Three International Oil Companies (IOCs) and state-owned Nigerian
Limited (NNPC) yesterday signed a Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for the commencement of the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical project located in Bayelsa State.
The agreement supervised by the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, paved the way for the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Company Limited
(BFPCL) and its partners to
The initiative is expected to foster a more competitive market environment and enable a smoother supply chain.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale
The federal government yesterday reiterated that it has ended petrol pricing, explaining that direct purchase mechanism allows marketers of premium motor spirit (PMS) to negotiate commercial terms directly with refineries.
Edun, disclosed this. The direct purchase structure was put in place as against the initial arrangement where the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was the sole off-taker.
In a statement, Edun who is the
Chairman of the Implementation Committee on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil in Local Currency, said his committee held its second review meeting on Wednesday, October 10, 2024.
Giving what he described as a key update, the minister stated that the
Drama as PDP
"New Direct Purchase Model," was the most significant change under the new regime which now allows petroleum product marketers to purchase PMS directly from local refineries.
This, he said, marked a departure from the previous arrangement
Working Committee
where the NNPC served as the sole purchaser and distributor of PMS from the refineries.
"This direct purchasing mechanism allows marketers to negotiate
The battle for the soul of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to a head yesterday as two factions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) with different loyalties went on a suspension spree against each other before a court order was finally thrown in barring the removal of the Acting National Chairman, Ilya Damagum.
The first salvo was fired when the Damagum-led group which announced the suspension of the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. The suspended group responded by also announcing the sack of Damagum and the party’s National Secretary,
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
National Petroleum Company
of Grenada, Hon. Dickon Mitchell and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu,
Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
More Service Disruptions Loom as Banks Rush to Migrate Core Software
Nume Ekeghe
Customers of Nigerian banks are to brace up for the possibility of more service disruptions as financial institutions race to migrate their core banking systems to more secure software.
The move, which many banks have already begun, is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, potentially leading to further outages and transaction delays.
President of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) and former Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Uju Ogubunka, while speaking
Samuel Anyanwu. Following their purported suspension of Damagum as the Acting National Chairman, the faction announced the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the Acting National Chairman.
Each of the groups claimed they were setting up committees to probe disloyalty to the party and other antiparty activities which each side also dismissed with equal verve.
As the counter actions raged, Damagum led some of his loyalists from his zone to pay a visit to the Chairman of PDP governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed who in his welcome speech said there was no faction in the party and that all misunderstandings would be amicably resolved.
Damagum had also in a different forum yesterday, upbraided Nigerians for voting the All Progressives Congress (APC) into power, stating that by now, those that collected wrapper and other items which swayed their judgment would have been regretting same due to the hardship occasioned by the ruling party.
However, in the light of the crisis within the NWC, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party appealed for peace.
A statement by the chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara stated: "The BoT calls on all sides of the NWC to sheath their swords and de-escalate the tension. The warring persons must, in the overall interest of the party, revert to the status quo to preserve the unity and stability of our great party.
"We understand that disagreements may arise, but as a party with a long-standing tradition of internal democracy, we must not let these challenges derail our collective vision. The BoT will meet with the members of the NWC to intervene, foster reconciliation, and ensure that normalcy is restored in the NWC of our great party.
"We call on all party faithful and supporters to remain calm during this period. The PDP has an effective conflict resolution mechanism, and we are confident that the current issues will be addressed and resolved in a manner that strengthens the party.
"The BoT remains fully committed to its role of promoting peace, unity, and progress within the PDP."
In a statement earlier yesterday announcing Ajibade and Ologunagba’s suspension, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Manga, Acting National Publicity Secretary, stated: "Arising from its 593rd meeting, 10th October, 2024, the NWC has suspended the National
commercial terms directly with the refineries, fostering a more competitive market environment and enabling a smoother supply chain for petroleum products.
"With the commencement of local PMS production, the market is better equipped to support these direct transactions," he said.
The statement further read:
"Following the directive of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the implementation of the new Naira-based sales mechanism, the Implementation Committee on the Sales of Crude Oil and Refined Products in Naira, chaired by the
with THISDAY, yesterday, criticised the banks for failing to adequately notify their customers about the impending disruptions.
Ogubunka said, "The ultimate aim is to improve the system and services to customers, but whether all these upgrades should happen simultaneously is debatable, as it’s causing major disruptions. Additionally, many banks failed to give enough notice to their customers, leaving them unprepared."
With millions of customers affected, Ogubunka highlighted the importance of better communication, especially for those less familiar with technology.
"Not every customer is technology-
Publicity Secretary and the National Legal Adviser of the Party, pending the determination of allegations of disloyalty and insubordination levelled against the duo.
"In the meantime, the Deputies in the respective Directorates, Ibrahim Abdullah and Okechukwu Osuoha, have stepped-in in acting capacity.”
However, reacting to the development, Ologunagba released a statement titled, "Press Release on the Decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP on the Reported Anti-Party Activity by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu.”
"The NWC of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/PH/307/2024 against the Party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
"The NWC condemned this antiparty activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.
"Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.
"In the meantime, the two officials are suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee".
Another letter by one Chinwe Nnorom, who claimed to be the National Director of Information of the party, stated: "PDP NWC Directs NPS and NLA to Step Aside …Constitutes Investigation Committee"
According to the statement earlier yesterday, "The NWC of the PDP arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National
Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. held its second review meeting on Wednesday October 10, 2024.
"The meeting focused on assessing the transition towards a deregulated market structure for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and addressing the change in the purchasing model for petroleum product marketers.
"The most significant change under the new regime is that petroleum product marketers can now purchase PMS directly from local refineries. This marks a departure from the previous arrangement where the NNPC served as the sole purchaser and distributor
compliant. Banks need to take time to explain these changes and even provide some training to help customers adjust. The lack of preparation is making things worse," he added.
However, an insider within the banking industry who pleaded anonymity argued that the disruptions were only beginning, saying more banks were preparing to migrate their systems.
He noted that this rush to upgrade was driven by the need to address rising costs and increasing security threats.
According to the source, many Nigerian banks have been paying for core banking software in United
"As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.
“Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are:
"Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga,, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser
"The NWC enjoins all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great party to remain focused and committed as it pilots the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good."
The emergency meeting of the NWC of the PDP had summoned a meeting to suspend alleged erring members of the leadership ended in fracas.
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 . Ologunagba 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 tempers flared and was seen making calls. Ajibade later walked into the meeting and carried 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 17 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, Damagum called off the meeting and all of them were guided into their
of PMS from the refineries.
"This direct purchasing mechanism allows marketers to negotiate commercial terms directly with the refineries, fostering a more competitive market environment and enabling a smoother supply chain for petroleum products.
"With the commencement of local PMS production, the market is better equipped to support these direct transactions. This transition is expected to enhance efficiency in product availability and stabilize market conditions for the benefit of all Nigerians.
"The committee recognises that
States dollars, a heavy burden given the ongoing devaluation of the naira. He said: "The banks pay in dollars for every account held, along with the cost of additional services. With the naira’s decline, these expenses have become unsustainable. That is why banks are looking for cheaper alternatives, whether local or foreign."
Sterling Bank was one of the first to experience service outages after it transitioned from the T24 system to SEABaaS, a locally developed platform, in September. Customers were unable to transact for days during the migration. GTBank has also joined the wave, recently announcing its plan to switch from Jordanian/
various vehicles by their security aides and the meeting ended without achieving the desired objective of suspending anyone Yesterday's meeting was seen as battle for the control of the opposition PDP but it took a new dimension as the Damagum-led NWC is said to be under pressure to sanction some of its members perceived to be divergent to former Rivers State Governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
This is coming as the PDP NWC is said to have split sharply along the line of those loyal to the FCT Minister and those believed to be rooting for the supremacy of the party’s Constitution.
THISDAY gathered that the Damagum-led NWC summoned an emergency meeting yesterday to suspend the said anti-Wike members for allegedly insisting on the adherence to Party rules particularly on the issue of Rivers State PDP Congresses.
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 Anyanwu in August this year, writing to the Appeal Court 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 PDP took a national dimension after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stood his ground on the party’s structure in Rivers 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 offence of the National Legal Adviser was that he swore an affidavit to a Rivers State High Court that the party is a party to the ongoing suit against members of the 27 House of Assembly. He quoted the PDP constitution to back up his affidavit.
But Anyanwu had countered him that he has no powers to do so.
On the National Publicity Secretary, his offence was his letter on October 4, that the party supported the controversial local government election in Rivers State.
The Damagum led NWC was charging him that his actions were unilateral as the leadership of the party did not authorise such press
there are questions and discussions regarding this change in the market structure. We are committed to providing clarity on this development and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition process."
The NNPC during the week officially increased the official pump price of petrol in its retail outlets to N1,030 per litre in Abuja from the N897 it had announced on September 3 and from N855 to N998 in Lagos.
The move, it was learnt, effectively put an end to Nigeria’s multi-decade wasteful petrol subsidy regime, at least for now.
UK software provider ICS Financial Services to India’s Finacle platform. In the same vein, Zenith Bank experienced a major service outage on October 1 when it began migrating from Phoenix, developed by UKbased Finastra, to Oracle’s Flexcube. Access Bank, which had scheduled its migration, recently notified its customers of a postponement. They noted that a new date for migrations would be communicated to their customers.
The source further explained that security concerns were also pushing banks to carry out the systems upgrade.
"There has been a rise in
conference.
Court Bars NEC, BoT from Removing Damagum
Justice Peter Lifu of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday restrained the National Executive committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP from removing Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
Justice Lifu in a judgment held that by the constitution of the PDP, having come from the same region as the former National Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, the acting chairman is entitled to serve out the remaining four year term of Ayu, who resigned as PDP's chairman last year.
A chairman of the PDP in Yobe State Umar El-Gash Maina had dragged the NEC, BoT and eight others to court over alleged plans to illegally remove Damagum as acting chairman of the PDP. The plaintiff claimed that two separate letters complaining against the
gas-based products.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Ekpo asserted that achieving the GSPA showcased Nigeria's business-friendly environment and the government's commitment to investor-friendly policies.
He expressed optimism that the BFPCL and its partners would achieve financial closure and commence construction soon to bring in the much needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and create thousands of jobs for Nigeria’s teeming population.
“While this signing ceremony is a significant milestone in the development of the $3.3 billion Brass Methanol project, it is one more step in the journey to making the project a reality, and I urge all parties to continue in the same steadfastness that has enabled us surmount all previous huddles.
“It is my expectation, that within the shortest possible, BFPCL and its partners will achieve financial close and commence actual construction of this project of national importance, which we expect to bring in much needed FDI and create thousands of jobs for our teeming population, while changing the face and fortunes of the host state and community for good,” the minister said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Ella, in his remarks, described the GSPA as a significant milestone in monetising Nigeria's vast gas reserves, currently put at over 209 trillion cubic feet.
"The Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Project, valued at $3.5 billion, is set to generate more than $1.5 billion annually from exports of fertilisers, petrochemicals, and other gas-based products.
“In addition to boosting exports, the project will reduce fertiliser imports by 30 per cent, saving Nigeria approximately $200 million in foreign exchange annually.
“Furthermore, it is projected to contribute around $600 million
cyberattacks targeting financial institutions. Banks need systems that are not only cost-effective but also secure. This migration trend is largely about safeguarding against those threats," the source said.
However, the speed at which multiple banks are upgrading their systems at the same time remains a source of concern. The simultaneous nature of these migrations is leading to service disruptions across the industry, with more banks expected to follow suit. This has prompted Ogubunka and other industry observers to call for a more measured and customer-focused approach.
clandestine meetings were delivered to the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and that despite the acknowledgment of the two letters the National Secretary and other members have never deemed it fit to act on the letters and their claims.
Marina through his lawyer, Mr. Joshua Musa, therefore prayed the court to invoke Article 45, 47 and 67 of the PDP's Constitution to stop the move to replace Damagum as Acting National Chairman. He specifically asked the court to declare that the national chairmanship of PDP is rotated between the north and south region and not by any other procedure not enshrined in the PDP's laws.
Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu agreed with the plaintiff that Damagum can only be replaced after the national convention of the PDP or through an order of a court. Justice Lifu also held that any attempt to truncate the unexhausted four years tenure of the northern region without the national convention of the party will amount to an affront to the constitution of the PDP.
annually to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a broader economic impact of up to $2 billion per year, thanks to the growth it will spur in related industries.
“The project will also create over 5,000 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect jobs, significantly improving the livelihoods of many Nigerians, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
“I want to commend the SPDC Joint Venture partners—Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni—who have collectively invested over $15 billion in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure over the past decade,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of BFPCL, Dr. Ben Okoye, emphasised the need to unlock Nigeria's gas deposits promptly, citing the urgency to utilise gas before it becomes less relevant.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, welcomed the project, highlighting its potential to generate employment opportunities for the state's youths and Nigeria at large.
Represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, Diri invited prospective investors to tap into Bayelsa's vast potential and peaceful disposition, dubbing it an "investment haven" for investors.
NNPC's Executive Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, in her comments, said the event marked the ticking of one of the vital boxes to progressing the 10,000 tons methanol plant in Nigeria.
She stated that the recent executive orders by President Bola Tinubu were a critical enabler that Nigeria’s resources were developed efficiently.
Also at the event were the Managing Director of SPDC, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Executive Director, Strategy and Business, TotalEnergies, Mr. Abiodun Afolabi and the Vice Chairman/Managing Director Eni, Mr. Fabrizio Bolondi as well as the Coordinating Director, Decade of Gas secretariat , Mr. Ed Ubong.
PAYING FINAL RESPECTS...
Nigeria is Pacesetter in Fight against Cybercrime in Africa, Says Interpol
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), has said that the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), is setting the pace in the fight against cybercrime in Africa.
The Director Interpol Cybercrime Directorate Singapore, Craig Jones, also noted that Nigeria is a leading country in Africa in terms of the fight against cybercrime.
Jones said this in Abuja during the official closing of the 2024 Cybersecurity Week at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by the Head of Cybercrime Operation Desk, Interpol Global Complex for Innovation Singapore, Mohammed Isah, the director, emphasised the need for continued national and international collaboration to deny cyber criminals freedom of action in the digital
environment.
According to him, "We cannot succeed in the fight against cybercrime in isolation. Either from the law enforcement side, from private sector or other relevant stakeholders. We have to work together.
"Working together could be from the operational side, capability and capacity side, Intel sharing side and in the aspect of capability, with utilisation of tools and other things.
"These are areas that pose a lot of challenges and Interpol has been working to see how we can address these areas.
"As some of you may also be aware, we have different initiative from Interpol cybercrime directorate. We have Africa joint operations against cybercrime which I am leading.
"We have been providing supports to member countries, having different initiative with relevant stakeholders in terms of cyber intelligence sharing,
PMG: Postal Services Still Relevant to Economic, Social Development
The Postmaster-General (PMG) of the federation, Tola Odeyemi, has reiterated the importance of postal services to any nation, in today’s era of digital transformation, insisting that such services could serve as an essential instrument for economic and social development.
Odeyemi who said this at the celebration of the 2024 World Post Day, which held in Lagos recently, explained that the World Post Day was set aside to celebrate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which clocked 150 years this year, since it was founded in October 9, 1874.
According to him, the Post continues to serve as an essential instrument of economic connectivity between people, businesses and governments worldwide, providing a framework for cooperation, and ensuring that mails could be sent and received reliably, efficiently and affordably across borders.
He said the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) would continue to leverage technology in ensuring that the postal system remains nationally relevant and globally competitive.
Highlighting the theme for this year’s World Post Day: ‘150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering People Across Nations’, he said the theme resonated deeply with NIPOST’s core values, as communication would always remain the foundation of
progress and understanding.
“Today post offices serve as essential hubs for cohesiveness, inclusiveness and connected communities. It encompasses a multitude of services, including express delivery, e-commerce, financial services and logistics support. The continued relevance of postal services demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of the industry, embracing technology innovations while maintaining its fundamental mission of connecting people, ideas and opportunities, thus bridging the gaps between communities and nations,” Odeyemi said.
As part of activities marking this year’s World Post Day, NIPOST unveiled the NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POSTMONI), aimed to bring accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe. POSTMONI, which is an electronic money order solution, is customised to address financial inclusion in financially underserved and unserved communities.
A statement by the Director General of the UPU International Bureau, said: “Today the UPU leads efforts to improve postal services, providing a space for countries to share knowledge, find new solutions and address modern challenges. The UPU’s spirit of cooperation helps turn obstacles into opportunities, making sure postal services evolve with the changing world.”
cybercrime collaboration and coordination of operations and we have different funding under cybercrime to provide tools in terms of developing capabilities to member countries."
He assured that the international policing system will continue to work together with the 196 member states, including 13 other partners, share cyber intelligence, enhance capacity of the law enforcement, investigators and other relevant stakeholders that will support what they are doing.
On his part, The Director Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), CP Uche Henry, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), are seeking improved legislation to tackle the menace of cybercrime in the country.
He said: "As you know there is no perfect document in terms of laws anywhere in the world. So we would continue to improve on our laws against cybercrime.
"I know that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is actually coordinating for us to bring input that
can enable us come up with improved legal instrument that can actually back us up in terms of laws to be able to carry out our responsibility seamlessly and to protect victims of cybercrime. That is ongoing."
On whether the centre had identified a specific provision of the law that is obsolete and impeding prosecution of cyber criminals, he explained that there is a committee set up to look at the gaps in the existing laws.
According to him, "the committee is doing a great job and I believe that in no distant time they will come up with recommendations with regards to those gaps and of course the laws will be amended."
He however expressed regret that some teenagers are getting involved in cybercrime activities.
The CP stated that the centre has started its awareness creation to discourage teenagers involvement with the secondary school students.
"We have been able to talk to students from public and private schools. The whole idea is for us to educate and
teach them not to get into cybercrime. In the nearest future, we are going to have engagement with students of higher institutions. So we are making plan to visit them and sensitise them,"
CP Henry said.
The Director General/CEO, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, applauded the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPFNCCC), for their efforts in tackling cybercrime related activities such as identity theft, stating that they had been a great support to NIMC in tackling some of these crimes on the cyber space.
She said that Nigeria is a pacesetter in tackling cybercrime in Africa.
Coker-Odusote said the security agencies had been able to resolve some kidnapping cases and that was what the fight against cybercrime is all about.
"What we are doing with sim card cannot be made public for security reasons but I can tell you that NCC and ONSA have a joint task team which also involved the centre to tackle sim
card related crimes," she concluded. Earlier, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPFNCCC), held a cyber security walk in Abuja to sensitise citizens, particularly the youthful population on the dangers associated with cyber crimes. The police also promised to collaborate with other countries to combat the global crime.
Speaking to journalists during the walk, the Director, NPF-NCCC, CP Henry, stated that there was hardly any crime committed now without the aid of digital device.
He said: "I can tell you clearly that the cyber criminals are not finding it easy with us, and that is how we discovered that most of them are relocating from Nigeria to neighboring West African countries, and it is because of the trouble that we're giving them. They know that when it comes to fighting cybercrime, we don't compromise at all. We give the fight our best, and we will continue to put in our best to make sure that we bring whosoever that decides to go into cybercrime to justice."
After Nine-Day Stay, Tinubu Departs UK For France
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has departed London in the United Kingdom after spending nine days for Paris, France, where he is expected to attend a major engagement.
This much was confirmed yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant on Political and other matters to the President, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, via his verified X handle, @KabirIbrah64.
Masari disclosed that he had the honour of visiting President Tinubu at his private residence in the UK, where they engaged in productive discussions before departing for Paris.
"Today, I had the honour of visiting President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at his private residence in the United Kingdom, where we engaged in productive discussions. We then departed for Paris, France, for another important engagement," Masari said.
Though details of the engagement were not disclosed, the President's trip is believed to be part of his elaborate plan to see the country make the most of various engagements.
President Tinubu had departed the nation's capital, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 2, for a two-week working vacation in the UK, as part of his annual leave.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo
Onanuga, had in a statement
President Tinubu's departure for the two-week vacation.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly leave.
"He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration's economic reforms.
"He will return to the country after the leave expires", the statement said.
First Lady Celebrates Nigerian GirlChild, Charges Them to Be Bold, Strong
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday celebrated the Nigerian girl-child with a call on them to be bold and strong in their resolve to push for limitless opportunities available.
In a message to celebrate this year's International Day of the GirlChild, the First Lady in a statement personally signed by her charged the girl-child to keep hope alive and pursue their dreams to fruition.
The First Lady, in the release
stated, inter alia:
"I join in the celebration of the year 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child.
"The theme for this year , 'Girls’ Vision for the Future' is very apt. Every girl should be able to dream of a future where she can grow without limits. Education is the bedrock of that future. We must continue to invest in education starting from the home, teaching our girls to believe in themselves and the values of self -worth and dignity, thereby equipping them
with the confidence to face the future.
"With the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls knows no bounds.
"As a nation, we have come a long way in ensuring the education of the girl-child.
"An educated girl-child is a transformed woman. She will be able to make informed choices about her health and wellbeing.
"When girls lead, the impact is immediate and far reaching
touching families, communities and ultimately economies.
However, too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their future.
"Today, I charge all our girls in Nigeria to be strong , confident and determined in their resolve to push for the limitless opportunities that abound.
"I salute the girl-child, keep hope alive and nurture your dreams, the future is promising. I celebrate you.
"Happy International Day of the Girl-Child".
Emma OKonji
L-R: First son of the deceased, Debo Owolana; wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Governor Dapo Abiodun; former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; his wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osibanjo and a daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Adeyinka Fowora, during the funeral service for the late Beere Akarigbo of Remoland and Iyalode of Ikenne, Mrs. Mercy Temitayo Owolana, held at Our Saviour's Anglican Church. Ikenne-Remo …yesterday
NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL INAUGURATION…
LCCI: Nigeria's Operating Environment Too Tense for Businesses to Thrive
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has declared that Nigeria is running an environment that makes it tense for businesses to thrive.
This was declared yesterday by the President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, in a statement titled, 'LCCI Statement on New Petrol Pump Price by NNPC Limited', in which the chamber expressed concerns that businesses are at a crossroads with policy directions and needed a positive national orientation to navigate the stormy waters they have found themselves today.
Therefore, the chamber tasked the federal government to come plain to Nigerians and businesses on the
direction of their policies and what near-term achievements are possible to build some level of certainty to support business planning and decisions.
Idahosa said: “With the CBN’s monetary policy rate at 27.25 percent (with allowance up to about 34 per cent), inflation elevated at 32.15 percent (August 2024), an exchange rate above N1620 per Dollar, and an unemployment rate at 5.3 per cent, we run a business environment that is too tense for businesses to thrive. Since the inception of this administration, petrol prices have risen by about 430 percent to date.
“These indicators may worsen in the coming months due to a thriving speculative environment, harsh regulatory ecosystem, unguided controversies, persistent insecurity
challenges, and weakening purchasing power that restrain demand for goods and services.”
According to him, businesses are trying “to understand that the recent fuel price hikes could be government’s intention to fully deregulate the oil and gas sector and implement a complete fuel subsidy removal policy.
“However, the dynamics and controversies around these steps create most of the distortions we experience in the business environment, making businesses operate under dark clouds of uncertainties.
“It has become difficult to understand the plans and moves taken by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, and the various oil and gas sector regulators
in the face of recent happenings. The controversies surrounding the working relationship between NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery are equally confusing.”
He bemoaned that businesses have continued to suffer from increasing burdens of rising operating costs incurred on logistics, power supply, scarcity of FOREX for critical input, and inflated costs on third-party sourced services.
Idahosa stated that addressing the challenges businesses are faced with would require a multi-pronged approach, involving social, political, and economic considerations.
He urged the government to come out clean on whether fuel subsidies have been removed entirely or partially, adding that the regulatory agencies
Okorocha Calls for Better Utilisation of Women, Local Languages to End Illiteracy
Former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has emphasised that in reducing the number of out-of school children in which 70 per cent are girls, there is the need to engage more house wives and women in general.
Okorocha who stated that in the fight against illiteracy, women should assigned with specific duties, said women will take up the education of their children as a project and will ensure that no child is left behind.
He stated this yesterday when the Rochas Foundation hosted the annual celebration of the International Day of the Girl-Child and highlighted the importance of empowering young girls through education, leadership, and vision.
In considering the 2024 theme, 'Girls’ Vision for the Future', the former governor said the incorporation of indigenous languages in schools is a welcome idea as this will lead to better teaching from the teachers and assimilation from the students.
Stating that the Foundation has continued to nurture students from 22 countries for the past 25 years, Okorocha said issues surrounding education cannot be tackled by the government alone and went ahead to encourage volunteers and well meaning Nigerians to step into the gaps. He said: "Of course, I'm a feminist and everyman should be a feminist because theirs no life without a woman. Women are the greatest gist of nature and they are nurturers and
are the ones that organise things. Take for example the issue of education, hand it over to housewives and it will become a project and none of their children will be at home anymore.
"We have not made the best of our women and Nigeria should do better and they should be given specific duties and assignments and they'll do their best for society.
"Out of the 13 million out of school children, 70 percent are girls. For cultural reasons, the kids are not given the opportunity to discover who they are.
"With our local languages, we will achieve more in terms of education. Education is not understanding the English language as it has no difference with other languages. With indigenous languages, students will
understand their teachers better and will assimilate quickly compared to when taught in english. So Nigerians should see English as a language and not education."
On his part, former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, in his address to the students of the Foundation who are mostly girls, said statistics have been pronounced all over in great meetings concerning the challenges of girls, but when it comes to actualising things, it's important to think and reflect on problems.
He noted that even where there seems to be seeming bliss, the problem of poverty, limited access to education, health, and general challenges of climate change and gender issues with limitations have continued to surface.
Rema Features on Glo-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers
Nigerian Afrobeats singer, songwriter and multiple awardwinner, Rema, graces the studios of CNN International this week on its magazine programme, African Voices Changemakers sponsored by technology company, Globacom. Real name Divine Ikubor, the 24-year-old Edo-born star discovered his passion for music by performing in church and in his secondary school, Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State, where he sang and
rapped to entertain his peers.
He gained recognition after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram to D'Prince's song "Gucci Gang".
Wowed by his rare talent, D'Prince flew him to Lagos and offered him a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by music executive and producer Don Jazzy. His 2019 hit "Dumebi" was the first fruit of the contract.
Rema's international breakthrough came in 2022 with his single "Calm
Down", which precipitated a remix with American singer Selena Gomez. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and first on Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.
Rema's musical feats have earned him several awards including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Songs.
On November 7, 2022, he was
given an award for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert, and he also performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France on October 30, 2023.
The engaging edition will be broadcast on Saturday at 8.30 a.m., with repeats at noon the same day. More repeats come up on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.
in the oil and gas sector should let Nigerians know what quantity of fuel is consumed locally in Nigeria.
He said: “We should implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to support a fully deregulated oil and gas sector. This will reduce the uncertainties and irregularities in the sector, enhance the sanctity of contracts, and attract foreign investments.
“We have always recommended that saved subsidy funds should be invested in building infrastructure that can cushion the impact of a tightening economy.”
Idahosa recalled that in most of the recent LCCI’s press statements, the chamber has consistently recommended the need for fiscal stimulus and non-cash interventions to cushion the burdens unleashed through the tight monetary stance of the government in the past 18 months.
“In the situation we find ourselves, we urge the government to stay focused and more vigorous regarding the ongoing interventions like the removal of some taxes, the transition to Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) mobility, the Crude for Naira scheme, and the suspension of some import duties. The CNG mobility initiative must be supported with CNG refuelling stations nationwide and credit facilities to support quick conversion and usage,”Idahosa said. He also recommended pegging import duties at an exchange rate of N1000 per Dollar to provide much-needed fiscal stimulus. He argued that this would stabilise costs for manufacturers who rely on imports, boost productivity and enable long-term planning.
Idahosa said: “A fixed rate would lower production costs, leading to increased output and job creation. It would also benefit the broader economy by fostering growth in related sectors like logistics and retail, ultimately supporting Nigeria's economic stability and expansion.
“Further, LCCI proposes that crude oil supplied to refineries in Naira be pegged at an exchange rate of N1000 to Dollar. This would significantly lower the cost of petrol for end users, thereby reducing logistics and transportation expenses.
Tinubu, Shettima, Barau Condole Mele Kyari over Daughter’s Death
Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, have commiserated with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Kolo Mele Kyari, over the death of his daughter, Fatima.
Fatima died yesterday, at the age of 25 after a protracted illness.
The President, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sympathised with Kyari and the rest of the family on the irreparable and painful loss.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of Fatima and urged the Kyari family to stay strong at these trying times.
Also, Shettima, according to a release issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, who prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Fatima, asked God to grant the family the strength to bear the
painful exit of their daughter, who was in her prime.
The Vice President led other mourners at the funeral prayers, which were held at the Annur Mosque in Abuja.
Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, prayed to Allah SWT to grant Fatima. He also prayed to Allah to grant Malam Mele Kyari and other members of his family the strength to bear the passage of Fatima.
The condolence message read in part, "I wish to convey my condolences to the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari, and other members of his family over his daughter, Fatima, passing at 25 today.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Malam Mele Kyari and other members of his family during this trying period of Fatima's passing.
"May Allah SWT grant Fatima Aljannatul Firdausi and give Malam Mele Kyari and other members of his family strength to bear this irreparable loss," he said.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Dike Onwuamaeze
L -R: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Dr. Mariya Mahmud; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Corps Marshal Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Ibrahim Hadejia; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa'id Ahmed Alkali and Minister of Innovation Science and technology, Uche Nnaji at the Inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja..... yesterday
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
COMMEMORATING CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK…
Oyetola: Gateway Inland Dry Port Will Make Nigeria Logistics Hub
It's the beginning of a new era of economic growth and job creation, says Abiodun
The Minister
promise to make it a model for other Inland
Speaking at the occasion held at Kajola, Ewekoro Local Government Area, the minister said the Port,
which would be built to international standards, would be equipped with the latest digital systems for tracking, clearance, and cargo movement to ensure efficiency, transparency, and
global competitiveness. He said: "This project is not merely about building infrastructure but about laying the foundation for a key logistics hub that will facilitate the movement
Eruani Lists Benefits of Azikel Refinery to Economy, Project Excites Diri
President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, yesterday, said the objective of the Azikel Petroleum Refinery was to add value to the Nigerian crude, create employment, industrialisation of the nation, and refined petroleum product availability. Eruani said when he received the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who paid him a courtesy visit at the refinery in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He said the refinery at the completion stage signalled the industrialisation of Bayelsa and Nigeria as whole, even as he noted that the project would make the state to be counted among those that host refinery.
The President and owner of Azikel Refinery emphasised the uniqueness of the refinery in Africa, as the only refinery that utilises both crude oil and condensate as feedstock to refine premium petroleum products.
“The Azikel Refinery stands out as the first and only condensate hydro-skimming refinery in the entire Africa sub-region,” he said. He explained that the Azikel Refinery was creating a market for condensate being wasted, thereby adding value to it.
“The Azikel Refinery is different from topping plants, which are modular refineries that produces only diesel,” he said, even as he assured the
people of the state and Nigeria that production from the Azikel Refinery would be about five million litres of premium products daily which would redress scarcity and ensure product sufficiency to the citizenry.
He posited that the Azikel Refinery has closed the unemployment gap employment of over 400 indigenous and expatriate workers, while 250 are Bayelsans and other Nigerians.
According to him, to ensure that youths employed in Bayelsa are proficient, management took time to train and improve their skills in tandem with best practice and modern refinery operations.
Azikel Refinery which is an $850 million investment, upon completion
would be the major internal revenue stream to the Bayelsa State government and Nigeria.
He noted that the Azikel Refinery is 87 percent completed, stressing that in the near future the value created would put smiles on the faces of the people of the state and Nigerians.
“As at today the Azikel Refinery completion status of the OSBL (Outside Battery Limits) is 100 percent complete while the ISBL (Inside Battery Limits) is 74 per cent completed; and the overall completion is 87 per cent completed,” he added.
In his remarks, Diri said efforts to market Bayelsa State have paid off with the Azikel Petroleum refinery which is at completion stage.
Anti-corruption Groups Seek Probe of Alleged Fraud in Niger Delta Ministry
A coalition of Anti Corruption Civil Society Organisations, yesterday, raised the alarm over the alleged diversion of N20 billion at the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
At a media briefing in Abuja, the group said the briefing was occasioned by the failure of office of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to respond to its request to explain the diversion under the Freedom of Information Act and the Whistle Blowing policy of the federal government.
Members of the coalition include Center For Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), Association of Media
Practitioners in Oil and Gas producing Areas (AMEPROGAS), Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development, and Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Initiative (NACAT).
Speaking at the briefing, the Convener, Iteveh Nurudeen, called for the probe of the ministry over alleged non-execution and diversion of N30.2 million for medical outreach for staff of the MNDA and the non-execution and diversion of N21.2 million for skills development seminar in Akoko Edo Local Area of Edo State. Others include the non-execution and diversion of N19.3 million for skills development in Ilaje Local Area of Ondo
State, diversion of N342 million for extra budgetary allocation proposed for rice palliatives and misappropriation and diversion of N15 billion flood palliative funds.
"Today’s interaction with you, our media partners, is to draw the attention of Nigerians to the ongoing financial infractions under the watch of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Niger Delta Development, Dr. Belgore Shuaib and by extension the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh and others regarding their involvements in suspected corrupt practices, fraudulent disbursement of
funds, money laundering, irregular procurements, gross abuse of office, blatant disregard for federal government treasury circulars, breach of financial regulations, raising of Fictitious Memos And Sundry Infractions, amounting to About N20 billion from the Ministry Of Niger Delta Development (MNDD).
"The establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs which metamorphosed to Niger Delta Development by the Federal Government of Nigeria years ago, was to channel critical attention towards the development of the Niger Delta region, being the goose that lays the golden egg in Nigeria," he said.
Eseme Eyiboh's Mum for Burial Nov 9
The remains of Deaconess Grace Sunday Eyiboh, mother of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Spokesman to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh will be interred on November 9, 2024. A statement from his eldest son, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh said Mama's burial shall be conducted by Qua Iboe Church at Community Secondary School, Akpautong village in Esit Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State on the 9th November 2024 at 10a.m. Born on July 7, 1934, Deaconess Grace Eyiboh fondly called Mmaette was a trailblazing entrepreneur, educator, church and community leader, who passed on three days to her 90th birthday on July 4, 2024.
An indigene of Akpautong village in Esit Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom state, Deaconess Grace Eyiboh began her educational journey at Qua Iboe Church School, Akpautong. After completing her Standard Six education, she married Late Elder Sunday Eyiboh, a well known carpenter and teacher. Deaconess Eyiboh's growth in
faith drove her determination and entrepreneurial instinct which led her to attend the Singer Sewing Institute, Uyo, where she honed her sewing skills. Upon graduation, she established her own Sewing and Apprenticeship Training Centre at Uquo, Esit Eket, empowering numerous youths and women with vocational skills.
of goods across Nigeria, creating over 5,000 direct jobs, 15,000 indirect jobs, and stimulating local businesses. Moreover, it will attract investments that will spur regional development, benefiting Ogun State and beyond.
"No doubt, this project aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as we are committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, economic growth, and infrastructural development.
"This initiative will undoubtedly help Ogun State become a more attractive destination for businesses and investors, reinforcing our collective aspiration for a prosperous Nigeria.
"During a recent visit to a logistics hub in Lagos, I observed firsthand the challenges businesses face due to congestion at our traditional seaports, which result in longer transport times and increased costs.
LASG Trains,
This experience highlights the urgent need for developing inland ports like the Gateway Inland Dry Port. "Inland Dry Ports provide faster and more efficient alternatives for moving goods, ultimately benefiting our economy and reducing the burden on our coastal seaports." He said the development of inland dry ports is a critical component of the broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leading player in the Blue Economy, stating that as the nation continues to diversify its economy, it is essential to create infrastructure that serves as key nodes in the supply chain, thereby reducing reliance on traditional seaports. Oyetola expressed the hope that the Dry Port would enhance the efficiency of the logistics network and contribute to the decongestion of Apapa and Tin Can Ports, thus improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness on the global stage.
Donates Seedlings to Residents to Boost Food Production
Sunday Ehigiator
As part of efforts aimed at boosting food production in the state and by extension, Nigeria, the Lagos State government through the Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, trained and donated seedlings to residents in the state.
This initiative formed the focus of the ninth Town Hall Meeting held across the 40 constituencies of the state, themed, ‘Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming.’
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a 3-day meeting which began yesterday, the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly who also doubles as the honourable member representing Apapa Constituency, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, stated that the need to embrace homegrown farming at this critical time in the nation's economy “is the way to go.”
Meranda who acknowledged the soaring cost of food also highlighted the significance of youth inclusion in agricultural initiatives and interventions as part of the solution to curbing food insecurity.
She added that to further accelerate this programme, the state government is working on policies and legislation to return
agricultural studies to the primary school syllabus and also protect farmers' interests from the harm of open grazing.
“To achieve our food security goals, our farming capacity has to be widened to involve everyone including the youth, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and resources in agricultural innovation.
“This requires a comprehensive approach because food security encompasses not only availability but also affordability, accessibility and value.
“Today, we have trained 100 people and they have been given certificates and tools to help them further their practice. Also, Urban Gardens will be mentoring the trainees for a year. By God's grace, we are starting today and we hope we will be able to support them even more.”
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Mr. Olakunle Roland, Agric Expert at Urban Agric Training School, noted that practising farming at home would not be a problem for residents in the urban city of Lagos. He said: “The training is to teach participants how to farm with little spaces. We can do this without having a huge expanse of land. You can do it behind your house, your balconies.
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port with a
Dry Ports in the country.
L-R: Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mrs. Yemisi Edun; Mr. Olaniyi Olaniyan, Miss Chinenye Okere, Mrs. Olubukola Fatoyinbo, Mr. Olawale Thompson, and Mr. Ademola Oloyede, when Edun served customers at the bank's head office branch in Lagos to celebrate the Customer Service Week in Lagos…yesterday
Democracy cannot thrive in darkness, contends Atifete Jahjaga
Freedom of the media and the safety of journalists are essential in societies that want to prosper, aspire to be just and to be guided by accountability. Their work is essential. It has been such in Kosovo’s not so short tradition of media pluralism that has defined our republic’s making and even now when we find ourselves as the only country in Europe that no longer has a printed newspaper.
We are well aware and we should be reminded every day that Democracy has no chance to survive and no ability to thrive in information darkness. We have lived in one and we will never go back there again. A free and thriving press is a value - one of the greatest values I may argue - and we need strong willed, responsible journalists and editors in the newsrooms as we forge Kosovo’s way forward. They need to remind us of who we are and who we are committed to be and hold us to account every single day of how we are measuring up to our goal of being a free and fair country to all that call Kosovo their home. They need to inform the public of promises kept and promised unkept.
Media not only creates social and national cohesion by helping build a sense of community, as Benedict Anderson so diligently described in The Imagined Communities, but it also sets an agenda of priorities, big and small, that come to construct our public engagement mosaic and define our roles and responsibilities.
And herein lies the challenge. Given this enormous expectation that the public vests on media and journalists, this enormous power to keep institutions and all entities honest, it is just as essential for media to live up to their duty to serve the public’s right to know and to foster a fact-based conversation that keeps the institutions and the citizens at the receiving end of the decision-making engaged and responsible.
While this may have been a more straightforward matter in times of national tormet, during the Kosovo war, since its liberation Kosovo, like many democracies, has struggled to define these roles and responsibilities. We have seen institutions, both local and international, limit media’s access to information. We have seen them use and misuse national interest as a way to limit transparency, accountability and the public’s right to know. And we have seen that it has damaged all parties involved - it has weakened the political processes that are key to Kosovo’s future, it has shaken the trust in media and it has undermined the democratic progress.
In my public engagement, I too have stumbled upon challenges and I have had my share of frustrations, especially with the ways media characterized my presidency and how my gender became a target. Sometimes it felt personal, but most times I worried about the repercussions it will have on the general portrayal of women in public office and the discouragement that comes with it.
We need to do our outmost to ensure the freedom of the media for it is essential, so that the information it disseminates is fact-based and reliable, so no hand or power should affect or try to affect the dignity of this institution. When I talk about press freedom, I also emphasize their moral, professional and legal obligation to provide reliable news, deep and qualitative analysis, and especially the immediate avoidance and elimination of gender and sexist prejudices against all women who are part of public life.
The portrayal of women belonging to public professions by the media is an area that requires our attention but also our criticism, focused on big and significant changes, despite the positive changes in some aspects of the functioning of the media, this area we can say that still leaves a lot to be desired for further improvements.
As the first female president of Kosovo, I faced unique challenges in how the media portrayed my leadership. Local media coverage often focused more on my gender, my appearance, my private life than my policies. When I stop and reflect on my tenure, I cannot
There have been concerns raised about the conduct of the Nigerian Police Force over the years. These concerns have further led to a high level of distrust between the people and the police especially as related to professional conduct.
Established in 1943, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is tasked with upholding law and order across the country. However, systemic issues, including corruption, underfunding, and political interference, among other factors have hindered its ability to effectively serve Nigerians. Central to reversing this decline is competence applying skills in line with laid down rules/standards, which not only strengthens public trust but ensures the protection of fundamental human rights. Professionalism is the cornerstone for effective policing, and it serves as the foundation for winning public trust, ensuring efficiency in law enforcement, and complements the protection of human rights.
According to a public survey in 2019 by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on levels of corruption in public institutions in Nigeria, the police emerged as the most corrupt. The survey also
ignore the unfair and unprofessional treatment I have received from the media, and all of this treatment has come as a result of my gender identity, being a woman, and the President, for someone it was too much. Despite my dedication and raising the state of Kosovo to high pedestals, the country’s media focused on other aspects, such as my appearance or wardrobe.
The media’s portrayal of women often reinforces stereotypes, affecting public perception and limiting women’s roles in politics and society. This not only undermines women’s contributions but also perpetuates a culture of discrimination. It’s crucial to address these biases to foster an inclusive society.
For my part, I learned to engage with the media strategically, using interviews and press conferences to amplify my message while advocating for more balanced coverage of women in leadership, something that I try to do to this day.
Dear all, to understand better this current state of affairs, we need to identify the challenges that the media face, and their struggles are many. Not only have media faced unprecedented challenges with the rise of social media and lately AI, which require them to constantly change and adapt to an ever shifting environment of wants and needs, but they are often a function of a market competition that is outside of their control.
Yes, indeed, we often think of media as a public service, a right and a good which ensures that every citizen is informed if she or he chooses to, but in a free and open market, media are dependent on business models that could make them susceptible to influences that in the long-term undermine their objectivity, their impartiality and eventually the public’s trust.
Some of these forces don’t have immediate fixes. They are part of a longer chain of events interlinked and interdependent that are tied to our ability to create stable economies and strong democracies that withstand the earthquakes of today’s rapidly changing world.
But what we can do is to ensure that we - institutions, civil society and the public - do our outmost to ensure the freedom of the media, for it is essential, so that the information it disseminates is fact-based and reliable, so no hand or power should affect or try to affect the dignity of this powerful and key estate.
When I talk about press freedom, I also emphasize their moral, professional and legal obligation to provide reliable news, deep and qualitative analysis, and especially the immediate avoidance and elimination of gender and sexist prejudices against all women who are part of public life. We are living in the time of clicks, everything revolves around the number of clicks a news story gets, without worrying about its authenticity or analysis, it is enough to publish it quickly, with a bombastic headline and a picture that will attract readers to click on the news, but what that text contains is not important at all.
There are many reasons why such a thing happens, but the most important is the financing. Many media have serious economic problems, so they compete with each other as to who will publish the news first, without worrying about its content as well as professional and human ethics.
Disinformation, hyperbolization of events, and the apparent decline in the quality of work are unfortunately characterizing journalism in Kosovo and beyond, and this is quite worrying.
AS THE FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF KOSOVO, I FACED UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN HOW THE MEDIA PORTRAYED MY LEADERSHIP. LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE OFTEN FOCUSED MORE ON MY GENDER, MY APPEARANCE, MY PRIVATE LIFE THAN MY POLICIES
drew a nexus between poor accountability and transparency processes in the NPF to the issues of rights violation and disregard for standard conduct perpetrated especially during stop and search.
A key reaction to the poor policing issues is the citizens led public protest across the country in October 2020, tagged #EndSARS protest, to register their frustration, following what may seem to have been a poor approach by the institution and government to addressing the issues.
In response to this, the NPF tried to strengthen their internal disciplinary processes, by making sure that citizens’ complaints received via the police Complaints response Unit is more interactive, receptive and conducts proper investigation of all complaints, which has led to the dismissal and demotion of several erring officers. A typical instance of instilling discipline in the force is the dismissal of three policemen from Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 1, Kano over the misuse of firearms in 2023.
To further deepen these reforms and help improve the performance of the NPF the Nigeria Police Act of 2020 was enacted. The Act which
Yet I am optimistic for the fact that Kosovo enjoys a media pluralism with a variety of voices and figures heard on television, radio and other online platforms, which are owned by different entities, allowing room for independent reporting and a diversity of viewpoints.
But unfortunately the political polarization and politicization has affected every field, profession, and person, so even the media have not been immune to this challenge.
Excerpts from Kosovo’s President, Jahjaga, at ‘Connecting Media Communities 2024,’ in Prishtina, Kosovo
was passed and signed into law on 16th September 2020 seeks to provide and promote effectiveness, competence, transparency, and accountability in the police force. The Act adequately provides for the structure of the force, appointments, promotions, and discipline, all of which are pivotal to fostering a professional and accountable police service.
While the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun is working to rebuild trust through transparency, accountability, and community engagements, the general public, civil societies, and the Media must actively play their watchdog roles for the NPF. They need to ensure objectivity in reporting police activities accurately and fairly, highlighting both successes and failures. Also, the role of investigative journalism in exposing police misconduct cannot be overstated, as it often serves as a catalyst for reforms.
An outcome of the efforts made by the police with support from government, citizens and especially donor organizations like the European Union, is the improvement in the operational standards of the police, evidenced by the UNODC/ NBS 2023/24 corruption index survey which noted that the police is the most improved government institution: https://www.unodc.org/conig/ uploads/documents/3rd_national_corruption_sur-
vey_report_2024_07_09.pdf
Therefore, it is important to sustain these reforms and corrective initiatives towards a more skilled police institution. Hence, private sector and donor agencies should strengthen their support and partnership with the NPF. It is also pertinent that the federal government takes a second look at the renumeration of officers and men of the Nigeria Police. A pay rise with fringe benefits as well as prioritizing the funding to the force should be considered and given swift attention.
Depoliticizing the police by enforcing political neutrality and conducting regular and sustainable training will equip the officers with modern policing skills, while underscoring the protection of human rights, ethical conduct, strengthening accountability mechanisms. Professionalism in policing is not just an ideal, but a necessity for ensuring the safe, progressive and prosperous nation.
Urgent, sustained efforts to implement these reforms will be key to transforming the Nigerian Police Force into a competent, trusted, and effective institution.
Akpan is Communication Assistant, International IDEA and Badejogbin, Project Manager, International IDEA
Grace Akpan
Now, what’s the problem?
Mental Health, Witchcraft and Demonic Possession
On the occasion of this year’s World Mental Health Day, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches -
However, family sources said that the lady had a long history of mental illness and missed her way while going to visit her sister. In many cases, utterances of persons with mental health problems are designated as evil, as some communication with spirits or mermaids. Unfortunately, association with occult and demonic forces results in awful consequences for those who have mental health problems. When accused of witchcraft or demonic possession, people with mental health challenges are shunned, beaten, tortured, or killed. Family members take them to churches and faith healing centers where pastors, prophets, and other self-styled godmen and women shackle, beat, or starve them. They subject them to violent exorcism under the pretense to expel the witchcraft, demons, or mermaids. These exorcists end up torturing and treating cruelly persons who should be treated with care and compassion.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the public to stop accusing people with mental illness of witchcraft and demonic possession. Beliefs in witchcraft and demons are forms of superstition. They are irrational
interpretations of ailments. Mental health problems have no links with gods, demons, witches, or mermaids as popularly believed. Witches and demons are figments of the mind; they are imaginaries that humans invented and use to make sense of illness during more primitive stages of existence. Witchcraft and demonic beliefs should have no place in the explanation and management of mental health problems in this 21st century.
To this end, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches enjoins state authorities to arrest and prosecute all faith healers because they are fake doctors. Faith healers are quacks; they exploit people’s desperation and vulnerability. Faith healers cause further health damage to people. Mental health problems are serious and delicate health issues that require evidence-based approaches as well as trained, competent professionals to handle and manage. The government should close down all faith healing centers and provide evidence based support to all who are experiencing mental health issues in the country.
In managing mental health problems, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges Nigerians to abandon superstitions, and embrace scientific approaches to mental health and well being.
Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches
EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
The suggestion by Trump that he would end the war in Ukraine if he wins this year’s presidential election isn’t likely
to be a result of his skills as a negotiator but his total capitulation to Putin. This isn’t really a friendship of equals but that of Trump desperately seeking the approval of a perceived strongman, or actually a tyrant. Who needs enemies when you have friends like this? The final word on this friendship can be attributed to Sun Tzu, a great Chinese military general, who is credited with the phrase “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
CONVOCATION CEREMONY…
First Lady: Healthcare Reforms, Education, Digital Economy Remain Tinubu's Focus
Akobundu says any policy not hinged on people's welfare won't alleviate current hardship
students role scheme.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated that the purpose of President Bola Tinubu's administration has remained unwaivering and is still centred on healthcare, education and digital economy.
But Senator representing Abia Central senatorial district, Senator Austin Akobundu, has said that any policy not hinged on people's welfare won't alleviate current hardship.
The First Lady who stated this yesterday in Abuja at the maiden edition of 'The Africa we See' and the unveiling of Elevate Africa with the theme 'Unleashing Potential to Redefine the Future' said steps have been taken to boost youth development with the introduction of initiatives and investment funds for easy access to students.
Elevate Africa is a new concept
The President's wife said other aspects include improving agricultural food security as well as strengthening a more sustainable economic environment where everyone can strive.
Defence Minister Vows to End Oil Bunkering Activities in N'Delta Region
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has vowed to end illegal oil bunkering and other forms of vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
The Defence Minister made the vow yesterday when he visited the 6 Division Nigerian Army troops posted to the creeks in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, during a working visit to the state.
Speaking with journalists immediately after the visit at the creek, the defence minister applauded the soldiers for their gallantry efforts in tackling oil theft in the region's tough terrain.
He disclosed that the aim of his visit was to familiarise with the troops who were weathering the difficult terrain to sustain the ongoing war against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the area.
“I have visited here for the first time to see the nature of the illegal refineries and what constitute the challenges in trying to dismantle them across the Niger Delta, and I have seen how our gallant officers are working very hard despite the tough terrain to get to those illegal
refineries and dismantle them.
"From what I learnt, this is number 67th in this battalion 103 and the other formations are at their best also, so it is a continous process and they have assured me that they will end this illegal refineries operation in no distant future.
"I have seen the challenge and what they are facing and I thank them most sincerely for the job.”
Abubakar however urged members of the community to collaborate with the troops in dislodging the menace of illegal oil bunkering.
He added that the efforts of the army would help to boost the country's crude oil production per day and also improve the prosperity of the nation.
"They (members of the community) are to continue to give us Intelligence that will help us stop this. It is very important for us to come back to producing 2.3 million to 2.5 million barrels per day, for the economic development and prosperity of this nation.
“It is important that we go back to the days of normal production and that will help in a big way to improve the prosperity of this nation and the lives of our people.”
that seeks to retell the African story by changing misconceived narratives, as well as redirecting the focus of Africans towards the attainment of their potentials in its full capacity.
Represented by the wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nana Shettima, the First Lady who noted that youths remain one of the greatest assets of the country who are vibrant, talented and eager to learn, stated that the infrastructural development already in place will further enhance a world of peace.
Acknowledging that Africa's time is in the present and with the need to generate a new generation of leaders, the First Lady urged youths to remain diligent to hard work as this is where creativity, talent and resilience can be harnesses.
aid: "The purpose of Mr. President's administration has been on healthcare reforms, education, growing a digital economy, improving agricultural food security and strengthen a more sustainable economic environment where everyone and we all can strive.
"Some of the steps taken by government, particularly to boost youth development and education include the introduction of the N3 million ten talent initiatives, international youth investment fund, media entrepreneurs and easy access to fund the national
"The infrastructural development will further enhance a world of peace. Youths remain one of our greatest assets that are vibrant, talented and eager to learn.
"I urge the youths to remain diligent to hard work as this is where creativity, talent and resilience can be harnesses as they are the leaders of tomorrow" she said.
In her speech, the Convener of the programme and Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse (the third), said Nigeria is a chapter in Africa’s book and to limit the project to one nation is to limit the nation's horizons, hence the title 'Elevate Africa'. She stated that Elevate Africa is Pan-African because history has shown that Nigeria's division and indeed that of Africa are our downfall while reiterating that one nation cannot thrive alone.
"We elevate not a country, but a people—a people not bound by the commonwealth of their problems but a people bound by potential and destiny.
And so in Elevate Africa we want to crowdsource ideas, fund solutions and showcase Africans brilliance.
"For decades, the world has turned to certain types of development agencies to predict and chart the course of Africa and to Western media, who
arent even based here to define who and what Africa is. But they barely scratch the surface of what Africa truly is, yet their narratives have infiltrated our sense of self both at home and abroad.
"Our people are resilient, our people are innovative, our people are joyful, our people are light. This is the Africa We See. Our people are light. Some of the light is already shining bright, we’ve been to London, New York and Washington and in every city we heard afrobeats booming through the speakers in stores and restaurants. But there is more light waiting to be uncovered.
"On the continent right here and now we have brilliant minds and incredible stories are yearning for someone to take a chance and shine a light on them.
"And that’s where Elevate Africa comes in.
"There is an undeniable interconnectedness between countries, you see that china depends on what DCR produces to make her mobile phones, or Switzerland depends on Ivory Coast to make her chocolate bars. We find that for Nations to thrive they must draw from one another’s strengths," Olori Atuwatse said.
Akobundu: Any Policy Not Hinged on People's Welfare
Won't Alleviate Current Hardships
On his part, Senator Akobundu said that every policy should be majorly targeted at improving the welfare of the Nigerian masses so that the hardship in the land could be mitigated. He made the call during the distribution of over 2,000 bags of fertiliser to his constituents at his Oloko, Ikwuano, country home, saying that political leaders must understand that the ultimate goal of governance is people's welfare. He stated that if political leaders occupying elected and appointed positions should set their minds on improving the lives of the people by delivering the needed dividends of democracy, the hardships in the country would drastically reduce. Akobundu, who is a PDP Senator, decried the attitude of political actors in rival political platforms with penchant for denigrating other political leaders elected on different party platforms. He alluded to the "misguided attacks" on him by a fellow federal lawmaker, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, who represents Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South federal constituency on the platform of Labour Party.
Institute of Capital Market Registrars Holds AGM, Inducts New Members
Issues bordering on the need for a comprehensive assessment of the current national economic landscape, key challenges facing financial stability, and policy recommendations to enhance financial stability will form key objectives of the 13th Annual Conference and investiture of Fellows of the Institute of Capital Market Registrar (ICMR) holding in Lagos today.
A release signed yesterday by the President/Chairman of Council,
Mr. Oluseyi Owoturo, said Dr. Timi Agama, the Director-General, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) will be the as the keynote speaker on the conference theme which is “Enhancing Financial Stability in the Nigerian Economy: Strategic Role of the Capital Market in Wealth Creation”.
The Annual Conference which holds at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos also has in attendance Dr. Ayodele Teriba, CEO, Economic
Associates who will speak on the topic “Balancing Innovation and Regulation for Financial Stability in an Era of Market Transformation” while Mr. Jude Chiemeka will speak on the topic “Restoring Confidence in the Capital Market: The Strategic Role of Registrars”
Other speaker at the one-day conference includes Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) who will speak on the topic
“All-Driven Strategies for Financial Data Security: Positioning for Next Normal” The conference is also expected to highlight the importance of the capital market for providing funds for business and government as well as how this funding is crucial for innovation, job creation and economic development. The final highlight of the day will be the investiture of fellows and induction ceremony of new members.
Aisha Gambo Touches Lives in Abuja Communities
In a heartwarming celebration of her 50th birthday, Dr..Nana Aisha Gambo, Founder of Framazaz Foundation, through a series of charitable outreaches, has extended charitable gestures to ease the biting economic hardship on families.
Gambo’s birthday was marked by four significant outreaches.
Gambo visited the Government Secondary School, Kubwa, where she donated essential items such as toiletries, sanitary pads, and soaps to approximately 300 students.
Her generosity aimed to improve the hygiene and well-being of the students, ensuring they have the necessary supplies for their daily needs.
At the government-owned hospital, Kubwa General Hospital, Gambo paid the medical bills of 49 patients who were unable to afford their treatment. This act of kindness provided much-needed relief to the patients and their families, allowing them to focus on recovery without the burden of financial stress.
those in the justice system, Gambo visited Suleja Prison and paid the fines of over 40 inmates who could not afford to pay their fines. This generous act enabled these individuals to regain their freedom and start anew.
Demonstrating her compassion for
In her final outreach, Gambo visited the wives of Naval Ratings, donating foodstuffs to help alleviate the harsh economic conditions they face.
The donated items included semo, sugar, macaroni, spaghetti, cereal, vegetable oil, noodles, and wheat, providing much-needed sustenance for their families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Blessing Akwamaga, expressed her heartfelt gratitude at Kubwa General Hospital, saying, “This cash gift to pay the bill of my two babies in the intensive care unit is very dear to me. It has relieved me of the burden of sourcing where to raise funds.” Gambo’s selfless acts of kindness have not only brought joy and relief to many but also her Framazaz Foundation’s dedication to improving the lives of the vulnerable continues to inspire and uplift communities across Nigeria.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
L-R: Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Dr. Ugochukwu Abasilim; Professor of Public Administration, Covenant University, Prof. Daniel Gberevbie; Dr. Ehiagwina Sunday Braimah; Saturday Editor, THISDAY, Dr. Obinna Chima; Professor of Political Science, Covenant University, Prof. Moses Duruji, and Head of Department, Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Dr. Felix Chidozie, during the doctoral graduation ceremony for Ehiagwina and Chima at the 19th convocation ceremony organised by Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State… yesterday
PROMOTING BEHAVIORAL, MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS…
L-R: Founder/CEO, Pinnacle
Reintegrate Chibok Survivors, Other Female Victims of Insurgency, Amnesty International Urges FG
Obi plans to visit girls’ schools ActionAid says societal norms attempting to silence voices of girls in Nigeria still exist
Kasim Sumaina, Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Agnes Ekebuike in Lagos
Amnesty International (AI) yesterday urged the federal government to emphasise the need for the reintegration and empowerment of girls and young women who have survived terrorism attacks in Nigeria especially those affected by the insurgency, including the Chibok girls who are now women.
This was as the presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, announced that though he had started since October 6 to celebrate the girl-child, promised to visit other girls’ schools in the coming weeks as part of his ongoing efforts to promote the importance of educating girls.
Similarly, ActionAid Nigeria has lamented that despite many progress made in gender advocacy in the country, many Nigerian girls remain burdened by issues like early marriage, gender-based violence, lack of access to quality education, and the societal norms that continually attempt to silence their voices.
AI Programme Manager, Amnesty International -Nigeria, Ms. Barbara Magaji, made the call during an event to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja. Magaji stressed the importance of standing in solidarity with girls affected by conflict around the world, including those in Nigeria who have
faced grave violations at the hands of terrorist groups and, in some cases, security forces.
"This International Day of the Girl, we stand with girls living in conflict zones. It is only by uniting for peace that we can truly bring an end to the devastating impact of conflict on girls around the world. Until then, immediate action is needed to support all civilians, especially girls facing the dangers of conflict every day," she said.
Magaji highlighted the particular suffering of young women and girls who were abducted by terrorists, many of whom have returned with children, often stigmatised as “children of terrorists.”
She urged the government to ensure the reintegration of these survivors into society, providing them with the necessary support for rebuilding their lives.
According to her, "Our advocacy this year is focused on reintegrating these girls and young women who have experienced horrific violations. Some of them have returned with children and are struggling with societal stigmatisation.
"We call on the government to ensure they are not forgotten, to provide them with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and to support their children,” Magaji stated.
Also speaking at the event, Ms. Helen Adah, a member of Amnesty
Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Award Opens for 2024 Entries
Sunday Ehigiator
The ‘Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Award’ 's organising committee has announced its call for entries for the 2024 edition.
A jointly signed statement by the Committee’s Chairman, Nsikak Essien, and Secretary, Emem Nkereuwen, revealed that the award sponsored by the Inoyo Toro Foundation and Thompson and Grace Amos Foundation is only open to registered members of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
“Receipt of entries opens on Friday, November 1, 2024, and will close on Monday, November 11, 2024. All entries are expected from print, online, radio and television investigative journalism publications between October 31, 2023 and October 31, 2024.
“All entries should comprise a
copy of the original publication in hard copy for print; a link for online; an audio recording for radio, with the complete identity of a verifiable station, and a video recording for television. Each must come with a verifiable publication date, time and outfit.
“Entries should be made through the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NU] for onward delivery to the Secretariat of the Committee.
“All entries will be scored on 10 criteria, which are, Depth of Investigation (20 points); Conformity with ideals of journalistic excellence (20 points); Style and language of presentation (15 points); Contribution to good governance in public office (15 points); Impact on the fight against corruption and impunity (15 points), and Contribution to national unity and ethnic cohesion in Akwa Ibom State (15 points).”
International Nigeria, underscored the significance of October 11 as a global moment to celebrate the power of girls and highlight the challenges they face.
“Since its adoption by the United
Nations in 2011, the International Day of the Girl has aimed to amplify the voices of girls and empower them to address the unique issues they experience.
"We want to celebrate their resilience
and potential, while also shining a light on the barriers they continue to face,” she said.
Amnesty International called for a renewed commitment from the Nigerian government to rescue the
girls still in captivity and protect the rights of those who have returned, stressing that their rehabilitation is not only a moral obligation but also a critical component in achieving lasting peace.
Melanin Creatives Restates Commitment to Empowering Designers in Africa
Ayanda Carter, the visionary founder and Creative Director of Iroko Interiors and Consulting, is reshaping the future of design education in Africa through her groundbreaking initiative, Melanin Creatives.
With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry and a collection of prestigious awards that highlight her talent and dedication, Ayanda is now turning her focus towards empowering the next generation of African designers.
Melanin Creatives is not just
an academy; it’s a movement aimed at dismantling barriers to access in design education. Ayanda understands that while talent abounds, many aspiring designers lack the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to thrive in a competitive industry.
Her mission is clear: to provide youth with top-tier design education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This approach ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving design landscape.
At Melanin Creatives, students benefit from a curriculum that is both comprehensive and hands-on. Workshops led by industry experts, collaborative projects, and real-world internships allow aspiring designers to gain invaluable experience while honing their craft.
Ayanda believes that learning should extend beyond traditional classrooms; it should encompass real-life challenges and creative problem-solving. This philosophy prepares students to meet the demands of the industry head-on.
Living in Nigeria for over a decade has profoundly influenced Ayanda’s perspective on design. She has witnessed firsthand the vibrant intersection of cultures, styles, and traditions that shape the African design narrative. This experience fuels her commitment to fostering inclusivity within the design community. By celebrating diverse voices and perspectives, Melanin Creatives aims to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Africa while encouraging innovation and originality.
Bayelsa APC Crisis Deepens As Party Suspends Lokpobiri, David Lyon
Suspension invalid as state APC has no valid exco, says chieftains APC accuses Amaechi of inciting anarchy
The Southern Ijaws and Ekeremor Local Government chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have suspended Minister of State, Petroleum (oil) Heineken Lokpobiri and the former governorship aspirant in the state, David Lyon, from the party. But in a swift reaction yesterday, the chieftains of the party which includes
Hon. Ossom Blackson, Alex Blackson and Orubebe Ogiabiri, said Bayelsa State APC has no valid executive from the state to the ward level after a court judgement nullified the last congress. Therefore, they said the suspension of Lokpobiri and Lyon was dead on arrival.
In another development, the APC from national level has accused the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, of inciting violence.
The alleged suspension of Lokpobiri and Lyon was announced by the two executive members of the local government councils at a press briefing in Yenagoa.
According to the two council executives, both Lyon and Lokpobiri, were investigated with other members of the party and were found to be involved in anti-party activities.
Addressing journalists, the party Chairman of Ekeremor, Mr. Gbenga
Ebikazi and that of Southern Ijaws, Mitin Eniekenemi, said their suspension has been transmitted to the State Executive Committee of the party for ratification. According to chieftains of the party which includes Hon. Ossom Blackson, Alex Blackson and Orubebe Ogiabiri, the purported suspension was null, void and invalid as the suspension stems from a complete misunderstanding of the current situation within the Bayelsa chapter of the APC.
Soludo, Fasua, Others to Speak at Abuja Business, Investment Summit
Abuja Investments Company Limited
(AICL) will be holding the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit, on October 16-18, 2024. The summit, themed 'Optimising Investment Through Partnership', aims to foster diplomatic ties, promote investment opportunities, and showcase the diverse business landscape in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Group Managing Director/CEO of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, the pivotal role of diplomatic missions is in advancing the company's initiatives and investment opportunities.
"Abuja is a place to invest in. We are ready to collaborate with countries and partner with organisations. Our environment is conducive and favourable enough with business opportunities," she stated.
Ambassador Tamuno also lauded the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in enhancing Abuja's infrastructure, creating an optimal environment for business prosperity.
She also highlighted AICL's diverse areas of investment, including real estate, entertainment, hospitality, technology, power, transportation, oil and gas, leasing, tourism, and environmental opportunities.
"AICL is the investment arm of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and is limited by shares. We do numerous business/investments that focus on various sectors, and we can point investors to the right place to invest, including our sister agencies in Abuja," Tamuno explained.
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Medical Services/board member, Behavioral Health Institute (BHI), Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri; Chairman, BHI, Tonye Cole; and board member, Sylvia Cole, at a press conference after Tonye's recent return from Kilimanjaro as part of an initiative to raise awareness about behavioral and mental health among youths, held in Lagos… recently
LAGOS PHYSICAL PLANNING PERMIT SUMMIT…
Ndume To Tinubu: Reduce Prices
Of Fuel, Food, Nigerians Are Dying
Borno Senator says president’s bad advisers sabotaging government
The Senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has said the astronomical increase in the prices of fuel, food, essential goods and services was becoming unaffordable to an average Nigerians, who are dying in silence.
He also raised the alarm that certain fifth columnists were working hard to sabotage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ndume made the allegation in a statement he made available to journalists in Abuja, yesterday.
The former Senate Leader said the bad elements, he did not mention,
NASENI Attracts $3.25bn FDI from China, to Commercialise 52 Products
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said it has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) worth $3.25 billion from China. This was as the agency disclosed plans to commercialise 52 of its products so that they would be available in the market for Nigerians to buy.
Executive Vice Chairman, (EVC), of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, made this known in Abuja, when he briefed journalists on his one-year achievements in office.
were trying hard to pitch the people against the Tinubu's administration.
He alleged that the bad advisers were pushing for harsh reforms and bad policies instead of controlling inflation and exchange rate that are making life unbearable for Nigerians.
The ranking senator said those who are bent on making the President look bad will stop at nothing to inflict pains on Nigerians through the “so-called reforms until things get out of hand and the blame will be on President Tinubu.”
He noted with regret that many
families can barely meet up with daily demands in their houses as a result of the hyperinflation caused by incessant increase in the price of essential goods and services.
Ndume said, “I personally believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. I know this because I know what he stands for. But some of his advisers who don’t mean well for the people of this country give him wrong advise.
“I’m appealing to him to resist these bad people who want to pitch
the people against his administration.
“The hardship these people are inflicting on Nigerians is becoming unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I know what I’m talking about.
People are really suffering, hungry, frustrated and angry.
“In Borno State here, many families can’t even feed anymore.
“The untold hardship of these frequent increases in the prices is unimaginable. Farmers can not even move their farm products anymore because of the high cost of transportation.
“Those who can still do this add the cost of transportation to the prices of food items they sell, and that’s why many people can’t feed again.
“People can’t travel anymore. To travel by road from Abuja to Maiduguri, for instance, is a fortune. How many of our people can afford that?
“I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and therefore he should not stay back and allow a few bad advisers to destroy this country.
Flooding: League of Northern Democrats Visits Borno, Donates N50m to Victims
Umar Dankano in Yola
"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,” 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. Under my stewardship, NASENI has strengthened partnerships that are laying the groundwork for Nigeria's Industrial revolution-think cutting-edge projects in reverse engineering, rural electrification, and innovative manufacturing solutions.
Shettima Inaugurates National Road Safety Advisory Council, Pledges Safer Roads
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) with a charge on members to align with global best practices in reducing traffic crashes. He therefore tasked the council to set National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensure effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety objectives.
Speaking during the ceremony at the State House, Abuja, Shettima emphasised the critical nature of road safety, saying, "Road safety is not merely a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation."
He further praised the Federal Road Safety Corps’s (FRSC) commitment, noting that the Corps has "consolidated a robust strategy to address the nation's road traffic challenges" in its relatively short existence.
The establishment of NaRSAC aligns with recommendations from the World Bank Country Capacity Review, which identified areas for improvement in Nigeria's road traffic administration and safety management.
The Vice President urged FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to embrace these recommendations as "a catalyst for the much-needed reforms in this sector."
He also commended the seamless coordination between federal and state executives, as well as various government agencies saying, "This spirit of unity exemplifies the essence of working together for the common good."
Shettima noted that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu's promise to strengthen administrative capacities across government bodies.
"I am confident that this intervention will enhance our transportation system and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria," he stated.
A high powered delegation of members of the league of Northern Democrats (LND) led by its Chairman and former Governor of Kano state, Senztor Ibrahim Shekarau, has paid a sympathy visit to the government and people of Borno State.
According to a statement from the League by the convener. Dr. Umar Ardo, the visit was to commiserate with the government and people over the recent devastating floods that caused serious damage to Maiduguri and its environs.
Speaking at Government House in Maiduguri while being received in audience by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday, Senator Sekarau said that the League is an assembly of patriots from all parts of the North united to influence Nigeria’s politics
and power dynamics for regional and national development.
Shekarau while describing the disaster as a natural phenomenon announced the donation of N50 Million from the LND members in support of the victims of the floods in Borno State.
In his response during the visit, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed gratitude to the League for identifying with his people at a trying moment like this saying that the organisation means well for the Northern region and the country at large.
Governor Zulum commended the gesture and the initiative, acknowledging it as a welcomed development which if unitise genuinely would help in bringing the north on track politically, socially and economically.
He thanked the LND for its donation promising that, it would be utilised judiciously. But more importantly, he
thanked the team for its empathy to the people that it displayed.
According to Zulum, the LND by this visit and donation has shown that it has the people’s interest at heart promising to support the cause of the LND in whatever way possible.
The team later visited the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital where the Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, took them round the hospital premises showing them the extent of destruction wrecked by the flood which ran into tens of billions of naira.
The CMD stated that in Nigeria today there is no elite group like the LND, going by its membership. He expressed his gratitude for the visit.
Among members of the team who were part of the delegation included: Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau, AVM Monday Riku Morgan, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Bio,
Emefiele, EFCC's Counsel Battle Over Final Forfeiture of Properties, Court Fixes Nov 1 for Ruling
Wale Igbintade
Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed November 1, 2024 to rule on the application by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the forfeiture proceedings of the $2.045 million, seven choice landed properties and shares allegedly linked to him. The court will also rule on the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) praying the court for final forfeiture of the $2.045 million, seven choice landed properties and shares.
The court had on August 25, 2024, authorised the EFCC to temporarily take custody of the cash sum and the properties.
In granting the application, the court had directed the EFCC to publish the order of interim forfeiture for any person interested in the funds to show the cause why it should not be finally forfeited to the federal government.
At the resumed hearing the matter yesterday, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, counsel for the EFCC, moved an application for the final forfeiture of the sum of $2.045m, as well as share certificates, which he said was not contested by the interested Party.
On the properties sought to be forfeited, Oyedepo submitted that the party interested failed to connect his lawful earnings from Zenith Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the acquisition of the properties sought to be forfeited.
Dr.Moh’d Tamala, Hon. Mohammed Kumalia,AVM Alkali Mamu,Hon. Ibrahim Marmara and Muktar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Others were the Convener of LND, Dr.Umar Ardo, Hon. Murtala Yar’adua (Tafidan Katsina),Alh. Mohammed Ado, Amb.Hassan Moh’d Hassan,Dr. Jamil I. Gwamna (Sardauna Gombe),Mal. Sani Umar,Alh. Gambo Hamza,Hon. Nasir Moh’d, Amb. Godwin Agamah,Chief Sunny Sylvester (Jagaban Jimeta),Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa, mni,Alh. Umar Sani,Amb. Usman Sarki, Hon. Emmanuel Umar, Dr. Ladan Salihu as well as Barr. Moh’d Betara Aliyu respectively.
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Oluwole Sotire; Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka and General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Kehinde Osinaike, during a Roadshow held to sensitise stakeholders on the up- coming Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Summit held in Lagos…recently
Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394
Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com
Weighing in on Burna Boy, Speed Darlington Saga
Ferdinand Ekechukwu and Tosin Clegg
To those who understands how Burna Boy reacts, it was only a matter of time for him to come after Speed Darlington, the singer and content creator who had weeks earlier taunted with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the embattled US music mogul who is facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation and other crimes.
More than twice, Darlington’s posts targeted Burna Boy. The controversial Speed Darlington is known to post risqué comments and contents on social media, mostly deliberately targeting celebrities and the female gender. Popular artistes like Davido, Falz Wizkid and Flavour in recent times have been at the receiving end of his nasty posts.
During the week, Speed Darlington, real name Darlington Okoye, and Burna Boy became a trending topic after the former was video he made in the wake of Diddy’s troubles, Nigerian Grammy winning artiste Burna Boy and the record executive, Diddy. Darlington, who also goes by the nickname, Akpi, had asked Burna Boy in the video to explain how he got his Grammy award for his album ‘Twice As Tall’ — a project produced by Diddy and Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu. Incidentally, Burna Boy had lyrically made reference to the same gay issue in ‘Wetin Dey
record.
“After Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that year, Burna won Grammy. oils did Diddy use on you before they gave you the Grammy Award?” Darlington had asked. Provocative as it seems, and not taken necessitating Akpi’s arrest.
Darlington was in the late hours of Tuesday sparking widespread concern. A video also surfaced online showing an individual who fueled speculation about his whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. to be missing on social media, Burna Boy
posted on his X (formerly Twitter) platform a thought-provoking tweet, ‘Who’s missing?’ The tweet prompted widespread speculation, with many alleging he may be connected to the controversial singer’s disappearance.
Darlington’s mother in a viral video, revealed that her son was declared missing following the contentious post about Burna Boy. And begged the singer to have mercy on her son. She said, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Mrs. Queen, Speed Darlington’s mother. I just got information that my son is missing.
them that he made a video about Burna Boy on the internet, so he told them that Burna Boy came with his team and picked Speed Darlington up from his house.”
Darlington was released to lawyer Deji Adeyanju after meeting conditions stipulated by the police at the Intelligence Response Team’s Department in the Guzape area of Abuja.
According to Adeyanju, Speed Darlington was arrested in Lagos and taken to various formations in the state before he was taken to Abuja and detained by the IRT team, which accused him of cyber stalking Burna Boy. While many were pleased with Darlington’s arrest, citing his online improprieties, hoping it serves as deterrent, a good number of others see Burna Boy as oppressive. There were also those who expressed positions concerning freedom of speech and personal responsibility to navigate conversations concerning personal and public issues.
SwitchVisuals Makes Nollywood Debut with Feature Film
Acclaimed for its coverage of the Duke and Duchess and Meghan Markle’s historic visit in Lagos, media company is set to tell stories that resonate with audience as it
is set to make a mark in the movie industry with its highly anticipated debut drama.
This sizzling romantic drama, ‘A Weekend Fiasco’, which the producer said will hits as she embarks on a weekend getaway with a potential lover—only to encounter a whirlwind of familiar faces and chaos.
Directed by Samuel ‘Bigsam’ Olatunji and produced by Osikoya Damilola, with an
Vanessa Edem: Miss Teen Nigeria 2024 Was Befitting Birthday Gift
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Newly crowned Miss Teen has described her victory as a befitting birthday gift to her just three days after the grand finale of the pageant held in Lagos on October 5.
The Miss Teen Nigeria, who recently turned 16, emerged queen, winning three awards on her way to the crown after competing with seven other finalists.
Representing her home state, Cross River, De Royal Apple School, was awarded a cash prize, in addition to other prizes. The title of first runner-up went to 16-year-old Blossom Obuna, representing FCT Abuja, while 19-year-old Jacinta second runner-up spot.
Upbeat, the Miss Teen Nigeria winner in a on her feats and success as a young lady. “It’s a day of reflection for me; a day of thanksgiving for me, a day I can look back and be grateful for all I have achieved as a young lady. When birthdays come, people often look forward to receiving gifts,” she recalls.
“But there’s no better gift for me than being crowned Miss Teen Nigeria, just three days to my 16th birthday. My birthday message and wish to the world is for each and every one of us to plant seeds of love in the hearts and soul of everyone we come across,” she said, stating that “Love transcends all…”
The Miss Teen Nigeria Pageant is a Miss Nigeria
not only celebrates the beauty and grace of the contestants but also highlight their dedication, intelligence, and potential as future leaders of was duly encouraged.
She will be representing Nigeria at the Miss with neurological disabilities and currently has Cooking and baking is one of her hobbies.
features a powerhouse team of award-winning screenwriters, including Kehinde Joseph, Shola Thompson, and Stephen Okonkwo.
Chimezie Imo, Waje, Liquorose, Ilebaye, Lizzy Jay, and many more. With a diverse array of actors and creative minds, ‘A Weekend Fiasco’ promises an exhilarating journey for audiences.
Weekend Fiasco’ marks a new chapter for Switch commercials and hit music videos. “For us at
“It’s a statement about where we’re heading as a production company. We’re excited about this new direction and even more excited about that resonate and to make a lasting impact in
Tolu Bally’s Sleek, Simple Looks on Her Special Day
Award-winning fashion designer and stylist, Tolu Bally recently turned a year older. Tolu has inscribed her name as one of the best in her generation
birthday look sleek, simple and sophisticated, Tolu showcases herself in a white ensemble featuring a T-shirt and high-waist paints in one of her photos.
Tolu embraced clean lines and
designs. Paired with soft glam makeup, long wavy hair and subtle accessories, her look was a perfect balance of minimal sophistication and the ultimate insp iration for any minimalist stylist looking to make a statement with less.
how pieces and colours are stitched together through her creativity and love for art. Within the space of entrepreneur not only worked with loads of top celebrities in Nigeria but remarkably endorsed. Tolu nurtures her brand to be like Zara and the likes.
“Being one of the most sought-after stylists and designer in the country, Tolu has continued to invest in her craft, fashion piper in its own right.” She has worked with quite a number of celebri-
Continuing its culture of showcasing the best of African art, Temple Muse is currently of Nigerian artist, Gbenga Matthew, titled “Subconscious Consciousness”.
September and will run till the 20th of October 2024, at the Temple Muse gallery in Victoria Island, Lagos.
and spontaneous symbolic imagery, presents an
colours, symbolising the tension between rationality
inclinations, including his interpretation of the “Tree of Life,” presented through two-dimensional -
Republic, where he drew inspiration from the a profound engagement with African identity thought and emotion.”
Temple Muse continues its tradition of
cutting-edgecontemporary art from Africa and beyond. Visitors to “Subconscious Consciousness” -
Bridging Fashion, Culture: How Arivla is Empowering African Designers
Pwitnessed a surge in its digital sector, especially in ecommerce, which has directly impacted the fashion industry.
newly launched e-commerce platform designed to to bridge the gap between fashion retailers and their customers, creating a reliable and accessible
and heritage through fashion.
At the moment the African fashion sector is brimming with potential, shaped by the contipopulation, urbanisation, and the rise of digital
Africa: A New Global Fashion Leader, Africa has the necessary ingredients to emerge as a
and self-reliance. It embodies a commitment to promoting and celebrating African culture.
world, becoming a go-to hub for all things fashion player in the growing African fashion ecosystem retailers to their ideal customers. Through its community.
Fatusin, stated that, “My passion for fashion and wanted to promote the beauty of African cultural fashion and local businesses that champion it
celebrated globally.
away from the more established fashion brands
for business and connecting people, building an e-commerce hub for African cultural fashion accessible to the world.”
fashion a global symbol of elegance and cultural sophistication to the world. For fashion-forward and identity.
PSI Nigeria Partners JJC Skillz, Yemi Alade, Others on Menstrual Health Campaign
In a bid to create more awareness about the need to promote menstrual health hygiene, a newindustry would soon be released
a stand to address the social issues associated Program, which focuses on local production products.
To amplify this message, PSI Nigeria is a national campaign themed “Time of the struggles of menstruating women and girls
The campaign includes a powerful song
age facing the burden of menstrual stigma their spouses.
the young and the old in support of women
in the Nigerian society.
Nigerian singer and song writer, Yemi Alade, Nollywood actresses, Aishat Lawal, Maryam
In her comments, Aisha Lawal, said that “Time of the Month Campaign” addresses the issues surrounding menstrual health hygiene and the stigma around it, adding that she was proud to be a part of the project. She stated that it is nothing to be ashamed about,
is to spread the word with the hope that more champions would come out to champion beginning of life menstrual hygiene and menstruation itself is something that people feel
their menstrual cycle which is why she did not hesitate to partner with PSI to shed light on this challenge. “This project is supposed
his duty to help and educate a lot of ignorant educated as well with regards to what women is his social and artistic responsibility as
the last of 13 in his family and that eight are females, and stressed that he grew up importantly, my daughter at age 13, contacted
there are a lot of women out there that are challenging it,” he said.
Tosin Clegg
Tosin Clegg Arivla
JJC Skillz, Aisha Lawal and Mike Ezerounye
Examining Strides in Tourism, Art, Culture, Creative Ministries
From all indications, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, carried out all necessary due diligence before appointing Mrs. Lola Ade-John and Hannatu Musa Musawa as Ministers of Tourism; Culture, Arts and Creative Economy, respectively.
Given that the two ministries of Tourism; Arts, Culture and Creative Economy are highly competitive, stakeholders never expected anything less from the President as the duo are round pegs in round holes. Their appointments were based on capacity and competences.
Even though it took a while before Ade-John and Musawa hit the ground running, they have made appreciable impacts within one year of assuming office in their various ministries. Both ministers are accelerating at great speed to be able to achieve the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
On tourism, the minister as part of strategies to breath life into the ministry has vigorously pursued collaborations with relevant stakeholders. Her engagement with stakeholders in the National Association of Travel Agencies (NANTA), Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) and Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), have helped the minister to gain the confidence of major stakeholders in tourism sector. Equally, the stakeholders have started buying into the minister’s policies and programmes targeted at making Nigeria’s tourism attractive to tourists from all over the world and attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs).
The Tourism Ministry’s collaborations with entities such as Africa House Germany, Cavista, and Sterling Bank have helped in no small measure in promoting Nigerian tourism and securing investments for tourism infrastructure development.
The establishment of a National Multi-disciplinary Committee on Classification and Grading of Accommodation Establishments, alongside the resuscitation of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT), underscores the ministry’s commitment
The 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has vowed to respect and uphold the customs and tradition of the Kingdom of Asaba.
Obi Azinge who made the vow in his acceptance speech after he received a staff of office, the official symbol of his authentic royal authority from the son of the late Asagba, Obi Chike Joseph Edozien, Ochendo Asagba, Louis Edozien at recent ceremony held in the Asagba Palace in Asaba, promised to foster unity among the people and residents, promote inclusivity, and establish a welfare/development fund for community development.
The Asagba of Asaba who was flanked by his wife, Agu Nwanyi Valerie Azinge (SAN), promised to build a befitting permanent royal palace for the Asaba monarch and also attract a federal university to the town, pledging to leverage his traditional office as well as global exposure and contacts to attract infrastructural development to Asaba.
Worried about the growing loss of lives in Nigeria’s waterways and its negative impact on maritime tourism, major stakeholders have called for a stricter implementation of rules and regulations guiding the maritime sector in all littoral states across the country.
They advocated for adherence to standard safety procedures by boat operators and commuters so as to put an end to this ugly development.
The stakeholders also called for tougher sanctions against boat operators and commuters who flout these laid down rules and regulations guiding the maritime sector, noting that frequent accidents on the country’s waterways scare away potential local and foreign tourists thereby making operators who invested heavily in maritime tourism to lose patronage and resources.
to developing a robust regulatory framework for the sector.
The Ministry of Tourism under Ade-John’s watch has forged new diplomatic partnerships with countries such as Cuba, Iran, Israel, Spain, and the UAE, enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation and opening new vistas for tourism growth. By doing so, numerous cultural festivals and initiatives have received endorsements from the ministry, including ALGOFEST, Afro Flavour, and the IPADA Carnival, which celebrate Nigeria’s diverse culture and promote unity.
The minister’s initiatives such as EcoGenesis Incubator Series in Benue, Lagos, and Ekiti states have fostered local tourism, promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism projects.
According to insiders, the Tourism Minister has avoided all the temptations of dodging her duties as she leads from the front. To achieve Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, she has made it a point of duty to embark on tours to historical and cultural
Last Saturday’s ceremony was a mix of royalty, culture and tradition a sons and daughters of Asaba Kingdom thronged the event in their resplendent attires denoting peace, entertained dignitaries
Those who made the call include, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, President of National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, National President, Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Ganiyu Balogun and National President Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Mr. Tope Fajemirokun, during a press conference held on Wednesday at Kingfisher Restaurant, Lekki Phase One, Victoria Island, Lagos. FTAN President, Onung who expressed concern over frequent boat mishaps leading to loss of lives, said government and operators must be on the same page to standardise operations of maritime sector in Nigeria.
sites to showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage and attract both domestic and international tourists. To this end, she visited places like Ikogosi Warm Springs, King Kosoko Museum, and Obudu Mountain Resort, aimed at promoting the tourism sector.
The Tourism Ministry has actively engaged with state governments, including Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, and Lagos, to develop local tourism assets and enhance regional tourism appeal. Events such as the +234 Artfair, the Oyo International Summit, and the International Hospitality Tourism & Eco Sustainability Forum have positioned Nigeria as a key player in global tourism conversations. Promoting Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and historical sites has also received priority from Tourism Minister. The ministry’s collaborations with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service have led to the promotion of over 300 tourist sites, including the Yankari Game Reserve and UNESCO Heritage Sites.
from all walks of life with their costumes, music and unique dancing steps.
During the relatively brief ceremony, Ochendo Asagba, Edozien who held brief since February 13, 2024 his father transited, according to custom transferred the Asagba’s Staff of Office, to Obi Azinge, formally through the Onihe of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Atu.
As tradition demands, Onoi Ahaba, Obi Benibe Ugboko, presented the keys to the Ogwa-Ukwu to the new Asagba, while the Onyeudo of Asaba, Chief Austin Ndili, who heads the traditional Court of Appeal, also presented the keys to the court to the new Asagba through the Onihe.
The anointing of the new Asagba by the Onihe followed, after which he was formally crowned the 14th Asagba of Asaba in the presence of former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Emmanuel Chukwuma; members of the Asagba-in-Council, Obis, Olinzeles, chiefs, among other traditional title holders and eminent personalities from within and outside the state.
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has partnered the Lagos International Festival of Animation, (LIFANIMA) 2024, a premier animation festival in Africa, to foster growth in Nigeria’s animation Industry.
The minister who announced the endorsement on Monday, said the collaboration reinforces the ministry’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s creative industry through strategic initiatives.
In a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Musawa said to achieve these objectives the ministry will collaborate with LIFANIMA founder, Mr. Muyiwa Kayode, to develop and implement a comprehensive Animation Capacity Building Programme under the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) which is set to launch this year.
LIFANIMA, now in its seventh year, has established itself as a leading platform for the animation sector, promoting local animators, improving Nigerian animation quality, and providing capacity development opportunities for young creatives.
Tourism Minister, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, has promised to collaborate with the members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to promote Nigeria’s tourism sites, landmarks and diverse cultural heritage.
The minister who pledged the collaboration when she received the President of NATOP, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha and her executive members in her Abuja office, expressed excitement at the decision of Nigerian tour practitioners to visit the entire stretch of the country’s vast landscape to process, understudy, package and promote the various tourism, hospitality, festivals and heritage offerings associated with Nigeria to the international community in general and Nigerians in particular.
“We shall partner together and I assure you of my ministry’s support and encouragement. Going forward, we shall endeavour to invite and carry your association along in whatever we are going to do. We need you to furnish us with a list of your accredited members, and when we are going to present the tourism policy which we think we need to review, we shall invite NATOP to look at it and further add value to the document,” the minister explained.
CANEX 2024, the highly anticipated celebration of African culture, sports and entertainment kicks off on October 16. This year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring renowned sports personalities, celebrities, and industry experts. Imane Khelif, Olympic Gold Medalist and professional boxer from Algeria, will join Nigerian sports icons, including Valentine Ozigbo, Africa Lead, Freestyle Football Championship, and Director, World Freestyle Football Association. The event will also showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and culinary arts. Qing Madi, Nigerian music sensation, will perform live, while Chef Stone, celebrated Nigerian chef and restaurateur, will share his expertise in African cuisine.
Other notable speakers and facilitators include Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, African Food Changemakers; H.E. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy of Nigeria; Pops Mensah-Bonsu, President, New York Knicks Minor League Operations; and Kannywood actor and Managing Director, Nigeria Film Corporation, Dr Ali Nuhu.
Ade-John Musawa
Obi Azinge
L-R: NATOP President; Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha; ATBOWATON National President, Ganiyu Balogun; FTAN President, Nkereuwem Onung; WABOTAN National President, Tope Fajemirokun; FTAN Vice President, South-west, Tunde Kolade; and Lagos State Chairman, ATBOWATON, Lawal Babatunde, during a press conference held on Wednesday at Kingfisher Restaurant, Lekki Phase One, Victoria Island, Lagos
Nigeria’s banking sector has in recent times been significantly reshaped by the rising number of female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), who are not only transforming the financial landscape but also driving gender equality and inclusivity. These women bring decades of experience, strategic vision, and leadership to their roles, challenging industry norms and setting new standards of excellence in corporate governance, financial innovation, and customer service. These trailblazing female CEOs are not only breaking glass ceilings but are also driving innovation and fostering growth within the industry. Their leadership is also having profound impact on the financial landscape of the nation. As the world yesterday marked the International Day of the Girl-child, THISDAY highlights 11 bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) contributing to the banking sector’s growth.
CEO, Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji
Adaora Umeoji is a seasoned banker with close to 30 years of experience in the Nigerian financial sector. Her appointment as CEO of Zenith Bank in 2024 marked a significant moment in the bank’s history, as she became the first woman to hold the position. Umeoji has a diverse academic background, holding multiple degrees in business, law, and economics. This broad expertise has served her well in various leadership roles at Zenith Bank, where she has overseen the bank’s retail banking, treasury, and corporate banking divisions.
Under Umeoji’s leadership, Zenith Bank has continued to thrive, with a focus on financial innovation and inclusion. She has spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting digital banking solutions, helping to extend financial services to underserved populations across Nigeria. Her leadership extends beyond the corporate world, as she is actively involved in mentoring young women in finance.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s in Accounting, and a First-Class Honours in Law from Baze University, Abuja. She also earned a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calabar, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA.
Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management and has attended management programs at top institutions, including Wharton Business School.
CEO, Access Holdings Plc, Bolaji Agbede
Bolaji Agbede, currently at the helms of Access Holdings Plc, brings more than 27 years of experience in the banking industry. She rose through the ranks of Access Bank, which has emerged as one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions. Her tenure as CEO has been marked by notable achievements, including Access Bank’s continuous expansion across the African continent. She began her career at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she held various roles such as Relationship Manager and Vault Custodian. Her dedication and exceptional performance allowed her to quickly advance from an Executive Trainee in 1992 to Manager by 2001. Later in 2003, Agbede joined Access Bank as an Assistant General Manager, where she was responsible for managing the bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.
Agbede holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and earned a Master of Business Administration from Cranfield University in 2002. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management, UK, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
CEO, Citibank Nigeria, Nneka Enwereji
Nneka Enwereji’s rise to the top of Citibank Nigeria is a story of determination and excellence. She began her career at Citibank more than three decades ago, working her way up from an entry-level role in corporate banking to become the first woman to lead the bank’s Nigerian operations. Over the years, Enwereji has built a reputation as a skilled banker with a deep understanding of corporate and investment banking, risk management, and operations. As CEO of Citibank Nigeria, Enwereji is tasked with overseeing the bank’s expansion across sub-Saharan Africa and deepening client relationships in key sectors, including oil and gas, telecommunications, and infrastructure.
CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank, Miriam Olusanya
Miriam Olusanya made history in 2021 when she became the first female CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), one of Nigeria’s largest and most successful financial institutions. With over two decades of experience in the banking sector, Olusanya has built a reputation as a strategic thinker with a strong focus on digital innovation and customer service. Under her leadership, GTBank has continued to expand its operations across Africa, with a particular emphasis on
enhancing its digital banking capabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from the University of Liverpool. Before becoming Managing Director, she was Executive Director, overseeing Asset & Liability Management and Financial Markets. Miriam also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of GTBank Gambia, NIBSS, and SANEF, and is a member of the Bankers’ Committee’s Financial Markets Sub-Committee.
CEO, FCMB, Yemisi Edun
Yemisi Edun, a seasoned financial expert, was appointed CEO of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in May 2021. With a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife and a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, Edun’s career spans over 30 years. She is a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter holder and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Before she was appointed CEO, she served as FCMB’s Chief Financial Officer, having joined the bank in 2000 as Divisional Head of Internal Audit and Control. Her experience in corporate finance, audit, and internal control has been central to her leadership of FCMB, where she has steered the bank toward sustainable growth while reinforcing a culture of accountability and transparency. Edun, is a role model for aspiring female bankers, with a strong commitment to fostering financial literacy and inclusivity.
CEO, Union Bank, Yetunde Oni
Yetunde Oni was appointed CEO of Union Bank in January 2024. Her appointment followed a stellar career in both international and local financial institutions, with significant experience in emerging markets. Oni’s leadership experience includes senior roles at Standard Chartered Bank, where she was Managing Director and Country Head of Commercial Banking for West Africa. Before joining Union Bank, Oni made an indelible mark at Standard Chartered Sierra Leone, achieving a 50 per cent year-on-year growth in income and a 116 per cent rise in profit before tax during her tenure. With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from Bangor University, she is also an alumna of Oxford University and INSEAD Business School. Oni’s leadership has been recognized for its strategic direction, performance management, and emphasis on developing talent, especially women in banking.
CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe became the first female CEO of Fidelity Bank in 2021, and her tenure has been marked by impressive growth. Onyeali-Ikpe has over three decades of experience in the banking industry, having worked at several leading financial institutions, including Zenith Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. Since assuming leadership at Fidelity Bank, OnyealiIkpe has focused on driving innovation and enhancing customer experience. She has introduced a range of digital banking solutions aimed at meeting the needs of the bank’s diverse customer base, while also promoting financial inclusion. Fidelity Bank’s profit has soared under her leadership, cementing its position as one of Nigeria’s top financial institutions.
She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master of Law from King’s College, London. She has completed executive training programs at prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School, Wharton, and London Business School. She also holds an honorary doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She joined Fidelity Bank as an Executive Director in 2015.
CEO, Unity Bank, Tomi Somefun
Tomi Somefun, before becoming CEO of Unity Bank in 2015, had overseen a comprehensive transformation of the bank, turning it into one of the country’s top financial institutions. Somefun, brought over three decades of experience in banking and consulting to her role, having previously held senior positions at United Bank for Africa (UBA) and KPMG. Her leadership at Unity Bank has been marked by a focus on innovation and digital transformation. Under her guidance, Unity Bank has introduced a range of cutting-edge digital banking products aimed at enhancing customer experience and increasing financial inclusion. In 2024, Unity Bank announced a business combination with Providus Bank, a move that is expected to significantly expand the bank’s branch network and digital capabilities, further positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
CEO, Lotus Bank, Kafilat Araoye
Kafilat Araoye has been a pioneer in promoting ethical banking in Nigeria. As the CEO of Lotus Bank, a non-interest (Islamic) bank, Araoye has successfully carved out a niche for the bank by offering Sharia-compliant financial products and services to underrepresented communities. Araoye has over 30 years of banking
experience, having previously worked at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), where she held leadership roles in risk management, human resources, and international operations.
Since she was appointed CEO of Lotus Bank in 2020, Araoye has focused on expanding the bank’s footprint across Nigeria while promoting financial inclusion. Under her leadership, Lotus Bank has introduced several innovative products aimed at meeting the unique needs of its clients, particularly in the areas of microfinance and small business lending.
CEO, FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith
Bukola Smith has been at the forefront of FSDH Merchant Bank’s transformation since she was appointed CEO in 2021. With nearly three decades of experience in banking, Smith has held senior positions in business development, treasury, and investment banking. Her leadership has been characterised by a focus on innovation, customer service, and sustainable growth.
Smith has played a pivotal role in positioning FSDH Merchant Bank as a leader in the Nigerian financial sector, with a focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promoting financial inclusion. She has also introduced several initiatives aimed at empowering women in business, including mentorship programs and financial literacy workshops for female entrepreneurs. In addition to her work at FSDH Merchant Bank, Smith is a passionate advocate for gender equality in the workplace.
CEO, SunTrust Bank, Halima Buba
Halima Buba, a veteran of Nigeria’s banking sector, was appointed CEO of SunTrust Bank in January 2021. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA from the University of Maiduguri, Buba has over two decades of banking experience across various institutions, including Zenith Bank and Ecobank Nigeria. As CEO, Buba has focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a sector she believes is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth. She has introduced initiatives such as ‘SME Flash’ to provide financial support to small businesses. In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Buba is dedicated to youth and women’s empowerment, actively contributing to initiatives that promote education and economic inclusion for women and girls in Nigeria.
Onyeali-Ikpe
Umeoji
Araoye
Olusanya
Edun
Buba
Managing Risks in Stock Investment
Just like every other business, stock market investment comes with its own risks.
Over the years, the Nigerian stock market has been a mixed tale of opportunities and challenges, driven by dynamic
It is considered one of the most trusted and viable wealth platforms for investors to shoot their shot. Getting the best shot thus depends on how an investor navigates risks. This is not disputing the fact that and loss, most times defying analyst prediction.
To be on a safe side, it is advised that investors study and understand inherent risks to know their limits. These risks not only stop at stock performance , external variables present risks that vary from market, liquidity, and security concerns, amongst others.
While these risks are inevitable, experts believe they can still be manprotocols are suggested, including: company, avoiding pegging investment decisions on rumour, investing within limit and tolerance level as well as setting investment objectives.
Shedding more light on the inevitability of market risk, Chief Economist / Managing Editor of Proshare Nigeria, policy risks Fiscal and monetary policy shape outcomes for those listed on the NGX. A rise in interest rates (nudged byetary Policy Rate (MPR)) would push down the prices of treasury instruments as their yields rise, steering investors away from equity to bonds and bills. depends on monetary policy and
He argued that exchange-related risk-protection may not be feasible, adding that an investor may want to be asset portfolio.
contrarian market portfolio strategy involving investors avoiding sectors with high downside probabilities and concentrating portfolios in industries with lower downside probabilities.
asset classes in portfolios, investors may do better by further concentrating on equities that possess countercyclical
Targeted e-Finance Solutions Crucial to Firm’s Competitiveness, Expert Says
The importance of managing an
at a retreat organised by Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State for
At the same time, the experts at the programme which held in Ibadan, recently, and objectives to enhance output.
was largely impacted by the evolving digital landscape currently transforming industries globally.
Intelligence (AI), block chain, cloud competing, and data analytics are fast revolutionising and report, stressing the need for upgrade. He submitted that the dynamism in the modern business environment can no longer cope with the imperfections of manual pro- cessing, especially as demand for accuracy,
than just a trend, but a critical evolution for businesses to stay competitive.
Dufil Extends CSR Initiative to Visually impaired
has extended its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by providing educational support for visually impaired students of Aperin Oniyere Grammar School in Ibadan, Oyo state.
CSR strategy, which has seen us carry out similar initiatives across the country, including the Pacelli
may increase policy rates by at least another 25 basis points at the following
constrained to long -term and selective investment.
taking a long view of industries and sectors rather than bothering about the short-term market, sector, or industry disruptions or dislocations.
short, medium, and long-term; it is important to understand market economic points before they occur and take a strategic long or short position in the equity market.
was the Holy Grail of investment philosophy, but a deeper review of successful investors suggests that
quota to promote inclusive opportunities for persons with special needs in the state and the country at large.
Some of the assistive devices released for support recorders, mobility canes as well as payment of
Presenting the items, Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager of the company, Temitope Ashiwaju, reiterated that the gesture was inspired by a need to mitigate the challenges faced by visually impaired students in accessing quality education.
Cane Day celebration. Our approach is twofold: equipment to schools to foster an inclusive learning environment.
understand that government alone cannot meet
He added that the gesture was a demonstration education, assuring that the donated tools will drive inclusive, independent, and equitable learning environments for visually impaired students. school, Olusegun Oregbesan, said the donation for the children.
Remita Leads Talk on Digital Finance Role in Nation’s Prosperity
Indigenous payment company, Remita has accelerating the economy of Nigeria and Africa at large.
At the just concluded Nigeria Fintech Week
assets that serve as a decent counterpoise to sustained increases in domestic prices, such as holding some attractively priced
ations for investors, including age, risk appetite, and ethical or religious bias.
newcomer to the equities market can invest longer and take greater risks. Such investors can buy stocks that grow slowly in value despite volatility along its business lifecycle.
stability and tend to prefer investments with high dividend payouts and yields. A younger investor would prefer more regular trading with emphasis on short-term capital gains from price
He emphasised staying informed and keeping up with market trends as part of steps in mitigating risks in equity investing.
He added that investment focus and age group, sometimes determine where investors turn for market insights.
mainly focus on corporate and market fundamentals while speculators opt for processing micro news and respond to
theory matters very little to these market participants who are in for the buck and
much-needed inclusive growth in the region. players in the region champion discussion on national inclusive growth, with participants across sectors exposed to cutting-edge platforms and solutions to enhance business growth.
Remita being a key sponsor of the event also spotlighted key innovations, tasking end-users to explore emerging payment services to unlock newSpeaking,opportunities.Managing Director of the company, integrated solutions have enabled organisations to streamline their payment processes, unlock new revenue opportunities, and drive inclusive growth.
The event also saw to the launch of the
was inducted as a member of the Governing Council of the FinTech Association of Nigeria, policy, and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
leaders to explore the transformative role of and its far-reaching implications on payments ecosystem.
Digital Assets & Partnerships, Chinedu Alisa
widest range of digital assets in the Nigerian market today, through our exciting APIs to integrators and aggregators who are seeking to increase their margins with the least of
He added that new partnerships forged by
of users.
HP Announces Winner of Regional Education Challenge
HP Inc. and T4 Education have announced the winner of the Africa Education Medal, highlighting the impact of private sector collaboration in driving educational excellence. education accolade, the Initiative honours the continent and inspiring change.
This year, Angeline Murimirwa, a Zimbabwean emerged overall winner beating other top contestants who made it to the Subair and Josiah Ajiboye.
Murimirwa is the CEO of CAMFED, a panAfrican NGO tackling poverty, inequality and of CAMFED, she has been able to deploy
her expertise and experience in delivering proven solutions that enable marginalised girls to enrol and thrive in secondary school, graduate to secure livelihoods and positions of leadership.
Summit Foundation. In 2017, she bagged the
in tribute to her role in supporting young Responding, Murimirwa thanked the organisers as she dedicated the honour to education drivers across the world.
Remembering Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Godfrey Pondei
Venerated, adulated, very highly esteemed, and loved. ‘Inye’, he was idolised, bequeathed fond memories that are hitherto unconditionally and eternally engraved in the fleshly tablets of people’s hearts, nearly a decade after he passed to the great beyond.
Yes, despite the fate occasioned by vicissitudes of fortunes, the man, whose message to our generation was encapsulated in a mandate called Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, dually and affectionately addressed as DSP and the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, Nigeria’s fourth most populous ethnic nationality.
Being the pioneer elected governor of Bayelsa State in 1999, he did throw up the inevitability of indicating direction virtually on all fortes, and by default, assuming the place of a model, inadvertently birthed future leaders that have served the state and Nigeria in different capacities.
DSP squared up to the status of a ‘progenitorial’ leader. This way, the retired soldier became synonymous with the direction and focus that successive administrations should toe, engendering statecraft to benefit the most number of persons, a precursor for many that have come thereafter.
With multi-faceted legacies in infrastructure and intangible forms and shades, DSP remains a father to past and present leaders of Bayelsa extraction, and indeed in some context, across the Nigerian federation, countless personalities in the bouquet of those who served in divergent capacities during DSP’s 79-month reign as Bayelsa helmsman. In this ilk of leaders was a Deputy Governor who metamorphosed into a president; two executive council members who became governors; and a Special Adviser who became a governor as well.
Agreeably, DSP has not been limited by the immortality that characterises men, even as he continues to birth generations of leaders unperturbed. Like the French astrologer and physician - Michel de Nostredame - most popular known as Nostradamus, whose predictions were put together in a 1981 documentary-style movie entitled ‘The Man Who Saw Tomorrow,’ DSP was someone who saw tomorrow.
Across geographic bothers, he fought fiercely for the welfare of the Ijaws in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Ondo and his native Bayelsa States. It was by dint of this disposition that he most worthily coveted to himself the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation.
Though the eternal inscription of DSP in the annals of our state and indeed the Nigerian federation was the handiwork of providence, as many would think, his regime was deliberate in dotting the entire spectrum with enduring legacies in education, social services, infrastructure, water and sanitation, human capital development, amongst others. “Accountant-General/ Hon. Commissioner of Finance, Approved.
Release funds to enable applicant proceed on studies without delays.” Like one’s undergraduate matriculation
number which remains evergreen, the text of this approval which culminated in the release of N3,300,000.00 on Wednesday 9rh February 2005 will remain my token of gratitude, and indeed future generations, to the Governor-General, a gesture which saw me through an advanced degree in one of Central Europe’s oldest universities founded in 1559. One can, without fear of contradiction, liken DSP to Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968): American civil rights leader, who advocated racial equality such that his message of love and justice has continued to inspire social change; Abraham Lincoln (18091865): 16th US President who led the country through the Civil War, and abolished slavery such that his Gettysburg Address remains a powerful symbol of unity; Winston Churchill (1874-1965): UK Prime Minister during World War II who became identified with leadership and oratory skills such that, till date, his legacy has continued to shape British politics and international relations.
Within the context of the Niger Delta region, DSP became iconic of the struggle for resource control, to the intent that the ijaw man would stand out in the comity of subnational entities within the Nigerian federation. Unperturbed, he upheld this ideal, promulgated the gospel, and led from the fore, akin to Che Guevara (1928-1967): the Argentine Marxist revolutionary, who, till date, symbolises socialist ideals such that his image and ideology inspire social movements worldwide; Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924): Russian revolutionary, who founded the Soviet Union, with his legacy still influencing communist and socialist movements; Mao Zedong (1893-1976): Chinese revolutionary, founding father of the People’s Republic, with his ideology that has continued to shape Chinese politics
and economic development; Fidel Castro (1926-2016): Cuban revolutionary, who led the country’s socialist transformation, with his legacies which inspire leftist movements in Latin America; and not the least, and Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969): Vietnamese revolutionary, who led the fight for independence, with his legacy that unified Vietnam and inspires nationalist movements.
It is common knowledge that naming landmark features after leaders is a common practice worldwide, honoring their legacy and contributions to life. Such features may include Mountains and Peaks; Institutions and Universities; Monuments and Statues; Airports and Bridges; Cities and Towns; Rivers and Lakes. These could include but not limited to Mount Washington (NH, USA) - named after George Washington; Mount Churchill (AK, USA) - named after Winston Churchill; Lake Nasser (Egypt/Sudan)named after Gamal Abdel Nasser; Gandhi River (India) - named after Mahatma Gandhi; Washington D.C. (USA) - named after George Washington; John F. Kennedy International Airport (NYC, USA); Gandhi Statue (Parliament Square, London); and Harvard’s Kennedy School (MA, USA), just to list a few. Indeed, this practice recognises leaders’ impact, thus preserving their legacy for future generations.
Like the leaders chronicled in section 5.0 above, DSP’s legacies have remained veritable references, continuing to inspire, educate, and influence the Ijaw nation, nine years after. This is the backdrop against which the Senator Henry Seriake Dickson-led regime graciously named the Banquet Hall after DSP, in a bid to worthily immortalize this doyen. Commendable as this gesture portended, it has, by dint of the enigma’s personality, fallen short of the glory that should, in perpetuity, greet him at his peaceful resting place.
Guided by the foregoing, there is a need therefore for Bayelsa to learn from the myriad of ensamples that abound in according honour to a father and hero who deserves a lot more. Bayelsa could do this by renaming the Bayelsa International Airport after DSP. Beyond the numerous instances referenced earlier, a lot closer ones are the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport Owerri and the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Airport, both of which are named after former governors of subnational entities, within southern Nigeria.
As has been recommended severally, there is the need for the Bayelsa State governor to follow appropriate legislative channels, perhaps through an executive bill, in declaring an annual public holiday state-wide, which aims to commemorate the life and times of DSP, beyond what the former governor’s community (Amassoma) does, thereby bringing to the fore the impactful life that present-day leaders must emulate.
Godfrey Pondei, a beneficiary of DSP’s foreign scholarship scheme, is a multilingual Associate Professor of International Development with fluency in Izon, Ogoni, Swahili, French and English, and writes from Kpansia-Yenagoa.
Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com
L-R; Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola; winner of Big Brother Naija season 9 Edition, Kellyrae and Executive Head of Marketing West Africa, MultiChoice, Tope Oshunkeye, during the prize presentation ceremony to the winner of Big Brother Naija season 9 in Lagos …. Yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN
L-R: VP Business Development and Expansion, Saltingstein, Simi Daphne Adeoye; Chief Marketing Officer, Saltingstein, Chinny Nwokedi; Group Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank, Njideka Esomeju; Chief Commercial Officer, Saltingstein, Stella Oshorinde; Group, Head, Digital Channels, Access Bank, Oluremi Gabriel; and Project Lead, Saltingstein, Francis Ogbasu at the Access Bank and Saltingstein media roundtable to launch WingBig with Airtime2Win on *901# in Lagos… yesterday ~ SUNDAY ADIGUN
L-R;Senator Titus Zani, representing Benue North West; Senator Yemi Adaramodu representing Ekiti South; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Senator Onyebuchi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North; Senator Shehu Buba representing Bauchi South and Senator Ismaila Kawu representing Kano South at the commissioning of Senate Press Center by the Senate President held yesterday in Abuja. Photo; Julius Atoi.
L-R; General Manager, Nutrition and Operations Animal Service Consult, Adewale Adewoyin; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Rotimi Fashola; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya; CEO, Agric Business Empowerment, Africanfarmer Mogaji; MD, Sejfarms Consult Ltd. Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu and Technical Assistant, Amo Group, Alaba Yinusa at Eko World Food Day, held in Lagos…. yesterday
Late Alamieyeseigha
Nigeria’s Oil Paradox and Quest for Refined Salvation
Pat Onukwuli
Blessed beyond measure, Nigeria has black gold running in its earth’s veins. Crude oil, the lifeblood of economies and a passport to prosperity flows deep beneath the surface, yet a troubling paradox persists above ground. How has a country so richly endowed with crude become shackled to global markets, importing refined petroleum products like a beggar at the table of plenty?
Why, in a land where oil should be its pride, do Nigerians bear the heavy burden of sky-high petrol prices while the nation’s four refineries, once industry giants, lie dormant, reduced to shadows of forgotten potential, as the quest for refined salvation drags on?
The story is strange, almost biblical in its tragedy, like the prodigal son squandering wealth and returning home emptyhanded. But unlike the biblical tale, Nigeria has not yet found its way home. Instead, it wanders through the wilderness of broken promises, mismanagement, and the corrosive grip of corruption that eats away at its future.
Once, Nigeria’s refineries were symbols of self-reliance, meant to transform the nation’s crude oil into refined products. They were meant to be the underpinnings of salvation, ensuring energy security so the country would never depend on others for a resource that fuels its economy. Yet, for decades now, these once-proud refineries have slumbered, their fires long extinguished, their potential turned to rust.
Each new administration, from Obasanjo to Jonathan to Buhari, has promised to revive these giants, to breathe life back into their cold hearts. Yet each promise has melted away like dew in the morning sun, leaving the people with nothing but the dust of broken hope. Billions of Naira have been poured into the turnaround maintenance of these refineries, yet they remain silent, like ancient ruins that tell a story of squandered opportunity. The reason for this is the all too familiar and painful corruption, that invisible hand that reaches into every pot and leaves it empty, robbing the nation of its potential.
Bola Tinubu’s administration has now taken the bold step of removing the fuel subsidy. This policy has long shielded Nigerians from the actual fuel cost but has also drained the country’s scarce foreign reserves. This decision was as sharp as a machete cutting through a dense forest of economic mismanagement, exposing the raw realities beneath.
For years, Nigeria had been paying to keep fuel prices artificially low, a costly gesture that weighed heavily on the country’s finances. The subsidy was like a bandage on a festering wound, covering the problem but never healing it. The removal of this bandage has exposed the deep rot beneath, and the people now bear the pain of higher fuel prices. Overnight, the cost of petrol has skyrocketed, throwing the economy into turmoil and plunging millions of Nigerians
into more profound hardship.
Petrol, once accessible to many, now feels like a rare and precious metal. In sprawling cities and quiet villages alike, people groan under the weight of inflation. Transportation costs have quadrupled, businesses are struggling to keep their generators running, and the once-vibrant hum of the streets has slowed to a low murmur of discontent.
True, the subsidy was draining the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, and removing it was necessary to stop the bleeding. Still, the human cost cannot be ignored in the cold calculus of economics. Only time will tell whether this painful step will lead to a cure or merely deepen the wound. However, one thing is clear: removing the subsidy has exposed the raw truth of our dependence, exposing the fragility of an economy overlooking fundamentals.
And yet, amid this storm, there is a glimmer of hope, a private endeavour in the form of the Dangote Refinery. This massive project, heralded as a potential saviour, promises to meet the local demand for refined petroleum products. It is a promise in the chaos, a potential game-changer that could finally end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. For a moment, it seems the nation might finally reclaim control of its destiny.
But even this hope is not without shadows. The Dangote Refinery has been embroiled in its struggles, caught in a bitter dance with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
The NNPC insists on due process, while the refinery’s
management alleges underhanded dealings. It is a story Nigerians have heard too many times: the mighty fight over spoils while people suffer.
However, recent reports suggest that these disputes are beginning to simmer, with the NNPC agreeing to sell crude oil to Dangote in Naira and stepping back from the refinery’s operations. This could signal a breakthrough where market forces determine fuel pricing, potentially leading to lower prices and a more stable supply. But even this flicker of hope is fragile, and history has taught Nigerians to be wary of promises.
Therefore, it is hard not to ask the more profound, philosophical questions at this juncture. Is this abundance of oil truly a blessing, or is it a curse? Like the biblical manna that fell from heaven, oil has the power to sustain a nation. But unlike the manna, which nourished and never ran out, Nigeria’s oil has been mismanaged, and its fruits have often gone to feed others while the people starve at home.
In theological terms, one might ponder whether this is a test, a divine challenge to see if the nation can rise above its selfish instincts, corruption, and shortsightedness. Will Nigeria finally take control of its resources, refine its oil, and refine its soul in the process?
Ultimately, the solution to Nigeria’s energy crisis is not a mystery. Even if the Dangote Refinery delivers on its promises, Nigeria’s salvation cannot rest on the shoulders of one private company. The proper solution lies in a broader vision, including fixing the broken national refineries, building new ones, and investing in renewable energy.
Nigeria must awaken to the reality that crude oil, though a gift, is not inexhaustible. The world is changing, and the future belongs to those who embrace clean, renewable energy sources. The sun shines brightly over Nigeria’s vast plains, and the winds sweep across its savannas. There is power in these natural forces waiting to be harnessed.
Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have shown the way. These nations, like Nigeria, were built on oil wealth but have invested heavily in refining their crude and diversifying their energy sources. They have built world-class refineries and explored solar and wind energy in addition. They understand that proper energy security is not just about having oil but refining, managing, and planning for the future.
Nigeria must follow suit. The Tinubu administration must prioritise the refurbishment of the national refineries, clean out the corruption that has held this sector back, and build new refineries to meet the growing demand. The government must also look beyond oil, investing in solar and wind energy to ensure a stable and diversified energy supply. The time for words is over. Nigeria must rise. The land is rich, and the people are capable. Therefore, now, it is time to act.
Onukwuli, PhD, writes from Bolton, UK patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.uk
Neo-black Problem: Must Blacks Be Ruled by Whites in Order to Prosper?
Nigeria just celebrated her 64th year of independence and it was a gloomy day for most Nigerians. This was captured very well in a scathing editorial by the Punch newspaper. The paper recounted the consequences of state capture by a coarse, brutal, rapacious and counterdevelopmental political elite – dramatic increase in poverty levels, illiteracy, banditry, insecurity, collapse of infrastructure and institutions, corruption, and virtually every conceivable public ailment.
In the estimation of many, the country is now a failed or virtually failed state. The arrogantly named “giant of Africa” has now seen that in the things that matter, which make a people great, she has always been a pony.
People are suffering in unprecedented numbers of malnutrition, starvation, malaria, political violence, banditry and joblessness in this underachieving pony of a state.
In response, many are calling for or actively showing their preference for re-colonization or a return to white rule.
This has to be understood well.
One, there are those who can afford to emigrate fairly legally, at least. So, they make their way to regions of white rule in the Western strong holds of Europe or North America, etc. This is the highly celebrated “japa” – escape from the bondage of fellow Black rule.
Two, illegal emigration to regions of white rule in spite of its many hazards, by poorer but desperate young Africans.
Third, the stay-at-homes, especially the youth, who want a return of white rule to take over their failed governments.
The fate of Nigeria is shared more or less by other subSaharan African countries. Recently, I listened to a viral clip by an apparently poor and frustrated South African calling for a return to white rule in her country for broadly similar reasons. Then also I read about the shocking case of two black women who went scavenging for food in a white man’s farm in the North of South Africa. He killed them and fed their remains to his pigs to conceal his crime. This is cruel and racist and he and his accomplices must pay for their crime. But we must recognize that these poor black women were driven to extreme poverty and desperation by the failure and insensitivity of Black rule in a country that only 30 years ago won a
hard fought victory against white minority rule.
These unfortunate women are not different from those who die on the perilous journey through the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean to Europe, or are sold into slavery by Arabs in North Africa.
This is the neo-black problem – which Franz Fanon did not see fully in his conceptualization of the black problem, but which like the black problem cannot be escaped by all black Africans, and for which recolonisation of any type is not a proper or lasting solution.
In short, the neo-black dilemma may be framed as follows: is it better to live under white rule without political dignity but with basic life-sustaining standards for many; or to live under black rule with illusory political dignity and without basic life- sustaining standards for the majority?
We must square up to this problem in order to solve it. This begins with intellectual honesty and humility, utmost respect and responsibility for truth, factuality and functionality.
Unfortunately, one of the flip sides of the protest politics of African liberation struggle is the cultivation of a touchy egotistical response to every thing real or imaginary no matter how small that robs off negatively on our struggle-inflated and hypersensitized egos (a direct consequence of our struggle with a lingering alienation-negativity complex due to colonial racism).
However, as Thomas Sowell writes of the somewhat similar problem of the black redneck culture in the USA, we have to pull away from this irrational path of counter-development and focus on the things that matter.
Again, as Sowell points out, except for a few outliers, politics does not directly make a community rich. And, political ‘liberators’ are often an obstacle to the development of their people due to their interest in keeping self rewarding but developmentally negative or insignificant causes in the front burners of the public sphere and politics.
The path forward for Africa lies in cultivating higher and adequate levels of personal and communal agential integrity as well as full personal responsibility and productivity. Not to mention creativity (including epistemic creativity), productive justice (such as merit and freedom), harmony and reconciliation at local and international levels, and a proper domestication of capitalism and other related values and institutions.
Africa must stop wasting her time on dreams of socialism because it is a system of wealth distribution primarily. Whereas,
capitalism is a system of wealth creation primarily, and wealth has to be produced before it can be distributed.
As George Ayittey rightly pointed out, precolonial Africa was basically proto-capitalist, I would say, with a penumbra of proto-welfarism. Africa cannot live in an isolated, exotic niche of her own, outside global capitalism.
This is the transcolonial view that envisages a new selfcreated Africa that makes use of utilizable elements of, but also creatively goes beyond the limitations of the pre-colonial order, the colonial deposit and available global resources, to achieve a functional hybrid culture, especially heterosis (a vigorous hybrid that surpasses its parent stocks).
Further, Africa must shun victimology because colonization is virtually as old as human history and equally universal. And, as morally condemnable as it is, it is one of the means by which knowledge spreads from one society to another (some of the others being commerce, tourism of different types, and evangelization).
Without overly focusing on victimhood, many Asian former colonies have found ways of integrating helpful Western knowledge and values to create thriving modern states, in spite of local and international obstacles.
Africa must also give up her embarrassing disposition to pan handling and outsourcing solutions.
The task of driving this development lies with African intellectuals and intelligentsia because the saying “the intellect precedes all in humans” can be said to apply aptly to development issues.
Can this class and generation of Africans live up to their historical responsibility? Time will tell but it can be said that their job has been made easier with the coming of new forms of communication such as social media by which worthwhile initiatives can be rapidly incubated and brought to life across borders.
Failure will not bode well for us as it could lead to extinction. As the philosopher, Immanuel Kant, opines, humans of all the creatures in the world, are endowed by nature (God, some like me would say) with reason (including rational will and creativity) as their unique equipment for the mastery of the world and survival. We must exercise our humanity in this regard or be willing to perish.
Agbakoba is professor of philosophy at the University of Nigeria.
Tinubu
Joseph Agbakoba
ANALYSIS
Heirs Insurance: Building Trust, Championing Financial Inclusion
Oluchi Chibuzor writes on how the Heirs Insurance Group is deepening insurance penetration in Nigeria through technology and innovation
Nigeria, a burgeoning economy in Africa, has witnessed significant strides in various sectors. However, the insurance industry remains relatively underdeveloped, hindering its potential to provide financial security and support economic growth.
Factors such as limited financial literacy and misconceptions about insurance products; certain cultural and religious beliefs; low-income levels and economic instability limit the ability of individuals and businesses to afford insurance premium and contribute to low penetration rates in the country.
That is why the Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), a subsidiary of the renowned Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents, founded and led by Mr. Tony Elumelu, have since its creation three years ago, continued to champion the growth of insurance adoption.
The HIG clearly understands that having a virile insurance is good for any economy. Insurance provides a safety net against unforeseen events such as accidents, illnesses, and property damage, safeguarding individuals and businesses from financial losses. A well-developed insurance sector can contribute to economic stability by mitigating risks and facilitating investment. Insurance enables effective risk management, allowing individuals and businesses to plan for potential losses and protect their assets. Increased insurance penetration can create employment opportunities in the insurance industry and related sectors.
HIG has rapidly emerged as a prominent player in Nigeria’s insurance landscape to change the narrative. With a commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions, the company has built a strong reputation for trust and reliability.
With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, HIG serves corporate and individual customers across Nigeria. It is also championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
The Group’s mission is to improve lives and transform Africa. In today’s world, where technology is critical for success, HIG has become a game-changer, harnessing AIdriven digital tools, intuitive apps, and seamless connectivity, to provide simple and accessible insurance to everyone.
HIG strongly believes that insurance should not be a luxury, but a fundamental necessity and that every Nigerian deserves access to essential financial services to live a more prosperous life.
A deep understanding of its customers’ needs is at the heart of HIG’s philosophy. The company offers a wide range of insurance products tailored to meet the diverse requirements of individuals and businesses. From life and health insurance to property and casualty coverage, Heirs Insurance provides comprehensive solutions that protect what matters most.
Backed by the robust financial resources of Heirs Holdings, Heirs Insurance enjoys a solid foundation for growth and stability. This financial strength ensures that the company can meet its obligations to policyholders and maintain a high level of solvency.
The Journey
To the MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance, Niyi Onifade, “the journey started in 2013 when our parent company, Heirs Holdings, carried out a research on the Nigerian insurance industry which revealed that the penetration rate for insurance in Nigeria has over the years being very low.
“In fact lest than one per cent. The reasons for these are quite many. You have the issue of lack of trust where people don’t really trust the Nigerian Insurance Industry particularly when it comes to clean spinning. Then you have the issue of products and services that are not really meeting the needs of the people.
“Our parent company decided that look, we can actually enter into the Nigerian Insurance industry to make a difference. And that year, Heirs Holdings approached the National Insurance Commission for an operational licence as an insurance company.
“It took us seven years to get an operational licence from the Commission. On November 27, 2020, the chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu led our team to NAICOM’s headquarters in Abuja where we got two licences. One for Heirs Life Assurance Limited, and the other one for Health General Insurance Limited.
We launched to the public on June 1st, 2021. That was about six months after we actually started operations.”
For her part, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Group, Ifesinachi Okpagu, explained that in 2015, “we were about nine or 10 of us. We came together very excited to start what
we now know as Heirs Insurance Group. Then it was Heirs Insurance.
“I remember we were just three or four as at the time.This place was empty. The entire building was totally empty. We didn’t have furniture, we didn’t have fittings, nothing.
It’s just gratifying to see now that we are over 200 people spread across the entire country from this place where we started where we had nothing, no signage, no nothing, no paper, no branding, to this huge group with over 300 people in just three years.
Head, Legal Services and Company Secretary, Blessing Ezemelue, also said:
“For us that started the journey, it’s a family business. We don’t see ourselves as staff. We see ourselves as partners to the business; we see ourselves as stakeholders. We have a special attachment to the company and we are proud of who and where we are today. “
In his contribution, the MD/CEO, Heirs General Insurance, Wole Fayemi noted that, “It is incredible to believe that a business we started from ground zero in 2021, and we have come as far as this.
“It’s quite uncommon and unprecedented in the Nigerian Insurance Market that within three years in operation both Heirs Life Assurance and Health General Insurance will have done as much as close to N40 billion naira. That is massive.
“We are present in almost all United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches in Nigeria and that is aside our relationship with brokers, which no doubt has fetched us a pride of place before the broking arm of the industry and even before the direct retail customers in the industry.
“So if you ask me, I’m very proud to be part of that resilient and highly determined people who have achieved this very great feat within a space of three years.”
Financial Performance
In its recently released financial results for the 2023 fiscal year, the Group recorded substantial growth and an impressive performance across all business indicators.
The financial performance highlighted the Group’s resilience and operational efficiency.
For instance, the Group’s General and Life companies, combined, recorded a 59.30 per cent increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), rising from N19.9 billion in 2022 to N31.7 billion, for the year ending December 31, 2023, as
they both enter their fourth year.
In addition, the Group’s earned insurance revenue for year 2023 stood at N20.5 billion, a surge of 80 per cent, from N11.3 billion in 2022, reaffirming the Group as one of the fastest-growing insurance groups in Nigeria.
Breaking the results down further, Heirs General Insurance (HGI), the non-life arm of Heirs Insurance Group, reported a 77 per cent increase in GWP, rising from N8.5 billion in 2022 to N12 billion in 2023. Total assets for 2023 stood at N18.1 billion, which was a 27.4 per cent increase from the N14.2 billion recorded in 2022.
Also, profit before tax (PBT) surged from N791 million (restated) in full year 2022 to N2.4 billion in full year 2023, which was a staggering 203 per cent growth, signaling the company’s effective cost management and strategic growth initiatives.
Heirs General also reported a net investment income of N1.4 billion for 2023, a 45 per cent increase from the preceding year. This impressive top and bottom-line growth underscored the company’s ongoing development and its unwavering focus on delivering value to clients.
Demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction and upholding customer trust, Heirs General also disbursed N1.6 billion to policyholders in claims settlement, up from N471 million in the prior year. This sharp rise in claims settlement emphasised the company’s commitment to customers and its dedication to keeping service promises, with a strong focus on timely and transparent claims processing.
HLA, the specialist life insurance arm of Heirs Insurance Group, equally delivered phenomenal results with 71 per cent growth in GWP, rising from N11.5 billion in 2022 to N19.7 billion in 2023. Total assets grew by an extraordinary 98 per cent increase, rising from N19 billion in full year 2022 to N37.7 billion in full year 2023.
The company also demonstrated financial discipline, posting a 143 per cent rise in investment income, from N1.1 billion in full year 2022 to N2.8 billion in full year 2023. PBT increased by 395 per cent from N379 million (restated) in 2022 to N1.8 billion in 2023.
Furthermore, Heirs Life disbursed N2.5 billion in claims in 2023, representing a 119 per cent increase over the previous year’s N1.1 billion, reflecting its commitment to delivering timely financial relief to its customers during their times of need.
Also, HIB, the broking arm of HIG, delivered a strong performance with significant growth in income and profit. Its PBT rose by an impressive 128 per cent, increasing from N232 million in 2022 to N529 million in 2023. Total revenue grew by 68 per cent, climbing from N760 million in 2022 to N1.275 billion in 2023. HIB maintained a well-structured and efficient balance sheet, showcasing its strong earnings’ capacity and solid financial foundation.
Commenting on the results, Elumelu, who is the Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings said: “These results underscore our unwavering commitment to democratising access to insurance and delivering enduring value for our stakeholders. Heirs Insurance Group has achieved remarkable year-on-year growth in just three years of operations.
“We set out to transform the insurance industry, and I am pleased to see the remarkable growth the Group has achieved and the innovations it has rolled out. We are optimistic about the future and emphasize our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers while driving financial inclusion for everyone.”
As part of its strategic vision, the HIG has in the last three years, deployed enhanced digital capabilities and rolled out innovative engagement channels, positioning the Group as a leader in the digital insurance space in Nigeria. This commitment to technological innovation ensures seamless access to insurance products and services for all Nigerians, driving financial inclusion across all demographics.
Heirs Insurance is also committed to staying ahead of the curve by introducing innovative insurance products that address emerging risks and challenges. The company leverages technology to develop efficient and accessible solutions that simplify the insurance process. Heirs Insurance prides itself on providing exceptional customer service. The company’s dedicated team of professionals is always available to assist customers with inquiries, claims, and policy changes. A focus on building strong relationships with customers has contributed to the company’s positive reputation.
Elumelu
Onifade
Yingqi Auto Machinery Unveils
Factory to Revive Vehicle Engines
Yngqi Auto Machinery Co., Ltd., an auto company specialising in car engine refurbishment, has been established in Lagos to help motorists maximise the service life of their vehicles.
In addition, the company provides automotive new energy technology support to companies in the automotive industry, including natural gas engines, electric vehicles and other technologies.
Based in the Ojodu Berger of Lagos state, the company opened its doors to corporate as well as individual customers at a an impressive event attended by stakeholders in the industry including the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, among others.
Managing Director, Yingqi Auto Machinery, Mr. Vincent Ke, in his welcome address said “the birth of Yingqi Auto Machinery stems from a group of entrepreneurs with an unending passion and pursuit for automotive technology. Our team brings together elite talents from the deep professional knowledge, and keen insights”.
He added that “Yingqi Auto Machinery, with its unique perspective and innovative thinking, is focused on the automotive sector, dedicated to solving industry challenges through advanced technology and improving people’s quality of life.”
Justifying the need for cross border collaboration, the MD said, “as an international partner, I fully understand the importance of cross-border cooperation and exchange. In today’s globalized world, no country or enterprise can exist and develop in isolation”.
Mr. Vincent Ke, who is a Chinese national, also explained that the company is ready to play by the rules and assist in developmental projects in Nigeria explained that “we are also keenly aware that as a new enterprise, we bear greater social responsibility.
“We will actively respond to Nigeria’s national policies, promote green and low-carbon development, and contribute to Nigeria’s progress. We will also actively participate in public welfare and give back to society, doing our part in Nigeria’s development”.
Some of the machines already installed at the factory include a surface grinder, which is used to grind the surface of the engine block, stopping overheating and other related problems, and the boring machine for boring holes in the engine block, thereby bringing the engine back to standard.
There is also the benchtop grinder and honing machine to smoothen inside the engine block, as well as crankshaft grinder, lathe machine, hydraulic machine, among others.
Also speaking, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, said “Yaba College of Technology welcomes Nigerian enterprises to participate in the college’s cooperation.
L-R: President/CEO, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CON, being presented a plaque as a new Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria by the President and Chairman of Governing Council of the Institute, Alhaji Tijani Borodo; and a Past President of the Institute, Mr. Femi Ekundayo, at the Fellows’ Night & Investiture event held in Lagos… recently
Automobile Industry Organisations to Participate in NAJA’s CNG Capacity Building Workshop
Key automobile industry organisations and players have indicated their interest to participate in a workshop being organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association
The Annual Training/Capacity Building Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce theme is: ‘CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria.’
Some of the organisations that have shown interest in the training include, National Automotive Mikano Motors Nigeria Limited, CFAO Mobility, Jet Systems Automobiles, Fixit45 Limited, Pi-CNG, Limacs Integrated Ventures and several others.
A statement by Adrian Egonu, Chairman of the 2024 Annual Training/Capacity Building Workshop, said that through the training in the past, many members of the auto journalists association had enhanced their knowledge base of the industry.
Adrian explained that NAJA was intentional with the 2024 theme, stressing that the Federal. Government in the last 16 months had taken some giant steps to promote Compressed Natural
practices for cleaner burning automotive fuels.
The Committee Chairman assured that the 2024 edition would further ensure improved knowledge and skills of the journalists and
commended sponsors for partnering with the association in its drive to contribute to the auto industry not just in Nigeria, but around the world.
He declared that the training would afford industry investors and sponsors the opportunity to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.
Also, Chairman, NAJA, Mike Ochonma commended the sponsors and partners for associating with the NAJA.
He assured that NAJA as the fourth estate of the realm would continue to play its roles of information, education and opinion molding without bias.
& Award organised by Automobiles and Road Safety Initiative where Winpart by CFAO won an Award as the leading Automobile Parts Dealership of the Year… recently
TIPS OF THE WEEK
10 Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car’s AC Compressor
Summertime is arriving soon, and that means the temperatures will rise. That also means we’ll be cranking up the AC in our cars to stay calm for many of us. But what happens when your car’s AC compressor fails? It can be an absolute nightmare!
Mike Patton Ford Lincoln has listed ten tips to help extend the life of your car’s AC compressor and keep you cool all summer long!
Do not let your car’s AC compressor fail! It can be avoided by following the ten tips listed in this blog post. Having to sit down and wait for someone on-site or tow it somewhere else where you will have to spend hours waiting again. It should never happen to you.
1. Keep Your Car Clean It may seem obvious, but keeping the will help keep it running smoothly.
2. Check the Oil Level in Your Car Regularly If the oil is low, it can cause the compressor to overheat.
3. Check the Compressor Belt Make sure the AC compressor belt is tightened correctly. A loose belt can cause the compressor to overheat or even break.
4. Clean the Condenser
lead to the compressor overheating that can damage the compressor.
5. Replace the Compressor Oil
Replace the AC compressor oil if it is dirty. It can prevent several problems due to dirt or debris in the oil.
6. Replace the Compressor Filter regularly every three months or more often if needed by how dirty they get from air pollution. It will help keep air cause overheating issues.
7. Check Coolant Levels If the coolant levels are low, your causing the compressor to overheat and possibly seize up. It will reduce its life expectancy dramatically!
8. Check the Hoses Inspect all hoses and tubing for any signs of wear or leaks. Damaged hoses can lead to compressor failure.
9. Check the Refrigerant Charge
Make sure the refrigerant charge is correct. An incorrect refrigerant charge can cause your AC system to malfunction.
10. Use the Right Oil Type
Ensure that you have got the correct type of oil for ac compressors, which means a high viscosity index (viscosity
The Bottom Line Your car’s AC compressor should last for many years if you follow these tips!
(Source:MikePattonFordLincoln)
L-R: MD, Yingqi Auto Machinery Ltd, Vincent Ke; Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul; and Dr. Taiwo Ajala, of Yaba College of Technology, and some workers of Yingqi Auto Machinery Ltd, during the grand opening of the company in Ojodu Berger, Lagos… recently
L-R: Senior Marketing Officer, Winpart by CFAO, Michael Ikiebe; General Manager, Winpart by CFAO, Mohamed Taleb; Team Lead, Motul, Joel Oluwagbemi; and President, Automobiles and Road Safety Initiative, Mr. Samuel Oriowo at the 3rd Nigeria Annual Automotive Industry Exhibition
GLOBAL SOCCER
Waiting on Eagles’ Wings Tolu Arokodare
Following his impressive performance in the Belgian Jupiler League,KRC Genk Nigeria forward,Tolu Arokodare has expressed his desire to play for Nigeria’s national football team,Super Eagles.In an exclusive interview withTribal Football,Arokodare acknowledged the quality of fire-power possessed by the Super Eagles,stressing that he is in no rush to get into the team,whilst also affirming that the opportunity would come once the time was ripe
“We have a huge talent in our attack obviously and the whole squad is full of talents.
“I haven’t been contacted by the NFF, but with time, if I keep performing right and doing the right things, I think I will get that call soon, and me not being called up, I think it’s not my time and I think the players that are being called up before me, they worked to be in that position, they deserved every invitation to the Super Eagles. I just need to have patience and work harder,” he said.
The striker’s sensational form has catapulted KRC Genk to the top of the table with a three-point lead, sparking hopes of a national team call-up.
The 23-year-old has been unstoppable, scoring six goals in 10 games and catching the attention of Nigerian football fans.
Arokodare is the top-scoring Nigerian player in the top 15 European leagues, placing first ahead of Victor Boniface, Akor Adams, Victor Olatunji, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Gift Orban.
His impressive display has also sparked interest from top European clubs, with Trabzonspor reportedly showing interest in the summer.
Indeed, the KRC Genk striker has
revealed his admiration for Osimhen, whilst hinting he’ll love to play in the English Premier League in the future.
The 23-year-old has been in his best form since joining the Belgian side this season, scoring six times for Thorsten Fink’s side, making him the league’s top scorer.
While his form has been impressive, a call-up to the Nigerian National team has eluded him, but nonetheless, he’s revealed his love for two of the nation’s top strikers, Osimhen and Boniface.
Quizzed about what he thinks of Osimhen’s decision to quit Napoli for Galatasaray, the 6 ft 6-inch tall striker said, “I don’t think that’s my business, I mean if he moved to Chelsea, Real Madrid or to anywhere. Whatever decisions he makes, that’s the best for him, he knows what he wants and he makes the decisions, so I have no say in that. He is someone that I look out for. I have always admired him, whatever he thinks is best for him. I mean you can see he is there already, I think he has two goals and two assists. He is having a big impact already in Turkey.”
While Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Boniface has been vocal about his preference for football outside of the English Premier League, Arokodare reveals his stance is different.
“Boniface saying he doesn’t want to
play in the Premier league, that’s his preference. Everyone has what they want for themselves and he has his style of play, he knows the kind of football he wants and we all are different human beings and we all know what we want.
“For me, I would love to play in the Premier League, it will be a dream come true for me. “Everyone is there, but can’t want the same thing. If he says the Premier League isn’t his style then we have to respect his taste and decisions,” the former FC Koln man told Tribal Football.Interim Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, admitted he considered Arokodare when he picked his squadlist for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Libya, but he opted for Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Arokodare completed a stunning switch from Amiens FC to KRC Genk in Belgium on the brink of the 2022-23 January transfer deadline, following the departure of their star player, Paul Onuachu, to Southampton.
After moving to the Luminus Arena, Arokodare said it was the finest professional decision he had ever made.
Before making his debut, the head of football for Genk, indicated that the Nigerian was the best stand-in for Onuachu, and that there was no one better.
For Amiens SC, Arokodare was not
at his best during last season, and his scoring ability was not up to pace. The Nigerian averaged 0.36 goals per game, converting just 11 per cent of his goal chances into actual goals, while scoring 21 goals and dishing out four assists for the French team.
For a striker who started out as a true goal hacker at Valmiera FC in the Latvian league, with 22 goals in 34 games, these are by no means remarkable numbers. But after that, Arokodare failed to demonstrate his ability as a productive and efficient striker at either FC Köln or Amiens SC.
He was particularly unsteady in France, and his attacking stats throughout his stay at Amiens were below par, culminating in former manager, Philippe Hinschberger aiming cheap shots at Arokodare after the youngster completed his move from Amiens to Genk.
In France, Arokodare worked together with Hinschberger for a year and a half where he scored 21 goals and added four assists in 63 matches.
While admitting that the young Nigerian has talent, Hinschberger is not unhappy that Arokodare has left Amiens.
And the former Metz manager is full of knocks for Arokodare, insisting that he found it hard to work with the forward because he was not open to learning.
“Tolu is a player who needs a lot of time and energy. He is still in raw form,” Hinschberger said hours after Arokodare left for Belgium.
“From time to time, you want to make him work on passing, control, or his back-to-goal game. I think he has to get it into his head that he’s a young player who needs to develop. From time to time, he forgets it and he trains like a pro who has a 15-year career.
“The misunderstanding that we both may have had was that I was asking him to work on his qualities. He’s still a youngster who needs to do a lot of basic things, and that’s not too much into it.
However, after a few training sessions with Arokodare, Genk’s manager, Vrancken sang the praises of the 23-yearold.
Throwing Hinschberger’s claims into the trash can, Vrancken is delighted that Arokodare is ‘eager’ to take in new knowledge.
“He is more explosive than Onuachu, who of course already has more experience as a finisher,” Vrancken said, as per VoetbalKrant.
“But Tolu is a young player with a lot of potential, he was at the top of our wish list. He has a good bounce and is very eager to learn. He asks a lot of questions, which I think is very positive.
“We are patient with him because all our game principles are new to him. Both offensively and defensively. He was used to being played on his body, after which they would see what happened. That is why we will work intensively with him in the coming weeks,” Vrancken had said of the Nigerian.
Arokodare’s journey to stardom began in Latvia with Valmiera before moving to Koln and Amiens, where he played alongside Gael Kakuta and Papiss Dembe Cisse.
Arokodare scores for Racing Genk against Union Saint Gilloise in the Jupiler Pro League
Rangers Storm Ijebu-Ode, Set to Maintain Fine Form against Sunshine
Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C are already in the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State fully set to maintain the fine form that has seen the team win three matches out of four played since its ouster from the money-spinning, CAF Champions League as they engage Sunshine Stars F.C of Akure at their adopted ground.
Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, would be hosting this match day 6, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture which will be the 12th time that both sides would be clashing in the top flight with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ enjoying an edge with eight victories as against four for the ‘Owena Whales’ with seven encounters ending in draws in the first 19 matches.
Still basking in the win over Abia Warriors in an ‘Oriental Derby’ at the weekend in Enugu, the coach Fidelis
GLOBAL SOCCER
ASSISTANT EDITOR
KUNLE ADEWALE
THISDAY ON SATURDAY
EDITOR
OBINNA CHIMA
DEPUTY EDITOR
AHAMIFULA OGBU
THISDAY NEWSPAPERS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN
NDUKA OBAIGBENA
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR
ISRAEL IWEGBU
Ilechukwu led side will be hoping to push for a good result against the coach Kennedy Boboye’s wards who are very strong at their adopted home ground with Chinedu Nwosu, Seth Mayi and others firing from all cylinders for the Akure side.
With the expected presence of reliable midfielder, Kazeem Ogunleye, Isaac Saviour and Ugwueze Chinemerem in the middle of the pack to service the attacking line, the visitors are in for a real deal as they target to improve on their 4th position, on the log while the home side will be looking to catch up with the early pace setters.
Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere at the Dipo Dina Stadium, even as Rangers’ latest attacking sensation, Silas Nenrot said, “I am really glad to be in Rangers. A very big club with high
prospects. I want to be part of history by making a big contribution towards retaining the trophy won last season and this starts with this weekend’s game in Ijebu-Ode. Sure, the league is a marathon but we have our eyes on getting the maximum points because we have been working so hard and I believe that with the help of my team mates, we can achieve our goal.”
In the run-up to this weekend’s fixture, Rangers have scored in four consecutive league matches, while keeping three clean sheets, but their opponent, who have won two league matches out of the five they have played, losing two and ending the other in a draw, the visitors will want to continue in their new found form and make their push for a successful title defense, realisable.
NPFL Warns Clubs against Contract Breach
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern warning to clubs facing complaints of overdue payables and contract breach.
The league body has given all the clubs a deadline of Monday, October 14, to resolve the issue or have the licences of their new players withdrawn indefinitely.
NPFL had earlier given the affected clubs an extended grace until yesterday as directed by the Players Status Committee.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern warning to clubs facing complaints of overdue payables and contract breach.
List of clubs facing complaints over overdue payables & contract breaches are Heartland, 3SC, Bendel Insurance, Kwara Utd, Lobi Stars, El-Kanemi, Abia Warriors, Enyimba, Katsina Utd and Akwa United.
Heartland have complaints of overdue payables and contract breaches with former Coach Kennedy Boboye,
Ezekiel Bassey, Stephen Chukwudi, Itodo Ocheme, Prince Momoh, Aputazie Ugochukwu, Samuel Emeka Onukwube, Ifeanyi Anyanwu, Austin Osayande, Patrick Nwogbara and Chukwudi Esobe.
Shooting Stars, Bendel Insurance, Kwara United, Lobi Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors have issues of overdue payables and contract breaches with Sikiru Alimi, Yusuf Akeem Shira, Adekunle Ayobami Samuel, Solomon Babatunde and Lordson Ichull, respectively.
Akwa Utd Hopeful of Ending Winless Streak with Pillars’ Visit
Akwa United head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, is optimistic his team will soon end their winless streak in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season.
The Promise Keepers have drawn two and lost three of their opening five games of the season.
The former NPFL champions will host Kano Pillars in a matchday six encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo tomorrow. Babaganaru assured that the game will be the turning point for Akwa United.
“We have only one thing to focus our attention on and that is to ensure we translate our ball play to goals by making sure we make the best use of our chances during the match,” he said on the club’s official website.
“We have properly assessed our previous matches and taken note of the mistakes that we made.
“We have worked on those noticeable lapses and we know what to do to avoid a repeat of those mistakes as we go into the next match.”
Shooting Stars Poise for Revenge against Enyimba Breach
Ahead of their matchday 6 encounter against Enyimba tomorrow, Shooting Stars have expressed their determination to record victory over the Peoples Elephant. Winless in their last two games, the Oluyole Warriors will square up with Enyimba at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, tomorrow hoping to avenge the 2-1 loss at the same venue last season.
The Gbenga Ogunbote’s side have expressed their determination to record victory in the matchday 6 encounter against Enyimba.
“Poised to bring down the Elephants,” Shooting Stars wrote on X. Enyimba secured a 2-1 win over Shooting Stars in the same fixture last season with goals from Chijioke Mbaoma and Izuogu Chibueze.
Enugu Rangers players in a midfield melee against Abia Warriors in the Oriental Derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Super Eagles Edge out Libya’s Mediterranean Knights to Maintain Unbeaten Run in Group D
Nigeria secured their second win in Group D after they left it late to beat Libya 1-0 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium yesterday.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru stepped off the bench to score an 86th-minute winner as the Mediterranean Knights’ resolve was finally broken, having sat deeper and deeper as the match began to wind down.
Augustine Eguavoen’s side stayed a point clear of secondplaced Benin, who defeated Rwanda 3-0 earlier in the day, leaving Libya at the bottom of the group.
Nigeria bossed proceedings in Uyo and created plenty of chances, but they didn’t test Murad Al Wuheeshi nearly enough in the first half.
William Troost-Ekong at least managed to hit the target in the
opening 20 minutes, although their best opportunity arrived in the 39th minute when Alex Iwobi forced Al Wuheeshi into a save from inside the box following good work on the left from Bruno Onyemaechi.
Victor Boniface also threatened in stoppage time with a header that took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner after another fine delivery from Onyemaechi on the left.
Iwobi wasn’t able to direct his header on target after getting on the end of Onyemaechi’s cross from the left byline on 56 minutes and the Fulham star fired a snapshot over the crossbar three minutes later from Moses Simon’s downward header inside the area.
Al Wuheeshi denied the hosts once more on 72 minutes
as he stuck out a leg to stop Samuel Chukwueze after he had been played into space on the right.
Chukwueze got off another shot from the edge of the box on 76 minutes after receiving the ball from Lookman, but Al Wuheeshi was well placed to make a comfortable save.
However, the pressure finally told with four minutes left on the clock as Moses advanced towards the area from the left and picked out Dele-Bashiru, who guided a first-time shot into the back of the net from 14 yards out.
Victory for the Eagles in Benina on Tuesday night will virtually seal a ticket to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, with the Cheetahs also to join if they overcome the Amavubi in their own return in Kigali.
Okocha Shines in BetKing’s Carnival-themed TV Commercial
Folalumi Alaran
in Abuja
BetKing, Nigeria’s leading sports betting company, has star football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha in its new carnival-themed TV Commercial (TVC), “Every Bet is an Adventure.”
The new ad is packed with vibrant street celebrations and Nigerian cultural elements, and promotes BetKing’s offer of a N100 Free Bet for new users and a chance to win up to N1 million.
As one of the most iconic footballers in Nigerian history, Okocha’s presence electrifies the screen, turning an ordinary betting ad into a thrilling spectacle.
The TVC is an explosion of color, sound, and energy—a carnival atmosphere infused with the excitement of football. From the very first scene, viewers are transported into a world of music, dancing, and vibrant street celebrations.
As Okocha glides through the crowd with his trademark style and flair, he is more than just the face of the campaign; he embodies the spirit of adventure and unpredictability that BetKing is promoting.
“What makes this campaign even more special is how perfectly Okocha aligns with the message of adventure. Throughout his career, Okocha was known for his audacious
dribbles, spontaneous play, and sheer love for the game. He wasn’t just a footballer; he was a performer, someone who turned every match into an experience for the fans.
“ The TVC also pays homage to Nigerian culture, with its carnival setting that feels authentically local. The fusion of street dancers, traditional drummers, and flamboyant costumes brings a sense of joy and community to the ad. As Okocha moves through the lively scenes, there’s a deep connection to the rhythm and heartbeat of Nigeria—a country where football and celebration are intertwined.
“ But the adventure doesn’t
Six Teams Crash out of Tournament, Get Consolation Prizes
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Six teams that failed to qualify for the Quarter-finals of the 4th edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) have received consolation prizes for participating in the tournament.
The Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli made the presentation on behalf of the visioner and Edo State First Lady, Betsy Obaseki, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, yesterday.
Seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N750,000) each was presented as consolation prizes to Naija Ratels FC of Minna; FC Robo of Lagos, Delta Babes FC and Braveheart FC of their failure to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
Addressing journalists after the presentation, Alli described the first stage of the tournament as keenly contested, noting that the tournament is getting better with each edition as he
is optimistic that a European Club will feature in the next edition of the pre-season female football tournament in 2025.
“Our plans for this tournament is to test the new girls we have as the major thing is the continental games we are chasing. We are also not losing our guard as we are playing to win. Our focus is on the continental but we try to rest some of our girls because of injuries. We want to do better. The event is not bad but will get better next year.
160 Secondary Schools Compete for Glory at Agbeyewa Cup
Agbeyewa Farms has announced the commencement of the second edition of the Agbeyewa Cup Football Tournament, a flagship event promoting youth development through sports in Ekiti State.
The tournament, scheduled to run from October 8 to 29, will bring together 160
secondary schools from all 16 local governments in the state, fostering competition and sportsmanship among students.
This year’s champions will be awarded a grand prize of N1 million, while the first runner-up will receive N500,000, and the second runner-up N250,000.
Additionally, each local government winner will be recognized with a prize of N30,000.
The tournament kicks off with preliminary rounds in each local government, with local champions advancing to the knockout stages and culminating in the highly anticipated round of 16.
FirstBank Elephant Girls Eye Glory as Zenith League Dunks off in Lagos
Waking up from a slow start, FirstBank Female Basketball team, the Elephant Girls proved that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Basketball in Nigeria, winning their opening match against hard fighting Royal Aces in the ongoing Zenith/Nigeria Basketball Federation organised Women’s Basketball League Final-8, which dunks off at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos on Thursday.
Playing like a team infused with winning bugs, the Elephant Girls defeated their opponent by a whopping 76-Baskets to 46.
Led by team Captain, Theresa Joy Ebiega, the Elephant girls took apart their opponent, attracting loud applause from fans that trouped out to watch their favourite teams.
Speaking shortly after overpowering their opponent, Ebiega said the team was ready to give their all to return the Elephant Girls to the high echelon where it rightly belonged.
Team’s Coach, Taye Adeniyi echoed Ebiega’s resolve, saying the team would do everything it could to return to the number one position when it comes to Basketball in Nigeria.
“We are Firstbank, we must come first in all our matches. This is our dream and we are going to achieve it,” she said. The Elephant Girls still have the likes of Customs, Titans, Bayelsa Whales, among others, to contend with if their dream is to come true. However if the form that saw them winning all their matches in Akure and Enugu qualifiers is anything to go by, then the Elephant Girls is the team to watch out for in the Zenith League Final 8. According to FirstBank, sponsoring and promoting the Elephant Girls is the banking giant’s way of growing and harnessing talents at all levels.
Flykite Productions Donates Training Ring to Nigeria Police Boxing Association
In continuation of their intervention in Nigerian boxing, Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, have donated a high-quality training ring to the Ikeja chapter of the Nigeria Police Boxing Association.
The donation, which took place yesterday, followed the gifting of gloves, punching bags and headgear to Tipo Boxing Academy and Capo Boxing Gym, both in Lagos
Speaking during the presentation, Chief Operating Officer, Fkykite Productions, Bamidele Johnson, said the gesture is a component of the company’s
In a groundbreaking move to become the best football academy in Nigeria, five prodigies from GreenLock FC of Abuja have signed with Gulf United FC, a top team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ashiru Ibrahim, Daniel Odumu, Hamed Traore, Taofiq Yekini, and Opeyemi Falade have completed the move from Nigeria to join Gulf United FC. This transfer not only showcases the exceptional talents of the five players but also represents a partnership between Gulf United FC and GreenLock to develop young
Algeria’s Olympic Gold Medalist and professional boxer, Imane Khelif, will share the stage with Nigeria’s sports legends at the highly anticipated CANEX 2024, which will celebrate African excellence in sports, entertainment, and culture.
Scheduled to start on October 16, CANEX 2024 is promising an unforgettable experience, featuring renowned sports personalities, celebrities, and industry experts. Nigerian sports icons, including Valentine Ozigbo, Africa Lead, Freestyle Football Championship, and Director, World Freestyle
Corporate Social Investment Initiatives, which are aimed at accelerating the development of Nigerian boxing and boxers.
“We are delighted to present this ring to the Nigeria Police Boxing Association. Our goal is to support your boxing club and contribute to the growth of Nigerian boxing, with the hope of developing boxers who will bring pride to the country,” he said.
Representative of the Police Boxing Association, Augustine Okporu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, described the ring as the best gift the boxing association ever received. “I know about
players.
The players were handselected by the GreenLock FC scouting team in Nigeria.
Funsho Clifton Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of GreenLock, expressed his delight at this development.
“It’s a privilege for GreenLock players to have direct access to pathways such as the Gulf United FC. We are working hard to create a one-of-a-kind club in GreenLock which can attract regional and global attention.
Flykite’s efforts at developing talents and promoting boxing and I am delighted that they have extended their gesture to our association. This is the best gift we’ve ever received in our association. I say a big thank you to Flykite Productions for supporting us,” Okporu said. Flykite Productions has been a key figure in the promotion of boxing in Nigeria, having successfully organised 31 editions of the GOtv Boxing Night and the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, an initiative focused on discovering and developing young boxing talents nationwide.
“It’s no secret that Nigeria has some of the best talents globally. Our aim, with the support of Gulf United, is to be able to provide the selected players at GreenLock a development roadmap to success, which allows players to unlock their maximum potential and performance on the global stage of football.”
Football Association will join Khelif.
In addition to the inspiring lineup of speakers, CANEX 2024 will also host the thrilling Freestyle Football Championship, showcasing the skills of Africa’s top freestyle footballers.
This electrifying competition is sure to get the crowd pumped up.
This year’s edition will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and culinary arts. Music sensation Qing Madi will perform live, while celebrated chef and restaurateur Chef Stone will share his expertise in African
cuisine.
The event will also bring together other notable speakers and facilitators, including Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder of African Food Changemakers, and H.E. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy of Nigeria. Pops Mensah-Bonsu, President of New York Knicks Minor League Operations, and Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of Nigeria Film Corporation, will share their insights.
The conference will feature exciting sessions, such as “United in Culture: Prosperity through Shared Cultural
L-R: Nigeria Police Boxing Association Coach, Corporal Aweda Ibrahim; ASP Augustine Okporu; Chief Operating Officer Flykite Productions, Bamidele Johnson and female boxer, Corporal Celina Agwu, during the training ring presentation to Ikeja division of the Nigeria Police Boxing Association in Lagos yesterday
Dele Bashiru’s goal gave Super Eagles a slim 1-0 victory over Libya at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium, yesterday
Five GreenLock FC Prodigies Land Gulf United Deals
Olympic Gold Medalist Khelif, Nigerian Sports Heroes to Inspire at CANEX 2024
BOWFT:
AFCON 2025 QUALIFIER
GreenLock FC Prodigies
‘Fallout’ Uncountable
Daily Independent Online of September 13 committed multifarious offences:
“Fatai on the hospital bed….” Tribute: Fatai in the hospital bed
“The bill has stirred quite a lot of controversy (controversies).”
“…is against the spirit and letters of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution….” My view: either the spirit of the law or the letter of the law (the Nigerian 1999 Constitution) .
“The commissioning (please use other verbs—this has become a cliché) of the ultra-modern building complex….”
Yet another oddity: “The Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi, on Friday matriculated 4,800 new students admitted into various courses for the 2024/2025 academic session.” Posers: Do old (returning) students matriculate? And this: admission into various courses! Would they all have read the same course? This way: …matriculated 4,800 (students) for the 2024/2025 session. Of course, it has to be academic!
“Fire outbreak averted in hostel” Campus News: Fire averted in hostel
“Pan African (Pan-African) varsity commences operation in Nigeria”
“Effect of security in socio economic development in Nigeria” A rewrite: Effect of insecurity on (not in) socio-economic (take note) development in Nigeria
Still on the introductory medium: “Global investments in renewable energy drops (why?) by….”
“NUJ condemns police intolerance to (of) media” “…just as the service would be opened (open) to any brand or model of handset.”
Finally from Daily Independent Back Page: “…they are in every strata (stratum) of society….” And, of course: all strata/ stratums.
“FG approves border free (border-free) trade zone for Borno”
Last week’s muddle: “Jos, the capital of Plateau State (another comma) is one of the few cosmopolitan towns in the country that has (has) enjoyed peaceful coexistence relatively.” Get it right: Jos…one of the towns that have—not has!—enjoyed peaceful co-existence relatively. Instead of bracketing ‘have,’ the columnist put ‘has’ in parentheses! What a morphological tragedy! Please, accept my apologies.
More contributions to last week’s edition: ‘Followership’ has been in existence since 1928. Also, ‘witch-hunt’ is both a noun and an adjective. Source: Word Book Dictionary and Webster’s New Encyclopedic Dictionary. It is also listed in Oxford Dictionary of Current English. This columnist notes that most dictionaries and reference books, like the 2012 Longman Advanced Dictionary of Contemporary English and Roget’s Thesaurus, do not, however, list the contentious word.
‘Finger bowl’ is different from ‘wash-hand basin.’ The former is the plastic moved around for washing of hands, while the latter is usually affixed on a wall or metallic contraptions. (Intervention by Sunny Agbontaen/08055162531)
“Moro, who had exonerated the Interior Ministry of capability (culpability) while in office, revealed….” (Vanguard, September 9) Yet another input from a fan of this column “…some NWC members are urging the leadership of the party to exercise refrain (restraint) in further suspending the
governors.” All well-informed readers are free to contribute to this column, too. The essence is to exchange robust ideas on the English language.
“Interior Minister swears in immigration boss, third on (in) the saddle”
The Guardian of September 11 offered its esteemed readers a school-boy howler: “Had the said term been imposed in (on) any of those corruption cases involving public office holders, ears would not have tingled in the least.”
“Samsung Galaxy Reach for the Star contest all expense paid trip to Dubai for 10” (10 x 5 advertisement by Samsung, THE GUARDIAN) Get it right: all-expensespaid trip!
Daily Trust disseminated advertorial and editorial gaffes: “Introducing Fidelity Managed SMEs….” (Full-page advertisement by Fidelity Bank PLC) We keep our word: what about Fidelity-managed SMEs?
“…road traffic accidents and transport related crimes and criminalities.” Not new: transport-related crimes and criminalities.
“…patients at LUTH are being turned down for shortage of bed space (spaces).”
“FG to pay-off (pay off) PHCN casual staff”
“The Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to all who answered the clarion call to be our brother’s keepers through….” For the attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation: brother’s keeper (fixed expression irrespective of number)!
“This appointment is well deserved, an attestation of (to) the transformation you have ignited in the Nigerian youth….”
A Generation’s Cry for Change
You cannot fault our current office holders of mental indolencethey are always planning and shuffling ideas and strategies in dealing with sundry issues bedeviling the nation. To what extent those schemes work positively is another matter entirely. Such is the latest brainwave of a 30-day conference for the Nigerian youth tucked into the president’s recent independence day broadcast. Hear him: “As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future. We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognizing that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects… Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference….” And that ‘floated idea’ triggered our interest in today’s article.
In the past 25 years, Nigerian youth have witnessed political leadership that can only be described as a grand experiment in how not to run a country. What started in 1999 with the hopeful promise of democracy has devolved into a spectacle of cronyism, corruption, and mediocrity. It’s like watching a soap opera, except the plot never advances, the characters don’t develop, and the show’s producers (read: politicians) refuse to change the channel.
This generation, which has grown up seeing a country blessed with abundant natural resources and highly intelligent people, continues to ask themselves: “Why are we still poor?” It’s a valid question, considering the fact that Nigeria’s natural wealth is so vast, it’s as if the country hit the jackpot and soon after lost the winning ticket.
Their frustration is understandable, given the parade of malfeasance that has played out over the years. The instances of impunity by those in power are so numerous that they could fill an entire season of Game of Thrones - without the dragons, but with plenty of backstabbing.
Perhaps one of the most notorious scandals was the fuel subsidy fraud during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Billions of dollars were allegedly siphoned off by marketers who claimed to have
imported fuel that apparently vanished into thin air. One would think Nigeria has an invisible gas station where these imports were parked, because no one saw the fuel, but the funds - well, those disappeared faster than you can say “subsidy.”
And then there was the curious case of Abdulrasheed Maina, the Houdini of the Nigerian civil service. After being accused of embezzling billions meant for pensioners (yes, pensioners - because why stop at robbing the living when you can also take from retirees), Maina did the political equivalent of disappearing for a while, only to reappear, somehow, back in government service. It’s like when a character in a sitcom is written out, but then makes a surprise comeback - only, instead of applause, there was nationwide outrage.
Let’s not forget the Dasuki arms deal scandal, where $2.1 billion meant to buy weapons for soldiers fighting Boko Haram went poof - only this time, the funds didn’t just vanish; they reappeared in the pockets of political campaigners. Apparently, the real war wasn’t against terrorists but against term limits. Soldiers were left fighting Boko Haram with what, sticks and stones? Meanwhile, politicians fought their battles with bags of cash.
The 2020 EndSARS protests… Well, that was a plot twist no one saw coming. Young Nigerians, fed up with police brutality, took to the streets, demanding systemic change. The government responded in the most predictable way possible: by doubling down on brutality. The Lekki Toll Gate shooting became a tragic turning point, where instead of addressing the valid concerns of the protesters, the powers-that-be chose to act like overzealous bouncers at a nightclub no one wants to be in.
At this point, many young Nigerians are left asking, “Why can’t we elect the right leaders? Do we have bad luck? Are we cursed? Did someone spill palm oil in the wrong shrine?” It’s almost comical how consistently elections result in the same set of recycled, out-of-touch politicians. They switch offices like they are playing musical chairs, only the music stopped years ago, and they refuse to get up.
But Nigeria’s problems aren’t due to a supernatural curse. They are rooted in a very human-made system of political and economic mismanagement.
ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948
“I believe such road (such a road) with large number (a large number) of vehicles….”
Finally from THISDAY: “Wada: Fulani herdsmen, farmers clash major security challenge” News extra: …farmers’ clash, major security challenge
Last week’s edition of this medium committed a few blunders starting from its front page: “Govs in fresh gang up against Tukur” Truth in defence of freedom: gang-up
“Community hails Fubara for commissioning (inaugurating) market”
Now the inside pages: “Majority (A majority) of the members of the House of Representatives seeking to make….”
“…people from the North who alleged that they had a talk with him with regards to 2027.” The Sunday Interview: with regard to or as regards “…which is one of the fallouts of the daily traffic jam.” Life: ‘fallout’ is uncountable.
Finally from the business section of THE NATION ON SUNDAY under review: “While some of the funds have been diverted to other uses….” Away from commercialese: ‘Diversion’ means to other uses other than the original purpose/intent. So, ‘diversion to other uses’ is sheer verbosity and smacks of half-literacy!
“NAMA recalls VIP’s already airborne chopper” If a helicopter is airborne, it is airborne—there is no need for ‘already’!
The last headline rape this week is from one of the leading newspapers in the north, Leadership, September 8: “Navy personnel ups (up) the ante in weapon handling, marksmanship”
Elections have often been hijacked by a wealthy elite who see public office as their birthright. The youths, tired of watching the same old cast of characters, are now trying to break into the game themselves. Unfortunately, the political arena is like a members-only club, and the bouncers (aka the aging politicians) aren’t letting any new face inside without a fight.
Many of these young Nigerians, especially those behind movements like #NotTooYoungToRun, are trying to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. But they face an uphill battle. The old guard, brusquely referred to as “discredited cretins” (you can almost hear the audience booing), have a vice grip on power. They sit in their offices, sipping champagne while the rest of the country runs on hope and prayers.
At times, it is enough to make you wonder if a coup d’état might be the only way to unseat these folks. But history has shown that coups, much like reality TV show reunions, tend to leave us with more drama and fewer solutions. So, what can be done?
There’s no magic wand that will fix things overnight, but there are paths Nigeria can take to rise from this endless loop of bad governance. One of the most crucial steps is electoral reform. The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in 2023 was a good start, but the process is still far from perfect. Nigeria needs to ensure that votes actually count, rather than disappear into the abyss alongside all those phantom fuel imports.
The youth must continue to stay engaged. EndSARS showed the world what happens when young people unite around a common cause. Now, they need to take that energy and channel it into grassroots politics, building from the ground up. Maybe instead of waiting for a messiah to emerge, young Nigerians need to run for office themselves and demand change from within the system.
Civil society also has a role to play. Strengthening anti-corruption agencies and promoting accountability is key to reining in the excesses of the ruling elite. But let us be honest: expecting the current crop of politicians to hold each other accountable is like expecting a cat to guard a bowl of fish. Civil society, independent organizations, and the
judiciary must step in as external referees to blow the whistle when the game gets dirty.
Still, amidst all the cynicism, it’s worth remembering that Nigeria wasn’t always this way. At the dawn of independence in 1960, the country had leaders who, despite their flaws, at least appeared to care about nation-building. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, for example, implemented free primary education in the Western Region, laying the foundation for a more enlightened populace. Who knew that years later, education would become something only a select few could afford, thanks to the same leaders who benefited from Awolowo’s policies?
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, modernized Northern Nigeria, fostering unity and development. Today, he would likely be horrified by the state of governance in the country. Meanwhile, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, promoted education and Pan-Africanism. Imagine his surprise if he could see the current state of higher education, where strikes last longer than academic sessions.
Even Nigeria’s only Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, known for his humility and diplomacy, would likely shake his head at today’s leaders, who seem to think diplomacy means shouting the loudest at international conferences.
These leaders, though not without their flaws, had one thing in common: they saw public service as exactly that - service. Today’s leaders, on the other hand, seem to view it as a get-rich-quick scheme, with the only service they’re offering being to themselves.
So, can Nigeria rise again? It’s hard to say, but one thing is clear: the youth aren’t giving up. They’ve seen the worst, but they’ve also caught glimpses of what’s possible. And with enough determination, maybe - just maybe - they’ll finally get to change the channel on this long-running, tragicomedy of a political saga.
MISSILE
Fintiri on Scrapping EFCC
“For me, it is not the right time to abolish the EFCC, whether it was established rightly or wrongly. We need to make it work better. We need to remove the politics that sometimes leads to claims of witch-hunting.” – Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should not be scrapped but rather strengthened for better efficiency
OKEY IKECHUKWU
The Wisdom of Our Forefathers
Our people say that the difference between a blind man and one who is not blind is not the absence of an eye socket. It is also not even the absence of an eyeball in many cases. In the latter case, the eye socket would not be lacking in an eyeball. It is just that the eyeball in the socket is without vision, even as it stares at you with the fixation of a presumably seeing eye. Thus, blindness is simply the inability to see, physically or metaphorically.
There is also this other saying of our people, to the effect that a leopard hunter who, during his hunt, takes time off to smoke his pipe while close to the lair of a feared leopard, should please notify his ancestors to expect him at short notice before lighting his pipe. The most sophisticated lady who is being chased by a lion will not remember her catwalk in such a situation.
When a land is in great thrall, largely because of a collective guilt that everyone is eager to deny responsibility for, the road to healing and solutions is not yet in sight at all. When problems that had a long gestation, and which therefore took decades to develop and mature due to reinforced errors, neglect of what should be done and deliberate acts of mischief, are treated as if they sprang up only yesterday, then the people are not yet ready to take the path to self-redemption.
With the above thoughts in my head, I found myself in a dream. I was looking down at our fatherland and admiring its beauty. Several leaders of yore walked past as I looked, apparently heading to some meeting, or gathering. Most of them had such impressive carriage and quiet personal dignity. Such bearing! Such poise! Such character!
“These are the living symbols of the traditions, laws, values and pristine wisdom of the land” I murmured to myself. Standard Bearers of right and wrong for the people and the nation! “This land is blessed”, I murmured again. Then I turned to look at the women and the maidens. Many of them embodied flawless grace and unimpeachable womanly dignity! Like the elders, the women and the maidens, the young men and children, too, looked very diligent and alert. I smiled in admiration and took in everything with calm scrutiny.
I could then really see why most countries admired and respected our fatherland and its people many decades ago. It is only human beings that can make a community good or bad. No community is good simply because of its natural endowments, no! The people themselves, their ways of doing things and their sense of propriety, not what is in the soil or above the soil, are responsible for the image and reputation of any society. The goodness and badness of a nation is always and only traceable to the people. But back to the dream. Then, lo and behold, I found myself looking at yet another profile of the same fatherland of ours. I shuddered in dismay and consternation. How could this be? The land had changed so much. All the natural resources were still there,
no doubt. The fertile soil had not become any less fertile. Nothing had really taken away the ever-benevolent climate and peaceful nature of the people.
Yet, there was a smell of un-sanctity in the air. It enveloped the land in a strange, stupefying sort of way. It was possible to sense it all, tot smell and almost touch it. Yet, it was impossible to pinpoint what was wrong, or what the matter could possibly be. I was simply impossible to put his finger on it.
Then I felt, or heard, a voice whisper to me that our fatherland’s esteem was at its peak before bad leadership came upon the scene over 50 years ago. Baffled, I looked around, but saw no one.
Then my mind went to the well-known fact that many people in governorship, religious and traditional leadership positions today are actually doing very unusual things. They compete with supply contractors, professional road builders, and even pick pockets. They love conspicuous consumption. They love the looks on famished faces as they flaunt their material possessions. Oh, how they love the display! And yet, what they are prancing about with, and showing off with, belongs to the people. Leaders indeed!
In the dream, and from my vantage position, I could see the faces of the people. They were watching their governors, their local government chairmen, their councillors and their ward chairmen and, especially, their lawmakers in the state and National Assemblies. Most of the people looked thoroughly perplexed, or generally distraught.
But some of the people seemed quite happy, if in some cases they had a pasted smile that concealed considerable inner personal turmoil. But, for the record, many were actually happy with the ongoing signs of depravity around them. Looking still more closely in the dream, I
noticed that it was mostly the shameless in these places, and especially also a large population of young people who were serving as Special Assistants and Personal Assistants, that were happy. There were signs of debauchery everywhere. The ignorant among the populace celebrated what they were seeing. But many far-seeing elders, and even some not so elderly ones, were not impressed at all. And time passed in my dream. I turned and noticed that some groups of people were discussing in low tones in their little corners. Their concern was the problems in the land. None knew whom to blame. The young ones blamed the elders, saying that they had ruined the nation and their future. The elders blamed changing times and global trends, as well as the elder statesmen. The latter feigned outrage, as they indignantly declared that any insinuations about their complicity in the nation’s problems was baseless. Untold misery, despondency and a dreary feeling of the spirit soaked the land through and through. And I found myself wondering about it all. Then, as if in response to my thoughts, the strange voice whispered to me again in my dream: “The people who are looking at the Federal Government are all acting as if there are no leaders at State, Local, Council and ward levels”. Agan, I couldn’t see the speaker. Really? But it is true! No one is interested in asking what happens to the monthly allocations to these tiers of government. They are also not all too keen on doing the right things in their personal and professional lives. They are not interested in listening to what any sensible person has to say. They have no idea about what is going on around them, because they are totally beholden to their self-replicating acts of folly. They give themselves no time to see clearly, think clearly, or to find out what anyone thinks, or feels.
Yet they want change, they want a better society. They are willing to live in the best version of their country, and they are waiting impatiently for someone to create it. Just look at how politicians move from one party to the other, doing the very things a responsible leader should not do. Abomination, right? Perhaps not, really. It is now the norm. No wonder, then! Yes, no wonder!
The subsisting smell of sacrilege in the air, has its roots in decades of our nurturing of the wrong paradigms for social cohesion and responsible leadership. The complaints, as well as the ominous silence, of some of the wise men and women at the state and local government levels today portends ill; and may yet beget the as yet unknown, unnamed and unseen. I shuddered over and over again in my dream. Then other thoughts assailed me.
I found myself wondering how people in positions of responsibility could be so completely bereft of all native wisdom and good sense. Does a representative of the peoples need to be told that a sharp object, which is used for trimming the fingernails, is not good for cleaning the eyes? Does anyone need to be reminded that a sensible person does not invite the community to inspect every part of his body in the village square, just to prove that he baths with extreme care?
Who would be the beacon when people in leadership positions act as if they are at a drunken revel? What should the people do when what should be hidden from children is put on display in the Village Square and, sometimes, in the marketplace? Who will give the people a sense of the sacred when the officiating priest at a coronation ceremony is not sober?
Many more questions flooded my mind, but they were too many for me to consider at once. Yes, the questions were just too many! Then my mind went to some proverbs. Yes, proverbs again!
There is great wisdom in the saying that the friends and relations of a mad man do not find the latter’s behaviour in public amusing, or entertaining. But what do you say, or do, in a situation where those who should be custodians of the highest values in the land seem to be the mad men in question?
I stared about me in the dream. I thought of the proverb, which said that whoever revealed the identity of the person behind a mask had profaned the mystery of the masquerade cult. But here, today, those who should play the role of protectors of the sacred put their imprimatur on profanity everywhere. What do you do when supposed protectors of the realm now seem to have turned into Patron Saint of mediocrity? Then the strange voice whispered to me again, saying that many who ought to speak and provide guidance at state and local government levels have had their voices strangulated by the favours they had received, and continued to receive, from various quarters. This latter group does not want to lose the advantages and privileges of the hour. I nodded, thinking of the wisdom of our forefathers.
