FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2024

Petrol Price: In Change of Style, Akpabio Asks

Nigerians to Reduce Number of Cars They Own

Senate President insists market now fully deregulated Marketers sell fuel for N1,400/litre across Nigeria

TUC demands special FX rates for domestic crude oil supply Withhold allocations to states running caretaker c’ttees, lawmakers urge FG

Sorondinki in Kano, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The rising price of petrol following the full deregulation of the downstream oil sector continued to generate reactions yesterday, with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urging Nigerians to cut back on the number of cars they own.

www.thisdaylive.com

A Child Out of School Today is Serious Threat to Nation Tomorrow, Says Shettima

NGF: Early marriage, poverty, GBV hinder girls' education, empowerment Almajiri, out-of-school children are time bomb, Abiodun warns FG to launch transformative vanguard framework to provide quality education

Fubara in Jeopardy as A'Court

Nullifies 2024 Rivers Budget

Judgment silent on fate of Amaewhule-led assembly

It’s false, court didn't reinstate 27 lawmakers, state govt clarifies

ELEVATE AFRICA SUMMIT...

Emmanuel Addeh, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and John Shiklam in Kaduna, Ahmed

L-R: His Royal Majesty, Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Uganda, Oyo Nyimba kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV; Chairman of the occasion, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse lll; Convener of Elevate Africans, wife of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse lll; wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Nana Shettima; former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga; and First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs.Olufolake Abdlrazaq, during the Elevate Africa Summit in Abuja ... yesterday

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta

Kashim Shettima has stressed the urgent need for

education in the country,

Shettima spoke in Abuja at the inaugural International Conference on Girl Child Education organised by the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) in collaboration with Rivers State Government, the World Bank,

OANDO VISITS ENVIRONMENT MINISTER...

L-R: Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Haruna; Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke; Executive Vice President, Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), Ademola Ogunbanjo; Minister of state for Environment, Honourable Minister Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Managing Director, Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, (OERNL), Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune; Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar; and Vice President, Opportunity Maturation and New Ventures OCEL, Hadiza Adukonu, during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja...on Wednesday

NASENI to Commercialise 52 Innovations, Attracts $30 Billion FDI from China

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has stated that it currently has 52

innovations billed for commercialisation, with $30 billion foreign direct investment (FDI).

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), of NASENI, Khalil Halilu made the disclosure on Thursday

in Abuja when he briefed journalists on his one year achievements in office.

According to him, the agency plans to commercialise 52 of its own products so that they will be available in the market for Nigerians to buy.

He said: "My first year as EVC of NASENI has been nothing short of transformative. From the outset, I brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the agency, steering it toward a future where technology and manufacturing are not just buzzwords but driving forces of national development.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Art, Culture And Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced that Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).

The much-anticipated lecture, titled: “Digital Ecosystem: Redefining African Cinema”, will focus on the growing influence of digital technologies in reshaping the African film industry by driving job creation, wealth generation, and regional trade.

“The world is increasingly captivated by our talent and our stories, and the vice president’s lecture will address the crucial role of the digital ecosystem in revitalising African cinema. The Nigerian government is actively creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, international agreements, and digital platforms,” she said.

Shettima’s lecture, she said, will explore how Nigeria can position itself as Africa's creative hub while establishing a global cultural footprint.

The address will be followed by

interactive discussions with a panel of distinguished experts from across the continent, delving into the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital age for filmmakers and creatives.

She also thanked key collaborators for their contributions to the festival’s success, including the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and his counterpart at the ministry, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

She noted the important role Abuja is playing in establishing itself as the creative and cultural heart of Nigeria, thanks to initiatives like ZUFF.

“Abuja is fast becoming a centre of creativity and tourism through our new initiatives and partnerships with the FCT ministry,” she added.

She urged attendees to also explore Lagos, particularly during the December festivities, noting both cities’ growing status as global cultural and creative hubs.

In her remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, emphasised the connection between storytelling and tourism.

“Every location has a story, and through film, we’ve translated these stories into entertainment that attracts youth and women alike,” she stated.

"Under my stewardship, NASENI has strengthened partnerships that are laying the groundwork for Nigeria's Industrial revolution-think cuttingedge projects in reverse engineering, rural electrification, and innovative manufacturing solutions."

"Next year, I will focus more on enhancing NASENI's impact on Nigeria's technological and industrial

landscape. One of my primary goals is to ensure the commercialisation of all viable NASENI products, eliminating the practice of letting prototypes gather dust on shelves. In the first year, we focused on strategic partnerships with leading production field players, at home and abroad."

His approach, he noted, has been hands-on, with a keen focus on delivering tangible results, adding: "whether it is collaborating with local tech firms to scale up production capacities or working with international bodies to ensure that Nigeria stays ahead in the global tech ecosystem, our vision is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence."

The past year has seen NASENI emerge as a crucial player in the quest for a self-sustaining technological future for Nigeria, he stressed.

"In just 12 months, we set a bold vision for the future- one where

Nigeria is a leader in homegrown innovation and manufacturing.

Overall, my journey at NASENI exemplifies an unwavering commitment to Nigeria's innovation, demonstrates its manufacturing capabilities, shows investment in staff training, and lays a foundation for sustainable industrial practices, In line with the renewed hope vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration."

"Today , Nigeria stands on the brink of its own industrial renaissance, with NASENI at the forefront of several of the key initiatives. Over the past year, we have moved beyond envisioning a future of imped industrial growth to actively building it.

"Our portfolio now includes 35 market-ready innovations-from affordable solar lamps that can power our streets to cutting-edge agricultural technologies that can help

make putting food on the table of Nigerian families easier.

"These are not simply products; they are answers to the urgent challenges of energy access and food security," he said.

Director, Business Technology Development Department, Benard Ozigi, said the agency has been able to attract foreign direct investment worth $30 billion from China and that when the EVC assumed office he promised to commercialise 30 0er cent of the agency's innovations, and that he has since exceeded that mark. He said, currently he has 52 products that are ready to be commercialised by the agency so that Nigerians can buy them in the open market.

Of the 52 products, he spoke highly of the irrigation solar powered machine and Save80 stove which he said saves 80 per cent of energy.

Namadi: Good Governance Crucial for Economic

James Emejo in Abuja

The Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, yesterday said the quest for economic stability, growth and development could be elusive without adherence to the principles of good governance including accountability, transparency, rule of law and participation.

Speaking while declaring the 54th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) with the theme, “Governance Reimagined: Mapping the Future", closed in Abuja, Namadi

described governance as necessary condition for creating and sustaining an enabling environment for economic growth and development.

He said, “As we close the 54th Annual Conference, we keenly look forward to how outcomes of the proceedings of the conference would help in reshaping our governance institutions and contributing to economic stability, growth, development and improved socio economic wellbeing of the citizens of Nigeria.”

The governor commended the organisers of the conference particularly for the choice of

Effective PPP Models for Ports Concessions: Blue Economy Ministry Partners ICRC, BPE

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Thursday, indicated its resolve to partner the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) in identifying world best practices and also identifying the appropriate Public and Private Partnership models in the rehabilitation, modernisation and concessioning the Nigerian ports.

This the ministry said is part of efforts to restructure, transform and improve efficiency within the nation’s ports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,

stated this when he received on a courtesy visit, the Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and management team of ICRC at the ministry in Abuja.

Oyetola noted that prior devised PPP models usually end up in avoidable bottlenecks due to over reliance on the government for funds by the private sector. He maintained that government has no business in business when it comes to infrastructural management and thus called on the ICRC and BPE to partner the private sector to provide the much needed boost to revitalise and revamp the port industry.

Speaking further on identifying

competent partners, Oyetola decried instances whence investors draw up robust business scales that at face value appears viable and achievable. But after getting approvals and commencement of implementation, fail to raise or bring up the needed funds for these projects.

He called on the Commission to work with BPE to fashion out ways and proffer viable options that will make the PPP arrangements work in the ports sector.

He also called on the ICRC to determine the proper models of PPP in the concession of ports across the country stressing that for the rehabilitation and modernisation of ports to be carried out, the private

sector that has the means must be willing to play its role for ports to operate at maximum capacity in Nigeria.

Providing further insight into delays with rehabilitation of the ports, Oyetola said: "We are not delaying the rehabilitation of ports terminals, in fact, it was taken to FEC in 2021 but was rejected for lack of sufficient funds.

"Again, the World Bank was engaged, but all terms and conditions couldn't apply because of the timing.

"In the rehabilitation and modernization of these ports, you need to consider all that in determining the appropriate terms and conditions that will apply," he concluded.

theme – especially considering the recent “#endbadgovernance” protests that took place in many parts of our country.

He said the “unfortunate incidence raises the need to reexamine, or more appropriately, to reimagine the concept in a very insightful manner to inform or map-out future policies and appropriate responses to ensure sustainable improvements of socioeconomic wellbeing of the citizens and to foster greater understanding of the compact or social contract between governments and the governed.”

He maintained that when the governance environment is imbued with the principles of accountability, transparency, rule of law and participation, the requisite environment would have been provided creating and sustaining an enabling environment for economic growth and development.

He said, “Talking about Poverty Reduction Initiatives of the UNDP, Late Kofi Anan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, said ‘Good Governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development’”.

He said, “Accordingly, it is my firm believe that the discussions over the last three days have deeply considered relationships between good governance, economic reforms, social contract and nation building and were robust enough to provide outcomes that would go a long way in providing critical information in mapping out pragmatic strategies

Stability

for building a stronger polity.”

He said, “In all these, what is apparent is that governance is about leadership. It is about how people are ruled, and how institutions of the state are administered and regulated.

“It is about the institutions, processes, and laws that define the leadership environment. When governance is good, characterised by accountability, transparency, rule of law, participation and being responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens, development is assured.

“Conversely, absence of good governance directly undermines or even completely prevents the attainment of development objectives. Bad governance almost always renders the leadership incapable of delivering on whatever positive vision they may have of the society.

“No matter how well-conceived a development programme may appear to be, once the critical elements or principles of good governance such as transparency and public accountability are missing, or even poor participation through non-involvement of key stakeholders during implementation, the programme would have been doomed for failure.”

Namadi, however, pointed out that ICAN members have a key role to play in promoting good governance in the governance environment, adding that the Act establishing the institute also sets standards for professional discipline for which it establishes the Accountants Disciplinary Tribunal.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

SANWO-OLU INSPECTS ONGOING WORK OF NEW MASSEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL...

L-R: Representative of Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited, Project Contractor; Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr. Adekunle Olayinka; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, during an inspection of the ongoing Construction work of the New Massey Street Children's Hospital, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island ... yesterday

Adedeji Urges States Accountant Generals to Block Revenues Leakages, Uphold Tax Laws

The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, yesterday made passionate pleas to states chief accounting officers to do more to plug revenue leakages and ensure full compliance with

existing tax laws. Adedeji made the plea at the opening of a workshop for States Accountant-Generals, Directors of Finance of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Government-owned Enterprises, on enhancing tax compliance and revenue generation

in Abuja.

He said at a time when the nation is facing economic challenges, it was imperative that “we look inward and increase our internally generated revenue”.

He, however, emphasised that this does not necessarily mean increasing tax rates but cutting

wastages and discouraging corrupt practices – a role which remained critical for accountant generals.

The FIRS boss said, “As you are aware, the Federal Inland Revenue Service is tasked with the crucial responsibility of assessing, collecting, and accounting for revenue accruable to the federation.

CAPPA Asks FG to Increase SSB Tax from N10 to N130 Per Litre

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has called on federal government to increase the tax imposed on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) from N10 per litre to N130 per litre or by any rate that is not less than 20 per cent of the product’s retail price.

The CAPPA made the call yesterday during the “Journalism Training on Effective SSB Tax and Industry Monitoring” thay was held in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that studies have shown that close to 30 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria were due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are primarily linked to unhealthy diets, particularly the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), also known as "soft drinks".

Oluwafemi said: “The high rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases highlight a health crisis in Nigeria, with over 11 million Nigerians currently living with diabetes.

“Nigeria's status as the fourthlargest consumer of soft drinks globally is concerning and is a looming health epidemic if not addressed promptly.

“The adverse effects of these preventable diseases on productivity, revenue loss, and human lives underscore the urgency for effective policy solutions.”

The Research Officer, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), Mr. Fidelis Obaniyi, in his paper titled “SSBs and Economic Impact on Household: Cost of Disease and Effective Taxation,” said that higher taxes on unhealthy products like SSBs would reduces their consumption shifts consumption towards healthier options, thereby reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Obaniyi identified excise tax aimed at reducing consumption

of harmful products as one of effective SSB Tax.

He said: “It has been implemented by over 100 governments globally, including Mexico, California (USA), South Africa, Nigeria (tax of N10 per litre in 2021), etc., to combat health issues like obesity and diabetes and increase government revenue.

“Studies suggest that SSB taxes can effectively improve public health by reducing consumption, encouraging healthier beverage choices, and potentially generating revenue for health promotion initiatives.

“For instance, in South Africa, a 20 per cent tax on SSBs was predicted to avert 8,000 type 2 diabetes-related premature deaths over 20 years.

“A 20 per cent tax on SSBs was predicted to reduce obesity prevalence by more than 3 per cent in men and more than 2.0 per cent in women.

“We observe that the per capita consumption of SSBs is expected to decrease by 30 per cent for males and 9.0 per cent for females due to the tax induced increase in the retail price.”

He projected an annual decrease of 29 per cent for aggregate consumption of SSBs in Nigeria following a practical implementation of the SSB Tax

“The results of the tax simulation show that the excise tax revenue is projected to increase by about 972 per cent, amounting to N729 billion.

“Such fiscal revenue could be earmarked for improving Nigeria's health system.

To mitigate the economic and health impacts of unhealthy food, Nigeria should increase and enforce an SSB tax, promote public awareness about the health risks associated with SSB consumption, use tax revenues to support healthcare and disease prevention programs.

“The economic impacts of unhealthy food are profound, including direct healthcare costs

and broader societal implications.

“An SSB tax is a viable policy intervention that can improve public health, reduce healthcare costs, and generate revenue for further health initiatives.

“While the tax of N10 per litre on SSB in Nigeria is a good beginning, the tax rate must be improved to have a significant fiscal and health impact,” Obaniyi said.

The SSB Tax Project Officer, CAPPA, Ms. Opeyemi Ibitoye, said: “Global recommendation on SSB Tax is at least 20 per cent increase in the final retail price in order to significantly reduce habitual consumption.

“What we are saying is that government should focus on health

on health and not on commercial profits.”

A Public Health Consultant, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Dr. Francis Fagbule, in his paper titled “Sugar-sweetened Beverages and Non-Communicable Diseases Burden in Nigeria,” emphasised preventive measures because of the expensive nature of managing and curing non-communicable diseases.

Fagbule said: “A group of conditions that are not mainly caused by an acute infection, result in long-term health consequences and often create a need for long-term treatment and care.

“Evidence shows a growing burden of NCDs facing Nigerians.”

“However, we cannot achieve this mandate without your effective collaboration and support. Whether by virtue of legal authority or through our direct engagement, you, as Accountant-Generals, serve as vital agents of government, ensuring that taxes are collected and remitted in a timely and efficient manner.

“We are all agents of the same government, united by one vision: to ramp up revenue for the growth and development of Nigeria and, by extension, for the benefit of its citizens.”

He said, “You are responsible for ensuring that VAT is charged and remitted, that Stamp Duties are paid on contracts, and that Withholding Tax (WHT) elements in contracts are properly withheld and remitted.

“These are not just tasks assigned to you by law, but responsibilities that are central to the success of our collective mandate. We trust that, whenever we call upon you, we can count on your continued support and cooperation.”

Adedeji pointed out that the government had made efforts to simplify the tax remittance process, particularly through the centralised payment system where Accountant- Generals handle payments on behalf of government agencies.

This, he said, has been instru-

mental in ensuring swift remittance of taxes such as VAT, WHT, and stamp duties.

He said the federal government had further reduced the WHT rates to focus on taxing profits rather than revenue, a move that aims to ease the burden on businesses and citizens.

He explained that while the reduction in WHT may reduce the immediate tax collection, “we believe that with enhanced compliance and collaboration, we can expand the tax base and make up the difference”.

He said the FIRS had made significant progress through the integration of technology, improved processes, and capacity building for its workforce.

He said these advancements have not only enhanced tax compliance but have also positioned the service to meet its ambitious target of 18 per cent tax-to-GDP ratio by 2026.

“This collaboration, particularly with key stakeholders like yourselves, is critical to our success in achieving this goal.

Let us use this workshop as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to these shared objectives. Personally, I believe by working together, we can create a more efficient, transparent, and effective tax administration system that supports the economic growth of our great nation,” he said.

Gov Sanwo-Olu: New Massey Hospital Ready Next Year

Segun James

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured residents that the new Massey Children's Hospital, located on the Island, would be ready next year.

Massey Children’s Hospital, the first paediatric hospital in the country was established over 100 ago before the new reconstruction by the state government.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Thursday during inspection of work on the site of the largest pediatric hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.

The governor, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the site, said: "We are on course, and we believe that we should be nearing completion sometime next year.

"All of the major civil works will be completed by the end of this year and extensive finishing would start.

"Am happy with the commitment and the quality of work that is being done. The

multi-level car park has gotten to the required height and the hospital has one more floor and and helipad on top."

Sanwo-Olu, who recalled very well that the ground-breaking of the edifice was done less than two years ago, said: "We did promise them that we are going to be erecting what will be the biggest paediatric hospital in the whole of the sub-Saharan Africa at a single location.

"You will see for yourselves the magnitude and extent of what is now being and where the contractors are.

"I also undermined the size of this job, but being here on the site gives a full view of the magnitude of what we are trying to put here."

Affirming that that Lagos deserves the health edifice, the governor said: "The current Massey Children's Hospital, which is almost 100 years old, the minimum we can do is to not only just bring back that name, but put up a structure that would last for another 200

years. "I can see from what we are doing here that this setting will last for centuries."

Saying that it is part of his administration's promise, Sanwo-Olu noted: "My wish for the residents, especially mothers, fathers and children on Lagos Island is that this is another promise made, another promise kept.

"We are about ensuring that we put infrastructure that will outlive us, we will put facilities that will be comparable to anyone of the size in any part of Africa or indeed in the world. This is one of our major health projects, and there are several of them."

He noted that there are "several of them, about four, five projects almost of this size bigger that we are doing in different parts of the state."

"By the end of October and November, we will go round some of these sites, in Ojo, Epe and others, to see where all of these are going to," he noted

He commended all the consulting engineers, supervising ministries, including work and infrastructure, health, urging them to double their commitments to ensure that the job is done.

"If it's not completed, it's not done. It's only when patients begin to come here and get well that we can say that we have done our job and we have completed it.

"We hope that when we come back here again, we will come to look at the finishing and the proper hospital. It's going to bring about further regeneration of the entire neighborhood," the governor added.

Chairman of the Lagos IslandEast Local Council Development Government, Alade Folawiyo, said he was happy that the construction of the new Massey Children Hospital was happening during his tenure. Folawiyo added that it would be a befitting gift to the children of Lagos Island on the centenary of the famous children's hospital.

James Emejo in Abuja

MBAH RECEIVES REIGNING MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA...

L-R:

AGF Sets Criteria for Exemption of Third-party Research Grant from TSA

Mandates federal varsities, research institutions to obtain government’s approval before opening endowment accounts with commercial banks, others

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has issued guidelines for the exclusion of third-party research grant funds of federal universities and research institutions from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The AGF confirmed the development in a federal treasury circular, adding that the new guidelines would be implemented immediately.

She said the guidelines were sequel to the President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the exemption of research grants and endowment funds of Federal Universities and Research Institutions from the TSA policy.

In the new operational manual, federal universities and research institutions are to obtain the approval of the AGF before opening research grant/endowment fund accounts with commercial banks while all other accounts are to remain with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Madein, whose Office manages

the TSA for the government, also stated that all research grants and endowment funds must be supported by a well-executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the tertiary institutions and the granting bodies.

In a statement issued yesterday by Director, Press and Public Relations, office of the AGF, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Madein, said, “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) shall maintain list of all research grant/endowment fund bank account(s) opened by all federal universities and research institutions pursuant to the presidential approval.

“The management of the accounts, including accounting and reporting of transactions with the commercial banks shall be restricted to the Bursary/ Accounts Departments of the tertiary institutions".

She said research grant/endowment fund accounts shall be strictly for receiving grants, adding that on no grounds shall other public funds be operated in such accounts and that

such accounts “shall not be deemed to be the operational accounts of the tertiary institutions/research institutes”.

The AGF said annual returns, including bank statements and bank reconciliation statements on the research grants/endowment accounts,

shall be submitted by the institutions to her office for reconciliation into the General Purpose Financial Statement (GPFS) of government.

She stressed that in all their operations, the institutions are to strictly comply with the TSA/e-collection

policy guidelines. Earlier, the OAGF had issued operational guidelines for the exit of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The guidelines stated that the

payrolls for the month of October 2024 for tertiary institutions shall be processed on the IPPIS platform while that of November and December 2024 shall be processed by the institution and shall be checked by the OAGF IPPIS.

FATF Unveils New Rules for Deciding How Countries are

Nigeria, S'Africa, 10 other African countries still on grey list

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has unveiled new rules for deciding how countries are included in its 'Grey List'.

FATF is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, which sets international standards that seek to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they pose to society.

A country on grey list is under increased monitoring by the FATF due to certain deficiencies in its anti-money laundering (AML) and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and proliferation financing (CPF) framework.

suspended by the president over alleged financial improprieties.

The Senate yesterday approved the nomination Dr. Badamasi Lawal for appointment as the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The confirmation of Lawal for appointment as CEO of NSIPA followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Invest- ments that screened the nominee.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, in her report said the nominee is qualified for appointment having met all relevant legal requirements for the position.

The senators unanimously agreed that Lawal be confirmed for appoint- ment when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the request to voice vote.

President Bola Tinubu had in a statement by his former spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on August 8, 2024 nominated Lawal for the position subject to Senate’s confirmation.

The new CEO of NSIPA was a former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs in Katsina.

Lawal would replace Halima Shehu, the former CEO of NSIPA, who was

After Shehu was suspended, Tinubu directed Akindele Egbuwalo, the national N-Power programme manager, to replace her in acting capacity, pending the conclusion of investigations.

Also yesterday, the Senate on Thursday approved the nomination of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman for appointment as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The confirmation of Usman’s nomination followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC - Niger North).

President Tinubu had on August 19, 2024 through a state by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, nominated Prof. Usman for the position after which he transmitted a request in a letter to the Senate for confirmation.

According to the statement, Professor Usman is a renowned scholar and well-grounded in hajj operations, having served as the chairman of Kano State Pilgrim’s Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.

Nigeria was on February 24, 2023 placed on the FATF grey list due to a rise in capital inflows and deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorism, and arms financing.

Eleven other African countries, including Sputh Africa, are still on the FATF greylist.

The 12 African countries on on the

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called for the immediate suspension of new tax initiative that disproportionately affects the low-income population until a comprehensive review of their impact is conducted.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved at the plenary on Thursday and sponsored by Hon. Peter Aniekwe and five others.

Moving the motion, Aniekwe decried the current economic situation of the country, characterised by rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, which has led to widespread hardship for the masses.

grey list represent approximately 57 per cent of all grey-listed countries globally.

The biggest change in the FATF rules is that countries below a $10 billion income threshold will not be grey listed in most circumstances.

This means that poorer countries will be less likely to get the designation, which sees them placed under special scrutiny due to money laundering or terrorist financing concerns.

FATF President, Elisa de Anda Madrazo who unveiled the new rules at the ‘International Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2024’ in London, United Kingdom, said the new measures will likely cause a significant reduction in the number of ‘grey-listed’ jurisdictions. She added that the changes are expected to be formalized “in a couple of weeks”.

“If you’re a low income jurisdiction as defined by the IMF – if your income is below $10 billion – you won’t go into identification.

“Unless, other jurisdictions by

The lawmaker stressed that the imposition of multiple taxes, levies, and charges at various levels of government only serves to exacerbate the financial strain on citizens, particularly those in low-income brackets, many of whom are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and education.

Aniekwe added that government's primary responsibility is to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the masses, ensuring policies that promote economic development, social welfare, and prosperity for all citizens.

He expressed concern that the introduction of additional and sometimes unnecessary taxes, including consumption taxes, service

consensus determine that this is a high-risk jurisdiction," she said.

Countries which are above the “$10 billion threshold”, but which are in “high debt distress” or are still recognised as a poorer jurisdiction, will also get extra time before being greylisted.

“You will have double the time before being identified – 24 months instead of 12,” de Anda said.

The FATF President said the changes were being fine-tuned and were expected to be finalized “in a couple of weeks.”

De Anda stated that the move was aimed at avoiding penalising lower income countries.

Being greylisted often causes a country to face problems such as lower international investment, or issues with borrowing from international markets.

The FATF boss said the change would mean that many jurisdictions which are currently on the grey list would no longer meet the criteria.

““We estimate a reduction of

taxes, and levies on essential goods and services, places undue burden on the masses, further widening the inequality gap.

He argued that that while taxation is necessary for government revenue, a balance must be struck between revenue generation and the economic well-being of citizens, particularly at a time when many families and businesses are still recovering from the economic impact of global and local challenges.

The lawmaker stressed that there are alternative measures that could be taken to increase government revenue without overburdening the masses, such as expanding the tax base, improving tax administration, reducing government waste, and curbing corruption.

47% in the number of countries being listed.

“It means that many jurisdictions which have their challenges, but are not intricate to the financial system, won’t have to struggle with an identification that brings its own consequences,” de Anda said.

However, she said that standards were being raised for the 40 jurisdictions which are full FATF member states.

These consist mostly of larger and wealthier nations, such as the U.S. most EU countries, the UK, Japan and Singapore.

“If you’re a FATF member country and you meet the criteria for grey list referral, you will automatically enter the process.

“A shorter observation period would be available to FATF members, as compared to low-capacity countries.”

“This is raising the bar for the membership and holding ourselves accountable,” she said.

The House therefore called on the federal government and relevant authorities to be sensitive to the plight of the masses by reviewing current tax policies to prevent the imposition of unnecessary and multiple taxes, particularly on essential goods and services.

It also mandated its Committees on Finance and FIRS to within three weeks conduct a thorough review of existing tax laws and policies to streamline tax collection processes and eliminate redundant or overlapping taxes that contribute to the financial burden on citizens with a view to identifying areas of double taxation at all levels to provide relief to citizens without jeopardizing government revenue targets.

James Emejo in Abuja

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Clergy, Pastor Onyekachi Onwe; father of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chief Okechukwu Onwe; governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Onwe Adetshina; and the representative of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Mike Enebechi, when the governor received the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, who is an indigene of Enugu State, at the Government House, Enugu, …yesterday

Seplat CEO Urges Nigeria, African Countries to Leverage Gas to Solve Energy Challenges

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown Africa, has argued that Nigeria and some other African countries have abundant gas reserves which can offer immediate solutions to the continent’s immediate and prevailing challenges if well leveraged.

He said this during the Africa Oil Week (AOW) Conference and Exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa, a statement from the company said.

The Seplat Energy CEO, while delivering the independent keynote during the AOW Gas Forum themed ‘Enhancing Africa’s Gas Capacity’, stated that gas will provide baseload power to facilitate growth in renewable energy which is still a relatively small proportion of the energy mix

in Africa.

To decarbonise, he maintained that the world needed to move away from coal as a primary source of electricity, stressing that gas will play a critical role in moving away from reliance on coal and oil for electricity.

The Seplat CEO added: “Messages are mixed, but it is vital that providers of capital see gas as an essential fuel source for Africa. Africa’s abundant gas reserves offer immediate solutions to immediate problems. There is therefore significant gas to deliver widespread electrification in Africa increasing the per capita electricity consumption.

“Africa’s development will require significant improvements in access to energy. Lower-cost, more reliable energy will drive job creation, prosperity and development. Gas

can support achievement of many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its role in reducing costs, increasing energy access and increasing prosperity.”

According to Brown, bottled gas could avoid nearly half a million deaths due to biomass cooking, as well as protect habitats from deforestation.

“Natural gas is a cheap and immediate input for fertilisers needed to support large-scale agriculture. Gas is essential for basic infrastructure, as no commercially viable, low-carbon alternatives are anywhere near ready for cement, steel and glass production,” he added.

Brown, who also spoke in a panel session at the conference dubbed “Gas-to-Power: Unlocking Africa’s Potential”, noted that Seplat Energy

sees gas as integral to Africa’s gasto-power system, and can provide 24/7 power where appropriate, or provide overnight baseload to support renewables.

“Gas is actually decarbonising Africa’s energy system, when compared to the millions of domestic and business generators in use today. It produces half the CO2 emissions of diesel and burns more cleanly without particulates,” he said.

Using the Seplat Energy ANOH Gas Plant as an example, Brown said when operational, the plant it will support more than 1GW of grid-scale generation, displacing many small-scale generators.

“The impacts would be enormous, as it will: Lower costs and economic benefits to businesses and households; Reduce foreign exchange drain

wasted on importing fuel and generators; Drive higher efficiency and reduced emissions, both CO2 and particulates; and Ensure rehabilitation of existing grid capacity idle for lack of gas,” he added.

He said Seplat energy was investing in its midstream gas business to deliver more gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to the market, whilst capturing more of the essential transition fuel and driving down carbon intensity.

“We have made good progress with our capital investment projects portfolio which includes end of routine flaring, ANOH, Sapele Integrated Gas Plant, which will process natural gas and LPG for delivery into the domestic market.

“We are working on several investment opportunities in the

FUBARA IN JEOPARDY AS A'COURT NULLIFIES 2024 RIVERS BUDGET

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, might have walked into great danger as the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, upheld the judgement of a Federal High Court, which voided the Rivers State 2024 Budget passed by five members of the State House of Assembly.

Although the judgment was silent on the fate of the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 members of the State House of Assembly, the state government has also clarified that the judgment did not reinstate the embattled lawmakers by any stretch of imagination.

However, with the latest development, which seemed to have handed the Martin Amaewhule-led faction some subtle legitimacy, the travails of Fubara might have started afresh as the lawmakers are likely to toy again with the idea of impeachment again.

A three-member panel of Justices of the appellate court held that contrary to the claim of the appellant, the judgement of the trial court was

sound in law and saw no reason to deviate from it.

27 members of the Rivers Assembly said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had last year dragged Fubara and the state government to court, following the presentation of the state's N800 billion budget to a five-member faction of the house led by Hon Edison Ehie.

The plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023, had amongst others, prayed the court to restrain the governor from impeding them from carrying out their constitutional duties.

The 27 lawmakers, who had last year threatened to impeach the governor, reportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to a division in the assembly.

Amaewhule was said to be loyal to Wike, while the other faction led by Ehie, was loyal to Governor Fubara.

In his judgement early in the year, Justice Omotosho ruled in favour of the Pro-Wike lawmakers on the grounds that Fubara withdrew all

his defences against allegations made against him by the appellants, citing an agreement by parties as the outcome of President Bola Tinubu in the Rivers State political crises. It should be stated that while the governor withdrew all his processes against the suit, and the factional Speaker, Edison Ehie also announced his exit from the Rivers State House of Assembly. But the plaintiffs maintained their case against the respondents. Omotosho, in the January 22, 2024 judgement ruled against the governor and the state on grounds that facts not controverted were deemed as admitted.

Dissatisfied, Fubara approached the appellate court to challenge the decision of the trial court as well as the consequential orders amongst, which included a directive to represent the 2024 budget before the Amaewhule-led faction of the house of assembly. He had argued that the trial court erred in law in entering judgement against him as well as the consequential orders made against him.

But in their judgement, the appellate court in a unanimous judgement held that Fubara did not have a case before them, since he had earlier withdrew his defence of allegations made against him.

The 27 Pro-Wike lawmakers had accused Fubara of acting illegally, unlawfully and unconstitutional by refusing to obey orders of court, presenting the state's budget to an alleged illegal leadership of the assembly as well as acting undemocratic in the pulling down of the assembly complex, thereby preventing them from carrying out their legitimate duties as lawmakers.

Justice Oyewale pointed out that Fubara's withdrawal of all his processes was fatal to his case as the court could not tell why the governor took all the actions he was alleged to have taken.

According to the appellate court, the judgement of the trial court was based on the uncontested facts against the respondents, adding that by withdrawing all his processes Fubara conceded to all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs and is "deemed to have

A CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL TODAY IS SERIOUS THREAT TO NATION TOMORROW, SAYS SHETTIMA

Education.

The conference themed “Girl Child Empowerment Through Quality Education”, was intended to address barriers such as child marriage, poverty, and gender-based violence hindering girls' education.

Also, the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noted that despite recent progress, inadequate access to quality education remained a significant barrier to the girl-child, exacerbated by practices such as early marriage, poverty, and gender-based violence.

This was as the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the issue of Almajiri and out-of-school children was a national challenge that needed to be addressed before it gets out of control.

Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 25.6% of primary-age children and 29.6% of secondary school age children were out of school in Nigeria. According to him, educating girls is vital for societal stability and economic growth.

He said, “We must therefore remember that the child who remains out of school today will be a threat to their peer in the classroom tomorrow, and we cannot afford to turn away from this reality, and the need for creative and innovative solutions is now more present than ever.

“The issue of girl-child education is for every nation, but in our part of the world, her vulnerability is especially pronounced. Her education is more than a moral obligation.

“It is the stabilising force of our economic and social order, for every additional year a girl remains in school, her future earning potential increases, infant mortality rates decrease, and poverty levels in communities fail.

“We see this reflected in the gender parity index, which shows that girls have almost caught up with boys at

the primary school level with a ratio of 0.99 and even surpassed boys at secondary school level with a ratio of 1.08.

“These gains are, however, at risk unless we intensify our interventions to reach every girl, particularly in areas where barriers remain strongest.

“This is why, at the National Economic Council, we have set out to guarantee the future of a girl child, adopting education as one of our critical thematic areas of intervention, alongside health, nutrition and employability in a rapidly changing world.

“We have set the ambitious goal of achieving 0.6 score on the World Bank's human capital index, and we understand that the road to this objective involves increasing years of schooling, improving the quality of education and ensuring that no child, especially no girl child, is left vulnerable or out of school.

“Our data further emphasises the urgency of addressing these issues, particularly in northern Nigeria. States in the north west and north east face the highest out of school rates in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Bauchi for example, more than 60% of primary school age children are not in school with Kebbi at a staggering 64.8%.

“The secondary school numbers are similarly alarming with Bauchi at 66.75% Kebbi at 63.8% and Jigawa, which is my own state, at 62.6%.”

Shettima, therefore, called for urgent action to address Nigeria's alarming out-of-school rates, stressing that, "We cannot allow ourselves to be held hostage by these frightening numbers."

He described the situation as an emergency, urging tailored action plans to meet the unique needs of each region.

Shettima highlighted significant increases in education funding, noting that states allocated N1 trillion in 2022, with commitments rising to N4.6 trillion by 2024.

He stressed the need for states to allocate 15-20% of their budgets to education, stating, "This is not

just a target; it is a necessity for our children’s future."

But the governors under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum highlighted ongoing challenges hindering the empowerment of girls in the country.

AbdulRazaq emphasised the urgent need to address these issues, saying, “Practices such as early marriage and discrimination continue to violate girls’ rights to education in our communities.”

Represented by the Director General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, the NGF Chairman said, “Quality education remains the cornerstone of national socio- economic development.

“Achieving this requires robust education financing, highly qualified teachers, comprehensive instructional materials, strong advocacy, and the provision of necessary infrastructure.

“Initiatives to re-enroll children in schools, improve learning outcomes, and secure adequate funding are essential to ensuring that every child receives a quality education. This conference serves as a clarion call

to to take decisive action.

“Despite progress, the empowerment of the girl child is still hindered by inadequate access to quality education. Practices such as early marriage, early childbearing, poverty, illiteracy, gender-based violence, and other forms of discrimination continue to violate girls’ rights to education in our communities.

“The NGF is deeply concerned by the rising number of out-of-school children, pervasive learning poverty, and the insufficient capacity of teachers to foster empowerment through education. This conference aims to address these critical educational crises across our states.”

Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, underscored the critical importance of basic and secondary education in the country.

“When governors convene to discuss issues within their domains, they are calling for collaboration,” he said, emphasising that delivering on educational mandates was primarily

Continued on page 28

admitted the weighty facts.

"The challenges faced by the appellant were self inflicted," Oyewole said, adding: "It is academic for a party to concede an action at the lower court and turn around to challenge it."

Besides, the appellate court berated the governor for resorting to self-help and in total disregard to orders of court in his presentation of the state's budget to four members of the assembly, which was not up to the required one-third for the passage of such bills.

The panel emphasised that, "The legislature must be jealously guarded" being the representation of the people in the process of governance, and subsequently held as nullity all actions taken by the four members of the Pro-Fubara.

According to Omotosho the passage of the bill by four lawmakers was an aberration and illegality, and subsequently ordered Fubara to represent the budget to the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly.

Omotosho also issued an order restraining Fubara from frustrating the Assembly-led by Amaewhule from sitting or interfering in its activities.

Meanwhile, the court held as unlawful, the redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, by the governor, stating that the action amounted to an affront on separation of power.

Court Didn't Reinstate Amaewhule, 26 Others, State Govt Insists

The Rivers State Government, has insisted that the Appeal Court judgment of yesterday in Abuja did not reinstate the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the State House of Assembly by any stretch of imagination.

In a statement by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Israel Dagogo Iboroma (a Senior Advocate of Nigeria), in Port Harcourt, the government clarified that Amaewhule and 26 others had defected on December 11, 2023.

He added that their seats became automatically vacant from the day they announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Attorney General insisted that

the issue of defection of Amaewhule and 26 others was never before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, Abuja, and therefore, no court has legitimised their membership of the House of Assembly on the basis of the defection.

"Today, the 10th day of October 2024, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division dismissed Appeal No. CA/ ABJ/133/CS/2024 filed by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division in suit No. FHC/ABJ/133/CS/2023 delivered on the 22nd day of January, 2024. "It is important to state the facts and history of the case and the appeal thereof.

"On the 30th day of October, 2023, after the failed attempt to impeach His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly became polarised into two factions.

“The faction led by Martin Amaewhule proceeded to the Federal High Court, Abuja Division and filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1613/CS/2023, on the 29th day of November, 2023. "Subsequently, on the 11th day of December, 2023, Martin Amaewhule and others defected from the Peoples Democratic Party that sponsored their election in the 2023 Legislative Assembly Election, to the All Progressives Congress.

"By operation of Law, particularly Section 109(i) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Martin Amaewhule and 26 others automatically lost their seats as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 11th day of December, 2023, as Section 109(1) (g) is self executory as no court order is required thereof.

"His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State on the 13th day of December, 2023, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who was recognised as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the time.

Continued on page 27

PETROL PRICE: IN CHANGE OF STYLE, AKPABIO ASKS NIGERIANS TO REDUCE NUMBER OF CARS THEY OWN

But with the full deregulation of the downstream segment of the petroleum sector this week, independent petrol marketers yesterday set their prices at between N1,200 to N1,400 in some parts of the country, THISDAY checks showed.

The soaring price of the product continued as the Senate yesterday assured Nigerians that it would assess the current increment in the prices of fuel in the country and intervene only if necessary.

In the same vein, yesterday, the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) asked the federal government to consider subsidising crude oil supply to local refineries as well as special foreign exchange rates for domestic oil supply.

In several parts of Nigeria yesterday, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri, Oshogbo, Kano and Kaduna, petrol was

sold far beyond the new threshold the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) set for its customers on Wednesday.

The state-owned oil company had increased the official pump price of petrol in its retail outlets to N1,030 per litre in Abuja from the N897 it announced on September 3 and from N855 to N998 in Lagos.

This meant that in the less than 17 months of the current administration, the price of the fuel has risen by over 430 per cent from May 29 when President Bola Tinubu took over the leadership of Nigeria.

But the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who advised Nigerians to do away with some of their vehicles over skyrocketing fuel prices, gave the assurance that the lawmakers would step in only if needed.

Akpabio, who spoke while address-

ing journalists after the inauguration of a remodelled press centre in the National Assembly complex, explained that the nation's oil and gas sector had been fully deregulated hence market forces would henceforth determine the price of fuel.

He urged Nigerians to embark on belt tightening measures pending when plans being put in place to increase the supply of the products across the country materialise.

He said: “On the recent increase in pump price of petroleum, I haven't actually assessed what is happening in terms of pump price increase, but it's not pump price increase, it's deregulation.

“If you are taking away the consumer subsidy and then you want people to pay for the actual price of what we consume, it means if you have five cars you will now use one

“The Appropriation Bill was later passed into Law and became the Appropriation Law of 2024. An Appropriation Law is a state law within the purview of the High Court or two.

“It simply means that you are going to stop the idea of subsidy in order to make sure that the monies are used for other things. So I don't expect any increase in pump price.

“I will expect the market forces to determine prices. I would expect that now that the NNPC is no longer going to bring petroleum products into the country, it means those who have the capacity will bring it and the more the products are available, the cheaper the price.

“So at the beginning, it may seem to be an increase in pump price, but I believe strongly that with the production from Dangote and other refineries when they become functional and the fact that it is now open to all to bring in products into the country, I can assure

Continued

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

new energy sector with focus on developing gas-to power and renewable energy businesses,” the Seplat CEO pointed out.

Roger Brown

COURTESY VISIT TO ARCO GROUP...

L-R: Group Chief Financial Officer, Arco Group Plc, Mr. Mutiu Bakare; Honourary Secretary, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Mrs.

Group, Mr.Alfred Okoigun; President, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello; past President of the Academy,

of Engineering

Arco

on

Girl Child Day: Reps to Amend Child’s Rights Act to Protect Sexually Abused Children

As UNICEF partners Nigerian varsities on child rights campaign

The House of Representatives has resolved to ensure amendment of the Child’s Right Act to provide protection for sexually abused children and provide the necessary legislative support in terms of budgetary approvals to the concerned ministries.

The federal lawmakers also committed to ensuring domestication of the child right act throughout the nation through the conference of speakers.

In another related development, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has strengthened its campaign for child's rights, through collaboration with universities across Nigeria.

This is as the international agency, yesterday, led a multi zonal dialogue on "Mainstreaming the UNICEF's

Child Rights Reporting Curriculum in Nigerian Universities," held at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the national lawmakers also urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and National Orientation Agency, NOA, alongside other stakeholders to collaborate with schools, community organisations, and religious institutions to educate the public on drug abuse dangers and promote a drug-free lifestyle and to make provision for rehabilitation.

Consequently, the House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to devise practical ways such as implementing mobile education units or community outreach programs to curb out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.

It further urged the leadership of

the National Assembly to ensure the swift passage of bills that seek to protect women and the girls like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child at plenary on Thursday.

Presenting the motion, Ogbara noted that on 11th of October globally, the world celebrates International Day of the Girl Child, adding that this year’s theme is “girls’ vision for the future".

She noted that International Day of the Girl Child is a day adopted by the United Nations to remind young girls of their uniqueness, strength and prowess.

Her words: "It is a day set aside to address issues such as: early or child marriage, violence against girls, rape,

child molestation, education deprivation, nutrition, legal rights and all other issues faced by girls and to support more opportunities for girls and increase awareness for gender inequality.”

The lawmaker recalled: "More than 1.1 billion girls are poised to take on the future; everyday girls are breaking boundaries and barriers; tackling issues posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities.

“The protection of the girl child is crucial for sustaining the continuity of mankind as they grow in to women and mothers who not only shape the future generation but the trajectory of nations.

"Gender discrimination is a global phenomenon that has engulfed many nations of the world due to patriarchy and cultural stereotypes, while other

House Directs Police IG, NYSC DG to Investigate, Rescue Kidnapped Corps Member

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and relevant agencies to investigate the case of the missing Corps member, Okeke Godwin in Ondo State.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Thursday by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said that NYSC was established to engage Nigerian graduates in effective community services and nation building across ethno-linguistic boundaries.

Nnaji said, however, the scheme has been threatened by myriads of abductions, incessant attacks and murder due to the inadequate facilities and general welfare.

He said: “Concerned that a Youth Corper and my constituent, Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin from Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State, being the best-graduated student in Computer Science Department at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State with Second Class upper division, has been missing till date, while serving in Ondo State under Batch 23B.”

The lawmaker explained that Godwin was supposed to complete his NYSC program on June 17th, 2024, but got missing on May 9th,

2024, which was the particular day his parents couldn't reach him on his mobile phone numbers till date; Nnaji stressed that on the 13th day of May, 2024, the mother of the missing Corp member, Mrs. Okeke Patience and his younger brother, went to Akure, Ondo State, to verify the situation and thereby visited his place of primary assignment and residence but could not get any vital information.

He said the relatives reported the matter to the Nigerian Police (Ijakpo Police Division) who sent signal to other police stations and the police headquarter in Ondo State for investigation, but after some interrogations, the family has not been fully communicated with the outcome of these investigations.

Nnaji expressed worry that the relatives also reported the matter to the local government and state office of the NYSC, including the community leadership but up till date the matter is still pending without any information leading to his rescue.

He acknowledged that on the 19th of June, 2024, the mother of Godwin with two other relatives and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command, the NYSC State and local government offices, where the journalist made some inquiries and produced a documentary via Trust Television, meanwhile the mother visited and reported the matter and her ordeal at NYSC National Secretariat, Abuja.

He lamented that the Commis-

sioner of Police in Ondo State and the State Coordinator of NYSC with the management of the scheme have not taken adequate measures to search and rescue the missing corp member.

The House urged the federal government to appropriately direct the state governments and security agencies to provide maximum security and good habitation facilities for youth corp members.

It added: “Direct the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director-

General of NYSC and relevant agencies to investigate this case of the missing corp member and initiate measures for the safety and welfare of corp members in every host“Furthercommunity. direct the IGP to intervene by conducting a comprehensive search and rescuing of Godwin, the missing youth corp member, as the matter is seriously affecting the lives and mental state of the family, most especially the mother.”

nations have made giant strides in closing the gender gap, Nigeria is still grappling with these issues, starting from access to education, healthcare and access to basic amenities."

She further stressed that:

“Despite Nigeria being signatory to the Convention of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Conventions on Child’s, Rights and many others, harmful practices like the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is still being practised in some parts of the country which is a direct violation of human rights of women and girls.

"Recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) children growing into adolescents especially between the ages of 10 to 19 have limited knowledge about the natural processes of puberty, sexual health, pregnancy or reproduction.

"This period of their lives is a period of rapid development of knowledge and skills, learning to manage emotions, relationships, acquire attributes and abilities that will be necessary for enjoying the adolescent years and assuming adult roles.

“When they are sexually abused at this sensitive season of their lives, it affects their growth and development and their overall well-being, leading them to becoming dysfunctional adults in some instances, due to psychological and mental trauma."

Furthermore, she expressed concern about the dishearteningly high number of out-of-school girls engaged in drug abuse.

Current data indicates that Nigeria has an estimated 10.5 million out-of-

school children who are also users of hard drugs.

The presence of such a vast number of uneducated youths not only jeopardises their future but also poses a threat to the nation’s security and socio-economic stability. She observed: "If deliberate efforts are not taken to address the challenges and be intentional to protect the girl child, the country would be at risk of raising dysfunctional mothers who are meant to be protectors of the home, society and the future."

However, the House further mandated its Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, Basic Education, and Services to engage the NDLEA, Federal Ministry of Education, NOA, and other stakeholders by organizing workshops, creating awareness campaigns, and monitoring progress to ensure compliance.

Participants at the zonal dialogue on "Mainstreaming the UNICEF's Child Rights Reporting Curriculum in Nigerian Universities," were deans and senior lecturers from University of Port Harcourt, Niger Delta University, Cross River State University, Federal University Otueke, Bayelsa; University of Uyo, Rivers State University, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, University of Africa and Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori.

In her presentation, the UNICEF's Communication Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, emphasised the need for a sustainable and systemic approach to child rights reporting. She said the sensitisation will lead the participants be committed in ensuring the inclusive of the report in their school curriculum.

Continues online

Ex-President Jonathan, Kwara Governor’s Wife, Others Bag Afro Awards 2024

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Kwara State governor’s wife, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, are among Africans to be honoured at the 2024 Afro Award in Los Angeles, California, US.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Taiwo Oduala, Founder and Executive Producer of the Afro Awards.

Oduala, a Film Director, disclosed that Jonathan and Abdulrazaq are among the 18 honourees to be feted during the 3rd Edition of the Afro Award on Saturday. He stated that the honourees are among Africans and Americans, who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavours.

Some of the awardees are: the Mayor of Inglewood, Mayor James Thurman-Butts Jr, John Salley, Legendary Basketball Player, Actor and Producer and Deon Tailor, Film Maker, Director, Producer and Founder/CEO Hidden Empire Film Group.

Others are Miguel Nunez Jr, Actor, Writer, Producer and Speaker; Juliet Ibrahim, Bilingual Actor, Author and Independent Film Maker, Karen civil, Author, Orator and Entrepreneur got the Music Executive Award and Rev. Dr. Marci Janell, Global Spiritual Advisor/ motivational speaker and book author.

Oduala said the 3rd Annual Afro Awards 2024 is a prestigious event that fetes various individuals and organizations from all works of

life, and recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to humanity and their positive impact on the global society.

He said: “As a Non-profit organization, with 501(c)(3), Afro Award strives to celebrate the achievements and generosity of individuals, who have made a significant difference in the African diaspora and the world at large.

“The 3rd Annual Afro Awards 2024 will take place on Saturday at the DGA, Directors Guild Of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

“The event will begin with a red carpet at 5 pm, followed by the Award Ceremony at 7 pm, and an after-party at 10 pm. it will be streamed live.

“There will also be a Pre-event on

Friday, with Conference Experience, Fashion Show and Gala.

“We will be delighted to have all the honourees present to receive their awards at this year’s award ceremony as it will greatly enhance its significance.

“We eagerly look forward to meeting you at the Afro Award 2024 event, as your attendance would serve as a source of inspiration to many and reaffirm your commitment to the progress and upliftment of Africans in diaspora.”

Our correspondent reports that the Afro Awards honours American and African community leaders, philanthropists, dignitaries, and celebrities who are pioneers in their field and have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian excellence.

Christiana Oyindamola Adelowo; Group Managing Director, Arco

Mr. Alex Ogedegbe, during a courtesy visit by the executive team of the Nigerian Academy

to

Group Plc

collaboration on Engineering and Academia industrial linkage in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Juliet Akoje in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

STAKEHOLDERS' DISCUSSION ON OIL AND ENERGY...

L-R: Executive Director Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Mr. Yunusa Ya'u; Chairman Election Analysis, Centre for Democracy and Development

Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani; Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company

Al-Habibbiyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, during the

Zamfara, Housing Ministry Collaborate on Construction of Homes for IDPs, Others

Ministry launches performance management system

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as well as the Zamfara state government yesterday agreed to collaborate in the area of construction of shelters, especially for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north-western state.

Speaking during a meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that with the 50 hectares of land given for housing free of charge, the ministry would henceforth make the state a priority in its housing programmes.

According to him, for the next batch of estates being embarked upon, the ministry will take Zamfara State as a strategically important state in the next budget.

He added that under the federal government initiative of rebuilding the insecure areas in the country that are affected by banditry, Zamfara State has been picked and in a couple of weeks, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place.

Dangiwa further stated that there were areas of collaboration on the National Housing Programme (NHP) houses for already built houses in Zamfara State and how they can be disposed through the state government.

“250 are the first ones to be done for the Renewed Hope Estates. For the other initiative, we are thinking of 256 housing units. So in total, we are thinking of 500 housing units within one year”, Dangiwa added.

He said officials of the ministry had been engaging with the state’s team to begin talks regarding its interest in purchasing the housing units under the National Housing Programme at fair and reasonable

rates.

“Our aim is just to recover the cost of constructing these houses so we can build more for other individuals to benefit in such. We have applied for some discounts and we do want to go up because the industry pays according to the loan use of the houses.

“ Furthermore, the government has worked to ensure that it has the vulnerable at heart because we know that the government will want to protect them”

Also speaking, the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal, said that considering the situation in Zamfara State, where there are serious challenges in terms of infrastructure, there was a need for collaboration between Zamfara State Government and the Ministry.

He said that the ministry is constructing houses in the state and there was the need for the ministry to come to the aid of the state because of its peculiarity.

“Zamfara State is an agrarian economy. Of course, within the last 12 years, we've been facing challenges of insecurity, but this time around, if you go round the state, you will see that there's significant improvement in terms of farming by the people.

“The security situation is coming down drastically, and we'll continue to do that until we achieve our aim in bringing insecurity to the minimum, to the barest level in Zamfara and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.

Separately, earlier, while launching the Performance Management Day (PMS) for the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that the event will take place every Thursday.

He described it as the beginning of a transformative journey to heed

the directive from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which mandates the day to be set aside for activities related to performance management system.

“ This directive is not just a routine exercise; it is a call to action for all

of us to fully embrace the vision of an efficient, effective, responsive and performance-based Federal Civil Service.

“Performance Management System is a tool for goal and target setting, appraisal and monitoring of employee

performance and the delivery of institutional mandates. It provides a systematic and coordinated process of planning work, setting targets, providing support to employees and measuring results.

“It also provides the framework

for continuous tracking of employees' performance in a manner that is consistent and measurable, for developing and improving their capacities to perform on their jobs and for motivating them for increased productivity.

Ondo Assembly Rejects Aiyedatiwa's Supplementary Budget, Summons Finance Commissioner

The Ondo State House of Assembly has rejected the 2024 supplementary budget submitted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the Assembly, signaling a major snag between the legislative and executive arms of governments.

This is just as the house summoned the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, to appear before it on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

The peak of the dispute between the two arms of government was the absence of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, at the plenary despite being summoned by the Assembly.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had sent a bill to the Assembly to amend the 2024 appropriation bill and authorize the issuance from the consolidated revenue fund of the state a sum of lN487,437 billion.

Out of the fund, a sum of N246,198 is for recurrent expenditure while the balance of N241,239 is for capital expenditure for the services of the state until the end of the year.

However, the Assembly summoned the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, to explain the performance of the 2024

appropriation signed into law before it could consider the supplementary budget.

But she did not honor the invitation, nor did she send any of the officers in the ministry to represent her.

However, she sent a letter through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. A.O Akinseloyin, stating the inability of the commissioner to appear before the lawmakers. The letter was read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Benjamin Jayeola.

Not satisfied by the attitude of the commissioner, the lawmakers said they would not pass the bill for a second reading until she appears before the Assembly.

The Minority Leader, Hon Oguntodu Olajide, representing Akure Constituency 1, said the lawmakers should not approve the letter since the commissioner of finance did not honor them with her presence.

Similarly, Hon. Felix Afe, representing Akoko Northwest Constituency, said the letter is an affront to the people of Ondo State. He said the invitation letter was not addressed to the Permanent Secretary but to the Commissioner.

Afe said: "The letter did not state

where the Commissioner for Finance went to, nor when she would come back. We want her to tell us the performance of the budget for 2024. “Without the appearance of the Commissioner for Finance, we should step it down. If she does not show up next time, the assembly should issue a bench warrant against her."

Similarly, Hon. Chris Ogunlami, representing Okitipupa Constituency 1, described the letter from the Permanent Secretary as fake. He said the Commissioner for Finance should come and explain to the people of

the state what the supplementary budget is meant for.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Fayemi Obayelu, representing Ilaje Constituency Two, expressed dismay at the absence of the commissioner from the plenary even though she was given enough time to appear before the lawmakers.

Her words: "We want her to expatiate more on the supplementary budget. We can't go ahead if we don't know what is in the budget. She has to explain why there is a supplementary budget when we still have the 2024 budget.

Abia Tackles Visual Impairment Among Children

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Wife of the governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has said the state was taking measures to protect Abia children from preventable visual impairments in order to safeguard their future.

She made this known Thursday in her speech at the event marking the 2024 World Sight Day, with theme: Love Your Eyes, Kids.

Mrs. Otti said that Abia is making efforts at "creating a system where no child is left behind due to vision impairment".

eye health".

Mrs. Otti noted that Abia, in partnership with the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau(AEHMB) "are making strides to expand eye care outreach by training more healthcare workers, establishing new eye clinics, and reducing the costs of eye treatments.”

She commended "my dear husband", Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering commitment to improving eye health in Abia, noting that "his leadership and dedication have laid a strong foundation for progress in this critical area".

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said that troops deployed to different theatres of operation killed no fewer than 165 terrorists, arrested 238 others and rescued 188 kidnapped hostages in one week.

The DHQ also disclosed that troops of JTF South-South Operation Delta Safe discovered and deactivated 65 illegal refining sites and apprehended 35 perpetrators of oil theft, within the period under review.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Director Defence Media Operation Maj. Gen.

Edward Buba also revealed that the troops of the JTF retrieved petroleum products worth six hundred and eighty-eight million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, one hundred and fifty Naira (N688,125,150.00).

This, he said was in addition to recovering of 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined AGO. According to him, "Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed two dugout pits, 58 boats and 39 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, four speed boat, 13

vehicles and 65 illegal refining sites".

Noting that military operations have destroyed a substantial part of the combat capacity of these terror groups and their leadership, Buba revealed that one notorious terrorist commander in Jigawa State known as Mai Hijabi encountered the troops and was killed in the battlefield during the week.

He further disclosed that terrorists in the northeast theatre of operations are surrendering to troops following the sustained onslaught against them.

He said: "Our role in the ongoing war is clear and we are winning the war. The military is not oblivious

of some security challenges faced by citizens in certain quarters and are reassessing operation in those areas to better secure and protect citizens.

“Troops recognize the urgency to ensure peace and security for all citizens across the country and are working on new strategies to better protect the nation and citizens".

The armed forces also cautioned persons or groups from making threats or inflammatory comments on untoward activities against troops presence or deployment as a result of ongoing operations, adding that the outcome of such an act is better imagined than experienced.

According to her, "The eyes are window to the beauty of the world, a gateway to knowledge and opportunity" hence no effort should be spared to prevent blindness.

"Today is a call to action for each of us. We have the responsibility not just to treat, but to prevent blindness and vision impairment."

The Abia First Lady regretted that across the state "too many of our children are facing preventable vision challenges - often undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in rural areas.”

"This is not the reality they deserve," she asserted, adding, "Our children deserve to grow, learn, and play with clear vision, unburdened by the avoidable challenges of poor

Mrs. Otti who had earlier led an early morning walk for good eye sight from government house to Ibeku High School, venue of the event, emphasised the importance of physical exercise also has positive effect for healthy eye.

She stated: "Regular physical activity like walking is beneficial for our overall well-being, including the health of our eyes". This is because "it improves blood circulation, which helps reduce the risk of eye conditions and keeps our vision sharp".

The Administrator of AEHMB, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, stated that this year's theme underscores the significance of eye care for everyone, with a particular focus on children and young people.

Fidelis David in Akure

(CDD), Prof. Adele Jinad; Executive Director, Civil Society

Limited (NNPCL) ,Engr. Mele Kyari; Country Director, MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima and Imam

CISLAC discussion with the Management of the NNPC and Stakeholders on Subsidy Regime and Energy Supply in Abuja... on Tuesday

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

POLITICS

IActing Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

EFCC Vs Bello: The Facts, Errors, Way Forward

Ayodeji Seriki x-rays the facts and figures of the EFCC/Yahaya Bello matter and suggest the way forward.

n the last few weeks, not a few people have resisted the temptation to comment on the latest development about the ‘wanted’ former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two things call for their reluctance; to avoid following the bandwagon and the fact that the story has almost become an overkill.

But the more analysts and politicians talk about the issue, the more it provokes discerning minds to air their views.

Unfortunately, recent development has shown a one-sided argument from the supporters of either of the parties involved.

In most cases, stories are laced with emotions and sentiments rather than facts of the matter. Many commentators have erred in their approaches of writing or speaking from the prism of a party with total abandonment of the other party.

Before the issue can be laid to rest, three questions are germane. One, does Yahaya Bello have a case to answer? Two, was he declared wanted by EFCC? Three, did he visit the commission’s Abuja office or not?

While the last two questions have been largely dealt with in the last few days, only a few people have considered it necessary to look at the cause of the matter before looking at the effect.

The Facts

Prior to Bello’s visit to the EFCC’s office in Abuja penultimate week, the former Kogi State governor, was being tried over a case of money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470,089.88k (Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-nine Naira, Eighty-eighty Kobo).

Also, a Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, had earlier granted the commission an arrest warrant to bring Bello to court. Of course, Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN) had prayed the court to quash the arrest warrant granted the Commission against Bello, arguing that a substituted service to the defendant through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN) had invalidated the arrest warrant. Then came a turning point, EFCC declared Bello wanted.

Fast Forward to Friday, September 18, 2024, a statement issued by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office indicated that Bello had visited the EFCC.

According to reports in various news platforms, Bello, accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo and a few other political associates, waited for three hours at the premises of the commission without any effort by the EFCC officials to question or detain the former Governor.

Members of the public were then fed with confusing narratives. First, like the dry season fire, the news spread that Bello had, at last, submitted himself to the EFCC. Nigerians were yet to fully stomach this when the commission issued a statement to counter it. In a statement by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale it was stated that the governor wasn’t in the commission’s custody.

In a swift reaction to the latest development, the Yahaya Bello Media Office on Wednesday called on President Bola Tinubu to step into the face-off between the immediate past governor and the EFCC. In a statement, the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media office, Ohiare Michael, claimed the anti-graft agency has ulterior motives in the fight against corruption.

The Errors

Despite its constitutional power, EFCC made a tactical mistake during Bello’s visit. Yes, it confirmed that the former Governor did visit the office, but added that he was left to go because of the way he appeared. The argument is weak to have come from a constitutionally empowered body like EFCC. It sounded unbelievable that an accused person that had been sensationally declared wanted to voluntarily present himself and

instead of arresting and taking him to court for prosecution, he was allowed to walk away.

When the agency discovered the possible effect of this on its corporate image, officers were sent to Kogi State Lodge in Abuja to arrest Bello. With this, another error was

committed because gunshots were fired and public peace was disturbed.

The third mistake was the excuse that the man was let go because of his manner of appearance and the people that came with him. With this, Bello was alleged to

have breached the EFCC protocol. According to the agency, no Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, was expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor. To this end, the agency pointed out that Bello came with grandeur which is contrary to its procedures.

A little peep into the past busted this argument. On October 16, 2018, when former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose reported at the EFCC office in Wuse, Abuja, the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and others were with him. Yet, he was taken into custody and detained.

Also, in 2014, when the DSS invited ElRufai, Hon Rotimi Amaechi who was the Governor of Rivers State and Chris Ngige, a serving Senator then were among those who accompanied him.

Few years later, EFCC under Ola Olukoyede is telling Nigerians that because a governor accompanied Bello to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, they let him leave, only to invade the Kogi State Govt Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, in the night, shooting sporadically, looking for the same Yahaya Bello. What an irony?

The Way forward

Two options are opened to stakeholders in this issue. First, as a result of the sensationalization of the matter, it has been tagged a media trial by members of the public. It is likely therefore for Bello to have lost confidence in the process.

To this end, it may be necessary for the presidency to take another look at the issue or ask EFCC to quit and give the investigation to another neutral organization.

-Seriki, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.

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

Akpanke, Defying Debutants’ Barrier in N’Assembly

Inyali Peter writes about the extra legislative efforts of Hon Peter Akpanke towards bringing dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of his constituents in Obudu/ Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency in Cross River state.

The Nigerian National Assembly is a complex institution with sophisticated internal politics that often surpass those of secular politics. Its seniority system, similar to Nigeria’s secondary school hierarchy, can intimidate newcomers, making it challenging for freshmen lawmakers to navigate.

Many have argued that typically, it takes a full four-year term for members to grasp the environment, making re-election seem as the real opportunity to deliver significant impacts.

Many lawmakers, past and present, have blamed their newcomers status for their inability to make meaningful impact in the House or Senate or bringing development to their constituencies.

However, this excuse doesn’t hold water for Hon. Peter Akpanke, who represents Obudu/ Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency in Cross River state.

To him, he understands the words of Arthur Clark that “to see the limits of the possible, you need to look beyond them into the impossible”.

Despite the intense discrimination against new lawmakers in the legislative arm, Akpanke has defied the odds, proving that experience and ranking status aren’t the only factors in achieving success.

Akpanke’s 2023 victory was nothing short of remarkable. Running under the opposition People’s Democratic Party, he defeated two-time serving lawmaker, Hon. Legor Idagbo and candidate of the ruling party who had the strong backing of then Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, also from the same federal constituency.

Conventional wisdom had it that Idagbo would easily secure his Bekwerra local government, while Ayade would deliver Obudu, leaving Akpanke with only Obanliku, his hometown. However, Akpanke defied these odds, proving that his grassroots connections built through his philanthropic gesture and connection to the people were more powerful than establishment support.

It’s important to stress that the lawmaker’s victory, wasn’t solely due to Idagbo’s underperformance. In fact, his last four years in office were quite impressive, marked by significant accomplishments. For instance, he facilitated top-tier job placements, spearheaded infrastructural projects like classroom construction, establishment of Information and Communication Technology training centres, and implemented empowerment programmes for a lot of people. These achievements meant that Idagbo was leaving a big shoe behind for Akpanke.

However, Akpanke, an opposition lawmaker,

defied expectations by seamlessly filling Idagbo’s shoes and delivering unprecedented performances in the past 15 months. Without exaggeration, or trying to undermine the efforts of his predecessors, there’s no first time lawmaker in the history of the federal constituency that has done more in their first year in office than Akpanke.

Beyond his impressive lawmaking record, with seven legislative involvements under his belt, Akpanke has taken his commitment to his constituents to the next level.

He’s embarking on an ambitious rural development drive, including the installation of street lights in hard-to-reach communities, construction of rural roads, and rehabilitation and construction of classroom blocks, among others. These initiatives not only showcase his willingness to improving the lives of his constituents but also his ability to drive meaningful change.

The fight against insecurity requires a multifaceted approach beyond just military action. By providing essential infrastructure like streetlights, Akpanke is helping to eliminate hiding spots for criminal elements in rural communities, enhancing internal security and beautifying these areas. Also, his rural road construction projects which aims to link communities will boost economic activities by enabling farmers and traders to transport their produce efficiently to open markets. This not only improves livelihoods but also fosters economic growth and development.

-Peter writes from Abuja.

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

It’s better to pay the price now, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

2027, FUEL PRICE AND

ADVANCED STOMACH INFRASTRUCTURE

2027. That’s not a number, it’s meant to be a threat. The only way to escape that threat is to return fuel subsidy as it was. Drag the naira to its dollar-augmented cosmetic value and force the cost of living down. If President Tinubu has direct or some other form of access to social media, he’d have seen some of these positions. Nothing is impossible, with God that is. At least according to Luke 1:37.

Adidas, thinking that we wouldn’t notice, inverted it Impossible is nothing. Motivational speakers reworded it, “if you can conceive it, you can achieve it”. Physics addresses the cost of such lofty thoughts, “to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”. This applies in nature, matter and you kick a ball, its movement depends on how hard you kick, how you kick it and the prevailing conditions in which it was kicked. In social systems, reaction can sometimes be a lot more than or less than action. That is before you even consider unintended reactions and their multiple chains.

During the elections, everyone knows the solution to Nigeria’s problems. The popular ones, at least from the consensus position by all the major candidates is, the removal of subsidy. The other such position that had most of the candidates thinking in the same direction was the removal of multiple foreign exchange regimes. Both positions are easy ones in theory; you don’t want to keep burning, literally in this case, billions of dollars via petrol subsidies whilst your basic infrastructure remain inadequate, you are short of schools, they are barely good enough where available and you cannot even consider a test for the teachers because you are not able to deal with the consequences of knowing what they don’t know.

Moving resources from subsidizing petrol to advancing other pressing needs sounded like the most obvious policy direction. One of the candidates in the last election described the fuel subsidy regime as an organized crime. I once met with a presidential aspirant who called it a scam. As with the divide between rhetoric and reality, that aspirant later became president and soon got swept by billions of dollars in subsidy payments.

As a politician, your best chances of not going back on your words is to lose elections. That way, you can continue to revel in saying what you would have done better, knowing that no matter how much say you’d do, there is no budget for your promises. Barack Obama’s Promised Land is a or activist dwells in and the one that an elected politician must navigate.

Back to what is not impossible. Nigeria can sell petrol at N100/litre again. To do that though, it’d have to borrow several billions of dollars to meet the gap in each litre of petamount, it’d have to show that by borrowing the money for such an endeavour, it will be helping to build an economy capable of paying its bills and its debts. Unfortunately, it cannot use its previous records of doing same to back its argument. Its argument wouldn’t have a reference in any sound economic ideology, so chances are that no one is going to loan it money to subsidize fuel consumption.

care for what it wants to do with the money,

it must do so knowing that its local currency will be under even more intense pressure. To reduce that, it could borrow some more dollars to defend the naira. If done, both scenarios will lead to a stronger naira — on the surface — and cheaper fuel – at the pump. We could do that for a few more years again, until we return to this exact point. In essence, Newton’s Third Law will ultimately apply, in this case, with reaction being bigger than action. What is the way out? Sincerely speaking, easier said than done. Anyone who tells you that the way out is easy is either a sincerely ignorant person or a wicked liar. Our choices through the years have compounded and if we don’t pay now, we or some other people at a later time in the future will pay anyway. In truth, the choice of paying now was not entirely in our hands. The entire system was going to crash anyway. When the newly inaugurated President Tinubu said, “subsidy is gone”, it was more an announcement than a decision. That was the state of Nigeria at that point in time. He was reading the news.

The role of government is not just to make policies, it has a responsibility to create the environment in which such policies are understood by the people. It also must lead by example. “Nigeria is broke” appears to be apparent enough to most Nigerians, but the

ty or its impending visit. The big cars are still continue to enjoy quick devaluations, salaries and allowances are growing like a baby constantly fed on milk and honey.

In a discussion with my friend, Brian Kagoro, he helped to nuance the much touted, “stomach infrastructure”. We talk about, “stomach infrastructure” in a way that seeks to make it look like only the poor care for basic survival. What are estacodes? Mental infrastructure? What is housing allowance? All those privileges enjoyed by the elected and appointed are elite forms of stomach infrastructure. Advanced stomach infrastructure at names does not isolate them from what they of people.

When we see these things for what they are, we will have a better appreciation for even policies that we are left without a choice but

their own forms of stomach infrastructure.

Omojuwa

The Act setting up the EFCC needs to be reworked to conform to due process, argues IBRAHIM GUSAU

THE LEGALITY OF THE EFCC

On October 22, just days away, the Supreme Court would be hearing a suit filed by no fewer than 16 state governments challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other anti-graft agencies.

Now, all eyes have shifted to the Supreme Court, which to be fair, has in the matter of local government autonomy, showed a radical bent to strengthen the weak ligaments holding the nation’s democratic structure. Nigerians expect such uncompromising judicial exposition in the instant case challenging the legality of EFCC and other agencies.

On face value, Nigerians should wholly welcome the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC, which was established in 2003 via an Act of parliament and became operational in 2004. But activities of the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies have continued to tend towards promoting corruption rather than mitigating it. Till this day, EFCC is largely perceived as a witch-hunt tool in the hands of those in power, especially the sitting president at any given time.

Worst of it all, neither the EFCC nor ICPC and others has, in real terms, advanced the fight against corruption. Despite the preponderance of these anticorruption laws in the country, Nigeria continues to rank high in the global corruption index. Currently, Nigeria ranks 145 out of 180 countries, meaning she is among the ignoble class of most corrupt nations.

Nigeria ranked high before the EFCC Act and has continued to rank high a good two decades later. Many lawyers, scholars and laymen have advanced reasons why corruption thrives in the country despite the existence of EFCC. To some, EFCC is itself a nest of corruption that needs to be dismantled structurally to make it efficient.

For others, the EFCC operates illegally having been cobbled hurriedly against the grains of the Nigeria Constitution. Yet, to some, the Act setting up the EFCC needs to be reworked to conform to due process and basic fundamentals and requirements of law-making in a federation with federating units (the states). This category of persons argues that EFCC Act was foisted on the people without input from State Assemblies.

It was no surprise, therefore, that no fewer than 16 state governments (with prospects of more state governments joining) have approached the Supreme Court for adjudication on whether the enactment of the EFCC Act followed due process as required by the Constitution.

Already, a seven-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji has commenced action on the suit by fixing October 22 as the date for hearing. This was after the states were joined as co-plaintiffs and leave consequently granted for consolidation of the case.

The suit was originally filed by Kogi State government through its Attorney General (AG), but it has turned out a trigger because it encouraged other states to step out to challenge the legality of the antigraft body.

The states that joined in the suit marked: SC/ CV/178/2023, are Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River and Niger. The argument of the state governments was based on the fact that the enactment of the EFCC Act grossly undermined the powers and rights of the states as federating units with functional Houses of Assembly none of which was privy or contributed to the enactment of the EFCC Act.

The 16 states premised their argument on the fact that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land hence any law that is inconsistent with it is a nullity and should be so declared.

The state governments cited the case of Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, wherein the Supreme Court held that it was a UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) that the National Assembly converted into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provisions of

Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, were not followed.

Subsection three(3) of section 12 states that “a bill of the National Assembly passed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of the section shall not be presented to the President for assent, and shall not be enacted, unless it is ratified by a majority of all the Houses of Assembly in the Federation.”

The referenced subsection (2) states that “the National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Exclusive Legislative List for the purpose of implementing a treaty,” which in this case is the UNCAC, a treaty Nigeria ratified since 14 December 2004 from which the EFCC Act took its root.

The argument of the state government was

that, in bringing a convention into the Nigerian law, the provision of Section 12 must be complied with. The 16 state governments averred that the provision of the Constitution demands that a majority of the states’ Houses of Assembly shall agree to bring the convention into Nigeria before passing the EFCC Act as well as others, a requirement that was never met and procedure that was never followed.

Whether intended or not, what the state government’s suit seeks to achieve is to establish the propriety or otherwise of Nigeria being a true Federation that recognises the place and role of the federating units (the states). It is a throwback to the Naira redesign suit between 16 state governments (from an initial three state governments: Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara, that approached the Supreme Court on February 22, 2023 seeking to challenge the naira redesign policy of the Federal Government which brought insufferable hardship on the people.

The state governments argued that approval of the policy by President Buhari without consultation with National Economic Council, which has state governors as members, violated section 23 (3) CBN Act, among other infringements on citizens’ rights. At the end, the Supreme Court restored sanity in the system by not extending the validity of the old naira notes as legal tender but also ruling that both the old and new notes should co-exist as valid legal tenders. The state governments won, a victory widely celebrated by Nigerians.

The extant state governments’ case against the constitutionality of the EFCC and others represents another milestone that would strengthen or weaken the democratic foundation of Nigeria as a true Federation. This explains the excitement and the reason why all eyes are on the wise seven-member panel of the Supreme Court starting from October 22. It promises to be another legal firework that would test the independence, integrity and courage of the judiciary, in this case the Supreme Court.

Malam Gusau, public policy analyst, writes from Zamfara State

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ADDRESSING THE CRISIS OF TERTIARY EDUCATION Government

should do more to stem human capital flight

Since the brain drain from Nigerian universities began in the late 1980s, there has been a progressive decline in the

of the best brains left the universities to join the media and the private sector while some went abroad to take up teaching and research jobs in foreign universities, including on the continent. That this exodus seems to have heightened is why has been crying out. Worst hit are the public universities which also witness an internal migration by many of their best lecturers who move to the better paying private universities in the country. The latest wave of migrations is tied to the ‘Japa’ syndrome as many brilliant young minds, driven by hunger and the arrogant stance of government at all levels, move abroad.

who is currently a Senior Fellow for African Studies at the American Council on Foreign Relations, Ebenezer Obadare recently posed some questions: same time maintain that the federal government pick up the tab for the running of the universities? Why should university faculty spread across 36 states be paid the same salaries even though theyent social circumstances? And why should a single union be the one to negotiate on their behalf?" -

Glaring evidence of the impact is in the abysmal quality of many of our graduates. Many are functional illiterates

Glaring evidence of the impact is in the abysmal quality of many of our graduates. Many are functional illiterates. The more debilitating impact is socioeconomic. Now that many of the medical personnel are relocating in droves, many of our hospitals are lacking in critical personnel. Besides, the foreign exchange cost of elite Nigeri-

More disturbing is that many the children being educated in foreign universities at great cost are not heading home after their studies. They are staying out to add value to advanced economies. The question now is, how do we address the problem?

Last year, President Bola Tinubu pledged that his administration would work towards full university autonomy. While that may be one of the tune with the current realities. A former lecturer at

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

Letters to the Editor

MULTI-CHOICE AND OWERRI

Multi-choice, the owner of DSTV and GOTV has been osten-

dents of Owerri metropolis.

For about three weeks now, subscribers of GOTV have been shortchanged with regard to contents and number of channels they were supposed to get according to their bouquets.

For instance, this writer usually subscribes for about 76 channels for #4,850 per month. However, since about three weeks now, -

ty of watching some of my favorite stations like the Arise News,stations against my wish. My other family members who prefer watching BBNaija and other movie stations were denied the op-

ed and who won the interesting program.

SUBSCRIBERS

have been resolved is a case in point. We agree is nothing wrong with a university lecturer trading his knowledge in two or three universities and getting rewarded in the process as it is done in many countries. The challenge of course is that beneath all the sabre rattling is the issue of transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, most of our lecturers thatally abandon their primary responsibilities. That cannot be an acceptable practice.

Going forward requires critical stakeholders in lasting solution to what has become a perplexing national challenge. But the federal government must take the initiative so that we can collectively come up with ways to reposition tertiary education in the country. A less anti-intellectual attitude by government, as well as a conscious involvement of universities in governance and public policy and development endeavours will help. Beyond granting autonomy, there is need for a pragmatic solution to the problem of tertiary education so that we can stop the brightest and best of our academics from leaving the country for greener pastures abroad.

in Owerri. The technicians did some gimmick and all the stationssitioned and has been working well for years without any problems.

Against the following background, how will Multi-choice compensate me and thousands of others who had and still have the same problem? How are they going to compensate us for the days and weeks we lost watching our favorite stations? The price of subscription has been increased more than four times in a year,despite the current hardship Nigerians are facing. Multi-Choice must as a matter of compulsion, compensate me and others who faced and are still facing this problem with at least one month free subscription across board.

Ifeanyi Maduako, Owerri

Another sporting tradition dies, Tennis players blaming a linesperson rather than themselves forgence. John McEnroe will be spinning in his com-

Yes, mistakes have happened but overall the linespeople were accurate and honest. The sports cheats, mostly online gamblers, might use hackers to change a few close results and win or lose a set Tennis is played by humans and it has its faults, the old hands rather than the new bucket of bolts.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 9-October-2024, unless otherwise stated. Offer price: The

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have

on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real

assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS

National Assembly May Overrule NCAA over Minimum Aircraft for Commercial Operations

Chinedu Eze

The National Assembly has revealed that it is working on a bill that will make it compulsory for commercial airlines in Nigeria to start operation with four to five aircraft, which is lower than six aircraft, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) stipulated as the minimum equipment for new entrants into the industry.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Senate committee on Aviattion, Abdulfatai Buhari, who spoke at the South West Air Transportation Summit, in Lagos.

Nigerian airlines had recently expressed dismay at the six

aircraft policy stipulated by NCAA. However, if the National Assembly passes the four aircraft policy into law, it will nullify that of NCAA.

THISDAY learnt that before the six aircraft rule, the regulation stipulated minimum of two aircraft and according to the law, airline cannot operate schedule service with only one aircraft, but when starting operation with minimum of two aircraft, there were times airlines with only two aircraft would ground one for maintenance and instead of suspending operation would appeal to NCAA to be using one aircraft pending the return of the one on maintenance.

This means that NCAA might

not have strictly kept to the rule of two aircraft minimum operational equipment. Informed source also told THISDAY that it was because the minimum number of aircraft needed to start operation was only two, many businessmen who were not really prepared with needed capital outlay would go into airline business; only to go under few years later.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a recent Arise TV interview, explained that because Nigeria does not have major aircraft maintenance facility, airlines ferry their aircraft due for checks overseas.

“This reduces their operational aircraft, which gives rise to delays, as

the struggle to manage existing fleet to operate to the same destinations they were operating when they have more aircraft. This leads to flight cancellation and poor on-time performance,” he said.

NCAA in July 2023, unveiled its policy, stating that from January 2025, the minimum aircraft fleet of any airline providing scheduled service in Nigeria would be six aircraft, as against the minimum of two aircraft, which has been the policy over the years.

With minimum operating aircraft of six, NCAA insisted that the minimum aircraft that must be airworthy out of that six aircraft should be four. This means that

an airline is expected to ground its operations if it has less than four aircraft that is airworthy.

“Nigerian airlines should be professional, Nigerians want to see confidence, they want comfort and want to be assured of safety, if an airline has just two aircraft, it should operate within the confines of its capacity and not overburden itself with multiple routes than can’t be served.

“It is sad to experience delayed flights , we need to do the right thing for the sector to excel and compete favourably with our counterpart. We are working on a bill that will make it mandatory for prospective and existing airlines to have minimum of four or five aircraft to start operations,” he said. He also called on NCAA to make it as law that when an airline reduces the number of operating aircraft in its fleet, the regulatory authority would reduce the destinations the airline operates and ensures that the airline abides by the recommended number of destinations.

According to industry expert and the CEO of BeluJane Konsult, Chris Aligbe, “If you have two aircraft NCAA can tell you how many routes you can fly to maintain schedule integrity.”

BREAKFAST MEETING…

Head, Client Coverage, FBNQuest, Abayomi Bolade; Head, Department of Strategy, Lagos Business School, Wale Ajai; Acting Managing Director, FBNQuest, Afolabi Olorode; Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney; Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele; Head,Treasury Sales and Derivatives, FirstBank, Adeola Abioye; Head, General Services, FirstBank, Olumide Odunuga, and Head, Tax, Fixed Asset and Insurance, FirstBank, Noah Osu at the FirstBank sponsored Lagos Business School Breakfast Meeting in Lagos… recently The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

In the face of rising inflationary trend accompanied by high exchange rate of naira to dollar with federal government’s projection of building $1 trillion economy by the year 2030, insurance and pension sectors have been asked to take five major steps in their search for ways of making meaningful contributions.

The steps, the expert said, are: technological advancement, improved capitalisation, development of innovative financial products to meet the changing needs of individuals, involvement in capital market development and investment in infrastructure and other key sectors.

The Managing Director / Chief Economist, Analysts Data Services and Resources, Dr Afolabi Olowookere, stated this, while delivering key note address at the 9th Annual conference of the National Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) in Lagos.

The conference which has the theme, “Towards A $1 trillion Economy: Roles of insurance and Pension Sectors,” served as a rally point for Chief Executives of insurance firms and Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to sit together, examine their contributions to the GDP of the economy and point out their next line of action to play key role towards the achievement of the Federal

Government’s dream.

Addressing the audience, Olowookere, noted that in terms of GDP sectors performance, the leading contributors to Nigerian outputs were Agriculture, ICT, Trade and manufacturing but that the finance and insurance sector which contributes 6.57 per cent of the GDP has continued to be the major driver of the economy as well as the fastest growing sector in recent times.

He said though various sectors of the economy have had fair share of negative impact of the prevailing high inflationary rate and high exchange rate of dollar to naira, which affected their contributions to the economy, insurance and pension should embrace the aforementioned key

factors to remain relevant.

According to him, insurance and pension sector operators need to adopt technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence AI, machine learning and blockchain to improve research, portfolio management and back - office operations.

“By improving efficiency and reducing costs, they can offer better returns to contributors and attract more funds, driving economic growth through smarter and more sustainable investments”, he said.

In terms of capitalisation, Olowookere said insurance and pension sectors could expand their assets by encouraging more Nigerians to save for retirement and underwriting higher portfolio risks.

He said, “As life expectancy

increases and the population builds wealth, these funds will grow, providing more capital for long-term investments in the economy.” Insurance sector in particular was charged to increase its operating capital to build more premium and profit.

He noted that funds from the two sectors were significant institutional investors in the capital market, adding that by increasing their involvement in equities, bonds, and other financial instruments, they could help deepen the capital markets and provide liquidity.

He also said the two sectors could serve as institutional investors, allocating a portion of their assets to national development projects such as roads, bridges and energy infrastructure.

According to him, they can also invest in priority sectors like agriculture, technology and healthcare.

Olowookere said the projected

Ebere Nwoji

Consortium of Energy Operators to Commission

Nigeria’s Largest Jet Fuel Depot

Stories by Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian aviation industry is poised for a significant transformation with the upcoming commissioning of the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), the country’s largest airside jet fuel depot. The facility will officially open on October 17, 2024, at the JUHI-2 Facility located off the Murtala Muhammed International Airport road, Lagos.

According to the Group Managing Director of Masters Energy and Chairperson of the JUHI-2 Board, Mrs. Patience Dappa, the depot will serve as a crucial storage and supply hub for jet fuel, ensuring a steady fuel supply to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), MMA2, MMA1, and nearby airbases.

MD/CEO of Eterna Plc and Chairman of the JUHI-2

Commissioning Committee, Mr. Abiola Lawal, highlighted that the facility will support various aviation operations, including domestic, international, cargo, hajj, business jets, and other scheduled and non-scheduled flights. He emphasized, “This state-of-the-art depot will significantly enhance aviation operations, meeting the fuel demands of a wide range of flight activities.”

The commissioning event will be attended by key stakeholders from the aviation and energy sectors and will be officially presided over by the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

JUHI-2 is a joint venture between Eterna Plc, Masters Energy, Techno Oil, Quest Oil, Rahamaniyya, Ibafon

Oil, and First Deep Water Limited. The facility spans 46,000 square meters and boasts a storage capacity of 15 million liters of Jet A1 fuel. Its cutting-edge design includes the latest filtration systems, the ability to load four bowsers simultaneously, a jet fuel discharge system with four dedicated trucks, a modern laboratory, and state-of-the-art fire prevention measures.

“The depot’s advanced operational support facilities position it as the best of its kind in Nigeria,” Mr. Lawal added.

JUHI-2’s strategic location will enable efficient fuel distribution and logistics management, ensuring rapid response times and supporting mission planning. The facility is expected to generate employment, boost local economic growth, and contribute to the development of the airport area.

CREDICORP Extends Service to Aviation Industry

The federal government has extended its credit scheme with civil servants to the aviation industry, as workers from the aviation agencies can now access the scheme.

The organisation said the launch of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDITCORP), would mark a potential turning point in the financial lives of workers, including those in the aviation industry, promising to provide a smooth landing for the economic aspirations of thousands of hardworking aviation professionals.

The inclusion of all civil servants and by extension the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and others among the initial beneficiaries of this initiative is both strategic and symbolic, said the organization.

CREDITCORP noted that the aviation regulators (NCAA), with their stable employment and regular income, represent an ideal starting point for expanding consumer credit access in a sector critical to national development. Yet, despite their steady salaries, many have long struggled with limited access to affordable credit, often resorting to high-interest loans or informal borrowing networks to meet urgent

financial needs – a situation that could potentially compromise the integrity of their vital roles in ensuring air safety.

“CREDICORP, piloted by Uzoma Nwagba as its Managing Director and CEO, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to change this narrative dramatically. By prioritizing civil servants, including those in the NCAA, in its pilot program, CREDICORP is not just offering a financial product; it’s extending a lifeline that could potentially transform the economic realities of a significant segment of Nigeria’s aviation workforce.

Vodafone, Google to Deepen Strategic Partnership in Africa and Europe

Vodafone and Google have announced a ten year strategic expansion of their existing partnership to bring new services, devices, and TV experiences to millions of Vodafone’s customers across Europe and Africa, supported by Google cloud and Google’s Gemini models.

The partnership aims to bring new generative AI (gen AI) powered devices through Google’s Gemini models to millions of Vodafone’s customers across Africa and Europe

The agreement will also bring storage, security, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance to Vodafone’s customers in 15 countries, as well as its partners in an additional 45 markets

worldwide, while Google will use Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services to improve workforce productivity.

Speaking on the initiative, Vodafone’s Group Ghief Executive, Margherita Della Valle, said: “Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions of more consumers. Using these services, our customers can discover new ways to learn, create and communicate, as well as consume TV, on a scale we

AIR WATCH

More Accolades for Air Peace

Since the past three weeks, Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace has been receiving commendations and awards because of its operations and the critical role it plays in moving Nigerians from one destination to another.

Despite the current challenges besetting air operation in Nigeria, the airline has stoically sustained its flight service to the country and in response, many Nigerians have continued to express appreciation to the airline.

The latest was the commendation from the former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who eulogised Nigeria’s major carrier for its exceptional service.

Kwankwaso narrated his experience during his recent flight from Lagos to London, and expressed deep satisfaction with the airline’s performance, highlighting its smooth operations and competitive pricing.

Kwankwaso described his experience with the airline as highly satisfactory, particularly impressed with the quality of service provided during his journey.

“Very wonderful takeoff, smooth landing, and of course, a very comfortable environment,” he remarked, recommending the airline to both Nigerian and international travellers.

haven’t seen before.”

CEO of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, said: “Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services, including our Gemini models, to more people across Europe and Africa.

“I’m excited to see how Vodafone’s consumers, small businesses and governments, will use generative AI and Google Cloud to transform the way they work and access information.”

Lord’s Dry Gin Rebranding, Achievers Awards Set to Boost Nigerian Economy

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

In a move expected to significantly impact Nigeria’s beverage industry, Lord’s Dry Gin has unveiled its revamped premium product, marking a new era for the brand.

This rebranding effort is anticipated to increase local manufacturing and employment opportunities, providing a muchneeded stimulus to Nigeria’s economic development.

The innovative packaging, featuring the sleek and modern Guala cap, not only enhances the product’s appeal but also potentially increases exports. This development is a testimony to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, further solidifying Nigeria’s position in the global beverage market.

Complementing this rebranding effort is the prestigious Lord’s Achievers Awards, which recognises

and empowers emerging Nigerian icons. The awards promote business resilience, creativity, and innovation, driving economic growth and encouraging investment in Nigeria’s talent.

The 6th edition of the Lord’s Achievers Awards was a resounding success, bringing together Nigeria’s brightest stars in Lagos to celebrate exceptional talent and innovative achievements.

The highly anticipated event, themed “Celebrating Emerging Icons,” lived up to its promise, showcasing exceptional talent and innovative achievements.

Layi Wasabi, the renowned Nigerian comedian and skit maker, Segun Adegoke, a trailblazing Alternative Investment Expert and Social/Climate Entrepreneur, and Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe, the dynamic spoken word artist known as IBQuake, took home top honours in the entertainment, agriculture, and literature/spoken word categories, respectively.

The former governor of Kano State did not only commend the comfort of the flight but also pointed out the affordability of Air Peace’s fares, praising the airline for offering competitive prices on the Lagos-London route compared to other carriers.

Kwankwaso’s endorsement came at a time whqen Air Peace is making significant strides in the international market, with its Lagos-London service receiving positive feedback from various passengers.

Kwankwaso’s high-profile endorsement serves as a testament to Air Peace’s growing influence in the aviation industry.

He urged Nigerians and even non-Nigerians to consider Air Peace for their travel needs, suggesting that the airline has the potential to compete globally while remaining a source of national pride.

In addition to his commendation, Kwankwaso encouraged the airline to invest in greater marketing efforts, noting that many Nigerians are still unaware of Air Peace’s international services.

He expressed confidence that with increased publicity, the airline would attract more passengers and become a preferred choice for international travellers.

The former governor also suggested that Air Peace expand its domestic routes to include key cities such as Abuja and Kano, where he believes there is high demand.

“In Kano, we have many passengers that will be very happy flying this airline,” Kwankwaso stated, expressing optimism about the airline’s potential for growth within Nigeria.

Kwankwaso also commended the visionary leadership of Air Peace’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema and expressed appreciation for his entrepreneurial spirit and efforts to establish international connections for Nigeria.

“I congratulate the Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, who is a very good entrepreneur working hard to ensure we have international routes to other places from Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.

This commendation is not the first time Kwankwaso has had positive interactions with Air Peace.

In 2019, Air Peace airlifted 475 students sponsored by Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation to Dubai and India for postgraduate studies, further cementing a strong relationship between the airline and Kwankwaso’s initiatives.

In a statement, the airline said with endorsements from figures like Kwankwaso, it will continue to strengthen its position as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

As the airline expands its services, both locally and

internationally, such commendations are expected to attract even more passengers and solidify its standing both in the regional and global aviation market.

Kwankwaso is one of high profile Nigerians that have chosen to fly Air Peace Lagos-London service. There are other highly placed Nigerians who left their traditional foreign airlines to patronize the Nigerian carrier because of its efficient service and because of the love they have for the country.

The former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo enjoyed Air Peace Lagos-London flight service, and the former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi; Chairman of Rainoil, Gabriel Ogbechie, among others, have also expressed their satisfaction in flying Air Peace. Recently, a Nigerian who flew Air Peace London to Lagos, wrote about his experience on his Facebook account and said, “What wowed me about the Air Peace London- Lagos trip wasn’t the food. I knew from the get go that the food would be out of this world. Anyone that flew Air Peace before the Covid pandemic era on business class was offered ‘egusi’ soup and other delicacies. I had enjoyed that severally. So that wasn’t the catch for me. It wasn’t the ambience of the aircraft either because I have seen aircraft.

“What shocked me were members of the cabin crew. I thought they would behave in the same way local cabin crews behave. Generally Nigerians are very poor with customer relationship and communication. Don’t tell me that you have not experienced it. I set the bar low for them, but shockingly they showed class . I couldn’t find a single fault. Not even one. They were better than crew members from several airlines that I have used. They were so un-Nigerian in customer communication and service,” the customer said.

Many Nigerians who experienced Air Peace flight service to London from Lagos always push that the airline should operate more international destinations to relieve Nigerians of high fares that they pay to some destinations, provide them that homely touch in their in-flight service and also create more jobs for Nigerians as the company continues to expand its operations.

The federal government has been magnanimous to designate Air Peace to the US, Dubai, Johannesburg and many other international destinations. In preparation to service these routes, Air Peace is at the cusp of acquiring more long-haul aircraft in addition to narrow body aircraft to add to its fleet. THISDAY learnt that before the end of the year, the airline would bring in more aircraft to add to its fleet.

Another Nigerian passenger who travelled from London to Lagos, TayoAina, in his Tik-tok account narrated his experience in Air Peace flight. He spoke about the food, the service and the aircraft, noting that everything was in great shape.

“I flew Nigeria’s Air Peace from London to Lagos and what I experienced was not what I expected. I heard about the new Air Peace flight from Lagos to London, I was super excited that we finally have a Nigerian owned airline that can provide very good service.

“I am proud of how far Air Peace has come, and we, as Nigerians, must really help them to succeed with these international routes by deciding to use their service over other foreign airlines, even if theirs is cheaper.

“These other airlines are ready to do anything to frustrate their business because of their high profits. We all know why they dropped their ridiculous prices,” Aina said.

Air Peace gives Nigerians hope and it is a worthy ambassador of the country, as its carries Nigerian flag across the continents.

Mary Nnah

Much Ado about Nigeria-Brazil Direct Flight

On Monday, the Ministry of Aviation released a statement about the plan by Nigeria and Brazil to reestablish direct flight between the two countries.

The last time Nigeria and Brazil connected directly by flight was during the time Brazil owned airline, Varig operated to Lagos, but since then most Nigerians that travelled to Brazil, had connected flights through other countries, especially Addis Ababa and the US.

According to Simple Flying, Varig was once a household name in South American aviation - it was the largest Boeing 747 operator in the region and connected Brazil to destinations as far away as Tokyo (NRT), Maputo (MPM), and Hong Kong (HKG) and it operated for about 79 years and stopped operation in 2006.

Varig in its history wrote about how it connected African destinations and why it had to withdraw from the routes and its eventual demise.

The big news of the 1970s were about flights to Africa, where the first destination was Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, in 1970. In 1977, VARIG also started flights to Lagos, Nigeria, and to Cape Town, South Africa.

However, the 90’s also marked the beginning of VARIG’s network reduction. The company began to cut unprofitable routes. In Latin America, Panama, San José, Quito, Quayaquil, Paramaribo, Cayenne and Port of Spain routes were canceled. In Africa, virtually all routes were canceled. The route to Maputo had already been canceled in 1987. The route to Abidjan was canceled in 1991 and until 1994 Luanda, Lagos and Cape Town were also canceled, leaving only Johannesburg. In North America, the route to Montreal was canceled in 1989. The route to Toronto lasted until 1994, marking the end of flights operated by VARIG in Canada. In Europe, VARIG canceled flights to Barcelona in 1994.

However, some stakeholders believe that hope will rise again when Nigeria and Brazil re-establish the direct flight connection soon, while others have different opinions about it.

The statement issued on Monday and signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Tunde Moshood, indicated that the two countries may designate airlines to operate the route. It also indicated that Nigeria has commenced high-level discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

According to the statement, “This strategic meeting follows the MoU signed between the two nations in 2018, aimed at boosting air connectivity and economic cooperation.”

The Ministry said that during the discussions, both envoys emphasized the need for new BASA arrangements to reflect current realities in the aviation world.

“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the BASA arrangements, recognising the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” the statement further said.

Speaking on the importance of the direct flights, Ambassador Garcete highlighted the potential for immediate commencement of flight services, noting that both nations could facilitate four to five flights per week.

“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated, noting the need to finalize the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.

The statement said that to ensure the smooth finalization of the initiative, both countries agreed to set up committees to draft and finalize a new BASA arrangements. The Ambassador also extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.

“Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. With the operationalization of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for enhanced growth and expanded international reach. The Honourable Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral aviation agreements that promote economic development and connectivity,” the statement also stated.

PAST EFFORTS TO CONNECT THE ROUTE

There had been efforts made in the past to kick off direct flight between Nigeria and Brazil. The most recent was by Arik Air, which in 2013

started negotiations to start flights between Lagos and Sao Paulo.

That was 19 years after the Brazilian national carrier; Varig Air stopped direct flights into the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Arik Air, the Nigerian carrier designated on the route then had commenced the process that would enable it start direct flights into São Paulo, the Brazilian commercial nerve centre and has applied for traffic rights and slot allocation from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (Agency National De Aviacao Civil) and the Department of Air Transport. The then Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil, Vincent Okonedion, had said the commencement of direct flights into Brazil would open up a window of investment opportunities for Nigeria and Brazil in several areas, including agriculture, aviation, power, education and culture.

and they allowed us to continue with the passenger processing; otherwise, we would have missed our flight,” he told THISDAY. The Founder and Managing Director of Travel Lab Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Shalom Asuquo, spoke to THISDAY and explained why direct flight between Nigeria and Brazil may not be profitable. She said that with about 90, 000 Nigerians living in Brazil, Nigeria does not have high Diaspora population compared to Italy, US, Canada, UK, Germany and other countries and this could be evaluated by the amount of remittances from Brazil. She also looked at it from the point of the economic resourcefulness of the Nigerians that live in Brazil, noting that they may not have such financial capacity to maintain robust passenger traffic on the route. There is a somewhat pilgrimage of Orisha worshippers who are Brazilians and who travel to Nigeria from time to time, but she noted that such movement cannot sustain acceptable passenger movement on the route. The plan by Nigeria and Brazil to re-establish direct flight between

“Brazil is the hub of the economies of South America, just as Nigeria is the hub of the economies in West and Central Africa. Both countries have always had that desire to see the two economies of West Africa and South America linked by direct flights.

“Today, Brazil is the sixth largest economy in the world and Nigeria is the fastest growing economy in Africa and the two countries are able to draw all the economies in their respective regions. So once you have a direct flight, this flight is not only connecting the two countries but the two regions, that is in Nigeria, the whole of West Africa and in Brazil, the whole of South America,” Okonedion said.

But eventually, the Nigerian carrier, did not continue with the push to operate the route, and Brazilian low-cost airline, Gol, which was supposed to reciprocate Arik Air, did not show any inclination to operate to either Lagos or Abuja. In fact, at that time, Gol was only operating one international destination; all other of its flights were local.

VIABILITY AND SECURITY

Former Vice President, Government, International Affairs and Business Development of Arik Air, Lanre

Bamgbose, who spoke to THISDAY, said:

“The last schedule operator of the BASA on the Nigeria/Brazil route was Varig. However, I recall the federal government designation of Arik Air on that route sometime before 2010. What I know is Arik Air made spirited efforts to develop that route, which due to inactivity had assumed a certain level of sterility. We pursued the opportunity with the support of the Ministry, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Vincent Okonedion. We invested substantially in a lot of route development initiatives, but we tarried on commencement due to some reasons. I am sure the Honorable Minister will see to it that the airlines designated on that route now will take advantage of the immense opportunities both on the bilateral and multilateral fronts to launch the services on that route.”

THISDAY gathered that the reason why Arik Air stepped down its plans to operate the route was because after market research the airline found that the route then would not have sustainable passenger traffic that would make the route profitable. The route was also known as high drug route, which draws the attention of law enforcement agencies all over the world to monitor the route. In fact, a journalist narrated his experience of how he was forced to go and stool when he travelled to Brazil with a well-known African airline. On arrival at its hub, the journalist and his colleagues were made to relief themselves and pick sample from their stool.

“But because I did not eat I couldn’t force out anything. The security people there were stern and insistent but somehow we were able to convince them we were journalists

VACANCIES

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Intel, Cisco, Others Sign Abidjan Accord Calling for $120bn for IDA

Oluchi Chinuzor

Economic Development Assembly yesterday gathered African leaders and the private sector in Abidjan to advocate for investments from the G20 in the World Bank’s IDA21 replenishment presented by Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates, in partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and Harith General Partners at the, Economic Development Assembly: Advancing Africa’s Future in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, it was announced that more than 100 eminent African and international CEOs, world leaders and artists signed the Abidjan Accord, an urgent call to G20 governments to increase their contributions to IDA, the World Bank’s fund to help lift 77 of the world’s developing nations out of poverty, many of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Abidjan Accord urged the world’s wealthiest nations to support Africa’s development by working towards a $120 billion replenishment for the

World Bank’s International Development Association’s 21st funding round (IDA21), on the best terms possible for the poorest countries, this December.

“The Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private, public, and civil society sectors to discuss some of the most difficult challenges and opportunities that Africa faces - and the impact they will have on the global economy,” Bridgewater CEO Nir Bar Dea said. “As our research and collaboration with the World Bank, global policymakers, and thought leaders has highlighted, an increase in IDA funding will play an outsized role in advancing global growth by supporting important development goals like furthering healthcare, core infrastructure, and energy access.” said Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates.

“Too many developing countries are saddled by high-interest loans, strangling their economies and diverting funding that should be supporting social services such

as healthcare, education, nutrition and building infrastructure. Fully funded, IDA has the potential to improve living conditions for almost 2 billion people. It’s one of the most strategic investment G20 governments can make in the global economy of the future.”

– Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen.

“Investing in Africa is not just about capital; it’s about recognizing the potential of a continent with boundless resources, talent, and opportunity. The future of Côte d’Ivoire, and Africa at large, is bright, and those who invest today are planting the seeds for tomorrow’s prosperity.” – Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners.

“Today I join with 70 other leaders, organizations and individuals by adding my name to the Abidjan Accord, which is an urgent call to leaders of the G20 nations to urgently step up and invest to advance Africa’s future.”

– Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Executive Director of UN Women and Deputy President of South Africa.

Sterling Bank Emerges as Leading MSME Supporter

Nume Ekeghe

Sterling Bank in its continuous commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises, has been honored with the prestigious MSME Bank of the Year award at the 2024 MSME Finance Awards.

The event, organised by Nairametrics and The Economic Forum Series, took place in Lagos.

In a statement, Chief Product Officer at Sterling Bank Ltd, Mustapha Otaru, expressed his enthusiasm: “This award is a testament to Sterling Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering MSMEs. Our partnerships with SMEDAN and Databanc have been

pivotal in our success. In the past year, we’ve extended over N50 billion in loans to small businesses and supported more than 100,000 entrepreneurs through our various initiatives. This recognition fuels our determination to continue innovating and supporting the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.”

The MSME Bank of the Year award, the statement added, underscores Sterling Bank’s innovative approach to MSME financing and its significant impact on fostering entrepreneurship. “The bank also secured nominations in three additional categories: Best in MSME Lending, Best in MSME Partnership and Collaboration, and Best in

MSME Financial Inclusion (Bank),” it said. It added, “Sterling Bank’s success in the MSME sector is driven by its suite of tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of small and medium enterprises. These include Specta, a digital lending platform providing quick access to loans for businesses; The Business Hub, a comprehensive digital resource center offering advisory and value add services to SMEs; the strategic partnership with SMEDAN to facilitate single digit financing and development of Databanc for small businesses across Nigeria; and Banca, a digital banking platform serving small businesses with seamless financial management tools.

LOTUS Bank Expands Operations, Opens New Location

Nume Ekeghe

LOTUS Bank Limited, a noninterest bank, has announced the opening of its new branch in Lekki.

This strategic location, it said in a statement, aims to provide enhanced banking services to the growing community in Lekki and surrounding areas.

Chief Executive Officer of LOTUS Bank, Kafilat Araoye, said, “We are thrilled to flagoff our new branch in Lekki,

a vibrant hub of commerce and innovation,” said. “This location not only strengthens our presence in Lagos but also underscores our commitment to providing our customers with seamless access to our services. We are dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and supporting the aspirations of our clients.

“LOTUS Bank is dedicated to showcasing our superior passion for customer satisfaction,” she continued. “With the support

of our highly trained staff, we are determined to fulfill our mission in the non-interest banking sector by providing best-in-class service delivery.”

She further noted that LOTUS Bank remains committed to adhering to the highest ethical standards in banking, offering products that are compliant with Islamic finance principles. The bank’s focus on transparency, integrity, and social responsibility sets it apart as a trusted financial partner for all.

Moniepoint Partners ACPN to Improve Access to Healthcare

Sunday Ehigiator

Foremost financial institution, Moniepoint has announced its partnership with the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to improve access to healthcare in urban and rural areas.

The partnership announcement was made on Wednesday at the launch of a research titled ‘Inside Nigeria’s Community Pharmacies: How Moniepoint Drives Healthcare Access with Payments and Funding’ which mirrors the challenges pharmacists and patients face in need of drugs.

According to Richard Eseka, the state coordinator for Moniepoint,

the health industry is important to the company. Collaborating with ACPN would allow for seamless transactions and financial support for pharmacists who want to expand their businesses.

As the research explained, any pharmaceutical business would collapse if suppliers began to lose trust in the pharmacists when it comes to paying for the supplied goods. Eseka noted that with Moniepoint’s technology, which enhances seamless transactions with no downtime, the likelihood of businesses collapsing is impossible.

“At Moniepoint, very dear to us is the health industry, someone whose life is on the line and has

MARKET INDICATORS

come to your business facility is only concerned about how he is going to get the medications and administer them so it’s not the best time to hear about network downtime.

“At Moniepoint, what we have done is to ensure our transactions are seamless. Whether you are doing card transactions or you are even doing a transfer, you should be able to have that liberty as a pharmacist. As a pharmacist, you may be too busy to even attend to calls from your cashier in the office to confirm a transaction on your commercial bank account and you may have an aggravated customer in your office who wants to buy a drug urgently.”

Blend

Djeno (Congo),

Guinea),

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),

L-R: Southern Africa Subsidiary Country Executive, Access Bank Plc, Oluseun Onasoga; Representative of Kula Financial Solutions (Pty) Limited, (Local Partner), Kauna Ndilula; Executive Director African Subsidiaries, Access Bank Plc, Oluseyi Kumapayi Deputy Governor, Bank of Namibia, Leonie Dunn, shortly after Access Bank Plc secured Approval-in-Principle to establish Access Bank subsidiary in Namibia…recently

Geregu Power PBT Up 107.3% to N36.2bn in Nine Months

Kayode Tokede

Geregu Power Plc, yesterday on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) announced N36.2 billion profit before tax in its unaudited nine months ended September 30, 2024 result accounts, about 107.3per cent increase from N18.1 billion declared in corresponding nine month of 2023.

The company in the period reported a profit after tax of

N24.1 billion, about 113per cent increase from N11.36 billion reported in nine months of 2023.

A review of the company’s financial statements reveals that Geregu Power generated a total revenue of N112.58 billion in nine months of 2024, representing a 102per cent increase year-on-year from N55.75billion reported in nine months of 2023.

For the quarter ending September 2024, the company reported a revenue of N31.9

billion, up from N27 billion in the same period of 2023.

The revenue breakdown reveals that N71.4 billion was generated from energy sales, while N41.1 billion came from capacity charges.

Following improved profits in 2023 financial year, shareholders of Geregu Power approved the payment of N8.00 per share dividend payout.

Speaking to shareholders at the 12th Annual General Meeting

(AGM) in Lagos, Chairman, Geregu Power, Mr. Femi Otedola stated that the company remains cautiously optimistic despite the challenges faced in the previous year.

“In 2024, Geregu Power aims to align our business operations with the global trend toward affordable, clean and efficient energy systems. This involves incorporating renewable energy sources into our power generation portfolio, a move

that not only aligns with our sustainability goals but also positions us to capitalise on emerging market opportunities.

“Our commitment to innovation and sustainability, along with our strategic initiatives, positions us well to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.

Geregu Power is one of Nigeria’s leading GenCos contributing to nearly 10 per cent of the nation’s total electricity generation.

Equipped with three Siemens gas-fired turbines, Geregu Power boasts an impressive total installed generating capacity exceeding 435 MW. In practice, the power plant consistently generates between 260 MW and 270 MW of electricity. As part of its capacity expansion efforts, Geregu Power is in the process of acquiring an additional plant, Geregu Power Plant II, a 434MW gas-fired power project to boost power production in the country.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER 10/24

From Benin to the World: Gbriel’s Gospel Music Ministry

Aideyan Gabriel Osuyi, known professionally as Gabriel, is a Nigeria-born and UK-based gospel singer, songwriter, and music director inspiring countless lives with his soul-stirring melodies and uplifting testimony. With a passion that transcends borders and cultures, Gbriel’s music embodies his profound love for God and commitment to sharing the Gospel. From humble beginnings in Benin City to sharing stages with renowned gospel artists, Gbriel’s journey serves as a powerful affirmation of music’s enduring impact and faith’s transformative power.In this exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, Gbriel shares insights into his creative process, inspirations, and the driving force behind his music ministry

What inspired you to pursue a career in gospel music, and how do you stay motivated?

Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by music and ministry. As a child, I accompanied my mother on various missions and outreach programmes, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music. It was during these formative years that my passion for music began to take root.

As I grew, my musical talents were cultivated through learning various instruments and singing with the church choir. My mother’s encouragement played a pivotal role, as she took my sister and me to perform at numerous events. These experiences honed our performance skills, instilled confidence, and deepened our understanding of music’s impact.

Renowned gospel artists Sonnie Badu, Sinach, and Buchi inspired me to pursue music professionally. Buchi’s mentorship, in particular, provided invaluable guidance and support. His legacy of excellence continues to motivate me to reach new heights.

A turning point came when my friend Sunny Praise urged me to record my first song. His unwavering belief in my talent gave me the courage to take the leap, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.

Today, I reflect on those early days with gratitude, acknowledging the pivotal roles my mother, musical mentors, and friends have played in shaping me into the artist I am becoming.

What is the story behind Gbriel as a stage name and what does it represent to you and your music ministry?

I met a visionary producer in Benin, now based in Canada. He saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen - potential. And with that vision came a crucial piece of advice: I needed a stage name.

He suggested ‘G’Bra’, but fate had other plans. I soon discovered that another talented artist from South Africa shared the same name, sparking a creative dilemma.

Undeterred, I sought a unique identity that would set me apart. After much reflection and prayer, ‘Gbriel’ was born - a name that not only reflected my artistic persona but also honored my spiritual roots.

Today, I’m proud to be known as Gbriel, a name that symbolizes my commitment to spreading God’s message through music.

What drives your passion for praise and worship?

My music is born from a deep desire to praise God and worship Him with every fiber of my being. The unwavering love of God is the spark that ignites my creativity, inspiring me to sing and share His message with the world.

At the core of my music lies a fundamental truth: loving God is the foundation for loving humanity. When we experience God’s unconditional love, we’re empowered to love others selflessly. This conviction fuels my passion to create music that uplifts, heals, and brings hope to those who need it most.

My ultimate goal is to point listeners to the cross, where salvation, redemption, and love converge.

How does your role impact the community? Throughout my life’s journey, I’ve been blessed to make a meaningful impact in various communities around the world. As a dedicated worship leader, I’ve had the privilege of serving in diverse nations, sharing my musical gifts to uplift and inspire others.

Wherever I’ve traveled, I’ve consistently contributed to the spiritual growth and enrichment of each community. My passion for music has been a unifying force, bridging cultural gaps and fostering an atmosphere

of worship and reverence.

The bonds I’ve formed have been profound, and the impact of my ministry has been lasting.

Your music is known for its electrifying energy - what drives your passion for praise and worship?

The energy that flows from my songs is a genuine reflection of my profound love for God. Every note, every lyric, and every melody is an offering of gratitude, a heartfelt expression of my deepest devotion. When I sing, I pour my soul into every performance, giving God my best sacrifice of praise. It’s not just about the music; it’s about honoring Him with every fiber of my being. My songs are a celebration of His goodness, His grace, and His unwavering love.

In the midst of life’s challenges, my music serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Through every verse, I strive to convey the depth of His love and the transformative power of His presence.

My songs are more than just melodies; they are a reflection of my walk with God, a declaration of His faithfulness, and a tribute to His glory. When you listen to my music, I hope you experience the same energy, the same passion, and the same love that drives me to surrender my all to Him.

Can you share a personal experience where your music made a significant impact on someone’s life?

I’ve had the privilege of leading worship from the church altar numerous times, and each experience has been evidence of the power of music to touch hearts

and transform lives.

One unforgettable moment stands out in my memory. After a particularly spirited worship session, a lady once approached me and shared how my music lifted her out of a somber mood, putting a smile back on her face.

Moments like these remind me of the profound impact music can have on our lives. It’s not just about melodies or lyrics; it’s about the divine connection that occurs when we surrender to the Holy Spirit.

As a songwriter, what’s your creative process like, and how do you come up with lyrics that resonate with your audience?

As a songwriter, I’ve discovered that inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime. My music is a reflection of my emotions, and often, it’s the most unexpected moments that spark creativity.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling hurt or overwhelmed, I find solace in song. The lyrics flow effortlessly, a cathartic release of emotions that helps me process and heal. Other times, when joy and gratitude fill my heart, the words pour out in celebration.

But there’s another catalyst for my creativity – the thrill of improvisation.

Sitting at the piano, fingers dancing across the keys, I await the spark of inspiration. And it was in one of these moments that this song was born.

How does your faith influence your music, and what message do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

My faith is the foundation of my music, infusing every note, every lyric, and every melody with the transformative power of the Gospel. As a messenger of hope,

I strive to create music that resonates with the hearts of those who need it most – the hopeless, the broken, and the marginalised. Through my songs, I aim to proclaim the liberating truth that, in Christ, we are already victorious. Regardless of life’s challenges, we are winners, empowered by God’s unconditional love and grace.

My music is more than just entertainment; it’s a reflection of God’s redemptive story. Every song reflects the Gospel’s ability to uplift, heal, and restore. I seek to inspire listeners to cling to faith, to trust in God’s sovereignty, and to find solace in His unwavering presence.

You are also a choir leader at your local church - how does that experience shape your approach to music and ministry?

For many years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a music director in various churches across multiple countries. This journey has taken me to diverse cultural landscapes, allowing me to share my passion for worship and music with people from all walks of life.

However, God’s plan for me has evolved, and I’ve been called to a new chapter of ministry. Currently, I serve as an Associate Pastor and Preacher at Word Demonstration Power Church.

My passion is to proclaim the Gospel, teach, and provide spiritual guidance, integrating worship and music into our ministry.

What’s the most memorable moment or performance of your career so far?

One experience that remains etched in my memory is my time ministering at Omega Fire Church in Germany. It was a remarkable encounter, as the congregation was electrified by the presence of God, and the atmosphere was palpably charged with His power.

How do you balance your music ministry with your other responsibilities, like being a committed member of your church?

As a multifaceted individual, I strive to harmonize my diverse commitments. Music is an integral part of my being, but so are my responsibilities as a healthcare professional, husband, father, and pastor.

Currently, I balance my music ministry with my career in healthcare, nurturing the well-being of others. At home, I cherish my beautiful wife and two precious children, prioritizing family time and nurturing our bond.

Beyond my immediate family, I’m dedicated to se rving my community. Whenever possible, I volunteer at our local church, contributing to its growth and vitality. Additionally, as an Associate Pastor at Word Dem onstration Power Church, I’m committed to shepherding and empowering our congregation.

By God’s grace, I navigate these multiple roles, seeking balance and effectiveness in each sphere. I’m grateful for the support of my loved ones and the opportunity to make a positive impact in various as pects of life.

What’s next for Gbriel - any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?

Gabriel, the versatile worship minister, is set to unleash a vibrant array of worship experiences, blending Gospel music with Afrobeat and Hip-Pop rhythms. This fresh sound is designed to uplift, inspire, and bring people together in spirit and truth.

Also, I’m teaming up with Ekene Smith for “Laugh & Supper” on Easter Monday next year! This event will showcase young talents, provide a platform for artistic expression, and inspire unity through laughter and entertainment. I’m also refining my lyrics to deliver impactful music.

Gbriel

PRESENTATION OF N3BN CHEQUE TO FAMILIES OF DECEASED WORKERS...

L-R: Governor Babagana Umara Zulum; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Basha Talba Kachalla; Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami; and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, L. T. K Mamman, during a presentation of N3 billion cheque for the payment of entitlement to the families of deceased workers in Maiduguri... yesterday

Asari Dokubo Has No Capacity to Shoot Down Military Air Assets, DHQ Declares

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, dismissed as blabbing, threat by a former militant leader, Asari Dokubo,to shoot down surveillance helicopter belonging to the government forces for daring to hover over his premises in the Niger Delta after the controversial Rivers State local government elections held last weekend.

The DHQ also described such threat as empty, insisting that the former militant leader does not have what it takes to challenge the Nigerian military or other security agencies to a fight or

the capacity to shoot down a fighter or surveillance platforms belonging to the state forces.

Dokubo had issued a stark warning in response to alleged military helicopter surveillance over his residence in Rivers State.

In a video on Saturday, circulating via X, Dokubo claimed that two helicopters had been flying over his home for over 30 minutes, an act he perceived as provocation from the government and the police.

“I have the capacity to contain them,” Dokubo had said in the viral footage, adding: "I have never been afraid of death. I’ve always embraced

death, so I am not afraid of death.

“I did not go and look for the helicopter to shoot them down. I will shoot down the helicopter. I swear by Allah that I will shoot down the helicopter,” he threatened in the viral video footage.

But responding to a question on the matter during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the Director Defence Media Operation Maj Gen Edward Buba, challenged the former militant leader to come to the battlefield and be taken out.

He said, "Now, to comment by some individual that they can shoot down helicopter of the military, I think

that is laughable. In fact, he is just blabbing. I say that because you know we are in a democracy and we are a professional force.

“We cannot just because of somebody's reckless and unguarded comments begin to do certain things and then critics will begin to accuse us of being undemocratic. The military is not the only security agency or department in the country that uses surveillance helicopter.

“There are other security forces who have a role to play constitutionally when it comes to some of these issues. I can tell you that he doesn't have that capability he is boasting of, but

EFCC Files Appeal Against Ikuforiji’s Acquittal over Alleged Money Laundering

Wale Igbintade

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has filed an appeal challenging the judgement of Justice Mohammed Liman, that discharged and acquitted a former Lagos State speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, of money laundering charges.

Ikuforiji was charged by the EFCC alongside his former aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, on a 54-count charge bordering on alleged N338.8 million money laundering.

The prosecution had conducted full trial in the matter and both defence and prosecution had adopted their final addresses on

May 17.

On June 24, Justice Mohammed Liman, delivered judgement in the suit and acquitted Ikuforiji of the charges.

Dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial court, the EFCC filed a notice of appeal challenging the decision of the lower court.

The prosecutor, Mr Ekene Ihenacho (SAN), argued that the trial court erred in law when it held that the charge under count one, did not present a potential legal issue.

He argued that the trial judge erred in law by holding that prosecutor's case hinged on transactions that purportedly exceeded the

thresholds of N500,000/N5 million for individuals, and N2 million/10 million for corporate entities under the 2004 and 2011 Acts.

He argued that the lower court ignored the evidence led by the prosecutor, which showed that the respondents made and accepted cash payments above the prescribed thresholds.

He further argued that oral and documentary evidence adduced during trial, showed that the defendant made and accepted cash payments without passing through financial institutions contrary to the Money laundering Acts 2004 and 2011.

He argued that the lower court

Stop Cursing Your Leaders, Pray for Them in Bad Situation, Sultan Implores Nigerians

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians irrespective of their religion affiliations to always continue to pray for their leaders even in bad situation.

The Sultan made the appeal at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, during a public lecture and special book presentations in honour of Professor Is'haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who turned 70 years on Wednesday and formally retired from the services of the University of Ilorin.

The books written in honour of Oloyede were entitled:“Islamics, Scholarship and Service to Society, A Festschrift for Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede” and “Glimpses into the Giant: A Tapestry of Tributes to Prof. Is-haq Oloyede at 70”. The programme was organised by KU8+ Consortium of Universities in Kwara State which the JAMB Registrar is the director of Board of Trustees.

Abubakar said Nigerians should stop the habit of cursing their leaders but instead pray for them no matter how bad the situation.

“Don’t curse your leaders, no matter how bad they may be, but

pray for them. Never talk ill of your leaders. Even, if a leader is bad, pray for him.

"If you pray for him/her, Almighty Allah can make him/her turn a new leaf and make him/her a better person that you will enjoy. Don't condemn your leaders.

"No matter how bad they are pray for them”, the Sultan who is the head of the Muslim Community in the country counselled.

The Monarch, who announced the conferment of a new title of the Kuliya of Sokoto on Oloyede said he was always happy when he visited the ancient town of Ilorin.

did not obey the decision of the appellate court in the case of Frn vs Ikuforiji (2016), Ikuforiji vs Frn (2018) and Atoyebi vs Frn (2018).

He averred that in those cases, the ingredients of the offences as charged, were laid down by the appellate courts.

The prosecution, said the lower court failed to appreciate both the case of the appellant and ingredients of the offences under which the respondents failed trial.

The EFCC therefore sought an order, allowing its appeal and setting aside the decision of the lower court.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the appeal.

we would allow the security forces that are responsible for handling such cases to take up the matter.

“Ours is come on the battlefield and we take you out. He should come on the battlefield and see whether we can react or not."

On alleged diversion of welfare packages made for frontline troops by some commanders in theatres of operations, Buba said the allega-

tions were unfounded as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and other Service Chiefs had continued to prioritise welfare of troops. He, however, declined further comment on the ongoing investigation into the case of a former commander involved in a service misconduct. He disclosed that the erstwhile commander, a brigadier general, was billed to face general court marshal.

YIAGA Africa, JDPC Ask INEC to Review Edo Governorship Election Results

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Yiaga Africa, the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the just concluded Governorship election results in Edo State, saying several unwholesome acts undermined the integrity of the election.

Speaking on the post-election statement entitled: "Edo State Governorship Election Fails The Integrity Test/Standards", Dr. Aisha Abdullahi and Samson Itodo, Chair of the 2024 Edo Election and Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, respectively, expressed worry over the inconsistencies in the Edo State Governorship election results.

The duo maintained that there was an urgent need for political actors to change their attitude towards politics, stressing the need for fundamental

electoral reform to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Aisha Abdullahi of Yiaga Africa identified a lack of transparency in the results collation process, adding that the development led to the manipulation of results.

"While key processes such as accreditation, voting, counting and recording of results at the polling units substantially complied with procedures, the results collation process was compromised by the actions of some biased INEC officials in connivance with other actors. This manipulation severely undermines the overall integrity of the election," she said.

On his part, Director of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to go back and review the Edo Governorship election. JDPC is a Catholic organisation dedicated to promoting social justice, development, and peace.

Nigerian Army Launches Investigation into Lagos Police Officer's Death

The Nigerian Army's 81 Division, has commenced investigation into an altercation between a soldier and a police officer that resulted in the policeman's death.

In a statement by the Deputy Direct, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, yesterday, the incident was said to have occurred on October 9, 2024, following a dispute over an alleged traffic rule violation.

"Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on 9 October 2024 involving a soldier and a policeman

following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation.

"The incident, which is presently under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman.

"The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the Military Police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures.

"The incident is highly regrettable, given the Division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.

"The Nigerian Army has continuously sensitised its personnel not to engage in activities that would

tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies as well as the civil populace.

"The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA commiserates with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police on this unfortunate incident.

"The Division reassures the general public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to ensure that justice is served.

"We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army," the statement read.

Sunday Ehigiator

Linus Aleke in Abuja

DISCUSSING REAL ESTATE...

L-R: President, FIABCI-Nigeria, Akin Opatola; Executive Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu

Discussions and Awards, REDA24, Victoria Island… recently

PDP NWC Meeting Stalemated over Attempt to Suspend Key Officials, Crisis Deepens

BoT insists Oct 24 NEC meeting must hold

The emergency National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) summoned to suspend alleged erring members of the leadership ended in a stalemate.

The NWC members had retired to their emergency meeting after the Board of Trustees meeting to suspended suspend the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade; National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyegikuro; and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who was not in the country.

At the meeting that took place at the NWC hall, when the matter came up for discussion, the National Legal Adviser walked out when temper was hot and was seen making calls Ajibade later returned to the meeting, took his files and left.

The National Financial Secretary was seen shouting at the top of his voice, saying, "It cannot happen. It will not happen."

But the deputy national chairman for south, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, countered the National Financial Secretary, saying, "Let's see how three members can be more than seventeen members. We have the numbers."

Some members of the NWC were seen banging their table, shouting, "who the hell are you. You have no right to dictate to us, we have the majority."

At this stage, when tempers were high, the acting national chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, called off the meeting and all of them were guided into their various vehicles by their security aides and the meeting ended without achieving the desired objective of suspending any one

Yesterday's meeting was seen as battle for control of PDP took a

of Rivers State.

"Following the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly and the intervention by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the parties withdraw their cases in Court, to allow peace reign, His Excellency the Governor of Rivers State obeyed the President’s directive and withdrew his cases and the processes he filed in Suit No FHC/ABJ/1613/CS/2023.

“Martin Amaewhule and others disobeyed the President and did not withdraw Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1613/ CS/2023 and proceeded to obtain judgment against His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State.

"After the judgment of the Court of Appeal today, there is a gale of misrepresentation and misinterpretation that Martin Amaewhule & 26 others remain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly with Martin Amaewhule as the speaker thereof. This is patently false.

new dimension. The Damagum-led NWC was said to be under pressure to sanction some of its members perceived to be divergent to former Rivers State governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The PDP NWC was said to have sharply divided along the line of those loyal to Wike and those believed to be rooting for the supremacy of the party’s Constitution.

THISDAY gathered that the Damagum-led NWC had summoned an emergency meeting to suspend those believed to be anti-Wike for allegedly insisting on the adherence to party rules particularly on the issue of Rivers State PDP Congresses.

A source hinted that members of the NWC were being influenced to execute the suspension of the said members in order to have a complete take-over of the affairs of the party.

Stating that no particular offence had been identified against the said members aside from perceived divergence with the Wike Camp, the source expressed concerns that such move by the NWC could trigger a serious crisis in the party.

It was gathered that the activities of the members listed for suspension have frustrated several moves by a particular camp to weaken the party and secure total control of its structure ahead of the 2027 general election.

The battle for the soul of the PDP shifted to the control of Rivers State structure with Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu writing to the Appeal Court in August, insisting that the PDP would remain on an appeal over the embattled 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to the legal position of the party.

The tussle for control of Rivers state

"The defection of Martin Amaewhule and 26 others was not an issue for determination in the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Court of Appeal. What was in issue was the 2023 Appropriation Law and the National Assembly taking over the Legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Iboroma said. He continued: "Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, His Excellency, the governor has directed his lawyers to file an appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court and also file an application for stay of execution of the judgment of the Court of Appeal. That maintains the status quo.

"Accordingly, His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State urges the good people of Rivers State to ignore the purveyors of fake news bent on misleading the good people of Rivers State."

PDP took a national dimension after Wike stood his ground on the party’s structure in the state and threatened to “put fire” in the state of any PDP governor that intervene in the affairs of the party in Rivers state.

The offences of the National Legal Adviser was that he swore an affidavit to a Rivers State High Court that the party was a party to the on going suit against members of the assembly. He quoted the PDP constitution to back up his affidavit.

IN

you that we may not even see lower pump prices.

“So please let's not dwell on the increase in pump price. We will assess it and if there is need for us to intervene we will intervene.”

Akpabio further assured Nigerians that the Senate would ensure their comfort in the best way possible.

“There is no point offering services to Nigeria if we are not prepared to improve on the lot of Nigerians. The 10th Senate is very prepared to change the paradigm and ensure that the future of Nigeria is better than what it is today.

“I pledge before you that working collectively, we will make legislations and the right motions and intervene with the intention to build a better future for all Nigerian children, those born and yet unborn.

“When I say that brighter days are ahead, it simply means that all the wrongs that kept the country where it is will be corrected,” the Chairman of the National Assembly stated.

However, amid concerns over the debilitating impact of rising cost of petroleum products in the country, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has asked the federal government to consider subsidising crude oil supply to local refineries.

As part of measures to ensure positive gains from deregulation, it said that all petroleum products marketers should be given equal opportunity both to access products from Dangote Refinery and other sources.

The union also said that the federal government should intervene with measures to strengthen the Naira over major foreign currencies such as the Dollar and Pounds as a means of arresting the high inflation rate currently ravaging the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday on the state of the nation, TUC’s President, Festus Osifo said the policy of full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector was not bad in itself.

He argued that what was responsible for the continuous hike in prices of products including PMS is the ill-advised floating of the Naira, maintaining that the country’s currency is presently undervalued compared to other currencies.

Speaking on the economic indices

PDP BoT Insists Oct 24 for NEC Meeting

Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called on the leadership of the party to ensure that the October 24 National Executive Committee (NEC) holds unfailingly.

He also stated that all members of the party summoned by the Tom Ikimi-led disciplinary committee must honour the invitation because no one was above the party

that effect the pump price of petrol in the country, Osifo said that because crude oil is sold at international price, products from domestic refineries tend to be affected by volatility of the foreign exchange market.

"Like I said here, if government today makes a special intervention in that sector by pegging foreign exchange rate for crude supply to Dangote Refinery at 1,200 Naira to a dollar, PMS price is going to crash much more below N700 per litre of PMS.

"So the demand is that government should create a special foreign exchange scheme for that purpose. There is no government in the world that doesn't intervene in its critical sector, and the critical sector in this case is the energy sector. We shouldn't leave it to all the vibrations and the gyrations today that we are having regarding our Naira.

"So when that special intervention is done, the PMS price will even go below where it was moved from. It was moved by N800 plus. But when that intervention is done, it's going to go down to N700,” he emphasised.

Osifo said that TUC had studied the petroleum products supply crisis in the country and summarised them under three factors namely: Availability, affordability and accessibility.

He said: "When we talk about energy security, there are three principal things that we dwell on. One, is the energy available? Two, is the energy accessible? Three, is the energy affordable? These are the three things.

"Because if energy is not available, even when the price is cheap, you cannot have access to it. Even when the price is cheap, you will not have enough supply. That means no availability.

"What is going to happen at the end of the day is that you are going to have speculators. You are going to have the demand. So the higher demand will be chasing very few, I mean, reduced quantity," he said.

The TUC president said that what is happening now is that the federal government is selling crude oil to the Dangote Refinery at the prevailing international market price which ultimately impacts on the depot price PMS.

"So if that exchange rate today, as we know, is the exchange rate that is

Wabara, who spoke at the 78th meeting of the BoT meeting, further said the party was supreme as the constitution of the party must be respected.

"At this critical juncture in our party's trajectory, I believe it is imperative, and I believe I'm speaking the minds of my colleagues in the board that we convey a meeting of the National Executive Council Committee NEC as scheduled for the 24th of October this year.

"This will allow us to address

bordering around N1,600 plus. But government can intervene in that sector by what we have opined earlier. If that is done, in that case, you are not subsidizing even consumption. You are subsidizing production.

"That will even help Dangote Refinery to even employ more Nigerians and make its operations much more efficient. And that will crash the PMS price to where it was as of June last year.

"So gentlemen of the press, that is our demand to government. Three things. One is affordability. So we must be able to buy this product. We want the price of the product to go even below where it was before. Not just where it was before, but if it will go below, if we attend clearly to the issues that are bordering on foreign exchange,” he argued.

When asked the position of the Congress on the prolonged rehabilitation work at the local refineries, Osifo said that as things stand now, only federal government can say specifically when they will come on stream.

He however noted that the two refineries may not bring the needed relief to Nigerians except the government takes steps to stabilise the foreign exchange rate.

Osifo further spoke on the delay in the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage especially at the subnational level. While lamenting the sufferings in land, Osifo said that TUC was demanding that states urgently constitute Committees on consequential adjustment to hasten the payment of new minimum wage to workers.

Meanwhile, while in Abuja the NNPC continued to sell fuel at N1,030 yesterday officially, private marketers were selling the product for between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre.

In the same vein, many filling stations still remained shut, even as fuel queues built up in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding suburbs.

In Oshogbo, the story was not markedly different as petrol station owners in Osun State adjusted their prices to between N1,350 and N1,400 per litre.

Checks by THISDAY yesterday in Osogbo, Osun State capital, confirmed

pressing matters and strategise on the way forward for the PDP, especially as we gear up to future elections and prepare to strengthen our internal structures," he stated Speaking on the two committees recently set up by the party, Wabara said, "I would like to take this opportunity to commend the reconciliation committee for their efforts so far in resolving disputes within the party, their work has been vital in mending broken ties and strengthening our internal structures.

that independent marketers had raised their petrol dispensing facilities to reflect the new price regime. Before Wednesday’s increase, independent marketers were selling a litre for N1,100 and N1,200 respectively, while the two NNPC stations located around Governor’s office and in the metropolis were selling a litre to motorists at N865. Few motorists and commercial bus drivers who spoke with THISDAY decried the increase in the price of petrol, saying it would bring more hardship to Nigerians. Similarly, car owners in Kano have been forced to abandon their vehicles following the new increase in the pump price by the NNPC.

At the time of filing this report, fuel was sold for N1200 at AA Rano and Aliko filling stations, while some of the independent marketers sold the commodity for between N1,250 and N1,350. However, hundreds of motorists queued up at the NNPC outlets where the fuel was sold yesterday at N1, 030, to buy the fuel, but with long queues build-up.

In Kaduna, filling stations adjusted pump prices of petrol following the latest price increase by the NNPC. At the NNPC Mega Station, near Indomie Factory, along Kachia road, the pump price of petrol per litre was up to N1,070 from N904. At Enyo Filling Station, along Constitution Road, the price had been adjusted to N1,250 from N1,200 per litre. Also at Rain Oil, near Kaduna Refinery Junction, the price rose from N1,200 to N1,250 per litre while A.A Rano filling station by station market increased its price from N1,300 to N1,400. At Sharon Filling Station, along Kachia road, petrol sold for N1,200, from N1,050. The story was not different in Warri, Delta state, where a litre of the fuel now sells for between N1,300 to N1,400 per litre as there doesn’t appear to be a mega NNPC filling station in Warri. Residents of Rivers State also continued to groan over the sudden hike in PMS, leading to an increase in transportation fares paid in the state. Before the announcement by the NNPC, as of Monday this week, a litre of the fuel was sold for between N980 to N1150.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo; and Managing Partner, Thinkmint Nigeria, Imelda Usoro-Olaoye, at a two-day Real Estate

FUBARA IN JEOPARDY AS A'COURT NULLIFIES 2024 RIVERS BUDGET

PETROL PRICE:

CHANGE OF STYLE, AKPABIO ASKS NIGERIANS TO REDUCE NUMBER OF CARS THEY OWN

ASSESSMENT VISIT OF NEMA TO ONDO FLOOD DISASTER AREAS...

L-R: Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar; Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Olayide Adelami; and the Osemawe of Ondo, His Highness, Dr Victor Kiladejo, during the assessment visit of NEMA DG to Ondo over the recent flood disaster that affected parts of the town and its environs on Tuesday

Kwara Remains Open to Investment that Drives

Economic Growth, Jobs, Says AbdulRazaq

Donates N100m support for victims of Kaiama boat mishap

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State yesterday said his administration is always open to development and investment that drives economic growth, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for the residents of the state.

Speaking in Ilorin during the distribution of electric motorcycles to members of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), the governor stated that, "We have fostered an environment that encourages innovation and welcomes partnerships with private enterprises

and investors who share our vision for a progressive, sustainable future.

"This welcome initiative will enhance our transportation system and address environmental concerns by reducing carbon emissions, which aligns with our broader goal of creating a cleaner, greener Kwara".

In another development, the governor announced a N100m support for the victims of the recent boat mishap involving up to 200 people from Kaiama Local Government Area.

The governor announced the support on Thursday during a visit to the Emir of Kaiama Alhaji

Omar Mu’azu (Kiyaru IV).

A statement issued in Ilorin by the governor which was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye quoted the governor as saying the incident again underscored the reason for more institutional checks on water travel.

Meanwhile, represented at the distribution of electric motorcycles to members of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria by the state commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, the governor stated that, introduction of electric tricycles is one of many steps we are taking

to transform Kwara into a hub of technological advancement and a business-friendly state.

Her words: "We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote clean energy, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and enhance our transport infrastructure.

"As we move forward, I assure you that Kwara State remains committed to providing the necessary support to investors and entrepreneurs who wish to bring new ideas and technologies to our dear state.

"We believe that with the right partnerships, Kwara will continue

to lead in innovation and development".

Responding, the state chairman of TOAN, Alhaji Saliu Gidado lauded the state government effort at enhancing the socio-economic development of the state.

He said that, "the present administration has brought a new lease of life to the residents of the state by approving the uses of Keke Marwa for our union in 2019".

Gidado added: "The administration of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman Abdul Razaq not only gave my union autonomy to work as separate entity, but also

LIRS Chair Emerges Most Outstanding Public Sector CEO of 2024

The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. Ayodele Subair, has been named the Peak Performer FEST 2024 Most Outstanding Performance as a Public Sector Chief Executive of the year.

A statement from the organisation said Subair received the award at the Peak Performer (TPP) Fest held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The event, which brought together

key stakeholders in the public and private sectors to celebrate excellence and innovation, the statement said, highlighted Subair’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation within the public sector. His leadership, it stressed, has been pivotal in driving transformative policies and improving service delivery within the agency.

A standout moment of the festival was the LIRS emerging as a major highlight of the event, winning four awards for its exemplary

Tinubu Lauds NIDCOM CEO, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, At 62

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with ace broadcaster and Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who clocks 62 on 11 October and commended her passion for building a better Nigeria through her various public roles.

The President, according to a release issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, recalled Mrs Dabiri-Erewa's illustrious career in public service, which first brought her to national prominence during her active days as a broadcaster with NTA.

She carved a niche as an authority on covering human-interest stories and skillfully anchoring the weekly NTA Newsline programme with flair, empathy, insight, and credibility.

President Tinubu noted that millions of Nigerians who watched her in this role saw her as a household name while her contributions to the nation, particularly in her efforts to

bridge the gap between Nigeria and its diaspora, have extended far beyond the newsroom, making us all proud and appreciative of her work.

The President commended DabiriErewa for her exemplary service in various capacities, including as a Member of the House of Representatives, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, and as the pioneer Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM.

President Tinubu lauded her tireless efforts to ensure that the rights of Nigerian migrants are respected and also commended her work in facilitating investment and business opportunities between Nigeria and the Diaspora.

He affirmed that the former parliamentarian has proven to be a role model for women in politics. Her relentless dedication, optimism, courage, and commitment to excellence inspire many Nigerian women to take on leadership roles in the political arena.

performance in revenue collection and taxpayer engagement strategies.

The agency said it has continually demonstrated innovation in enhancing its operations, thereby contributing significantly to the state’s economic development.

The LIRS was recognised as the ‘most outstanding revenue collection agency of the year’, most outstanding performance as women-friendly revenue collection, as well as most outstanding performance in public engagement among others.

Accompanied by the LIRS directors, Subair, who received the five awards on behalf of the agency, dedicated them to the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the tax-paying people of Lagos.

He said that the awards would encourage the LIRS to perform much

the responsibility of state governors.

Mamman highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s role as a policymaking body, tasked with ensuring that every child has access to free and compulsory education.

“Every child, girl or boy, should be educated,” he asserted, further acknowledging the challenges faced. “As a country, we have many children, especially girls, who are out of school.”

Under President Bola Tinubu's administration, Mamman affirmed a commitment to ensuring that no child was denied education due to lack of resources or location.

He stressed the need for quality education that prepares children for productive participation in the economy. “We must guarantee that when children go to school, they receive quality education,” he said.

better as it’s always a good feeling when one gets recognition for all the hard work and efforts put into one’s work.

Calling on the people to support the state more by paying their taxes when due, the LIRS boss noted: “Because a lot of people don’t even connect the dot, people feel that when they go to the US or UK, they are very happy with what they see, good roads, light, security and so much support from the government but somebody has got to pay for it and the only way we can achieve such greatness is when all of us pay our parts.

“We have a lot of ideas and innovations that we apply because nobody wants to pay tax in any part of the world. Nigeria is not different from the other parts of

School Children's Education, who paid him a courtesy call at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, described the issue of Almajiri and out-of-school children in the country as a volcano waiting to erupt.

the world. So, we spend a lot of time in advocacy because we realise that a lot of our citizens don’t avail themselves with all the various laws and procedures."

He noted that payment of taxes was part of a social contract between the government and citizens as it helps the government to provide efficient infrastructure and qualitative social services.

“We have to show the people where the money goes to encourage them to pay their taxes as and when due. So, we have a lot of the projects that are going on. So, nobody who lives in Lagos would deny the fact that there are a lot of groundbreaking projects going on in Lagos, so many of them – the Blue Line, the Red Line, all the good roads, security,” he explained.

guaranteed 100 units of tricycle for my members which created employment opportunity.

"I want to re-establish it here again that we have completed the payment without owing the financial Institution that facilitated it a penny.

"I want to reassure all the parties that will be involved in this business not to entertain any fear about recovery of the money spent on the business. We have wealth of experience to handle the business.

"I want at this juncture, turn to my members who may be beneficiary of the tricycle to perform according to the rules of the business, what we intend doing is business not Christmas cake or lleya Ram. You will not have any reason to default since all what can cause you delay will be taking care of".

On the Kaiama boat mishap, the governor again commiserated with the Emir and the people of Kaiama on the incident.

He also conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the monarch and the people of Kaiama, saying a delegation of the President could not proceed to Kwara on Thursday because of the bad weather that prevented them from flying.

AbdulRazaq said, “We have come to again register our condolences over the sad incident. May Allaah forgive our compatriots who died in the mishap,” he told the Emir. He further said: “The government is supporting the people affected with the sums of N100m.

"The last time we had protests, we saw an unusually high number of protests, significantly from the North. When you look at those protesters, they were Almajiri children. It was obvious that they didn't have a clue about what they were doing.

“Some of them were carrying Russian flags, which means that they didn't understand what that means. They were tools in the hands of manipulators, willing and ready tools in the hands of manipulators, who probably gave them a meal or something meager, and they were ready to go for it.

his Renewed Hope vision, is very passionate about ensuring that he reduces the number of Almajiri and out-of-school children to an absolute minimum.

Abiodun, who spoke when he received members of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-

According to Abiodun, the high number of out-of-school children called for concern, as they could easily be manipulated to cause havoc in the country. "The issue of Almajiri is a national challenge. It is not a challenge for a section of this country, but a national challenge. The National Security Adviser and I sat down to discuss this issue, and we deliberated on what actionable steps can be taken that are implementable, breaking them down into immediate, medium to long-term, and sustainable steps to ensure that we collectively deal with the issue, which I described as a volcanic eruption that we can't see now, that appears dormant, but is very viable.

"This is a very sad development in the history of this nation, and this is a result of years of neglect of the situation. My position is that we can successfully tackle it. This will be one of President Bola Tinubu's best legacies.

“It will be an enduring legacy, and I know that the president, under

"I assure you that, as the governor of Ogun State and the Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF), we will do our best to address this issue, even though we have a lower number of out-of-school children in the south."

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Alternative Education, Hon. Almustapha Rabah, said Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children after Pakistan and India, urging all hands to be on deck to address the issue.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Muhammad Idris, disclosed that Nigeria had about 30 million Almajiri roaming the streets as a result of the irresponsibility of their parents. A CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL TODAY IS SERIOUS THREAT TO NATION TOMORROW, SAYS SHETTIMA

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

NIGERIAN FINTECH WEEK...

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, i-invest, Tobiloba Olusoga; Chief Audit Executive, Wema Bank, Oluwole Esomojumi; Vice President & Head, Customer Solutions, Indian Ocean Islands, East & West Africa, Mastercard, Kari Tukur; Chief Executive Officer, XchangeBox, Abiola Jimoh, and Head of Compliance, FairMoney, James Edeh, at the Nigeria

Rivers LGA Polls: IYC Warns Arewa Youths to Stay Off N’Delta Matters

Olusegun Samuel inYenagoa

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has replied and warned a Northern group, the Arewa Youths For Peaceful Coexistence, to stay off any matter concerning the Niger Delta, stressing that the northern youths should know their boundary in Nigeria, and must not become meddlesome interlopers.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Binebia Princewell, IYC stated that anyone or group of persons fighting against the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State and Nigeria in general is an enemy of democracy.

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide said as true democrats it cannot keep quiet and watch the country’s democracy wobble without

Police Nab 12 Suspects for Murder, Armed Robbery, Arson in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command, have apprehended 12 suspects for alleged murder, armed robbery, arson, stealing, burglary among other offences across the state.

Parading the suspects at the Command headquarters in Akure, the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, said the arrests are part of the significant strides the force made in the fight against crime in the state in the last one month.

Oladipo said the suspects are

Monday Chukwu, a 34-yearold resident of Akintola village in the Odigbo area of the state, who allegedly stabbed one Kefa Ofando, 30, to death over N2,000. He said: “On September 20, 2024, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command attached to the Odigbo Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on a complaint, swiftly responded and arrested one Monday Chukwu, a 34-year-old resident of Akintola village in the Odigbo area of the state. The suspect allegedly stabbed one Kefa Ofando, 30, to death.

Less-Privileged, Women Empowered as Glorious Covenant Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Women and the less privileged in the society yesterday benefited from the humanitarian services of the Glorious Covenant Ministry in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Speaking during a press briefing to unravel line up of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the church, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the programme, Dr. Blessing Daniel-Kalio, said the ministry was structured to reach the needs of the members

and the less privileged in the society.

Daniel-Kalio said the church epitomises love for all members, especially the women, adding that “we organise empowerment programme as part of effort to cushion the biting economic hardship in the society.”

Addressing journalists at the church auditorium yesterday, the General Superintendent of Glorious Covenant Ministry, Pastor Dagogo Cookey-Gam, said the church was founded on October 16, 1994, at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

Osun Warns against Unauthorised Cable Laying

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State Government, through its consultant on telecommunications infrastructure, Global Transactions Nigeria Limited, has alleged that some people are laying cables in the ground in the state without any authorisation from the state governmen.

This was as it warned those involved in such acts to stop or face the full wrath of the law.

The Chairman of Global Transactions Nigeria Limited, Rotimi George-Taylor, made

this known while speaking to journalists in Osogbo last Wednesday.

George-Taylor also said some of the people carrying out the act were recently arrested by the police in Ilesa.

According to him, the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation is authorised to regulate telecommunication infrastructure within the State, adding that failure to seek necessary approval is tantamount to disobeying the government.

contributing to strengthen it.

The statement advised the Northern group to focused their strengths and press briefings on their northern region, but even

though they have been paid to speak trash about Niger Delta, “You people should be more bothered about your region.”

The council called on President

NOA Sensitises Kano Residents on

Bola Tinubu to ignore and completely disregard such undemocratic statements from such “unserious fellows.” It also urged the president to quickly wade into the lingering

political crises in Rivers State without biases with a view of returning

to the state, adding that the Rivers State local government elections were in order.

National Values Charter, New Anthem

FG approves September 16 as national symbol day

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Kano state office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a sensitisation campaign on the National Anthem and National Values Charter in Kano.

Also the federal government has approved 16th September of every year as National Symbol Day

At a press conference yesterday in Kano, the State Director of NOA, Rabiu Ado, harped on the importance of new National Anthem, value orientation and attitudinal change among Nigerians.

He said the sensitisation is in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that the agency must avail Nigerians on how to build the country through sensitisation and re-orientation campaigns. According to him, “these include restoration of the dignity and standardisation of national Symbols such as the National Flag, Anthem, Pledge and the Coat of Arm.”

“The first stanza of the National Anthem is to be used at all official functions, while the three stanzas will be for special occasions such as Independence Day, Democracy day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and workers day.” he said.

Olusoga: Cybersecurity is Non-Negotiable for Investor Protection

Chief Operating Officer at i-invest, Tobiloba Olusoga, has reiterated the importance of striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding investor funds.

I-invest is a prominent digital platform for treasury bills, stocks and other investment services.

Speaking at the Nigeria Fintech Week 2024, where industry

experts convened to discuss the growing threats of fraud and cyber attacks in the financial ecosystem, providing key insights into tackling these challenges, Olusoga said innovation is crucial.

However, he said financial institutions must be cautious to avoid losses, emphasising the need for robust cybersecurity measures while driving technological advancements.

The panel, themed “Dealing with Fraud and Cyber-Attacks: Barriers to an Expanding Digital Economy,” addressed emerging fraud trends, cybercrime, and the importance of data privacy regulations in today’s digital age.

Olusoga said: “I’m a strong believer in the ‘fail fast - learn faster’ concept.But in an environment like ours, it’s crucial to ensure that if you’re putting money into something, you don’t lose it. Businesses are often at a crossroads: they want to invest in research and development, but they also can’t afford to lose money.“

Bill to Establish Road Safety Special Armed Squad Scales Second Reading

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act, 2007, to make provision for the establishment of Road Safety Special Armed Squad.

The Bill, which was sponsored by Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida (APC, Ondo) and Hon. Olaide Lateef Muhammed (APC, Oyo), was passed at plenary yesterday.

The bill seeks to make the Road Safety Corps on the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal enjoy benefits attached to that grade,

including retirement grade.

The bill also seek to empower the FRSC with the responsibility for road traffic administration and safety management, preventing and minimising road traffic crashes on public roads, supervision of users of such public roads, and regulation of traffic thereon. The proposed legislation plans to empower the commission with the powers of clearing of obstruction on any part of the public roads and for educating drivers, motorists and other members of the public generally on the proper use of public roads.

Court Jails Lebanese 14 years for Sexually Exploiting Teenage Girls in Kano

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

A 67-year-old Lebanese national, Zuhier R Akar, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court sitting in Kano for sexually exploiting two teenage girls.

Delivering the judgment, Justice S M Shu’aibu, held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Kano Command, arraigned Akar of Gidan Wanka, Unity Road, Fagge Local Government Area, Kano with a two-count charge on trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The Prosecution counsel and Kano Zonal Commander NAPTIP, Mr Abdullahi Babale, told the court that the Department of State Security Service(DSS) Kano Command, reported the matter to the agency on September 5, 2024. Babale, then stated that the defendant committed the offence on September 4, at about 10:30p.m at his house situated at Gidan Wanka, Unity Road Kano.

Casava Insurance Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer to Boost Operations

Sunday Okobi

Nigeria’s pioneering digital insurer, Casava Insurance, has expressed its intention to lead the insurance industry and create indelible impact with the appointment of Aluor Agusah as its new Chief

Commercial Officer.

The firm said the strategic move signaled Casava’s ambition to solidify its position as a leader in the digital insurance space as well as to aggressively expand its reach and impact within Nigeria’s dynamic insurance market.

In a statement, Casava said Agusah, a seasoned insurance professional with over 20 years of experience, “brings a wealth of expertise to the company. The former Chief Marketing Officer at Alliance and General Insurance Plc has a track record that includes leadership

roles at prominent companies such as Royal Exchange General Insurance and Old Mutual Nigeria.” Sharing the news on LinkedIn, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Casava Insurance, Bode Pedro, expressed delight at welcoming Agusah to the company.

Firms Launch Campaign to Inspire New Generation Leaders

Emmanuel Olurunda–Otaru

To inspire a new generation of leaders who will take their place in public service, a civic-action group, Luminate, and an innovative media company, Delmedia, have collaborated to launch a one-month-longNaijaNextGen

campaign in Lagos.

A series of short videos featuring stories of young Nigerians challenging societal values and norms lies at the core of the campaign, to motivate young Nigerians, especially women to take on leadership roles in civic life, and contribute to community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Delmedia Productions, Delmwa Deshi-Kura, said: “The goal is to inspire Nigerian youth, particularly young women, to channel their energy and creativity into community-based initiatives, while actively engaging with the political systems that shape their world.”

According to him, “As the campaign progresses, the digital strategy will focus on sparking dialogue across social media platforms and mobilising both physical and digital communities. “

peace back

Fintech Week 24 in Lagos...recently

NAIJA NEXTGEN CAMPAIGN LAUNCH...

L-R: President of Luminate, Stephen King; Vice President, Luminate, Toyin Akinniyi; Actress, Mbasiti Jesse, and Executive Producer, Delmedia Productions, Delmwa Deshi-Kura, at the launch of Naija NextGen Campaign in Lagos…recently

LASTMA Sacks Six Officials over Severe Misconduct

Sunday Ehigiator

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has revealed that it has terminated the employment of six officials found guilty for severe misconduct.

The sackings, confirmed by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, through a statement yesterday, is said to have followed recommendations from the Personnel Management Board.

According to Taofiq, the affected officials were found to have engaged in severe misconduct and general inefficiencies, contrary

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JUMMAI ABDULLAHI, now wish to be known and addressed as HAUWA ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MOYOSORE ADUNOLA BABATUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MOYOSORE ADUNOLA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UAGBALE GRACE AKHERE, now wish to be known and addressed as UAGBALE GRACE OSELENE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH REBECCA ABEKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAYINKA RABIATU REBECCA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as FAKOYA FUNKE ADEBISI , now wish to be known and addressed as FAKOYA LAMBO OLUWAFUNMIKE OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and ad- dressed as BUKOLA PRECIOUS OLADAPO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BUKOLA PRECIOUS AKPE the wife of MR. GABRIEL AFURE AKPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EKPE EKPENYONG ESSIEN, ELIJAH OLUWAFEMI ESSIEN AND ELIJAH OLUWAFEMI ZANU EKPENYONG ESSIEN, now wish to be known and addressed as ELIJAH OZE ESSIEN (As written on NIN registration) All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

to the agency’s code of conduct.

The statement read: “The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, affirmed that the Lagos State Civil Service

‘No

Commission had fully endorsed the Personnel Management Board’s recommendations, which pertained to severe misconduct and general inefficiencies.

Structural

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers(NIStructE) has said no single member of the body has been implicated in building collapse this year.

The President of NIStructE, Johnson Adegboyega Adeyoye, stated this yesterday while briefing the media on the

“Mr. Bakare-Oki confirmed that these disciplinary actions were rigorously implemented in accordance with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and

Regulations.

“He reiterated LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its operations and called on Lagos residents to

actively engage with the agency by providing both positive feedback and reports of any observed misconduct, along with relevant evidence.”

Engineer Involved in Building Collapse in 2024’

institution’s forthcoming 2024 conference and 37th annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for Abuja from October 15 to 16.

Adeyoye attributed several cases of building collapse to quackery and people who didn’t want to pay the little percentage due to structural engineers or professionals to construct safe buildings.

He made reference to the collapsed 21- storey building in Ikoyi, Lagos, on November 1, 2021, where 40 persons died. He said a panel set up by government after the event blamed the developer for not making use of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) certified structural engineers to supervise

the project. He also lamented that many developers still prefer to employ quacks, who accept any amount of money to carry out structural engineering job.

“Many older buildings that adorn the landscape are still standing because they ensured the use of professionals in the supervision of projects.”

Confusion as Niger Screens Political Appointees

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Confusion reigns supreme as over 4,000 political appointees in Niger State stormed the Government House in Minna for the verification of their appointments.

The verification of the letters of appointments followed the

discovery of equal number of ghost political appointees on the payroll of the government.

The state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, according to findings, personally discovered the inflation of the number of appointees he made and therefore asked for the verification. The appointments

were said to have been increased from 3,000 to 8,000 appointees.

As a result of the insertion of ghost appointees on the payment voucher it was learnt that the government must have lost close to N1.6billion monthly which made the governor to raise the eyebrow and asked for the investigation.

The verification is being conducted by the man the governor put in charge of the issuance of appointment letters to the appointees.

Each of the appointees was asked to present his/her letter of appointments, their BVNs as well as the last bank payment slip.

Lagos First Lady Tasks Parents on Children’s Development

Becky Uba Umenyili

The First Lady and wife of the Lagos state governor, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has called on parents to encourage their children towards academic development and skill acquisition. Making the call recently during

the public presentation and launch of a book, The Lazy Brothers authored by 9-year-old girl, Chimka Onwunali, the first lady observed that the achievement of the young author has proven that “no one is too young to make a positive impact.”

She commended the efforts

of the young author and called on everyone to embark on progressive developments that would improve the skills of children.

In his speech at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Basic and Secondary, Hon. Jamui Ali Balogun,

noted that young Esther has demonstrated critical thinking skills and that her accomplishment symbolises power to tap from educational quarters.

He encouraged parents and teachers to continue to nurture the good skills in their children and wards.

Army Debunks Alleged Death of Personal, Civilians in Attack

Tony Icheku inOwerri

The Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, yesterday dismissed as falsehood reports circulating on social media and other online publications alleging the death of a soldier and civilians

during an attack on the Nigerian Army in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The statement issued by the Enugu headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army stated that the reports had “no iota of truth, but the fiction of the imagination of sympathisers of dissident group.

“The attention of 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to the falsehood being peddled by some online media outlets claiming that an attack on troops of the division deployed in Ehime Mbano Local Government Secretariat led to the death of several soldiers and civilians.

“The publication is a fiction playing out in the minds of the terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) criminal elements and their sympathizers that want to dampen the confidence of Imolites and by extension the people of South-east region.”

Obaseki Approves Payment of Gratuity to 2011 Retirees

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the payment of gratuity to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2011.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Ministry of

Local Government, Community & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday E. O. Osaigbovo, said the governor has directed the State Pension Bureau to immediately commence the screening and payment of gratuity to Pensioners who retired in 2011.

In August 2024, Governor Obaseki had approved the payment of gratuity to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2010.

According to the Commissioner, “This is to

inform the general public, especially Local Government Pensioners that his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has approved the payment of gratuity to pensioners who retired in 2011.

Criminal Justice: Law Hub Emphasises Need for Synergy among Stakeholders

Wale Igbintade

An independent non-governmental organisation, Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre, has called for synergy, sharing of information, knowledge and skills among stakeholders, as a way of strengthening justice administration

system in the country. The appeal was made by the Executive Director, LawHub, Mr. Osita Chukwuma, at the ACJL implementation assessment and training workshop of criminal justice stakeholders held yesterday in Lagos State.

Chukwuma, in his opening remarks, said that a good

“But the same cannot be said in present times because of hard times and because some people want to cut corners. We must do the right thing so that we get the right result,” he said.

While painting an outlook of the industry, the President and Chairman in Council of NIStructE, decried the state of the industry in Nigeria, attributing many recent cases of building collapse in the country to structures that don’t meet development standard.

Youth Group Applauds NEDC for Providing Relief to Flood Disaster Victims in Sub-region

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

A group known as the NorthEast Youths Discussion Circle has commended the board and management of North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for providing succor to all victims of recent devastating flooding that ravaged communities in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as well as several other communities across the six northeastern states.

The commendation was made by the President of North East Youth Discussion Circle, Prince Mohammed Sani, alongside his Executives Council members across the six states of Northeastern Nigeria at a press briefing held in Bauchi yesterday.

He stressed that by promptly coming to the rescue of the victims of the disaster through providing relief items, the commission has demonstrated that it is indeed an agency of hope to the people of the subregion.

partnership among all the stakeholders in the justice sector would help the country achieve a robust sector, and further deepen the dispensation of the justice delivery in the country.

He highlighted the collaborative efforts with Law Hub and the MacArthur Foundation in addressing gaps and ensuring the smooth dispensation of justice.

The president further appreciated the efforts of the NEDC under the leadership of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed G Alkali, for the commitment and dedication towards revamping and devastated North-east subregion.

According to him, the workshop also called for continued support and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve landmark success in criminal justice reform, benefiting not only Lagos State but also the entire country.

According to him, the flood that swept across Maiduguri, Borno State, and other states of the subregion has rendered millions of people homeless just as they lost farmlands and other valuable property.

Dismisses Libya’s Mind Game Ahead Clash with Eagles in Uyo

Ayanbunmi: Libya caused own travel problems

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected claims of poor treatment on arrival in Nigeria by the Captain of the Libya senior men national team, Faisal Al-Badri. NFF insisted that the Libyan Football Federation created chaos for its own team, the Mediterranean Knights who are in Uyo to take on the Super Eagles in an AFCON 2025 qualifier NFF’s Assistant Director (Protocol),

Mr. Emmanuel Ayanbunmi said the Libyan federation only informed the NFF that its team was landing in Port Harcourt, and not Uyo, only three hours to the team’s arrival on Tuesday. “I spoke with the General Secretary of LFF, at length, on Monday, 7th October and he never hinted that his team would be arriving on Tuesday (the following day).

He only said he would get back to me but he never did. On Monday evening, someone sent as an advance

...Moses Simon Looks Forward to Starting against Libya Today

FC Nantes winger, Moses Simon, looks set to start for the Super Eagles against Libya today as Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, goes for broke on the way to sealing qualification to the 2025 AFCON even with matches to spare.

Last month, Moses Simon was a second-half replacement for Milan star Samuel Chukwueze.

He replaced Chukwueze in the 63rd minute of the match against Benin in Uyo and provided the assist for Ademola Lookman’s second goal on the day.

The Nantes winger then came off the bench again for the same player in the 46th minute in Rwanda.

Moses Simon was one of the top stars at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where Eguavoen was previously in charge of the Super Eagles.

Bayelsa Queens and Heartland Queens have secured spots in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 4th edition of the internationally acclaimed Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), emerging as the top teams in their respective groups during the group stage of the competition.

Bayelsa Queens demonstrated their dominance in Group B to stay atop the table with nine points, while Heartland Queens of Owerri secured the lead in Group D with the maximum nine points.

In Match-day 4, Bayelsa Queens thrashed their opponents, Espoir FC of Benin Republic 4-0 at the University of Benin Sports Complex in Benin City to secure their qualification to the next round of the tournament while Heartland Queens

He has been sharp in training in Uyo, playing regularly for his French Ligue 1 club and his direct play and willingness to help out in defence will stand him in good stead in competition for first-team places this evening.

FACT-FILE

Super Eagles have won 14 of their last 19 AFCON qualifiers, losing just once (0-1 vs Guinea-Bissau in March 2023).

Nigeria and Libya’s two previous clashes in AFCON qualifiers produced nine goals in total, with Nigeria winning both encounters in October 2018 (4-0 and 3-2).

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has scored 16 goals across the last three editions of AFCON qualifiers, more than any other player in the continent.

defeated Aigle Royal d’Adjara of Cotonou, Benin Republic, 1-0, at the Western Boys High School in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State.

BOWFT, Nigeria's foremost preseason women’s football tournament, is an initiative of Mrs. Betsy Obaseki in collaboration with private sector partners to groom and empower the girl-child, and engender grassroots sports development in Edo State and Nigeria, while promoting causes that raise awareness about and discourage social vices. In its 4th edition, the 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament with the theme, “Say No to Teenage Pregnancy and Abandonment,” is taking place in Benin City, the Edo State capital, between Monday, October 6th and Thursday, October 17, 2023.

The Final 8 of the Zenith Bank/ NBBF Women's Premier Basketball League started yesterday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos with Nigeria Customs Women Basketball team and Bayelsa Whales winning their opening game.

Former champions Customs defeated Dolphins, 74-61 points while it ended 60-42 points in the game between Bayelsa Whales and Titans in favour of the Whales.

Dolphins started the first quarter with a one point lead, leading the quarter 21-20 while Customs return in the second quarter, winning the game 15-8 to end the first half ahead.

The second half started like the first half with Dolphins winning the third quarter 17-14 but had to succumb to the fire power of Customs, who smashed off the game with 23-15 points in the final quarter as the game ended 74-61 points.

Last year Final 4 team, Bayelsa Whales also secured the victory as they outpointed Titans from the Savannah Conference as they hope to win their first title in history. Games continue today (Friday) at the same venue as teams are fighting hard to dethrone the defending champion, MFM Women Basketball team of Lagos.

party by the LFF called me and said his team would be arriving on Tuesday by noon. We made all arrangements to receive the team in Uyo on arrival.

“It was only an hour after the team was airborne that he told me

the delegation would be landing in Port Harcourt. That disrupted so many things, but we still raced on hurdles to get approval from federal authorities to allow their plane to fly them to Uyo once they concluded immigration formalities

in Port Harcourt. Apparently, that would have meant additional cost to the LFF from the charter company, and they didn’t want that, so they preferred to travel from Port Harcourt to Uyo by road.”

Ayanbunmi added that the Libyan delegation jettisoned road transportation arrangements made for them by the NFF and instead hired buses

Nigeria’s Stand-in Captain, Williams Troost-Ekong (second right) at one of the Super Eagles trainings in Uyo ahead of today’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya

on their own.

“If they travelled on buses that were not air-conditioned, that had nothing to do with the NFF as they hired their own buses. We provided security for them, with men and vehicles in front and behind their buses, so we are unmoved about their complaints and threats,”

Ayanbunmi clarified yesterday afternoon after it was reported in Libyan sporting press that the Mediterranean Knights were badly treated on arrival in Nigeria for the clash with the Super Eagles.

Six Kidnapped Sportswriters En route

Six of the 11 sports journalists kidnapped en route Uyo to cover the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya have been rescued by joint security forces in Anambra State.

The abduction took place on the Iseke -Orlu Road in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday.

The media men were part of an 11-member media crew travelling from Lagos to Akwa Ibom State when they were ambushed.

Anambra State Police Public

On October 1st, 2024, the Ecofitness Hub in Lekki, Lagos, hosted the second edition of Ecofitness Basketball Slam held on Independence Day. The event, sponsored by Loft and Keys, Bimz Lounge, Adefowope Property Development and Dredging Limited, and Pocari Sweats, aimed to raise awareness for mental health among Nigerian youth.

The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Emmanuel Nkweke, a representative of the International Association of World Peace Advocates. In his speech, Ambassador Nkweke emphasised the importance of sports in promoting mental well-being and fostering community spirit.

The basketball tournament

Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue of the six sports journalists out of the 11 abducted.

“The joint security forces have rescued six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo,” Ikenga said in a statement yesterday.” He revealed further that efforts to locate and rescue the rest journalists was ongoing.

“Operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member. Further development

featured teams from various parts of Lagos. After intense competition, the Lagos Traffic Team emerged as the champions, defeating Mainland Rockets in the final. One House Team secured third place.

A FIBA-licensed Coach, Nomigo Christopher Terseer, coordinated the event and commended the participants for their skill and sportsmanship. "Basketball is more than just a game," Terseer said. "It's a platform for personal growth, teamwork, and mental health awareness."

The Ecofitness Independence Day Basketball Slam was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of sports in uniting communities and promoting positive mental health outcomes.

shall be communicated,” added Ikenga.

Accord to reports from Anambra, the abduction occurred in a region under the influence of secessionist groups, making the area particularly dangerous for travellers.

While the driver of the bus was reportedly shot dead by the kidnappers, the body of one of the abducted journalists was also reportedly found yesterday while two others escaped. Only two sportswriters are believed still with the kidnappers.

In a press statement issued by

the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the umbrella body for sports journalists in the country commended the Nigeria Police for the timely intervention in the release of its members.

National President of SWAN,Isaiah Benjamin, commended the Security Operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army and Police for their prompt action which ensured that up to six of the held sports journalists regained their freedom while efforts to get the remaining freed is ongoing”, the body stated.

L- R: FIBA Licensed Coach, Nomigo Christopher Terseer; Head of Operations, Ecofitness Hub Limited, Comfort Thomas; Team Lagos Traffic, 2024 Winners of the Ecofitness Independence Day Basketball Slam, Branch Manager, Ecofitness Lagos, Yelami Martin, during the second edition of the event in Lagos...recently

MISSILE

Senate to State Governors

“That all states and local governments should fully comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment on the disbursement and utilisation of funds accruing to all local governments in Nigeria. That the Senate ensures alterations to relevant provisions of the Constitution to provide for the full autonomy of the local governments in Nigeria” --Senate, tells the state governors to perish plans to circumvent the Supreme Court verdict, which granted full financial autonomy to local government councils in the country.

ENIOLA BELLO

Of Platforms, Literally and Metaphorically

In Nigerian political speak, there are many words and phrases, or many expressions so to say, whose usage does violence to the grandeur of English lexis and grammar. One such expression is the application of ‘platform’ as a metaphorical symbol of the importance of political parties in Nigeria’s electoral process. Daily, in the media, print or electronic, you are bound to read or hear the expression about one politician or the other contesting or not contesting for an office, public or party, “UNDER the platform” of party A, B, or Z. This expression appears in newspaper reports or headlines, and in the articles of respected columnists; it features in the commentaries of popular TV anchors, just as politicians mouth it on different campaign grounds. It’s been so repeatedly used that many do not seem to know that the phrase violates some basic English language rules. Literally, a platform is a raised ground; it is what Oxford Languages, said to be the world’s leading dictionary publishers for more than 150 years, defines as “a raised level surface ON which people or things can stand.” In a second definition, Oxford Languages also describes platform as “the declared policy of a political party or group.” For clarity, the publishers of this leading English dictionary give an example of the usage of that word in this sentence: “seeking election ON a platform of low taxes”. From both definitions, ON is the only preposition that is used before ‘platform’ when it functions as a noun in a sentence. The preposition, UNDER, did not feature in any shape or form in both definitions aforesaid. In any case, the purpose of a platform is to allow whoever stands ON it to stand out and be seen by many people around, or for that person to see far into the distance.

Since every expression must be literally meaningful before its metaphorical application could be sensible, I couldn’t understand how Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have directed his supporters, as reported by one columnist, “to contest (the controversial local government elections in the state) UNDER the platform of the almost unheard-of Action People’s Party (APP).” Of course, the “almost unheardof” APP handsomely won almost all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the state, just as the ruling All Progressives

Congress (APC) in Benue State as well as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State respectively won all the seats in contest during the council polls in those states. Significantly, the winners in the council polls in both Benue and Akwa Ibom States, as it happened in other council elections in other states, were mostly reported to have contested UNDER the

platform of the ruling APC and PDP in the respective states.

In the 2023 general elections, many of the candidates who contested UNDER the platform of their various parties, particularly in the governorship and National Assembly polls, won the elections with what the media loved to call “a wide margin.” Although I do not know if the situation was similar in

Since every expression must be literally meaningful before its metaphorical application could be sensible, I couldn’t understand how Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have directed his supporters, as reported by one columnist,“to contest (the controversial local government elections in the state) UNDER the platform of the almost unheard-of Action People’s Party (APP).”Of course, the“almost unheard-of”APP handsomely won almost all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the state, just as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State as well as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State respectively won all the seats in contest during the council polls in those states.

previous polls, particularly the 2007 election in which the then President Olusegun Obasanjo had described was a do or die affair for the then ruling PDP, or even the 1983 election in which the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) recorded what was then described as a landslide victory in many states across the country; I want to believe there is a nexus between the nature of a candidate contesting for an office UNDER a political party and the “sweeping victory” (apology to the media) of that candidate in the polls. This would, of course, require further study by political researchers who understand the dark arts of Nigeria’s political and electoral process. I, however, suspect, indeed would like to believe, that there is some dishonesty or fraud or danger or deviousness in any activity taking place UNDER something rather than in an open space. Why do Nigerian politicians prefer to contest election UNDER, rather than ON, the platform of a political party? Could it be because of the endless possibilities of winning elections UNDER the table, sorry platform? Could it be where ghost voters are conjured, where every INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) innovation to improve the electoral process is perverted, where electoral thugs are procured, where stolen and damaged voting materials are hidden, where vote-buying money is minted, where the security agents used for harassing political opponents or chasing voters away are quartered? Could it even be where those funny judges issue strange ex parte orders even in cases their courts have no jurisdiction, or where favourable judgments could be easily bought by the highest bidder? Is that the oven where those hot election victories are baked? Could that also be the reason why the (political) platform, in the words of a colleague, “shifts like a thermometer”; where a politician belongs to one party in the morning and another in the evening, or contests election UNDER the platform of the PDP in 2019 and the APC in 2023? Should that be the situation, we should collectively collapse the platform, literally and metaphorically, as to leave no space UNDER for political parties to carry out unwholesome operations. That way, politicians would be left with no choice but contest for elections ON a party platform or whatever remains of it.

Mahmood Yakubu