risk communities are vile. Absolutely disgusting party through and through including anyone who supports them.''

Another commented, ''I'm so fed up with Sunak talking up the importance of maths, yet his biology knowledge is so poor. Biological sex is so complicated and interesting and not at all “common sense”. This is before getting involved in the gender

A third said, ''Sunak does not seem to grasp the difference between sex and gender. The Tory party is getting more and more radical by the minute, it's scary.'' A fourth agreed with him saying, ''That's about as much truth as someone in government has spoken in a long time.''

Notably, according to NDTV, Sunak’s comments come after Health Secretary Steve Barclay, had proposed a plan to ban transgender women from being treated in female hospital wards in England. The health secretary also confirmed sex-specific language would be used when dealing with women's health, as per

Sky News. The proposal sparked a backlash from moderate Tory MPs, who fear LGBTQ+ people are being targeted.

Sunak's stance on transgender rights was clear when he had said in April that, ''women do not have penises.''

In an interview with ConservativeHome, Sunak was asked about his thoughts on a statement claiming "99.9 percent of women, of course, do not have penises."

The UK PM laughed at the question, however, when grilled about whether he thought the figure was actually 100 percent as Sunak replied, "Yeah, of course."

Nigerian Passports Processing Time Now Two Weeks, Says Minister

204,332 passport backlogs cleared in three weeks

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said from December 2023, applicants would be able to get the Nigerian passports within two weeks.

The minister also promised that Nigerians would also be saved of the pains of having to wait on the queue to upload the needed information to get passport issued.

He said registration would be done online and the only thing

needed to be done at any passport office would be biometrics capture and the collection of issued passports. He said the ministry was working towards getting the needed equipment to make this possible from December.

The minister said these during a press briefing where he disclosed to journalists how the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other stakeholders achieved clearance of 204,332 passports backlogs across the country within

Information Minister Decries Erosion of Values among Nigerians

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has fumed about the erosion of values among Nigerian citizens, describing it as worrisome.

He expressed the concern yesterday during a courtesy visit by members of the Sardauna Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at his office in Abuja.

The minister echoed the need for value reorientation, stressing the necessity for improvement in patriotism as a requirement for

national growth and development.

He commended the foresight of the governors of the northern states for establishing the Foundation to immortalise the name and good qualities of the former Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

He urged the Foundation to recreate the values for which the Sardauna was recognised and to join efforts to take Nigerians through a process of rediscovery and to retrace their steps toward the vision of their forefathers.

The minister said leaders needed to restore the confidence of the

people in governance, adding that this was the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He congratulated them on the contributions they have made in the area of scholarships, health outreaches, and educational development.

Earlier, the leader of the team and former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, said the Foundation saw the Ministry of Information and National Orientation as an important platform through which to deliver it contributions to the nation.

three weeks.

The minister said it all started when President Bola Tinubu said, "look I didn't appoint you to that ministry to give excuses, go and change the narratives, especially of passports applications and collections. Nigerians have had enough of that problem. " He said in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the president, the Ministry of Interior, the NIS, and other stakeholders aligned with, "the talk and do" mantra of the present administration.

Tunji-Ojo revealed to journalists how the deadline he handed down on September 7, was delivered by the Immigration Service, stating that personnel of NIS had to do three shifts each day including Saturdays and Sundays to deliver.

According to him, the Service providers of the NIS were also made to double up their printing capacities and capabilities, especially in areas where passports backlogs were higher.

The minister said: "Yes, I gave two weeks deadline. I however have to apologise to Nigerians that we delivered on it in three weeks. We had 204,332 Nigerians whose data had been captured.

“And we cannot continue to watch them waiting endlessly. I visited the headquarters of the Immigration Service and told them the narratives

must

"Sochange. in critical frontline desks like Ikeja, Alausa, Ikoyi, Ibadan, Abuja, we ordered that more printing machines be brought in by the Service providers. Then we increased the working hours of the personnel of NIS. They started running three shifts.

"Let me at this juncture commend the Acting Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Mrs. Wura-Ola Adepoju, especially for her positive responses to the pressures I mounted on her. I would call her late and demand updates, and she would provide updates. That was the spirit. "

Tunji-Ojo, however revealed that so far out of the 204,332 backlogs cleared, only 94,981 have been collected by the applicants, leaving 109,351 yet uncollected.

He said while the entire backlogs were cleared as of October 1st, Nigerians should appreciate the extraordinary efforts of those who made it possible by showing up in the various offices of NIS to collect the travel documents.

He regretted that for instance at the Ikoyi Passports office, 39,170 backlogs were cleared, and only about 9,458 applicants have showed up to collect the booklets. Also, he revealed that while 21,108 were cleared in Alausa, a huge number of applicants were yet to show up to pick up their passports.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Senate Confirms Balarabe, Bio Ibrahim, Olawande as Ministers

El-Rufai's replacement slumps during screening, revived NDDC board nominees confirmed Tribune Senate Correspondent dies of cardiac arrest in National Assembly premises

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday, confirmed the nomination of three ministerial nominees, Balarabe Abbas Lawal (Kaduna), Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Kwara) and Ayodele Olawande (Ondo) as ministers.

The senators supported their confirmation in a voice vote immediately after their screening exercise during plenary.

Balarabe, from Kaduna had earlier collapsed at the Senate chamber when he appeared before the senators for screening.

He was the second nominee to be screened after Bio Ibrahim.

He collapsed more than 15 minutes into his screening exercise.

Balarabe, collapsed when Kaduna South Senator, Sunday Marshall Katung, was speaking about his administrative experience in Kaduna State.

The Kaduna lawmaker, who endorsed Balarabe's ministerial

on such “trivial matters”.

Nonetheless, the presidency, last night, further clarified that the certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC was authentic and not forged, as being insinuated in some quarters.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chijoka, said the Supreme Court would be doing Nigeria a great disservice if it ignored the CSU’s sworn testimony on the Tinubu certificate saga. Chijoka spoke last night on the Arise News Primetime programme.

Atiku, who was the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and first runner-up in the last presidential election, had sought to nullify the declaration of Tinubu as president by INEC.

He currently has a pending appeal at the Supreme Court, following the dismissal of his petition against the February 25 election that produced Tinubu as president.

A five-member panel of the presidential election tribunal had, in a unanimous judgement on September 6, held that Atiku could not prove his allegations of irregularities, noncompliance, as well as corrupt practices during the presidential election.

Besides, the panel declined to entertain Atiku’s prayers for the disqualification of Tinubu from the poll over alleged forgery and perjury, on the grounds that the allegations were not part of the former vice president’s petition filed on March 21, 2023.

Atiku believed that by Nigeria’s laws, a candidate could be barred from participating in an election over acts of forgery and lying on oath.

Among the documents Tinubu submitted last year to INEC was a diploma certificate, said to have been obtained from CSU in 1979. The document, like his educational history, was enmeshed in great controversy, leading to the instant litigation in the United States.

Apart from the US case, one Mike Enahoro-Ebah and some civil society groups had earlier gone to court to

certificate he presented to the nation’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), did not generate from it, might have set the tone for a new conversation altogether.

Yet, it appears the debate has returned to the basics, which is the basic qualifications for a person aspiring to become the president of Nigeria, as part of the argument being advanced in the case of Mr. Tinubu.

Section 131 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that, “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if:

“(a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of 35 years(c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and

nomination, said all the three senators from the state have no objection to his nomination.

Katung had not finished his remarks when the nominee collapsed, prompting the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to shout, "Give him water, give him water and sugar."

Akpabio immediately ordered journalists and cameras out of the Senate chamber while the live streaming of the screening was also halted.

As Balarabe collapsed and was quickly put back on a chair by a Sergeants at Arm, there was commotion in the Senate chamber with shouts and calls for doctors from the Clinic.

Akpabio, was shouting “water quickly! water! Coke or sugar! to revive him.”

The Senator representing Adamawa North, Elisha Abbo quickly dashed out of the chamber to go and call the doctors.

stop Tinubu's participation in the last presidential election. The different cases were dismissed on the grounds that the complaints/plaintiffs lacked the necessary legal rights to institute the legal action.

Just like the earlier suits filed at the High Court, the former vice president claimed at the tribunal that the CSU certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC was forged. In arguing his case, he called a witness, Enahoro-Ebah, who not only testified of the alleged abnormalities in Tinubu's certificate but also tendered a copy he obtained from the same CSU, which gave conflicting dates, logos, signatories, and fonts from the one Tinubu submitted to INEC.

Following the dismissal of his case by the tribunal, Atiku approached the US court for an order compelling CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records to him so that he could prove before the apex court in Nigeria that Tinubu committed a criminal act of forgery and perjury, which should warrant the nullification of his presidency.

The US court found merit in Atiku’s application. Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of a Magistrate Court, on September 19, ordered CSU to release Tinubu’s records to Atiku within two days, which must be attested to be genuine by a corporate designee of the school.

The order was upheld by Maldonado last Saturday, when she insisted that the documents should be released on Monday and the testimony of the witness obtained on Tuesday.

However, at the deposition under Rule 30 (b) (6), Westberg, informed the court that documents at his disposal showed Tinubu attended and graduated from the CSU in 1979.

During cross examination, the deponent could not confirm the diploma Tinubu submitted to INEC. He claimed he was seeing the certificate for the very first time.

"Exhibit 6, this purports to be a June 22, 1979 diploma issued to Tinubu and you can see it is stamped by INEC on the diploma as well. Have you seen this document before,"

“(d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

Although Tinubu’s foundational educations – primary and secondary schools – have not been excused from the scandal that had lasted over two decades, the assumption that he might have attended both is believed could enhance his case at the Supreme Court.

Interestingly, Tinubu had told INEC in June 2022, preparatory to the 2023 general election, that he neither attended a primary nor a secondary school and that the two university degrees he had were stolen by unknown soldiers whilst he was on exile abroad.

The doctors at the National Assembly Clinic rushed to the Senate's Chamber to revive the Ministerial nominee. There was total confusion in the Chamber when the doctors rushed in with their first aid equipment, to revive the Ministerial nominee who was already put on a sit.

witness was asked.

"In the proceedings of this case, yes," Westberg responded.

The questions and answers in the court went thus:

Question: “You have never seen the document prior to the proceedings in this case?”

Answer: “You are correct.”

The witness equally agreed that there were remarkable differences in the diploma Tinubu submitted to INEC and the ones issued by the institution both in 1979, when Tinubu graduated, and the one issued last year to Enahoro-Ebah.

These differences ranged from the signatories to the logo, and seal.

In his deposition, the witness observed that certificates issued in 1979 had five signatories and seal with the class of hands, but the one Tinubu submitted to INEC had just three signatories and seal with triangle.

Specifically, Westberg pointed out that the signature on the replace- ment certificate of Tinubu matched certificates issued in the 1990s and not those of 1979, adding that some of the persons, who signed the INEC diploma, were not in the institution by 1979.

The question and answer session in the US court proceeded as follows:

Question: “The diploma says it was granted on June 22, 1979?”

Answer: “Yes.”

Question: “And CSU did not have a board of trustees in 1979, did it?”

Answer: “True.”

Question: “So let's look at the signature on the INEC diploma, on the right, it looks like one of the signatories was Elnora Daniel, correct?”

Answer: “Yes.”

Question: “And Elnora Daniel was not the chair or president of CSU in 1979, correct?”

Answer: “Yes.”

Question: “She was president 1998 to 2008, correct?”

Answer: “As far as I am aware.”

Similarly, while the witness identified another signature on

seeming alternative for the former governor of Lagos State, which is the university degree, has since been consumed by an unending controversy.

To that extent, the one thing the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is taking with him to the Supreme Court is the alleged forgery of the Chicago State University Diploma Certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC.

Section 137 (1) of the constitution states that, “A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of the president if: “(j)he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

Therefore, while the basic educational qualification of primary or secondary school was missing, the Continued on page 36

Apparently unaware of presence of journalists who stormed the chamber with the doctors, senators gave suggestions on how the nominee could be made stable after being revived. Abbo, who earlier ran out of the chamber for emergency solution ran back when he saw the doctors

the diploma Tinubu submitted to INEC as that of Herbert Conley, he admitted that Conley was not the dean of the Faculty of Business Administration in 1979.

Faulting further the seal on the diploma with INEC, the witness stated that the word "responsibility" and year 1867 were missing. The question and answer continued, thus:

Question: “And you are unaware of any diploma that includes these three signatories being issued by CSU?”

Answer: “Correct.”

Question: “And you have never seen a diploma that cut off the triangle seal in this manner?”

Answer: “Correct.”

Question: “You have never seen a diploma that cut off the signature of Herbert Conley, position like this?”

Answer: “Correct.”

Question: “And CSU does not have a 1979 diploma that contains the font CL signatories and wording, apart from the INEC diploma?”

Answer: “Correct.”

Question: “So CSU does not know of any diploma dated 1979 like the INEC diploma that has ever been issued?”

Answer: “Correct.”

Question: “And CSU has no record of issuing this INEC diploma to President Tinubu in 1979?”

Answer: “Correct.”

Question: “And CSU did not issue a diploma dated June 27, 1979 to Tinubu in 1979.”

Answer: “Correct.”

Meanwhile, while the witness in one breath claimed, "We did not find any diploma issued by 1979 to Tinubu," in another, he admitted that the school had in its file the diploma dated June 27, 1979, which

and told them to arrange for an ambulance.

His suggestion was kicked against by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Gumel. While Bamidele and Gumel,

was the copy released last year to Enahoro-Ebah under the order of a US court.

On why they had the June 27, 1979 copy in their file, the witness stated that he presumed that the diploma was not picked up by Tinubu. Yet, the certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC was dated June 22, 1979.

Atiku had called for all certificates issued by the school in 1979, when Tinubu claimed to have graduated from the university, as well as the "true and correct copy" issued to Tinubu in 1979.

The PDP presidential candidate stated that he was not contending the fact that Tinubu attended CSU but that he forged the certificate he currently paraded.

Tinubu had failed to produce his academic records from primary through secondary schools, on claims that he lost them during his days in exile, when the then military government of the late General Sani Abacha was allegedly after some of them.

To a large extent, the release of Tinubu's CSU records and the subsequent deposition were expected to finally lay to rest all controversies surrounding the president's educational qualifications.

However, what the Supreme Court would make out of this revelation is another ball game entirely.

CSU had on Monday released the academic records of Tinubu in its custody. The released records, which contained 32 documents, revealed, among others, that Tinubu graduated from Government College, Lagos, in 1970.

Tinubu's primary and secondary education, like his university, remained a factor of major controversy.

Beside the variations in the names

kept on asking the doctors whether Balarabe would be made stable without taking him to the hospital, another Doctor from the National Assembly clinic ran into the chamber with another first aid equipment but got an unpleasant welcome from the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio who shouted at him to get away from his side.

The offence of the medical doctor was that out of the emergency situation, he wanted to pass through Akpabio’s back to where the ailing ministerial nominee was being attended to.

Being a doctor, he refused to be rattled by Akpabio's order but later followed the front of the Senate President 's seat when prevailed upon by some other Senators.

After regaining his strength and composure, the nominee pleaded with the Senate to allow him continue with the session but was told go

Continued on page 37

and number of persons, who signed various certificates issued in 1979, there was also a huge variation in the logo of the institution.

Other documents released by the university included a Southwest College Transcript, which Tinubu was said to have used in gaining admission into CSU in September 1977.

The document confirmed Atiku's allegation that the Tinubu admitted into CSU in 1977 was a female, and a social security number 231-06-0595.

Besides the Southwest College, the document further revealed that Tinubu claimed he graduated from Government College, Lagos, in 1970. But the college was not founded until 1974.

Similarly, a University of Cambridge, General Certificate of Education, Tinubu attached as part of his credentials showed Physics, Chemistry and Biology as three subjects he sat for in the November/ December exam in 1970.

The released documents also showed that Tinubu's record, following his consent, was released to one Mr Wole Afolabi on June 28, 2023; the document was signed by Jamar Orr, who also last year asserted that Tinubu graduated from the CSU in 1979.

Atiku had in his revised subpoena specifically requested four document, seeking true and correct copies of: (1) an example of a CSU diploma for a Bachelor of Science degree issued in 1979; (2) President Tinubu’s diploma issued in 1979; (3) any examples of a CSU diploma that “contains the same font, seal, signatures, and wording (other than the name of the recipient and the specific degree awarded)”

Continued on page 35

D bA nk Cu TS nIG er IA’S 2023 eC ono MIC Grow TH Proje CTI on To 2.9% transportation bottlenecks continue to bite. Nigeria and Angola are projected to grow at 2.9 per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively, due to lower international prices and currency pressures affecting oil and non-oil activity.

"Increased conflict and violence in the region weigh on economic activity, and this rising fragility may be exacerbated by climatic shocks.

"In Sudan, economic activity is expected to contract by 12 per cent because of the internal conflict which is halting production, destroying human capital, and crippling state capacity."

In per capita terms, the World Bank report noted that growth in Sub-Saharan Africa has not increased since 2015.

In fact, the region, it added, was projected to contract at an annual average rate per capita of 0.1 per cent over 2015-2025, thus potentially marking a lost decade of growth in the aftermath of the 2014-15 plunge in commodity prices.

Commenting, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen said: “The region’s poor-

est and most vulnerable people continue to bear the economic brunt of this slowdown, as weak growth translates into slow poverty reduction and poor job growth.

“With up to 12 million young Africans entering the labor market across the region each year, it has never been more urgent for policymakers to transform their economies and deliver growth to people through better jobs.”

Despite the gloomy outlook, the bank noted that there were few bright spots, adding that inflation was expected to decline from 9.3 per cent in 2022, to 7.3 per cent in 2023.

Fiscal balances, it stated, were improving in African countries that are pursuing prudent and coordinated macroeconomic policies.

"In 2023, the Eastern African community (EAC) is expected to grow by 4.9 per cent, while the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) is set to grow by 5.1 per cent.

"However, debt distress remains widespread with 21 countries at high risk of external debt distress

or in debt distress as of June 2023.

"Overall, current growth rates in the region are inadequate to create enough high-quality jobs to meet increases in the working-age population. Current growth patterns generate only three million formal jobs annually, thus leaving many young people underemployed and engaged in casual, piecemeal, and unstable work that does not make full use of their skills," the World Bank report said.

It further submitted that creating job opportunities for the youth would drive inclusive growth and turn the continent’s demographic wealth into an economic dividend.

"The urgency of the jobs challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa is underscored by the huge opportunity from demographic transitions that we have seen in other regions.

“This will require an ecosystem that facilitates private-sector development and firm growth, as well as skill development that matches business demand,” said Nicholas Woolley, World Bank Economist and contributor to the report.

Balarabe

Bio Ibrahim Olawande

Big Brother All StArS Prize PreSentAtion Ceremony...

House Urges NEMA, Humanitarian Ministry to Provide Relief Materials for Victims of Delta Explosion

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Sylvester idowu in Warri

The House of Representatives has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to immediately send relief materials to affected victims and settle medical bills of those hospitalised in the tanker explosion in Delta state.

This was just as the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone yesterday, expressed condolences to the victims of the recent petroleum tanker fire incident that took place at Ugbenu near Koko junction in

Ethiope West Local Government Area.

The decision of the House of Representatives followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary yesterday, by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi. He said the unfortunate loss of over 20 lives including children and women on Sunday, October 1, 2023, when a fallen tanker laden with petrol exploded at Koko Junction in the Warri-Benin highway in Delta State.

Ereyitomi, noted that apart from the deaths recorded, other people sustained different degrees of injuries while over 16 vehicles and three motorcycles were destroyed by the inferno.

He expressed worry that the unfortunate incident would further worsen the plight of road users who already had to cope with massive gridlock occasioned by the dilapidated road; spending days on a journey that should ordinarily not exceed 45 minutes.

Ereyitomi, lamented that the Warri-Benin highway was plagued by a significant number of accidents each year, often involving tankers and other heavy duty vehicles which topple over as drivers maneuver failed portions of the road.

He said with the accident, commuters and motorists would become more exposed to attacks by hoodlums/miscreants who take advantage of such situations

to wreak havoc. The lawmaker noted that the failed portions of the road had become a death trap for users of the road with little or no remedial efforts from any quarter over a period of time to pose this kind of danger;

In its ruling, the House urged, "the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to immediately send relief materials to affected victims and settle medical bills of those hospitalised."

It also urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the Warri-Benin

House Tasks Ministry of Works on Urgent Completion of Deplorable Ogbaru Road

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated the Federal Ministry of Works and the House Committee on Appropriation to include the completion of OnitshaAtani-Ossomalla-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni Road project, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state in the 2024 appropriation bill.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the grueling experience of the people on that singular dilapidated road that connects the local government to the rest of the state moved by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, at plenary yesterday.

The House also mandated the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to provide palliative measures on the road in the interim, to ease transportation.

Ogene, while presenting the motion said the badly flood-ravaged Ogbaru road was also the shortest route to get into Rivers State from Anambra. Noting that the OnitshaAtani-Ossomalla-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni Road, was the only road that connects the 15 communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area/Federal Constituency of Anambra state to the rest of the state, and is the shortest route to Rivers State from Anambra.

"The road is in deplorable condition, making commuting a

grueling experience, which is made worse by the yearly flood disaster in the area. The people in Ogbaru Local Government Area/Federal Constituency, who are predominantly farmers, find it extremely difficult to transport their produce to different markets via the dilapidated road, thus impacting their contribution to the nation's food security.

“This important road has become tortuous and treacherous to road users, leading to loss of lives, valuable farm produce, properties and man hours," he added.

The House further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the House Appropriation Committee, to include completion of the OnitshaAtani-Ossomalla-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni Road Project in the 2024 appropriation budget estimates.

The lawmakers consequently urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to in the meantime, provide palliative measures on the road to ease transportation thereon and further mandated its Committee on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday resolved to Investigate the indiscriminate issuance of “Certificate of No Objection” by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and non-compliance with mandatory post-procurement audit.

The House also mandated the Committee on Public Procurement to investigate the allegation and report back within six weeks for further legislative action and also to consider the bi-annual reports submitted in the last six years and make their findings known to the public.These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the indiscriminate issuance of “Certificate

of No Objection” by the BPP and non-compliance with mandatory post-procurement audit moved by Hon. Peter Akpanke, at plenary yesterday.

Akpanke, noted that by the Provisions of the Sections 6(1)(c) and 16(1)(b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the BPP was authorised to issue a certificate of no objection to contracts awarded by relevant procurement entity.

highway and other federal roads around the country with a view to forestalling future occurrence.

Meanwhile, Dafinone yesterday, expressed deep condolences to the victims of the recent petroleum tanker fire incident at Ugbenu near Koko junction in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

He called on the federal government to take immediate action in fixing the bad sections of the Benin-Warri road to prevent a repeat of the incident.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of last Sunday along the Warri - Benin Road at Ugbenu Koko Junction, claiming several lives with properties worth several millions of Naira razed.

The Delta Central lawmaker, while reiterating the call for the federal government to expedite action on fixing failed portions of major highways in Delta State, noted that the incident could have been avoided if not for the bad spot on the road which caused the tanker loaded with petrol to fall and spill its contents.

He decried the untold hardship commuters face on the Warri-Benin road daily, spending close to five hours on the road on a journey that shouldn't last for about an hour due to the deplorable state of the road.

The Senator lamented man hours lost daily to traffic on Warri-Benin road, because of the bad state of the road, the only major road connecting the two states of the Niger Delta region, taking a huge toll on economic activities and the social

life of the people who daily journey through that route.

"The Ugbenu fire incident is a devastating tragedy that has claimed the lives of five individuals and caused significant damage to properties, this is very unfortunate.

"My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones and to all those affected by this unfortunate event.

“We must come together as a community to provide support and assistance to those who have suffered such immense loss.

"The loss of lives and destruction of properties in this incident are deeply distressing. We must prioritise the safety and well-being of our citizens by ensuring that our roads are in a good state," Dafinone emphasised.

He, therefore, called on the federal government and other relevant agencies to expedite action in addressing the issue of bad roads, particularly the Warri - Benin Road, to prevent tragedies from occurring.

"The poor state of Warri-Benin road needs an emergency attention; our people have been subjected to untold hardship since the only access road connecting the Niger Delta got terribly bad.

"A journey that takes about an hour from Warri to Benin, now take an average of four to five hours or more, this has affected economic activities on this corridor and if urgent steps are not taken to fix this road, the entire Niger Delta would be cut off from other parts of the country.

UNICEF Targets Enrolment of 5,450 Katsina Girls in Secondary Schools

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has initiated a move to ensure the transition of 5,450 girls who completed their primary education to junior secondary schools in Katsina State.

Consequently, the UN agency commenced transition commitment town-hall meetings with primary six girls, parents and guardians to ensure that the girls transition to secondary schools.

The town-hall meeting, which began in Baure and Kankara, yesterday, was expected to be held in Kafur, Mani, Rimi and Katsina Local Government Areas of the

state on Thursday, Friday and Saturday respectively.

Speaking during the meeting in Buare, the UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr. Mukhtar Muntaka Mohammed, said the agency was committed to ensuring the enrollment, transition and completion of girl-child education.

He explained that the town-hall meeting was aimed at assessing and proffering solutions to barriers hindering girls from transiting to junior secondary schools for effective and efficient learning to thrive in the state.

He said UNICEF had enrolled over 300,000 girls into primary schools across 12 local governments

in Katsina State under its Girl Education Project phase 3 (GEP3) and there was a need for the girls to transit to secondary schools.

"Since we have improved enrollment in primary school in the state, we want to make sure that those girls who completed primary six are enrolled in junior secondary schools. We will ensure that there is a 100 per cent transition to junior secondary schools.

"We are engaging the parents to understand what are their problems that they cannot allow their girls to go to school. And their commitments that they will allow their girls to go to JSS," Mohammed said.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Kabir Magaji, warned primary school teachers in the state to take their job seriously or face severe consequences.

Represented by Permanent Member 1 of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Isyaka, Magaji said the board has the power to suspend or discipline any erring teacher, adding that the era of absenteeism is over. He commended UNICEF for the initiative, adding that the gesture would significantly transform and enhance girls transition from primary school to secondary schools in the state.

L-R: Marketing Communications Manager, HFM, Oluwakemi Adedeji; Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola; winner, Big Brother Naija AllStars 2023, Ilebaye Odiniya; and Director, Product Marketing, Moniepoint, Chinedu Oparaku, at the Big Brother All Stars prize presentation ceremony in Lagos...Tuesday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Time for Nigerian Leaders to Be Accountable, Lead By Example

Uzoulu

T. Obijiofor

Humanity lost in the applause for suffering and smiling. With an infant in her left arm, the girl reached out with her right hand to knock on the window where I had rested my head, pleading, “Aunty, I’m hungry. Please, can you give me some food?” The girl chased my car on foot amid the chaos of Lagos traffic. Startled by the incoming vehicles disregarding the two, I stared into the eyes of desperation.

I only had an empty water bottle and my phone on me. Her eyes grew into wide circles, begging, “Ma, please. Please give me water. I’m thirsty. We are thirsty.” Transfixed with horror, I was unable to unlock my eyes with hers. She does not look a day over 14 years old. Her youthful face bore a mixture of old and fresh scars. We were likely travelling at approximately 16km per hour when the baby leaned her face against the window to peer into the car. The girl continued her plea, “Aunty, please, we are hungry. Give us food. Please, we have nothing.”

The baby’s physical appearance resembled that of an eight-month-old, but her demeanour is probably around two years old. The girl followed my car for about 1.6km before walking away. Every time I enter a vehicle, a child on the street is chasing down a car, hoping to eat that day. Let’s trace back our nation’s food instability to its core: a dire consequence of inadequate infrastructure.

How do I effectively convey the message that recognition of Nigerians should not begin once they have left their homeland? As a NigerianAmerican deeply concerned about the state of my home country, it is unsettling to observe the stark contrast. Nigerians are statistically one of the most accomplished immigrant communities in the United States, a trend reflected across Europe. However, within our borders, this success narrative dissipates into disillusionment.

Our nation is confined to a disheartening reality, plagued by a web of corrupt officials who prioritise personal gain over the prosperity of Nigeria. It is dismaying to recount the stories I have heard during my brief month-long visit. Witnessing rainwater engulf unprepared streets due to the absence of a functional drainage system is a distressing sight. Equally distressing is the image of a man with an

open wound who is denied medical treatment because he lacks the means to pay and is left to sit helplessly beside a lamppost.

I have watched children merrily riding bicycles alongside adults navigating their vehicles with unease on the same road. And throughout my visit, individuals trudge through traffic to peddle their goods precariously balanced atop their heads. I recall a determined woman bearing a tray of roasted peanuts, desperate to make a sale amid a relentless downpour.

For as long as memory serves, people continue threading through traffic, offering wares on their heads. Those unable to secure jobs brave the perilous streets daily in pursuit of a livelihood. Meanwhile, those with formal employment grapple with the strain of putting food on the table, maintaining shelter, affording

transportation, and securing an education for their children.

The continuous ascent of inflation only exacerbates these hardships, fanning the flames of internal strife.

It is concerning to advise a nation to endure hunger when the funds designated for essential infrastructure have been embezzled for personal gain. How can one claim leadership in Nigeria while seeking medical treatment in another country? My perspective within Nigeria does not expose me to its most dire conditions, yet pervasive issues loom large no matter where one gazes. There is a reason behind the presence of wealthier nations in African, Asian, and Latin American countries: the pursuit of local resources to bolster their prosperity. Our resources are persistently being mismanaged, stolen, and

exploited for personal gain. In the end, the people who steal will only leave a trail of overconsumption and greed. Nigeria finds itself ensnared in a cultural swamp known as “suffering and smiling.”

Ultimately, how we treat each other lies at the heart of our predicament.

No individual should consider themselves above another. Someone built the structure you call a home. Someone tilled the ground, so you have food to buy and feed your family. What are we doing for them?

Beyond Nigeria’s borders, people from diverse backgrounds commemorate Nigerian Independence Day, embracing fellow Nigerians as extensions of themselves. Witnessing a man bathing with water sourced from a clogged street drainage system should not be routine; it should strike us as an anomaly.

This scarcity mentality is taking a devastating toll on our people. When leaders evade accountability, it is understandable why many citizens are inclined to follow suit. Yet, Nigeria is a youthful nation, with an average age of just 16.9 years. We cannot afford to neglect our neighbours, especially as we navigate our shaping years.

Nigerians excel overseas thanks to the infrastructure built from our resources by wealthier nations. Abandon the “quick cash” method and begin to invest in our future, commencing with our behaviour towards one another. Our country does not lack intelligence but compassion for others. Our homeland’s inadequate infrastructure constrains us, but our compassion for our neighbour propels our success abroad. It is not enough to boast the designer goods as an achievement of hard work in Nigeria. It is not enough to “make it big” in another nation when our brothers and sisters die at home.

It also is not respectable to treat those who make your lives easier as less than others. We must acknowledge our need for each other. Those who died during the #EndSARS Protest in 2020 did not leave us in vain. They were murdered for the decision to show compassion for their home. The time has come for our leaders to embrace accountability, setting an example for all Nigerians to follow. Only then can we begin to transform “suffering and smiling” into a thriving, compassionate society.

•Obijiofor writes from Lagos

CJN, Ariwoola Charges Judges to Be Guided by Constitution, Not Public Opinion in Deciding Cases

Alex

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, yesterday, admonished judges in the country to predicate their judgment on the constitution, rather than public opinions.

He gave the charge shortly after ministering the oath of office on 23 newly appointed Judges of the Federal High Court.

While noting that several vitriolic attacks were regularly being heaped on the judiciary, Ariwoola maintained that, “it is crystal clear that public opinion, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country” which judges apply in deciding each case.

Notwithstanding, Ariwoola reminded judicial officers of the place of conscience in decision making, adding that the generality of the Nigerian masses look up to them

for justice.

“By virtue of the oath you have just taken, you have, automatically, assumed new status and responsibilities in life. A new blank page in the book of life has just been opened for you; and as it is with public office, especially the Judiciary, you are completely opened to daily public scrutiny.

“The pen is right there in your hand to write whatever you desire to be the content of the new page that is now openly displayed in the public domain.

“Like I always say, even though judicial officers are not spirits or superhuman beings, so much impossible things are yet expected from them by the society,” the CJN stated.

Besides, Ariwoola said he sympathised with the new Judges over the landmines that were already lying on their paths in the course of adjudication, especially if their consciences are at variance

with their conducts.

“The bench is neither for the indolent, the greedy nor those with dubious character, who can

easily fall for a plate of porridge offered by desperate litigants.

“You must, at all times, rise above temptations and trials

that might obstruct or even halt your rise to the pinnacle of your career. We are all humans, no doubt, but you display the

humanism in you by doing those extraordinary things that people would ordinarily conclude that you cannot do”, he added.

Army Court-martials Major General over Theft of $1,476,200

Selling, conversion of army property worth N74m

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

A special court martial set up by the Nigerian Army has found the former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, Major General Umar Mohammed, guilty of 14 of 18 count charges which are all contrary to service laws.

The court martial which was headed by Major General Kames Myam also had seven major generals as members with a brigadier-general as judge advocate.

The charges included stealing, forgery, conspiracy, theft, and unauthorised diversion of army

property among others.

The charges were all subject to service discipline.

Among the charges was the collection of a sum of $1.045,400 paid by shipping companies for the use of Nigerian Army Jetty located at No 6 Marina, Victoria Island, Lagos

Major General UM Mohammed was also found guilty of a theft of $430.800 being monies paid into Nigerian Army Domiciliary account at Unity Bank, Abuja for use of Nigerian Army Jetty, Marina, VI, Lagos

Furthermore, Major Gen Mohammed was found guilty

of withdrawing and confiscating the sum of N74 million out of N75 million paid for a property belonging to the Nigerian Army at Ikoyi, Lagos. The general was, however, found not guilty on allegations that he sold Army property worth N200 million in Lagos as well as stole the sum of another N750 million out of the N2.5 billion secured from banks as well as contribution from subscribers for an army housing estate in Asokoro, Abuja

He was also not found guilty of charges of forging a deed of agreement document pursuant to confiscating another army

property in Lagos.

The Special Court Martial with Major General Kames Myam as President, has seven other Major Generals as members and a Brigadier General as Judge Advocate and it is expected to read out its sentences for the accused by Tuesday next week.

During the court martial, Major General UM Mohammed was brought into the court in a wheel chair but President of the court, Major Gen Myan, said all necessary medical checks were carried out on the accused and all proved that he was fit to stand trial.

President Bola Tinubu

Enumah in Abuja

Adeoye: We’ve Liberated Anambra from Political Vandalism, Insurgency

anambra State Commissioner of Police, aderemi adeoye, in this interview with David-Chyddy Eleke, says the state has been firmly secured from political violence as well as insurgency by officers and men of his command.

We noticed that crime has reduced drastically in the state. Can you promise Anambra people that they will sleep with their two eyes closed?

Our promise is that you will not only sleep, but snore and your sleep will not be interrupted by gunshots. The security we enjoy now is not by accident or happenstance. It is a product of very serious collaboration between the people and the government and security. That is the tripod.

The people partnered with us on different strata and government is providing the resources and logistics and we, the security, do what we have been trained to do.

We identify threats and deal with them, so that law abiding citizens can pursue their endeavours. When I say security, I mean all arms of security, both armed and unarmed. All are operating as the powers are assigned to them by the constitution.

I will give illustrations. The DSS provides us with intelligence, and we the lead agency for internal security act on them. For example, we got an intel about some particular persons procuring grenades to sell to insurgents, and this (Wednesday) morning we have arrested them. That is how effective our collaboration is.

Also in the wake of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) we collaborated with all security.

We told the military, keep off the streets, let us not militarize the public space and send wrong signal. We told them to get their troop ready for any eventuality, while the regular police, including plain clothes men moved around to gauge the mood and ascertain what was coming.

So nobody saw the army anywhere, but they were on standby to contain any trouble that might exceed the capacity of the civil police.

We deployed overnight to fortify the Correction Center facilities in Anambra because the first target is usually to liberate criminals and use them to foment trouble. Again, INEC offices are possible targets and they were fortified. And no one will burn down any INEC office and live to tell the story. I am not one to shy away from taking hard decisions, and I gave my men clear orders that anyone who attempts to burn any government structure, it must be prevented at all cost.

As long as the people remain law abiding and peaceful, we will protect them with our lives and anyone that wants to cause them harm will have us to contend with. But those who want to cross the boundary and become outlaws, we owe them no allegiance and we will use the instrumentality of the law to bring them down.

So the security being achieved in Anambra today is as a result of collaboration.

For example, traffic may be the issue, for example a tanker falls across the road and motorists cannot pass, and traffic builds up and miscreants take advantage to dispossess people of their valuables.

So you see how traffic situation can lead to crime. So in cases like this, we need the road safety to use their heavy truck to remove the obstacle from the roads. It is in cases like this that you realize the critical importance of such agencies. No agency is to be underrated.

We have collaboration with Immigration, Prisons, and others. Apart from the work they do, they are significant in security. So all the agencies that have something to do on security have a role to play.

In ending sit- at- home, we didn’t engage in rhetorics with those who are protagonists of the sit-at-home, and we did not mount any pressure on the people either. We didn’t do anything special to bring the people out to go to work because that one is employer/ employee relationship.

What we did was simply to provide security and promise the people safety and their human rights. We owe the people a duty to protect

them when they come out, but it is up to them to come out.

We simply provided security and see that those who come out are not molested, so that when people look and see that someone went out on Monday and came back safely and made money, they too will begin to go out. And that is how people started going out.

On Mondays now, Banks open in Awka, businesses are open and that is a good development. So, gradually we will see full return to normalcy. By our own assessment, we are not there yet. We want to get to the stage where people will forget the bad experiences they have had in the past.

While we acknowledge that security has improved in the state, we also want to let you know that Nnewi to Ukpor, Iseke, Azia, Orsumoghu, Lilu, Ubuluisiuzor and other such places are no go areas. When will normalcy return in those places?

What we have in those areas you just mentioned, and what almost engulfed the whole state, is insurgency.

You know this is like guerilla warfare

and you must be deliberate and methodical because it is not a conventional war. You make progress slowly. You gain ground, you secure it. You reclaim occupied territory and you secure it and go further.

Those areas you mentioned are still no-goareas for civilians, but not for security.

As a matter of fact, we have Forward Operating Bases (FOB) in Osumoghu, Ukpor, Uli, aimed at ensuring we stem encroachment from Imo State.

These measures have been effective and that is why the rest of the state has been safe, because the routes through which they come have been blocked. Our police special forces are there, army is there, police is there, anti terrorist unit is also there.

Before now, all the seven local government areas that are in Anambra South senatorial zone were under the control of the insurgents.

By your own admission you have now accepted that other parts of the state are safe, except Nnewi South and few areas in Ihiala. So out of seven local governments, we have reclaimed five, and we are working on liberating the remaining two, and incidentally, those two have link with Imo State.

It got so bad that even their traditional rulers fled their communities. We had instances where their palaces were also burnt.

This insurgency problem was not against non indigenes as people take it to be. It is

We simply provided security and see that those who come out are not molested, so that when people look and see that someone went out on Monday and came back safely and made money, they too will begin to go out. And that is how people started going out. On Mondays now, banks open in Awka, businesses are open and that is a good development. So, gradually we will see full return to normalcy. By our own assessment, we are not there yet. We want to get to the stage where people will forget the bad experiences they have had in the past.

actually self immolation. Custodians of the culture are being attacked. We are working to gradually reclaim all these areas that the insurgents have turned into their hideouts because of natural forests, harsh topography, difficult terrains and others.

They take refuge in that place and launch attacks from there, but now it is very difficult for them to launch such attacks and come out alive. Attacks have been checked to a reasonable extent. I will give you an insight; they plant landmines around those camps and also use rocket propelled grenade launchers. These are war materials and we are not at war.

The Federal government has exercised a lot of restraint in dealing with the problem, and I will advise the insurgents not to push their luck so far because patience has a limit.

You will agree with me that up till now we have not used air strikes, Why? Because we are concerned about the safety of the people there. We don’t want collateral damage.

But if their existence there will make life meaningless to the innocent people, then government would have been pushed to the wall to go all out and take them out, in order to secure the people who have become canon-folder in their hands. They even kidnap their own people and ask for ransom, and if you don’t pay, they kill you there. They don’t care. In fact, 95percent of their victims are their own relatives, while the other five percent are travelers, who due to lack of the knowledge of the area, run into them. Our advice is for people to use the expressway always.

Do sponsors of these people live among us?

No. Most of them are abroad, but they are indigenes, who are misled and misguided about the true nature of the conflict, whose source of information is the propaganda they read on social media. And they continue to give them false perception that the realization of the Republic of Biafra is imminent, and all they need to do is to sustain the onslaught, and the onslaught comprises of firing three rounds at a military outpost and running away. That is not fighting, but that is what they need to deceive their sponsors abroad, to continue to get funding. It is business and nothing but business to them. That is propaganda, and the reality is that everyday they are losing ground. They increasingly continue to target their own people, and they are members of the society and we owe those people a duty of protection. They are in it only for their selfish interests, and that is what those people abroad want to hear, and they will be like our boys are doing it, and they contribute money and send to them, and these boys use a small part of the money to buy bullets, go to a small location and shoot, and video it and send to their sponsors.

We have also blocked the avenues of their arms supply, and by the time we have successfully blocked it, they will resort to catapult and soon if they attack anywhere, the people will catch them and beat sense into their head. So I can tell you that the problem will soon be over, and the people will enjoy complete peace again.

Let us know that development can only happen when there is peace. If you create insecurity, you are undoing your region, and once there is insecurity, no one thinks of development again. It is better for all hands to be on deck. It is our duty to create peace for development in this region, and my focus is Anambra State.

Look at those erosion- prone roads around Ideani and Oba, if those roads are cut off, no contractor who knows that he is likely to be kidnapped will accept to go there to work? That is the problem. Lets put hands together and tackle this.

Adeoye

Kalu as House Deputy Speaker and Legislative Activist

deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, apart from carrying out his official duties, has been active in sponsoring Bills on the floor of the Green chamber, Adedayo Akinwale reports.

Not long after the winners of the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25, 2023 election were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the political gladiators in the National Assembly couldn’t wait for the governorship elections to hold before they started scrambling for the election of principal officers in the legislative arm.

It took the intervention of the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency before the gladiators slowed down their campaigns.

For instance, in the Senate, Senators Abdulaziz Yari, Orji Kalu, Jibrin Barau, Sani Musa, Godswill Akpabio, Dave Umahi, among others, indicated interest in becoming the President of the 10th Senate.

The situation wasn’t so different in the House where the likes of Hon. Ado Doguwa, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Idris Wase; Aliyu Betara; Yusuf Gagdi; Benjamin Kalu; Tajudeen Abbas, Abdulraheem Olawuyi, Sada Soli, Makki Yalleman and Sani Jaji showed interest to contest for the position of Speaker.

At the end, the leadership of the party and the president-elect, who is now the president, Bola Tinubu settled for Akpabio as the Senate President, Barau as the Deputy Senate President; while Abbas was the preferred choice to emerge as Speaker and Kalu as Deputy Speaker.

Following the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 13, 2023, Abbas emerged the Speaker, while Kalu emerged as the Deputy Speaker.

Though Kalu’s emergence as the Deputy Speaker did not go down well with many, nevertheless, even his political opponents could attest to his brilliance and the understanding of the workings of the legislative activities.

On few occasions he has presided over the plenary in the House, his finesse, his understand-

ing of the ways the Green Chamber works always bring life to the plenary proceedings.

During his first term in the House, Kalu sponsored 44 Bills, out of which four of the Bills were passed while two were assented to by the president.

Ever since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, 470 Bills have been introduced by members and read for the first time.

Kalu has refused to slow down. Out of 470 Bills read on the floor of the House, the Deputy Speaker sponsored 45 Bills.

Kalu, a second term lawmaker, representing Bende federal constituency in Abia State, aside his primary responsibility of making laws, also expressed his determination to deliver quality service and common good to the Nigerian people.

To give credence to this, Kalu while delivering a speech recently in Lagos at the “All Markets Conference 2023 in

Lagos,” themed: Catalysing Partnership with Traders through Innovation, Technology, Analytics and Sustainability, lamented that about N4 trillion has been lost to the stay-at-home problem in the South-east region within the last two years.

He was of the opinion that the Sit-at-Home enforced on the people of the region —Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states - has crippled businesses and stifled opportunities for economic growth.

The deputy speaker emphasised that violence was alien to the region and therefore called for a collective effort by all Igbo sons and daughters to end the menace.

He opined that the existential threat to Igbo entrepreneurship and businesses now is the insecurity and sit-at-home problem in the Southeast, adding that the mutation of this problem is largely unfathomable.

Kalu noted that the problem is becoming a cankerworm that is eating deep into the collective fortune of the region.

He opined that there was a need for everyone to rise up to nip the problem in the bud. He added that the first wave of the migration of Igbo businesses post-civil war was in the late 1980s and the 1990s, when, due to incessant kidnappings, thievery and a rise in occultism, Igbo businesses domiciled in Igbo land moved en masse to other parts of Nigeria and the West and Central African region to thrive.

The deputy speaker explained that they are currently witnessing the second wave of such migration of the Igbo businesses as a result of insecurity and the sit-at-home.

According to him: “This is not us. We are not known for these. If I do not tell you these truths as your son, then it will be difficult for anyone in governance from Ala-Igbo to tell you. I am pained by what our dear land has become. We have to be honest and sincere with ourselves.

“I make a heartfelt plea to each and every one of you. We cannot afford to retreat from

our business endeavors. The stay-at-home order on Mondays has resulted in staggering losses of N4 trillion in the last two years in the Southeast alone according to statistical data by analysts. This is also affecting the businesses of our brothers across Nigeria especially in the supply-chain. We must find lasting solutions to the security challenges in Igbo land, addressing them collectively with innovative strategies. My brothers and my sisters. We must think and think again!

“In this spirit, let us remember the longstanding harmonious relationship between the Yoruba and the Igbo, especially in Lagos and other parts of the Southwest. We have come a long way together, both economically and politically. We can draw inspiration from past collaborations, such as Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu’s role as the founding president of The Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos, and the partnership between Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Herbert Badmus Macaulay during the glory days of the then National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Umunem na Umunnam, Igbo bu Igbo, let me assure you that my colleagues and I from the South East are committed to this task in the next four years of the current administration. With me as the Deputy Speaker, we will work together towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.”

By virtue of his position as the number six citizen in the country and the political leader of the South-east, the Deputy Speaker recently pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to consider the South-east for additional ministerial positions like other regions of the country.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker urged members of the APC and Igbo leaders in the South-east to unite as one and pursue their common destiny against all odds.

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

Project Continuity: Oborevwori’s Example in Delta

Nigeria, like most African countries, also has her fair share of the problems of governance. However, one of the most troubling roadblocks to development at various tiers of government these days, is lack of continuity with projects and policies.

Unfortunately, project discontinuity has remained a major obstacle to development everywhere. It is a major challenge that has, in a baffling way, refused to go away.

And this is ironic; after all, government is a continuum. As they say, they finish to begin. But here we are, tenure after tenure, season after season, trying to rationalize this strange phenomenon of new leaders, especially governors, who are usually not favourably disposed to the idea of continuing with the uncompleted projects of their predecessors.

I guess this is the reason Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s courage, vision and good example have resonated beyond Delta State. The governor is towing a different path. Moving away from a past characterized by abandonment of projects inherited from their predecessors, has now ended officially in Delta State. This is courtesy of one man with an eye on posterity, and he is determined to face all the inconveniences to make a mark.

The governor’s deviation from a past wellknown for abandoned projects will definitely have an impressive multiplier effect, not just on Delta State’s politics, but everywhere because of the good it brings.

Hopefully, it will lead to other states taking a cue from this audacious policy and thereby guarantee stability in the polity.

Naturally, many people have applauded this noble policy in Delta State. In their view, continuing with old projects is an indication of economic prudence, sustainability and transparency. And they believe that it is a good step forward.

A former Secretary of Isoko North Local Gov-

ernment Council of Delta State, Pastor Sunday Elueni, noted with excitement that Governor Oborevwori is bold and courageous to embrace projects inherited from the past Government.

“The truth is that government should be a continuum. More so when it is the same political party in power. But we have examples in some states where this pattern was not followed. That’s why we are happy that Governor Oborevwori has shown leadership in this direction. It is a bold and courageous step that must be commended by all and sundry “, he stated

For Madam Alice Ejikeme, a business woman, the Governor has demonstrated prudence and shown to the world that he abhors wastage.

“Some governors don’t care how much has been spent on a project. Once it’s not from them, they simply abandon such projects. Governor Oborevwori is clearly different. The man does not like wastage and he is very prudent.

That’s why he’s continuing projects that were inherited. He’s definitely a shining star”, she declared.

In less than five months, this uncommon governor is already setting high standards and clear expectation in the leadership of Delta State. The people of the State are undoubtedly very happy, and they could not have asked for a better governor.

Clearly, this amiable governor with knowledge and good parliamentary experience, understands the mood of the nation today. Nigerians are no longer willing to wait, and they are ready, anytime, to withdraw their love for any politician, and even sit in judgement against their leaders as they deem fit, especially when such politicians or leaders allow ego to take the better part of their time.

Oborevwori Justifies Project Continuity

At a recent inauguration of projects, as part of activities to mark 100 days in office, Oborevwori spoke succinctly about this novel decision of continuity of projects.

He noted that it was the duty of successive administrations to continue and complete projects initiated by their predecessors. “Government is a continuum and it is the duty of successive administrations to put the resources of the state to good use by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely manner”, he enthused.

On reasons for abandonment of projects, the Delta State Governor explained that: “one of the reasons for abandoned projects in our country is because of the failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors. This is usually informed by the fear that their predecessors will get the credit. This should not be the case if the focus of the incumbent is on the collective good of all.”

Projects inaugurated as part of the 100 days in office included some of those inherited and those initiated by his administration. They include the multi-billion naira projects at

Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba, a 500 seater and two 250-seater auditoriums; the furnishing and face lifting of Faculty of Agriculture, administrative building, Vice Chancellors lodge, entrance gate and main entrance access road to the university.

Of course, the governor also assured on that same occasion that, work was going on at an accelerated speed at the three newly established universities as well as the Delta State University, Abraka; the new polytechnic at Burutu, some of which were billed for inauguration in the coming days.

But more significantly is the Governor’s award of N78 billion to construction giant, Julius Berger, for the building of three new flyovers and repairs of federal roads in the state. Oborevwori also made quite an impression with the inauguration of a network of 29 roads with 31.45 line drains around Madonna College and Okpanam areas in Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas.

The governor has expressed determination to see to the conclusion of the 22 kilometre trans-Ode Itsekiri road with 18 bridges, major culverts and other contiguous bridges like the Beneku and Ayakoromo Bridges.

In spite of the difficult times the country is facing today, Governor Oborevwori’s approach portends hope in the horizon for Deltans under the current administration. Delta State is clearly in safe hands under the guidance of their governor. And it is gratifying to note that the man at the helm of affairs is not under any illusion about the task ahead of him.

In Governor Oborevwori, Deltans actually chose a worthy son, a man of integrity who has pledged to protect his peoples’ interests for as long as it pleases the Almighty.

On this score, there is a meeting of mind among the majority.

-Ofou is Executive Assistant to Governor Oborevwori of Delta State.

Kalu

Felix Ofou writes on how Governor sheriff oborevwori within four months in office in delta state has continued with projects inherited from his predecessor as a stellar example of continuity in governance.

Oborevwori

It is increasingly becoming easier to ‘win’ elections through the courts than by popular votes, reckons CHRIS GYANG

OF THE LAW AND THE ASS

In the popular imagination, the ass, or donkey, is reputed to be one of the most unintelligent, lazy and stupid domestic animals around. As a result, pejorative phrases and words such as ‘Don’t be such an ass!’, ‘I made an ass of myself!’, ‘dumb-ass’, ‘jackass’, etc, have spun off from this perception.

Obviously, when Charles Dickens’ character in the 1838 classic novel, Oliver Twist, made a caricature of the law by comparing it to an ass, he must have had that very picture of the donkey at the back of his mind. Disgusted at the law, Mr. Bumble had taken a swipe at its obvious flaws by lamenting: “The law supposes that your wife acts under your direction. If the law supposes that, the law is an ass – an idiot.”

But is the law really an ass? The kind of donkey

of hearing that they can detect sounds from 60 miles away), you can tell that it is very aware of its surroundings.

The law should not be dead to the truth and realities of its environment. Even when the law is an ass, should it not at least possess a conscience, a sense of morality to guide it towards upholding the highest standards of justice that can withstand the harshest scrutiny, even from the court of public opinion?

The Bench is now in the dock in Plateau State and other parts of the country. Legal experts say that that it will take extra human efforts to acquit itself honourably and in accordance with its timetested ethos.

The very essence of our democracy is under severe threat. Must we allow this donkey to be pushed down the path of infamy? You can force the horse, likewise the donkey or ass, to the river. But you can’t force it to drink, especially when the waters are soiled.

Apparently, these legal tussles are fast eroding the credibility and threatening the very foundations of our democracy. It is increasingly becoming much easier to ‘win’ elections through the courts than by the popular votes of the electorate.

There should be a lesson or two here for us all. He who profits from the spoils of the miscarriage of justice must watch out. Likewise, those who twist the law for personal gain.

ABIODUN KOMOLAFE urges the drug law enforcement agency to be steadfast

NDLEA AND BUBA MARWA’S BURDEN

There was a time in Nigeria when the name, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) suggested a dynamic, positive and functional institution. Perilous, and as the war against drug crimes and related offences was, society and criminals were conscious of the institution’s existence. During the time, everything was bright and beautiful for the Agency but, somewhere along the line, there was a lull and that lull represented a brief moment. It was as if it was strange to happen to Nigeria but, of course, it wasn’t strange to the world for a period of that nature to occur in public administration. Considering the level of corruption and institutional decay that has been deliberately overlooked in times past, the good news is that vibrant days are back under the present leadership.

It is one of the less-used attributes of historicism to be able to deduce the patterns and styles of administration from the antecedents of leadership structure. In the present dispensation, the expectations of the masses, written or unwritten, sum up the total willpower and goodwill of the founding fathers. Therefore, whoever is chosen to head the government

your mind readily conjures whenever you feel that the legal system has been perverted against you? And, second and most fundamentally, to what extent is the law imbued with the perceived or (as we shall soon see) true character of the ass?

We must state that the law is not always an ass. In fact, in most cases, it’s not. But in some instances, it is human beings that forcibly, deliberately, transform the donkey, the law, into a dumb and submissive creature so that we can ride it roughshod at the detriment of the common good. To satisfy our own base instincts.

At the heart of this discussion on the ‘assness’ or otherwise of the law are certain judgements delivered by some elections tribunals in Plateau and other states of the federation. Critics say that some of these rulings appear to be outlandish, preposterous and against the very letter and spirit of the extant 2022 Electoral Act they purport to uphold.

For instance, while most of the tribunals have, according to the Electoral Act, ruled that preelectoral matters CANNOT be challenged by any individual or institution outside that very political party, a few others, sometimes sitting next door, have given judgement to the contrary!

To the layman, the law appears to be wearing two contradictory faces. The much revered and hallowed temple of justice, which should protect and project the rule of law without any iota of fear or favour, has automatically demystified and rendered itself hollow. Its voice has lost its firmness, solemnness. It has become a danger to the very ideals it is constitutionally required to uphold.

Dissatisfied parties have since approached the National Judicial Council to seek redress. It goes without saying that this is a deep dent on the integrity of our system of adjudication as a whole.

While doing a preliminary background check on the origins of the expression ‘The law is an ass’ in the English-Grammar-Lessons (2022), I happened upon this interesting image: a blindfolded donkey with the scales of the law firmly balanced on its back. By the positioning of its ears (which are said to have a keen sense

Both shall taste of the bitter deserts of this travesty, sooner or later. Even if the wheels of justice grind so tortuously slow.

An injustice is never permanently buried. Willy-nilly, it resurrects someday to haunt those who concocted it. Justice and truth are as eternal as they are elemental, indestructible.

The universal image and symbol of justice is the blindfolded maid. So the distinguished men and women who sit in judgement over men must, while painfully blinding their physical eyes to all extraneous, perverse and self-serving pulls, keenly focus their inner vision on dispassionately wielding the gavel without fear or favour.

Of course, this is fraught with great personal danger to the Bench. But that is the profound sacrifice that goes with being a jurist in the first place. It is in that self-denial that their greatness ultimately lies.

We are wont to trifle with the fundamental notion of natural justice. But it’s at the bottom of all laws. It holds that the powerful must never trample on the God-given right of the weak to live and exist in a world that equally belongs to all. This is the matter at stake here.

Without adhering to the tenet of natural justice, we willingly hand over ourselves to the dictates of the law of the jungle where only the fittest survive. No, that is not the society our Constitution envisages, with all of its imperfections.

The ass has an excellent memory, is highly intelligent and is as strong as a horse of the same size. A 2012 study by The Donkey Sanctuary found that donkeys can learn and problem-solve at the same pace as dolphins and dogs. Not only are they sociable and calm, they are capable of independent thinking and decision making.

We humbly submit that the law is indeed an ass. But that largely depends on whether the law acts according to the way Mr. Bumble experienced it or comports itself in a manner consistent with The Donkey Sanctuary’s enviable assessment.

The choice is yours to make.

Gyang

is the Chairman of the N.G.O, Journalists Coalition for Citizens’ Rights Initiative

establishment no doubt reflects the assurance of the government that such aims and functions of the NDLEA would be achieved under him.

Mohammed Buba Marwa was appointed as NDLEA Chairman at a critical time in Nigeria’s rich history. With only two years in office, it is interesting to note that the man at the apex of the institution has proved to Nigerians that he has something to offer; and those being mentored must not take it for granted, for this is the only way to sustain society. The management and staff of NDLEA must also be commended for previous achievements and improvements in the service to dear fatherland.

By all appearances, Marwa has made a positive impact on the NLDEA. The 70-yearold, Kaduna State-born retired military officer has relevant, diverse and better exposure in training, and he has brought the effects of those qualities to bear on the Agency and used them to deliver the goals of that office. If we are looking for an ideal model in public office, Marwa is one sure candidate. As a former governor, the Armoured Officer is well connected. So, he has the adequate finesse to run that office. He lives among the people. His experiential knowledge in administration has also helped. He is also level-headed and very quiet. He’s neither lousy nor one of those reckless ‘owambe’ gangs, yet he’s efficient. If Tinubu’s government wants to succeed, these are the kinds of people to use. How we also wish countries where the threats of illicit substances and their purveyors have “crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams” would allow the Marwas of this world to help them!

As President Bola Tinubu said in a Keynote Address to the 31st meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) recently, African continent

would “remain in chains in a diseased and amoral world, as will our children and their children,” until it is able to “dismantle the criminal enterprises that threaten our future and build a brighter tomorrow for all Africans”. The tragic truth is that the devil has been around for long, cautious, yet determined. But again, that there’s an escalation of substance abuse in Nigeria has painted a picture of mere creation of a platform for surface scratching. For instance, how on earth will one claim to be fighting a societal menace while conditions that facilitate the same are being knowingly and intentionally watered and nurtured? How can Marwa dry the drug river that has already outburst its channel, with the spring of this dangerous river getting more illegally legitimate with each passing day? How can demons cast out demons and how can the Marlian emperor deal with his empire? Won’t success always be a steep hill to climb as long as the real lords of narcotics and highly influential cartels in the country continue to beat the long arm of the law to its strategies?

How can Nigeria plough the best course when “the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities” are architectured by a carnival of uncertainties? Why won’t ours be a world “at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class” when, year in, year out, we allocate huge budgets to security and defence at the expense of equally critical sectors like health and agriculture? How can we enhance the production of goods and services in “a population at war with drugs”?

Right from time, Marwa has been a shrewd, decent and dutiful officer. But he is just a strong person doing well. But what happens after his tenure? The more reason those coming behind must watch what they do. A benchmark has already been set. It remains to be shown the aesthetics of management parley among future leaders. That’s what will distinguish the leadership of each institution because every leadership brings something that’s peculiar to it. Yes, that’s been our trajectory in Nigeria. Since vigilance is the eternal price of victory, NDLEA must never lose its guard. The Agency is like a house of glass. Therefore, caution must not be thrown to the wind because the cost of rectification may be too much to pay for a struggling country like Nigeria. As an institution that works, the government must ensure that NDLEA is sustained. It must be well-funded and given all supportive mechanisms to keep it afloat, until a tradition of perfection is established and sustained.

By the way, Naira Marley is a warning, not only to the NDLEA but also others, not to move with the tide. Had the Agency conducted proper due diligence before venturing into the choice of a face, the Marlian malady that’s currently troubling its public perception would have been avoided. If a boss is tough, it’s better for him to wear it as a badge of honour. If the world likes, let it misconstrue the word, ‘tough’ for ‘bad’; a focused leader doesn’t have to be moved because ‘tough’ is what gets the job done. Whatever floats its boat, if it is necessary that NDLEA must have a face, let him or her be a credible person!

Komolafe writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

SPARING A THOUGHT FOR TEACHERS

All critical stakeholders could do more to encourage the teaching profession

In societies that value quality education, high premium is placed on teachers who are wellremunerated. In Nigeria, the reverse is the case. Today, many take to teaching for want of anything else to do. Unlike in the past, teaching is now a job of last resort for most people. Teachers are poorly paid and hardly regarded in the society. Yet these are people we expect to shape the future of the nation. As Nigeria therefore joins other countries to mark the 2023 World Teachers’ Day, it is important for authorities at all levels and other critical stakeholders to appreciate the sacrifices of teachers.

Held annually on 5th October since 1994, the aim of the World Teachers’ Day is to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1996 International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNESCO joint recommendation “which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.” According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), it is a day not only to celebrate how teachers are transforming education “but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.”

Two years ago, apparently to encourage Nigerians to take up career in teaching, the federal government announced that those studying education in public universities would be paid N75,000 stipends every semester. Similarly, colleges of education students were also billed to receive N50,000 per semester. Not surprisingly, the promise was never fulfilled even when teachers need all the encouragement that they can get to take their work seriously. The National Association of Parents-Teachers Association (NAPTAN) had rejected the offer outright, arguing

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Letters to the Editor

that the amount to the students is higher than the minimum wage which many states have not been able to implement. “Is the federal government aware that the number of students studying educationrelated courses is in multiple thousands?”, asked NAPTAN publicity secretary, Ekundayo Ademola. “Also, after being paid in school, do we have job placements waiting for them?”

The same cynicism greeted the earlier special salary package and other pecks for teachers, including the increase of their years of service from 35 to 40, and retirement age from 60 to 65 years. While the rationale of attracting quality teachers to the classrooms is good, the federal government did not plan where the funds to implement the programme would come from. The states and local governments that own these schools were not even consulted before such a major policy decision was announced. The states have been agitating for a review of the revenue allocation formula to pick up their mounting bills. Besides, we considered the elongation of service year from 60 to 65 years in the face of mass graduate unemployment of teachers and others somehow misplaced.

At the 2022 National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Teachers last year, the Chief Executive of Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Josiah Ajiboye, revealed that repeated attacks on schools by terror affiliates have claimed the lives of more than 2,295 teachers while about 19,000 others were displaced between 2009 and 2022.

This development has created classrooms without teachers in many northern states. Since education is on the concurrent list, there is an urgent need for the federal government and the 36 states to come together on how to create a safe space for teachers.

As we join the rest of the world today to celebrate our teachers, we must understand that any nation that discounts human capital formation is courting a big disaster for itself.

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

THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE CUBE

The 2023 Ig Nobel prizes have been presented and amongst the more interesting winning papers was Rice University researcher Daniel J. Preston and his work on “re-animating dead spiders to use as mechanical gripping tools.” Which although sounding silly allows the spiders to be moved to pick up small objects and has real potential engineering applications.

The awards aim to make people laugh and then think and their hero should be Andre Geim who has won both, the Ig Nobel, for levitating frogs and the Nobel prize, for using carbon lattices. Guess which one is more interesting for most people. The more people that think about science the better the world

will be.

As a science teacher, now retired, I worked to inspire students to follow science as a career path and the stories of the Ig Nobel prize winners and their research excited students far more than those of the Nobel winners. Science should be serious but also able to see the fun in their work.

Maybe it would be worth looking at the University of Tasmania’s Ig Nobel winning work on why wombat poo comes out as a cube of poo. This will encourage ‘outside of the box’ thinking even if it is a cubic box.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

IN PRAISE OF JOHN LAWAL

One of the people who contributed immensely to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory at the polls is Hon. John Lawal. Not one to sing his praises, Lawal’s endorsement of the President to his people translated into votes in Kogi State and the FCT. Even before the campaign period, John Lawal has been consistent in his support for Bola Tinubu. He is a man that puts his resources where his heart is. He learnt from his father who has consistently told his children that their loyalty to a cause must be for the common good. Without prodding he spent a lot of his personal resources supporting the Presidential structures of the President in the FCT. He spent his hard-earned

resources and provided logistics such as branded vehicles and other financial assistance in aiding the political campaign of the President even before it took off officially. These regularly helped in bridging all social and political gaps. Now that the President is in office, John Lawal is now concentrating his efforts at ensuring victory for APC gubernatorial candidate in Kogi State in the forthcoming election slated for November 11. He is giving financial support just as he did in the presidential election to ensure victory for the party.

Musa Wada, Abuja

Teachers are poorly paid and hardly regarded in the society. Yet these are people we expect to shape the future of the nation

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 03Oct-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

FG to Review Broadband Plan, Telecoms Policy, Moves to Achieve 50% QoS

Emma Okonji

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has identified nine priority policies, regulatory and strategic initiatives for review and implementation, among which are the Nigeria National Broadband Plan and the National Policy on Telecommunications.

The other seven priority policies include: National Policy on Digital Public Infrastructure, National Blockchain Policy, National Digital Economy Bill, Nigeria Startup Bill, National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, National Data Strategy and National Digital Literacy

Framework.

The minister, who revealed this in his strategic blueprint on the economy, said the plan would serve as roadmap outlining the goals and objectives of the ministry.

Tijani, who particularly stressed the need for the review and implementation of the National Broadband Plan and the National Policy on Telecommunications, said he would rally industry support to achieve 50 per cent improvement on Quality of Service (QoS) by the end of 2024.

In the area of National Broadband Plan review and implementation, the minister

said the current National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) was developed to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS). He said his ministry would prioritise the review and implementation of the National Broadband Plan, with a focus on enabling broadband infrastructure, advancing spectrum management, developing incentive structures to drive funding and investments as well as programmes to drive demand.

“Nigeria currently has a broadband penetration rate of approximately 50 per cent,

which is an improvement from six per cent penetration in 2015. The ministry is committed to driving key initiatives to support the achievement of the 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, as well as ubiquitous internet access for the unserved and underserved, with a data download speed of 25Mpbs in urban areas and 10Mpbs in rural areas by the end of 2025,” the Minister said.

In the area of National Policy on Telecommunications, which was revised in 2000, the Minister said the review would help to drive changes in technology, standards and markets and

define the trajectory of the next phase of one of Nigeria’s fastest growing sectors.

“As telecommunications continues to evolve in line with new technology and associated opportunities, it is critical to revamp our national approach to account for changing imperatives and to situate broadband development at the core of our national policy for the next 20 years. The Ministry will drive the review of the Telecoms Policy to account for core issues like the increase of the annual net revenue of the telecommunications sector to the federal government by 100 per cent before 2027 and

the achievement of 50 per cent improvement in quality of service delivery in the telecoms industry by the end of 2024,” Tijani said. Reacting, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that the review would be welcomed by industry stakeholders, provided it would not deviate from the goals and objectives of the Telecommunications Policy and the National Broadband Plan, which seeks to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2015.

NCC Moves to Expunge 5% Excise Duty in Telecoms Operations

Emma Okonji

Following the recent suspension of five per cent excise duty on telecoms operations across networks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said it has commenced discussions with the appropriate authorities, for the outright removal of the 5 five per cent excise duty on telecoms operations. Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta,

who revealed this in Lagos said although the telecoms industry remained appreciative to President Tinubu for the suspension of the 5 per cent duty, it became necessary to push for its complete removal because it would be inimical to telecoms growth in the country. Danbatta said: “When the previous government attempted to introduce five per cent excise duty on telecommunications services, we objected to it and listed 41 levies and charges imposed by various governments on telecoms services, and as of today, the

number has risen to 46. Such levies and charges are duplicated across states, amounting to double taxation on the part of telecoms operations.

“It was a shock to industry stakeholders when the same levy resurfaced after there was a presidential pronouncement by the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government for its suspension. We are grateful that the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently suspended it again, but all we are asking for now is for the presidency

to expunge it completely and to put a dead end to the issue of five per cent excise duty on telecoms services. We will continue to convincingly argue that the five per cent excise duty on telecommunications should be completely removed, ”Danbatta said.

According to him, telecommunications services should be exempted from excise duties because excise duties are meant for luxury goods and services and telecommunications services cannot be considered as luxury

services, but essential services that are addressing the concerns of all Nigerians, irrespective of the sector that they play in.

“Currently, there are 222 million Nigerians that are actively subscribed to telecommunications services across networks, and any attempt to introduce excise duty on telecoms’ services, will affect the purchasing powers of the 222 million Nigerians that are actively subscribed to telecoms services in the country. The implication is that many out of the 222 million active subscribers may not be

able to pay for telecoms services across networks, should five per cent excise duty be imposed on telecoms operations,” Danbatta further said.

Commenting, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commended President Tinubu, saying that the suspension is a good development for telecoms subscribers and the entire telecoms industry.

BANKERS’ FORUM…

L-R: Head Banking as a Service, FCMB, Isi Nweje; Divisional Head, Transaction Banking, FCMB, Rolayo Akhigbe; Head Card Business, Zenith Bank Plc and Chairman, Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH), Celestina Appeal; Divisional Head, Personal Banking, FCMB, Shamsideen Fashola; Head, Digital Channels, FirstBank of Nigeria and Vice-Chairman, CeBIH, Folasade Femi-Lawal and Group Head, Digital and Retail Payments, FCMB, Temitope Onibaniyi, at the hosting of CeBIH by First City Monument Bank in Lagos… recently

Imo Skill-up Programme Set to Train 45,000 Youths on ICT Skills

Emma Okonji

Following the successful graduation of 5, 000 Imo State youths from the Skill-Imo Programme, the state has said it is preparing to train 45,000 Nigerian youths in the next cohort.

The state government in a statement, said the first batch of 5,000 participants were fed and

stipends given to them for their transportation in the course of the programme and upon graduation, received either laptops, tablets or smartphones.

Pleased with the quality of training offered during the programme, some notable and well-meaning citizens of Imo State have jumped on board to support the Imo State government in they

described as outstanding initiative. Consequently, several graduates of the Skill-Up Imo Programme have been employed in firms owned by leading Imo citizens. A good example is the Zinox Group owned by Africa’s biggest tech guru, Leo Stan Ekeh, which was in the news for employing many graduates of the scheme.

According to the statement, “In

a country where unemployment statistic is at double-digits, the action of the state government in training youths for employment, must be commended.

“ The participants also benefitted from exposure to trainings by several Imo citizens in the Diaspora. Upon graduation, the participants received either a brand-new Zinox or HP laptop at a well-attended

Nigerian Startup Joins Discourse on Disinformation in Africa

Emma Okonji

SquirrelPR, a Nigerian startup, joined other stakeholders to discuss the impact of disinformation in Africa at the recent US-West Africa Tech Challenge held in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire.

SquirrelPR is Africa’s premiere media relations tools provider that

grants organisations speedy and open access to a network of credible newsrooms/journalists across the world to fight disinformation, or any other information that could lead to brand misrepresentation and reputational damage. Disinformation and misinformation cost the global economy up to $80 billion

annually, according to a recent report, and with the SquirrelPR tools, organisations can significantly mitigate, if not completely eradicate the impact of disinformation on their operations.

Demonstrating the SquirrelPR solution as one of the finalists for the challenge to a global stakeholders at the event, the co-founder of

SuirrelPR, James Ezechukwu said: “SquirrelPR leads the charge for fighting disinformation that could lead to violent extremism on the continent through a suite of solutions aimed at holistically solving the problem of disinformation, especially with the growing disruptive influence of generative artificial intelligence in the spread of disinformation.”

FG May Rethink Brand Nigeria Project as ARCON Begins Conference

Raheem Akingbolu

After two attempts under the current democratic dispensation to rebrand Nigeria and accelerate her development through foreign investment and tourism, indications emerged on Monday this week that the federal government may take another shot at the Brand Nigeria project to serve as stimulus for economic recovery.

Speaking at the unveiling of ‘Brand Nigeria Committee’ and other committees to herald the 2023 National Advertising Conference, slated for first week in December, the Director-General, Advertising

Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo dropped the hint that experts in the marketing communications industry would use the conference to analyze Nigeria as a brand and device a campaign aimed at enhancing the country’s image on the international stage.

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed a revamping of image laundering in the country as exemplified by the Heart of Africa and Image Re-branding policies of the Obasanjo (1999-2007) and Yar’Adua (2007-2010) administrations, respectively. The Yar’adua image

re-branding project was the most comprehensive and expensive nation-branding initiative yet. It had the motto “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation” and was aimed at “accelerating Nigeria’s development through foreign investment and tourism.”

Announcing the theme for the 2023 conference, Chairman, organising committee, Tunji Adeyinka, said the theme: “Marketing Communications as an Enabler for National Transformation” has been strategically selected to be deliberated upon at this year’s conference. He noted that the

conference would be unique because it targets two primary purposes; address Brand Nigeria project and Advertising’s contribution to GDP and multiplier project.

His words: “The National Advertising Conference is not just a talk-shop, it builds on specific assignments from past editions. This year’s NAC is unique because it is exploring two assignments from the 2022 edition; the Brand Nigeria project and the Contribution to GDP and multiplier project. These are two concrete assignments that would be presented at plenary in NAC 2023.”

X3M Ideas Wins at Lisbon International Ad Festival

Raheem

L eading Nigerian Advertising Agency, X3M Ideas, has done Nigeria great again by clinching two notable awards in the 2023 edition of Lisbon International Advertising Festivals Group.

The agency, which recently broke the record of being the

first Nigerian agency to win at Cannes Advertising Festival in France, was at the weekend in Portugal pronounced winner in Health and PR categories.

The Lisbon Ad Festivals Group, which includes the Lisbon AD, Lisbon Health, and Lisbon PR awards, is a global advertising award recognised for its prestigious

jury members and for gathering in Lisbon some of the biggest names of the advertising and creativity’s world.

According to the jurors at the festival, X3M’s Wellness Campaign; ‘The Soul Life Expectancy -the Extra Step Initiative’ and its Digital & Mobile Government & Politics;

‘Vote for Your Future -Vote for Your Future’, won Silver and Bronze respectively.

The organisers further stated that entries for the award which opened in April attracted diverse campaigns from many agencies across the world, adding that works were evaluated by a Panel of Juries and a Panel of Curators.

event graced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiru Onyejeocha, Senators and members of the House of Representatives, as well as captains of industries.”

Imo youths who recently graduated from the Skill-Up project are also catching the attention of global tech giants. This is due to the structured contents and processes upon which the Skill-Up Programme has been built, all of which is transforming the 3R Digital Learning Centre into a Centre of Excellence in Africa.

Representatives of some of these tech giants from Europe, Canada, and Singapore have had the privilege of visiting the

centre to see things for themselves. Owing to their conviction from the evidence on the ground, a number of them have expressed interest in a partnership with the Skill-Up Imo Programme under the Imo State government which will see some graduates of the programme come over for an exchange programme to further shore up their global competitiveness and marketability. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has gone even further by promising to support the selected graduates by subsidising their trip abroad to facilitate the partnership. The driving ambition behind this gesture is the fact that some of the graduates may eventually return to to the state to establish startups after working for a few years in these countries, while others may even choose to work remotely for these global brands.

Ogun-Guangdong FTZ Coordinator, Polish Investors Visit NCS

Raheem Akingbolu

The management of the OgunGuangdong Free Trade Zone, led by the zone’s Coordinator, Dr. Abbey Onas and a team of Polish delegation have met the Nigerian Customs Service to deliberate on how to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the country.

During the visit, Onas solicited for smoother relations between the Service and the companies in the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and requested a visit from the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Free Trade Zone.

The coordinator used the opportunity to give a breakdown of his recent visit to Poland and how it was tangential to the invitation of the investors into Nigeria.

The Technical director of ZGM Investment Group, Architect Zakirudeen Oladotun noted that the essence of the visit was to introduce the investors to the structure in charge of importations in the interest of some of their businesses.

The investment team assured the Service of their readiness to abide by the necessary rules and regulations in ensuring a mutually beneficial

relationship between Nigeria and Poland.

The Deputy Comptroller-General, Human Resources Development, Greg Itotoh lauded the OgunGuangdong Free Trade Zone for aiding the transfer of technology to the local population. He also appreciated the compliance of its investors in terms of the accuracy of their calculations of raw materials in paying duties.

The DCG, Excise, FTZ and Industrial Incentives, JP Ajoku, also urged the team to be compliant and consult with the service in the event of any issue.

While promising the team of his readiness to visit the zone, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adeniyi, assured the team that the service’s doors will always be opened to them.

Earlier in a statement, the coordinator had assured investors that the Governor Dapo Abiodun led-administration would develop economic policies and programmes to create a conducive business environment for investors.

He, therefore, called on investors to collaborate/partner with the state government to develop critical sectors of the economy.

Akingbolu

Telecoms’ Impact on Nigerian Economy Since Independence

Telecoms operations, no doubt, have become a special tool for social and economic empowerment, social integration, community development and growth.

Although Nigeria is a late starter to telecoms regulation and rollout of Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communication, which came to bear after 40 years of attaining Independence, the country was able to catch up with the global telecommunications trends, given the growth rate recorded in the telecoms sector since 2001 when GSM services was first rolled out.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, who shared his thoughts on the impact of telecoms on the Nigerian economy and on the Nigerian citizens, told THISDAY that telecoms had over the years, became part of life of the Nigerian subscribers. According to him, telecoms operations have become as important as the air and water to the Nigerian citizens. “Nigerians can forget their physical wallet at home when rushing out for work and still feel comfortable all through the working hours, but they cannot afford to forget their mobile phones at home while rushing for work and still remain comfortable all through the working hours. That shows the importance of telecoms in the lives of Nigerians, as they continue to utilise the services of telecoms for voice and data communications as well as for financial transactions through several electronic channels,” Adebayo said.

TElEcomS’ EvoluTIoN

Before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, communication was mainly through the telegraphic wire, initiated by the colonial masters, but after independence in 1960, the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), was established in 1985, following the separation of postal services from telecommunications services. As at that time, telecommunication was the exclusive right of the affluent in the society as only few people had access to telephony. People had to queue for hours and days, just to make international calls and sometimes local calls with the 090 NITEL line.

However, the advent of GSM in 2001 eventually demystified telecommunications, and gave every

Nigerian the access and right to communicate.

The introduction of GSM in 2001, increased the number of registered lines, from less than 400,000 in 41 years, to over one million lines in less than one year. After 2001, Nigerians could sit at the comfort of their homes and offices to make instant calls within and outside Nigeria, through their personal hand-held devices called the mobile phones. Banking activities are now transacted on the mobile phones, without the bank customer visiting the banks.

The most eventful period was between 2001 and 2015, when the telecoms sector was liberalised.

In 2001, the first set of GSM operators were licensed. They included Econet Wireless (now Airtel), MTN and NITEL. In 2003, Globacom was licensed and in 2008, Etisalat, now 9mobile, was licensed, while ntel was licensed in 2014, but rolled out services in 2016, after its successful privatisation process through a guided liquidation exercise.

Following the inability of NITEL to cope with competition from GSM operators, it folded up its

operations and was eventually sold to NATCOM in 2014, and later re-sold to private investor after it was unbundled and it currently trades as ntel, under a private ownership.

TElEcomS AfTEr

INdEpENdENcE

At Independence in 1960, Nigeria had a paltry 18,724 telephone lines, with a population of 40 million people, translating to a teledensity of 0.5 per cent. In 2001, when GSM was launched, telephone lines, which were controlled under a monopolistic market by NITEL and few other Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators, were still within 400,000 in number and they were owned only by the affluent in the society.

Between 2001 and 2006, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecom industry regulator, deregulated the telecoms industry and granted five years exclusivity period to GSM operators, a development that suddenly pushed the number of telephone lines from less than 400,000 in 2001 to over 10 million in 2006, thus giving opportunity for all Nigerians

to own and operate a mobile telephone.

Speaking about the trajectory of the evolution of telecom in Nigeria, with reference to the nation’s growth, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umaru Garba Danbatta, said as at August 2023, active telecom subscribers have grown significantly hitting 220 million active subscribers, which represents a teledensity of 115.63 per cent.

Gdp coNTrIbuTIoN

Telecoms contribution to GDP has been significantly huge since 2001 and telecoms operations have impacted the Nigerian economy in several ways, since the 2001.

Citing a recent report released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023.

Danbatta stated this in his keynote address delivered at the Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF), hosted by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos recently.

According to Danbatta, from a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record. “From about eight per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when I came on board as the EVC of NCC, quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent and that this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.

“Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Since Independence in 1960, the telecoms sector has impacted on the Nigerian economy in several positive ways, creating jobs and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, writes Emma okonji

Rebuilding the Nigerian Brand

With the federal government’s acknowledgement of the advertising industry’s contribution to the national development and the call on members of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, Raheem Akingbolu reckons that the 50-year-old association has thus begun another journey of great expectation

The modern-day Nigeria, both in the private and public sectors is fast waking up to the place of marketing and strategic communications in nation building. In particular, the federal government appears to be paying more attention to the happenings in the marketing communications sub-sector of the economy and how registered agencies and practitioners in the field could be drafted in, to help in value orientation and repositioning of the brand Nigeria. Of course, many pundits have argued that the trend is expected under the current administration because of the private sector backgrounds of the two drivers at the helm of affairs; the President and the Vice President.

How best could this be confirmed than through the statements and endorsements dropped at the 50th year anniversary conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) by two high ranking officers of the National Executive Council and National Assembly respectively?

ANNiveRsARy theme ANd impoRt

The anniversary theme; “50 Years Young, Ready for More,” could be said to have logically summarised the history and set a goal for the association.

Before and after Nigeria’s independence in 1960, a few Nigerians who by design or accident ventured into the business of advertising struggled hard for recognition but their voice was not heard. Of course, the challenges had since been attributed to various factors, including the nebulous origin of the profession, foreign dominance and nonchalant attitude of the government. But in 1973, the Major-General Yakubu Gowon administration’s indigenisation Policy became the opportunity the few practitioners were waiting for to put their feet on the ground and assert authority. Thus, the decree encouraged those in the business of advertising to form a body then called Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN), which has since changed its name to Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN).

Looking back into the last 50 years, Nigeria’s advertising business has witnessed tremendous growth especially in recent times. Seen from the view point of agency billings, proliferation of advertising agencies and contribution to brand building, the industry is indeed experiencing the best of times. Obviously, there is no brand in Nigeria that is worth its salt, either local or international brand, that has not worked with at least one member of this association. Such was its importance and relevance to the business and practice of advertising and the whole gamut of brand building and nurturing.

AAAN President, Steve Babaeko, while welcoming the guests to the conference, stated that going by the dynamic changes the industry has witnessed, especially the influx of young professionals and agencies, the association could confidently assert that it is living up to the theme.

He noted: “Our industry has confronted the dual challenges of macroeconomic headwinds and technological disruption, which have impacted not only our clients’ bottom lines, but our own as well. However, even amid these turbulent times, I firmly believe that there is a promising future for our industry. By standing united as members of the same family, we can navigate these challenges and

emerge stronger.

The Chairman of the opening session at the conference, Mr. Udeme Ufot, himself a former President of the association, while corroborating the position of the president, took guests through the memory lane and how the association had impacted the country positively for 50 years, through creativity and strategic communications.

He said, “This event is significant in the sense that it is not just an Annual General Meeting, but is part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the association. In the lives of humans, attaining 50 years is regarded as reaching the proverbial Golden age. It is the age at which we feel we have reached the first half of our period of existence on earth, that is, if we consider, as it is commonly assumed, the belief that every human being should live to attain the centenary age of 100.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference – “50 Years Young, Ready for More”, the chairman said it was apt because as an association of professionals, the theme afforded them the opportunity to take stock of their journey so far, look back in the last half of a century to ask themselves some salient questions and try to find answers to them.

“What was the dream of the founding fathers of the profession of advertising in Nigeria? What were the objectives for founding the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN), the forerunner to what we have today as AAAN? To what extent have those objectives been achieved? What more do we need to do to ensure we achieve those objectives? In my view, we have achieved a lot of successes and milestones over the past 50 years, both as individual agencies and as an association of agencies,” Ufot stated.

FG’s eNdoRsemeNt, pRopositioN

If there is anything members of the association achieved with the just concluded 50th anniversary AGM/conference, it was the fact that for the first time, it got the Federal Government’s express declaration of the importance of marketing in national development and extension of hands of fellowship from the current administration.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, himself a communication expert, demonstrated that he was aware of the rigorous work the practitioners have done to build and sustain many Nigerian brands. He could not hide his excitement as he acknowledged the pivotal role played by the advertising sub-sector of the economy in shaping public perception, driving economic growth, and fostering creativity and innovation in Nigeria.

Delivering his keynote address, the minister, who was represented by the Director, Public Communications and National Orientation in the ministry, Mr. Sunny Baba, said Government recognised the critical importance of effective communication and the role that advertising agencies play in disseminating information, promoting national unity, and driving positive social change.

He commended the unwavering commitment of the association to promoting ethical advertising practices and contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria.

Paving Way for Transformation in Akwa Ibom through Arise Agenda

Akwa Ibom's ARISE Agenda, a transformative blueprint that served as Governor Umo Eno's cornerstone during the Gubernatorial Election, has achieved remarkable success, following a successful collaboration and strategic efforts of SO&U, an award-winning creative agency which played an instrumental role in crafting the brand identity, strategy, communications, launch, and marketing plan for this transformative initiative. Writes

Designed to elevate the Akwa Ibom State and its citizens by harnessing various pillars, The ARISE Agenda encompasses Agricultural Revolution, Tourism & Environmental Management, Rural Development, Women & Youth Empowerment, Infrastructural Maintenance & Advancement, Security Management, Quality Health Sector Management, Education, and Economic, Industrial & Social Advancement.

These elements form the foundation upon which Governor Umo Eno seeks to transform the state into a hub of prosperity and development.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Udeme Ufot, the Group Chief Executive Officer of SO&U and Co-Chair of the THECS Policy Commission of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), emphasised the agency's commitment to collaboration and client involvement in every phase of development.

According to the Group CEO, the project involved collaboration with a committee to address key considerations and ensure optimal representation that resonated with every Akwa Ibomite.

Additionally, a team of Akwa Ibom music stars contributed to creating the ARISE theme song, while theatre art practitioners added a dramatic touch to bring the ARISE concept to life on stage.

Senior Account Director, Brand Management at SO&U, Damilola Adeyemi, also highlighted the agency's dedication to the project, with team members actively sharing insights and ideas.

Noting the importance of conducting indepth research among the people of Akwa Ibom to gain a profound understanding of their needs and expectations, Adeyemi said, “This research exposed us to understanding what needed to be done and how we should go about them. As we say at SO&U, it’s not just about creativity but “creativity that works.”

“These led us to develop a brand identity that resonated with the people of Akwa Ibom and positioned ARISE as not just an

MARY NNAH

idea from the governor but one that involves everyone.”

Adeyemi also emphasised the importance of passing the torch to the people so they could take ownership of the ARISE Agenda. The brand identity, featuring human icons raising their hands, symbolized a united effort involving not just the Governor but every Akwa Ibomite.

Additionally, the strategic use of the state's colours in the logo further strengthened the connection with the

people.

“We adopted a multi-TA messaging approach. Understanding that different Akwa Ibomites are in different stages or phases of life, it was important to position the ARISE Agenda in a way each person can see how it relates to them in their natural space. We also ensured our messaging elicited a form of action,” Adeyemi said.

According to Mr Raphael Edem, Senior Special Assistant to the

Governor on Brand Management and Marketing, the State Government was confident to partner SO&U on the project based on the Agency's strong reputation for brand building and ideas marketing, and the success of the agency's previous collaborations with the state.

Meanwhile, one of the significant challenges faced by the agency was crafting a brand identity that was not unique but also capable of inspiring action among Akwa Ibomites. To ensure success, the SO&U team adopted a collaborative approach, valuing feedback and constantly refining their strategies.

The objectives for the ARISE Agenda launch were clear: to create brand awareness, educate the public, and foster a sense of ownership among Akwa Ibomites. SO&U achieved these goals by offering a unique guest experience that began with the arrival of guests, who were greeted by a brass band. To convey the ARISE Agenda's core principles, a life-sized model of a train was deployed at the venue, representing a platform to support Akwa Ibomites. The train's coaches symbolised the five aspirations of the Agenda. The creative agency also hosted an inclusive event, featuring a vox pop conducted before the main event, where the people shared their understanding and expectations of the ARISE Agenda. For brand education, guests engaged with a digital tool that tested their knowledge and rewarded their participation. Recognising the power of music as a communication tool, SO&U created an ARISE song that resonated with attendees, inspiring them to dance and be part of the initiative.

A multi-channel marketing strategy, encompassing digital, traditional media (radio, billboards, print, and TV), PR, and experiential channels, was meticulously implemented to sustain awareness and education. The agency's dedication to data-driven decision-making and responsiveness to Akwa Ibomites' reactions ensured that the campaign was finely tuned to the needs and aspirations of the people. SO&U is also working on a project set to benefit both the government and Akwa Ibomites, further solidifying their commitment to the success of the ARISE Agenda.

Seplat JV STEP: Empowering Teachers, Nurturing Innovators

In its pursuit of excellence, Seplat Energy Plc, through its Joint Venture STEP initiative is inspiring many, including secondary school teachers by championing skills, innovations, and technologies for the deployment of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics ito enhance their teaching in the field. Funmi Ogundare reports

In an era of unprecedented technological advancements, the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in education cannot be overemphasised. This had prompted Seplat Energy PLC and the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), under the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme initiative to train secondary school teachers on skills, innovations, and technologies for the deployment of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) to deliver tutelage better to students.

This year's programme, which began on September 19, 2023, focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among teachers, students, and ostensibly the academic ecosystem.

The stakeholders of Seplat Energy Plc, explained how its three pillars of transformation were mapped out to catalyse the desired change.

"First, teachers were provided with workshops and professional development programme to enhance their skills and knowledge. This empowers them not only to impart academic knowledge, but also to teach essential life skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

"Second, to ensure that students are receiving a relevant and forward-thinking education, the STEP initiative organisers worked closely with educational experts to update and innovate curricula across various subjects. The emphasis was on practical, hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity and entrepreneurship.

"Lastly, the most groundbreaking aspect of the STEP initiative is the nurturing of entrepreneurship and creative talents among selected teachers."

The teachers, they stated, will serve as mentors, providing students with opportunities to explore their creative potential and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

The Director of External Affairs and Sustainability at Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, articulated the organisation's profound commitment to revolutionising education, saying, “we want to reorient our teachers. From when I was in school, till I became a mother, education’s focus has been on STEM. So, I asked, what about creativity which our children are leaning more to now? I was glad when I got here and learned that STEAM was the focus which allows and stimulate arts. Even if we are still teaching students science, they are going to experiment it and tap into the environment which is the key thing from this initiative.”

She emphasised on her organisation's mission to elevate educators beyond conventional methodologies, adding that through STEP, the Seplat Energy JV extends a comprehensive training regimen designed to augment the efficacy and personal development of teachers.

Central to STEP's curriculum is the cultivation

of self-awareness and leadership acumen, instilling in teachers a profound sense of confidence and the ability to mentor effectively, as the director explained how Seplat Energy places a premium on the nurturing of artistic expression and creativity within the realm of arts education.

"This holistic approach not only enriches the lives of students, but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of communities in Edo and Delta states."

The stakeholder at Seplat Energy Plc, noted that her organisation's dedication to education and the upliftment of communities is exemplified by their its five-fold approach comprising; health, education, youth empowerment, access to energy, and safe motherhood.

Afe who is at the helm of Seplat Energy's sustainability endeavors, underscored the necessity for a nuanced comprehension of community challenges.

"Our emphasis on education extends beyond

conventional training, providing a platform for the empowerment of teachers and students, but also equipping them for success in an everevolving world.

"Seplat's investments in educational infrastructure create nurturing environments conducive to learning, fostering curiosity and igniting a passion for knowledge acquisition."

For four successive years, the director said her organisation has partnered with the ministries of education in Edo and Delta states by empowering over 300 teachers annually, adding that it has also received accolades from the highest echelons of governance and industry expertise, including the NNPC E&P management and the governments of Edo and Delta States.

"Their recognition serves as a resounding affirmation of Seplat's monumental contributions to advancing education in the region," they stated. They also expressed excitement about the impact of Seplat's programme saying that there will be a five-month follow-up phase that ensure continuous growth for the teachers who will be applying their newfound knowledge in the classroom armed with advanced tools, to effect positive change in their classrooms and communities.

Owunari Levi, an Advisor at NNPC E&P, expressed delight about the programme while describing it as a pivotal pillar of the organisation's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavors, with far-reaching impact which extends well beyond education and into the realm of community development.

Gov. Umo Eno

Cross section of teachers at the Seplat JV STEP workshop, held in Edo State... recently

Advancing Occupational Health and Safety Practice in Nigeria

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As both employers and employees become increasingly sensitive to workplace wellness and how it can impact productivity, the challenge of ensuring occupational health and safety has recently gained prominence even beyond work circles.

Essentially, OHS involves the whole gamut of wellness including physical and mental, of people at work as well as matters such as stress reduction, human resource development, and even rehabilitation.

It has become so critical that, how to better the occupational health and safety of workers worldwide has been a major concern of global organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), who decided to amend paragraph 2 of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998) to include “a safe and healthy working environment” as a fundamental principle and right at work.

While the WHO sees it as an area of work in public health to promote and maintain the highest physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations, the ILO’s definition which largely aligns with that of the WHO says this can be achieved by preventing departures from health, controlling risks, and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs.

In fact, to underline the seriousness of the subject matter, the federal government of Nigeria in 1994, ratified the ILO’s Convention No. 155 on OHS. Besides that is the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010. The aforementioned, therefore shows that elevating safety standards in Nigeria, has become a critical national imperative.

Indeed, it can be argued that the nation’s growth and development hinge not only on economic progress, but also on the wellbeing and security of its citizens.The World Health Assembly and International Labour Organisation urges countries to develop national policies and action plans as well as build institutional capacities on occupational health and safety.

The body also encourages member countries to scale up the coverage with essential interventions for prevention and control of occupational and work-related diseases and injuries and occupational health services in collaboration with other relevant national health programmes. These include those dealing with communicable and non-communicable diseases, prevention of injuries, health promotion, mental health, environmental health, and health systems development.

In Nigeria, one of the drivers of positive changes when it comes to the issue of workers’ health and safety has been Funmi Adegbola, one of the 36 council members of the global professional Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Professionals (IOSH).

Adegbola, who holds a Masters Degree in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment from the University of Greenwich, London with a PhD in view, has a career spanning nearly two decades. Interestingly, she has had the privilege of driving substantial change within the realm of OHS, leaving an indelible mark on the organisations she served such as Amazon UK, IOSH, Lagos State Safety Commission to name a few.

Through dynamic strategies, collaborative efforts, and adaptable leadership styles, she has catalysed physical and cultural shifts that have redefined safety paradigms.

She told THISDAY that empowering people through knowledge exchange and supporting the IOSH local and informal membership network underscored a commitment to continuous improvement which she has tried to impart in her own little way.

“As such, the local membership network gained visibility and recognition from the parent body in the United Kingdom as it evolved into a thriving hub for professionals to exchange insights and best practices, contributing to a collective culture of excellence that led to its transition of being a formal network branch,” she adds.

By setting higher standards for quality and compliance, Adegbola has contributed

boost OHS practice in the country

introduced, such as metrics and KPIs she introduced for exceptional monitoring of OHS performance on behalf of the Lagos State Safety Commission showcased a resolute commitment to accountability that is possible when the right resources are deployed,” Adegbola adds.

Adegbola has also ensured transparent communication and effective management, revenue generation through the introduction of an occupational health and safety compliance standard she drafted for the Lagos State Government (Safety Commission). According to her, these have had far-reaching impacts.

Beyond enhancing workplace safety, the OHS professional noted that it also generated revenue through a continuous improvement audit scheme, demonstrating the economic benefits of robust safety practices and advising the government on the next steps.

“Fostering a culture of safety through public-private partnerships, the government, as the custodian of public interest, holds the authority to enact and enforce regulations that safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens. As such, by working in tandem with health and safety professional bodies such as ISPON, IOSH to name a few; the government can develop and implement comprehensive regulatory frameworks that cover a wide range of industries, ensuring compliance with global best practices,” she explains.

“In addition, health and safety professionals, in collaboration with the government, can spearhead initiatives to promote safety consciousness at all levels of society.”

Besides, she also points out that a culture of safety is cultivated through consistent education, awareness campaigns, and leading by example. “These include educational institutions, workplaces, public spaces, and even within homes. Collaboration between the government and private sector entities is crucial for holistic safety improvement. Health and safety professionals can serve as liaisons, facilitating dialogue and cooperative efforts between public and private stakeholders,” she notes.

to creating a safer and more secure working environment through innovative programmes and knowledge sharing. She hinted that the introduction of regional OHS programmes and initiatives addressed critical knowledge gaps, enhancing the OHS profile of businesses. Notably, the organisation of the IOSH West Africa Conference 2020 which she led, Adegbola says, served as a cornerstone event, facilitating invaluable knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

“For me, formidable partnerships with government entities, including the establishment of a transformative partnership with the Lagos State Government (Safety Commission) stands as a monumental achievement.”

“In representing IOSH and diverse business sectors, this collaboration aimed to embed OHS principles at the core of businesses in Lagos State as well as nurturing a culture of safety

and responsibility.”

“Also, influencing OHS maturity and standards, strategic counsel on existing policies and procedures played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s OHS maturity model particularly in Lagos State.”

“One of my proudest achievements is founding the Female Occupational Health Safety Coalition in Africa; Society of Women in Safety, Health and Environment Africa (SOWSHE-A). This initiative, rooted in a commitment to equity and inclusion, empowers women to enter and excel in the OSH field through coaching, mentorship, and capacity-building.”

She further says that serving as the primary point of contact for OHS matters primarily in the banking and financial sector has been quite fulfilling. The enhanced monitoring and accountability framework she

Together, she argues that they can pool resources, share expertise, and work towards common safety objectives. Adegbola further expressed this by saying, “this is why the inauguration of the new Federal House of Representatives Committee on Occupational Health and Safety is a timely and welcomed idea. She is also very humbled and excited to be invited as the lead consultant to support the Committee on delivering its mandate.”

While making recommendations for government Initiatives, Adegbola said she believes that valuable insights for a forward thinking government seeking to introduce strong health and safety initiatives should focus on strategic collaborations.

This she explains can be done by forging partnerships with industry leaders and organisations to embed OHS principles within businesses, creating a culture of safety consciousness. She also argued on the side of raising the bar on standards and compliance, contending that there should be higher standards for quality and compliance, influencing OHS maturity and creating a safer working environment for all through the promotion of knowledge sharing and networking.

“They can organise events and conferences that facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among OHS and non-OSH professionals, creating a community dedicated to excellence” .“Emphasis should be on accountability and transparency. We need to implement robust monitoring tools and key performance indicators to ensure accountability and transparency in OHS practices,” she argues.

Indeed, Adegbola appears to stand as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership, equality, equity and strategic initiatives.By adopting similar strategies, the Nigerian government, she says, can introduce strong health and safety initiatives, fostering a culture of safety that safeguards the wellbeing of its citizens and propels the nation towards greater prosperity.

Funmi Adegbola

In her pursuit of elevating Occupational Health and Safety, OHS, practice

Nigeria, Funmi Adegbola, an outstanding and thoroughbred professional in the field, has introduced a blueprint which she feels can strengthen Nigeria’s efforts in that respect. Kasim Sumaina examines this blueprint and how it can help

Indeed, it can be argued that the nation’s growth and development hinge not only on economic progress, but also on the wellbeing and security of its citizens.The World Health Assembly and International Labour Organisation urges countries to develop national policies and action plans as well as build institutional capacities on occupational health and safety

NASChargesGovtonImprovedHealthcare Delivery in Rural Communities

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

As part of activities to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria independence, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity took a medical outreach to some rural communities in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Beneficiaries at the free medical outreach yesterday, were from Abalama, Ido and Buguma communities in the aforementioned LGA of the state.

Speaking with journalists at the outreach held at a Model Primary Health Centre, Ido, Mr Kennedy Barango, captain of Olympus Marino Deck of NAS, Port Harcourt, said the programme is a yearly intervention of the organisation to lift the health challenges of people in the rural areas.

Barango who noted that the people are suffering various illnesses without much attention, urged the government at all levels to improve on healthcare delivery in rural communities.

He said: “This outreach is not just a charity but an advocacy. It means knocking at the door of the government at different levels, to draw their attention on the need to rise up to be more conscious to the cries of the people. We are not just

going to stop at this level of providing charitable materials or palliatives, we also go to the point of advocating, creating awareness to government.

“Our advise should be that government should wake up, maybe for those who appear to have woken up, to increase the attention that they give to all the communities. We hope that our cries to them will get them to help.”

Speaking further, the NAS captain revealed that the organisation spent about N4million to achieve the outreach, informed that the organisation had held similar intervention at Isu-Etche and Joinkrama, all in Rivers State.

“We decided to come this way somehow because of the relationship we have with the collaborators. This year we are collaborating with a couple of bodies, including the Asari-Toru Local government council, Purple Eyes/Dental Clinic, St Patricks Hospital and Rotary Club Medical Towers.

“It is a continuation of a tradition that has began. This is why we have come to Ido in Asari-Toru. We made provisions for between 300 and 500 patients. We engaged the local government council to reach out to neighbouring communities like Buguma

Fertility

and Abalama.

“We spent about N4million on the outreach. But our collaborators also brought materials free of charge that we are not been able to place monetary figure on. But if we have to do that it will be averaging about N5million”, Barango added.

Also speaking, Dr George Ipalibo, Supervisor on Health, Asari-Toru LGA, commended the organisation for the outreach.

Ipalibo said: “Is a very welcome outreach knowing the challenges of health in the rural areas. Health is an expensive enterprise so to speak; the promotion of health, prevention of health disease, maintenance of good health, the cure of diseases, is all very expensive”.

Dr Henry Ohaka, a consultant gynaecologist and one of the participating doctors in the outreach, explained that “Is for basic medical check, screening and treatment of minor illnesses. For this outreach we are not carrying out surgery but referring serious cases. We treat cases like, ulcer, malaria, minor infections, dental and optical section”.

He added that as part of the outreach, they did free deworming of the children, gave pregnant women and nursing mothers insecticide treated bed net to prevent malaria.

Verve and adidas Announce Partnership with Africa’s Biggest Fitness Series, VerveLife 6.0

Verve, Africa’s leading domestic payment cards and tokens brand, and leading global sportswear giant, adidas have announced a significant collaboration which takes the sixth (6th) edition of VerveLife, one of the biggest fitness festival series on the African continent, to the next level.

Since its inauguration six years ago, buoyed by audacious aspirations to completely revolutionise fitness and wellness in Nigeria, whilst encouraging a healthy lifestyle among not only Verve’s teeming cardholder base, but also millions of fitness enthusiasts in general; VerveLife, the flagship lifestyle passion-point engagement promoted by Africa’s largest home-grown payment card brand has grown in leaps and bounds to become well-renowned as one of Africa’s biggest fitness platforms, attracting over 10,000 thousand participants in West and East Africa each year.

Speaking on the latest collaboration with adidas, Cherry Eromosele, Executive

Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Interswitch Group, reiterated VerveLife’s focus on promoting fitness, healthy living, and wellness.

.In her words “We are greatly delighted to welcome adidas on board as one of our partners for VerveLife 6.0. Year upon year, we continue to successfully deliver extraordinary experiences that transcend the expectations of fitness enthusiasts in these climes, with an unprecedented approach incorporating fitness, fun and healthy food, all intertwined in a format that leaves participants demanding more.

“In 2023, we are raising the bar even higher, and working with a globally renowned and credible partner like adidas gives even more fillip to our resolve, as we jointly advocate for more active and healthier lifestyles for African consumers.”

Also commenting on the partnership with Verve, Brett Burgess, Commercial Director Africa at adidas remarked “We are excited by our partnership

with VerveLife as we continue to grow our Brand presence in Nigeria. We believe that this is an exciting partnership for us to engage with the Fitness Consumers in Nigeria.

“ Through our Nigerian Partners, BrandCo, we look to give the VerveLife community a world-class Brand experience at the final event to edge the 3-stripes in their hearts. This event will help us entrench our belief that, Through Sport we have the Power to Change Lives”.

Noteworthy highlights of the Verve Life fitness platform include exciting high-intensity workout sessions and dance routines led by renowned fitness experts and dance instructors from across Africa, fitness challenges and immersive masterclasses on nutrition, mental wellness, and other related topics, all in addition to a multi-city train of satellite fitness events pan-Nigeria, touching over seven cities across West and East Africa this year.

With Dr. Kemi AILOJE drkemi@lifelinkfertility.com www.lifelinkfertility.com +2348033083580

Autoimmune Diseases (Part 1)

The immune system serves as a defense mechanism for the body. It protects the body against bacteria, virus, parasites and other harmful microorganisms through the production of antibodies that recognize and attack these microorganisms. When the immune system sense the presence of any antigen (foreign substance), it starts up an immune response which automatically attacks the antigen with the help of the antibodies produced. The immune system does not only defend against external challenging antigens but also the possibilities of internal attack from tumor cells and sometimes auto aggressive attack from its own defensive forces and this is known as autoimmunity.

The immune system is a very complex system that comprises of cells, organs and proteins that work hand in hand to neutralize harmful substances in the environment to help defend the body against infection whilst protecting the cells of the body.In order to eliminate the microbe if it ever re-enters the body, this system keeps a record of every germ or microbe it has eliminated. Some organs are used by this system to ensure proper operation.

They include:

• The bone marrow and thymus –responsible for formation of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes remember and recognize previous invaders in the body when they come back. They start their life in the bone marrow, some stay in the bone marrow and develop into B lymphocytes while others move to the thymus and become T lymphocytes.

• The secondary lymphoid organs –they include the lymph, spleen, tonsils, skin, liver, bowel and other mucous membrane layers.

B Lymphocytes

The role of B lymphocytes in the immune system is to spot the antigen, and then begin to secrete antibodies to fight. They are also part of a large family of chemicals called immunoglobulin which play different roles in the immune response:

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG): figures out microbes so other cells can recognize and fight them.

• IgM: helps in killing bacteria effectively.

• IgA: congregates in fluids, like tears and saliva, and thus protects gateways into the body.

• IgE: protects against parasites.

• IgD: usually bounded to B lymphocytes thus helping them to start the immune response.

T lymphocytes

There are different types of T lymphocytes and these include;

•Helper T cells (Th cells) - they are to coordinate the immune response. Some communicate with other cells, and some also stimulate B cells to produce more antibodies.

•Killer T cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes) - T

cells attack other cells and are particularly useful for fighting viruses. They work by recognizing tiny parts of the virus on the outside of the infected cells and then destroy the infected cells.

TYPES OF IMMUNITY

The types of Immunity include:

• Innate immunity

At birth, we all have some level of immunity to foreign bodies. The human immune system has been structured in a way to fight antigens or foreign bodies from day one. This immunity type includes the external barriers of the body which serves as the first line of defense against pathogens. For example, skin, mucous membrane of the throat and gut. This type of immunity response is general and not specific.

• Adaptive or acquired immunity

Adaptive immunity is the type of protection we develop as we go through life. When we are exposed to diseases or we get vaccinated, a library of antibodies is built, which will help the immune system to remember previous enemies and this is called immunological memory.

• Passive immunity Passive immunity is a type of immunity that is gotten from another source. Usually, it does not last for a long time. An example of this is when a baby gets antibodies from the mother through the placenta before birth and in breast milk following birth, this passive immunity automatically protects the baby from infections during the early years of life.

IMMUNOLOGICAL INFERTILITY

Immune infertility is a reproductive disorder that affects men and women. Women who have been diagnosed of immune infertility usually produce Antisperm Antibodies (ASA) in their reproductive systems. These antibodies act by neutralizing sperm by clumping them together and creating holes in their membranes and thus affect their physical morphology.

Sperm antibodies can cause infertility by disrupting sperm motility or the binding of the egg. They are also present in female sexual secretion which may trap spermatozoa and stop them from moving through the genital tract. It is also very possible to have the presence of cytotoxic antibodies that actually kill the spermatozoa.

Autoimmunity also has an effect on fertility of an individual as the failure of the testis or the ovary can result from autoimmune processes. The effect of autoimmunity on fertility is that it causes failure of the testis or the ovary and this can be detected in the blood sample of affected people. It also results in a scenario wherethe body “sees” its own cell as foreign object and starts fighting it, this causes early pregnancy loss and miscarriage in affected females. Autoimmunity can also affect the fetus by passive transfer of an antibody that has pathogen effect which can cause foetal heart block and heart failure thereby causing death

Medical doctors attending to some of beneficiaries at a free medical outreach held for residents of rural communities in Asari-Toru LGA in Rivers State, last Monday

Access Bank PartnersThunes to Enhance Cross-border Payments Across 13 Nations

Nume Ekeghe

Access Bank Africa has embarked on a strategic partnership with Thunes, a prominent global payment infrastructure platform to enhance cross-border payments in Africa.

The bank in a statement noted that the primary objective of this collaboration is to streamline and simplify crossborder transfers and payments, benefiting both customers and non-customers of Access Africa.

Thunes, renowned for connecting over 130 countries into a single network, offers seamless, interoperable, and frictionless cross-border payments, making it the ideal

partner for Access Africa’s ambitions.

Senior Advisory Retail, Access Bank Robert Giles stated: “This strategic partnership reinforces Access Africa’s commitment to providing customers and non-customers with access to top-quality remittance services. Thunes is a cross-border payments network founded in 2016 that enables corporates and financial institutions to move funds seamlessly and provide financial services in emerging markets. Our partnership will significantly expand the reach of Access Africa’s payment and remittance services to over 100 more countries, and expose Thunes to all 60 million+ customers of Access

Africa with over 600 branch locations.”

“Through this partnership, customers of Access Africa (both account and non-account holders) will be able to make simple international payments, as well as receive diaspora inflows in USD from countries in Africa, Americas, APAC, Europe, Greater China, and MENA, in the form of cash or bank deposits.

“The partnership between Access Africa’s Payment and Remittance services and Thunes will bring the benefits of modern digital payment technology to the parties involved, addressing the frictions of the traditional bank-based cross-border payment flows, and making payments faster,

Aig-Imoukhued: EnterpriseNGR’s Plans to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Premier Financial Destination

Kayode Tokede

The Chairman, EnterpriseNGR, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhued has stated that part of the non-profit organization’s objectives is to position Nigeria as Africa’s premier financial destination.

Speaking to journalists at the quarterly night dinner hosted by Deputy Managing Partner, Templars, Mr Chike Obianwu in Lagos, Aig-Imoukhued said the partnership with the Lagos state government comes on the backdrop of the State government’s ambition of becoming an entering point into Nigeria for investment.

According to Aig-

Imoukhued, “The likes of Dubai, Singapore, and Botswana have focused on policies of making a city or state an international financial center that is able to attract massive investments. This is not something a private sector can do on its own as it requires partnership.”

Also speaking at the dinner, Chief Executive Officer, EnterpriseNGR, Obi Ibekwe, highlighting achievement in the last two years said, the non-profitable organization has recorded a remarkable achievement.

Highlighting them she said, “The first one is to unite the voice of the Financial and

Professional Services sector and the way we go about it is to bring members to EnterpriseNGR.

“When EnterpriseNGR was launched, we had seven founders and today, we have 23 members across all categories. This is remarkable because of the significant financial commitment that our members have to make as they come on board and it is demonstrating their commitment to the EnterpriseNGR vision. We’re hopeful that we will soon surpass that 23 because we have a number of prospects showing interest in joining us.”

FBNQuest Asset Mgt Gets Issuer Rating of “A+”, Stable Outlook

DataPro, the technologydriven credit rating agency has assigned FBNQuest Asset Management Limited a long-term rating of “A+” with a Stable Outlook for the year 2023/2024.

The rating agency, in its latest report issued on Tuesday, explained that considerations for the rating assigned include the company’s profitability, investments, liquidity, asset management, capital adequacy, corporate governance, and risk management as well as its risk factors.

The report signed by DataPro’s Client Services Manager, Kehinde Rasheed, and made available to THISDAY disclosed that FBNQuest Asset Manage-

ment Limited earnings were derived from portfolio management fees from a diverse range of portfolios, funds, and investment solutions.

“As of the financial year-end 2022, profits plowed back into the business accumulated to N5billion. Consequently, overall equity was strengthened by 22 per cent as against the prior year (21 per cent).

“The company invested in various financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), amortised cost, and fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI),” the report stated.

It added that the value of these investments was N5.7

billion, representing a 28 per cent growth during the year.

Further analysis showed that financial assets at amortised cost accounted for the largest portion of the total investments. This, the report stated, represented 64 per cent (Yr. 22) of the financial assets and grew by 96 per cent (Yr. 22).

“A+” indicates low risk. It shows very good financial strength, operating performance, and business profile when compared to the standard established by DataPro. This company, in our opinion, has a strong ability to meet its ongoing obligations,” the report said.

FCMB Celebrates Excellent Team Service

As the world celebrates Customer Service Week 2023, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is honouring its valued customers and dedicated employees with a week-long event focused on this year’s theme: Team Service.

Throughout the week, FCMB customers can expect celebratory messages, a treasure hunt game, and unique gifts for children with birthdays during the week. The Bank’s employees will participate in a service innovation challenge, a test of knowledge competition, and a game show and will be recognised for their outstanding service contributions.

“Excellent customer care is a team effort, not just the responsibility of our frontline employees,” said FCMB Managing Director Yemisi Edun. “It’s about everyone working together to create a positive experience for our valued customers. We recognise and appreciate customers and employees who embody this spirit. We couldn’t do it without them.”

FCMB’s Customer Service Week celebration is just one example of the Bank’s commitment to fostering a culture of team service excellence. FCMB has invested heavily in technology and training to ensure its

Money

employees have the resources and skills to provide customers with a positive experience.

“At FCMB, team service is more than just a slogan. It’s a way of life,” said FCMB Senior Vice President and Head of Service Management Felicia Obozuwa. “We encourage our employees to collaborate and support each other and reward them for going above and beyond to deliver excellent customer care. We are unwavering in our commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to go the extra mile for our customers.”

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $97.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $97.08 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Business Development Manager, ECOWAS for Thunes, Folake Egunjobi; Head, Payments, Access Bank, Aminat Olatunji; Senior Vice President, Africa for Thunes, Sandra Yao; and Group Head, Payments and Remittances, Funmilayo Afolabi at the Access/Thunnes partnership ceremony held in Lagos... recently.

Chapel Hill Denham to List N200bn Infrastructure Fund on NGX

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday said it is set to admit the listing of Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund (NIDF) N200 billion public infrastructure investment fund by Chapel Hill Denham on its bourse.

The fund aims to provide investors regular and stable income by making primarily debt investments in infrastructure projects located in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Temi Popoola in a statement emphasized the commitment of the Exchange to

infrastructural development and wealth creation in the country.

He noted that the listing aligns with NGX’s mission to support financial market instruments that drive sustainable wealth creation and infrastructural advancement in Nigeria.

According to Popoola,

NGX will further enhance the visibility of NIDF, giving investors access to more investment options.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, said that NIDF has been Nigeria’s best performing fund over the last five years and has delivered significant

impact and economic returns.

strategy. Through its listing on NGX, NIDF opens up the chance for investors to benefit from a diversified portfolio of asset backed loans across multiple sub-sectors and geographical spread, and listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) will further improve liquidity.

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Abbas Laments Abduction of Five Katsina Varsity Female Students, Others by Terrorists

Police arrest one suspect

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has decried the resurgence of abductions of students at tertiary institutions by bandits in the north-west region of Nigeria. No fewer than five female students of the Federal University, Dutsin-ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, were abducted by gunmen suspected to be terrorists in the wee hours of Wednesday.

as the copy of the diploma that was purportedly issued to Tinubu on or about June 22, 1979; and (4) certain other CSU documents that were apparently certified and produced by Jamar Orr (an associate general counsel at CSU) in other Nigerian proceedings, as well as communications relating to these documents (the “Orr Documents”).

In addition, Atiku sought a deposition by CSU pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 30(b)(6), seeking to explore five topics through deposition: (1) the authenticity of the documents produced by CSU in response to the application and how and where CSU located the documents; (2) CSU’s position on the authenticity of other CSU documents related to Tinubu purportedly produced by CSU in another Nigerian proceeding (“Enahoro-Ebah v. Tinubu”); (3) the contents of an affidavit from CSU’s registrar Caleb Westberg; (4) CSU’s position on the authenticity of a letter from Westberg (the “Westberg Letter”) on CSU letterhead regarding Tinubu, including who requested the letter, who prepared the letter, and to whom it was sent; and (5) CSU’s position on the authenticity of the Orr Documents and other facts regarding why the documents were certified,

Vow to rescue victims unhurt

This comes few days after armed bandits invaded three female hostels at the Sabon Gida area of Zamfara State and abducted an unspecified number of female students at the Federal University, Gusau (FUG).

A credible security source who confirmed the abduction of the students in Katsina, in a telephone interview with THISDAY, said the students were kidnapped by the hoodlums at about 2:30 am.

He explained that the victims were kidnapped by the unlawful

if Mr. Orr was authorised to do so, who requested the documents, and to whom they were sent. Atiku and PDP, who came second in the last presidential election with over six million votes, were seeking the nullification of Tinubu's presidency on the grounds of substantial noncompliance with the electoral laws, massive irregularities, and corrupt practices, among others.

He claimed that Tinubu ought not to have contested the February 25 presidential election over alleged criminal offences bordering on forgery, perjury and possession of double citizenship.

But a five-member panel of the presidential election tribunal, in their unanimous judgement delivered on September 6, dismissed Atiku and PDP's petition for lacking in merit.

While the tribunal held that the petitioners did not prove allegations made against the conduct of the presidential poll, it refused to consider and determine the allegations of certificate forgery and perjury against Tinubu on the grounds that they failed to list the allegations in their main petition.

Bent on proving the allegations, Atiku approached the US court for additional evidence, which he hoped to tender before the Supreme Court, where he had already filed an appeal

forces in their residence located behind Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial International School, Dutsin-ma.

"Bandits attacked a residence of students behind Mariamoh Ajiri school in the early hours of today (Wednesday) and kidnapped five female students of Federal University Dutsin-Ma", he said.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu Sadiq, while confirming the abduction of the students, said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.

against what called a "perverse" judgement of the presidential tribunal.

He predicated his application on Order 2 of the Supreme Court Rule, which stipulates, "A party who wishes the court to receive the evidence of witnesses (whether they were or were not called at the trial) or to order the production of any document, exhibit or other thing connected with the proceedings in accordance with the provisions of Section 33 of the Act, shall apply for leave on notice of motion prior to the date set down for the hearing of the appeal.

"The application shall be supported by affidavit of the fact on which the party relies for making it and of the nature of the evidence or the document concerned.

"It shall not be necessary for the other party to answer the additional evidence intended to be called but if leave is granted the other party shall be entitled to a reasonable opportunity to give his own evidence in reply if he so wishes."

Tuggar: Tinubu’s Certificate Matter Frivolous, Distracting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the issues surrounding the president’s academic qualifications were frivolous and the administration could not waste its time on such

He said the command had deployed all its tactical and operational assets with a view to rescuing the victims unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act. He said: "On October 4, 2023, at about 2 a.m., suspected terrorists kidnapped five female students of the federal university Dutsinma. "The command is on top of the situation, as it has deployed all its tactical and operational assets with a view to rescuing the victims unhurt and arresting the

“trivial matters”.

Speaking on Channels Television, yesterday, Tuggar argued that contrary to speculations, the controversy did not cast a shadow on some of the president’s recent international engagements.

“There is a tendency to always try to distract people on such frivolous issues as opposed to facing the major issues of development. We don’t have time to waste on that,” he said.

The minister contended that a former president, Muhammadu Buhari, experienced the same issue when he assumed office.

According to him, “Nobody is wasting time about certificate qualification for somebody, who has been a governor of a state, served two terms, and has been on the national stage as a politician.

“You remember that (former) President Buhari had to go through the same thing, where people were actually questioning whether he went to secondary school or not. Someone, who had classmates and was the captain? He was a head boy.”

Tuggar also claimed that during Tinubu’s recent international meetings, no one showed interest in the ongoing controversy.

He said, “The foreign leaders that we’ve been engaging and the

FG Targets Yearly Output of 10,000 Doctors

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has said it planned to double the population of doctors and dentist produced in the country yearly from the 5000 to 10000, beginning from the next academic year by increasing admission into the medical and dental institutions.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who stated this during the induction ceremony for foreign-trained doctors organised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), said the strategies would have direct impact on the healthcare delivery system.

He said, "The mass exodus of licensed medical doctors and other health professionals to more developed countries, that has brought significant disruptions to Nigeria’s health care system will be discouraged by making our health care environment more attractive, through strategic investments in infrastructure and prioritising the welfare of all health prophesiers.

"To this end, what pull or push our health workers will be intercepted through a data driven intervention by the federal government. We have just recently put in place plans and strategies to double the populations of doctors and dentist from the 5000 to

10000 from the next academic year by increasing admission into our medical and dental institutions."

The minister further said the induction event was strategic in the renewed drive by the government to move the health sector forward and change the negative narratives of Nigeria's poor health indicators.

"I don’t need to stress further the obvious human resource for health crises that is global but worst still driven by the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the push and pull factor that encourages our young doctors and specialist alike and other health professionals to seek a supposedly

better opportunity, which has now become the so-called new lexicon ‘Japa syndrome’," he said.

Alausa also pledged that the ministry would expand the opportunities to all other health professionals like pharmacist, nursing, physiotherapy, community health extension workers, radiographers, adding that the plan would be executed in phases.

"You will agree with me that the just over 3000 doctors annually produced by the country remains grossly inadequate if we must achieve significant milestone in the coming years, so we need to double the rate of production of health workers or more," he said

perpetrators of the dastardly act."

He added that: "One suspect has been arrested in connection with the offence. The investigation is ongoing."

Reacting to the development, the Speaker raised concern over the development.

The Speaker, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, called on security agencies to rescue the abducted students and prevent any recurrence, noting that the students' abductions posed

international organisations clearly are disinterested in wasting time on such. We pay no mind to that.”

Tuggar added that due to the critical situation of the country, Nigerians should not be obsessed with certification. Instead, he asked the citizens to concentrate on development.

He stressed, ”With the economic challenges we are facing, we shouldn’t be wasting time about some certificate; whether there is a T missing or an I hasn’t been dotted. That shouldn’t be our primary focus at the moment.”

Presidency: Tinubu’s Certificate Authentic, Not Forged

The presidency, yesterday, stated that the certificate submitted to INEC by President Bola Tinubu was authentic and not forged, as being insinuated in some quarters.

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Temitope Ajayi, in a reaction, said Chicago State University (CSU) confirmed that the president did not submit a fake result to INEC.

Ajayi noted that CSU affirmed under oath that Tinubu attended and graduated from the institution and that the school did not handle replacements for lost certificates. He said there was no iota of truth in the forgery claim, adding that no person can forge a certificate he already has.

In his posting on X, Ajayi wrote, “We should be clear. In the deposition made by the Chicago State University, there was nowhere the university said the certificate presented to INEC by President Tinubu is fake.

"The university insisted under oath that President Tinubu graduated with honours and even at that, replacements for lost certificates are done by vendors, not the university.

“The claim that President Tinubu submitted fake certificate to INEC does not make sense. A man cannot forge the academic records he possesses. You can only forge what you don’t have.”

‘Supreme Court Will Do Nigeria a Great Disservice to Ignore CSU's

Deposition’

serious threats to education in the north as well as anywhere else in the country.

The Speaker who expressed the disturbing nature of the ugly trend, therefore charged the military and relevant security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, rejig their architecture and approaches to ensure security of all Nigerians. He also called on the host communities of tertiary institutions to help security agents by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious movement in their areas.

As Nigerians continued to react to the deposition of the CSU official, which distanced the institution from the diploma certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC in 2022, former aviation minister, Osita Chijoka, added his voice to the discussion last night.

Speaking on the Arise News Primetime programme, Chijoka, who expressed shock and disappointment at the disclosure, said it was a national embarrassment that should not be swept under the carpet.

He called on the president to immediately resign from office to save the country from further embarrassment, and urged the Supreme Court to put aside needless legalism and technicality in handling petitions pending before it regarding Tinubu's presidency.

The PDP chieftain warned that ignoring the established forgery case against Tinubu would only spell doom for the country.

Chijoka stated, "We are going to summit it to the Supreme Court, whether they will accept it is a question for them.

"I think this is beyond legalism, I don't think Nigeria as a country should be discussing whether Supreme Court would accept it, we are internationally embarrassed, we are going to be the centre of international conversation."

He added, “The Supreme Court would be doing itself and the country a great disservice if it does not take judicial notice of what the CSU disposition has done.”

Chijoka also argued that forgery and perjury were grounds for disqualification, as stipulated in Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

He said regarding Tinubu, "Firstly, he swore to an oath that he did not attend primary and secondary school, claiming only the CSU certificate; once you tendered that.

“If the CSU certificate was not genuine, it then means there's nothing to fall back to. He then doesn't meet the requirements for the office of the president of Nigeria, which requires school certificate in the minimum or any other certificates.

L-R: Public Affairs Officer, United States of America Consulal Julia McKay, the Consulate General, Will Stevens; Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Political Officer of the Consulate in Nigeria, Brittany Orange during the visit of the Consul General to Governor Abiodun in his office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta... yesterday

AnnuAl Clients Ceremony...

World Teachers Day: You’re Critical to Nation Building, Says Obi

Chuks okocha in Abuja

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has encouraged all the teachers in Nigeria to remain committed to the task of nation building, by discharging their du-

ties diligently, and showing good examples to their students, and society at large.

Obi, in a statement by his media aide, Michael Jude Nwolisa, explained that there could not be any true development in society without

the immeasurable contributions of teachers.

He made the remarks in his message to mark World Teachers Day 2023, reiterating that at the foundation of the development of any society was human capital

development, which could only be achieved through education and immeasurable contribution of teachers.

“The great rigor, hard work, patience and dedication most teachers in different schools and institutions, especially at the basic

level, put into their work to ensure that their students can become the best in learning and character, deserve commendation.

“I have always celebrated teachers in Nigeria, whenever the opportunity comes. For example, Mr Akeem

Dokpesi's Associates Hail Atiku for Exposing Tinubu's Academic Records

sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The political family of the late DAAR Communications Chairman, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, known as the D37, has applauded the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, for unearthing the misery surrounding the academic records of President Bola Tinubu.

The group in a statement yesterday, in Abuja, said Atiku's victory in the United States of America District Court of Illinois

was a triumph of justice.

The D37 also commended Atiku Abubakar for his doggedness and conviction that the judiciary was the last hope of the common man and his belief in the tenets of democracy, clean politics and the rule of law.

The statement was signed by the Chairman of the Dokpesi political family, Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo, and secretary, Dr. Alex Ter Adum.

They described Atiku Abubakar as resolute and valiant fighter for democracy and justice.

House Urges IG to Investigate Alleged Police Brutality in Lagos

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to launch an “immediate and thorough” investigation into the alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Oshodi-Isolo II Federal constituency and ensure that those responsible faced the full wrath of the law.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the urgent need to save the lives of people of Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency from killings, further ransacking, restriction of movement and attacks by police and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers, moved by Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said mayhem was unleashed on the residents of Ago road and its axis by police and LASTMA Officers on Tuesday, 3rd October, 2023.

Onuakalusi said the people of Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency had been living in constant fear and anguish for far too long.

He noted that the recent spate of violence and attacks by the Police and LASMA officers had created a state of insecurity that threatened not only their lives but also their

livelihoods.

The lawmaker added: "Our communities have become battlegrounds, and our children, who should be safe on their way to schools, have become victims of this ongoing turmoil.

"Informed that these officers were chasing a car and dragging steering with a moving car and in the process the vehicle lost control and wrecked the damage."

Onuakalusi expressed worry that the reports from his constituents painted a harrowing picture of a community under siege, with police brutality and extrajudicial killings being a recurring nightmare.

He was of the opinion that It was the duty of the House as representatives of the people to protect their lives, rights, and well-being.

To this end, the House condemned in the strongest terms, the violence, killings, further ransacking, restriction of movement and attacks by the Police on the people of Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency.

It called "On the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged Police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Oshodi-Isolo II Federal constituency and ensure that those responsible face the full wrath of the Law."

The group noted that Atiku's political life in the last three decades showed the trajectory of a man, who has used his political struggles to achieve landmark constitutional locus classicus to strengthen and enhance the survival of democracy in Nigeria .

The group cited the AGF V Atiku Abubakar, which reinforced the fact that the joint presidential ticket was inseparable and denied the president and governors the power to remove the vice president

Atiku had in his application for an order of mandamus compelling the CSU to release information regarding Tinubu's record, argued that Section 137 (1)(j) of the Nigerian Constitution (amended in 2010) specifically stated that no one would be legitimately elected president of Nigeria if the person “has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

But Tinubu, despite claiming loss of his university degrees, had last year attached a copy of his Chicago State University diploma certificate said to have been obtained in 1979, as part of his academic requirements for the office of President of Nigeria. However the university has said on oath that it did not issue this certificate.

The former Vice President has however alleged it was forged, and therefore held the position that the president was unfit to continue to occupy the office.

But in a counter move, the presidency, yesterday, clarified that the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC was authentic and not forged as being insinuated in some quarters.

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Temitope Ajayi, in a reaction said the Chicago State University (CSU) confirmed that the president didn’t submit a fake result to INEC.

He noted that CSU affirmed under oath that Tinubu attended and graduated from the institution and that the school did not handle replacements for lost certificates.

According to him, there was no iota of truth in the forgery claim,

and deputy governors from office.

"Atiku Abubakar V INEC which settled the jurisprudence on the powers of the electoral management body to disqualify candidates for election," it added. According to the group the resilience of Atiku Abubakar to unmask the identity and academic qualifications of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which according to them, has been a subject of debate as well as the thwarting of the third term agenda of President Olusegun

adding that no person could forge a certificate he already has.

Posting on his X account, Ajayi wrote: “We should be clear. In the deposition made by the Chicago State University, there was nowhere the University said the certificate presented to INEC by President Tinubu is fake.

"The University insisted under oath that President Tinubu graduated with honours and even at that, replacements for lost certificates are done by vendors not the University.

“The claim that President Tinubu submitted fake certificate to INEC does not make sense. A man cannot forge the academic records he possesses. You can only forge what you don’t have.”

Over all, Section 131 of the Constitution stipulates that a person aspiring to the office of President of Nigeria, besides being a citizen by birth, must be up to 35years old; belong to a political party and "must be educated up to at least school certificate."

In addition, Section 308 explained that education to school certificate level means the possession of a secondary school certificate or its equivalent, grade II teacher certificate, educated up to secondary school, possession of primary school certificate, service in the public sector, attended courses and ability to read and write.

Given the above sentiments, Tinubu’s eligibility in terms of his education may no longer be the real deal as much as the allegation of forgery. After all, he can read and write efficiently, and had served as governor of Lagos State for eight years, in addition to his stint at the senate in 1992.

Obasanjo and many others were tilted towards enriching Nigerians democracy. Calling on Nigerians home and in the diaspora to demand justice, fairness and equity, the group challenged the Supreme Court to redirect the 2023 elections experiences and bar the wave of "unconstitutional overthrows arising from civil discontent with the management of the conduct of elections and its fallouts elsewhere in West Africa.''

These, without a doubt, might have addressed his qualification concerns. But on the allegation of forgery, the jury is still out and all eyes are on the Supreme Court.

How Supreme Court Ruled on Cases Bordering on Forgery in the Past

Some of the cases bordering on certificate forgery which the apex court had taking decisions on of recent include that of Bayelsa State in 2020, where the election of candidate of the APC in the 2019 governorship election, David Lyon, was nullified a day to his swearing-in on account of alleged certificate forgery by his deputy.

Lyon was declared winner of the election but the Supreme Court sacked him on the grounds that his running mate, Degi-Eremienyo, presented forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The APC asked the apex court to review its decision sacking Lyon but the court struck out the application.

Another incident was in 2017, when the apex court affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja sacking Mr. Christian Abah as a member of the House of Representatives representing Ado/Okpokwu/ Ogbadigbo Federal Constituency of Benue State.

The apex court in the unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Sidi Bageh, affirmed the verdict of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and held that criminality such as certificate forg-

Badru, who won the 2023 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award.

"I have also maintained that the government should begin to celebrate Nigerian teachers, who through hardwork and dedication, have distinguished themselves in many ways, rather than celebrating individuals, who contribute to the challenges facing us a nation,” he added.

Furthermore, Obi revealed that while serving in Anambra State, his administration would not have been able to achieve the many feats they recorded in the education sector in Anambra State, without the devotion and commitment of teachers in the State.

“We need to revolutionalise education in the nation, by aggressively reducing the present 22 million out-of-school children and bringing them back to schools. This, we can achieve by making more investment in education and employing more teachers,” Obi said.

ery must not be allowed to continue to “contaminate” the nation’s polity.

An example of the apex court decision on qualification is the petition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar against the election of former President Muhammadu Buhari where, the apex court upheld the judgment of the presidential tribunal which held that President Buhari was eminently qualified to contest the February 23 presidential poll.

Justice John Okoro in the judgment delivered in 2019, said that the issue of qualification is a constitutional one that is not open to conjectures or inferences.

Citing sections 131 and 318 of the constitution, the apex court held that Buhari was able to prove that he possessed the minimum academic qualification, which is education up to secondary school level, adding that mere attendance in a school up to secondary school level qualifies one to contest for the office of President of Nigeria.

According to the judgment exhibits such as group photographs of Katsina Secondary School, Cambridge University Assessment, West African Examination Council (WAEC) results amongst others point to the fact that Buhari was educated up to secondary school level.

While noting the appellants failed to prove that these certificates were forged, Justice Okoro held that no law in the country, whether the constitution or the Electoral Act requires a candidate to attach his certificate before he can be adjudged qualified to contest an election.

L-R. Grant Thornton Nigeria’s, Principal Partner and Head, Advisory Service, Mr. Orji Okpechi (left); Rtd Executive Chairman, Mr. Peter Orizu; Director EMEA - Grant Thornton International Limited (GTIL), Mrs. Tatenda Zimondi; Managing Partner/CEO, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ogwo; Principal Partner and Snr Partner and Head, Audit and Assurance, Mr. Victor Osifo during the company’s 2023 annual Clients ceremony held in Lagos...recently.

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Insurgency: NAF Seeks Expedited Delivery of Six Attack Helicopters from Turkey

Kingsley

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday, sought expedited delivery of six TK-1 attack Helicopters from the Republic of Turkey to enhance their counterinsurgency operations.

He spoke when he received the Ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.

By the agreement, two helicopters would arrive Nigeria next month while four would be delivered by March next year.

He affirmed that the support of the Turkish government was key to sustaining the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria and implored the envoy to use his office to help fast-track the delivery of the six TK-1 helicopters to Nigeria.

The air force chief emphasised the painstaking resolve of the NAF to capitalise on the prospects presented by key partners to develop and enhance NAF’s capability to effectively secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar thanked the ambassador for his assurances and noted that the NAF would leverage the opportunities presented to improve its Research and Development (R&D) drive.

He further stated that the offer of technology transfer

aptly aligned with one of the key enablers of his command philosophy, which prioritised R&D leveraging cutting-edge technology as well as lessons learnt.

In his remarks, the Turkish

envoy expressed the readiness of his country to strengthen the already existing defence collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Turkish government, through the transfer of defence technology.

Speaking further, the Ambassador noted that Turkey, had over the years, collaborated with the NAF and would not relent in ensuring that the partnership was taken to a higher level.

He also assured him that his

country would not only sell defence products to the NAF but would be happy to assist the NAF develop its capacity to manufacture and maintain some of the products.

On the execution of the already

existing TK-1 helicopter procurement agreement with the NAF, he promised to "ensure the delivery of the platforms as scheduled as well as ensuring their sustenance through an effective maintenance strategy with the NAF."

HURIWA Wants ICPC to Probe Sule over Planned Appeal

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has made an urgent appeal to the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to conduct an investigation into allegations that Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State might be utilising state funds to support his legal battle following his recent defeat at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

In an statement, yesterday, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said HURIWA expressed deep concerns regarding reports suggesting that Sule could be tapping into the state's financial resources to sustain his ongoing legal efforts aimed at challenging the tribunal's verdict.

According to the group, "While HURIWA acknowledges the governor's right to appeal the decision, it issued a warning against the potential misuse of state funds to finance

Uzodimma: We're Confronting Deficit in Health Sector Frontally

Tony Icheku in Owerri Imo State Governor, Hope

Uzodimma, has commended the commitment and patriotism of medical practitioners from the State that are based in the United States of America for returning to execute a medical outreach in the State.

Uzodimma, while hosting the medical practitioners to a dinner Tuesday night, commended them for coming home to contribute their own quota to the well-being of Imo people, and reminded them that his government had been confronting the deficit in the health sector frontally since 2020, when he assumed office.

He described their gesture as heart-warming, noting that while some of their colleagues were fixated on travelling outside Nigeria to ply their trade, the visiting team of US-based doctors were looking

forward to returning home to be part of efforts to make healthcare delivery in the country in general and Imo State in particular, worth the while.

The governor expressed delight in hearing that some Nigerian doctors’ resident in the US desired to come back to practice in the country and help their people contrary to the desire of some at home struggling to travel abroad. He therefore prayed God to protect the genuine and patriotic doctors who come to Nigeria always to do charity works, noting that, "their actions translate to statesmanship, patriotism and commitment."

He recalled that on assumption of duty in 2020, he discovered that, "80 per cent of deaths in Imo State are avoidable and as a result of lack of good medical care" hence the determination of his government to "confront the deficit in the healthcare sector frontally."

the appeal and urged Sule not to further deplete the state's finances by funding a potentially fruitless appeal. Instead, the organisation called on him to respect the tribunal's verdict and uphold the principles

of democracy.”

HURIWA emphasised that the misuse of public funds for personal political battles was a form of corruption that undermined the principles of good governance and

transparency.

“Such actions represent a serious violation of the foundations of democratic governance and ethical conduct, posing a direct threat to Nigeria's democracy and

its essential principles of integrity and accountability,” it said. Furthermore, HURIWA called for significant electoral reforms to address the issue of litigation arising from elections.

Dino Decries Killing in Kogi, Insists State Must Be Free

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye, has decried the killings and harsh living conditions in the state under the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that he was in the governorship race to lead charge to emancipate the state from oppressive forces.

Melaye, who disclosed this during a courtesy visit on the Catholic

and attend to his health.

The Senate resumed the ministerial screening almost one hour after the incident.

Speaking before calling the last nominee, Olawande from Ondo, Akpabio said Balarabe admitted that he was exhausted having over worked for some days before the screening.

"The nominee, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal said he was quit exhausted, and that he rushed to Abuja for his ministerial screening," the Senate President said.

Akpabio said the nominee insisted on going ahead with the screening, saying he was fine.

The Senate president however called the last nominee, Olawande for screening.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Abbas Balarabe as a ministerial nominee.

He was to replace former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai in the federal cabinet.

El-Rufai was earlier nominated as a minister but his appointment was not confirmed by the Senate.

The replacement was conveyed in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio at plenary on

Bishop of Idah Diocese, Bishop Anthony Adaji, stressed that his interest in the governorship race “is to liberate the people of Kogi State from the stranglehold of the very insensitive, incompetent and corrupt APC.

In a statement by the spokesperson for Dino Melaye Campaign Council, Omoyemi Olumudi, lamented the wickedness being exhibited by the APC administration in the state, which had withheld the

Tuesday. Balarabe’s name was read alongside Ibrahaim and Olawande as Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths respectively who were earlier nominated by the president.

Balarabe, a former Secretary to the Kaduna State government was in April, appointed to lead a 65-man transition committee ahead of the swearing-in of Uba Sani.

The Senate had in August refused to confirm the nomination of El-Rufai alongside former Nexim Bank, Managing Director, Stella Okotete (Delta State) and Abubakar Danlandi, a nominee from Taraba State over security clearance. The ministerial nominee from Ondo State, Olawande, stressed the need to engage youths in productive activities wherever they were in the country.

He explained the need to establish digital training centres in all the communities across the country where the youths would have the opportunities to recreate.

Akpabio, said the 34-year-old community development expert demonstrated commitment, character and competence.

legitimate salaries and pension of workers in addition to squandering the funds meant for the direct benefit of the people in healthcare, education, water resources and other key sectors in the state.

Stating that he had spent his political life working for the emancipation of the people of Kogi, Melaye stressed that the vicissitudes he had suffered in his political career were all predicated on his love for the people of the state,

He stressed the need for youths to be given sense of belonging.

Also, yesterday, the Senate confirmed the appointment of the nominees of the President as Chairman, directors and members of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

The red chamber scrutinised the credentials of the Committee of the Whole because the standing committees had yet to be inaugrated.

The nominees who were screened and confirmed were Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, (Delta State); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Managing Director / CEO (Bayelsa); Mr. Boma Iyaye – Executive Director, Finance and Admin, (Rivers); Mr. Victor Antai, Executive Director, Projects (Akwa-Ibom) and Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services (Ondo).

Others were Sen. Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative (Bayelsa); Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono, State Representative (Akwa Ibom); Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, State Representative (Delta); Chief Tony Okocha, State Representative (Rivers); Hon Patrick Aisowieren, State Representative (Edo); and Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu, State Representative (Imo).

adding that the current situation in Kogi under the APC required urgent intervention.

“It is a Godly injunction that workers deserve their wages. As a fact, the sweat on the workers brow must not dry off before his reward. But what are we witnessing in Kogi State? Our state is insecure and in a country where there is law and order, people are being killed in cold blood just because of election as it happened in Ejule recently.

The rest were, Hon Patrick Aisowieren, State Representative (Edo); Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu, State Representative (Imo); Otito Atikase, State Representative (Ondo); Chief Dimgba Eruba, State Representative (Abia); Rt. Hon. Orok Out Duke, State Representative (Cross River); Hon. Nick Wende – Zonal Representative, North Central; Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak, Zonal Representative, (North East); and Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, Zonal Representative (North West). Akpabio told some of his colleagues who had some concerns against certain nominees that their complaints would be resolved by the executive arm of government. Meanwhile, the Correspondent of the Tribune Newspaper in the Senate, Tijani Yinusa Adeyemi, had cardiac arrest in one of the National Assembly shuttle buses yesterday and died.

He was rushed to the clinic of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before he was taken to the National Assembly clinic where it was confirmed that he was dead. The remains of Adeyemi was laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in line with Islamic rites.

Nwezeh in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

L-R: Director, Spectrum and Industry Services, Sub-Saharan Africa GSMA, Kamal Tamawa; Director Public Policy, Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA, Caroline Mbuga; Chief Executive Officer, 9mobile, Juergen Peschel; Head Sub-Saharan Africa GSMA, Angela Wamola; and Chief Operating Officer, 9mobile, John Vasikaran during GSMA's courtesy visit to the 9mobile office in Lagos ….recently.

Sen AT e Conf I rm S B A l A r AB e, B I o I B r AHI m, o l AwA n D e AS mI n IST er S

FOOd FLaVOUR FiEsTa...

L-R: Member, Board of Trustees (BOT), Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN), Mrs. Kafilat Osobemekun; Chairperson, Monioluwa Osho; Member, National Working Committee, Mrs. Mubo Adegoke; Chairman, BOT, Mrs. Morenike Okupe; Member, BOT, Mrs. Ololade Otuyemi, and Vice Chairperson, Bolade Adebayo, during the APFSPN, Flavour Fiesta 2023 held to mark 2023 independence anniversary in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

Guber Election: Stay Off Imo, APC Group Warns Abia Gov, Otti

Tony icheku in owerri

The two-day South-East Summit on Economy and Security where the five South-east governors spoke with one voice and purpose may have been mere publicity stunt after all as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma ‘s second term ambition appears ready to broker no opposition.

Setting the stage for Gov Uzodimma’s zero tolerance for opposition yesterday, a chieftain

of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Audu Shuaibu warned Abia State Governor Alex Otti, to stay away from Imo State ahead the November 11 governorship election.

Shuaibu’s warning is coming on the heels of Otti’s remarks in Owerri, Imo State capital where he went to campaign for Labour Party’s gubernatorial flag bearer, Sen. Athan Achonu, where he advised Gov Uzodimma to start preparing his handover note

Ooni Partners Govt-owned Chinese Firm to Generate 50,000 Employments

yinka Kolawoleinosogbo

The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has unveiled a Public- Private Partnership Community Development plan to create 50,000 jobs for Nigerian youths.

He said governments all over the world cannot transform economy successfully without a productive public-private partnership.

Ooni Ogunwusi, who was in the company of the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a government-owned Chinese

company at his Ile Oodua palace in Ile-Ife yesterday and said the company would invest in agriculture, green energy as well as explore the gold, lithium and other minerals resources in Ile-Ife and the state at large.

The pan-African king said the Chinese company, China Overseas Energy Development Technology Limited, will focus on the development of agriculture, mechanised farming, and cocoa processing in large quantities, stating that solar energy, exploration of lithium, gold, liquefied natural gas and other major mineral resources would be part of their goals.

Kano Gov Appoints Heads of Parastatals

ahmad sorondinki in Kano

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of 10 heads of parastatals in the state.

The new appointment was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanusi DawakinTofa, and made available to journalists yesterday.

According to the statement, the new appointment was part of the governor’s efforts to place appropriate hands to improve good governance in the state.

Those appointed are Salisu A. Kabo, Director-General of Youth Empowerment; Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director-General of Debt Management Office; Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, DirectorGeneral of KAN-INVEST.

Others are Yusuf Kabir Gaya, Executive Chairman, SUBEB; Mustapha Adamu Indabawa, Managing Director, Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV); Hamisu Dogon Nama, Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Market, and Abdulkadir B. Hussain, Managing Director, Sabon Gari Market.

BAT Employs Female Marketing Director

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has announces the elevation of Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya from her former role as the Area Head of 360 Activation & Marketing Operations to the position of Marketing Deployment Director for the West and Central Africa Cluster (WCA). According to the company, this development followed demonstration its commitment to talent development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda,

The company explained that this remarkable achievement

before his imminent defeat at the poll.

However, in his reaction to the remarks, Shuaibu, addressing

a press conference in Abuja, maintained that Otti will not be welcomed to Imo state ahead the November 11, 2023 governorship

election because his presence could spark off violence in the State and scare away voters.

“It is our duty to speak truth

to power and we shall continue to do so until sanity is restored to all levels of governance in Nigeria.”

Mohbad: Court Remands Naira Marley, Sam Larry for 21 Days

Police Announce N1m on wanted Prime Boy (Owodunni Ibrahim)

Rebecca Ejifoma

A magistrate court sitting in Yaba yesterday remanded Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley and Balogun Eletu, aka Sam Larry in police custody for 21 days. During the court sitting, the

Lagos police requested that both suspects be remanded for 30 days pending investigation completion over the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad. Mohbad died on 12th September 2023 in Lagos and was buried the next day, an

incident that sparked public outrage.

In her judgment, the Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun, held that the suspects be remanded for just 21 days.

Following her judgment, Naira Marley and Sam Larry, wearing

nose masks, were seen in a video clip on Instagram descending the Magistrate court room. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Command, yesterday, announced a N1 million bounty on wanted Owodunni Ibrahim, aka Prime Boy.

U.S Consul General Wants Nigerian Youths to be Solutions Providers

James sowole inabeokuta

The United States (US) Consul General, Will Stevens, yesterday urged Nigerian youths to be solutions providers and take the lead in preserving the environment by supporting every efforts aimed at tackling the challenge of waste

management in the country.

Stevens gave this charge at the launch of the U.S. government supported “Recycling Waste to Wealth Challenge,” an enterprise competition for students in vocational and technical colleges in Ogun State held in Abeokuta.me

This project is supported through

the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni Impact Award won by U.S. government exchange alumnus, Ewajesu Fashina currently working as World Bank representative in the Ogun State Economic and Transformation Project The programme had in attendance students from the

technical colleges in Ogun State. He said Nigerians are not strange to providing solutions to problems and impacting the world for good saying over half a million of them are in the United States and they are the most successful Diasporans for their ability to develop cutting edge solutions to problems.

World Values Day: NGO Calls for Partnerships to Impact Future Generations

Funmi Ogundare

Founder of Shape A Child, a social impact organisation dedicated to empowering children and adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and values they would need to contribute positively to society, yesterday called for partnerships

with corporate organisations on value-based initiatives that could contribute to the development of social issues that would impact the lives of future generations.

The founder, Shape A Child, Ms. Izehi Anuge, made this call while briefing journalists on the organisation’s plans to mark

the World Values Day (WVD) on October 19, with the theme “Values Bring Us Together,” in Lagos.

Anuge expressed concern about the erosion of social values, and harped on the significance of promoting awareness and actions that would enable the public to

understand, explore, and embrace values that enhance compassionate and sustainable world.

According to her, “the impact of WVD on society is multi-faceted. Firstly, it encourages individuals and organisations to reflect on their values and consider how they align with their actions and decisions.”

Nigerians Urged to Protect Cross River Gorillas, to Boost Local Tourism

sunday Okobi

As the world celebrates the World Gorilla Day 2023, Wild Africa Fund has urged the Nigerian public to protect its unique Cross River gorillas by supporting ongoing efforts to safeguard their populations

and habitat.

Also the efforts are meant to reduce demand for commercial bush meat that endangers their lives because this could also boost local tourism in Nigeria. The agency stated that the Cross River gorilla lives in the mountainous region between

Nigeria and Cameroon, and its Africa’s most endangered ape species.

The Fund said it is estimated that no fewer than 300 individuals of these gorillas remain in the wild, with 100 of them living in Cross River State and the rest in Cameroon.

According to the group in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, “In Nigeria, they are found in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mbe Mountains, and the Okwangwo division of the Cross River National Park.

Illegal Adoption: Owner of Orphanage Accused of Selling Babies Handed to NAPTIP

david-Chyddy Eleke in awka

of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

contained in an investigative report indicted the home.

aligns with Fisayo-Okusanya’s induction onto BAT’s West and Central Africa leadership team, making her the second woman to join the cluster’s leadership team.

A seasoned marketing strategist with over two decades of experience in the ever-evolving marketing landscape, FisayoOkusanya joined BAT Nigeria in 2003 as a Trade Marketing Representative. Since then, she has built a stellar marketing career honing valuable expertise in Trade Marketing, Brands, and Activation throughout West and Central Africa.

Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon Ify Obinabo, has handed over the Founder of Arrows of God Community Children’s Home, Rev D.C Ogo, to men of the National Agency for Prohibition

Ogo was found to have been involved in illegal adoption, where she allegedly gave away children in her orphanage homes to persons seeking children in exchange for money.

The orphanage was sealed a few months ago after revelations

Over 20 children, who were kept in the home, were recovered by the ministry before it was sealed.

The commissioner, who questioned the suspect in her office yesterday, lamented the bad image people like Ogo

were causing the state, despite the government’s efforts to rid the state of such practices.

The commissioner said: “Imagine the bad image people like you are giving the state despite our numerous efforts to rid Anambra State of corrupt adoption practices.

Ododo Pays Condolence Visit to Slain Member’s Community, Family

ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the female member of the party, Khadijat Yahaya, who was killed in Koton Karfe recently.

Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Ohimegye of Koton Karfe, His Royal Majesty Abdulrazak Isa Koto, yesterday, where he expressed sadness over the death of Khadijat.

He described the late Khadijat as “a woman of peace who was desirous of seeing the development of Koton Karfe.”

The APC candidate vowed to ensure justice for the deceased and her family.

Earlier, the spokesman of the Kogi State APC Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, said the party had earlier suspended all campaign activities in honour of the slain Khadijat.

At the residence of the late

Khadijat, Ododo expressed shock at what happened and sympathised with the family, saying the APC family was mourning the death of Khadijat.

A leader of the party from the local government area, Hon. Saliu Akawu, thanked the governorship candidate for the visit.

Newcastle Massacre Mbappe’s PSG 4-1 to Go Top of Group F

Newcastle United welcomed Champions League football back to St. James' Park in style as Paris St-Germain were overpowered in a highly-charged atmosphere on Tyneside.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

in Newcastle's first home game in Europe's elite competition since a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in March 2003.

The Toon Army had already transformed St. James' Park into

four walls of black and white even before Miguel Almiron sent them wild by giving Newcastle a 17th-minute lead after PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could only palm out Alexander Isak's shot, as Marquinhos was punished for carelessly conceding possession.

It was to prove an eventful night for Italy keeper Donnarumma, who tried in vain to claw out Dan Burn's towering header six minutes before half-time. The ball had already crossed the line but Newcastle still had to wait for a video assistant referee check for offside before the celebrations could begin.

Donnarumma was a central figure again as Newcastle went three up five minutes after the break, the goalkeeper's poor attempt at a block allowing Sean Longstaff's powerful shot from an angle to creep in.

PSG's threats were rare but they did pull one back after 56 minutes through Lucas Hernandez's header - but this was Newcastle's night from start to finish.

Swiss centre-back Fabian Schar added the icing on the cake in stoppage time as he curled a stunning shot past Donnarumma from the edge of the box into the top corner to make it 4-1.

The three points, added to an opening draw away to AC Milan, mean Newcastle go top of Group F.

RESULTS

Morocco, Spain, Portugal Are Joint Hosts of 2030 World Cup

Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay to host matches in celebration of 100 years of the Mundial

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Twenty years after South Africa hosted the first FIFA Men’s World Cup in the continent, Morocco has been selected as joint host of the 2030 edition along with Spain and Portugal.

FIFA Council headed by Gianni Infantino yesterday decided that the World Cup’s centenary in 2030 will also have opening three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. It will be held across six countries in three continents.

According to FIFA, the opening matches in South America are to mark the World Cup's centenary as it will be 100 years since the

inaugural tournament in Montevideo. Uruguay’s La Celeste lifted the trophy on home soil and also triumphed in 1950, famously beating rivals Brazil in the final.

The FIFA Council decision is to be ratified at a FIFA congress next year.

"In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting," said Infantino.

"The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.

"In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continentsAfrica, Europe and South America

- six countries - Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay - welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup,” the FIFA chief noted with excitement.

FIFA also confirmed only bids from countries from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation will be considered for the 2034 finals.

Saudi Arabia is expected to bid to host the tournament in 2034 for the first time.

Montevideo in Uruguay, the city which hosted the first World Cup match in 1930, is poised to stage the opening game in 2030 with matches

in Argentina and Paraguay to follow. The rest of the 48-team tournament will then move to north Africa and Europe.

If the 2030 proposal is approved, Morocco would become only the second African nation to host a World Cup, after South Africa in 2010.

Spain has been named as joint-host weeks after former football federation chief, Luis Rubiales, resigned following criticism for kissing Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup.

Spain last hosted the World Cup in 1982, with Italy winning the tournament for the third time.

Portugal has never hosted the tournament, but Euro 2004 was held there.

MTN CHAMPS Launched Across Four Cities to Boost Track & Field in Nigeria

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Over 7000 athletes from 500 schools are to participate in the maiden edition of the Schools Athletics Championships, now renamed the MTN Champs.

The championships tailored along the same path of the Jamaican schools athletics model that has unearthed the likes of Usain Bolt and several world-classed athletes, is expected to attract young athletes from across the country.

Over 1,000 medals and 32 school/ team titles are at stake in the newly introduced competition expected to hold in locations : Benin City, Uyo, Ibadan and Abuja.

Speaking at a media briefing to unveil the package at stake yesterday in Lagos, officials from telecommunications giant MTN as its title sponsor, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in partnership with the organisers of the historic initiative, Making of Champions (MoC), revealed an elaborate plan to turnaround Nigeria’s fortunes in track and field.

AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, harped on the need to produce a pool of young athletes who will be positioned to take over from their older counterparts, a gap MTN CHAMPS is poised to bridge.

“I am the main beneficiary of what is happening here today. When the older ones are fading out, what happens if you do not have the younger ones coming up? So, grassroots sports development

is the key to success.

“At the National Youth Games (NYG), the age bracket is between 12 to 15, but for those within ages 15 to 20, there are no proper competitions, and MoC have just rescued us from that challenge through the MTN CHAMPS.

“I want to say thank you to MTN for the sponsorship, and thank you to MoC,” gushed the AFN chief. Chief Marketing Officer of MTN

Nigeria, Adia Sohwo, noted that MTN is proud to be associated with the vision of MTN CHAMPS as it really sits at the heart of what the brand stands for. She said: “MTN is committed to Nigeria’s young people, and what we’re trying to do is power the dreams of these young people and provide them with the platform and technology that they need to take on the world.

Newcastle 4-1 PSG

C’Zvezda 2-2 Young Boys

Leipzig 1-3 Man City

R’Antwerp 2-3 Shakhtar

FC Porto 0-1 Barcelona

Europa League (5:45pm)

Freiburg v West Ham

B’Topola v Olympiacos

AEK Athens v Ajax

Marseille v Brighton

Limassol v Rangers

Real Betis v S’Prague

Czestochowa v S’Graz

Sporting v Atalanta (8pm)

Liverpool v St. Gilloise

Toulouse v LASK

Villarreal v Rennes

Roma v FC Sheriff

Molde v Leverkusen

FIFA Appoints Referees, VAR Officials for Eagles, Saudi Arabia Clash

World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Portuguese official Luis Godinho as referee for the international friendly match between three-time African champions Nigeria and Asian giants Saudi Arabia, coming up at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão next week Friday.

Godinho will be assisted by compatriots Bruno Jesus (assistant referee 1), Tiago Costa (assistant referee 2) and Miguel Noguera (fourth official) at the match kicking off by 5pmPortugal time (same time as in Nigeria).

Also appointed are Helder Carvalho to head the situation in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, to be assisted by Bruno Vieira. It is the second-ever clash between both countries. The Super Eagles and the Green Falcons battled to a scoreless draw in a pre-2010 FIFA World Cup friendly game at the Alpenstadion in Wattens, Austria on 25th May 2010. The Eagles have another friendly encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique at the same venue on Monday, 16th October 2023, starting at 4pm.

Fans Excited as 1XBET Cup Begins at Old NITEL Stadium in Lagos

It was excitement galore as the maiden edition of the 1XBET Cup Kicked off Tuesday at the NITEL Training ground venue of the DBI Conference in Oshodi, Lagos.

In the first game of the competition, Capital Avalanche and Cheche Stars played out a 1-1 draw in Group A Fackson FC defeated Soccer Touch 3-1 to lead the log in the round-robin phase of the competition.

An excited Alex Kanu, who captained Cheche Stars, expressed his gratitude to 1XBET, for sponsoring the competition.

As captain, Kanu proved a worthy wearer of the arm band and leading from the front. He scored the equalizing goal for Cheche Stars.

He admitted that the tournament will help to keep non-league players busy, as well as, give them the opportunity to expose their talents.

The young midfield dynamo, whose dad, Monday Kanu, is a former Nigeria international player, played for Bendel Insurance and

Julius Berger before hanging his boots.

Also speaking with journalists, Coordinator and Consultant for the 1XBET Cup, Engr. Waidi Akanni, said he was happy that the competition finally started on a good note.

Akanni disclosed that there are plans by the organisers and the sponsors to bring more exciting moments to the participating teams and fans, as the competition progress. Hostilities continued on Matchday 2, with matches played in Group B at the same venue.

In the first match on Wednesday, G-Innovation FC and Bariga FC played out a 2-2 draw. G-Innovation led 2-0 in the first half with goals scored by Pascal Anuforo and Henry David in the 4th and 11th minutes respectively.

A rejuvenated Bariga FC took the game by the scruffs of the neck to level scores 2-2 in the second half through Timothy Kolawole and Nduka David in the 43rd and 50th minutes of the game.

The French champions - including superstar Kylian Mbappe - found the atmosphere and intensity on and off the pitch just too much as Eddie Howe's side secured a richly-deserved 4-1 win

Newcastle’s Dan Burn (second right) scored a spectacular heading goal in the 4-1 defeat of Paris St. Germain at St. James’ Park...last night

L-R: NSSF Vice President, Emmanuel Ebong; AFN President, Tonobok Okowa; MTN Chief Marketing Officcer, Adia Sohwo, and Chairman, Making of Champions (MoC), Olu Akani at the media briefing to unveil the new MTN Champs competition in Lagos...yesterday

Distraught Mother to Federal Government

“Iwon’tstopcryinguntiltheybringmychildbackhome.Wedon’tknowany governmentbecausetheyhavefailedus,butweknowGodcannotfailus.We havesoldeverythingwehadtopayoverN13million.Wedon’thavemoney anylonger”—motherofoneoftheeightAkwaIbomNYSCmembersabducted bybanditsonthehighwayinZamfaraon17Augustwhileontheirwaytothe OrientationCampinSokotoState.Theyremainincaptivity.

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Tupac, Mohbad and Rap Music

Last Friday in Las Vegas, United States, Duane Keith Davis, popularly known as ‘Keffe D,’ was arrested after a grand jury indictment for murder with use of a deadly weapon. Although Davis was brought to court yesterday, his arraignment was deferred till 19 October while he remains in custody. He will be tried for killing Tupac Shakur, the legendary American rapper, on 13 September 1996 at age 25. It is remarkable that attempts to resolve the fatal shooting of Tupac 27 years ago is coming at a time the Nigerian police have opened an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of a 27-year-old rapper, professionally known as Mohbad (real name, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba). He died on 12 September and was buried the next day. A week later, his body was exhumed following a social media campaign.

Let me be upfront here. Ordinarily, I consider myself a music illiterate because I have never even heard of many Nigerian artistes being raved about. And it would be insane to compare a global icon like Tupac with Mohbad whose name and music came to my awareness only after his death. I am not trying to do that. Such is the impact of Tupac on popular culture that there are monuments of him in several countries around the world. Even on the streets of Abuja, you see his image on public vehicles and tricycles. Tupac has also been a subject of intellectual curiosity in several institutions of learning. A year after his death, the University of California, Berkeley offered a course titled, ‘Poetry and History of Tupac.’ And in April 2003, Harvard University co-sponsored the symposium, ‘All Eyez on Me: Tupac Shakur and the Search for the Modern Folk Hero.’ He is adored even by politicians. In 2020, United States Vice President Kamala Harris, then a California Senator, described Shakur as the ‘best rapper alive’, and she justified her curious assertion by saying rather affectionately, ‘West Coast girls think 2Pac lives on’.

However, if we are to learn lessons that will serve the budding rap music in Nigeria, there are parallels to be drawn from Tupac’s life and death and that of Mohbad. This is particularly important for us, with many of our young people believing that their only way to success is through the music/entertainment industry. As an aside, I have encountered many of them in recent years who, believing I ‘know people’, sought my help. I have directed quite a few to those I believe may know how to reach Don Jazzy. I am still on the lookout to see if anyone of these young men will ‘blow’ so that I can remind them of my role in their stardom. Meanwhile, with an autopsy already conducted on Mohbad’s exhumed remains, the coroner inquest into the cause of death has also started with a hearing fixed for next Wednesday. As stated earlier, I heard the name of Mohbad for the first time after his death. But out of curiosity, I have in recent days listened to some of his songs. There can be no doubt about his talent. The controversy now is about his last days. Before his death, Mohbad had posted social media accusations of being harassed, bullied, and even battered against certain people in the industry. Some have been arrested by the police and we should allow them to do their job.

However, while we await the autopsy report and the coroner inquest, stakeholders in the music industry should not waste this moment. Even if it turns out that Mohbad

died of natural causes, glorification of the gangster ethos, debauchery and lawlessness being promoted in the name of music by some with whom he associated is dangerous to the health of our society. The notion that rap music or hip-hop as many call it, is a subculture that only thrives by promoting violence, drugs, sex, and wealth without work, has been disproved even in the United States by Jay-Z, Kanye West, P. Diddy and others who are now corporate giants and strong political voices by virtue of their craft and the choices they made. Sadly, the emerging rap culture in Nigeria tends to glamourise ‘the thug life’ while creating the illusion that success has nothing to do with work. They encourage ‘Yahoo Yahoo’, money rituals and drug dealings.

In June 2009, Reuben Abati wrote a controversial piece on ‘Youth Culture: A Nation’s Identity Crisis’, with special emphasis on the then emerging brand of music in the country and their promoters. In dismissing most of their outputs as noise, Abati compared them to older generations of artistes who “sang music under its real names, not abbreviations or slangs… after the fashion of T.S. Eliot‘s description of ‘Tradition and the Individual Talent’, a pattern of meaning that dates back to traditional African musicians and all the musicians that succeeded them.”

Abati’s anger was driven by what he described as sound with very little sense, shape and skills coming from many of the music stars. He also noted a lack of originality in their lifestyles and comportment. “They try to imitate Western hip pop stars. They even dress like them. The boys don’t wear trousers on their waists: the new thing is called ‘sagging’, somewhere below the waist it looks as if the trouser is about to fall off. The women are struggling to expose strategic flesh as Janet Jackson once did.” But as critical as he was, Abati also recognised the fact that “it is now possible to hold a party without playing a single foreign musical track, the great grandchildren of Nigerian music are belting out purely danceable sounds which excites the young at heart. But the output belongs majorly to the age of meaninglessness and prurience. The lyrics says it all...”

Even if one may argue that some of his

statements in the piece were too sweeping (and Banky W. wrote a powerful rejoinder), Reuben made a strong point about the lyrics. And he referenced many of them. Nobody should say that these lyrics don’t matter because they do. In April 1992, an American Trooper, Bill Davidson, was killed by a 19-year-old Ronald Ray Howard. Davidson had stopped the vehicle of Howard for broken headlights, but he shot the cop in the neck before driving off. Three days later, Davidson died of his injuries. In court, Howard claimed that when pulled over by the trooper, he was listening to Tupac’s track, ‘Souljah’s Story’ and the lyrics influenced his decision. Part of the lyrics is about the harsh life of a young black American, especially when he confronts police on the road: “Only fifteen and got problems; Cops on my tail, so I bail ‘til I dodge ‘em; They finally pull me over and I laugh; ‘Remember Rodney King?’ And I blast on his punk ass…”

In addition to the murder charge against Howard who was eventually convicted and executed by lethal injection in 2005, the officer’s widow, Linda Davidson, filed a separate civil suit against Shakur (who was alive at the time) and his Interscope Records label, a Time Warner subsidiary. In the charge, it was alleged that

the label and the rapper were grossly negligent in manufacturing and distributing music that incites “imminent lawless action.” According to the family’s lawyer, the lyrics of the album read like “pages out of a cop-killing manual.” The then United States Vice President Dan Quayle waded in by saying, “There’s no reason for a record like this to be released. It has no place in our society.”

Hip Hop (Rap) is about rhyme, rhythm, and poetry and very popular among young people. Most writers have traced its origin to the early seventies in the United States and the defiance by young African Americans against racism and unequal opportunities. In the process, some took to music as a way of escape by rapping about guns and ghettos as a reflection of their daily living. “Not only did rap provide an outlet to voice the struggles of the black youth”, according to one writer, “it also gave them a sense of pride.” The genre, he concluded, “was a testament to triumphing over hardships, to having enough confidence in oneself not to let the world drag you down, and to rising above the struggle, even when things seem hopeless.”

Our circumstances may be different but there is a way in which rap music is also popular among the deprived of our society. That probably was how Mohbad emerged. Was he exploited by people he trusted? And was his death a result of brutalities inflicted on him? Those are questions authorities will now have to answer. But when the inquest into the circumstances under which he died is over and justice is seen to have been done, I hope two things will happen. One, there should be an attempt to honour him in a way that will benefit his son and wife who are his immediate next of kin. Two, I hope that those who are promoting misogyny, violence, drugs, and other vices in the name of music will retrace their steps.

Fortunately, there is no better place to look than the United States where this genre of music originated. The Big Boys have moved from the streets and dark alleys to the boardroom! And so have their songs. How did Kanye West put it in his album, ‘homecoming’? Yeah, “Reach for the Stars, so if you fall you land on the clouds.” That’s far different from those whose world still revolves around “Cannabis in the rizla, so high I can’t get higher”, while asking young people who look up to them to ‘marry Juana’ and ‘smoke the fire’.

May the soul of Mohbad rest in peace.

Atiku and The Chicago Papers

Ever since former Vice President Atiku Abubakar filed his application at the Northern District of Illinois Court, requesting for an order of mandamus compelling the Chicago State University (CSU) to release information regarding President Bola Tinubu’s school record, I have taken considerable interest in the matter. Complying with the court order on Monday, the school authorities released the documents to Atiku and on Tuesday, their registrar testified under oath. Given the politics involved, supporters of both Tinubu and Atiku are now claiming victory. But since the American deposition is supposed to be part of the election petition case being pursued in Nigeria by the latter, we must wait to see how it all ends.

The Tinubu saga is a long-running one that began 24 years ago in his first year as Governor of Lagos State. Following his victory at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in July last year, I wrote a column on ‘Tinubu’s School Record and Matters Arising’ where I traced how it started, dating back to 1999 based on the information contained in his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) form. That Atiku would wait till 2 August this year, two months after Tinubu had been sworn in as president, before commencing his legal inquiry in the United States is what I still don’t understand. How does that help his cause? Since this is a case I have followed from the beginning, readers may refresh their memory with my July 2022 column.