SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2024

Prolonged Monetary Tightening May Discourage Investment, Slowdown Growth, Rewane Warns

Dike Onwuamaeze

Tension in Rivers as Fubara Insists on LG Polls

Pro-governor’s groups occupy RSIEC Police withdraw from election, cite court judgement, NBA condemns move IGP: We will not allow Fubara burn down state PDP backs polls, APP disowns factional group Rivers elders express divergent views

L-R: (Front Row) Bishop Timothy O. Olatunji; Bishop Ifedolapo Okupevi; Mrs. Okupevi; Sir Olu Okeowo, KJW; Lady Adejoke Okeowo; Bishop S. T. V. Adegbite; Bishop Oluyinka Akande; and (back row: L-R) Toluwalase Okeowo; Ibukun Okeowo and Tumininu Okeowo, at lady Okeowo’s birthday prayers at Palacio de Okeowo’s Solomon’s Chapel of Faith in Lagos… recently

Globacom’s National Retail Sales & Consumer Chief, David Maji (3rd right); Head, VAS & Sponsored Data, Niyi Olukoya, (3rd left), with some of the Glo business partners who won millions of naira at the Glo Partners Reward Night held by Globacom at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos…recently

FG Exempts 63 Items from VAT

Dike Onwuamaeze

The federal government has exempted 63 key items from Value-Added Tax (VAT) as part of its fiscal reforms aimed at boosting economic growth.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this in an official gazette dated September 3, 2024, which he posted on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday.

The move was to incentivise investment in green energy and encourage industrial growth.

Oyedele said the new fiscal measures included the formal extension of VAT suspension on

diesel as well as granting VAT exemptions on clean energy and sustainable transportation.

He wrote: “A new order has been issued to formalise and extend the suspension of VAT on diesel. In addition, the order grants VAT exemption on CNG, electric vehicles, biogas, and biofuel equipment and accessories for clean cooking and transportation.”

The exemption covers critical components and equipment for electric vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles, biogas production, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing.

Some other items exempted from VAT were electric vehicles (EVs), CNG/LPG Dual Fuel Vehicles, Dedicated LPG Vehicles and CNG/LPG Dual Fuel Vehicles,

Parts, and semi-knocked down units (for assembly) of CNG and LPG Buses, Steel Valves & Fittings, steel pipes, storage tanks, Pressurereducing valves, CNG Pumps and

Compressors, steel, Hydraulic press/ Rolling machine, Liquid Level Guage, Truck Chassis, gas water heaters, Cylinder refurbishment equipment, Blending skid/unit, Bio-ethanol

refinery equipment and feed gas. The VAT exemption was retroactively applied to Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, from October 1, 2023.

Israeli Airstrikes Rock Beirut Suburbs, Cut Off Key Crossing into Syria

Israel carried out another series of punishing airstrikes yesterday, hitting suburban Beirut and cutting off the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria for tens of thousands of people fleeing the Israeli bombardment of the Hezbollah militant group.

According to the Associated Press, the overnight blasts in Beirut’s

The battle for control of the soul of Rivers State has deteriorated and shifted to the third tier of government following the push to conduct local government elections by Governor Similayi Fubara and stiff opposition by other vested interests allegedly having the backing of the seat of power in Abuja.

While Fubara is insisting that the election slated for today over which he had declared Thursday and yesterday as public holidays must hold, opposition had secured a court order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voters register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which culminated to the alleged invasion of the State electoral body by the police in the wee hours of yesterday and allegedly in an attempt to cart materials for the election.

This was as the State Command of the Nigeria Police led by Olatunji Disu, yesterday, declared that they were withdrawing from the elections.

Owing to the decision of the police to withdraw from the polls, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), berated the force for choosing to carry out an order which it stated was at variance with their constitutional duties.

But the Inspector General of Police

for October 24, 2024, is no doubt a three-pronged battle among the party’s state governors, former vice president and presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

This comes as the crisis within the party deepened with the party in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, suspending its National Vice Chairman for the South East zone, Ali Odefa. In the battle for the control of PDP, the bone of contention is who becomes the substantive national chairman of the PDP. Ambassador Iliya Damagum has been in an acting capacity since last year when Dr, Iyorchia Ayu was forced to step down due to his suspension by his ward in Gboko.

Section 45(2) of the PDP constitution allows for the role of an acting chairman pending the election of a replacement.

Section 45(2) was designed to prevent the crisis that may arise if Ayu is reinstated by the courts after a replacement has been appointed in line with section 47(6). The implication is that until a substantive vacancy is created, there is no compelling requirement in the PDP constitution to appoint a replacement. This applies specifically to the positions of National Chairman and National Secretary.

With the victory of the Wike/PDP Governors group over the Atiku group at the recently held NEC meeting of the party, there appears to be a clear probability that the Wike group may eventually take control of the party structure as the party inches towards the 2027 elections.

(IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, told Fubara that the police would not allow him burn down the state or shed blood of innocent citizens he swore to protect over what he termed political desperation.

The national body of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday charged the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and constitutional rights by going out en masse to vote in the elections today.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) disowned a factional group that claimed to be the party's authentic leadership in Rivers State. However, some elders of Rivers State loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike as well as those loyal to the governor, expressed divergent views on the matter.

Following the alleged invasion of policemen at the premises of RSIEC early hours of yesterday, seeking to cart away electoral materials, Fubara has stated that he would not allow Rivers State to be pushed into state of anarchy, insisting that the election will hold today.

Fubara, who held a press conference in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, insisted that the local government council election was sacrosanct.

The governor warned that since the police has declared withdrawal from the elections planned for 319 wards of the 23 LGAs today, if any

In the event that they find it expedient to replace the acting chairman, in line with the provisions of section 47(6) of the PDP constitution, they are likely to deploy their obvious influence in the North-central zone to throw up candidates who are perceived to believe in their cause as potential replacements.

Sources confirmed that the former Deputy National Secretary Emmanuel Agbo, who is currently the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, was being groomed to emerge as the national chairman. Also, there is a governorship candidate in Nasarawa state, David Ombagudu who may be considered for support. Some others hold the view that Damagum and his backers could find technical excuses to hang on to power until December 9, 2025, when the tenure of the current NEC, constitutionally, lapses.

They would have solid legal grounds in the provisions of section 45(2) of the PDP constitution which recognises the role of the deputy chairman as acting chairman whenever the National Chairman is unable for any reason to function in his office.

However, a chieftain of the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, has declared that no one can stop the North-central geo-political zone from fielding a replacement for Ayu.

Ologbondiyan, who is the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said the provisions of the constitution of the PDP are clear and unambiguous as to the zone that can fill the vacancy created with the ouster of Dr Ayu as National Chairman. Ologbondiyan, who stated these when he received in audience some

breakdown of law and order should happen, the police Chiefs including the state and headquarters in Abuja should be held responsible.

Fubara accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the entire Nigeria Police Force of serving the interest of an Abuja-based politician to scuttle the LG elections.

The governor explained his ordeal at the RSIEC office after he received a security alert of the planned invasion.

He said "I got a security report early this morning that the RSIEC office has been invaded by the Nigerian Police. I was really surprised because before that time I got a copy of a signal withdrawing police officers that were guarding the premises.

"So, I had to drive to the place myself, since the facility belongs to the Rivers State government. On getting there and to the shock of everyone who escorted me there, I met the presence of some fierce-looking policemen in one truck and three other empty vans trying to force their way into the premises and I had to stop them.

"In the course of the process, we discovered that the movement was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force both the headquarters and the Rivers Command to steal the electoral materials. But by the special grace of God, that act was foiled."

The governor explained further that, "RSIEC is a facility, it’s an agency, it is a process that is being controlled by the state government. It is a process,

youth groups who visited him at the weekend in Abuja, said that specifically, Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution which was implemented in 2017 still subsists and would still apply.

He said; “As everyone knows, all PDP supporters and lovers of democracy in the country, especially our members in the North-eastern states that include Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe are supporting their North-central members towards ensuring that they will bring someone to replace Dr. Ayu.”

The former spokesperson of the PDP therefore called on the supporters of the party to ignore all criticisms and those who are assuming that they are above the constitution of the party just to seek for food.

The plot to remove Damagum has divided the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform. While seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagum’s removal, four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention.

The pro-Damagum governors are allies of Wike. Governors elected on the platform of the PDP are divided over Damagum continuing as acting national chair of the party.

A faction of the NWC is reportedly loyal to Wike, who has been waging a supremacy battle with Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers.

Bala Mohammed, chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, who hosted members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) in Bauchi on September 18, had declared that Damagum’s position as acting chair had become untenable.

Same week, Ademola Adeleke,

southern suburbs sent huge plumes of smoke and flames into the night sky and shook buildings kilometers (miles) away in the Lebanese capital. Additional strikes sent people running for cover in streets littered with rubble in the Dahiyeh neighborhood, where at least one building was leveled and cars were burned out.

a system that the law of the State governs.

"What is the special thing about this issue of taking over the RSIEC premises? If we should go by what they claim that they have a Court order, the court ruling said don't give RSIEC voters register, don't give RSIEC police protection. Did the judgment say seal the premises? Don't allow them to conduct election.

“The Rivers State Government and the RSIEC itself also had a judgment that states clearly that the election should be conducted with the voters’ register of 2023. The order also mandated the Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, and other sister agencies to provide security for the exercise.

"I might not be a lawyer but I understand clearly that when it comes to the issue of judgment, there is something they call first in time. So, what is this special interest about the Federal High Court judgment?

"Why are they looking for a way to stampede this state? The Supreme Court gave a judgment that all local government activities must be coordinated by elected local government officers.

"President Bola Tinubu and the state governors agreed that compliance to this judgment should be in 90 days with effect from the judgment and every other state is conducting elections to ensure that they comply with the directive of not just the Supreme Court but also the understanding that we

Governor of Osun, in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson, had declared his stance against Damagum.

However, Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo, had pledged support to Damagum, who was in Ibadan for the flag-off of the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport, just as Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, also publicly declared support for Damagum.

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo; Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa; Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta; Umo Eno, governor of Akwa-Ibom; are reportedly anti-Damagum.

Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau and Agbu Kefas, governor of Taraba, are reportedly pro-Damagum, with Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara and Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu reportedly neutral.

Atiku and Wike fell apart ahead of last year’s general elections, with Wike leading five PDP governors to oppose Atiku’s presidential bid.

A senior member of the PDP NWC, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorisation to speak publicly, confirmed that the former vice president had reached out to some of the anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders.

The source stated, “We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”

Since taking on the role of acting National Chairman of the PDP after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, stakeholders have criticised Damagum for failing to implement essential reforms to revitalise the party.

The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah’s central intelligence headquarters around midnight. It did not say who it was aiming for or if any militants were killed in that strike, but it claimed to have killed 100 Hezbollah fighters in the last 24 hours.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported more than

had with Mr. President.

"And what Rivers State is also doing is not different from that. And the question is, is any other court bigger than the Supreme Court? I don't want to join issues with the judge because he had his reasons, but the question is, after the incident that happened in Nigeria, on June 12, 1993, the Supreme Court ruled that when it comes to the issue of election, no court should stop the process of the election".

He advised the detractors that, "If you feel aggrieved and you don't want to participate in the election, you go to court. Why do you want to stop the process of election? To create problems and anarchy in the state?

"We are already complaining of suffering, people are hungry and you want to stampede the civil servants at the local government in the state. This morning, I want to assure Nigerians and the peace-loving people of Rivers

10 consecutive airstrikes in the area. Some 1,400 Lebanese, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians, have been killed and some 1.2 million driven from their homes since Israel escalated its strikes in late September aiming to cripple Hezbollah and push it away from the countries’ shared border.

State that we have done everything that is needed and we will ensure that this election goes ahead".

On the issue of security, the governor said "If the police feel they won't be part of the election, they should withdraw. Am saying this here so that the Inspector General of Police will be aware, and to also know that any act against this will bring the situation of lawlessness in this state, and I think at the end of the day, he should be prepared to take responsibility.

"Local government is the affairs of the state government, there is no federal institution that can dictate in any form the way and manner our local government system should be operated talk less of coming to tell us that we can't do election or otherwise.

"So, I have gathered you this morning to inform you that any

Continued on page 17

PROLONGED MONETARY TIGHTENING MAY DISCOURAGE INVESTMENT, SLOWDOWN GROWTH, REWANE WARNS

presentation was titled, “The World Awaits in Nervous Anticipation…. for Madam President?,” an allusion to Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party winning the November 5, 2024, United States of America’s presidential election.

Arguing that monetary policy was necessary but not enough, Rewane stated that, “sustained monetary tightening can slow down economic growth as higher borrowing costs discourage investment and consumption.”

He, therefore, highlighted that, “the necessity for a handshake between monetary and fiscal policy in Nigeria is critical,” warning that “without this balance, monetary tightening could lead to a recessionary environment.”

According to him, “Businesses are struggling under the weight of high borrowing costs while consumer spending contracts.”

Rewane, also observed that the high cost of borrowing was already taking its toll on the private sector’s economic activities, which contracted for the second consecutive month to 49.8 in September 2024, by 0.2 per cent from 49.9 in August 2024

“The decline is largely attributed to weak consumer demand and rising cost of inputs, amid the lingering inflationary pressures.

“Activities are projected to fall further to 49.7 in October 2024 due to the high-interest environment and expected rise in inflation,” he said.

He stated that the handshake between the monetary and fiscal policies would enable the central bank to focus on controlling inflation through contractionary monetary policy such as higher rates, higher cash reserve requirements (CRR), sales of treasury bills, open market operations (OMO), etc, to mop up liquidity while fiscal measures could target underlying structural problems in the economy, such as insecurity affecting food supply chains, investing in infrastructure and social programs that enhance productivity.

He noted that higher borrowing cost at 33-34 per cent would, “stifle investment growth as businesses adopt a wait-and-see approach

focus” and cause a “potential shift in investment.”

Commenting on the minimum wage, Rewane stated that, “a minimum wage hike in an inflationary environment can often be considered a money illusion “The core issue of rising prices persists, leaving workers with little or no real improvement in their financial situations” because “real wages may not significantly improve due to rising prices.”

He observed that workers have been focusing on the N70,000 nominal value of their minimum wage without considering its real value, which he put at slightly below N53,000 in the face of the current 32.15 per cent inflation rate.

Rewane also warned that the impact of further increase in the pump price of petrol for the market would be heightened inflationary pressures, reduced consumer disposable income, lower consumer demand, and supply chain disruptions.

He also highlighted that the impact of further surge in petrol prices on investors is that “inflation will put pressure on the currency” and cause investors to “become wary of sectors affected by low consumer demand due to petrol price increase.” But for business and corporate organisations the impact would be “increased cost of production, reduced output, shift to alternative sources of energy like solar.”

He added: “SMEs will be hit the hardest due to lower capital reserves and less ability to absorb increased costs,” which could trigger shutdowns or job losses.

Rewane also projected that the Naira would come under renewed pressure through “persistent forex demand stemming from stockpiling ahead of the festive season, high import demand, and speculative activities.”

He, therefore, recommended that “a scheduled and systematic forex supply program could provide the much-needed support to stabilise the Naira” that have already “fallen to a low of N1,700/$ at the parallel market on September 30.”

Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

IMMORTALISING HERBERT WIGWE…

L–R: Director, African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Prof. Christian Happi; MD /CEO, M -Technology Limited, Mr. Emeka Wigwe; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman, Accees Brokers Insurance, Mrs. Peggy Onwu, (nee Wigwe); and Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Chizoma Okoli, during the Herbert Wigwe Memorial Fountain and Garden unveiling at ACEGID, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State….yesterday

STrATeGIC ALLIANCe TO SANITISe FX MArKeT…

of the

Barau, Doguwa Tackle Kwankwaso,

in Abuja…yesterday

Declare NNPP Has Pauperised Kano People

Deputy senate president receives defectors to APC

Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval

Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Adibe emenyonu in Benin City

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has said it would soon be rare to see anyone with a red cap, the symbol of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano State. Likewise, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, punctured the statement of the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that Nigerians will vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 polls.

would chase away bad leaders in the 2027 elections. Kwankwaso had said this when he received many defectors from All Progressives Congress (APC) to NNPP at his residence in Kano.

of other parties are not joining you, it means there is a problem.

come 2027 in Kano and beyond."

Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop securing loans, noting that the N9 billion loan recently approved by the House of Assembly was needless and will plunge the state into financial distress.

But in a swift reaction, the Edo State Government said it was perplexed to learn of what it termed “laughable and incredibly ridiculous tantrums attributed to the new acting chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Jarret Tenebe where he made baseless and spurious allegations on the fiscal management of our dear state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.”

Barau and Doguwa were responding to comments by Kwankwaso, on Thursday, that the wind of change was gathering momentum and that it

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Tenebe had said the state was already suffering under a debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion.

has been swindled by Obaseki-led administration with an unassailable, humongous debt profile of N135 billion and $35.6 billion, the governor is unyielding and unstoppable in his characteristic design to leave Edo State in ruin, by asking for a facility of N17.5 billion few days ago, which was said to be N9 billion."

captured.

Barau, according to a statement by his media aide Ismail Mudashir, stated this yesterday, when he received hundreds of grassroots leaders of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the National Assembly.

The Deputy Senate President said the rate at which the NNPP members, including their leaders, were trooping to the APC was a testament to the growing popularity and support APC is getting in Kano State despite being an opposition party.

Barau said, "I will continue to receive NNPP members rushing to join our party. Politics is a game of numbers. If you have a political party and members

Musawa: I'm Working Towards Improving Art, Culture Budget

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

He said, "While it is a monumental disaster that Edo State patrimony

Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has vowed to ensure a better budget for the ministry.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has announced plans to launch a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in primary schools across the country.

She asserted this yesterday in Abuja at a one-day management retreat for permanent secretaries, directors of the ministry and director generals of agencies and the ministry.

She admitted that the ministry has a paltry budget and promised to harmonise it to reflect the responsibility and the expectations that will provide the infrastructure they needed.

He made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a working visit to Oyo State.

"I am working very hard, I promise you. When the envelope comes out, we are going to be happy. And then, the other thing I am doing in my ministry, and I know with the tourism as well, we are looking for investment coming in from outside.

He said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade would be set up in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote national values as of old, stating that the essence of the Brigade was to revive and rebuild the national values and create positive models

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

"As you would know, my ministry has been able to secure $200 million from Afreximbank to invest in the tourism industry. Now, that money is coming straight in and it is a great thing," Musawa said.

She urged the ministry's top echelon to add value to ongoing efforts to grow the industry and see the vision ahead.

The minister also decried the unfair way arts and culture is perceived by sub nationals that tend to merely reduce everything

Tenebe, said "It is important to state, that it is now in public and political space that the fiscal budget of Edo State was passed few weeks ago before the Edo State House of Assembly proceeded on leave without the commencement of the execution of the budget by the executive. It is most disheartening that the Edo State Government now is requesting for a facility of N17.5 billion with no corollary of project attached there to the said facility and also that the facility is not contained as loan to be taken in the 2024 fiscal budget just recently passed. A cursory perusal of the entire budget does not reveal where the project for the facility is ever

in the sector to dancing.

"But culture is the new oil because not everybody in Nigerian villages has the ability to access that oil resource, but everybody in every single village in Nigeria has the ability to benefit from culture and creativity because they can even create content on their phone, and that is a huge resource. So, these are part of the structures and the policies that we are trying to put in place," Musawa said.

among the youthful population. He said the government is worried that about 72 per cent of the nation’s youthful population have become foreigners through the influence of cartoons and movies which are foreign in contents, values and cultures.

Issa-Onilu said as a way out of the malaise, NOA would soon launch a Mobile App containing indigenous cartoons through which local contents, national values and culture would be promoted. According to him, "These various policies are geared towards changing the narratives and the wrong impression that the outside world is having about the country.

Musawa boasted that by the time they convince governments and international investors to invest into culture, creativity, tourism, by the next cycle of election in 2027, every politician is going to be lobbying to be a minister in the ministry or the Ministry of Tourism.

She described her recent visit to United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York as groundbreaking, noting that she spoke to the Saudi, the UAE and Qatari authorities, who had expressed interest to invest in the infrastructure that will set up culture, creative arts and creative industry and part of tourism as well.

One of the discussants at the retreat was the former DirectorGeneral Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah. His lecture shed light on the roles and limitations of ministers, permanent secretaries and Special Advisers/ Assistants in public service.

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area of the state. The government, in a letter dated 2nd of February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024. The letter read in part, "I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in

"The NNPP members are attracted to the APC by our numerous interventions across critical spheres of our state and the country at large by the President Tinubu administration.

"At the formation of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu went across the country to woo people to the party.

“This was why the party became popular in the country. We will continue receiving NNPP and other party members regardless of what some people say.

"Information at the behest of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly is to the effect that they were recalled from their holiday or leave by the Speaker on the request of the state governor for the immediate approval of the said facility which according to them is said to be N9 billion but as event unfolded, after the mammoth request by the opposition in the House as to the rationale for a facility as

"Time will come. You will be looking for someone with a red cap, the symbol of the Kwankwasiyya, and you won't see any in Kano. We will get there soon.

The Deputy National Women Leader of the APC, Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, who witnessed the defection, commended Senator Barau, describing him as a blessing to the APC, the people of Kano State, the North and the country.

stupendous as N9 billion for fathom projects which only existed in the imagination of the governor, it was discovered that the facility was not even N9 billion but a figure wrapped in secrecy as much as N17.5 billion to which the opposition in the house rejected and or refused to be part of the approval.

"The massive support our party is receiving in Kano shows the days of the NNPP are numbered in the state. We will take back our state at the poll come 2027, by Allah's grace," she said.

But in its reaction, the Edo State Government stated that the Edo APC was “obviously pained by the achievements of

The Deputy President of the Senate also received members of the APC Amalgamated Support Groups in Kano State at the National Assembly.

the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki across all sectors of the state over the past seven years.”

businessmen, and civil servants, among others, said that with the support and interventions of Senator Barau, APC is no longer considered an opposition party in Kano.

Meanwhile, Doguwa has punctured the statement by Kwankwaso, that Nigerians would vote out the APC in 2027.

Doguwa while responding to the statement said "Kwankwaso is yet to recover from the defeat he suffered at the hands of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, hence, he is hallucinating about the 2027."

“Tenebe has been on a frenzy looking for lies to tell since he assumed office as Acting Chairman. Rather than focus on reawakening his completely comatose party, which is unable to provide constructive criticisms expected of a viable opposition, he has resorted to spreading misinformation in a desperate attempt to curry cheap popularity.

in 2027. As we all know, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not leaving any stone unturned in his quest to return our country to the path of progress and prosperity for the benefit of all"

“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe made wild and completely off-themark comments suggesting that Edo State is owing $35 billion. Even if that was what was written for him, he should have known that the figure is wrong and can't be true.

The lawmaker who is a ranking member of the House of Representatives, said President Tinubu took over the mantle of leadership in the country 16 months ago when the economy was in terrible shape in all spheres.

"In reality, our debt stock is not a secret and in fact, we are ‘under borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe would have known this if he understood the economics of governance, fiscal responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio.

Doguwa further said Kwankwaso should stop the hallucinations and face his imminent retirement from the political scene in 2027.

Mining Development: Nigeria, US Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership

"We are doing this to lay a solid foundation for our party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to win the presidential, governorship, national and state House of Assembly elections

lid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has described the United States as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner for the nation’s mining sector development.

Speaking while receiving

Under the leadership of Hon. Shehu Isa Direba, the group was at the National Assembly to reaffirm their support and appreciation for Senator Barau over his various interventions in the state.

The group, comprising former LG chairmen, party stakeholders, farmers,

"At a political gathering on Thursday, my colleague in the House of Representatives in the 3rd Republic, Kwankwaso, took his hallucination to the moon when he said Nigerians are tired of APC and will change it

also want to be part of the move to reduce global emissions and put our mining sector on the global map. We have critical minerals that are in commercial demand globally,"Alake said.

Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene, in his office on Thursday, Alake lauded the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy, stating that it underscores the significance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries.

"Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has been working genuinely to correct the fiscal misalignments, the bane of the country's economic downturn." He stressed that "The country has attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in 16 months. He said President Tinubu has paid a forex backlog of $7 billion and cleared the ways and means of over N30 trillion he inherited from the last administration."

formalisation of artisanal miners into cooperatives amongst others.

President Bows to Pressure, Confers GCON Honour on Abbas

“We are establishing, this year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in Primary School. 1,000 in each state, including FCT, Abuja. These Citizens’ Brigade are going to be like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild of the olden days.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has conferred the nation’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. In his 64th Independence

“Across the world, Nigerians are known to be the smartest people on earth. This is a positive development but some people mischievously tend to portray us in negative light. But this is not who we are as a people.

Anniversary Speech on 1 October, President Tinubu had conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the Speaker and the Deputy Senate President.

This development led to a debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on the President to confer a higher honour on the

“I thank you for your visit. I met the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines and Money conference in London past year, and we had a fruitful engagement. I did analyse all our issues, and fundamentally, we just want to diversify our economy from oil. Not just for our own economic survival but also to be in tune with global trends for reduction in global warming. We

The minister welcomed partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas.

Speaker.

Senate President, Speaker, CJN, others to be decorated with national honours

Throwing light on reforms embarked upon by the federal government, the minister highlighted revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; on-going plans for new security architecture to secure natural resources; efforts to generate big geo-data; the

"The mining sector provides a veritable avenue for increased trade between Nigeria and the United States, especially in the area of value addition, which implies processing of extracted minerals and setting up factories here. We would also require financing from multilateral institutions for our local operators. We are providing incentives for investments like tax waivers for mining equipment, policy of full repatriation of profits to home countries amongst others," Alake emphasised.

The statement added that the Speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later.

In his remarks, the US Ambassador commended the renewed interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, stressing that the sector has huge potentials to rival the contribution of oil to the nation's economy.

President Tinubu, according to a release issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight. Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.

IMF, World Bank, WHO Step Up Cooperation on Pandemic Preparedness

The Heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group (WBG), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have agreed on broad principles for cooperation on pandemic preparedness.

“To change the negative narratives, we are setting up the Citizens’ Brigade to produce young Nigerians and create positive models to rebuild the national values."

This cooperation would allow a scaling up of support to countries to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats through the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST), the WBG’s financial and technical support, and WHO’s technical expertise and in-country capabilities.

Alex enumah in Abuja

reforms that address structural challenges to the stability of the economy, such as those posed by pandemics, and to enhance countries’ health systems resilience.

the policy reforms and investments supported by the WBG, and the technical and operational support provided by WHO.

that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State." It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the Chairman of Ido local government. In the meantime, the state government has vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

A statement yesterday explained that the RST allows eligible member countries to access long-term financing at low interest rates to help implement

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the application by two Rivers State indigenes challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try them over alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Operating within their respective mandates and policies, the IMF, the WBG, and WHO would leverage their expertise to enhance pandemic preparedness in their member countries, building on the synergies and complementarity of each institution’s in-country analysis and operations.

This collaboration would strengthen the design and articulation of effective policy, institutional and public financial management reforms supported by the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF),

Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele, were among five persons charged with terrorism and murder. The others are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. They were last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

bordering on terrorism and murder. Although, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges, the judge however, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center, pending the hearing of their bail application fixed for February 2, as well as the motion of the 1st and 2nd defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit against them.

In strengthening the pandemic preparedness framework, member countries would also work to improve the resilience of their health systems and their ability to respond better to all health emergencies.

According to the statement, under the Broad Principles of Coordination, “WHO and the WBG will continue to take the lead on health-related development policies and, with other multilateral development banks and The Pandemic Fund, on specific project investments for pandemic preparedness. RST financing will not be earmarked for specific projects.

Ezebalike and Oladele had argued that by the provisions of the Terrorism Act, it is only the Attorney General of the Federation that can file any charge of terrorism against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman

“Pandemic preparedness policy reform measures supported by RSF arrangements will be informed by existing data, analytics and operational engagement of WHO, the WBG, and country authorities.

“Pandemic preparedness reforms will build on each institution’s area of expertise. RSF programmes will focus on macro-critical policy reforms within the IMF’s expertise and complement the work carried out by the WBG and WHO to maximise both the financial resources and technical expertise available to countries. RSF Reform measures can include policy actions aimed at enhancing the readiness of finance and health systems to respond effectively to future health emergencies.”

Fagbemi, SAN, submitted that the charge having been filed by the Inspector General of Police, was incompetent and asked the court to strike out counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of the charge or strike strike out the entire suit for been incompetent. Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application for lacking in merit. According to Lough, besides Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Acts that empower them to bring the charge against the defendants, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Act, shows that the police have powers to also initiate terrorism charges against the defendant.

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister

Economy of Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede and the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in a Strategic Alliance to Stimulate the forex market

Borno Flood: Zulum Presents N61bn Supplementary Budget to Rebuild Damaged Infrastructure

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

In line with efforts to begin reconstruction of damaged infrastructure as a result of the

devastating flood which submerged over half of the capital city, Maiduguri and its environs, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has requested the State House of Assembly for an additional N61 billion to add to the

initial N358.7 billion total budget size which was signed into law on January 10, 2024.

This comes as Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, yesterday, donated medical consumables along

with a variety of food items valued at N180 million to alleviate the suffering of flood disaster victims in Borno State.

Governor Zulum’s request was read on the floor of the state Assembly by the Speaker of the House, Abdulkarim

DHQ: We Will Continue to Innovate, Strategise to Defend Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said it would continue to innovate and develop new strategies to defend the country and protect citizens from the perpetrators of insecurity.

It also noted that troops are in a good place in winning the war against terrorists.

A statement by Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said that no fewer than 44 illegal refining sites were uncovered and deactivated in the Niger Delta region. Troops, Buba said, also recovered 602,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 64,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 12,690 litres of PMS.

Buba further disclosed that troops

are eliminating more and more terrorist commanders and combatants on the battlefield through ongoing operations across the country.

He said the armed forces are determined and focused on destroying terrorist networks and infrastructure across the country.

He averred that during the week under review, troops killed 118 terrorists, arrested 97, in addition 18 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 96 kidnapped hostages.

He explained that troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed four dugout pits, 48 boats, three speedboats, 156 drums and 34 storage tanks.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy (NN) and the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) have reaffirmed

their commitment to continuous capacity building and enhanced security of Nigeria's maritime domain through training as 20 NN Special Boat Service (SBS) personnel graduated from the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) programme, yesterday.

The VBSS training was organised by the UK Commandos as part of efforts to boost the expertise of NNSBS personnel towards combating piracy, oil theft, human and drug trafficking, and other maritime crimes.

Through this training, the Nigerian Navy is poised to advance the cause of the safe passage of goods and persons on Nigeria's national and international waterways.

Commander of the Joint Maritime Training Centre (JMTC), Commander Benjamin Audu Francis, speaking at the

ceremony in Lagos, said that the training which started on September 2, provided an opportunity for the 20 participants to learn boarding techniques under the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) programme and created an avenue for simulating other technical drills.

He expressed optimism that the participants will leverage the training to deliver more success as they advance in their careers.

He also lauded the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) for their professionalism and discipline.

In his words: "We continue to pray that the collaboration is sustained for future training opportunities. I was impressed by the professionalism and discipline of the BMATT and our participants. Their interest in learning too was very, very good.

Shettima Directs Total Overhaul of Road Safety Measures to Curb Accidents

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the implementation of a sweeping overhaul of the nation's road safety measures. The directive is aimed at addressing Nigeria's road safety challenges and drastically reducing road traffic accidents across the nation.

Shettima gave the directive yesterday during a meeting with the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) led by its Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, at the State House, Abuja. Accordingly, the Vice President is set to inaugurate the National Road Safety Advisory Council saddled with the responsibility of reducing traffic accidents by half before 2030. Speaking during the meeting

with the FRSC leadership, Shettima stressed the urgent need to address the increasing road accidents on the highways and in the cities caused by non-adherence to traffic regulations.

"We need a comprehensive solution for our road safety challenges. The whole ecosystem is not as it should be," the Vice President stated, emphasising the need for "deliberate efforts toward addressing our road challenges," in line with international best practices in countries like Dubai and the United Kingdom.

The Vice President, who chairs the National Road Safety Advisory Council, highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and enforcing discipline to improve road safety.

"In places like Dubai and the UK, they have a mechanism of checking

road traffic violators, capture their car number plates and are charged directly from their bank account. This way, people are encouraged to obey the law. We need to be a disciplined nation," Shettima remarked.

The Vice President emphasised the interconnected nature of road safety with broader security concerns, saying "The FRSC's job is intertwined with that of the Nigerian Police as it is part of the security architecture of the nation."

Drawing parallels to successful security initiatives he had observed in Enugu State, he said "I was in Enugu yesterday (Thursday) and the state government is doing so well. The governor has put in place a security architecture where the whole town and the whole state are under surveillance including

the forest areas."

Earlier, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mohammed, said the National Road Safety Advisory Council is a critical aspect of the updated Nigeria Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.

"The idea is to reduce road traffic crashes by 50 per cent between now and 2030," he said.

He outlined the council's primary functions to include setting national road safety targets, coordinating efforts between federal, state and local governments, and overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives.

The council's membership includes six governors representing the six geo-political zones, various federal ministers, the National Security Adviser, and the President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

materials to victims

Lawan, seeking to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act.

The additional funding would specifically target key infrastructure that were severely damaged by the September 10 flood which affected nearly two million people and completely submerged parts of Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.

In addition to the reconstruction of key infrastructure, the supplementary budget would also cover the funding of other government expenditures such as emergency relief and humanitarian aid, support to farmers, economic recovery as well as environmental management.

Zulum on Thursday conducted the assessment of the destroyed bridges, road networks and hospitals to ascertain the extent of damage.

He noted that the devastation from the flood was massive.

Relatedly, Borno State House of

Assembly has extended sympathy and condolences to the flood victims. The House also commended individuals, local and international organisations, state governments, medical personnel, and security agencies for their contributions in ameliorating the plight of affected persons.

Meanwhile, Mutfwang, donated medical consumables along with a variety of food items valued at N180 million to alleviate the suffering of flood disaster victims in Borno State. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s Director of Press, Gyang Bere. Bere, said the governor was moved by the tragic disaster that claimed lives and displaced numerous households and therefore extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the government and people of Borno State.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said that its negotiations for a technology transfer agreement with Messrs Zenith Prom of Serbia for the acquisition of 57mm rocket technology, has reached an advanced stage.

The NAF also said that this agreement is set to significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to manufacture advanced rocket systems to strengthen the nation’s armament capabilities.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made this disclosure during the Defence and Services Transformation and Innovation Branches of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Seminar, hosted by the NAF, in Abuja. He emphasised the need for innovation to address evolving security challenges and highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting the NAF’s operational capabilities.

Abubakar said that the NAF under his leadership will continue to make significant strides in indigenous military manufacturing as part of its broader strategy to enhance national

security and self-reliance.

A statement by Deputy Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the NAF is also collaborating with UA Vision of Portugal to fully operationalize the Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) within Nigeria. This partnership, he said, is expected to provide a crucial boost to the NAF’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enabling more effective monitoring of national airspace.

Abubakar also outlined several Research & Development (R&D) projects nearing operationalisation, including the Ultrasonic Solar Bird Scare Cannon Device, designed to protect vital installations, and the Rapid Response Operation Geo-Coordination Device, which will improve field communication and coordination.

"Additionally, the NAF is developing the Tactical Mobile Combat Smart Helmet, an advanced protective gear designed to enhance situational awareness in combat, and is moving towards local production of GeneralPurpose Machine-Gun ammunition links and 250kg bomb impact fuses," the statement further revealed.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja and Esther Oluku in Lagos

L-R: Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro; Member representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Mr. Wale Raji; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye ,at the Lagos Trauma Conference and signing of an MoU on the transfer of Epe General Hospital to the federal government held in Lagos… recently PHOTO: ETOP

GLAD TO MEET YOU…

Umo Eno Hails Tinubu, Nigerians for Their Support Over Wife’s Death

First lady pays condolence visit to Akwa Ibom governor

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has praised Nigerians for the solidarity exhibited on the death of his wife and First Lady of the state, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

This was as the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the deceased as a peaceful and God-fearing woman who truly loved her people.

The First Lady spoke yesterday, at the Governor’s Lodge in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during a condolence visit to Governor Eno. In an emotional reflection of her relationship with the deceased, the First Lady, according to a statement issued by her media assistant, Busola Kukoyi, said she was honoured to have met her, noting that she served her people and finished her course well.

However, Governor Eno, in a state broadcast yesterday titled, 'A Note of Gratitude' recalled that his wife of 38 years died September 26, 2024, and was everything a man could ever wish for in a virtuous woman.

The governor described the wife as "My prayer partner, counsellor, cheer-leader, best critic, home maker and permanently smiling. I will miss her for a lifetime."

"On behalf of my family, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and eternal indebtedness to all Akwa Ibomites in particular and Nigerians in general for the incredible outpouring

Aiyedatiwa Promises More Opportunities, Empowerment for Women

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has again assured women of more opportunities in his administration to promote gender balance and boost women empowerment.

The governor made the disclosure while speaking at the grand finale of the Community Engagement Outreach of O’datiwa Women Initiative led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Seun Osamaye,

in Akure.

The group had embarked on the tour of the 18 local government areas in the state to engage women on government policies and identify their needs for immediate attention.

While appreciating the women for their support, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured of his determination to ensure that they keep benefitting from the various programmes of his administration.

“It is evident that you believe in this administration because the government

is gender-sensitive. You should mobilise yourselves and vote en masse for the All Progressives Congress in next month’s election,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa commended the ruggedness of Seun Osamaye’s team in moving round the state within a short period of time.

The Convener of the O'datiwa Women Initiative, who also doubles as Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, lauded the level of cooperation received from the women since the programme

began, saying over 18,000 women have been engaged.

She said: “The crowd here has shown that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is well accepted by Ondo State women and they have shown that they love Mr Governor by coming out in large numbers here. We have gone round the 18 Local Government Areas on familiarisation visit and we have identified the various challenges being faced by our women and solutions are being proffered to them.”

Dickerman: FG Must Tackle Distortions in Economy, Boost FDI to Reduce Petrol Pump Price

Blames naira devaluation for rising cost of products

Peter Uzoho

As the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol continues to rise despite supplies from Dangote Refinery, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited, Mr. Robert Dickerman, has advised the federal government to tackle the distortions in the economy and global investors' confidence in order to achieve a reduction in the pump price of petrol in the country.

Dickerman also attributed the rising cost of petrol and other commodities in Nigeria to the devaluation of the local currency, and urged Nigerians to moderate their expectation that the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery will cause massive petrol price reductions in the country.

The Pinnacle managing director made the submissions in Lagos while speaking at the 2024 annual conference of the Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) themed, 'Gas

As Energy Transition Fuel: Navigating Nigeria's Trilemma of Finance, Energy Security, and International Politics'.

Currently, petrol is selling between N850 and N1,000 per litre, and even above in some locations, triggered by the recent price adjustments announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which is the sole importer of petrol and also the sole off-taker of the product from Dangote Refinery.

But weighing in on the confusion

arising from the rising petrol price despite local production and supply, Dickerman urged the federal government to address the fundamental economic problems to achieve lower prices in the country.

Specifically, he said the government must restore global confidence in Nigeria's economy and currency, create foreign investment in jobs and local production, increase tax revenue and achieve fiscal prudence amongst other actions.

Glo Rewards Business Partners for Outstanding Performance

of love, support, prayers and words of encouragement through phone calls and messages of condolence and visits since the unexpected sunset that befell us.

"I am particularly thankful to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his uplifting message of condolence and personal phone call, as well as the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the motherly role she played since my wife fell ill till her demise.

"We thank the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima,, former Presidents and Vice Presidents, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and wife, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), His Lordship, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.”

He further expressed gratitude to the Secretary to the Government of

Federation (SGF), “Senator George Akume, my brother Governors, both serving and former, who, individually and through the Nigerian Governors' Forum, sent in their condolences and visits.

"We are also very grateful for the solidarity shown by Sister Wives of Governors (First Ladies) of the other 35 states of the federation.

"I am grateful for the message of condolences from former Governor, Victor Attah, the untiring support and prayers of the immediate past Governor of our dear State, Udom Emmanuel, and wife.

Eno also lauded "the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Gwabin Musa, Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), The Legislators and Judiciary both at the Federal and State level, Members of the Federal Executive Council.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on his 70th birthday and rejoiced with him for attaining the biblical milestone of three scores and ten.

Similarly, Tinubu congratulated former chairman of the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and the AllProgressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale, on his 80th birthday.

For Mimiko, in a statement issued yesterday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President, in unison with family, friends, and associates, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the life of the esteemed medical doctor, who is fondly called Iroko.

first governor produced by the Labour Party.

Tinubu said Mimiko’s sacrifices and leadership style have earned him recognition as a grassroots, people-oriented leader. The President prayed that Almighty God will continue to grant the former governor wisdom and good health. He expressed hope that Mimiko will actively participate in Nigeria’s development and contribute to its prosperous future.

For Ajomale, the President, in a separate statement, by Onanuga, rejoiced with the lawyer, businessman and political ally, who also served as Commissioner for Special Duties in Lagos State during the President's tenure as governor.

Tinubu acknowledged Chief Ajomale’s lifetime of service, selfless leadership and immense contributions to the state and the nation.

A total number of 71 partners were rewarded in two broad categories, with the winners receiving millions of naira in cash prizes. Category 1 comprised 22 Activation Award winners and 33 Divisional Recharge winners.

In Category 2, 16 partners were rewarded for outstanding performance

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, on Thursday threw a lavish ceremony in Lagos in honour of its business partners nationwide. The Partners Reward Night was held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island. The company also celebrated the top-performing partners who met the established thresholds of deliverables at the national level and across all the regions. They were honoured with Special Reward Packages for their performances in delivering on their mandate.

at the national level. They included three partners each for Sponsored Data and Activation, while ten of the partners won the national awards in the Recharge category. According to Globacom, the event was held to “honour not just individual successes, but the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and growth”, adding that each of the partners continues to play crucial roles in “Globacom’s mission

to empower people and businesses, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in telecommunications”.

The company presented to the business partners its current and future plans to promote the business and sustain a win-win relationship with them, promising to always put the interests of its business partners and other stakeholders into consideration in all its plans and projections.

He recalled Mimiko’s activism as a student union leader and his struggle with like minds to retrieve his mandate from usurpers in 2009, which inspired similar struggles.

According to Tinubu, Mimiko's contributions to his state and the nation as a Commissioner for Health at two different times, as Minister of Housing, Secretary to the Ondo State Government, and governor from 2009 to 2017, are deeply appreciated.

The President commended Mimiko’s achievements as a political leader and trailblazer. He was the

He believed that Ajomale’s remarkable leadership qualities have been evident since his early days as a student union leader and have shone through his work in the courtroom, boardroom, political arena, and active membership of Lagos State's well-respected Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

As family, friends, political associates and well-wishers celebrate Baba Ajomale, President Tinubu prayed for the continued well-being of the octogenarian and all members of his household.

L-R: Managing Director, Polo Limited, John Obayuwana; Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma; and Executive Director of Polo Limited, Jennifer Obayuwana during an exclusive reception in honour of the Former President at Polo Flagship Boutique…recently

AWARD WELL DESERVED…

L-R: Managing Director, Brands Optimal, Otis Ojeikhoa and Assistant Manager, Digital and Media, Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), Edidiong Andem, receiving Hollandia Award for Outstanding Dairy Brand of the Decade at the Marketing Edge 2024 Awards held in Lagos…recently

Ondo Guber Poll: 18 Political Parties Nominated

24,148

out

of

74,790 Polling, Collation Agents

Three political parties have no agents at all polling, collation levels

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the 18 political parties participating in the November 16 Ondo governorship election nominated 24,148 polling and collation agents out of the expected cumulative figure of 74,790 agents. While three political parties have no agents at all polling and collation levels. The electoral body said this means

the 18 political parties nominated 32.3 per cent of the expected number of agents. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday while giving a summary of polling and collation agents submitted by political parties for the poll. He stressed that three political parties have refused to nominate

Amotekun Rescues Nine Kidnap Victims, Nabs 68 Suspects in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

Operatives of Ondo State Security Network Agency codename Amotekun, have successfully foiled five kidnap attempts, rescued nine victims and arrested 68 criminal suspects across the state within a week.

The state Commander of the agency, Adetunji Adeleye, stated this while parading 20 out of the 68 suspects at the headquarters of the corps in Akure.

He explained that the Amotekun Rangers, recently launched by the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, within the week under review had been active in combing the forests across the state, particularly in known flashpoints.

"In the last one week, we arrested about 68 criminals, out of which we are parading only 20. The Amotekun rangers launched by governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently had penetrated the forest, and substantially within the week under review, we were able to resist five kidnapping attempts. We were able to rescue nine victims. That is to say that the kidnap attempt failed.

"The notorious portion of Elegbeka had been bombarded, and we are glad to say that the Amotekun rangers had infiltrated the entire forest

around Elegbeka to guarantee safety of commuters lives and property of the people of the area. In the next few weeks, we are going to dominate Ala, Ago-Oyinbo, Ogbese, Jugbere and other forests."

Adeleye said the corps equally arrested three minors which belong to a family of husband (John Avor) and wife (Mary John) and children that specializes in breaking up houses and stealing.

"On enforcement of law and order, we have 15 suspects, on anti-grazing and farmers/herders clashes, only one on parade today."

Adeleye further disclosed that a 28-year-old kidnapping suspect, identified as Usman Abubakar, was arrested in Igbo Oba-Owo during one of the operations, adding that the suspect is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation.

"He confirmed collecting two million Naira from the suspect, and he told us how they shared it, and he told us how to get to the root of their godfathers."

On cultism, he said "we have three suspects that were arrested with charms, arms, and ammunitions. The infringement on anti-open-grazing law is Mohamed Abubakar that was arrested in Itaogbolu.

agents at all levels of polling or collation agents ahead of the November 16 Ondo governorship election.

The national commissioner revealed that following the closure of the portal for the upload of polling and collation agents for the Ondo State Governorship election, the commission was pleased to publish the summary of submissions made by political parties.

Olumekun recalled that the portal opened on 20th August, 2024 and automatically shut down at midnight on Monday 30th September 2024 as indicated on item 9 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election released almost a year ago in September 2023.

He explained that in Ondo State, there are 3,933 polling units and 222 collation centres, consisting of 203 ward

centres, 18 Local government areas and the state collation centre in Akure.

Olumekun noted: “A political party fielding candidates in the election is expected to nominate 4,155 agents.

From the 18 parties participating in the election, the Commission expected a cumulative figure of 74,790 agents.

“Three political parties have no agents at all levels of polling or collation.

“A detailed breakdown of the submissions has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

“However, only 24,148 were uploaded to the portal, made up of 22,689 polling, 1,249 ward, 196 Local Government and 14 State collation agents. Put together, the 18 political parties nominated 32.3 per cent of the expected number of agents.

Governors to Unveil Programmes on Girl-child Empowerment, Quality Education Initiatives Oct. 10

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Nigerian governors have slated October 10th this year to unveil their plans to enhance the girl-child empowerment in the country.

The initiative themed, 'Girl-Child Empowerment through Quality Education', aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution 66/170, adopted on December 19, 2011, which established the International Day of the Girl-Child.

The Girl-Child initiative is to reaffirm the governors' commitment to addressing the challenges that girls face in Nigeria, particularly in education.

According to a statement by the Head of Education Department, Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF),

Dr. Ebenezer Leo, the international conference will launch the Girl-Child Education Volunteers' Advocates (GICEVA) initiative, a platform designed to engage volunteers in advocating for girl-child education across Nigeria.

"The conference will also unveil the Face of the Girl-Child Ambassadors, who will represent the commitment to girl-child education among corp members (NYSC) in Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)," Ebenezer said.

According to the Head of the Education Department of the Governors' Forum, "Key objectives of the conference include the official launch of GICEVA, which aims to mobilise volunteers through the

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Community Development Service (CDS) Groups to promote girl-child enrollment in local governments across Nigeria."

Additionally, Ebenezer said the unveiling of the Face of the GirlChild Ambassadors will celebrate the academic successes of top graduates, empowering them to advocate for girls' education in their states, with coordination provided by an overall ambassador for a one-year term.

"Another important aspect of the conference is the signing of a Declaration by the state Commissioners of Education, affirming their commitment to support and fund girl-child education in Nigeria up to the Senior Secondary School level.

This Declaration will be developed in collaboration with organizations dedicated to promoting girls' education globally," he stressed He said that the conference agenda includes presentations from development partners and donor agencies, who will discuss the current landscape of girl-child education in Nigeria, highlighting trends, challenges, and potential solutions. "Engaging panel discussions featuring experts, educators, and activists will explore the barriers to girl-child education and the strategies needed to overcome them. Workshops and training sessions will also be conducted for GICEVA members, equipping them with essential advocacy skills.

Zenith Bank Restores Online Banking Channels after Service Disruption

Nume Ekeghe

Zenith Bank Plc has confirmed that all of its banking channels are now fully operational following a recent service disruption.

In a public notice, the bank assured customers that they

could now access its wide range of transaction platforms without any issues.

The bank highlighted that customers could perform transactions through channels such as: Zenith Bank Debit, Credit, and Prepaid cards, Zenith Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and Zenith Bank Point of Sales (POS) terminals. Others include the Zenith Bank Mobile App, Zenith Bank Internet Banking Platform, and Zenith Agents nationwide (Agent Banking)

Zenith Bank further noted that customers could also visit any

branch nationwide for in-person banking services. The bank urged customers to reach out to its support team via its dedicated helplines; email, adding that additional assistance would be available through the Zenith Intelligent Virtual Assistant (ZIVA) on WhatsApp.

Imo Pledges Support for GSS Owerri Old Boys Award Ceremony

Imo State government has committed to support the Annual STAR Awards by the Class of 81, Old Boys Association, Government Secondary School (GSS), Owerri saying, its capacity-building initiatives, the Career Mentorship Programme is targeted to curb youth restiveness menace.

Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Talent Development, Dr. Emeka

Ukaegbu, pledged while speaking during the Awards by the Class of '81 of the Old Boys Association of Government Secondary School (GSS), Owerri, held over the weekend in the school premises.

Speaking in a statement signed by Emeka Mba, Chairman of the Awards Project Committee, on Thursday, to mark the event, being its 4th Edition, Ukaegbu expressed delight at the

curriculum of the Career mentorship programme by the Class of 81.

The commissioner stressed the inherent benefits of a career mentorship programme in providing a pool of talented students equipped with skill sets and enhancing the local and global competitiveness among them in various career endeavours.

According to him, the initiative

will ultimately curb the menace of youth restiveness through its capacity-building which positively engages young people.

Speaking during his facility tour of the school’s ICT Lab, the Imo State Youth and Talent Development Ministry boss added, "I am proud to have been nurtured through this institution in my formative years, and every single opportunity to visit

the school often stirs nostalgia.”

Ukaegbu said, "The vision of the state government is to identify and support opportunities for developing a pool of talented youths in the state through sustainable enterprise development and to curb the perennial menace of youth restiveness through capacity building initiatives such as the career mentorship programme which seeks to hand-hold students as they navigate their career paths.”

On his part, Iyke Ezeji, Class Captain of the Class of 81, explained that the initiative was meticulously designed as a Human Capital Development intervention to help inspire students, and deepen the Learning and Development curriculum of the academic institution.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

UN and Protection of Persons With Albinism

In Praise of President Buhari

WAhen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.

Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.

Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.

s the commemorative decade of the United Nations’ resolution establishing the independent expert on the rights of persons with albinism approaches, it is pertinent to review the progress made. It is important to draw attention to gaps and limitations in the existing approach to end attacks and other violations targeting persons with albinism. One must commend the UN for the resolution and the appointment of an independent expert on the rights of people with albinism in 2015. This step signifies a demonstration of political will and commitment to ending stigma, discrimination, and violence against people with albinism. It indicates that the world can rally together against a common threat to human well being. However, I have had the opportunity of attending meetings and conferences in Geneva and recently in Lancaster where stakeholders from across the world discussed ways to address this problem. I have noticed some missing links in the approach to the issue. And I worry that if these limitations are not addressed the resolution will not achieve the desired goals. At these meetings and conferences, campaigners highlighted pertinent aspects of the problem. They explained the misconceptions about albinism, that it was a noncontagious, and genetically inherited condition. That albinism affected people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or belief.

should not be used in describing people with albinism. But my question to these campaigners is this: How many people in rural communities in Africa where these killings and attacks take place speak English? How many Africans know or are aware that people with albinism are called albinos? How many people know the distinction between albino and people with albinism? People across Africa call persons with albinism local names; they use non-English terms to describe them. At a meeting in Lancaster, panelists from Tanzania told attendees that miners and fishermen in some towns perpetrated these killings and attacks. Now, how many of these miners and fishermen in Tanzania call people with albinism albinos? So the campaign to not call people with albinism albinos is for who? The non-English speaking attackers and perpetrators in Africa, or where?

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

IIt was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.

Campaigners also noted some health risks that people with albinism run including deadly skin cancer. They provided statistics on attacks and killings of people with albinism in various countries, mainly African countries such as Tanzania, and Malawi. They provided graphic images of victims and survivors, and the costs of body parts of people living with albinism. Campaigners explained efforts that state and nonstate agencies had made in addressing the problem like arresting and prosecuting attackers, and killers, providing sunglasses and other medical supplies. And that’s usually it.

The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.

From my observation at these meetings, the approach to ending abuses of people living with albinism is Eurocentric and fundamentally flawed. This approach is hurting the campaign. Unless efforts are made to rectify the imbalance, I submit that the desired objective of this resolution will not be realized. The attacks and killing of people with albinism will continue. Why do I say so?

Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.

In all the events that I have attended, campaigners tried to emphasize the need not to call people living with albinism, albinos. They noted that the term albino was derogatory and reduced the individuals, or defined them by nothing more than their skin condition. I agree that derogatory terms

Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians

Anthony Joshua Has Passed His Prime

After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

t is clear Anthony Joshua has long past his prime, assuming there was ever a “prime.”

TAnd, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.

In Nigeria, people call persons living with albinism by various names including Oyibo, which means a white person. Others refer to them using slangs that mean ‘yellowish skinned persons’, which is indeed derogatory. Yes, it is important to urge people not to use demeaning terms in describing people with albinism whether in English or in any other language. But is the name that people call persons with albinism the main issue? Of course not. The main problem is the misconception about the skin or bodies of persons with albinism. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals.

Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.

Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.

Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

This Nigerian kid has long enjoyed “soft” pugilistic contests designed to make him some kind of Britain’s standard-bearer in boxing. Good packaging by the Hearn father-son team. Then enters Saudi Arabia’s sportwashing scheme desiring gullible pugilist closet Mohs, preferably black-skinned, to project to the world as the next Mohammed Ali; him A. Joshua, a closet Moh, fits the bill. And thus, after getting knocked down in the US by Fat Andy, Saudi Arabia paid him Fat Andy to not compete much at the re-match. But O. Usyk was having none of that and beat Joshua black-and-blue.

The Saudis have propelled Joshua ever since to the summit of contenders, albeit pretenders. The Saudis will have it that Usyk whips T. Fury so Joshua can snatch championships from Usyk but D. Dubois and the Wembley venue changed all that. Thus? Joshua can’t fight honest fight in England because the Saudis parlay petro-dollars to smoothen fights for him at Saudiland. Fury, beware. The Saudis don’t fancy Fury because he is promoter of Easter Passion, literally carrying a cross and inviting mankind to reflect on the essence of the Redeemer.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Fee or Free?

end her to jail, she’ll get free TV, food and accommodation! Sometimes the law is an ass.

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

SDEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI

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DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

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TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.

A disabled mum in Britain couldn’t afford the £169.50 fee for her TV viewing licence, probably just a meal out for those making and enforcing these laws. The fine of £750 would be impossible for her and if she did have those savings, it would be better used helping her children and their education.

The statue of Lady Justice is shown as blindfolded because justice is unbiased and should be, but surely this is one time when she should just peek and see that this mum is not a major criminal and some leeway should be allowed.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

Nigeria at 64...

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE…

Nigeria Pushes for Inclusive Clean Energy Transition at G-20 Summit

Nigeria's Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiru Onyejeocha, yesterday reiterated the country's commitment to a fair and

inclusive clean energy transition at the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions.

Speaking virtually at the first inperson meeting of the commission

Russia Denies Involvement in Hunger Protests in Nigeria

The Russian government yesterday, officially distanced itself from involvement in the recent hunger protests in Nigeria.

In a letter to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, shared by Yury Paramonov, criticised statements from United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, that had alleged the interference of Russia in the protest.

Russia argued that the allegations were media campaign to damage its relationship between Nigeria and Russia.

The Russian government reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue within Nigeria’s legal framework and expressed continued support for the Nigerian government.

It also conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria’s recent Independence Celebration.

“The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had

any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest.

“Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.

“By contrast, the coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets points to their attempts to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.

“We greatly value the level of relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria.

“The Embassy also extends its best wishes to the people and Government of Nigeria for prosperity and stability, and we hope for continued cooperation and deepening relations between our two countries,” it explained.

FXTM Academy to Democratise e-Trading, Empower Traders Globally

FXTM, founded with a mission to make trading accessible to everyone, has through the FXTM Academy, using electronic trading (E-trading) simplified the buying and selling of financial assets online.

These assets, known as financial instruments, range from currencies and commodities like oil and gold to shares of major companies such as Facebook and Apple.

With over 11 years of global experience and more than a million users worldwide, FXTM is a trusted name in the financial market.

"Our established reputation makes us a reliable partner for traders of all levels. In Nigeria alone, the FXTM Academy has hosted five successful welcome events this year, drawing over 800 attendees and proudly graduating more than 30 traders," a statement said.

Executive Director of FXTM Nigeria, Abiola Akinyele said: “In

FXTM Academy, we provide students with a comprehensive and hands-on understanding of critical financial markets, including currencies, equities, indices, spot metals, and commodities. We cover essential skills such as fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and more. Whether online or in person, our regularly organised seminars, workshops, and webinars equip our clients with the strategies they need to trade profitably and confidently.”

As the world increasingly embraces artificial intelligence, FXTM has taken the lead by launching the innovative FXTM AI Trader Coach app.

This tool offers personalised trading guidance, real-time insights, and an engaging learning experience, making it ideal for traders at all levels. Whether you're practicing, returning to the market, or refining your skills, the AI Trader Coach helps you grow into a more strategic and confident trader.

which is a sideline event of the G-20 Brasil 2024 summit, Onyejeocha highlighted Nigeria's pioneering initiatives aimed at integrating workforce development and fairness into climate policies.

In a statement issued by her Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel, Onyejeocha stressed that the country's approach focuses on economic empowerment and social equity, creating opportunities for workers

in emerging green jobs, such as solar installation and renewable energy.

Key initiatives outlined by the minister in her address include: "The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), targeting 25,000 green jobs and reduced carbon emissions in the transport sector; Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), providing training for women and youth in green economy skills;

upskilling existing automotive technicians and mechanics to convert petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered ones".

Onyejeocha said that Nigeria's model serves as a blueprint for global leaders.

She said: "Climate action must be paired with economic empowerment. We must provide opportunities for our people to thrive in this new era."

"Nigeria is fully committed to this

cause and has begun taking concrete steps to ensure that the principle of fairness guides our clean energy policies, especially in protecting and empowering our workforce.

"This move is pivotal not only for our climate goals but also for ensuring that our workers—many of whom have depended on traditional energy sectors—are not left behind in the shift to cleaner technologies, thereby creating a path to transition for them."

Opadokun: Nigeria Was Forced into Unviable Co-habitation by British Colonial Imperialists

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Former Secretary General of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun, has blamed the nation's numerous challenges on British contraption, arguing that Nigeria was a forced union by the ill-intentioned British colonial imperialists who tactically yoked the hitherto separate nations into unviable cohabitation that, "had rendered us incapable of living a fulfilled life as a nation".

The elder statesman, also apportioned some of the blames to the military and Nigeria Police Force, describing the duo as police and military of occupation.

He insisted that what was happening to Nigeria was partly imposed by the military.

This was however, in contrast with the propositions of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja who said that the Nigerian Army is an army of the people.

Opadokun, who was fielding questions on Nigeria's 64th independence anniversary celebration, during a live television programme stated that, "The Nigerian Army and police were institutions of occupation. They were not a creation of the Nigerian state. The Nigerian Army was initially called Glover Hausas. So, it was created merely to suppress, intimidate, and put into subjection,

the natives to service the colonial imperialist officials and the government they imposed upon us when they came and they had remained so up till tomorrow.

"We need to do something much more fundamental to restructure the Nigerian security apparatus so that we can have the benefits of governing ourselves the way we want. We need to do better than we are doing".

Proffering workable solutions to some of the major problems threatening the foundation of the country, Opadokun said: "I must say that the fundamental error of our current system is the fact that we are putting the cart before the horse. Not until Nigeria gets this country back

unto a federal system of government upon which Nigeria secured its independence, we would not get out of the woods. It is because the Nigerian state has been so centralised that the man at the centre seems to control the entirety of our being to our great discomfort and disappointment. It is time for Nigeria to take up the battle of restoring Nigeria to a federal constitutional governance upon which we secured our independence." Recall that the history of the Nigerian Army dates to 1863, when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy selected 18 indigenes from the Northern part of the country and organised them into a local force, known as the “Glover Hausas”.

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a $20.8 million financing facility for Nigeria-based Starlink Global and Ideal Limited to enable the company to construct and operate a 30,000-metric tonne per annum cashew processing factory in Lagos.

According to the facility agreement signed on July 22, 2024, Afreximbank would provide the funds in two tranches with the first tranche of

US$7.48 million going toward capital expenditure for the construction of the factory and the second, totalling $13.25 million to be deployed as working capital for the operations of the factory.

The facility is expected to promote value addition which would guarantee increased earnings to the company while also fostering the creation of about 400 new jobs once the factory becomes operational. It

is also expected to support about 40 small and medium-sized enterprises.

Commenting on the transaction, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, said that by supporting Starlink Global to establish a modern processing facility, Afreximbank was making it possible for Africa to add value to its agro-commodities, thereby facilitating exports and subsequent

inflow of much-needed foreign exchange into the continent.

“We are delighted at this partnership which promises to deliver significant impact on employment in Nigeria. It will contribute to value creation and to the development of the local community while also improving the lots of smallholder farmers and small business suppliers that will work with Starlink across the value chain,” Awani added.

Tetra Pak, WeCyclers Partner on Waste Management in Lagos

Tetra Pak and WeCyclers through a strategic partnership are aiming to turn the tide of waste management in Lagos.

This followed the launch of a scheme that rewards residents for recycling used beverage cartons (UBCs), promising a cleaner city and a boost to the local economy.

According to a statement, effective waste management remains a critical challenge in many developing

countries, where rapid urbanisation and population growth often outpace the infrastructure needed to handle the resulting waste.

“In cities like Lagos, waste frequently accumulates in streets, waterways, and informal dumpsites, creating environmental and health hazards. Traditional waste management systems struggle to keep up, and innovative solutions are urgently needed to address the

growing problem.

“The partnership was officially unveiled on Friday, July 12, 2024, with a community event in Lagos Island.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with residents eager to participate in the scheme. The initiative is simple: residents collect their used juice and milk packs, deposit them at nearby WeCyclers kiosks, and receive immediate cash payments based on the weight of the cartons.

“This novel approach addresses several pressing issues simultaneously. Firstly, it tackles the problem of UBC waste, which often ends up in landfills or littering the environment. By incentivising recycling, the scheme encourages residents to dispose of their waste responsibly. Secondly, it provides a sustainable income stream for locals, particularly in a city where economic opportunities can be scarce.”

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

L-R: Managing Director, IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation, Doyin Akinyanju; General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola; Managing Director, Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation, Hon. AbdoulBaq Ladi-Balogun; and General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, during the tree planting exercise for heads of government agencies at the Mile 2 Ferry Terminal, Lagos Badagry Expressway, Amuwo Odofin…recently

FEDERATION OF AFRICAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS CLOSING CEREMONY…

Your Attack on Judiciary Unnecessary, Group Tells Odinkalu, Ugochinyere

Charges NBA to take necessary disciplinary action

A group, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, has advised two lawyers, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere to desist from castigating the judiciary especially judges, whose judgements they seem not to be in agreement with.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, the group which observed that the action of the two lawyers is "uncalled for", urged necessary legal bodies to rise to the occasion by bringing them to book.

While Odinkalu is a Professor of Law and former Chairman of the Governing Board of the National

GTCO Refutes Allegations against its Results, Management

Guaranty Trust Holding Company

(GTCO) yesterday refuted some negative news about its business activities, its financial performance, and management.

The parent company of GTBank in a statement noted that “based on the incessant release of false news reports on GTCO’s business activities, results, and its management team, it has become necessary to set the records straight and dispel attempts by certain groups to create a false narrative about the GTCO brand and its management.”

It added: “The false news articles being sponsored using the media, center around baseless allegations against the Group’s business activities

and its executive management.

“Being a responsible corporate citizen and a first-class institution, GTCO Plc has taken swift and decisive legal actions against the various sources of these false reports, and will continue to use the full extent of the rule of law available to safeguard its reputation.

“We urge all our Customers, Shareholders and Stakeholders to kindly disregard all the allegations being peddled through various media platforms and handles. All, of our Executive Management team continue to operate in their full capacities as appointed and are not under any financial or regulatory scrutiny as alleged.”

Nasarawa Electoral Commission Reschedules LG Poll for Nov 2

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commissions (NASIEC) yesterday rescheduled the Nasarawa State Local Government Councils Elections across the 13 local government areas of the state for November 2, 2024. An Originating Summons by the Federal High Court, Lafia had compelled NASIEC to postpone indefinitely all activities leading to the conduct of the state councils elections earlier scheduled for August 31, 2024. However, the commission had conducted the last Local Government Councils Elections on October 6, 2021 and the present council officials were sworn-in on October 8, 2021 for a tenure of three years which will end on Monday October 7, 2024. Consequently at a press briefing in Lafia, Chairman of the commission, Ayuba Wandai Usman, announced November 2, 2024 as the rescheduled date for the Nasarawa State Local Government Councils Elections. He said the chairmanship and councilorship elections would be held on Saturday 2nd November, 2024. According to him, "The place of delivery of nomination papers for the elective offices would be at the commission's headquarters in Lafia, adding that a timeline of activities of the elections has been released. He appealed to l citizens of the state to support the commission in the discharge of its statutory mandate by coming out enmasse to participate in the forthcoming LGA elections and conducting themselves lawfully, responsibly and orderly.

Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ugochinyere is a current House of Representatives member, representing Ideato Federal of Imo State.

Both men have continued to attack the integrity of the judiciary and judges especially in the recent litigations in Edo and Rivers State.

Reacting to the development, the group which maintained that such conducts by the two lawyers were not only unprofessional but criminal, stated that an aggrieved persons over any court decision should

rather follow the due course of the law to address any alleged illegality instead of attacking the court and the judicial officers.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Head, Legal Services, Mr. Kalu Kalu Agu, expressed dismay that "these attacks not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in our institutions."

"Regrettably, these incessant attacks on Nigeria's Judiciary are being championed by so many lawyers. These lawyers descend heavily on

judges and attack their character after losing cases in courts. This unprofessional conduct should stop.

"The attacks on the Judiciary by Prof Chidi Odinkalu and Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere are uncalled for. They should desist from it, as they are not only unprofessional but also criminal."

Agu said that while they concede that lawyers have fundamental right to freedom of speech, it is unethical for any lawyer to engage in dragging the judiciary into murky water.

"We, therefore, with the greatest

respect, call on the Nigerian Bar Association to rise to the occasion and sanction erring lawyers who attack judges to massage their ego after losing cases in court.

"It is the duty of the Nigerian Bar Association to shield the bench from unfounded criticisms as judges cannot respond to criticisms or defend themselves.

"They must remain impartial and silent, even in the face of unfair attacks. Though this silence is not weakness, but strength", he said.

URNI Unfolds Plans to Rebrand Nigeria, Targets 30 Million Youths for Capacity Building

Backs Tinubu's planned national youth conference

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, The Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) has unfolded plans to engage in capacity building for 30 million young entrepreneurs in the country.

The group at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, explained that part of the strategies to achieve its objective was to set up Tech Hubs and Skills Acquisition Centres across Nigeria.

The URNI also on the occasion, unfolded its plans to embark on multiple strategies to rebrand Nigeria by instilling patriotic zeal in the nation's young population.

The group said it had as its strategies, a comprehensive

arrangement to celebrate Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and encourage the youths to actively contribute to the country's development.

It explained that the media engagement in Abuja was to abreast journalists of the launch of the initiative, scheduled for October 26th, at the nation's capital.

Part of the communique read, “URNI is also dedicated to ensuring that this movement remains a citizen-driven effort that reflects the voices, hopes, and dreams of all Nigerians.

“Through continued engagement, outreach, and collaboration, URNI will work to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s future,” it added.

The communique noted that

URNI planned to gather key national stakeholders, policymakers, corporate leaders, community influencers, and citizens committed to national progress.

It further read, “The launch is a pivotal moment for URNI to outline its mission to project the positive image of Nigeria using technology and community engagement to inspire patriotism in Nigeria.

“The URNI launch will also feature the launch of the book “Faces of Patriotism.”

The theme of the event will be "Rise up Patriot: Take Pride in our Nation."

“The URNI seeks to promote a new narrative for Nigeria, emphasising the nation's strengths, unity, and opportunities.

FG Implements Early Grade Reading Programme in 13 Pilot States

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

In tackling the worrisome trend of the inability to read by learners in early grades, the federal government has implemented the Early Grade Reading (EGR) programme using the Result-Based Financing (RBF) model in 13 states. It said the absence of these basic skills at an appropriate age presents a serious challenge, not just for individual learning outcomes, but also the effective education service delivery as well as the overall development and

future prosperity of the nation.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, said despite the globally acknowledged ideal, recent studies have shown that a significant number of children in Nigeria, particularly in the early grades, struggle to achieve the basics of reading and comprehension.

Bobboyi who was represented by the deputy Executive Secretary, Prof. Bala Zakari, at a one-day

sensitisation meeting with 13 pilot states on the implementation of the RBF of EGR held in Abuja, said through this intervention, UBEC will provide funding support not only for routine activities but for evidence based improvements in early grade reading outcomes. He said while incentivising performance, the commission will also seek to promote accountability in the use of resources and also pave the way for ownership of EGR by state and school level actors.

“The initiative aims to shift the national conversation from a focus on challenges to a celebration of the country’s potential.

“This movement will focus on fostering a spirit of patriotism, promoting civic responsibility, and encouraging citizens to take active roles in reshaping Nigeria’s image, both at home and abroad.”

Speaking earlier at the press conference, Chairman Advisory Committee of URNI, Dr. Vincent Ugochukwu, emphasised the core principles of the initiative.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; Elegushi of Ikate kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, and Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the closing ceremony of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) held at LASU, Ojo... recently

TENSION IN RIVERS AS FUBARA INSISTS ON LG POLLS

attempt by anyone or any sister agency to stop this election, we are prepared to make sure that we resist it. We will not put Rivers State in that state of anarchy where the system of local government administration will be suspended because of the protection of one person's interest.

“We will also make sure that after the election, the winners of the election will be sworn-in and they will commence the activities of administering the local government.

“We are not crying to the world or the international community, we want the world to know that we are prepared. Once in a lifetime of every man, you need to stand and make a decision. And even if it will take your life, history will not forget you.

"We talk about Martin Luther King today because he stood for the truth, and if am going to be that Martin Luther King of Rivers State, so be it."

When THISDAY visited the RSIEC to see the current situation, Fubara’s supporters occupied the entrance of the office of the state electoral umpire, insisting that elections would hold across the LGAs of the state.

A statement earlier issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chukwudi Nelson, alleged that the operation to invade the RSIEC was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at about 1 am yesterday, October 4, 2024.

According to Nelson "The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday's local government election in the State.

"The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police. However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development."

He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect

the facility and replace them with a detachment from a neighboring State was unacceptable.

He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit to conduct its affairs without interference.

Police Withdraw from LG Polls

The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun yesterday told the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara that the Nigeria Police Force will not allow him burn down the state or shed blood of innocent citizens he swore to protect over political desperation.

Tthe Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said the Force would not fold its arms and allow Fubara carry out his alleged threats of burning down the state for selfish purposes.

A statement by Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force had noted with concern the recent statements made by Fubara, in which several unfounded allegations were leveled against the Office of the IGP and the Police.

He noted that in light of these claims, it became necessary to set the record straight.

According to him, "Firstly, it is important to clarify that there is a subsisting Federal High Court order barring the Nigeria Police Force from participating in the Rivers State elections. This order was duly served on both the NPF and the Rivers State Government. As a law-abiding institution, the IGP instructed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to strictly adhere to this court order by refraining from any direct involvement in the election process.

"However, in the evening of 3rd October 2024, The commissioner of police in Rivers State, received reports that policemen from Rivers State Government house have been deployed to the office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to aid the conduct of the election. This report was also relayed

to the Inspector General of Police who gave clearance to the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the policemen from the Government house and replace with policemen from the Command Operations department. The mandate of the men from the Operations Department, was to provide overnight security for the RIEC to prevent any attack on the facility.

"It is also important to note that prior to this, there had been series of security breaches in the state following the spate of court orders and counter orders and reactions to them by supporters of the different political parties involved. The response of the Command to secure RIEC overnight was therefore professional and supported by the Inspector General of Police. For emphasis sake, the policemen deployed to RIEC from the operations department of Rivers State Command on the night of 3rd October, 2024 were with the sole mandate to protect the RIEC office from attack overnight".

This action, Adejobi further explained was proactive and responsive to intelligence at the disposal of the State Command.

Earlier yesterday, the State Command of the Nigeria Police led by Olatunji Disu has declared that they were withdrawing from the elections fixed to hold across the 319 wards of the 23 LGAs.

A statement signed by the spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-koko, said they were obeying the Federal High Court’s judgments that ordered that the exercise be halted Iringe-koko stated: "The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all lawabiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.

"On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the Local Government Election.

"Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police

Force and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Election.

"Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence."

The police spokesperson recalled that, "an opposition party protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and expressing their determination to prevent any disregard for the law.

The Nigeria Police Force encourages all parties to seek appropriate legal redress if they feel aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process".

She said "The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to maintaining law and order and will not stand idly by in the face of potential disturbances. Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders. All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court."

The command, however, advised other sister agencies to withdraw from the polls and called on residents of the state to remain peaceful and cooperate with the position of the state police.

NBA Condemns Police Withdrawal

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), berated the force for choosing to carry out an order which is at variance with their constitutional duties.

The NBA stated that it noted with particular interest the statement released by Iringe-Koko, which indicated that the Rivers State Police would not provide security during toeday’s elections.

National President of the NBA, Mr. Afam Osigwe, stated: "The NBA has also read the disturbing report that some Policemen were alleged to have attempted to cart away electoral materials in the dead of the Night at the Head office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

"We agree with the statement issued by the Chairmen of NBA Branches

as we find it deeply troubling that the Police would brazenly state that they would shirk their constitutional responsibility of providing security in Rivers State in purported compliance with an order of the court.

“Even if a court has directed the Police not to work with the Electoral Commission on Rivers State, nothing says the Police should not provide security for peace and order of Rivers State."

The NBA President noted that the responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security was constitutional and "cannot be restrained by any court", adding that the Police should at all times provide security for the good people of Nigeria and should in fact "be worried if any court order purports to prevent them from discharging this responsibility".

While stressing that the duty to secure the lives and property of the people should never be restrained by the court, Osigwe stated that the Police as much as all Nigerians should be concerned that such a statement should be issued by the Police confirming they would abdicate their duty.

It added that "the assertion by the Rivers State Police, through the PPRO, that the Police will not provide security for the elections, if accurate, is an unfortunate abdication of responsibility and egregious violation of constitutional duties.".

According to the NBA, the refusal to provide security was not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy.

The NBA lamented the menace of conflicting judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the scheduled elections.

Go Out for LG Elections, PDP Charges Rivers People

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday charged people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and constitutional rights by coming

out en masse to vote in elections across the State.

The PDP insisted that the rights to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in LG elections cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the party maintained that the people of Rivers State were ready for election; RSIEC had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, stressing that no court under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has power to stop elections.

According to Ologunagba, "For avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that “Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit.

"The PDP in very strong term condemns the attempt by the APCcontrolled Police to abridge, subvert and frustrate the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election against the Will of the people, the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

"The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.

"The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level", Ologunagba stated..

Again, Fans Take Sides as Wizkid-Davido Feud Heats Up

Tosin Clegg

From time to time there has always been a drama from camps of two of Nigeria’s biggest music stars which has become a recurring decimal. Sometimes it’s a mystery how these issues emerge but as it settles into the consciousness of fans, there seems to be a search of what ignited the whole back and forth. It often starts with social media jabs, perceived competition, or comments from close associates.

Unarguably, both artists have expressed mutual respect at times as not too long ago, they were sighted at a club together where it seemed all was well and going well. It even gladdened the hearts of many and gave a new perspective to a friendship that would have been beautiful and filled with so many discographies if only things had gone differently. But frankly, fan bases and industry comparisons have often fueled tensions, which might have started innocently as it fuels supremacy in the globally accepted Afrobeats scene.

The feud as we all know has continued to reoccur for about a decade or more and has been filled with times of indirect shading during interviews, social media exchanges as well as unhealthy competitive comparisons exacerbated by their loyal fans.

This time around a social media post on X by Davido’s Creative Director, BlackTycoone seemed to have ignited the alleged drama. On Tuesday, October 1st, while Nigerians were in the atmosphere of the country’s Independence Day celebrations he shared this, “Tell your Daddy to drop na” and as innocent as the post was it might have started the whole drama. But many still debate that other things might have given rise to this.

But the drama reached a boiling point when some of Wizkid’s fans quickly rallied in his

defense. What started as fans subtly addressing the situation soon escalated when Wiz entered the fray taking to his X account to deliver a series of sharp and heavily directed posts aimed at Davido. His posts were unusually blunt as he cuts deep into different parts of Davido’s affairs from his team, his uncle, his lawyer, his musical career, deals, and a few other areas.

Soon as his posts started gaining traction his fans amplified them engaging with enthusiastic backing and dropping more jabs. The situation spiraled as critics and fans of the opposite camp jumped into the fray attempting to undermine Wizkid’s arguments and deflate

Humblesmith Returns with New Music

Known for his landmark hit song, ‘Osinachi,’ Humblesmith has been a dominant force in the Nigerian music scene for nearly a decade. After some quiet seasons, he is ready to return with full force and appeal to the spotlight with fresh music, renewed energy, and a laser focus as he is set to reclaim his position on the Nigerian music scene.

The Afrobongo sensation and songwriter is currently making waves once again with the release of his latest single, ‘Sochi’. This new song hints at a matured sound that blends his signature highlife-inspired melodies with contemporary afrobongo rhythms.

Attesting to his fans that he is back and better he has also expressed a deepened commitment to his craft, promising fans a series of releases that reflect his personal growth and artistic journey. This comeback marks an important chapter for him as he aims to re-establish himself in a now more competitive and evolved landscape.

The new track, which he has boldly dubbed “the song of the year” is poised to become the soundtrack of the upcoming festive season and beyond.

Speaking about his new song he says, “It took me some time to decide which track to drop from my upcoming project. But my spirit connected with ‘Sochi’. I trust my fans and music lovers will ride this wave with me.

“This song is a reflection of my journey, and how I’ve overcome the obstacles in my path. Some forces tried to silence me, tried to push me out of the industry, but here I am, stronger than

ever. The movement has started, and nothing can stop me now.”

As he continues to work on his forthcoming album and wraps up a tour across various African countries, he believes his new song will not only set the tone for his future releases but also redefine the music landscape for his fans this year. With his undeniable talent and passion, it’s clear that he is ready to take his place once again at the forefront of the Afrobongo genre.

He also opened up about the challenges he faced in the music industry, admitting that there were times when he almost disappeared from the scene entirely. He noted that “There were moments when I felt like I was being silenced. It wasn’t just about the lack of music or releases it was deeper. Some people and forces wanted to

his drive. But quite frankly, this could have remained a contained narrative but has now suddenly become a full-scale spectacle as words continue to clash.

A post from an X account with the handle, Nelson Epega further added fuel to the inferno that was already burning. He released an 18-second video where he claimed sports brand, Puma wanted to pay Wizkid less for their ambassadorial deal because he was less of an artiste than Davido. Wizkid replied shortly after stating he turned down the deal because the brand couldn’t afford to pay him what he wanted and that he doesn’t need for himself. He further concluded that

he has love for everyone in this regardless. But the tech entrepreneur, Nelson had taken a heavy jab earlier as well claiming in a video he posted that Wizkid hasn’t had a hit song in four years but rather comes online to troll Davido and further exacerbating this, he regarded him as a junior brother to Rema, Ayra Star and Tems.

This further continued as more individuals continued to take jabs at Wizkid who was ever ready to strike back.

But in all these, concerns have been raised about the state of mind of Wizkid as he had always maintained a diplomatic approach in previous times but the intensity of his tone at this moment has left fans and observers shocked wondering if he was actually in the right state of mind. Davido on the other had remained quiet since this began, religiously promoting his new music video and Puma project. But his fans haven’t held back as they have fully engaged Wiz back to back without leaning in any way.

Moving forward I think careful attention needs to be drawn towards fans and their participation in the feud between their favorites. This is because their roles in inflaming the situation can’t be overlooked. Some fans on both sides have made terrible derogatory comments to both artists cutting deep into some sensitive topics which can’t even be talked about or heard of. If things are not tamed soon it might spiral out of hand and result in some damaging and dire consequences.

With the Nigerian music industry regarded as one of the biggest in the world, stakeholders need to do better and form more potent ways to manage such crisis and address it immediately as it surfaces because of how much of a role model or example are they making of themselves if this unruly and unacceptable behavior continues?

Adegbodu Twins to Unveil 50-Track Album, a Historic Milestone in Gospel Music

The Adegbodu twins have announced plans to release a groundbreaking 50-track album, a first of its kind in the history of music. The highly anticipated project is set to make waves in the gospel music industry, with the twins continuing to solidify their legacy as trailblazers.

In celebration of their birthday on October 4, the twins actualised their intention to gift each of their band members a plot of land in Ibadan, as a gesture of gratitude for their loyalty and dedication.

The duo has raised concerns about the state of gospel music, expressing that not everyone in the industry was truly called to the ministry. They pointed out that many individuals pursue gospel music for the allure of money and fame, rather than a genuine spiritual calling. “Many newcomers are singing all sorts of music and calling it gospel, but not all are truly inspired by God,” they remarked.

The Adegbodu twins, whose career spans 25 years with their first album launch in 1999, said they have always drawn inspiration from God. They believe their destiny as singers was revealed before their birth, and they have remained committed to their divine calling ever since. In recognition of their contributions to gospel music and entertainment, the twins were recently appointed by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as Special Advisers on Entertainment and Tourism. This appointment reflects their consistent hard work and resilience in the industry over the years.

The duo is also gearing up to open a multimillion-naira audio/visual studio in Ibadan,

a significant investment aimed at nurturing emerging talents and further promoting gospel music. Their recent accomplishments include a European tour in March, where they visited Spain, France, Germany, and Holland, followed by a pilgrimage to Jordan in June. Additionally, they have secured an ambassadorial deal with Yes FM 101.7 in Ibadan, further expanding their influence.

Looking ahead, the Adegbodu twins are planning to host the “God Concert” next year, a unique event that will bring together 10 gospel and 10 Muslim artists on the same stage to promote unity and harmony. They also announced plans to launch the “Festival of Light” in December, an event dedicated to honoring Governor Ademola Adeleke. With their upcoming album, various projects, and continued influence in both the music and entertainment industries, the Adegbodu Twins remain a powerful force in gospel music and beyond.

Tosin Clegg

Tosin Clegg

Humblesmith

wizkid

Davido

Adegbodu

Examining Nigeria’s Quest for $1tn Economy

Sakeholders and financial experts that gathered at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria 2024 annual conference held recently in Lagos, agreed that the vision to take the Nigerian economy to $1 trillion is bold, but achievable, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

On May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu declared that his administration’s is aiming to grow the size of the Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030.

Since Tinubu made this declaration, the Nigerian economy has faced a lot of challenges following the introduction of a market-determined exchange rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN0 in June 2023, which has seen the value of Naira depreciate from N450 per dollar in May 2023 to N1658.114 per dollar on October 3, 2024.

The impact of this massive depreciation of the Naira is a huge decline in the size of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $362.81 billion in 2023 to $252.74 billion presently. This has caused Nigeria to drop from its first position as the largest economy in Africa to a fourth position.

Currently, Nigeria’s economy is ranked behind South Africa, Egypt and Algeria with GDPs of $373 billion, $347.6 billion and $266.8 billion respectively.

Yet, financial experts that participated in the 2024 Annual Conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), affirmed that Nigeria’s aspiration for a $1 trillion is achievable. The conference was held in Lagos from September 28th to 29th, 2024, with the theme “Nigeria’s Journey Towards a $1 trillion Economy: Impact of Banks’ Recapitalisation, Opportunities for Fintechs and Real Sector,”

The Group Managing Director of the United Bank of Africa Plc (UBA), Mr. Mr. Oliver Alawuba, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management at the UBA, Mr. Ugo Nwaghodoh, as the conference’s guest speaker, said: “The $1 trillion economy vision is bold, yet achievable. However, it requires not just incremental growth, but structural shifts in how we approach banking, financial innovation, and sectoral development.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us recognise that the future of Nigeria’s economy rests on the strategic alignment of policy, investment, technology, and, most importantly, our collective will to innovate and grow.”

Alawuba said that the ongoing banking recapitalisation initiative is not just about compliance with regulatory requirements, but about equipping the banking sector with the financial strength to be a reliable engine for economic transformation.

According to him, the recapitalisation policy must lead to a significant expansion in the provision of credit to the real sector, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Currently, Nigeria’s economy faces a productivity gap.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the manufacturing sector contributed about 12.68 per cent to the nominal GDP as of Q2 2024 (down from 14.55 per cent in Q2 2023 and lower than the 14.79 per cent recorded in Q1 2024 and 16.04 per cent recorded in Q4 2023).

This was far below the level required to drive industrialisation and economic diversification. But with larger capital bases, “Nigerian banks should be well-positioned to finance long-term infrastructure projects and provide low-cost credit facilities to businesses that will drive industrial growth,” he said.

He advised that the Nigerian banking sector must remain attuned to global trends such as digitisation,

application of artificial intelligence, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, and sustainable finance.

He pointed out that international banks are already capitalising for these trends, and Nigerian banks should position themselves to take advantage of these emerging opportunities by offering products and services that align with global best practices.

He added that fintechs are already revolutionising the Nigerian banking system. Currently, Nigeria has the largest fintech market in Africa, with a rapidly growing number of start-ups offering solutions that address the inefficiencies of the traditional banking sector.

According to him, fintech has already transformed how Nigerians access financial services - from mobile payments to lending platforms, the scope is vast.

“As we march towards a $1 trillion economy, the fintech sector is poised to play a crucial role in expanding financial access, driving innovation, and stimulating competition within the broader financial system,” Alawuba said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Bello Hassan, said there is no nation that grew without vision and aspirations. According to Hassan, the vision of growing Nigeria’s economy to an ambitious target GDP level of $1 trillion by Mr. President would mark the starting point for the national policy rethink, stakeholder engagement and realignments of efforts and policies toward achieving the objective.

In this regard, the CBN and NDIC have collectively through their respective mandates repositioned the banking industry to carry out its intermediation role for the benefits of real sector and in fact all other sectors of the economy.

Hassan stated that the role of strong and well capitalised banks in supporting the current administration’s bold vision of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion must be appreciated by the relevant players in the financial sector.

The opportunities and potentials for growth of the real sector depend, among others, on the availability and affordability of financing. In addition, to achieve the desired level of financing by the real sector, the window offered by banks in partnership with fintechs, must be adequately harnessed.

According to him, supervisors must understand the interconnection among the various financial services providers and how their policies and actions can affect the efficiency and optimality of the overall financial system.

For sustainable and inclusive growth, policy makers must create an enabling environment that supports innovation, financial inclusion and growth while simultaneously protecting the markets, consumers, and investors.

One of the ways the fintechs would aid the actualisation of the $1 trillion economy is by furthering financial inclusion. Hassan pointed out that recent surveys showed that a number of Nigerians remained outside the formal banking sector due to various reasons, despite efforts towards promoting financial inclusion.

Moreover, many commercial, merchant and non-interest banks have focused almost exclusively on large corporations while underserving small and medium enterprises as well as the financially excluded active poor.

Hassan said: “Fintechs have the potential of closing this gap through deployment of innovative financial services, using new technology and reduction of bottlenecks associated with traditional financial institutions. With increasing use of smartphones and internet penetration, many unserved and underserved customers, can gain access to the formal financial services.

“Notwithstanding the opportunities for growth and the benefit that the system stands to gain through the exploration of Fintechs in the financial services ecosystem, we must however, as stakeholders be conscious of the additional risks and complexities that the system may be further exposed, particularly in the area of privacy, personal information, customer protection, transparency, and cyber-security.

“This no doubt has made regulatory oversight increasingly more complex. Financial regulators must evaluate existing rules and consider adoption of new regulations to better address the opportunities and challenges presented by these new technologies.”

The Chief Financial Officer of Parthian Partners, Mr. Yinka Arewa, said the role of fintechs is to digitise financial transactions that would bring in the agility in reaching out to the underserved segments of the economy.

By doing this the fintechs are actually enhancing and increasing economic activities, especially in the real sectors that are core in the economy, to drive the country’s GDP up.

“I think that is the nexus between the fintech and the $1 trillion economy.

“Fintechs have largely contributed to the growth of the economy. Now you have fintechs that can advance credit to small scale enterprises to drive up productivity and purchases which scale up the GDP numbers,” Arewa said.

He added that the recapitalisation of banks would enable financial institutions to have more capital for infrastructure development because, “technology is required to reach the under banked and in doing this a lot more people would be included into the economy.

“This goes without saying that it would definitely drive the GDP upward towards the $1 trillion economy.”

Arewa added that the strengthening the exchange rate of the Naira in the FX market would also lift Nigeria’s GDP closer to the $1 trillion target.

He said: “We were at about $500 billion when we rebased in 2014. Imagine a world where the FX improves significantly, it also would mean that that would push up our GDP in Dollar terms. So, I see a combination of these making us get closer to the mark.”

The Deputy Director, Banking Examination Department, NDIC, Mr. Emeka Udechukwu, said that without a vibrant real sector the economy might not grow fast enough to hit the $1 trillion target.

He said: “If there is challenge in the real sector of any economy, that economy is already challenged.

“So we should resuscitate our real sector through policies that encourage more Nigerians to go into the real sector such as the loan to deposit ratio policy of the CBN.”

He argued that Nigeria should eliminate challenges that are being encountered by operators in the real sector in order to realize the $1trillion economy aspiration.

According to him, the CBN and the NDIC have created policies that would encourage intending participants in the real sector.

He explained that the intention of regulatory authorities is to use the loan-to-deposit ratio policy to “cage” banks to finance growth in the real sector.

“For us, the $1 trillion economy is achievable. But we have to go back to the real sector and do what we are supposed to do. Nigeria has a lot of resources. Our problem is how we harnessing these resources.

“There are fundamental infrastructural deficits that must be addressed for us to achieve this $1 trillion economy. Without addressing the real sector challenges, it will be difficult to attain the target,” he said.

The ChUMMIeS

Keno Okaruefe: Integrated Farming Attracts Multiple Streams of Income

From bagging an Electrical/Electronics Degree from the prestigious University of Leicester, United Kingdom, Keno Okaruefe, returned to Nigeria to grow a passion that has evolved into a viable agricultural venture. His passion for agricultural engineering, combined with his extensive knowledge of agricultural economics, led to the creation of SRK Farms and Produce. With Property Farmer, his real estate venture he has quickly gained recognition as he grows to become a strong force in the Real Estate industry in Nigeria. He discusses his journey with Tosin Clegg

What inspired you to pursue integratedfarming,andhow has the journey been so far?

Honestly, returning to the country in 2012 after several interviews, I couldn’t get a suitable job in my desired field of engineering. So I decided to grow money through agriculture. I started with vegetable planting which had its challenges then tried out poultry with egg production and eventually broilers for meat production then moved to palm for oil, ruminants like goats and rams but eventually went back to crops like cassava and pepper. The journey truly has not been a fairy tale and most growth markers have been slow. However, it’s been exciting, thrilling, challenging, and most importantly educating, you need a lot of patience in agriculture and returns are usually long term but in the long run you earn it big, and its worth it.

Can you explain how the different components of your integrated farm such as livestock, crops, and aquaculture work together to create a sustainable system?

Putting all modes of farming together creates an ecosystem of food sustainability. With livestock like ruminants and poultry, you get meat and eggs which gives you protein. With crops such as palm, your retirement is sure considering they produce for 25years while processing cassava to garri settles carbohydrates and starch. Aquaculture settles my love for fish as a Delta man. The target was to make money by serving the market space with vital produce that you find on every table in most homes in the country.

What are the key benefits of integrated farming over traditional farming methods, both environmentally and economically?

There are several yet important benefits from integrated farming most especially the reduction in food waste and the rotation of use of both produce and waste. For example, the leftover food from the birds can be given to the ruminants, and the manure used as fertilizer for planting. The fact you have all this in one location saves resources and makes it easier to

give oversight to all aspects of the business. One of the key benefits of integrated farming is it saves time and allows multiple streams of income.

How do you manage the various elements of your farm to ensure they remain productive and efficient throughout the year?

Without planning, efficiency is never guaranteed. Management visibility in farming is very important, for you to maintain year-round productivity you must be on the ground, plan, and follow the seasons by stocking your inputs and raw materials early, securing them when they are cheap and available while making sure you have detailed data and documentation to aid planning.

NOGASA Calls for Collective Action in Nigeria’s Oil Sector

In a move to address challenges plaguing the petroleum industry, the National President of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Mr. Benneth Korie, has called for concerted efforts to tackle the challenges confronting the sector.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, recently, Korie emphasised the need for a competitive environment to ensure access to refined petroleum products, address smuggling, enhance agriculture, improve transportation, and tackle multiple taxations.

Korie, commended Aliko Dangote Refinery for establishing the largest refinery in Nigeria, describing it as a, “monumental contribution” to the industry.

“The Dangote Refinery promises substantial benefits, including enhanced supply, increased competition, and a bolstering of the national economy and currency,” he stated.

To ensure balanced distribution, Korie noted that Dangote’s refined products should be made available to a broader range of stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Trading and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Retail (NNPC), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association

of Nigeria (IPMAN) and others.

He also called on the federal government to take immediate action to halt the smuggling of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders, emphasising that smuggling alone shouldn’t justify increasing local prices.

To address inflation and economic stability, Korie emphasised the importance of prioritising agriculture.

According to him, “The government should make farming more attractive and profitable by subsidising agricultural inputs and equipment.

“Extension workers should also be deployed to educate farmers on modern techniques such as irrigation and fumigation. Improving the transportation network is crucial,” Korie added. He urged governments to prioritise repairing major roads to reduce transportation costs, saying fixing the roads and lowering diesel prices, and additional expenses incurred during product transportation by road would be eliminated, making the entire process more efficient and cost-effective.

He added, “I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in regulating the industry.”

Regarding the prices of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel with Dangote’s refinery production and crude oil transactions in naira, Korie said it expects a reduction in AGO prices.

What challenges have you faced in maintaining the balance between different farming activities, and how have you overcome them?

One of the major challenges experienced has to do with the diseases and unavailability of genuine medications in the livestock industry. For example, the Avian Influenza affected the poultry sector almost every year from 2015 till date. We adopted a preventive method by focusing strongly on our bio-security. It shouldn’t enter into your farm than looking for a cure after it does. Another challenge is the consistent rise in the cost of commercial feeds and inputs, so we decided to start milling our feeds for both the poultry and the fish. However, the sourcing and cost of individual raw materials hasn’t been all easy but it’s still better and cheaper than the commercial options. You eventually strike a balance between the different farming activities by sectioning and value arrangement.

In your view, how can integrated farming contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture in the future?

Honestly, integrated farming is the way to go because it makes farming more holistic and accessible. You expend less energy and resources while getting more done. It’s sustainable because of its eco drive where one waste can be useful to another aspect and then you end up producing more than one item at the same time. In the future, most farms would depend on integration to be able to sustain cost, maintain space efficiency and run several streams of income all in one location.

What motivated you to enter the real estate industry, and what has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Being on the farm mostly and surrounded by vast landscapes and people constantly coming to me to assist them in getting vast land for one thing or the other opened my eyes to the opportunity of creating something from scratch to having large estates and companies set up on empty land. I’ll say this career found me in the most unlikely place and time. In the fullness of time, turned out to be a remarkable venture as I had an eye for prospects and location knowing the right place to buy and studying the trend of development made

it very rewarding cause you could buy a vast land for a fair price and make a fortune selling it in bits over time.

How do you create a balance between using land for farming and as well using it for housing?

This is easy as most development for housing starts small on a vast space, so you end up having the opportunity to farm the side yet developed until development catches up and then you move again. Housing and farming go hand in hand and you’ll be surprised how many people who indulge in land banking make residual money from farming those empty lands as well.

In today’s competitive real estate market, what strategies do you use to stand out and successfully close deals?

My strategy and approach tend toward prospects. I buy prospects by doing my research and being ahead of the pack knowing where development is tending to. Buying virgin lands, bulldozing, developing, and selling in bits. Closing deals has to do with my negotiation skills, doing due diligence, and meeting the right contact in person to make sure we are in the right direction as most things can’t be outsourced in real estate if you want results. Finally, my integrity sets me out of the pack, I try to be as transparent and clear-cut as possible. This makes investors and clients more comfortable and willing to do business with you.

How do you balance the interests of buyers and sellers while ensuring both parties walk away satisfied?

This is a tricky one because it deals largely with interest depending on who you’re representing. The best way to strike a balance is by controlling your greed and being able to manage the expectations of both parties through proper negotiation and follow-up. Don’t always focus on percentages, or adding exorbitant margins and markups which could frustrate the deal. Always make sure everyone is carried along and the deal should sail through first before haggling your cut, remember you are a broker and you’re not buying nor selling.

DKT International Nigeria Celebrates World Contraception Day

In celebration of World Contraception Day, DKT International Nigeria recently organised a series of impactful outreaches across Lagos and Abuja, reinforcing its commitment to promoting family planning and reproductive health for women and families.

The outreach spanned two days and was hosted at three primary health center locations: General Hospital Ikorodu & Orile Agege General Hospital, Agege in Lagos, and Primary Health Centre Idu in Abuja.

According to a statement, the primary goal of the outreach was to provide at least 500 women with free access to family planning methods which would invariably empower women in these communities with the knowledge to continue to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

This initiative was part of DKT Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of Nigerian women and their families by increasing access to contraception and education on safe sex practices.

“The outreach was made possible through strategic partnerships with key health ministries in Lagos and Abuja - the Family Planning Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the FCT Primary Healthcare Board.

“These partnerships were instrumental in mobilizing resources, healthcare professionals, and

community engagement to reach as many women as possible. By working closely with these health institutions, DKT International Nigeria ensured that women in underserved areas had access to safe, reliable family planning options and the support necessary to incorporate these methods into their daily lives,” the statement added. It revealed that the event kicked off with an awareness walk from the DKT International Nigeria office at the A.G Leventis building in Iddo to the Oyingbo Ultra-Modern Market, where the staff of the company were joined by Nollywood actress, Seyi Edun, as well as notable representatives from the State Ministry of Health to drive awareness on the importance of family planning and safe sex.

“Following the walk, a health talk was held at the Oyingbo Market in Lagos State, with the team providing essential information about family planning methods, reproductive health, and wellness. During the event, free vital checks were conducted for women and men, ensuring they had access to basic health screenings. To promote safe sex practices, DKT International Nigeria distributed free samples of condoms and lubricants, particularly targeting youth in the area to encourage responsible sexual behavior.

“The outreach is part of DKT’s mission to bridge gaps in reproductive health services and ensure that women, families, and young people across Nigeria have access to the tools and knowledge needed to lead healthy, empowered lives,” it added.

Aminat Hassan in Abuja

•Okaruefe

PERSONAL FINANCE

Tips to Identify Investment Scams

The desperation for daily bread amid deepening poverty, and the evolving technological landscape, have continued to expose a lot of persons to scams.

A lucrative sector worth multi-billion-dollar, scamming has become a global threat. It is particularly gaining ground in Nigeria and defying efforts to tame it.

Recently, a UK-based data protection company, Siccura ranked Nigeria first among the top 10 most scamming countries globally. The country was also ranked fifth most vulnerable to cybercrime as indicated in World Cybercrime Index.

Investment scams which come dreadful in the scam bracket have not only brought ruin to the national economy, smartest individuals and corporate victims have equally been counting their losses.

It involves deceiving people into investing money in fraudulent schemes, promising unrealistic returns, and ultimately disappearing with the funds. Among several others, a case of a Nigerian man who sold ‘fake airport” to a Brazilian bank for $242 million in the 1990s, still comes to mind.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) reports that Nigeria has lost not less than N911. 45 billion to Ponzi schemes or investment platforms in the last 23 years. Meanwhile, Ponzi is just one of several other investment scams wrecking unsuspecting individuals. Nigerians have in one way or another fallen victim to other deceitful schemes such as the pyramid, fake investment opportunities, boiler room scams, cryptocurrency and high-yield investment programmes, amongst others.

Despite preventive efforts, perpetrators persist and continue to innovate against physical and digital countermeasures.

Still, progress made in terms of arrests and prosecutions seem to empower offenders’ knowledge arsenal. Day unto day, new cases keep screaming in newspaper pages.

Just recently, the police uncovered an internet fraud academy in Benue State, indicating the deep-rootedness of the anomaly.

Relevant education and constant enlightenment of the public remain key to outsmart unrelenting predators, co-founder of Penny Tree, Adeleke Awotayo-Ayeni said.

“Financial education will help people understand the modus operandi of ponzi schemes and how they can prevent it,” he stated.

A lawyer and Business Consultant, Kingsley Ani, also enlightened about suspicious elements in fraudulent schemes that should not be thrown to the wind. He hinted on some of these red flags below:

Investment opportunities too good to be true; Unreasonable ROI

When something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Investment portfolios are grown steadily over time, with reasonable return on investment (ROI) when numerous factors are taken into consideration: general market conditions, market risk, and inflation. However, if the ROI

on investment opportunity does not factor in these elements, consider it risky.

Limited Time Offer Investments

Limited-time offer investment is a marketing gimmick generally employed by marketers to get a potential customer to commit to a sale, a product, a service, or an offer. An investment platform mounting pressure on one to quickly invest in an investment scheme with mouthwatering limited-time offers is a serious red flag.

Track Records Fictitious

Many investment schemes publish stupendously attractive track records of their past returns to the public as they try to woo investors. They capitalise on the fact that a typical Nigerian does not carry out due diligence to confirm the company’s record. It is important to check records, including financial records, past performance, the company’s management, capitalisation, revenue and revenue streams, and business model, amongst others. A professional may be hired to do this.

Regulation Claims

With the SEC clamping down on fake investment companies to safeguard the investing public, many scam investment companies now lay claim to being regulated by regulatory bodies to ameliorate fears and bolster investor confidence in their schemes. It is important to check out these claims.

Unlicensed Professionals

Scams appear to come from authentic sources, still it’s important to be sure one is talking to a licenced professional or real dealer. As much as possible, verify the credentials of the person offering an investment with relevant authority.

Unsolicited Offers

Most times, if one is offered an investment opportunity that is not initiated by one, be careful in putting your fund to such. A certified Financial Planner, Christopher McGlynn said, “Generally, investment scam offers come out of the blue without one seeking any information. These messages or invitations come through cold calls or emails. That should alert one to remain cautious. I suggest ignoring such calls or emails.”

Overly Complicated

Avoid an investment offer that is secretive and not in the public domain, it is likely illegal or does not exist. An investment process that is not clear enough or has some elements of secrecy should be reassessed.

Difficult Payment Methods

Oftentimes, an unreal investment comes with complicated methods of payment such that the receiver is difficult to trace. A party should be bold enough about his compensation and any associated costs, anything short of this should be suspected.

The increasing sophistication of modern fraud techniques has prompted a call to action for forensic investigators to upgrade their skills and stay ahead of the threat landscape.

At the membership training of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) held in Abuja, recently, experts stressed the need for specialised training and collaboration as being crucial to combating financial crimes.

In his lecture themed, ‘Forensic Investigation Practice & Procedures’, Professor of Accounting and Financial Development, Lead City University, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, highlighted the importance of forensic investigations to the justice

Mixta Africa has announced the launch of a new estate to cater to mid-level consumers.

The company explained that the decision of its new Lakowe Lakes Annexe in Lagos, was important to bridge housing inequality gap, while ensuring that average Nigerians achieve their dream living.

Mixta Country Manager for Nigeria, Sade Hughes, explained that the company’s latest was an extension of its existing premium project within the Lagos New Town development.

She stated that the existing project, Lakowe Lakes Golf Estates, boasts high-end property features that spread to the new estate, enabling budget-conscious Nigerians to have a taste of luxury.

CSR-in-Action

system and corporate governance, citing their relevance to legal outcomes and organisation’s decisions.

He said, “Forensic investigation is a specialised process of systematically gathering and analysing evidence related to financial fraud, criminal activity or civil disputes, to uncover the truth and support legal proceedings.”

According to the don, despite evolvement in practice, professionals are challenged by emerging fraudulent tactics, hence, should be on top of the game to remain relevant.

He added that regulatory irregularities and complex financial transactions and corporate structures have continued to restrain successful practice.

Forensic Investigators Urged to Enhance Skills amid Fraud Threats Firm Unveils Estate

She said, “Lakowe Lakes Annexe subscribers will have access to the same level of luxury, quality roads, lights, lake and garden view. The only difference is that they will only be another community.”

Also commenting, the Company’s Head of Sales and Business Development, Andrea Cameron-Cole, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to bridging the housing gap and sustaining public trust.

She said, “We are known for delivering our projects to detail which is the reputation we built our projects on. Besides the budget-friendly prices that the Annexe comes with, we also have offers for the first few subscribers.”

Drives

Innovative

Financing in Extractive Sector

Aiming at sustainability in the extractive industry, CSR-in-Action has announced a new competition focused on developing innovative green financing solutions for Africa’s extractive sector.

The firm informed that the competition was designed as part of activities for its Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) conference holding October 22.

Chief Executive of CSR-in-Action and Convener of SITEI, Bekeme Olowola, reiterated the objective of the initiative as to ignite innovative thinking and generate actionable solutions centered on green financing in the

mining and oil industries.

Focusing on the theme, ‘’Designing a Game-Changing Green-Financing Solution for Africa’s Extractive Sector,” participants are expected to explore how sustainable financing can be harnessed to transform Africa’s extractive landscape.

Olowola said, “The global push for sustainability requires innovative solutions that can be applied in real-world scenarios. Through this competition, we are giving forward-thinking individuals and teams a platform to present ideas that can reshape Africa’s extractive sector while promoting sustainable growth.” business.

Nigeria, UAE Deepen Ties, Target Mutual Growth

The UAE -Nigeria bond just hit a significant milestone with Emirates Airlines’ resumption of daily flights between Lagos and Dubai.

This development coincided with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary marked recently. It was expected to facilitate travel and business opportunities between the two nations.

An announcement by Emirates Airlines also hinted of new options by Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines to transit through Cairo and Addis Ababa, as well as move with local carrier, Air Peace to explore routes to Dubai.

Commenting, the Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, Adnan Kazim, assured that the latest development would enhance key sectors of Nigeria’s economy, especially the agriculture

“With Emirates SkyCargo offering over 300 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly, Nigerian businesses can easily export goods to Dubai and beyond, strengthening trade ties between the two nations. This boost is critical as Nigeria continues to diversify its economy, moving beyond oil into sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology,” he added.

“This will unlock new markets, boost tourism, and create jobs, while driving mutual prosperity in both countries,” he said.

He further urged Nigerian travellers to adequately plan their trips by obtaining a visa which comes in three classes, as well as verifying documents to be sure they are up- to-date.

Zenera Emerges PR Firm of the Decade

A brand management and communications firm, Zenera Consulting has bagged the ‘PR Firm of the Decade’ award at the Edge Awards organised by Marketing Edge in Lagos.

The company’s Managing Partner and Founder, Meka Niyi Olowola was also honored as ‘Brand Strategist of the Decade’. The Edge Award initiative sought to recognise, reward, and celebrate deserving brands, institutions, agencies and personalities with enviable milestones.

The organisers of the initiative noted that Zenera was recognised for its sustained leadership and lasting impact in the communications industry.

In his remark, Olowola expressed gratitude for

the double accolade, citing the firm’s dedication and creativity over the past decade.

He said, “This is a profound honour for our Public Relations team.

As a Brand Marketing agency that started out in PR, our past ten years have been marked by dedication and creativity.

“This recognition not only reflects the hard work and innovation of our PR practice but also the trust and belief our clients and partners have placed in us. We are excited about what the future holds and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of brand strategy and communications for years to come.”

POLITY

Nigeria at 64: Our Journey of Regrets, Hope

Victor Umeh

The journey of Nigeria as an Independent nation since 1960 is one of many twists, some for which we are proud and happy, and for some also, we are not so proud and very regretful.

Nigeria is a great nation endowed with potential, both natural and human resources to thrive and compete favorably with other great nations of the world.

A nation in which great men and women have risen to global recognitions through their ingenuity and outstanding records yet, there seems to be a lacuna within, due to our inability to properly harness the wonderful potential amongst the citizens. A nation where the founding fathers in full patriotism and love for the nation sacrifced tremendously, some with their blood, in the hope of building a truly united, peaceful and progressive nation where everyone shall be happy and accommodated, irrespective of tribe, ethnic nationality or religious separations.

At 64 years, Nigeria with all its achievements and breakthroughs is still grappling with humongous challenges ranging from asymmetric economic policies that have made the nation’s economic breakthrough almost unrealisable; insecurity and corruption.

However, the inability of the leaders of the government to truly implement governance devoid of all forms of bias and/or dichotomy has also slowed down our collective growth as a nation. Good to note, the improved attention being given to the call for constitutional reforms in the country.

As members of the 10th Senate, in a time when the country is experiencing the painful bites of a failing economy and

rising Insecurity, especially with the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the responsibility of the lawmaker is to continue to advocate for ways of ameliorating and ensuring that due diligence is done in the formulation and implementation of government policies.

I will continue to do my utmost best in representing the interests of my people in Anambra Central and Nigerians in

general especially in areas of enhancing constitutional reforms and providing cum attracting necessary developmental projects and programmes that will benefit the citizens through poverty alleviation and human capacity development and empowerment

I am optimistic that with the various reform policies and programmes of the present administration, we are working very hard towards unlocking the full potentials of our nation to achieve a great Nigeria of the dreams of our founding fathers. I commend President Tinubu for his commitment to empowering the third tier of the government which is the local government, to ensure that the impacts of government are felt at the grassroots.

I want to urge the state governments and governors to avoid sabotaging this noble move, by ensuring that the local governments are democratically constituted through lawful, transparent, and credible elections. I urge everybody not to lose hope in the struggle for achieving a greater Nigeria no matter how difficult it may seem.

Let us join hands and be willing to make sacrifices in building a better society that we and generations after us shall be proud to call home. I sympathise with all Nigerians over the soaring costs of living occasioned by the ongoing economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country.

I urge the federal government to do everything humanly possible to bring our refneries back to life. Finally, I call for peace and continued cooperation of the citizens while the government continues to navigate our country out of our current challenges. I heartily wish the good people of Anambra Central and Nigerians generally, a Happy Independence Day!

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Umeh, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at 10th National Assembly, writes from Abuja

Katsina Recruits 5,095 Primary School Teachers, Promotes

Francis Sardauna in Katsina Katsina State Government said it has recruited 5,095 primary school teachers and promoted 17,600 others as part of the effort to enhance teachers’ welfare and boost teaching and learning in the state.

Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Kabir Magaji, disclosed this while unveiling the achievements of

the board before journalists in the state.

Magaji, who said the promotions were outstanding for 2022 and 2023, said the 5,095 newly recruited teachers across the 34 local government areas of the state are permanent and pensionable.

He explained: “The state government has recruited 5,095 permanent and pensionable primary school teachers in the state. The government also

implemented the 2022 and 2023 17,600 teachers promotion across 34 LGEAs.”

He averred that the state government also settled the arrears of monthly allowances of 74 casual staff amounting to N4,030,000, and purchased and distributed millions worth of learning and instructional materials to schools across the state.

The SUBEB chairman further revealed that the state

government has injected N48 million into its Agric Education Programme to enhance entrepreneurship skills among teachers and learners.

He noted that the funds were used for the purchase and distribution of 3,000 broiler chicken breeds to teachers as revolving loans in 120 selected schools across the 34 local government areas of the state.

He said: “The government expends the sum of N48

17,600

million in the Agric Education Programme through the purchase of N3,000 broilers to selected schools across the 34 LGEAs to encourage entrepreneur skills and self-reliance.” Magaji, added that the state government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has also selected 28 schools to beneft from crop farming as part of efforts to encourage vocational skills among teachers in the state.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Taji Ogbe; Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Engr Wole Ogunsanya; National Chairman, Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), Ugo Amadi; President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Dr Abiodun Ogunjobi; Senior Technical Adviser to Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Abel Nsa; and Executive Vice President, Oando Clean Energy Limited, Mr. Ademola Ogunbanjo, at the 2024 edition of the NAEC Annual Strategic International Conference, in Lagos recently

L- R; President Rotary Club of Maryland Ikeja, Rotarian Lekan Olubajo; Chairman District 9111 Public Image Commitee, Rotarian Olalekan Otun; President Rotary Club of Abeokuta Royal, Rotarian Adenike Ganiyat kazeem; and Chairman Public Image Seminar Planning Commitee/LOC, Rotarian Olatunji Ola- Davies, at the Public Image Training Seminar held at Ikeja - GRA, Lagos … yesterday

L-R: Vice President, Uneme National Development Association (UNDA) Joseph Oboh; Chairman, Enekhua Development Association, Lagos branch,Sunday Daodu; Planning Commitee Member, Austin Oloruntobi; UNDA President, Babatunde Obabori; Distinguished Achiever’s Award recipient and Group Executive Director, Nahcoaviance plc, Dr Sola Obabori;Planning Commitee Chairman and former UNDA President, Bayo Akhigbe; and UNDA General Secretary, Austin Shaba, at the UNDA N500 million for Uneme Education/Security Trust Fund and Award ceremony in Benin city...recently.

L-R; Chief Executive Officer, Nature’s Best Juice and Smoothies, Mrs. Eyitomilayo Sanni; Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Rotimi Fashola; Commissioner, Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Fatai Audu and Director of Programmes and Coordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Oyindamola Egbeyemi during the Agrithon Semi-Final Screening in Lagos.... yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Onumah

How States Are Managing Flooding in Nigeria

Chuks Okocha in this report writes on how the various state governments are managing the devastating effects of flooding in the country

Nigeria’s governors have raised the stakes in the current flooding ravaging many flood-prone states

No doubt the flooding has caused more devastating and traumatic effects in states along the Rivers Benue and Niger, and so far have affected more than 610 000 people, damaged key basic infrastructure, and raised the risks of food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases.

The floods have displaced more than 225 000 people, with 5001 deaths reported in several states and about 300,000 hectares of farmland affected

The most recent in Maiduguri, the capital of the country’s north-eastern Borno State, more than 230,000 people have been affected by floods after a major dam collapsed following intense rainfall. This has hampered access to health facilities, schools, and markets. In the Maiduguri axis, it affected more than 14 health facilities and led to acute diarrhoea, malaria, other water-borne and infectious diseases, malnutrition and other major health risks in the wake of the severe floods.

But in these states, the governors as expected have risen to the challenges. The most recent of such was the response by the Kogi State government.

The federal government led by President Bola Tinubu has not disappointed the affected states. There are lot of collaborations in terms of financial and logistical Supports

For instance, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, authorised the formation of a Flood Disaster Response Team in response to warnings from regulatory agencies indicating that states along the Rivers Niger and Benue are at risk of flooding. The team, once officially inaugurated, would be responsible for coordinating the State Government’s Flood Response Strategies and implementing the State Action Plan on Flooding to minimise the impact of flooding on communities along the Rivers Niger and Benue.

Kogi State, situated at the confluence of these two major rivers, has experienced severe flooding in the past.

The State government’s decision to establish the Response Team aims to prevent losses and safeguard lives and property in flood-prone areas.

The Flood Disaster Response Team is led by the Deputy Governor of the State, Joel Salifu. Members of the team will include the State Auditor General, Commissioners of Health, Environment and Ecological Management, Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Works, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, as well as Information and Communications.

In Benue State, between September 4th and 9th, 2024, the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BENSEMA), identified 22 locations that were impacted by floods.

In the 22 local government areas (LGAs) of Benue State that were assessed, DTM identified 7,092 individuals in 1,089 households affected by the floods. The floods displaced many residents, while some remained in their affected communities. All the affected population were residents.

Twenty-three per cent (23%) of the affected houses are habitable but need repair, 13 per cent of the houses are partially damaged and two per cent of the houses are destroyed. In 45 per cent (45%) of the locations assessed, crop farming was among the primary sources of income.

Also, in a bid to tackle the impending effects of flood as the Republic of Cameroon is set to release water from Lagdo Dam, the Taraba State government announced the establishment of a flood control team across all the 168 wards of the state.

Governor Agbu Kefas, who announced this during a media interaction with journalists at Government House in Jalingo,

recently, said the flood control team would also focus on emergency management and proactive measures to prevent future disasters in the state.

Kefas said, “Our state is facing significant challenges due to flooding, affecting the lives and livelihoods of many of our citizens. In response, we are committed to finding lasting solutions to these challenges, working closely with experts and communities to mitigate the impact of flooding on our people.

“As part of our broader economic empowerment and infrastructure development, the Taraba Development Master Plan 2023-2050, have laid out a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development.”

In Kwara State, the National Emergency Management Agency hinted the people of an imminent high and moderate flooding in five of the state’s local government areas as the rainy season sets.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, gave the warning in Ilorin during the 2024 Downscaling of Flood Early Warnings Systems at state levels.

She listed the Local Government Areas, which are under high and moderate flood risk areas to include Pategi, Edu, Kaiama, Asa and Baruten. The DG who was represented by the Director of Disaster Risk Reduction of NEMA, Mr. Daniel Obot, however, called on the Kwara Government to take proactive measures to mitigate flooding in the state.

In the Northwest, states such as Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi have commenced sensitisation of citizens on ways to prevent probable flooding disasters after the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet) predicted the early onset of rainfall.

These states across Nigeria suffered from the devastating impact of flooding that ravaged many communities including government properties.

The flooding also displaced millions of citizens and many were said to have lost their lives.

For instance, the Executive Director, Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said local leaders have been engaged to adopt preventive strategies before the commencement of the yearly rainfall.

Local governments of Ngaski, Yauri, Koko/Besse,

Argungu, Dandi, Bagudo, Bunza, Augie, Shanga, and Zuru, were listed as areas predicted to experience flooding.

He explained that efforts are in place to empty drainages and other water channels, adding that council chairmen have been directed to encourage residents to plant trees during construction.

“We had meetings with the stakeholders in all the 21 local government areas to intimate the LGA chairmen about the implications of the 2023 annual flood outlook with regards to Kebbi.

“SEMA has put all the necessary measures before the onset of the rainy season and arrangements were made on auxiliary alternatives. “The state government plans to plant about one million trees, local government areas should also encourage policies that will ensure the compulsory planting and nursing of trees.

“At least three trees should be planted in every frontage of a house, especially in flood-prone areas,” he added.

The director urged the council chairmen to intensify sensitisation campaigns to enable residents to adopt proper environmental practices.

Director of Information at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development in Zamfara, Bashir Ahmad,

said the government was making efforts to enable early warning signs and also evacuate drainages and refuse in flood-prone areas. “We are collaborating with NiMet and relevant agencies on measures to prevent future occurrence of flooding in our communities,” he said.

“We held several meetings with NiMet in January where they briefed the ministry on climate forecast and areas with possible risk. We will continue to work together and give emphasis on weather updates by NiMet,” he added.

Commenting on the need for collaboration, Zonal Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto operation office, Aliyu Kafindangi, said the government has engaged stakeholders in three states.

Kafindangi, said the agency sent five letters to the government on the need to ensure early warning signs and emergency interventions during flood disasters.

Don Says Engineering Geologists Vital to Stop Building Collapse, Bad Roads

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A professor of Environmental and Engineering Geology at the University of Ibadan, Ibrahim Oyediran, yesterday, said engineering geologists are vital to prevent building collapse and mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities in Nigeria.

This was as he lamented that Nigeria as a country has gotten to a stage where it cannot continue to pay lip service to the vital role played by Engineering Geologists in the delivery of sustainable structures.

He stated this yesterday while delivering a valedictory lecture in honour of Prof. Gabriel Oladapo Adeyemi, who retired from the service of the University

of Ibadan after clocking 70 years. Oyediran, who spoke on the topic, “Engineering Geology and the Sustainability of Structures and the Environment: The Edunabon Manuscripts,” noted that Nigerian roads keep failing and buildings continue to collapse because the country refuses to consider the environment in the placement of structures.

“Our roads keep failing, our buildings keep coming down, and we refuse to consider the environment in the emplacement of structures. We design beautiful structures without recourse to material suitability, bearing capacity, environmental impact, and sustainability.

“We have no value for human life and place more premium on quantity rather

than quality. How do we walk and move forward when we have refused to crawl and take care of the basics,” he said.

While noting that not all buildings collapse due to material quality, Oyediran noted that by ensuring that geological conditions and processes are fully considered, Engineering Geology helps to create structures that are safe, durable, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible, contributing to the well-being, progress of society and a sustainable built environment.

He maintained that engineering geology was indispensable, and its importance cannot be overstated in the realm of civil engineering and infrastructure development.

ANALYSIS

How Adaora Umeoji is Shaping Zenith Bank’s Future

Donatus Eleko

Adaora Umeoji, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, has once again demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills, propelling the bank to new heights of financial performance in the financial institution’s recently released half-year 2024 results.

Under Umeoji’s strategic guidance, Zenith Bank has consistently outperformed its peers and solidified its position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and across Africa.

Indeed, the visionary approach to banking of Umeoji, who has been with Zenith Bank for 26 years, has been instrumental in driving Zenith Bank’s impressive growth. Her focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable development has resulted in a series of significant achievements.

Umeoji is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School where she attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) and an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a First-Class honors in Law from Baze University, Abuja. She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA. She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA. She also attended the executive program in Strategic Management, and has a Certificate in Leading Global Business all from Harvard Business School, USA.

She has impacted many lives through her philanthropic and humanitarian activities through her NGOs; Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation that educates, caters for Cancer patients and indigent children education especially the GirlChild. Her contribution to humanity was recognized by the Sun Newspaper which recently bestowed on her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.

Maintaining Impressive Financial Performance

Under Umeoji’s leadership, Zenith Bank’s audited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2024, showed that the bank recorded an impressive triple-digit growth of 117 per cent in gross earnings from N967.3 billion reported in the half-year (H1) of 2023 to N2.1 trillion in H1 2024.

This superior performance was achieved even as the Nigerian banking industry navigates a challenging macro environment.

According to the bank’s audited half-year financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recently, the triple-digit growth in the top line also drove growth in the bottom line as the Group recorded a 108 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, from N350 billion in H1 2023 to N727 billion in H1 2024.

Profit after tax also grew by 98 per cent from N292 billion to N578 billion in the same period. This led to growth in earnings per share (EPS) by 98 per cent from N9.29 in H1 2023 to N18.41 in the period under review. The growth in gross earnings was driven by an acceleration in both interest income and non-interest income. Propelled by the growth of and by the effective pricing of risk assets, Zenith Bank’s interest income surpassed the N1 trillion mark, a half-year record, growing by 177 per cent from N415.4 billion in H1 2023 to N1.1 trillion in H1 2024, while non-interest income grew by 74 per cent from N515.7 billion to N899.3 billion.

The Group continued to strive for operational efficiency, resulting in only a marginal increase in cost-to-income ratio year-on-year (YoY) from 38.5 per cent to 39.4 per cent. The heightened risk environment fuelled a growth in impairment levels, thus mildly elevating the bank’s cost of risk from 8.8 per cent to 9.7 per cent. Its cost of funds grew year-on-year from 2.6 per cent to 4.4 per cent given the high-interest rate environment. This also resulted in growth in interest expense from N153.6 billion in H1 2023 to N434.4 billion in H1 2024.

Despite this, net interest margin grew by 49 per cent from 5.9 per cent in H1 2023 to 8.8 per cent in H1 2024, underscoring the efficient repricing of interestearning assets and interest-accruing liabilities. Furthermore, Zenith Bank under the leadership of Umeoji, recorded growth in total assets of 35 per cent from N20.4 trillion in December 2023 to N27.6 trillion in June 2024, while customer deposits grew by 29 per cent from N15.2 trillion in December 2023 to N19.6 trillion in June 2024. Gross loans also grew by 44 per cent from N7.1 trillion in December 2023 to N10.2 trillion in June 2024 aided by loan disbursements

to customers and the translation effect of foreign currency-denominated loans.

The Group’s consistent stringent risk acceptance criteria helped ensure that the non-performing loan ratio continued to show only modest growth, increasing from 4.4 per cent in December 2023 to 4.5 per cent in June 2024 despite the challenging macroeconomic environment. The capital adequacy ratio improved from 21.7 per cent in December 2023 to 23 per cent in June 2024, the loan-to-deposit ratio grew by 11 per cent from 46.5 per cent to 51.7 per cent, while liquidity ratio reduced from 71 per cent to 59 per cent in the current period. All of the bank’s prudential ratios were still well above regulatory thresholds.

In maximising value to its shareholders, the Group declared an interim dividend of N1.00 per share. This represented the highest half-year dividend pay-out in its history, and also the highest interim dividend in the Nigerian banking sector till date.

Today, the bank is globally celebrated as a relentlessly forward-thinking institution, consistently setting the benchmark for digital banking across the Nigerian and African banking sectors, according to a report by International Banker.

Built upon the three principles of people, technology and service, the optimisation of experience and satisfaction across its vast customer base inspires Zenith Bank’s digitalisation strategy, which delivers innovative solutions that are consistently ahead of the local competition.

The bank can proudly boast of having deployed several firsts in cutting-edge offerings that continuously satisfy evolving customer preferences and are thus pioneering the digital-banking revolution transpiring across the country—and, indeed, the continent—at present.

These innovations include the deployment of the first offsite automated teller machine (establishing an ATM in a location outside the bank’s premises in 2003), real-time online banking across its entire branch network, transaction notifications via SMS (Short Message Service) and email, an online payment gateway and QR (quick-response) code payment system.

Some of its internet banking solutions include the *966# Banking, which is a convenient, fast, and secure way for its customers to access their bank account and perform banking transactions via non-smartphone without internet connectivity. This service is available to all individual account holders with any feature phones that run on the GSM platform.

Commitment to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification

Zenith Bank has remained committed to its drive to support the diversification of the Nigerian economy by helping to unlock significant economic benefits for the nation, with its annual international trade seminar.

At this year’s forum with the theme, “Nigerian Non-Oil Export Industry: Awakening the Giant,” Umeoji in her welcome address, highlighted the importance of non-oil export as a catalyst for job creation. According to her, “Our theme ‘Awakening the Giant,’ speaks directly to the untapped potential within the non-oil segment of the economy and how to optimise them. This involves an increase in the number and volume of exportable non-oil items and value addition to exportable items into finished products. Increasing the number and volume

of exportable non-oil products implies more business for you, our esteemed exporters, and increased foreign exchange earnings for our country.

“In addition, this sector will drive employment generation for Nigerian youths who constitute 60 percent of the estimated 233 million population, and Zenith Bank is committed to being at the forefront of these efforts.”

Zenith Bank launched the Non-Oil Export Seminar in 2015 as an initiative to deepen the discourse on promoting the non-oil export business in Nigeria, and remains committed to promoting the non-oil export sector in Nigeria by identifying emerging opportunities that help stimulate non-oil exports and developing robust financial products as well as incentives for operators in the sector.

Sustainability Banking and CSR

Zenith Bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, investing in initiatives that benefit communities and the environment. The Zenith Group has also made a lot of commitments towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Owing to this, the bank has won several laurels in the area of sustainability banking and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Zenith Bank’s vision is to build a lasting corporate structure that would outlive current and future generations through sustainable business practices and efficient deployment of resources. As a responsible corporate citizen, giving back to the communities where they carry out business is an integral part of their overall strategy. The aim is to ‘give back’ in a structured and sustainable manner that ensures the greatest possible impact on the beneficiaries. Its social initiatives are geared towards eradicating extreme poverty, encouraging skills development and capacity building, employment creation, and supporting government’s efforts at achieving inclusive growth and development. To achieve this, the Group periodically carries out need-gap analysis in target communities to be able to accurately determine areas where its support is most needed, thereby delivering CSR projects that are relevant and impactful.

Some of its key focus areas include healthcare, education, infrastructure, sports and youth empowerment. Also, some of Zenith Bank’s major intervention projects include building, equipping and donation of Iga Idunganran Healthcare Centre in Lagos Island; donation of 10 Mobile Cancer Centres (in conjunction with the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy); support for Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria; support for States’ Security Trust Funds; title sponsorship of the National Women Basketball League (in conjunction with the Nigeria Basketball Federation); sponsorship of Nigeria’s representation at the annual Microsoft Office World Championship in collaboration with ReadManna Ventures; sponsorship of the Delta Principals’ Cup, and sponsorship of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Future Outlook

No doubt, the Group’s strong brand equity and excellent service quality position it to mine new business opportunities in strategic sectors of the economy, in existing geographies where it has a presence, and in new geographies it is exploring.

In furtherance of its expansion plans, the Group has received regulatory approval for the establishment of a third-country branch in Paris, France, which, when fully operational, will enhance its product offerings in international markets.

The Zenith Bank Group will continue to invest in enhancing its digital banking capabilities and is expediting the completion of its technology infrastructure upgrade. Its track-record of successful capital raises puts it on a solid footing to meet the new minimum capital requirements for commercial banks with international authorisation, well ahead of the deadline set by the CBN.

The Group remains undoubtedly on track for a record year in its financial performance and will continue to deliver maximum value to its shareholders, while ensuring a strong corporate governance culture.

Also, in 2024, it is expected to unveil its holding company (HoldCo) structure which is expected to see the financial institution serve its customers better.

The HoldCo structure presents Zenith Bank an opportunity to unlock value for shareholders in terms of opportunity in other sectors beyond banking. The first part is Fintech, which it has already received the approval and the licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It would position Zenith Bank to also think of opportunities beyond Africa.

This, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, strongly believes, ”is anticipated to position it advantageously for exploring emerging opportunities in the Fintech space while bolstering its digital and retail banking initiatives.”

As Zenith Bank continues to thrive under Umeoji’s leadership, it is clear that her strategic vision and exceptional management skills are key drivers of the bank’s success. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities has positioned Zenith Bank as a leading force in the Nigerian financial landscape.

Umeoji

JOsEph UshigialE

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com

08023422660 (sms only)

There’s Still Hope For Nigeria

At independence in 1960, Nigerians looked into the future with great hope and optimism. The British colonialist had just granted them the right to self rule and they were determined to make the best use of their new found freedom and opportunities.

Populated by ethnic nationities drawn from the predominant Hausa/Fulani in the North, Igbo in the East and Yoruba in the West, these nationalities agreed to come together in 1914 to form what is called Nigeria today.

Nonetheless, it adopted the parliamentary system bequeathed her by the British and to manage the affairs of the new country, Alhani Tafawa Balewa was elected Prime Minister and head of the government while Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became President of the Senate and later ceremonial President when the country became a Republic in 1963.

Although it adopted the parliamentary system of government, the country was structured into autonomous regions with a weak centre supported by the regions as enunciated by the constitution.

Nigeria started out largely as an export oriented country with each of the regions maximizing its areas of comparative advantage. For instance, while the North with it large land mass concentrated on cultivating groundnut leading to its famed groundnut pyramids, the East and West, had timber, cocoa, palm oil, palm kernel, rubber etc were major exports from which they earned revenue.

No one queued in Abuja for hand outs as is the case today where every month, the regions, which are now 36 states all march on Abuja for federation account allocation.

Apart from being an export oriented country with its numerous products, Nigeria was also a production hub and self reliant. It had the capacity to feed itself and not rely on food imports.

At Nigeria’s apogee, cars were assembled in Nigeria by Volkswagen, which was established with less than N12m in Alakija along Badagry expressway, Peugeot was in Kaduna producing both commercial and private vehicles, Steyr was in Bauchi producing tractors and heavy duty trucks.

Others were Leyland in Ibadan producing commercial buses. In Lagos, apart from Volkswagen, the were ScoAssembly on Creek Road assembling utility pick up trucks and oiling the engine of Nigeria’s growth. No second hand cars were imported then everyone drove brand new cars.

In Kaduna, the textile mills boomed employing people in their numbers. The same scenario played out along the Oshodi expressway industrial corridor where Aswani textiles and other viable textile factories occupies every available space along the road.

There was free education from primary to secondary schools and university students were entitled to scholarships and bursaries. Teachers/ lecturers were paid as at when due and schools and universities were equipped with state of the art materials.

In addition, living standards were high, Nigerians never contemplated jakpaing or

fleeing abroad away from severe hardship and pains as is the case today.

Then, once you graduated, a job was ready and the young graduate will automatically qualify for a vehicle loan etc. Life was good and Nigerians traveled abroad effortlessly. As a commonwealth country, Nigerians didn’t need a visa to visit London. Travel to several countries then was visa free and the Nigerian passport was a symbol of pride and patriotism. It was good to be a Nigerian and Nigeria’s image loomed large across the globe and that was when Nigeria was called the giant of Africa.

What made Nigeria strong? Nigeria maintained its own national carrier with fleets of the latest aircraft flying Nigerians across the world. It had its own shipping line, freighting its imports and exports and employing predominantly Nigerians.

Food was in abundance with multinationals like UAC, Lever Brothers, Leventis, GB Ollivant etc cultivating swathes of land to produce foods.

In addition, Nigeria ate what it produced, it was a net exporter of refined petroleum products because its refineries were working optimally and no petroleum products were imported.

In the end, Nigeria enjoyed balance of trade with many countries, its currency was strong and exchanged at 80k to a $. There was a middle class, inflation and unemployment were under check and Nigerians had disposable income to play around with.

So when did the rain start pelting Nigeria?

The problems are traceable to the 1965 political crisis in the west during the struggle for supremacy by the Action Group led by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Northern Peoples Congress over who controlled the Western Region.

As the crisis lingered threatening to engulf the whole country, the five majors led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu seized power in a bloody coup the following year killing Tafewa Balewa, Sarduana of Sokoto, a host of northern top ranked military officers. Few months later, a counter coup toppled Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi to permanently scuttle the first republic and democracy.

Thereafter, Nigeria has not been the same since as it’s been from one roller coasting to another without any clear direction. Nigeria’s woes escalated following the Yom Kippur war between Israel and Arab states in 1973 which in turn drove crude oil prices off the roof.

Nigeria, just recovering from a brutal civil war with Biafra suddenly found new wealth. Oil revenue took over from the traditional cash crops that were cultivated and exported.

Suddenly, no one went to the farms anymore as easy money rolled in. Every road led to Lagos then and rather than investing strategically and diversifying the economy the leaders went on spending spree with the petrol dollars.

It hosted Festac 77, was father Christmas to many countries to whom it dished millions of dollars as gifts. Back home, it increased salaries of civil servants in what is today called Udoji award.

The turning point was in 1986 when military president Ibrahim Babangida adopted the IMF-World bank recommended Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) which led to devaluing the naira with the sole aim of diversifying the economy to make it attractive to investors and exporters.

The return to civil rule in 1979 didnt last long as the politicians once again showed their unrestrained profligacy by running Nigeria aground. After just a term, the military sent President Shehu Shagari parking and his

cohorts back to their villages.

Today, Nigeria has come full circle and things are actually getting worse with the naira exchanging for over 1600 to a dollar. Boko Haram and other insurgents are holding the country in a vice grip as the safety of lives and properties is no longer guaranteed.

Nationally, there is pain, anguish and hunger following the removal of fuel subsidy and flotation of the naira. Twin policies that have caused prices of essentials like foodstuff to skyrocket and above the reach of the common man.

Today, Nigerians are groaning under the yoke of high food prices, transport cost, high rent charges, medicare, school fees etc. Even the miserly N70,000 negotiated and agreed with labour can hardly foot these bills.

But there is hope if only the present administration will listen. Nigeria needs to go back to the grassroots and produce. It must cultivate enough to achieve food security. If the country can feed its growing population, it will save money from food importation.

Nigeria has to revamp its textile sector because of the huge benefits inherent in the value chain. Apart from providing raw materials for local businesses it has capacity to absorb an army of unemployed youths.

There is a need to deflate the economy, Nigeria needs to build mega infrastructures. The 700km coastal highway is not ambitious enough, what is needed is in the threshold of about 10,000km of roads and rail with touchpoint across the 774 Council areas.

How about financing? This is where financial ingenuity comes to the core. Nigeria ought not borrow to finance infractructure, it is about time government takes it foot off the economy pedal and allow the private sector take over.

The private sector can be mobilized to bring in its money and government will create a Private Public Partnership agreement for a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT). If the private sector can mobilise $100b into the economy, we will not be looking for the green back today.

There must be a deliberate attempt to conserve our foreign exchange through diversification. All companies operating locally should source their raw materials locally to conserve forex and deliberate efforts should be made to create companies specially to produce for export.

Tinubu

Hyundai Nigeria Debuts Locally Assembled CNG Vehicles, Auto Finance Options

Hyundai Nigeria has said it rolled out CNG vehicles of various categories for automobile users across the country. This is a boost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), the company said in a statement.

“Assembled in Nigeria, the models include Hyundai Grand i10, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Creta and Hyundai Tucson,” the company said. Hyundai Nigeria, a subsidiary of Stallion group, described its latest offerings as a way of supporting the federal government’s efforts at flooding the country with sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

According to the company’s head of sales and Marketing, Mr. Gaurav Vashisht, the locally assembled CNG vehicles are targeted at most vehicle buyers, including retail customers or status vehicle owners from different corporate companies.

“For instance,” he stated, “CNG Grand i10 is largely targeted at fleet owners and first-time buyers, both of which focus on vehicle reliability and the low cost of ownership.

“With the Hyundai CNG vehicles, our customers,

including first-time car buyers, will be able to acquire tropicalized and affordable vehicles that come with factory fitted CNG facility instead of having to convert those unsafe, imported used vehicles.

“Our latest Grand i10, Accent, Creta and Tucson come with factory fitted CNG kits, including the bulletproof CNG cylinders, which are not only safer than petrol tanks, but take up less trunk space unlike the converted conventional vehicles.”

As revealed by Vashisht, to accommodate all interested Nigerian auto buyers into the cost-saving motoring incentives, Hyundai Nigeria has in place auto finance options for buyers, who are unable to make a one-time payment for any of the CNG vehicles.

It would be recalled that the federal government, in 2023 introduced Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), a programme aimed at encouraging automakers to flood the country with factory-fitted CNG vehicles.

Because CNG emits far less carbon compared to traditional fossil fuels, vehicles running on CNG are more environmentally friendly. Also, owners of CNG vehicles pay an equivalent of about N300 per litre unlike petrol, which currently sells for almost N1000 per litre.

“Like all CNG-powered vehicles,” Vashisht

stressed, “the newly introduced Grand i10, Accent, Creta and Tucson guarantee higher fuel economy and low running costs.

“Most important, our newly introduced locally assembled CNG vehicles are backed up with a 3-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and supported by over 30 years of nationwide aftersales network facilities of Stallion Group,” Vashisht added.

Common among the newly introduced CNG vehicles are style, economy, strength and safety.

For instance, Sporty and trendy, the CNG Grand i10 is not only powered by multi-point injected engine mated onto automatic transmission, it comes with safety feature, including Anti-lock brake system (ABS), Rear parking assist system (RPAS) and Dual airbags.

Chisco Transport Deploys 50 New Luxury Buses

Chisco Transport, one of the country’s front runners in long distance passenger transportation and logistics for over 45 years, has announced the deployment of over 50 brand new luxury buses with innovative features to various routes.

According to a statement issued by the company, it has a series of major upgrades in its service portfolio, adding that it is also expanding its network of branches in order to take its services closer to the teeming customers nationwide.

Signed by Mr Buchi Ochuba, Head of Business Operations, the press statement disclosed that the new state-of-the-art air-conditioned buses are already on duty on the routes to the new (and old) branches in Nigeria and across West Africa.

“Chisco Transport is also pleased to introduce to the travelling public the exciting customer rewards.

With our brand-new fleet of luxury buses, expanded branches, new routes across West Africa, and exciting

Range Rover, Coscharis Tee-off at Nigeria Golf Cup 2024

Coscharis Motors in conjunction with its Range Rover partners collaborated with Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA) to tee-off the 27th Edition of the Nigeria Cup 2024. The tournament took place from September 21–28, 2024 at the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos. The one week event cuts across families, friends and business associates in a tournament, golf clinic, award presentation and gala night format.

Commenting on the collaboration, Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group said: “The partnership is to jointly excite the competing golfers and create an ambience of solidarity among players, friends and associates who have regularly endeavour to participate in this tournament since its inception.

According to Abiona, the rationale behind the partnership is not only the audience affinity but the new Reimagine strategy being adopted by JLR for the Range Rover as a distinct house of brand, with the vision of becoming the proud creators of the most desirable, modern luxury brands, for the most discerning of clients.

Range Rover’s reputation as a peerless leader in

modern luxury, delivering the exceptional for the most discerning clients is well established. It has proven itself aesthetically as iconic and of the finest craftsmanship since its British provenance in 1970.

In addition, the Range Rover offers a 5 year or 150,000km extended warranty, which includes a 5 year service package offered by Coscharis Motors. “No modern luxury brand in Nigeria offers this ownership peace of mind in Nigeria as at today”, enthused Abiona Babarinde.

Beyond the Golf tournament, participants and guests were offered the opportunity to experience the Range Rover by booking a demo with the Coscharis team at and after the event.

customer rewards, we’re taking our customers’ journeys to the next level,” Ochouba stated.

He disclosed that the new-look Chisco Transport fleet, featuring state-of-the-art buses, has all it takes to ensure that passengers travel in style with their comfort and safety prioritised.

Travelling in the new long or medium luxury buses is pleasurable, because of the premium seating arrangement which guarantees more legroom, adjustable seats, and extra comfort for long trips.

The new buses also boast advanced safety features, including real-time GPS tracking and top-tier safety systems to ensure peace of mind; as well as in-bus entertainment which makes it possible for passengers to enjoy a relaxing ride with modern entertainment systems.

The Head of Business Operations spoke more on the branch expansion, saying, “We’re excited to announce new branch locations coming soon across Nigeria, making it easier for our customers to access our top-tier services.

“Additionally, we’re covering international routes, with destinations in major cities like Cotonou, Togo, and Accra, Ghana. So, whether local or cross-border, the customers’ travel options just got wider.”

Beefing up the Chisco Transport bus fleet, according to Ochuba, will enhance the popular 24 -48 hour nationwide mail and parcel services

He reiterated Chisco Transport’s strong belief in appreciating customers who consistently patronise its wide spectrum of services, explaining that a new reward scheme tagged Rides & Rewards Programme, is in line with this policy.

“We believe in rewarding loyalty! With the launch of our new Rides & Rewards Programme, you can earn discounts and exclusive offers every time you travel with us. The more you travel, the more you gain by booking trips on our seamless mobile App and our website www.chiscotransport.com.ng.

“Chisco Transport is dedicated to continuously improving your travel experience. Join us on this exciting journey – where comfort, safety, and rewards are just the beginning!”

A Nigerian Auto company, Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), is facilitating training for the conversion of petrol vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas, and is providing Special Service Tools (SST) for auto technicians in the country.

This is in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), according to a statement by Lanre Shittu’s officials.

Participants at the first phase of the training held from September 16-20 at the NADDC centre in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, numbering over 45, included members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Ekiti State Chapter and representatives of the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

The trainees were selected from all the local governments in the state.

In order to complement their training, LSM went a step further to provide the participants with the Special Service Tools and battery-powered hand-drilling machines, worth about N400,000 each.

Managing Director of LSM, Mr. Taiwo Shittu,

commended President Bola Tinubu for the CNG initiative that had energised the nation’s auto industry, adding that it would reduce cost of public transportation and boost the economic activities.

He told journalists that the company remained committed to facilitating the growth of the local auto industry by way of collaborating with the NADDC in training technicians and providing them with modern tools.

Hyundai CNG-powered vehicles

Chisco bus

range rover

lanre Shittu Motors facilitating training for the conversion of petrol vehicles

Summons (Singular), Summonses (Plural)

Summons (Singular), Summonses (Plural)

YAHAYA Bello’s new opportunity to surrender: “His swash-buckling approach to criminal summons (a criminal summons or summonses, depending on context) by the EFCC shows a total lack of discretion and good judgment.”

Please note: summons (singular) and summonses (plural). Most journalists always get this unusual entry wrong!

“The cat and mouse (cat-and-mouse) game he has played with the court should end.”

“Abubakar said that (sic) giving palliatives to people will (would) not solve the problem.”

“Governors’ minimum wage theatricals: Legal fireworks begins (sic) next week”

“This is yet another landmark in the life of a philantropist” Spell-check: philanthropist

“Generousity (sic) per (sic) excellence again.” (Source: as above) There should be no full stop because it is not a sentence. A rewrite: Generosity par excellence again

“Uzodinma hails police for returning peace to Imo” Is the national newspaper under review (name withheld) insinuating that the police took away ‘peace’ in Imo and are now returning it with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State as the crown witness? The police are merely restoring peace—not returning it! Some of these ‘media professionals’ can misrepresent someone!

We move to the views page: “Some of them go about on (in) private aircraft with security agents at their beck and calls (call).”

Education Today pages are next: “Adeola Odutola College alumni inaugurates (inaugurate) lecture theatre”

“Recent crackdowns on examination malpractice…has (have) led to hundreds of prosecutions and scores of convictions.”

“Tuition: EKSU students laud instalment payment” Campus News: instalment plan (not payment)

“….reports that majority (a majority) of Nigerians are going through unprecedented hardship.”

The word ‘followership’ is a Nigerian coinage. The approved entry is ‘following’ or ‘followers.’

An example: The APC has a large following or many followers. Also note that ‘witch-hunt’ is not a verb as many people often use it!

It is a countable noun. (Contributed by Ken Ugbechie)

The Guardian of September 4 posted a sentence wrongly: “So could the instances of delayed tax remittance and clear failure by FIRS to mete out sanctions on (to) defaulters….”

“Service can only be enjoyed on MMS enabled (MMS-enabled) phones that have the correct MTN data settings.” (Full-page advertisement by MTN)

Still on THE GUARDIAN: “Borno engages 64,000 youths in poverty reduction schemes” Appointments: poverty-reduction schemes

“The federal government must, therefore, set up a special task force to monitor all its activities, projects and make sure that they are commissioned (now a cliché) on time.”

“Explore the possibilities of world class (world-class) education within the country at Elizade University.” (Full-page advertisement)

“…in addition to sitting for our post UTME (post-UTME) scheduled to hold on….” (Source: as above)

“Saraki’s media aide added that after the closed door meeting….” Truth in defence of freedom: closed-door meeting

“According to him, the video was not an official recording of the forum, and, as such, remained untameable (untenable).”

“Real reason Emeka Oparah quits (quit)

Cadbury”

Lastly from this platform: “Firms’ profits re-open (reopen) cement glut claims” Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER of September 28, goofed: “Even before this season rounded-off (rounded off), players and coaches (coaches’) transfer news have (had) even overshadowed some matches….”

Global soccer summer transfer: ‘news’ is uncountable

“Below are photographs of personalities at (on) the occasion.” (Source: as above)

“Don’t miss out on the thrills and anxiety (anxieties) every week as thousands of talented singers battle for the grand prize of N24 million and the career changing (career-changing) Sony Music Contract.”

(Full-page advertisement by glo Unlimited)

“School holds inter house (inter-house) cultural competition”

“Fraud free (Fraud-free) immigration to Canada”

“...and that these have the potential to trigger off crisis (a crisis) the end of which nobody could fathom.”

Next is a special extract from the edition under review: “Reports said no fewer than 44 people were slaughtered penultimate Tuesday night by some unknown gunmen (we can never know the gunmen—so spare readers the ‘unknown’ trite!) at Dumba village on the outskirt (outskirts) of Baga town in the Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.”

“Our members have earned the allowances by working for the money and therefore we are not begging for crump (crumbs) from government.”

“She said the motive is (was) still unknown….”

Lastly from Daily Trust under examination: “Police cordons town hall over crisis” A rewrite:

Global Culture Crossroads: Okonkwo vs Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a name synonymous with global stardom.Whetheritishisnuancedperformance as Nelson Mandela in ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, or his chilling portrayal of Commandant in ‘Beasts of No Nation’, the actor has proven himself capable of embodying larger-than-life characters. But can he do justice to the towering figure of Okonkwo, the tragic protagonist of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart? That question has stirred a storm of controversy, reflecting broader concerns about cultural authenticity, representation, and Hollywood’s expanding influence on global narratives.

Achebe’s1958novelremainsoneofthemostpivotal works in African literature, dissecting the cataclysmic encounter between the indigenous Igbo people of Nigeria and British colonialism. Okonkwo stands at the heart of this narrative, a man so tethered to his cultural identity that the forces of change render him a tragic relic of a dying era. Bringing such a character to life on the silver screen is no small feat, and casting decisions are vital to preserving the integrity of this narrative. The rumored casting of Elba (52), while exciting to some, has opened a Pandora’s box of cultural and artistic dilemmas.

There are many compelling reasons to support Idris Elba’s portrayal of Okonkwo. First and foremost is his undeniable talent and ability to convey the emotional complexity that Okonkwo demands. Okonkwo’s tragic flaw - his fear of failure and his dogged clinging to outdated ideals - calls for an actor capable of walking the fine line between stoic pride and vulnerable fragility. Elba, with his commanding presence and well-honed versatility, has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to navigate the moral ambiguity required of such roles.

There is also the practical consideration of marketability. Hollywood’s inclination to cast well-known actors in significant roles is not merely an artistic choice - it’s a financial imperative. Idris Elba, with his international acclaim, could serve as the bridge that connects this deeply Nigerian story with a global audience. In a world where African cinema still struggles to gain mainstream recognition, casting a star like Elba could ensure that Things Fall Apart transcends the ‘foreign film’ niche and garners the widespread attention it deserves.

Yet, this argument is where the cultural fault lines begin to form. As African literature scholars

and Achebe enthusiasts argue, Things Fall Apart is not just any narrative that can be globalized for the sake of profit and fame. It is a profound exploration of a specific cultural moment, anchored in the traditions, language, and experiences of the Igbo people. The nuances of the Igbo worldview - expressed in their proverbs, customs, and communal way of life - are integral to the novel’s power. Casting a non-Nigerian, particularly a non-Igbo actor, in the role of Okonkwo risks diluting this cultural specificity, reducing the story to a pan-African narrative that overlooks the deep roots from which it springs.

“There’s a tendency for Hollywood to paint Africa with broad strokes,” noted Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. “But Africa is not a country. Okonkwo is not just any African man. He is an Igbo man, steeped in a very particular tradition and history.” For many, casting Elba, though African, could symbolize another chapter in theWest’s tendency to flatten the rich tapestry of African cultures into a monolithic narrative. Elba’s broad appeal and recognizability might attract audiences, but at what cost to the story’s authenticity?

Police cordon off town hall after crisis Daily Independent Online of August 28 committed juvenile errors: “…dignitaries at the event took their turn (turns) to thrash out the problems politicians have infested Nigeria with.”

“Influx of people stretch (stretches) our security—FCT CP”

“UN seeks Nigeria’s help to (at) restoring constitutional order in (to) Guinea Bissau” THE NATION ON SUNDAY of September 29 fumbled copiously: “…Ehoe division responded to a distress call at about 3.30 pm (at 3.30 p.m. or about 3.30 p.m.) that….” Both cannot co-function.

“Traders commend FG over (for) intervention on (in) closed shops”

“…in this interview with reporters, he said the North’s allegations that they are currently marginalized was (were) baseless….” Daily Trust of August 21 offered readers a clownish mistake: “4 family members arrested in Abia over murder of kinsman” A rewrite: 4 family members arrested for kinsman’s murder

“South-South Monarchs (Monarchs’) Forum” “Quality all purpose equipments at GOOFA Nigeria Limited” A rewrite: Quality all-purpose equipment (uncountable)

Wrong: “Go and on/off the generator”; right: Go and put on/off the generator

Wrong: “Wash hand basin”; right: Finger bow The next two blunders are from Stv Early Morning News Scroll of September 21: “Preventing external agression” Spell-check: aggression

“Aviation workers suspends (why?) strike, FG intervenes”

“Churning out series (a series) of lifetransforming soap operas endeared….”

Hollywood often equates star power with marketability, and Elba’s presence undoubtedly brings a level of global recognition that could draw a wide, diverse audience. This is crucial for a film like Things Fall Apart, which, while celebrated in academic and literary circles, may not naturally appeal to mainstream Western audiences. Elba’s acting chops combined with his international acclaim could help bridge that gap.

Idrissa Akuna Elba, OBE, born to Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian parents, is African but not Nigerian. For some, this fact alone disqualifies him from portraying Okonkwo. While Elba is undeniably talented, there is a belief that only a Nigerian actor, someone steeped in the country’s cultural landscape, can truly inhabit the role.

The decision also raises the broader issue of representation in global cinema. If Elba is cast, it may reinforce the troubling precedent of relying on foreign actors to tell indigenous stories. This practice can overshadow local talent and deprive Nigerian actors of opportunities to portray characters that are their cultural birthright. Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is the second largest in the world, and there is no shortage of homegrown talent capable of delivering an authentic portrayal of Okonkwo. To cast outside this wealth of talent might be seen as Hollywood’s endorsement of the notion that African actors lack the capacity to carry a major production - an idea that perpetuates the very colonialist thinking that Things Fall Apart critiques.

Financially, the project is rumored to be a massive undertaking. Several reports suggest that Hollywood studios are in discussions with Nollywood producers, potentially involving African production houses to ensure a sense of cultural ownership. This consortium would pool resources, aiming for a budget exceeding $50 million (over ₦80 billion in today’s exchange rate), with plans to shoot on locations in Nigeria and utilize both local and international crews. The involvement of African producers could mitigate concerns about cultural erasure, ensuring that the film’s portrayal of Igbo society remains respectful and accurate. But, as always with such partnerships, there’s a fine line between collaboration and co-optation. If the project is too heavily influenced by Western investors, the danger of diluting the narrative for mass appeal looms large.

The stakes are high. Things Fall Apart is more than

just a story - it is a cultural touchstone, a lens through which the complexities of colonialism and cultural identity have been analyzed for decades. A misstep in its adaptation could have lasting implications for how African stories are told on the global stage. We have seen examples of literary works from other cultures being adapted for international audiences, sometimes with mixed results. ‘The Kite Runner’, based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini, was one such example that, despite its success, faced criticism for its oversimplified portrayal of Afghan culture. More recently, Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘Mulan’ received backlash for flattening Chinese history into a palatable fantasy for Western viewers, despite its attempts to honor the original.

However, there have also been instances where adaptation has been handled with care. Ang Lee’s ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, for example, succeeded in telling a distinctly Chinese story while captivating a global audience. It maintained the depth and dignity of its cultural context while still appealing to viewers unfamiliar with the traditions it depicted. The key to its success was respect for the material - an understanding that a global audience need not come at the cost of cultural authenticity. The question that hangs over Things Fall Apart is whether such a balance can be achieved. Can Idris Elba, with all his talent and charisma, embody Okonkwo without overshadowing the Igbo essence that defines him? Can Hollywood adapt a distinctly African narrative without stripping it of its soul?

As Achebe’s Uchendu says, “The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.” This sentiment resonates as filmmakers face the task of translating Achebe’s world to the screen. The contemporary world is watching, waiting to see whether this adaptation will honor the cultural heritage that Achebe so brilliantly captured, or whether it will fall victim to the very forces of commodification and cultural flattening that Things Fall Apart warns against.

elba

Budding w orld-class Striker Victor Boniface

Scoring 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches in all competitions last season, in spite of being plagued with injuries, Super Eagles striker,Victor Boniface has continued where he left off,scoring five goals in eight games so far this season.Just onTuesday,the Nigerian scored Bayern Leverkusen’s winner againstAC Milan in the Champions League and has been attracting attention by some European giants.Indeed,his manager,XabiAlonso did not mince words when he stated the Ondo-born striker has the potential to be a world-class player

Boniface has been a key player for Leverkusen in recent times, scoring 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 games in all competitions last season to help Alonso’s side to an incredible campaign in which they won the Bundesliga title unbeaten and reached the final of the Europa League.

It now seems the 23-year-old is continuing in similar fashion this season, with five goals in his first eight games in all competitions. It is, however, coming as no surprise that Chelsea sent scouts to monitor his last game.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen boss, Alonso, has confirmed that he told Victor Boniface that he could become like legendary Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba.

Boniface was an integral member of the Die Werkself side that won the Bundesliga last season, finishing as top scorer. He has continued the goalscoring form this season, recently finding the back of the net in the crucial Champions League clash against Milan.

The 23-year-old striker told journalists that Alonso had told him to learn from Drogba. The Spaniard has now confirmed this to reporters.

The former Liverpool midfielder believes the Ondo-born striker can reach the heights Drogba reached.

He highlighted Boniface’s strengths but pointed out facets of his game that require improvements, including aggressiveness.

“He has many qualities that could make him as formidable as Drogba,”

Alonso said. “His strength and the difficulties he creates for defenders are remarkable.

“He’s exceptional in tight spaces and thrives around the box,” Alonso added. “But he needs to be more assertive in attacking the box when opportunities arise.

Alonso also expressed his commitment to helping the young striker develop and improve his decisionmaking.

“It is a process, we need to help him, we need to push him, and sometimes to take better decisions when it matters most.”

Since joining from Union SaintGilloise last summer, Boniface has made a strong impression.

With his growing influence in the squad, football fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop under Alonso’s guidance.

The German Bundesliga champions have a 100 per cent in the UEFA Champions League following a 1-0 win over Serie A giants AC Milan at the BayArena on Tuesday.

Boniface was the hero for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal five minutes into the second half, his first ever goal in the Champions League.

The Nigeria international thought he had broken the deadlock in the 21st minute when Jeremie Frimpong delivered a pass to the center, allowing Boniface to slot in what seemed like the opening goal, only for VAR to rule it out

because the Netherlands international was offside.

Early in the second half, Boniface was in the right place at the right time to tap in the rebound at the back post after Frimpong’s initial effort was saved.

With seven titles won, AC Milan are the second most successful team in Champions League history, behind Real Madrid.

Speaking to TNT Sports shortly after the game, Boniface acknowledged that AC Milan were a tough nut to crack but was delighted that Bayer Leverkusen were able to grind out a win.

“It’s really good victory, we are happy we got the win, we know how strong the team is and we are happy we got the win,” Boniface revealed.

“We know how good they are but we have our game plan and we worked towards it and luckily for us, it worked out and we got the win. So, the important part for us is we got the victory.

“As a striker, it’s important to score in every game, not just in the Champions League but in every game. We try to do our best in every game - the league, Cup and Champions League.

“I’m happy I got the first goal in the Champions League so I feel really proud of myself.”

Bayer Leverkusen had their most difficult game of the new Bundesliga season last weekend when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bayern Munich.

Looking ahead to their next fixture with Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel, Boniface said: “We just take it step

by step. Now, we have an important game on Saturday (today) so we focus more on Saturday (today) than the rest. So, we take it step by step.”

After matchday two in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen are sitting third in the standings, level on six points with leaders Borussia Dortmund and surprise package Brest.

Boniface has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the past three years. From playing for Norwegian side, Bodo Glimt, he moved to Belgian club Royale Union SG. And after just one season, he was snapped up by Bayer Leverkusen.

At BayArena, the 23-year-old hitman has grown to become a regular goal poacher on the domestic scene and on the continent.

Although he played in the Europa League in the last two seasons, Boniface got his first experience of UEFA Champions League football this season when Bayer Leverkusen thrashed Feyenoord 4-0 two weeks ago. The Super Eagles star failed to score in that game, but he had an impressive performance.

However, Boniface finally broke the duck on Tuesday, when Bayer Leverkusen played AC Milan.

“I feel good, this is what most young players from Africa dream of- to represent yourself and your club on the big stage,” Boniface said.

“I’m really proud of myself and happy we got the win. That’s the most important thing but I’m happy with the goal as well.”

Victor Boniface scores Bayer Leverkusens winner against AC Milan

GLOBAL SOCCER

Oborevwori to Football Administrators: Put Interest of Nigeria First Before Any Other Consideration

The Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged football administrators in Nigeria to put the interest of the country first before any other consideration while taking decisions concerning the game of football.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, made the call yesterday in Asaba while declaring open, the 80th annual general assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

He thanked the NFF for choosing Delta as venue for the meeting noting that the state is peaceful and Deltans are receptive of visitors.

“We know the role the round leather game plays in Nigeria; Nigeria is a football loving country, so, you are aware of the enormous burden on you all as the decision makers for millions of Nigerians who are lovers of the game of football.

“Yes! Football is beyond the everyday sporting event, it has become a strong unifying game for Nigeria and Nigerians, football has no age, religious, political, ethnic, social or geographical barrier in our country, this is why I call on you today to put the interest of the country first in taking decisions concerning the game of football. Look beyond the ball, and see the joy or sadness that will be

on the faces of Nigerians because of your decisions or indecision concerning the game of football,” the governor said.

The governor continued, “on behalf of the government and the good people of Delta State, I welcome you all to the sports city of Asaba, the peaceful capital city of our dear state, Delta.

“ I feel very happy to be in your midst today to address this august body, an assemblage of football administrators and stakeholders from different parts of our country who are here for the Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“To most of you, Asaba is not new to you as we are football loving people; generally, we are sports lovers as you can attest to with our state continuing its winning streak at the national sports festival and other sporting competitions.

‘Just last month,’ Delta bagged 111 medals to win for the 8th consecutive time, the National Youths Games.

“Also, the Stephen Keshi Stadium is a FIFA approved stadium for international football matches and the Super Eagles have played football matches severally at the stadium.

“ As a government, we are

not only developing our sports facilities across the state, we are also committed to encouraging our youths in particular to engage in sporting activities.

“Just yesterday, the third edition of the annual Zenith Bank/ Delta Headmasters’ Football Competition kicked-off in Asaba; this competition is for primary schools across the state while the Principals Cup is for secondary schools in the state.

“In a lot of ways, these competitions have enabled us to catch them young, and nurture them to be football stars.

“Asaba is peaceful, Deltans are generally receptive and accommodating, so, feel free, find time to go round the town, visit our tourists sites, the Mungo Park House, Lander Brothers’ Anchorage, the Film Village and Mariam Babangida Park, among others; and do enjoy our delicacies - Ofe Nsala and Pounded Yam, Owo and Starch, among others.”

The governor wished members of NFF fruitful deliberation.

Representative of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr Amaju Pinnick urged members of the NFF to be united and love one another for the overall development of football in the country.

Revenge in Mind as Liverpool Storm Selhurst Park

Liverpool’s dream of ending erstwhile manager, Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year journey at Anfield with a Premier League title last season was practically ended by Crystal Palace, as the Eagles inflicted the Reds with a 1-0 defeat in front of the Kop. Liverpool have started this season like a house on fire, winning five of their six league matches and conceding only two goals.Arne Slot’s men will, therefore, be having revenge at the back of their minds as they visit Crystal Palace in today’s early kickoff at Selhurst Park

Fresh from a recordbreaking evening in the Champions League, Liverpool return to Premier League action this afternoon, squaring up to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the lunchtime kickoff.

The Reds survived a few scares to defeat Bologna 2-0 in midweek, while the flightless Eagles became Everton’s first victims of the Premier League season last time out.

Whether Arne Slot will ever achieve the Merseyside fame of Jurgen Klopp, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, only the coming years will tell, but the Dutchman has already achieved a feat that not a single one of his Reds predecessors could manage.

By masterminding a twogoal triumph over Bologna on Wednesday evening, where Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah netted either side of the half-time whistle, Slot became the first-ever Liverpool manager to win eight of his first

nine matches in charge across all competitions.

The ex-Feyenoord boss admitted that Liverpool did not have it all their own way against the spirited Rossoblu, and the same was true against Wolverhampton Wanderers in last weekend’s Premier League contest, but a 2-1 triumph was enough to send the Reds to the summit.

Victory today would temporarily move Liverpool four points clear of both Arsenal and Manchester City in the gold medal position, and Slot’s crop have now won each of their last five games on the bounce, netting 15 goals at an average rate of three per match.

Not since their title-winning 2019-20 season have the visitors won their first four away games of a Premier League season, and Slot could now become just the fourth manager in competition history to prevail in his first four away fixtures, after Felipe Scolari, John Gregory and Bobby Gould.

Boxing & MMA Hall of Fame Hosts Amateur Championship for South-south States

The Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame hosted the South-south edition of the National Amateur Boxing and MMA Championships at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium indoor sports hall in Benin City, Edo State. The event got a great deal of interest as more than 50 skilled fighters from the South-south states of Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, and Delta, showed off their proficiency in both MMA and boxing. Under the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) rules, the MMA tournament delivered pulsepounding action through 10 intense bouts, featuring a range of weight categories. The female 65kg category was one of the most talkedabout matchups, as Edo’s own Obala Joy faced off against Delta’s Success Johnson in a clash that had the

crowd on their feet. Rivers State’s Precious Ejiogu went head-to-head with Cross River’s Precious Ajiboye in the 55kg female category, while Delta’s Victor Ikoko battled Rivers’ Okorie Selix in the male 70kg division.

The crowd erupted as Gabriel Karo of Edo State clinched the gold in the male 60kg category, overcoming fierce competition from Cross River’s Damilare Ayilaran. In the female 65kg division, Joy Obala brought glory to Edo with a hard-earned victory, cementing her place at the top. Felix Okorie from Rivers State also clinched the top spot in the 70kg male category. competition which was fierce, with fighters from across the South-south, showing that they are true warriors ready to step onto the national stage.

The boxing ring was no

less exhilarating, as seven bouts across various weight categories saw fighters trading blows and strategies in a battle for glory. One of the most intense matchups of the tournament was in the female 67kg category, where Akwa Ibom’s Chisom Arkfort squared off against Cross River’s Nicholas Osazee. Meanwhile, Delta’s John Emeka faced Bayelsa’s Burutu Shalom in the male 67kg bout, delivering a masterclass in both offence and defence.

In the male 64kg final, Edo’s Hapry Daniel emerged victorious, sending waves of pride through the hometown crowd. Bayelsa’s Happiness Monday secured a triumph in the female 54kg category, while Edo fighters claimed the male 54kg and 75kg titles, dominating the competition.

At Independence Basketball Championship, Chief of Deffence Staff Affirms Military’s Commitment to Sports

The Chief of Defence Staff CDS Gen. C.G Musa has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to promoting sports, particularly basketball, as a means of fostering unity and peace in society. This was evident at the ongoing Chief of Defence Staff CDS Independence Basketball Championship in Abuja, where exciting matches unfolded on Day 1. The tournament kicked off with a series of intense games that showcased the talents of various teams. The Armed Forces faced a tough challenge from the Hard Rockers, ultimately falling

Speaking of managers who made a phenomenal impact upon their arrival in the Premier League, Crystal Palace were a team revitalised under the wing of Europa League-winning boss Oliver Glasner last season, but the Eagles have evidently had their wings clipped over the summer.

Last weekend’s trip to fellow winless side, Everton appeared to be a prime opportunity for Palace to finally get off the mark for the new season, and Marc Guehi’s 10th-minute opener set Glasner’s men on their way to that objective, but the

Real Madrid are set to host Villarreal today in their bid to get back to winning ways after drawing 1-1 in the Madrid Derby against Atlético de Madrid on Sunday.

Los Blancos conceded an equaliser late in second half stoppage time and missed out on the opportunity to trim LaLiga EA SPORTS leaders FC Barcelona’s lead to one point, following Barça’s

short with a score of 49-66. Meanwhile, Bauchi Nets and Gilali engaged in a closely contested match, with Gilali emerging victorious at 66-50. Plateau secured a solid win against Kada Stars with a score of 63-55, while Kano Pillars dominated over Niger Potters with a score of 57-40. Suleja and Gombe Bulls battled it out in a close game, with Gombe Bulls clinching a narrow victory at 65-61. City Chiefs and Rivers Hoopers also delivered an exciting match, ending with Rivers Hoopers prevailing at 51-46. Defenders displayed a strong performance against Novena, securing a convincing win at 80-56. Lastly, Mark Town Flyers soared to an impres- sive victory with a score of 83-64.

During the opening ceremony, Gen. Musa emphasised the importance of sports as a non-kinetic approach to promoting peace and engaging the youth. He highlighted the role of basketball in harnessing the talents of Nigerian athletes and fostering unity within theMusacommunity.expressed the military’s dedication to organising more basketball championships in the future, recognising the positive impact of sports on society.

Madrid Target Return to Winning Ways against Villarreal

4-2 loss away at CA Osasuna on Matchday 8. Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently three points off top spot.

Meanwhile, Villarreal CF have gotten off to a solid start to the 2024/25 campaign, with El Submarino Amarillo pushing for European qualification after missing out on the European spots last season.

An entertaining matchup Marcelino’s side are

set to visit the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in what promises to be an entertaining fixture between two teams who offer fans historically high-scoring fixtures when they face each other. As many as 26 goals have been scored in the last five duels between Real Madrid and Villarreal CF across all competitions, working out at 5.2 per game.

MultiChoice Announces Revamp of SuperSport Variety Channels

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced a revamp of its SuperSport variety channels, which will take effect from October 9 on GOtv.

Thisupgradewillintroduceexciting changestothecurrentlineup,aimedat providingcustomerswithanenhanced sports viewing experience.

The current SuperSport Select Channels will be rebranded to SuperSport Africa, and a new channel, SuperSport Action, will be introduced to bring customers access to a broader range of sporting events, including UFC and

additional Champions League games.

Speaking on the revamp, Tope Oshunkeye, Executive Head of Marketing at MultiChoice West Africa, stated that the new channels will offer sports enthusiasts a vibrant mix of high-quality highlights, repeats of relevant sports, boxing events and much more.

“The channel revamp is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our sports offering and provide our customers with more unbeatable sports

content that resonates with them. The new channels will feature the latest sports action from across the globe, but with a focus on content that’s specifically tailored for the African viewer. This includes local boxing, UFC events, comprehensive analysis, and a variety of other engaging content. We remain committed to delivering the best sporting action to our customers and continuously look for ways to delight them with more choice, exciting live content, and great value,” Oshunkeye said.

winners at the South-South National Amateur MMA & Boxing Championships proudly display their medals

L-R: Minister of Sports Mr. John Owan enoh, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme and the president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau during the 80th Annual General Assembly of the NFF held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba OTOBORe UMUkORO

Yury Paramonov to US, Ukraine

“We greatly value the level of relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria.” – Official Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, Yury Paramonov faults statements suggesting that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference.

OKEY IKECHUKWU

As the Earth Gets New Moon

Well, we now have a second moon from outer space. It is merrily orbiting the earth, like the good old round moon we have always known. But it is not round. It is not big either. We would most probably not have seen it, or known about it, but for the advances in astronomy and related sciences. Worse still, this small, 10 metres wide non-round moon will go away again, beyond the earth and its orbit by the end of November. Strictly speaking, this celestial wayfarer is an asteroid, suspected to have gotten here from a set of asteroids that are less then 200 million kilometres from us.

The official view is that it poses no threat to life here on earth. But is that the same thing as saying that its presence will not have any effects whatsoever here? I think not. Consider the points to be made in the next paragraphs.

The tides we experience in all bodies of water on earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. At the Bay of Fundy in Canada, where you have the biggest tide in the world, the difference between low and high tide could be as much as 16.3 metres. But leaving all that, and coming to the simple matter of tides and what causes them, we should simply note that there won’t be high and low tides if there was no moon..

So, it is possible that any stary object will saunter into our planetary space and orbit and not have its radiation and even gravity leave some impression? I think not. But let us take the conversation further, by listening in on a conversation between Celeste and her friend, Jasmine, on recent events going on around us. Let’s follow them, as Jasmine brings up something in the news that made her think that life on earth was almost about to come to an end.

Jasmine: Celeste, sorry I have to impose on you right now, but I saw something in the news report of July 30, 2024, about a killer asteroid, coming towards the earth from outer space?

Celeste: Yes, I read about it in Yahoo News. And now a new moon hanging over, and around our dear earth.

Jasmine: Yes, and that is very scary. I was worried, when I read about the approaching asteroid, that it would hit the earth and wipe out all life. The report said that preparations were underway to prevent a possible cataclysm, so I figured that we were on the verge of being wiped out. Now I am relieved that it has moved on.

Celeste: The report did not say that the asteroid was about to hit our earth, but the title of the report: “Preparations underway as ‘planet killer’ asteroid, the size of cruise ship, nears Earth” must have created the impression of a looming disaster. But let us go into the science of it all, if you don’t mind?

Jasmine: Very well then.

Celeste: The asteroid mentioned in the July 30, 2024 global media reports is called Apophis. It is about 350 metres wide. It would have caused quite some damage to life and environment if it had struck the earth.

Jasmine: Well, I am glad that it has carried its trouble elsewhere.

Celeste: Going by its size, it would have completely destroyed a big country in one fell swoop if it impacted land here on earth. It would have triggered floods and tsunamis across beaches

and coastal cities all over the world, if it struck ocean or sea. That is what would have happened if it struck the earth. It is expected again sometime in 2029, and again in 2036.

Jasmine: The asteroid is named Apophis by scientists. Now, that is the ancient Egyptian god of Darkness and Chaos; who was constantly fighting the Sun god, Ra. The report also said that scientists were sending their “RAMSES” into space to learn more about Apophis. And is Ramses not the name of one of Egypt’s Pharaoh.

Celeste: Yes, it is.

Jasmine: So, what is all this romance with ancient Egypt right now?

Celeste: Sorry, I don’t understand, Jasmine.

Jasmine: Ramses died many centuries ago. But here we are, with scientists trying to dispatch him to deal with this invading Apophis, the ancient Egyptian god of darkness and chaos? Has science suddenly turned to voodoo and witchcraft?

Celeste: Voodoo and witchcraft? C’mon Jasmine! The RAMSES mentioned in the report is an acronym for “Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety”.

Jasmine: Oh, really?

Celeste: Yes! If you had read the report in greater detail, you would, perhaps, have noticed that RAMSES was part of a Planetary Defence Program, to study and better understand the makeup and behaviour of the more than 1,000 other so-called “planet killer” asteroids that cross the Earth’s orbit from time to time.

Jasmine: And this particular asteroid will be here again in about five years time, right?

Celeste: Yes.

Jasmine: Tell, me, what genuine risks do asteroids pose to the earth?

Celeste: Our earth passes through a lot of what astronomers call interplanetary dust daily. Some of the objects there are the meteors, or the shooting stars, we sometimes see at night.

Jasmine: Really?

Celeste: Oh yes! Some are about the size of pebbles. Others are like bowling balls in size. They

enter the atmosphere three or four times everyday, causing some of the brightest flashes in the night sky. Something as big as a truck does not come in so frequently. But there was a hit in 2013, when a massive fireball smashed windows and injured pedestrians over the city of Chelyabinsk, in Russia.

Jasmine: So, a big asteroid can really do a lot of damage?

Celeste: A big asteroid measuring anything from 150 metres across would have a devastating effect. If something about 1km in size should strike the earth from space, that could end civilisation as we know it today.

Jasmine: I don’t get it. How could something that small end civilization?

Celeste: With its speed and all, it would dig a massive crater, trigger devastating tsunamis, throw fireball as far across the earth as possible, create huge clouds of debris that would block out the light of the sun, and most likely bring about a new ice age.

Jasmine: Hmmm, that is very scary. Well, I hope that none is coming our way right now; really!

Celeste: Maybe, maybe not. What I do know is that there is so much going on out there right now. The earth has attracted a new “moon” for itself, has it not? Then there was the comet (named Devil comet by scientists) which was visible during the 2024 eclipse. Do they all mean anything other than the mere fact that they appeared and we saw them?

Jasmine: How would I know? You are the science person between the two of us. New moon, eclipse and Devil comet, why?

Celeste: My concern is that we cannot say what the effects of the radiations of these heavenly bodies on life on earth might be. The earth’s overall vibration and even on its magnetic field may all be in the line of fire.

Jasmine: Aha, there she goes again! Always looking for an opportunity to talk about Armageddon!

Celeste: And there you go again, forgetting that a little knowledge of astrology and physics tell us how everything is in what can best be

described as a network of radiations. Our way of living could “invite” triggers of a new wave of experiences, just as objects from outer space could have specific effects on us and the world around us. Take Climate Change, for instance.

Jasmine: What about Climate change?

Celeste: We keep thinking that it is just about the weather and air emissions. We do not know that earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, weather catastrophes and much more are linked with it.

Jasmine: All that can be linked to Climate Change?

Celeste: I have often said that the earth’s climate is changing too fast for many things to return to normal again. Temperatures are rising in some areas, while wildfires and phenomenal heat waves are rising in other places. There are more downpours, droughts, storms, devastating flood and rapid melting of glacial ice in different places.

Jasmine: Well?

Celeste: Well, what? The world’s glaciers lost their ice at the rate of 267 billion tonnes of ice per annum, between 2000 and 2019.

Jasmine: And what is wrong with ice melting as it pleases?

Celeste: Such melting ice contribute to rising sea levels. Rising sea levels means that more coastal city flooding, more erosion and other hazards should be expected. Our changing climate will be contributing to the number and frequency of natural disasters occurring on the Earth’s surface. And there could also be other dangers from beneath the Earth’s surface, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Jasmine: Climate Change can also induce all that?

Celeste: But of course! Rising temperatures lead to a warmer atmosphere. A warmer atmosphere retains more water vapour. The retained water vapour leads to higher levels of precipitation, or rainfall. And geologists have long since established some connection between the rate of rainfall and volcanic activity. Catherine Brahic’s 2008 piece “Heavy Rain Can Trigger Earthquakes”, which appeared in Scientist, established that fact. This book, and similar works, show that the number and frequency of earthquakes is influenced by the annual rainfall cycle of what is called the summer monsoon season in the Himalayas.

Jasmine: Really?

Celeste: But of course! There is ample evidence, showing that some 48% of Himalayan earthquakes strike during the drier pre-monsoon months of March, April and May. Only 16% occur in the monsoon season.

Jasmine: Hmmm. Alright, so the ongoing glacial meltdown caused by global warming is also likely to increase the number and frequency of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the future?

Celeste: That is the implication. The effects of Climate Change are everywhere for us to see. All the sings of the End-Times are also here, but no one is paying attention.

Jasmine: What did I say earlier about you leading conversations like this towards some kind of end of the world scenario? You may know all the science in this world, you may have all the information on ancient prophesies and predictions, but I dare say that this world of ours is not coming to an end anytime soon. You can take that from me. Celeste: No problem, Jasmine. As for the new moon now orbiting the earth, I also dare say that it is likely to introduce a new variable into the cosmic ecosystem of our earth.