WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2024

FG Summons TCN, NERC to Emergency Meeting over Incessant Electricity Grid Collapse

Bala Mohammed: PDP Will Resist Any Attempt to Turn Nigeria to One Party State

Says Nigeria can tame forex crisis by scaling up oil production

Canvasses increased concessional financing for G24 Countries

IMF downgrades Nigeria’s growth prospects for 2024 to 2.9%, forecasts recovery to 3.2% in 2025

Nigeria’s growth prospects for 2024, from 3.3 per cent to 2.9 per cent.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday, stressed the need for Nigeria and other developing countries who are implementing reforms and other forms of structural adjustment programmes to ensure that the vulnerable populations in the respective countries are protected.

Edun said this on same day the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report downgraded

Responding to THISDAY’s question during a media briefing of the Intergovernmental Group of 24 (G24), on International Monetary Affairs and Development, which is a group of countries that includes members of the World Bank and IMF, as well as other developing countries, Edun noted that developing countries must focus on implementing sustainable reforms at the macroeconomic level while ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are protected from the

IMF/WORLD BANK GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON DC...

L-R: Deputy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Governor, CBN, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Governor of Central Bank, Mr. Yemi Cardoso during the Inter-governmental Group of Twenty Four (G-24) meeting at the ongoing IMF /World Bank Annual Governors Conference in Washington DC, United States of America (USA)...yesterday

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Obinna Chima, Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe in Washington DC

Oando Backs NUPRC’s Plan to Grow Crude Oil Output by Additional 1m bpd

Establishes crude output war room

Addeh in Abuja

Oando Plc has pledged its commitment to the aspiration by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to raise crude oil production by an additional 1 million barrels per day.

The company reiterated the need for industry stakeholder partnership and collaboration to tackle the sector’s challenges and ensure that Nigeria rebounds and exceeds its current oil production capacity.

Managing Director, Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL),

The company joined industry peers at the Nigerian NUPRC's third anniversary celebration in Abuja, which also served as the launch of the commission’s ‘Project 1 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day’ increment.

immediate costs of those reforms.

Also responding to a question on lessons Nigeria and other G24 countries implementing reforms have learnt from the process Edun, who doubles as the Second Vice Chairman of the G24 said: “The key lesson that I think I will focus on is that in devising these programmes and carrying out reforms, what is particularly important because the benefits are over the longer term and the costs are front-loaded, is the social safety net that will help the poor and the vulnerable cope with the upfront costs with a spike in their cost of living. It has to be adequately planned for and dealt with.

“It shouldn't be a question of afterthought that you now decide that there need to be certain poverty alleviation initiatives linked to that or linked to helping the poor and most vulnerable.

“Another thing is communication. I think one of the critical things in carrying out these macroeconomic reforms that are so fundamental is communicating what is being done, what is to be expected, and also the timing of the various activities.

“So, if it is a programme to give direct benefits, direct transfers of funds, to a group of people, then they should be published for everyone to understand. There should be a dashboard that people can follow, thereby engendering and building public trust.”

He underscored the importance of planning for social safety nets to help the poor and vulnerable cope with the immediate impact of such reforms, which often lead to a spike in the cost of living.

Edun also reiterated that Nigeria’s ability to address its ongoing foreign exchange crisis hinges on boosting crude oil production, even as he acknowledged challenges Nigeria was facing in managing FX supply.

He also noted that Nigeria and other G24 countries would benefit more if multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and IMF increased funding to not just to only meet immediate needs but also pursue the long-term developmental needs of developing countries.

“We continue to ask for an improved global financial architecture that provides us with more concessional funding, particularly for those countries that, as I said earlier, are undertaking the macroeconomic reforms that everybody agrees are sensible and will lead to better lives for their people,” he said.

Furthermore, he pointed out that while interest rates were starting to ease in developed countries, many developing nations, including Nigeria, were still grappling with high inflation and elevated interest rates.

This, he said, highlighted the need for more concessional financing from multilateral institutions to make borrowing more affordable for developing economies.

“I think around this time last year, we were still dealing with heightened levels of inflation, particularly in the developed countries, and that meant elevated rates of interest, as their number one priority, the fight against inflation and tight monetary policy by the central banks. “That has

Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, joined major producers peers, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Chevron Nigeria and Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE), on a panel at the event .

A statement by the company yesterday said Irune gave credit to the regulators, NUPRC and partner, the NNPC, for their critical steps

changed, and there is now, as we have seen monetary easing or at least easing of rates of interest by central banks, but that's in the developed world.

“In the developing world, rates are still high, and that fight against inflation means that the interest rates also will remain high. But as far as the developed world is concerned, lower interest rates translate to more affordability. Nobody wants to borrow, nobody likes to borrow, but when it becomes necessary, it's something that must be managed as well as possible.

“And so, the first port of call is concessional financing, either financing from the World Bank.

“The developing world continues to call for larger sums that can really make a difference, not just to be able to help a country cope with its immediate payment needs, but to have funds to grow the economies. That is what the fight against inflation translates to for the developing countries.”

He commended the recent 36 per cent reduction in the IMF’s borrowing cost, describing it as a step in the right direction to help developing countries manage their debt while accessing the resources needed for economic growth.

IMF Downgrades Nigeria’s Growth Prospects for 2024 to 2.9%, Forecasts Recovery to 3.2% in 2025

Meanwhile, the IMF in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report has downgraded Nigeria’s

taken to revitalise the Nigerian energy sector.

"For the first time in our nation's history, we have witnessed a regulatory body actively promoting business transformation rather than simply enforcing regulations.

“The NUPRC has established ambitious goals for the industry, and it is incumbent upon industry players to implement the necessary

growth prospects for 2024, from 3.3 per cent to 2.9 per cent.

The WEO was released at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, United States.

The multilateral institution, however, raised its forecast for the West African country for 2025 to 3.2 per cent.

The adjustments reflected concerns over Nigeria's ongoing macroeconomic challenges, particularly the effects of recent flooding and oil production setbacks.

The IMF attributed its downward revision of Nigeria to two major factors - agricultural disruptions caused by severe flooding and security and maintenance issues hampering oil production.

These challenges, according to Division Chief in the IMF's Research Department, Jean-Marc Natal, who spoke during a media briefing on the WEO, were key drivers of the revision.

Natal said: “There has been, over the last year and a half some progress in the region. You saw, inflation stabilising in some countries, going down even and reaching a level, close to the target.

“So, half of them are still at a large distance from the target, and a third of them are still having double-digit inflation. In terms of growth, it's quite uneven, but it remains too low. The other issue is that in the region it is still high.

“It has stopped increasing, and in some countries already starting to consolidate, but it's still too high, and the debt service is, correspondingly, still high in the region. There's been

FG SUMMONS TCN, NERC TO EMERGENCY MEETING OVER INCESSANT ELECTRICITY GRID COLLAPSE

improvement has led to an increased generation and distribution of 5,527 megawatts, a record generation in three years.

“Adelabu also constituted a forensic investigation committee with a mandate to advise the government on necessary solutions to make the national grid robust and reliable in addition to the ongoing efforts of the government like the Presidential Power Initiatives (PPI) and the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP).

“The committee is to also establish the root cause of both incidents especially a review of potential sabotage on the system. The committee will holistically review the national grid stability and identify investments and technical capacities required to make the grid smart and resilient,” he stated.

In addition, a technical team, the statement said, has been deployed to access the critical nodes on the national grid to identify potential vulnerabilities and proffer recommendations to address the vulnerabilities to prevent future disruptions to the grid.

Adelabu recalled that on October 14, there was a partial collapse due to the tripping of a line at the Jebba Transmission Substation and recurring fault at the Osogbo transmission substation.

Efforts to restore the grid, he said, further resulted in a setback the following day. The System was however fully restored on Wednesday,

October 16, 2024, Adelabu added.

He added that there was no grid collapse on Tuesday as was widely speculated, arguing that the setback was a continuation of Monday’s restoration efforts on the grid.

Also, he said that what was described on Saturday, October 19, as grid collapse was a deliberate protective shutdown of the grid as a result of the explosion of the Jebba transformer, noting that power was restored within two hours. “ What we had were more of grid disturbances than collapses,” he explained.

The six-member committee comprises; Nafisat Ali, Executive Director, Independent System Operator (ISO), who leads the committee; Dr. Chidi Ike, Commissioner, NERC; Emmanuel Nosike, Director, Transmission, Federal Ministry of Power; Ali Sharifai, General Manager, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power.

The team is expected to present a report to the minister by November 1, 2024, the statement added. Also, the TCN has reported that its 330kV Ugwaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines1&2, has tripped due to a fault, resulting in a forced power outage affecting the North-east, North-west and parts of North-central.

It stated that at approximately 4:53am yesterday, the Ugwuaji–Markurdi 330kV line 2 tripped and 243 MW on that line was transferred

to line 1 on the same route.

“At 4:58am, Line 1 also tripped, resulting in a total loss of 468 MW. By around 5:15am and 5:17am line 1 and line 2 were tried, but they all tripped immediately on the same relay indication.

“Following the tripping incidents yesterday, two teams of linesmen were dispatched. One from the Apir transmission sub-region and another from the Enugu transmission to expedite fault tracing along the 215 km route, which includes 245 transmission towers.

“Throughout yesterday, the Apir team patrolled the line, navigating challenging terrains in search of the fault, reaching as far as the River Benue. They were unable to locate the cause of the tripping and have continued in the fault tracing early this morning (Tuesday).

The lines patrol team from Enugu Region of TCN, a statement signed by the spokesperson of the company, Ndidi Mbah, said were unable to commence lines patrol yesterday due to the ‘sit-at-home’ directive in the South-east for October 21st and 22nd, 2024.

It explained that this hindered not only the patrol team but also made it difficult to refuel patrol vehicles for the long distance line trace.

“Arrangements were, however, made for security operatives to guide the team, who have commenced fault tracing this morning. Currently, TCN has restored supply to the 132kV transmission line from New Haven to

business and operational changes to achieve these objectives.

"Furthermore, we have witnessed a revitalised NNPC that has implemented significant changes, particularly with regards to personnel and decision-making. These decisive actions are crucial for the company's, and by extension, the sector’s, continued success. Without such measures,

some progress, so in terms of the recommendation in countries where inflation is very high, you would, you would recommend, tight monetary policy, and in some cases, when possible, help by consolidation on the fiscal side.

“In many countries, they are, trade-offs, and consolidating fiscal is difficult when you also have to provide for relief, like in Nigeria, for example, due to the flooding. So, targeting the support to the poor and the vulnerable is part of the package when you consolidate.”

According to the WEO, the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region was facing similar challenges, with growth rates remaining steady at 3.6 per cent this year and expected to increase to 4.2 per cent in 2025.

However, the region continues to grapple with weather shocks and conflicts that are holding back stronger growth.

Also speaking, IMF’s Economic Counselor and Director of the Research Department, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, highlighted the uneven nature of the recovery.

“The sub-Saharan African region is seeing growth rates that are fairly steady this year compared to last year, about 3.6 per cent, and then expected to increase to about 4.2 per cent next year.

“So, we're seeing some pickup in growth from this year to next year,

the undesired status quo would likely have persisted,” Irune remarked.

but now this is certainly a region that's been adversely impacted by weather shocks and in some cases, conflict, so the growth remains subdued and somewhat uneven, and that's certainly something that we are concerned about.”

In a separate media briefing on the latest Global Financial Stability Report released by the IMF, the Assistant Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Departments of the Fund, Jason Wu, noted that Nigeria’s economy was on a path to stability as a result of the reforms taken by the government.

Wu added: “We recognise that many citizens do face difficulty. The flood was quite devastating. Inflation is still very high, at about 30 per cent.

“I think importantly, macroeconomic conditions within the country should stabilise and that includes inflation that will provide room to guard against external shocks, which is less controllable, for the economy of Nigeria.”

On his part, the Financial Counselor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF, Tobias Adrian said: “In terms of financial stability, you know, we are engaging with many countries to build capacity on regulatory issues and make sure that banks are well capitalised, that monetary policy frameworks are sound.”

BALA MOHAMMED: PDP WILL RESIST ANY ATTEMPT TO TURN NIGERIA TO ONE

PARTY STATE

National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting earlier slated for October 24, to November 28.

Apir, but the 330kV lines remain out of service, impacting power supply in the Northern region of the country.

“Sadly, the TCN Shiroro-Mando transmission line is also down due to security reasons, causing power outage in the North,” the company stated.

The TCN said it was making every effort to trace the cause of the outage to enable its engineers effect repairs and restore bulk power supply through both lines.

“We sincerely apologise to the government and electricity consumers in all the affected states and acknowledge that our patrol teams would have continued their search into the night yesterday, if not for the challenging terrain, which includes swamps and rivers, as well as insecure areas in the forest.

“ We reconvened very early this morning (yesterday) with security operatives and have continued the fault tracing to locate and address the cause of the line tripping,” the TCN said.

Meanwhile, a consumer advocacy group, the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network (NCPN), led by Kunle Olubiyo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency on the power sector.

“President Bola Tinubu should as a matter of urgent national interest and public importance review the power sector privatisation exercise for the evidently pronounced failure,” Olubiyo stated.

The PDP stakeholders stated, ''The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state.”

At the same time, the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led PDP reconciliation committee disclosed that it had succeeded in completely reconciling the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members.

Mohammed, who had earlier hoped for an ex-parte order to allow the NEC meeting to hold, said PDP would surmount its current challenges and provide a credible platform for Nigerians to achieve their ambitions in 2027.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the stakeholders meeting, Mohammed said, "We are here to discuss the issues that are germane but are internal, and at the end of the day, we will announce to the media and the world.

"We will resist with all our strengths and capacity any attempt to turn Nigeria into one-party state, we will make sure that all the forces of division will not succeed among and within is.

"We will use all our experiences that we have gathered since 1999 to make sure that we provide Nigerians with a very good platform needed to actualise their aspirations in 2027.

"This is a one item agenda. It is not a governors’ forum meeting. It is not a BoT meeting; it is not an NWC or PDP caucus meeting. It is a PDP stakeholders meeting.

"This is to discuss and chat a way forward for the party. The country is aware of what we are experiencing, where we had a spirit of suspension and counter-suspension.

"But the PDP is a wonderful party. We are able to surmount our problems and we are united today. We are united today under the leadership of our acting national chairman, Illya Damagum. That is why we are here, because the party’s BoT, which is the conscience of the party, will discuss matters that will make us succeed in the future.”

A brief communique issued after the meeting last night read, “Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory to taking over in 2027.”

The communique read by Mohammed said the following party organs attended the stakeholders meeting: PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), NWC, National Assembly PDP Caucus, and forum of former governors of the party. Nevertheless, the Oyinlola committee disclosed after the over four hours meeting that it had settled the divisions in the party. The meeting started with all members of the two feuding camps in attendance. While Damagum led his group, the national treasurer, Yayari Mohammed, led members of his camp.

In the course of the meeting, the

Continued on page 26

Wale Tinubu

Emmanuel

LCCI Advises FG on Privatisation of National Grid, Metering of Electricity Consumers

BPE

assures manufacturers of executive orders on patronage of Nigerian products

Dike Onwuamaeze

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has appealed to the federal government to consider the privatisation of the national grid as part of measures to solve the perennial power problem and recurring collapse of the national grid.

LCCI made the appeal yesterday in a public statement titled, “Finding a Lasting Solution to the Frequent National Grid Collapse.”

The call came as acting DirectorGeneral of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Olusegun Omotola, assured Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) that the agency would strengthen implementation of the federal government’s Executive Orders 003 and 005 in a bid to improve patronage of locally manufactured goods.

LCCI, in the statement, expressed concern over the frequent collapse of the national grid, the sole source of hydroelectric power supply nationwide.

Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, who issued the statement, said this year alone, Nigeria had recorded eight grid failures, with three being recorded within a week.

Almona added that the worsening performance of the national grid was an issue of concern to the business community.

She stated, “What lessons have we learned from past grid collapses and restoration efforts? By now, after numerous failures, the national grid managers should have identified the root causes and found lasting solutions.

“It is concerning that there appears to be no clear understanding of these causes or lessons learned from the

restoration processes.

“After about 105 collapses in 10 years, power sector stakeholders should know what drives these recurring failures and how to prevent them.

“We are troubled by the apparent lack of such understanding among regulators in the power sector.”

LCCI also observed that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in its second quarter 2024 report, revealed that meter installation by electricity distribution companies declined by as much as 60.86 per cent in the second quarter of 2024.

The report further said only 49,188 meters were installed during the period, making a 60.86 per cent decline from the 125,664 meters installed in the first quarter.

The statement said, “We urge the government to stay on course with the

reforms in the power sector, especially the metering targets that were earlier set. We call on NERC to create a conducive regulatory environment for the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to utilise a mix of all the meter financing frameworks outlined in the 2021 Meter Asset Provider (MAP) and National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

LCCI added, “Looking at the opportunities available from a stable national grid, we see the benefits to businesses in Nigeria in terms of lowering the cost of production, which will also make Nigerian products more competitive in the international markets.

“A stable power supply can also make us earn more foreign exchange from supplying electricity to neighbouring countries.

“The 2023 Annual Report of NERC

Rising Cooking Gas Prices Worry FG as Government Moves to Stop Export

Emmanuel

Addeh in Abuja

Again, the federal government has moved to stop the export of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas, as prices continue to skyrocket across the country.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday expressed deep concern over the continuous increase in the price of the commodity, stressing that despite efforts to address the issue, prices had continued to fluctuate, recently soaring to N1,500.

This new price increased from an average of N1,100 to N1,250 per kg that it sold in previous months.

Recall that in a move to tackle the soaring price of cooking gas, the minister had established a high-level committee in November 2023, led by the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, and comprising key stakeholders in the LPG value chain.Ekpo, yesterday in Abuja, according to a statement by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, convened a meeting with stakeholders to

address the skyrocketing price and its attendant hardship on Nigerians.

To combat this, the gas minister, the statement said, has issued several directives, ranging from short term to long term solutions.

As part of the short term solutions, the statement said: “ With effect from November 1, 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and LPG producers are to stop exporting LPG produced in-country, or import equivalent volumes of LPG exported at cost reflective prices,” the minister said.

On pricing framework, Ekpo directed that the NMDPRA will engage stakeholders to create a domestic LPG pricing framework within 90 days, indexing price to cost of in-country production.

He stated that this should be done rather than the current practice of indexing against external markets, such as the Americas and Far East Asia, whereas the commodity is produced in-country. He stated that the marketers expect Nigerian people to pay much higher price for an essential commodity the country is naturally endowed with.

On long-term solution, the minister

stated that within 12 months, facilities will be developed to blend, store, and deliver LPG, ending exports until the market achieves sufficiency and price stability.

Ekpo's directives, the statement said, are a step towards addressing the inherent challenges and ensuring Nigerians have access to affordable cooking gas.

"The new measures aim to improve availability and ensure affordability to protect Nigerians from the economic hardship caused by LPG price hike," the minister said.

On Tuesday, THISDAY quoting figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), noted that the rising cost of energy had continued to take its toll on Nigerians, with the amount Nigerians buy LPG, rising by 60 per cent

Latest data released from the NBS showed that in the month of September, showed that for cooking gas, despite the federal government’s announcement of removal of Value Added Tax (VAT), the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder increased by 4.19 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N6,430.02

recorded in August 2024 to N6,699.63

in September 2024. On a year-on year basis, this increased by 59.90 per cent from N4,189.96 in September 2023.

However, on a state profile analysis, Rivers recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas, with N7,285.71, followed by Gombe with N7,271.88, and Borno with N7,089.72.

On the other hand, Kebbi recorded the lowest price with N5,950.00, followed by Kano and Benue with N6,133.33 and N6,143.52 respectively. In addition, analysis by zone showed that the North-east recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder with N6,929.02, followed by the South-east with N6,893.47 while the North-west recorded the lowest with N6,382.30.

Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder increased by 4.89 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N15,552.56 in August 2024 to N16,313.43 in September 2024.

On a year-on-year basis, this rose by 76.41 per cent from N9,247.40 in September 2023. On state profile analysis, Rivers recorded the highest average retail price for the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder.

showed that international bilateral customers from countries, such as Niger, Benin, and Togo, made a total payment of $50.36 million to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) for electricity distribution in 2023.”

The chamber acknowledged the ongoing efforts and reforms in the power sector and expected the government to stay focused on delivering on them quickly.

But Omotola assured Nigerian manufacturers that BPP would strengthen implementation of relevant executive orders meant to increase patronage of Made in Nigeria products by government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Omotola gave the assurance yesterday in Lagos while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of a three-day "Made in Nigeria Exhibition".

The exhibition was part of the activities marking the 52nd Annual

General Meeting of MAN, with the theme, “The Imperative of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector in an Era of Economic Downturn.”

The BPP director-general said, “I am here to present a new Bureau of Public Procurement that is willing and ready to collaborate with key stakeholders, such as the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA); and others in the manufacturing sector to develop intentional policies, roadmap and implementation framework that will deliver sustained inclusive economic growth, boost agriculture to achieve food security, and accelerate diversification through industrialisation and manufacturing in line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Police Procure Additional Operational Assets to Tackle Insecurity

Linus

Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force yesterday announced the procurement of new sets of operational assets such as Hilux vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), personal protective equipment (body amour), and anti riot equipment, as part of the ongoing efforts to increase the operational capabilities of the police force.

The police also revealed that the new operational assets were awaiting commissioning by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu. A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi averred that the assets were vital for ensuring that officers were adequately prepared to confront security challenges and to enhance their effectiveness in serving and protecting the public.

"As part of a broader initiative aimed at improving personnel welfare, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is set to commission several ultra-modern police barracks, buildings, and command headquarters across various states including Adamawa, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nassarawa, and Katsina.

“Other structures like police stations, area command headquarters and office accommodations are also billed for commissioning in some states, in continuation of the commissioning process to create a supportive working environment for officers while improving their overall well-being," Adejobi said. He noted that consistent with the goal of enhancing police infrastructure, the Inspector General of Police had previously launched major projects aimed at strengthening the operational framework of the police.

Notable among these, he said, are the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre; the Nigeria Police Resource Centre; the new Jabi Divisional Police Headquarters; and the new Ogun State Command Headquarters.

He said the Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to improving the welfare of its personnel and ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform their duties efficiently. Through these initiatives, he said the IGP aims to foster a more responsive, accountable, and operationally effective police force.

FAREWELL PARTY IN HONOUR OF FELIX OHIWEREI...

Abbas: Nigeria Needs $3trn Investment in 30 Years to Close Infrastructure Gap

Pledges House's support for infrastructure development in FCT

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, says Nigeria needs investment in the region of $3 trillion over the next 30 years to bridge the gap in infrastructure.

Abbas stated this in Abuja

during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road from Ring Road 1, by N16, to Judges Quarters. He said road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors were some of the critical areas in urgent need of attention.

UK Home Office:

Partnership with Nigeria on Drug War Yielding Results

The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, HOIO, has said its collaboration with Nigeria on the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is yielding positive results as evidenced by the streak of successes being recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent times.

Head of UK Home Office International Operations, Victoria Pullen, stated this when she led her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between HOIO and NDLEA in Abuja on Monday

While thanking Marwa for an “excellent cooperation”, Pullen said: “the issue of drug trafficking is a huge global issue, and like many big challenges such as drug trafficking, it takes a huge global effort to try and counter that.

“I think it's evident by some of the recent successes and the volume of some of the illicit commodities that your teams are finding that that cooperation is working exceptionally well currently, and we are currently really enjoying working with your team on those successes.

“The willingness of your teams to work with us and do things differently and try things differently,

which fortunately is leading to those successes, and we like the way that you've worked with the UK and the levels of engagement that we've enjoyed with the teams.”

She noted that the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters built and donated by the UK government in Lagos last week was a significant marker in the cooperation between the agency and HOIO.

She said: “We look forward to seeing the results of that level of investment that will bring significant benefits to you in Nigeria by being able to stop those drugs from permeating your own society, and also in the global space because the more that we help you to interdict and take out of the system here, the less that's going into countries around the world and into society.

“Our team has got nothing but very, very positive things to say about the relationship that we have with you and your teams, and we very much look forward to the future and building on those and making them a lot better.”

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK government for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to curb the scourge of illicit drug trafficking especially with the building and donation of Marine Headquarters facility to the agency last week and a similar operational facility at the MMIA Command in Ikeja Lagos

The speaker, represented by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the infrastructure deficit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was more glaring as the city’s population continued to grow at an annual rate of five per cent, thereby putting pressure on existing facilities.

Abbas commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development. He assured that the lower chamber would give the necessary legislative backing to the FCT administration.

He also pledged that the House would strengthen its oversight functions to ensure that government delivered on its determination to elevate the status of Abuja.

Abbas said, "It is common knowledge that Nigeria, like many other developing nations, has an infrastructure deficit.

“According to recent estimates,

Nigeria needs to invest about $3 trillion over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.

“The road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.

"Here in Abuja, the infrastructure deficit is more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of five per cent. This puts pressure on existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, housing, and essential services to cater to the needs of residents.”

The speaker added, “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there have been commendable initiatives aimed at addressing this infrastructure deficit. These initiatives show that the government understands

the role infrastructure plays in national development and is committed to making the necessary investments.”

He stressed, "As the legislature of the FCT, the National Assembly has an important role to play in supporting these development efforts. The 10th National Assembly, which I am privileged to lead, is fully committed to collaborating with the Executive to ensure that the FCT receives the necessary legislative backing to facilitate infrastructure development.

“We are ready to consider and pass laws that will further enhance the governance structure of the FCT and approve appropriations that will make meaningful infrastructure projects, such as this road construction, a reality."

Abbas also commended the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, for his transformative leadership since assuming office.

He stated, "The Honourable Minister has hit the ground running, initiating projects that address the critical needs of this growing city. From road construction to urban renewal programmes, his dedication to enhancing the infrastructure of the FCT is evident.

“We have witnessed several flag-offs, not just as ceremonial acts, but as milestones in the commitment to make Abuja a world-class city"

"The ongoing rehabilitation of major roads, the clearing of illegal structures, and the focus on environmental sustainability are all testaments to the Honourable Minister’s vision of an Abuja that is not only beautiful but functional and efficient.

“I am confident that with the completion of this access road and other ongoing projects, residents and visitors alike will experience the positive impacts of these developments."

House Urges CBN to Increase Agricultural Lending to Farmers By $3bn

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to tackle underfinancing in the agricultural value chain by providing the Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) an additional $3 billion.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at plenary on Tuesday by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo. Presenting the motion, Okonkwo pointed out that the ailing economy of Nigeria, severe impoverishment across the nation, as well as the increase in hunger were due to decreased

agricultural productivity triggered by low capital investment and insufficient funding of agricultural production.

The lawmaker recalled that in 2011, CBN launched and incorporated NIRSAL as a dynamic, holistic $500 million public-private initiative to define, measure, price, and share agribusiness credit risk.

Okonkwo explained that the objective of NIRSAL was to enhance agricultural value and financial value chains, by promoting good practices in agricultural financing, loan utilisation, and repayment, thus reducing the risk of agricultural lending.

He expressed worry that the agricultural sector, which accounted for 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provided over 60 per cent of employment, had experienced slower growth recently and was underperforming, despite its enormous potential.

Okonkwo said, “Convinced that to reverse the trend, there is a need to tackle the challenge of under-financing of agricultural value chains by providing NIRSAL with additional $3 billion for lending to agricultural value chain actors in Nigeria.”

The House, therefore, called on CBN to increase agricultural

lending by banks from 1.4 - 7 per cent of total lending within the next five years. It added that the apex bank should ensure 50 per cent of lending to Small Holder Farmers (SHF) through Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), farmer cooperatives, and the value chain commodity association at an interest rate of 7.5–10.5 per cent. The Green Chamber mandated the Committees on Banking Regulations and Agricultural Production and Services, Nutrition and Food Security, and Finance to monitor compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

L-R: Standing: Independent Non-Executive Director, ARM Holding Company, Mr. Kofi Sagoe; Chairman, ARM Harith, Mr. Offong Ambah; incoming Chairman, ARM Holding Company,; Mr. Deji Alli; Chief Executive Officer, ARM Holding Company, Ms. Jumoke Ogundare; Independent Non-Executive Director, ARM Holding Company., Mr. Segun Adebanji; and Mrs. Grace Adebanji.( Sitting Center): outgoing Chairman, ARM Holding Company, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, during a farewell party in honour of the outgoing chairman, held in Lagos... recently

NATIONAL CYBERCRIMES SUMMIT....

Senate Constitutes Panel to Probe NDLEA’s Allegations Against Senator Ashiru

Akpabio asks committee to summon agency's management

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday constituted a six-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations levelled against its Deputy Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The committee was mandated to summon NDLEA to explain the allegations.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who constituted the panel during plenary on Tuesday said the committee would be chaired by the senator for Abia South Senatorial District, Eyinaya Abaribe.

Other members of the committee were Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), Lawal Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central), Shuaib Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), and Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT).

NDLEA had on Monday alleged that Ashiru’s house in Ilorin was raided, and illicit drugs were found there.

The allegation against the senator for Kwara South Senatorial District followed his contributions on the floor of the senate during a debate on the Bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.

The 68-year-old senator had during the debate described NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency”.

However, during plenary on

Tuesday, Ashiru came under Order 42, and raised the issue of the allegation by NDLEA in its press statement issued in October, describing it as an act of witch-hunting.

Ashiru stated that the agency singled him out for personal attacks and impugned his privilege as a senator to freely contribute to debates on the floor of the senate.

He further stated that the agency had resorted to subterfuge and gaslighting, viewing it as an attempt to cow the senate in its rights to freely debate issues of national interest and hear opinions on the floor.

The senator said, “In the last two years, we have encountered up to 50 people who had nursed their sanity based on the consumption of drugs.

“There are feasible examples of billionaires who are making money through the distribution of drugs in my constituency and other constituencies, too. Equally we observe that there are increases in drug remittances.

“Because of this and many other reasons, I strongly contributed on the floor of the senate that the senate should look into the operation of NDLEA and advise that issue of corruption among the operators will be looked into.

“To the extent that after debates, I fully supported the bill on the establishment of another agency

that will take care of rehabilitation.

“I want to assert that in my life – I'm 68 years now – that I do not identify with porn, cannabis or any drug. Beyond taking water, I don't take alcohol, I don't take any drugs, I don't even take carbonated drinks.

“Beyond taking water and other foods, I don't get myself involved in these things. My reaction and my finding are simple.

“The basis of this debate publication has been traced to my contribution on the floor of the senate on the issue raised in October 15, 2024, to which I offered my views on the subject as best known to me.

“Then at the end, we ended to address the issues raised by the senate. The agency resorted to subterfuge and gas-lighting.

“This is an attempt to curb the senate of its rights to free debate on issues of national interest and air opinions of the floor of the senate.”

Ashiru explained, “The unambiguous reserve of the senate is that the menace of drugs should be confronted no matter the personality involved.

“The NDLEA has made unfounded allegations against me. These allegations are malicious and attempt to undermine my credibility as a senator and impugn my ability to participate in parliamentary debate.

“I am of the opinion that for the

protection of myself as a member of this hallowed chamber, for the protection of the senate, we must do something about this. I am so sorry.”

The senate president wondered why NDLEA would pick on a senator who freely expressed his opinion on the floor of the senate.

He also queried the anti-drug agency for waiting until the senator made comments about them before coming up with all the allegations against him.

Akpabio said, “If any of your aides were found with drug, they should have arrested you before you got to 30 years. They should have brought it up before you were 60. They would have brought it up before you were 65.

“You are at the age of 68 just after your contribution on the floor of the senate, they are coming up with all these allegations.

“I understand the (NDLEA) person that went on television was even alluding to the fact that you made contributions on the floor and tried to put more users on the floor. I think Nigerians are aware of the constitution and the laws, the laws of the land.

“Anything you say here is privileged. It is covered with immunity. It is not subject to debate on the radio or television.

“So, I don't want to jump into conclusion, but you have never been

Jigawa Tanker Explosion: Gov Namadi Briefs Tinubu

Says 181 lives lost to inferno Saudi Arabia condoles Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State on Tuesday met with President Bola Tinubu at State House, Abuja, to update him on the recent petrol tanker disaster in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area of the state.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also conveyed its condolences to Nigeria following the devastating explosion that occurred claimed many lives and injured others.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting with Tinubu, Namadi said he was at State House to welcome the president back from his annual leave and thank him for sending a delegation to Jigawa immediately after the tanker incident.

He said Tinubu's gesture was deeply appreciated by the people of Jigawa State.

Namadi disclosed that the tragic accident claimed 181 lives, with 80

people hospitalised, and 210 families affected.

He said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had commenced investigations into the explosion.

The governor stated, "I came to see Mr President, first of all, to welcome him back from his annual leave, and, secondly, to brief him on what happened to us, the tragic tanker accident that happened in Jigawa State, which claimed a lot of lives.

"So I felt it is important to come and brief the president on what happened and what we are doing as a government, and also thank him for sending a delegation to the state immediately the incident happened.

"This action taken by the president was really appreciated by the people of Jigawa State and I feel it is right to come and thank him for that and to brief him about the situation, about where we are and what we are trying to do.”

The governor assured that his administration was providing assistance to families affected, saying the government has covered medical bills for the injured and provided interventions to support bereaved families.

He added that Tinubu had pledged support for the victims and demonstrated solidarity with Jigawa State.

To address the tragedy's root causes, Namadi said a high-powered committee had been established, chaired by a retired Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police (DIG), to investigate and advise the government.

He recalled that the president had directed the corps marshal to investigate the incident and develop a lasting solution to prevent similar tragedies nationwide.

Asked if the state government was thinking of prosecution, he said, "Any prosecution will depend on the

outcome of the committee's report."

Meanwhile, in a statement, signed by Mohammed Alsahabi, the Saudi press attaché, and made available to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia expressed sympathy for the victims of the tragic incident and extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people during this difficult time, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families," the statement read.

The explosion, which caused significant casualties and injuries, shook the local community and drew widespread attention from both local and international bodies.

In the light of the tragedy, the Saudi Embassy also offered wishes for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident, and assured of its continued support for the people of Nigeria during their time of grief.

invited by NDLEA. You have never been charged before by NDLEA. The NDLEA never said anything about you as a person.

“We in the senate see you as a gentleman to the core. You are not even somebody that takes that to heart. I have heard of this since I was in college.

“I think this is very serious because an injury to one is an injury to all. I have heard of this since I was in college.

The senate president stressed, “I call upon the ad hoc committee to

look at this issue holistically and come up with recommendations before the senate for appropriate action.

“The ad hoc committee should look into the allegations made by NDLEA on television channels and published in Daily Trust Newspaper, which I have a copy here: ‘How we recovered consignment of drugs from Senator Ashiru's house.’

“This was said to have happened in February last year and it is only coming up now because we made the debate on the floor of the senate.”

Sunday Okobi

The President of the Leadership and Governance in Canada, Mr. Sam Adewale and other prominent Nigerians at third Canada-Nigeria Business Investment Summit have stated that the summit was to showcase the commitment of both nations to strengthen their economic ties.

They also stated that the summit served as a platform to showcase innovative Canadian and Nigerian businesses, with several Canadian companies pitching their projects to potential investors.

In a statement issued yesterday, obtained by THISDAY, the president who also led organisation of the summit said the third Canada-Nigeria Business Investment Summit held at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Center in Canada recently was a successful event that ushered in international gathering aimed at fostering investment opportunities between Canada and Nigeria.

The statement added that the summit attracted high-level dignitaries, senior government officials, and influential business leaders from both countries, “making it a landmark event in enhancing bilateral economic relations.”

They added: “The Canada-Nigeria Business Investment Summit is an initiative of Leadership and Governance Canada aimed at promoting trade and investment opportunities between Canada and Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, the summit seeks to enhance economic growth and development in both nations.”

The event which was concluded

recently, featured a series of insightful discussions, panel sessions, and breakout sessions focused on specific sectors, “allowing participants to delve deeper into opportunities and challenges. Some of the sectors discussed included agriculture/ agro allied, infrastructure real estate, construction and transportation, education and training, information communication and technology, solid minerals, health care/pharmaceutical and alternative/renewable energy.” Adewale noted in the statement that keynote addresses from government officials and industry leaders set the tone for productive dialogues, “showcasing the commitment of both nations to strengthen their economic ties.” He disclosed that among the distinguished guests and speaker were the governor of Niger State Mohammed Umar Bago; Senator Victor Umeh, the Chairman Senate Committee on Diaspora; Hon. Touchukwu Okere, the Chairman House of Representative Committee on Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri- Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigeria in Diaspora Commission; and Gareth Bloor, President African Chambers of Commerce.

Others included Wayne Florean, President, Mine Africa; Harold Schroeder, President, Schroeder & Schroeder Inc.; Paul Stevers, President of Think Renewables Group Inc.; Pius Ukeyima Akutah, Executive Secretary/ CEO, Nigeria Shippers Council; Prof. Ahmed O, Chairman/CEO, Signature Global Real Estate, and a luminary in Insurance brokerage; Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji; and Director of Economy, Trade and Investment, Abigail Sobin.

L-R: Chairman EFCC, Ola Olukoyede; First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Abdulrazaq Abdullrahman of Kwara State; Wife of Kwara State Governor, Olufolake Abdulrazaq; and Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Majesty, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar Ill, at the National CyberCrimes Summit held at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ... yesterday

AT THE CREATIVE AFRICAN NEXUS IN ALGIERS...

Govs, Remi Tinubu, RoLAC, Others Rally Support for EFCC’s Cybercrime War

Nigeria lost $500m to associated crimes in 2022, says anti-graft agency

Alex Enumah in Abuja Nigerian governors, First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, religious and traditional leaders, the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) , among others, yesterday rallied support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in its bid to eradicate crimes associated with the internet technologies.

This is as the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede disclosed that Nigeria lost a total sum of $500 million to cybercrime in 2022.

The leaders who spoke at a one-

day Cybercrime Prevention Summit which held in Abuja, harped on the need for all to support the anti-graft agency in finding lasting solutions to the increasing menace of cybercrime in the country.

The summit which was organised by the EFCC with the support of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme of the International IDEA, had as theme: Alternative to Cybercrimes: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum

Malaria: 3.1m Ogun Residents to Get Free Treated Nets

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Government in collaboration with Global Fund Malaria (GFM) and Society for Family Health (SFH), will distribute no fewer than 3.1 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) to households in the state.

The Project Director, Global Fund Malaria, SFH, Mr. John Ocholi, who disclosed this at a media engagement in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, decried the low level of insecticide treated nets usage in the state, saying that Ogun currently records 30 percent usage in Nigeria.

The campaign which mainly captured pregnant women and children under 5 years, is being executed in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), as well as the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) among other malaria partners as part of the continued efforts towards eliminating the scourge and make Nigeria the third malaria free country in Africa.

He said the essence of the free distribution of the insecticide treated net is to combat the scourge of malaria and make the country achieve zero pandemic like Egypt and Cape Verde in Africa.

Ocholi explained that the campaign would be executed in a double phase approach beginning with the households’ mobilization across the 20 local government areas, with the fixed-point net distribution centre.

While explaining the efficacy of the ITN, Ocholi said that "since the beginning of the use of insecticide treated nets, the malaria prevalence

has reduced from 45% in 2010 to 27% in 2015, meaning three people having malaria parasite in every 10 people, but this has scaled down to between 21 or 22% in 2021, 2022 with two people testing positive to malaria from 10 people".

He added that the use of ITN will help in reducing financial burden committed to medical care of malaria and therefore makes more resources available for the household to take care of other basic needs like feeding, accommodation, schooling, among others.

Ocholi said: "It is against this background that in partnership with the Ogun State Government, 3.1m insecticide treated nets will be distributed to household across the state.

“We have 14,000 personnel that will help with this exercise and 1,400 distribution points for collection of the nets and so we urge the media to help us spread this information to create awareness".

The Project Director however, disclosed further that the ITN distribution would be targeted and therefore household or settlements in areas where the prevalence of malaria is deemed lower according to the available data would not get these nets.

Ocholi stated that the pregnant women and children under five years in these depriortised local governments or areas would be asked to go to the government health facilities around them for their nets.

He said that that the distribution of the net would focus more on the rural areas and communities where the risk of the disease is higher.

(NGF), and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the Commission and other anti-crime agencies for their efforts in dissuading the minds of youths against crime and assured of the support from the governors.

“I am impressed with what EFCC, NDLEA and the National Orientation Agency are already doing in the new media and in our basic schools to dissuade the minds of our young people on the issues of crimes, drugs abuse and patriotism.

“ This effort should be taken to another level so that we may have a national consensus on what behaviours constitute our irreducible cultural legacy as Nigerians.

“You have our support in this regard. In addition, we commend the EFCC and the efforts they are making by putting this gathering together once again. And I am sure after this summit, we will all leave here better informed and geared towards improving the perceptions on cybercrime” the NGF chairman said.

Also speaking, Governor of Zamfara State, Mr Dauda Lawal,

observed that the issue of cybercrime was not one to be left alone to the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies.

Responding to why he was declaring support for the Commission when some of his counterparts are already challenging the legality of the EFCC at the Supreme Court, Lawal who denied knowledge of such suit said he has no reason to be scared of the Commission because he has made accountability and transparency his watchword.

“Why will I be scared of the EFCC, we are here to serve and this is the way forward, people should be accountable, people should be transparent that is the way, that is leadership”, he said

“My coming here is to give my support to the Commission especially in times like this when Nigeria is facing so many challenges that have to do with cybercrime and this is a very good opportunity and I believe this is the way forward so that we can redeem the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations,” he added.

Earlier, EFCC’s Chairman, Olukoyede, pointed out that the

menace of cybercrimes, like most economic and financial crime, is a burning challenge that cannot be denied, ignored or wished away.

He observed that the summit which is the second to be organised by the Commission this year on the same issue is due to the overarching need for stakeholders to articulate opinions and build greater strength against the scourge of cybercrimes.

“This time around, we are not only interrogating the problem, we are aggregating workable solutions to it.

“The enormity of challenges posed to us as individuals and nation by cybercrimes are grievous. As individuals, youths’ involvement in these crimes is distorting and corrupting acceptable family values.

The tendency towards quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations”, he said.

The chairman disclosed that projections by multiple sources showed that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025, with

approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily, adding that the implication of all these is that, if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.

“As a matter of fact, the research I did earlier this year confirmed that cybercrime has become the third largest GDP in the world with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.

“The implication of all this is that if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world. Bringing it to Nigeria, in 2022 alone, Nigeria lost over 500 million dollars to cybercrime”, the EFCC boss stated.

Speaking further, Olukoyede disclosed that cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3,455 convictions recorded by the Commission in his first year as the Executive Chairman of the EFCC. Meanwhile, Olukoyede stated that cybercrime threatens the nation’s most significant asset – its reputation, and economic wellbeing, adding that the losses by the financial services sector to cybercrime in the last three years is staggering.

Unilorin 39th Convocation: Tinubu Tasks ASUU, Other Unions Against Destabilising Education Growth, Pitches Dialogue

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday tasked the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) and other unions in the nation's institutions against engaging in any actions or issues capable of destabilising the educational growth of the country.

Tinubu however urged them to continue to engage in dialogue and peaceful deliberations that would go a long way to enhancing the development of the university education in the country.

Tinubu made the remarks in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Tuesday during the 39th convocation ceremonies of the University of Ilorin.

During the event, over 12,000 graduands were awarded degrees in various faculties of the University.

Tinubu who is also a visitor to the university stated: "My government is committed to uninterrupted academic calendar".

Represented at the event by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sunnu, Tinubu said:

"Let me therefore appeal to the staff members of the nation's universities to always give peace a chance.

"Our universities, just as the entire nation itself, need peace to ensure prosperity. Gone were the days when universities would be closed down over issues that could be resolved through constructive engagements.

"No one gains anything from the closure of institutions of learning. We have grown beyond that and we should not return to that path".

The president stated further: "We would not allow that to happen again. Our universities should always be open for continuous quality teaching, research and community service to flourish.

"We would, therefore, ensure that the federal government and our various universities enjoy a new form of good and positive relationship in the interest of the nation and humanity.

"We would also ensure that this fraternity is sustained through honest and consistent open engagement between the government on one side, and the universities on the other.

"It was in this regard that 2009 Re-negotiation Committee between Federal Government and Universities based Associations and Unions under the leadership of Dr. Yayale Ahmed CFR was inaugurated.

"Furthermore, as part of efforts to sustain this, we have effected the payment of four months of the previously withheld salaries of academic staff of universities.

"I have also directed the payment of the withheld salaries of the nonteaching staff of the universities.

"This was purposely done to show the magnanimity of the present administration, despite the activation of the principle of “no work no pay" rule.”

Tinubu further noted: "The federal government has also directed that the payment of salaries of university staff members be removed from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) forthwith.

"This is in response to the consistent pleas of the University trade unions. We will ensure that this removal is effected without further delay".

President Tinubu congratulated

the graduands for their academic achievements, urging them to be proactive in contributing to the country's development.

"As you step into the real world, the onus is on you to contribute your quota to the greatness of this country. Remember that your existence will only be meaningful if you make positive impacts," he said.

Tinubu acknowledged the current economic and security challenges facing the country but expressed optimism in the nation's resilience. He called on the youth to take on leadership roles, leveraging their intelligence, courage, and integrity to overcome Nigeria's challenges.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, on his part, urged the graduands to use the newly gained knowledge and skills to contribute positively to the society.

He also charged them to take deep reflection of the huge investments on them by their parents and guardians by making use the exposures provided by their lecturers to take giant strides towards their future endeavours.

L-R: Minister of Sports, John Enoh; Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa; Organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko; and Chairman Carnival Calabar, Gabe Obah, at the Creative African Nexus (CANEX) where Calabar Carnival participated, Algiers 2024 held In Algeria...at weekend

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Smashing the Second Term Syndrome

at a recent breakfast parley with some media actors, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, brought them up to speed on the state of play. THISDAY was roundly represented.

About one-tenth or less per cent of the governors serving out their second term in office often finish well. This is even for those who started well or concluded their first term, posting some stellar results.

But, many a time, the moment they return to the office, what has come to be known as the second term syndrome creeps in, and for the people, who are usually at the short end of the stick, it is to their tent o Israel.

Lagos, interestingly, is a different entity. It is not by choice that it is being referred to as Nigeria in her microscopic form. It is a status reference earned over the years.

Although Lagos, too, might have passed through the hands of unproductive leaderships, the current demand for sound and hands-on leaders, who are clearly in tune with trends and progressive inclinations, is in sync with her evolving status.

Strangely, the current Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has not been very lucky in a sense. For one, who landed into crisis from day one of assuming the office on May 29, 2019, his story has been nothing short of grace.

From the basic challenges of governance to several unintended demands of leadership, he has continued to hop from one crisis situation to the other, and, in each of the circumstances, he has acquitted himself well.

Perhaps, it was with such dedication to work and sincerity of leadership that he was able to pull through his first term in office. Yet, and in spite of giving his all, he fought “heavily”to return to office as though his life depended on it in the 2023 elections.

But that’s not all. Sanwo-Olu has a clear understanding of the fact that his legacy is as important as his transition. And so, to sustain the tradition of continuity that has set the state apart since 1999, especially knowing that whoever is going to succeed him will run on his record, he has refused to rest on his oars, working each day as though it was his last.

The last over one year has been engaging in terms of governance, service delivery, and leadership. Sanwo-Olu has not only been addressing these challenges as demanded

by time and prevailing local realities. He has also been undertaking many foreign trips geared towards enhancing the Lagos mega city status, and as well advance what is now known as her master plan.

Thus, before the new age revisionists begin to deconstruct his record of over five years as the Lagos governor, Sanwo-Olu, two weekends ago, hosted the creme of media executives and operators to a breakfast parley, where he personally told the story of his governorship so far, taking off from where his first term ended.

The Lagos Night Life

To live in a massive city like Lagos, the governor inferred, comes with a whole lot of responsibility, chief of which is that the city has to be alive. Putting it in his words, “The city has to walk almost 24/7. The city has to be a place, where people can commute, people can do business. People can have a work-life balance.”

Lagos, he contended, “should be a city where people can move from one part of the city to another without any hindrance. So, we think the good news is actually both the nightlife and the daylight. More importantly, people also have to feel safe at night.

“People must feel that they can go to different parts of the city, feel safe before,

during, and after whatever visit they have, and they’ll be able to go back home safely. That, for us, is not just a jubilation, but also to say to us that there’s some bit of our job that has been recognised. But what that puts to us is that we need to do more because the easy part for you is to get it done.”

To properly put it in context further, the governor explained that, “a 12-hour economy will never do justice to a big city like this. In bigger cities, it has to be close to 24 hours or 18 hours at the minimum. So, the nightlife of Lagos is part of the economy of Lagos; it’s part of the kind of things that will make Lagos not only a resilient city but make it a liveable city.”

Lagos and the Identity Culture

The world over, mega cities always have distinct identities, which are often their unique selling points. In Lagos, however, SanwoOlu is first chasing after a state, “where you can have predictable journey time.” That, for an average tourist, is a big factor that is not negotiable.

“You can come out of your house or your office and be able to safely say that in 30 minutes, in 35 minutes, plus or minus five minutes, you can get to a predictable destination,” he said.

The governor is also working on a Lagos that “encourages all the creative capabilities, all the creative minds that it has. A Lagos where the strength is in its people – the social life, the creative world, the people that are about

Strangely, the current Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has not been very lucky in a sense. For one, who landed into crisis from day one of assuming the office on May 29, 2019, his story has been nothing short of grace. From the basic challenges of governance to several unintended demands of leadership, he has continued to hop from one crisis situation to the other, and, in each of the circumstances, he has acquitted himself well.

ensuring that you do not stop at creativity.”

Equally on his dashboard is “a Lagos where you expect safety and security to be paramount, to be alive, to be a responsibility. A Lagos where the financial sector, the financial transactions continue to bloom and to grow well.

“A Lagos where you see businesses, small, medium, and large, corporate. A Lagos you see as home, see it as a place where their staff members are safe, where their businesses continue to thrive, where there is the enabling environment, where government continues to provide for businesses to thrive and to do well.

“These are the kind of vision that I have to make Lagos truly, really a resilient, workable city for everybody that comes in. But, there’s some little part of it, which we could talk about later. But quite frankly, it’s a Lagos that, you know, has an effective, efficient public transportation system that is working, that is reliable, and that is safe.” Call it the “Spirit of Lagos” Sanwo-Olu is unmistaken in the identity of the state of aquatic splendour.

The Transportation Conundrum Lagos is infamous for traffic congestion, perhaps, because of its size. But it hardly takes away its beauty, Sanwo-Olu would argue, especially because it’s a challenge that comes with its mega status.

“First is, you need to compare apple with apple. I took a trip to New York less than 18 months ago, and it took us 30 minutes to do six blocks. Six blocks, less than a kilometer, took 30 minutes to do it. That’s New York for you. So, Lagos has a similar demography, right? So, if you go to, I mean, Bombay in India, it has similar demography. If you go to Istanbul in Turkey, it has a similar demography.

“The number of buses and vehicles you see also on the road is also a measure of the economic value of the citizens. But what is government meant to do? Government is meant to intervene in what you call mass urban transportation system. And, for us in Lagos, we’re playing in all of the strata.

Sanwo-Olu...actualising the mega city status

Smashing the Second Term Syndrome

“You know, we’ve developed a robust, integrated urban mass transportation system in rail, in BRT buses, on the waterways that has about 20 to 23 to 25% of our total land mass. In taxis, in last mile buses, and in all possible public transportation that people need to move on, right?

“Talking about rail, if you look at both the red line and the blue line, they’re very strategic in identifying where the corridors are, where the population is. The red line moves from south to north, from Oyingbo in the south, straight up to north, up to Agbado. We’re very creative.

“We didn’t let it stop at Ido, which is inside Lagos. We actually pushed it all the way to Agbado, which is inside Ogun State. It’s almost a 29-kilometre rail corridor.

“The blue line, for example, is on the western part of Lagos, moving from Marina, going all the way westernward towards Okokomaiko. Right now, it’s at mile two, and phase two, to get it to Okokomaiko. That’s the western part of it.

“The eastern part of Lagos is the green line, which is just at the MOU stage, which now moves you from Lekki on Victoria Island, towards the upper axis. So, you can see that in terms of a strategy composition, we’re thinking of the western part, we’re thinking of the eastern part. We’re thinking of the north-south part. That’s where the population is, right? So that’s what the rail does.

“All of that intervention in waterways, let’s look at all the corridors that have water transportation. From Ibeshe, you could do straight to, say, Falomo, or you can say Badore, just cross from Ikorodu. From Ojo, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government, you can come all the way to Liverpool.

“You can come from Liverpool, you can come all the way to Marina, and you can also go to Falomo. You have all of those choices and all of those options, both on the waterways and both on the rail corridors that we’re developing.”

The governor believes that the people still do not understand that there are options for them in road transportation. “That’s where you see the pressure on the three bridges that connect the mainland to the island, the Third mainland Bridge, the Kara Bridge, and of course the Eko Bridge. So, you see a lot of pressure there. Part of the things that we’re trying to do is where are they coming from?

The Red Line, for example, if I go back to that, is taking you all the way from Agbado.

“From Agbado, it connects to Iju, which is the heart of the Ifako ijaye. From Iju, it will take you to Agege and out of Agege. From Agege, it takes you to Ikeja. From Ikeja, it takes you to the all-important Oshodi. So, you can imagine the aggregate of passengers it’s picking up. From Oshodi, it takes you to Mushin. My people in Mushin are looking forward to it. They are excited.

“From Mushin, it takes you to Yaba. We’re going up. Yaba looks like the centerpiece. From Yaba, it takes you to Ebute-Meta. Eventually, that rail corridor has clearly solved a lot of road transportation issues. A journey that either takes you two hours, two and a half hours, now you can do it in under one hour.

“When we started the journey yesterday, it took us 36 minutes from Ebute-Meta all the way to Ikeja when we came down. It’s going to be another seven to nine minutes to take you to Agbado. So it’s a phenomenon. It’s a game changer for us.”

Balancing Infrastructure Distribution

A debate on how the state intends to capture the people in the lower cadre of the society and also ensures that infrastructure is not only for the middle and the upper class, but evenly distributed is germane. Sanwo-olu, too, is not oblivious of this fact.

But that still sounded like a piecemeal for the governor, especially after just reeling off the transportation network across the different modes.

“You know, I mentioned from Agbado, I didn’t mention Victoria Island. I didn’t mention Lekki. I didn’t mention the Kudu. That’s where my people are. Agbado, Iju, that’s where, you know, the vulnerable set of this population, that’s where they are. That’s where they reside. Agege, that’s them. Mushin, that’s where they live. Oshodi, that’s really where they are.”

Unfortunately, the cost of transportation

might pose another challenge – a big one at that. However, Sanwo-olu did not think so. “It’s not one price – fixed price – that you need. If you take off from Ebute-Meta, for example, by the time you’ve done three, four stops, I think the total price is about 800 to 850 Naira.

“Or if you take the whole journey to the end to Agbado, it’s 1,500. But if you measure that, and you take a train in the UK, and you do six stops, you realise that the cheapest you could get is six pounds. Six pounds today, given the exchange rate, is almost 10,000 Naira.

“Don’t let us even do the conversion. It will be way out of here. So, let’s keep quiet because 1,500 today, if you put it, is about a dollar. So, 1,500 is about a dollar, and 1,500 is less than a pound. But don’t even let us, because they are two different economies.

“I don’t want to put naira and dollar in the same context.That’s not how I’m trained. But the reality is to look at the GDP of our people, their earning capacity and be able to reflect on what we need to do to help them. So it’s 1,500 from Ebute-Meta all the way to Agbado.

“It will criss cross a minimum of 10 local governments. If you need to take an alternative route, there’s clearly no way that you’ll spend anything less than 2,000 to 2,500. But even at that, the plan is for us to start this, and we will do the tests.

“Once we’re able to guarantee what our minimum threshold is, it’s not impossible for me, say in a month from today, to bring it down to another 15 to 20%. You will remember that when we started the blue line, which started with about 800 Naira from Marina all the way to Mile 2, I brought it downby about 20 to 25%, and today we’ve carried close to 3 million people on that rail corridor on the blue line. So, similar things will happen. But this one is a longer route. It has more stations.”

Minimum Wage to the Rescue

Central to all that the governor is doing and intends to still do is the purchasing power of the people. Are they able to afford the lifestyle that he

is providing them with, even though everything is tailored towards their comfort and at relatively affordable costs?

But he seemed to have his plan cobbled up his sleeves, and boom, he let the cat out of the bag. “I’m glad to let you know that minimum wage for Lagos, which we’ve conversed and discussed with our union, is 85,000 naira today. I mean, it’s not a competition.

“I’m not going to say that we’re paying more than some other people. It’s a function of affordability, and it’s a function of capacity. But we know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of even the cost of living. And so we’re fully aware. We actually increased our salary earlier in the year and deserved so for our staff. We’ll continue to do that.

“I would want to come back to you in January and say I’ve been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to N100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad. It’s really because I want my people to have a living wage. I want them to truly, really be able to know that the government is working for them.”

Two Huge Dream Projects

The fourth mainland bridge and the alternative airport are two huge dream projects that the Sanwo-Olu administration wants to be recorded against its reign. But are they still feasible or already in the works?

His words: “We’ve done everything regarding the fourth mainland bridge. I also need to thank Mr. President, especially for the alternative on the Lagos Calabar highway, which will run parallel from Ahmadu Bello way on the Atlantic ocean towards the free trade zone. We have the Lekki Epe express, which is in the middle. The plan is for us to have what we call Lagoon highway on the farthest part of the Lekki peninsula, which will also run towards Epe.

“So the fourth mainland bridge is supposed to be from Ajah and just criss crosses to Ibeshe in Ikorodu. We have done extensive work on the alignment. Everything has been concluded: the audiographic study, the viability study, the feasibility study. Everything is on the table.

“We know what the bucket of the numbers is. We’ve had concessioners, whom we’ve sat with, unfortunately, I must say this, the kind of request that they were making of us, we can-

If you lose a chance yesterday, today is the next best chance for you. If you leave it, you don’t do it, then you don’t have any opportunity to do it. We have a strong conviction in our minds. We know that our people are deserving of it. We know that we are doing the right thing in terms of the debts. So,the ability of Lagos to also carry this thing is key. We are not reckless.

not grant. Asking for a sovereign guarantee? I’m a subnational, I’m not sovereign. So, it’s a difficult call.

“I cannot walk to the Minister of Finance and say, give me a sovereign grant. It doesn’t work like that. He has to negotiate it. It has to be something that they also need to carry in the buckets. It’s a fairly long conversation for you to get that. So, we are looking for other means of agreeing on how to take that forward.

“The airport is a more fairly straightforward investment decision. So, we want to have our skin in the game. We are planning to be able to raise investments, but we need to work with the federal government. So, we have meetings planned out with FAAN, NCA, with the federal minister of aviation. We have approval, I mean, they have given to us, but it’s just more than approval. There are some rules there, some engagements that need to take place.

“We know it’s viable. We know it’s needed in that part of the city given the development that is happening there; given the investment that I’ve seen coming there. But it’s not just about us, it’s about a full conversation with our regulators, with our federal government and ensuring that even investors feel comfortable that they have all the regulatory approval before we move on. So, we’ve gone around; we’ve done a bit of a road show, we’ve done a bit of engagement to be able to attract FDI so that they see the viability and why it’s important for Lagos to have this.

Situating the Debt Profile Debate

As lofty as all of the ideas by the SanwoOlu administration might seem, the fear that Lagos could be sinking deeper into debts is also present and evident. Sanwo-Olu thinks differently.

“Let’s use the proper word,” he said. “When you say huge debt, there’s a difference between a huge debt and an affordable debt in which you look at your funding ratio and your funding structure. You look at your ability to pay, and I’ll give you a simple example.

“Why did it take us this long before we could complete the blue line, and why did we start the red line, and we’ve been able to complete it in less than three years? It’s the audacity of the power of you can do. If after COVID in 2020, we did not take the leap of faith to say, we wanted to do it, today, if you had attempted to do any of those infrastructure projects, not only will it be four times the price, you may never ever be able to do it.

“If you lose a chance yesterday, today is the next best chance for you. If you leave it, you don’t do it, then you don’t have any opportunity to do it. We have a strong conviction in our minds. We know that our people are deserving of it. We know that we are doing the right thing in terms of the debts. So,the ability of Lagos to also carry this thing is key. We are not reckless.”

School Fees Palaver

A recent increase in boarding school fees is already causing some stir in the state and a huge bother to some parents, given the current economic situation in the country. Sanwo-Olu, however, has his explanations.

“Let’s just get it right. We increased boarding fees in model schools. What are the numbers? It’s less than 1.5% of our population. We’ve got over 600 schools and we have 33 model schools. It’s in those model schools that we’ve increased boarding, not even the whole school. It’s just a smaller fraction, less than 50% of even the population in those model schools that have asked for boarding facilities that we asked to increase, and we are taking over the responsibility fully.

“I mean, full responsibility of the pupils or their children in our boarding facilities year in, year out. I spend money refurblishing the beds and the hostels to make those boarding facilities conducive for those children. What we are asking of them is not for the physical infrastructure. It is just the cost to feed them for the three months or for the six months that they are going to be with us.

“So, in terms of costs, it’s not any number to talk about. Like I said, it’s less than 2%. We’ve got over 600 schools in Lagos State that are all public schools. The model schools are just 33 or 34 of them. So, it is half of that population of people. It’s nothing close to it at all.”

Kayode Tokede

The federal government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) has raised N5.28 trillion through the FGN Bond market in the last 10 months of the year to bridge the 2024 budget deficit.

The monthly results of the FGN auction conducted by the debt office revealed that investors, between January and October 2024, were offered an estimated N5.48 trillion as its total subscription stood at N6.44 trillion in the period under review.

An FGN Bond is a type of debt instrument issued by the FG to raise funds for financing public projects and managing the national budget. Basically, it is a way for the government to borrow money from investors, with a promise to pay back the principal amount (the face value of the bond) at maturity, along with periodic interest payments, known as the bond’s coupon rate.

THISDAY gathered that investors, since the beginning of 2024, have shown interest in the long-term FGN Bond, a major factor contributing to the amount raised in 10 months of 2024.

The 10 months FGN auctions by DMO revealed a shift in investor preferences towards higher-yielding and longer-tenor bonds, amidst a backdrop of cautious market sentiment.

The consistent demand for FGN bond is coming on the backdrop of inflationary pressures facing Nigeria, as most long-term auctions in the period under review attracted robust investor interest, resulting in a higher allotment.

The DMO between January and October 2024 has continually re-open some FGN Bonds and steadily hiked its interest rate to attract investors amid double-digit inflation rate.

From the FGN bond auctions, THISDAY gathered that DMO

recorded the highest amount offered in February 2024, about N2.5 trillion, but settled for N1.49 trillion with a subscription level at N1.9 trillion, as September 2024 auction recorded the lowest- N150 billion offered amount that showed N264.53 billion and N414.88 billion allotted and subscription amounts, respectively.

The FG’s 2024 budget includes a significant budget deficit, reflecting the gap between the government’s projected revenues and expenditures for the year.

According to the proposed budget for 2024, a total budget size of N27.5 trillion, and a budget deficit of N9.18 trillion, as presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2023.

Budget deficit is projected at N9.18 trillion in 2024 or 3.88 per cent of GDP. This is lower than the N13.78 trillion deficit recorded in 2023, which represents 6.11 per cent of GDP.

“The deficit will be financed by new borrowings totalling N7.83 trillion, N298.49 billion from privatization proceeds and N1.05 trillion drawdown on multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects,” President Tinubu stated this while presenting 2024 budget of renewed hope at the joint session of the national assembly.

However, the latest auction for October 2024, showed that DMO on behalf of the FG raised N289.6 billion, about 9.5 per cent increase when compared to N264.53 billion in raised in September 2024.

The high level of participation in October 2024 reflects investors’ sustained appetite for longer-dated instruments, which offer better returns in a rising interest rate environment.

The auction, held on October 21, featured two re-opened tranches of existing bonds: the 19.30 per cent FGN APR 2029 (5-year bond) and

the 18.50 per cent FGN FEB 2031 (7-year bond).

The government initially offered N180 billion in the October auction, with N90 billion allocated to each bond. This was slightly lower than the N190 billion offered in September, which was distributed across three bonds—the 5-year, 7-year, and 9-year tenors.

The 5-year bond (APR 2029) attracted N60.737 billion in subscriptions, while the 7-year bond (FEB 2031) saw a significant jump in bids, totalling N328.584 billion.

Out of the total bids received, N57.237 billion was allotted from the 5-year bond, while N232.360 billion was allocated from the 7-year bond.

The larger-than-offered allotment suggested that the government took advantage of the strong demand to meet its financing needs at prevailing rates.

The October auction witnessed a

notable increase in marginal rates, reflecting investors’ expectations for higher yields amid inflation concerns and tighter monetary policies.

The 5-year bond was allotted at a 20.75 per cent marginal rate, up from 19.00 per cent in September, representing a 9.2 per cent increase. Similarly, the 7-year bond saw its marginal rate rise to 21.74 per cent from 19.99 per cent in the previous month, which is 8.8 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, analysts stated that the strong demand for FGN bond attracted yield, which offered investors’ high returns on their investments, stressing that the oversubscriptions also revealed that investors have confidence in the federal government’s ability to meet its debt obligations.

The Chairman of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp), Mr. Aderemi Abdul-Bojela, has stated that consumer credit system would play a significant role in revitalising the country’s industrial sector and actualise President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s quest to bequeath Nigeria with $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Abdul-Bojela stated this in his goodwill message at 2024 “Africa Credit Expo,” powered

by Credit Registry Nigeria and the African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), in Lagos.

According to him, “This country will require large scaled credit, particularly consumer credit and mortgages, to drive its economy. The current administration is targeting $1trillion economy in the next five years and a major component of that is credit, particularly consumer credit.

“I can assure you that credit will drive this economy and bring it back to life with a core consumer credit guarantee for ‘Made in Nigeria’

goods and services. That is where we are going.

“We will soon begin to use credit to bring back our industries. We will soon begin to use credit to connect the linkages between production and credit.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director/CEO of CrediCorp, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, said that there is a real opportunity in consumer credit to really transform the country’s economy.

Nwagba said that building a sustainable credit system in a high

interest environment would require a credit infrastructure that would identify individuals and deliver their credit scores in order to embolden financial institutions to grant them loans, which he said is the work of credit registries.

He, however, said that it falls on the government to provide the regulations that would standardise what it means to have a credit score by ensuring that every single loan given in the country through formal and informal lending must be written to the credit registry.

These loans, according to him, must exist in a system that could be tracked so that every borrower could be monitored and rewarded because “credit is about credibility, which is man’s confidence in man.

“Our job and our goal is how to make that the reality of an average Nigerian. Credit infrastructure is something that we are quite passionate about. And for now we have to start by making sure that even the laws that govern credit allow for reporting so that credit report can enable institutions to make decisions about their lending. “The banks are flushed with cash but the issue of trust makes them averse to lending. And it is our role as a government agency to enable them to do that.” He said that the corporation would work to enable cheaper capital for people who are mostly underserved and provide credit guarantees to incentivise people to buy locally made goods and services.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Acting Regional Director of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Lagos Region, Mrs. Theresa Ojomo, has stated that the agency is providing infrastructures that would enable operators of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Nano businesses to standardise their products and receive MANCAP and SONCSP certifications.

Ojomo stated this last week during the region’s road walk in commemoration of the 2024 World Standards Day (WSD), which was meant to create awareness and to sensitise the general populace on standards and quality.

She said: “The theme of this

year’s World Standards Day is ‘Our Shared Vision for a Better World. So, we are looking at innovation, infrastructure, etc. in this age of Artificial Intelligence.

“The SON’s role in helping to achieve the ‘SDG 9’ is focused on infrastructure, innovation and bringing in all the MSMEs and the Nano organisations to ensure that they have the infrastructure to enjoy our products such as MANCAP and SONCAP. We broke it down for very small and micro organisations and encouraging them to imbibe standards and operate even in a unit activity.

“We have brought in schemes that are very low in economy because the MSMEs have always

New Accelerator Programme to Empower 350 Nigerian Women

Kayode Tokede

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has launched the Fempreneur Accelerator programme as part of its ‘SheVentures’ initiative to empower 350 women.

The programme aims to enhance both financial and non-financial support for Women Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) across the country.

In collaboration with Shecluded, a finance and capacity-building organisation for women entrepreneurs, the Fempreneur Accelerator programme addresses the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in Nigeria. It will provide technical

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Asst. Editor, Energy

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Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

assistance and critical resources to 350 women, equipping them with essential skills such as financial management, business planning, and access to funding opportunities. The goal is to bridge the gap that often hinders women-led businesses from achieving their full potential.

The Divisional Head of Corporate Services and Service Management at FCMB, Felicia Obozuwa affirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering women in business.

“At FCMB, we recognise the vital role women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth. Our partnership with Shecluded reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive.

“Through the FEMPRENEUR Programme, we aim to provide not just financial support, but also opportunities for women to build sustainable businesses that contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy,” she said.

The Founder of Shecluded, Ifeoma Uddoh, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.

Nwoji

Zenith General Insurance recently made a cash donation to the Lagoon School Library project in celebration of this year’s International Day of The Girl Child.

The company said this was a demonstration of its commitment to empowering the people within the communities it operates, International Day of The Girl

complained that it is expensive to achieve conformity required for standardisation through rigorous steps such as application forms,

test, quality assurance etc.”

The acting regional director pointed out that SON only visit the micro and Nano operators once

in a year, which is not cumbersome for them.

“We also want to see that the process of certification is not

ENSURING PORTS SAFETY, COMPETITIVENESS…

R-L: Minister of Marine &Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the Managing Director Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho at the ongoing v Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) in Barcelona, Spain.

expensive for them, hence, we move them to the MANCAP scheme, which the SON is assuring even as small as the unit is,” she added.

Agroecology: FG Tasks ECOWAS, Stakeholders to Leverage Financing Strategies

Arthur Eriye

The federal government has called on stakeholders in the agriculture and finance value chain in West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made the call at the Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in West Africa, under the theme, “Financing the Transformation of Sustainable Food and Nutrition Systems for Food Sovereignty in West Africa through Organic Agriculture and Agroecology; Considering What Policies, Mechanisms and

Ebere Nwoji

Nigeria’s leading insurer, Leadway Assurance, is partnering with two other firms to offer to Nigerian crop farmers a groundbreaking insurance solution tagged ‘PayAt-Harvest’ to safeguard their livelihoods against the increasing threats of climate change and global warming.

The two firms are Pula Advisors, a leading insurtech firm with focus on agricultural insurance and technology solutions and Heifer International, a development organisation working to end hunger and poverty around the world.

The “Pay-At-Harvest” insurance scheme, designed to shield crop farmers from the unpredictability of weather risks, especially climateinduced risks, stands out as the

Child is observed globally on October 11 every year. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Girls’ Vision for the Future”.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the school, Head of the Primary Section, Lagoon School, Ugonwa Ohuche commended Zenith Insurance for its kind gesture, describing it as laudable and impactful.

“The donation made by Zenith Insurance to Lagoon School

Instruments?” held in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Dr Ibrahim Tanimu, he said the forum was timely and critical for the life of the region particularly Nigeria.

He identified finance as a major constraint in food system development and strategic in food sufficiency.

The minister said that the forum should identify bottlenecks in accessing critical financing with emphasis on economic and fiscal policies and regulations impacting the development of the sector.

“I urge you to think critically about your role in promoting and

most effective protection package for smallholder’s crop farmers in the country.

The innovative insurance product allows farmers to access insurance coverage without the financial pressure of upfront payments. Instead, premiums are deferred until the harvest period, when the farmers are in a strong financial position to make payments after selling their produce or from the insurance compensation paid to them by Leadway after the occurrence of a loss.

This scheme offers protection against unpredictable weather events like floods, droughts, pest/ diseases, prolonged dry spell, excessive rainfall etc. ensuring that farmers continue to thrive despite climate challenges.

At a recent webinar organised

is such a lovely gesture. It is laudable; the donation to the School’s Library project will positively impact the pupils.

“This is a girls’ school and we are talking about “Girls’ Vision for the Future” as the theme for this year’s celebration. I think supporting the Library project which is going to be for the good of every girl in the Lagoon School, the Primary section, we are sowing into the future of

leveraging financing strategies for agroecology and organic agriculture in West Africa that support local consumption, regional and global trade leveraging on African Continental Trade Agreement (AfCTA) agreement.

“There should be experience sharing relating to sustainable use of resources for soil amendment, weed, pest and disease control, protection of biodiversity, ecosystem and environment.

“Let us work together to create a sustainable and resilient food system that will ensure secured future, safety, and security for West Africa region, the continent and the world,” he said.

The minister said food

by Leadway Assurance themed “Climate Change: The Evolving Future of Agribusiness,” Head, Regional Technical Services and Agric. Insurance at Leadway Assurance, Ayoola Fatona, highlighted the critical importance of insurance in supporting farmers facing the harsh realities of climate change. He emphasised that the “Pay-At-Harvest” scheme is a lifeline for smallholder crop farmers, providing them with a financial safety net. “Climate change poses significant risks, particularly for those in the agricultural sector,” said Fatona.

“Our Pay-at-Harvest model ensures that farmers are covered without the stress of immediate premium payments, allowing them to focus on what they do best, producing food for the nation.”

Similarly, Rufus Idris, Country

the girl child and I think we are laying a foundation for posterity,” Ohuche stated.

While calling on other corporate entities to emulate what Zenith Insurance has done, she said “I want to use this opportunity to call on other corporate entities to borrow a leaf from Zenith General Insurance by keying into any ongoing projects in various Gills Schools that can help in empowering women and

production and management, or recent nomenclature termed “food systems” continued to take priority in global discuss.

He noted that as the region strove to build a food-secured future, agroecology and organic agriculture offered a compelling solution.

According to him, by embracing sustainable agricultural practices, stakeholders can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health and promote ecosystem services.

“Agroecology and organic agriculture also empower smallholder farmers, particularly women to take charge of their livelihoods and contribute to local economic growth,’’ he said.

Director of AGRA, reiterated the necessity of insurance as a critical tool for farmers to protect their investments and mitigate climate risks. He noted that insurance is no longer a luxury but a fundamental need for farmers navigating the challenges posed by climate change. Leadway’s partnership with Pula Advisors and Heifer International in delivering this innovative insurance solution reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and promoting resilience among Nigeria’s farmers. “As climate change continues to affect traditional farming practices, the “Pay-At-Harvest” insurance scheme is positioned as the best package to protect crop farmers’ investments, ensure the sustainability of the nation’s food supply and the strengthening of our food systems”.

girls, especially in our country Nigeria.”

Speaking on the rationale behind the donation, Senior Manager, Marketing and Branch Head, Head Office and SouthSouth Regions, Edith Agu said Zenith General Insurance, as a Corporate Organisation, is particular and passionate about the future of a girl child, even as she described the Company as gender sensitive.

Ebere

Boost for Nigeria’s Luxury Sector

As Nigeria’s luxury market continues to grow, renowned crystal and jewellery brand Swarovski has solidified its presence with the official launch of its store at the Palms Mall in Lagos. In partnership with Polo Limited, Nigeria’s foremost luxury goods company, Swarovski brings its timeless elegance and modern sophistication to the African market, offering an unparalleled shopping experience for discerning consumers. MARY NNAH

In a dazzling splash of crystal and glamour, Swarovski, the worldrenowned luxury brand officially unveiled its majestic store at the Palms Mall in Lagos, shattering the boundaries of luxury retail in Nigeria.

This grand entrance marks a monumental milestone in Swarovski’s African expansion, as the brand stakes its claim on the region’s burgeoning luxury market. With a legacy of 129 years, Swarovski’s arrival in Lagos heralds a new era of opulence and sophistication, poised to captivate Nigeria’s discerning elite.

This strategic entry into Nigeria’s burgeoning luxury market underscores Swarovski’s confidence in the region’s growing appetite for high-end goods and its commitment to delivering exceptional quality, elegance, and innovation to African consumers.

In a strategic bid to fortify its standing in Nigeria’s burgeoning luxury landscape, this milestone marks a significant expansion of Swarovski’s presence in Nigeria, underscoring the brand’s unwavering dedication to introducing the essence of luxury and refinement to the African market.

The Palms Mall store launch represents a critical milestone in Swarovski’s Nigeria growth strategy, demonstrating the brand’s confidence in the country’s rapidly evolving luxury sector. By establishing a robust presence in Lagos, Swarovski aims to cater to the discerning tastes of Nigeria’s growing affluent demographic, who increasingly seek exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and style.

This expansion also reinforces Swarovski’s commitment to Africa’s luxury market, building on the brand’s existing success in the region. With its rich heritage and reputation for excellence, Swarovski is poised to become a leading luxury brand in Nigeria, offering an unparalleled shopping experience that showcases the best of crystal craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional customer service.

The launch of the Palms Mall store marks a significant investment in Nigeria’s luxury retail landscape, highlighting Swarovski’s long-term vision for the market. As the brand continues to expand its presence across the country, Nigerian consumers can expect an elevated luxury shopping experience, characterized by stunning crystal creations, sophisticated jewelry pieces, and personalized service.

Polo Limited, Nigeria’s foremost luxury goods company, played a pivotal role in bringing Swarovski to Nigeria. With over 30 years of experience in the luxury market, Polo Limited has established itself as a premier destination for high-end fashion, watches, and accessories. As Swarovski’s exclusive partner in Nigeria, Polo Limited has been instrumental in introducing the brand to the Nigerian market.

The launch was preceded by a successful three-day tour, which saw Swarovski’s global partners visit key stores across Lagos and Abuja from September 16th to 18th, 2024. The tour aimed to celebrate the brand’s growing presence in Nigeria, introduce new influencers, and unveil the Palms Mall store.

Regional Sales Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Swarovski, Jonathan Minter, emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance in the brand’s African expansion plans.

“Nigeria represents a key market in Swarovski’s expansion strategy, particularly within Africa. We see tremendous potential in the country’s growing middle and upper class, who have an increasing appetite for luxury goods,” Minter said. He added that Swarovski’s goal is to blend its global heritage with localised marketing to make it a leading brand in Nigeria.

“Our focus is to establish Swarovski as a leading brand in Nigeria by combining our global heritage with localised marketing and product offerings”, he said further.

In addition to celebrating the present, the visit featured strategic discussions on the future of Swarovski in Nigeria, including

plans for new product launches and innovative retail experiences.

“Africa, and Nigeria specifically, are vital to Swarovski’s vision for long-term growth in luxury markets. We are committed to understanding the cultural nuances and preferences of Nigerian consumers. This includes offering products that resonate with local tastes, such as statement jewelry pieces, while also ensuring accessibility through our expanding retail presence,” Minter said.

Swarovski’s latest collections blend timeless elegance with modern trends, catering to the evolving tastes of luxury consumers globally and in Nigeria. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices also resonates well with the modern, socially-conscious luxury buyer.

Head of Marketing at Polo Limited, Chika Nnadozie, highlighted Swarovski’s global reputation for its crystals, gemstones, jewellery, and accessories, and shared insights into the brand’s strategic direction in Nigeria.

“Our promotional efforts will include targeted in-store activations, influencer collaborations, and digital campaigns, all carefully designed to resonate with the Nigerian audience. By partnering with Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Efe Irele, we aim to strengthen Swarovski’s cultural relevance and connection with the local market,” she noted.

Speaking further, Nnadozie said, “Polo Limited is thrilled to partner with Swarovski, a brand synonymous with luxury and elegance. Our shared values of excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction make this partnership a natural fit.”

Head of Business Development at Polo Limited, Olamoniso Nduka, addressed concerns about currency fluctuation, stressing that localised pricing strategies have been implemented to ensure affordability without compromising on quality.

“Swarovski leads the charge amongst other global jewelry players in sustainability with responsible sourcing and ethical practices. In Nigeria, we are committed to partnerships that align with these values and support local communities,” Nduka said.

Addressing questions on sustainability, Nduka, said, “Swarovski leads the charge amongst other global jewellery players in sustainability with responsible sourcing and ethical practices. In Nigeria, we are committed to partnerships that align with these values and support local communities.”

He also discussed currency fluctuation concerns, stressing that localised pricing strategies have been implemented

to ensure affordability without compromising on quality across the various socio-economic classes in society.

As Swarovski continues to expand its footprint in Nigeria, the brand remains focused on delivering exceptional quality, elegance, and innovation.

With its rich heritage and commitment to sustainability, Swarovski is poised to become a leading luxury brand in Nigeria.

Swarovski Nigeria

draws from the 129-year heritage of its global counterpart, offering the world’s finest crystal jewelry. Each meticulously crafted crystal piece reflects Swarovski’s legacy of creativity and superior quality, telling a story of unmatched craftsmanship and virtuosity.

Through its partnership with Polo Limited, Swarovski Nigeria benefits from expertise in luxury retail, marketing, and customer service. Polo Limited’s extensive network and knowledge of the Nigerian market have been invaluable in establishing Swarovski’s presence in the country.

With three stores in Nigeria, including the newly launched Palms Mall store, Jabi Mall in Abuja, and Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, Swarovski’s presence in the country is set to continue growing. The brand’s focus on localized marketing, sustainability, and exceptional quality positions it for success in Nigeria’s competitive luxury market.

As Swarovski sparkles in Nigeria, luxury consumers can expect an unparalleled shopping experience that combines elegance, innovation, and sophistication.

L-R: Head of Marketing, Polo Limited, Chika Nnadozie; Regional Sales Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Swarovski, Jonathan Paul Minter; Customer Experience & Visual Merchandising Expert, Sub-Saharan Africa, Swarovski, Nicole Moorvan and Head of Business Operations, Polo Limited, Olamoniso Nduka at the official Launch ceremony of the Swarovski Retail Store at the Palms Mall, Lekki Lagos… recently

FCCPC Vows to Protect Consumers Amid Prepaid Meter Phase-out by Discos

James Emejo in Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has said it is addressing ongoing concerns surrounding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos), following widespread consumer complaints.

Ikeja Electric had reportedly indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, 2024, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.

However, in a statement by Director, Special Duties and Strategic Communication, FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu , the commission noted that it observed rising anxiety among

consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they will be required to cover the cost of replacement meters.

Further concerns related to the possibility of consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules.

According to the statement, “These concerns have been worsened by insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust.

“In line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness in the Nigerian marketplace, the FCCPC is actively engaging key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services

Agency (NEMSA), and the eleven (11) DisCos.

“The goal is to make the metering process transparent and accountable while protecting consumer interests.”

The commission further disclosed that it was initiating discussions with Ikeja Electric and other stakeholders to clarify the phase-out process and ensure that DisCos bear the cost of replacing phasedout meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers.

The commission will also work to ensure that DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing. Additionally, the FCCPC will ramp up consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing, to prevent exploitation.

Seamfix Celebrates 17 Years of Empowering Identity, Trust

Seamfix, an identity management company, recently marked its 17th anniversary. Founded in 2007 with less than N75,000 ($500) and a vision to tackle complex problems, Seamfix has grown into one of Africa’s leading digital identity providers and earned the trust of thousands of businesses globally.

In 2008, Seamfix launched its first identity management solution- a fingerprint-based system designed to combat exam malpractice in Nigerian universities.

By 2011, the company expanded its reach, implementing data collection solutions for staff audits and automating payroll across 12 Nigerian states. A

few months later, Seamfix built i-Transcript, digitizing over 10 million academic records for the same universities and streamlining credential management processes. In 2013, Seamfix partnered with the National Identity Management Commission to help enroll millions of Nigerians into the National Identity Number (NIN) database. This partnership culminated in the development of a Windows enrollment platform that laid the groundwork for future advancements.

Five years later, Seamfix introduced a mobile version that has since enrolled over 50 million Nigerians through a network of more than 8,000 centers nationwide.

Seamfix in 2015 rolled out Biosmart - a SIM registration suite for MTN Nigeria in just 10 days.

Reflecting on this journey, CEO of Seamfix, Chimezie Emewulu, said, “The past 17 years have been a heartfelt commitment to empowering individuals through trusted digital identities. Each milestone not only marks growth for Seamfix but also signifies the lives transformed along the way. Our vision is clear: to create a future where everyone can access opportunities simply by proving who they are. I congratulate everyone who has worked on this vision with us and sincerely thank our customers and partners who continue to believe in us.”

WACT Graduates Inaugural Batch of its Scholarship Scheme

West Africa Container Terminal, Onne recently marked a significant achievement as the inaugural batch of its scholarship scheme successfully graduates from the scheme.

Justin Okwuofu, the WACT Community Relations Manager said the WACT Scholarship Program was launched 3 years ago with the goal of providing educational opportunities for underprivileged youths in its host communities of Onne and Ogu in Rivers State, Nigeria.

He said, “Through this program, we have awarded scholarships to 100 students, enabling them to attend university and gain the skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers. In addition, some of our beneficiaries are also offered opportunities for

internship to be a grooming ground for them with the hope that the best among them can be absorbed into our company in the future.”

Reiterating WACT’s commitment to the scheme, Okwuofu stated that WACT is committed to the scheme and have been deeply inspired by the testimonies of the scholarship graduates who expressed how the scholarship program has transformed their lives, opening doors that they never thought possible.

According to him, the company will ensure the long-term sustainability of the program by actively exploring partnerships with local businesses to provide internships and job placement support for the scholarship recipients upon graduation.

“Looking ahead, WACT is committed to strengthening our community engagement even further. We plan to expand the scholarship program to reach more students in need, and we are also exploring the development of vocational training initiatives and community outreach programs.”

Our goal is to be a true partner and advocate for the people we serve, working alongside them to create lasting, positive change. We are grateful for the support of our community, and we are excited to continue this important work in the years to come.” Okwuofu said.

Taribo Samuel, one of the scholarship recipients from Ogu Community expressed his appreciation to WACT for the scholarship program.

Experts: Prioritising ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol Crucial to Growth

Omolabake Fasogbon

The need to reinforce Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement of people, goods, and service has been reiterated at a Business fair organised by the Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs (FEBWE) in Lagos, recently. Experts and leaders at the event which convened business women across West Africa held that this would unlock the region’s vast

potential and boost growth.

Speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje TOURE-LITSE noted that despite headways in the protocols, some challenges still existed and rubbing off negatively on women entrepreneurs in cross-border trade.

At a high-level panel discussion, TOURE-LITSE encouraged women to defy challenges and embrace resilience, while staying abreast to navigate productively.

“There is need for business people to familiarize themselves with trading regulations to navigate border challenges effectively. Both businessmen and women need to know their rights to ensure officials act professionally,” she asserted.

Also present at the fair, Former Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen emphasized empowerment of women in the region, citing its strengths in expediting growth.

following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer,,Seamfix, Frank Atube; Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Chimezie Emewulu and Co-founder and Executive Director Chibuzor Onwurah during the company’s anniversary in Lagos...recently

Mary Nnah

Stock Market Extends Positive Momentum as Market Cap Gains N122.5bn

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian equities market yesterday extended its positive performance as price appreciation in Transcorp Hotels Plc and 22 others propelled the market capitalisation by N122.5 billion.

At the start of trading this week, the market capitalisation gained N376 billion, buoyed by bullish

sentiments in Seplat Energy Plc and 30 others

The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) rose by 201.97 basis points or 0.20 per cent to close at 98,892.58 basis points with the Month-to-Date and Yearto-Date returns settling at +0.3per cent and +32.3per cent, respectively.

Also, market capitalisation appreciated by N122.5

billion to close at N59.924 trillion.

Across sectors, the NGX Insurance Index gained 1.2per cent and NGX Banking Index advanced by 0.9per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods Index dropped by 0.7per cent and NGX Oil & Gas Index was down by 0.6per cent. Meanwhile, the NGX Industrial Goods index remained unchanged.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 23 stocks gained relative to 15 losers. Transcorp Hotels emerged the highest price gainer of 9.28 per cent to close at N106.00, per share. Wapic Insurance followed with a gain of 9.09 per cent to close at 96 kobo, while UPDC rose by 6.90 per cent to close at N1.55, per share. Universal Insurance

increased by 5.88 per cent to close at 36 kobo, while ABC Transport added 4.65 per cent to close at N1.35, per share.

On the other side, John Holts led the losers’ chart with 9.84 per cent to close at N2.75, per share. Tantalizer followed with a decline of 9.84 per cent to close at 55 kobo, while Dangote Sugar Refinery shed 8.82 per cent to close at N31.00,

per share. Regency Alliance Insurance depreciated by 7.14 per cent to close at 52 kobo, while Honeywell Flour Mills down by 5.81 per cent to close at N4.38, per share. The total volume traded surged by 45.92 per cent to 591.010 million units, valued at N24.845 billion, and exchanged in 6,987 deals.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER 22/24

CONFERMENT OF HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS ON THE AGF...

In Historic Move EERC Assumes Full Regulation of Enugu State Electricity Market

Mainpower, Fedikore

In a historic move, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Tuesday, assumed full regulatory oversight of the Enugu State electricity market following the lapsing of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state agency.

The development made Enugu the first state to commence the development of a sub-national electricity market in both Nigeria and Africa.

It also saw EERC issue licenses to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, an EEDC subsidiary set up to take over electricity operations of EEDC in Enugu State effective midnight of Wednesday, and the first Independent Power Project (IPP) in Enugu State, and Fedikore Limited to build a power plant with a nameplate capacity of 10MW.

The latest developments followed the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023, and the setting up of the EERC, which saw Enugu State emerge in April as the first state

to be handed the regulatory power over its electricity market by NERC, but with a six-month transition period, which elapsed on Tuesday.

The state was now effectively empowered to fully exercise the constitutional right to develop its electricity sector across the value chain of generation, transmission, distribution, or retailing services, including Mini-Grid and Off-Grid electrification solutions.

Chairman of EERC, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the event as significant “as it marks the beginning of the development of sub-national

electricity markets not only in Nigeria, or West Africa, but across the African continent”.

Okonkwo said, “Today completes the six months transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from the national regulator, NERC, to the EERC, as stipulated in Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023, and the consequential Order of NERC dated 22nd April 2024.

“Today, we now take on the monumental responsibility of regulating and guiding the electricity sector in Enugu State. This

EU Assists in Training of Nigerian Climate Negotiators to COP 29

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), scheduled for November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, the European Union (EU) is partnering the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to train Nigeria's climate negotiators.

The negotiators are expected to effectively advocate national interests and build consensus at the global event, a key element in securing meaningful global agreements that align with the priorities and interests of local constituencies.

At the training of climate negotiators on Monday in Abuja, Massimo De

Luca, Head of Cooperation, at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership after COP28.

According to him, Nigeria was one of the first countries to support the EU’s global pledge to triple renewable energy sources and double energy efficiency by 2030.

He also commended the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) as a key move in advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda.

“This is a significant signal to other African countries, who may look to Nigeria to set the tone and lead the way,” he said.

“We believe that building the capacity of Nigerian climate negotiators attending this year’s COP meetings will ensure more productive engagement with a clear national position," De Luca stated.

According to him, “the EU has initiated an energy and climate dialogue at the senior official level with Nigeria, creating a platform to engage technically, with the goal of feeding this into broader policy dialogue at the political level.”

He disclosed that the EU would support the NCCC in reviewing three target sectors of the NDC: waste, energy, and the circular economy.

“This is why the EU is pleased to

continue our partnership with the NCCC on climate governance to ensure successful implementation of Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other climate actions.”

In her remarks, Dr. Nkiruka Madueke, Director-General of the NCCC, underlined the importance of Nigeria taking the lead in Africa and globally in climate change conversations at COP29, hence the need to train its own climate negotiators.

Describing climate negotiating as a serious business, she stressed the need for Nigeria to have a solid team for UNFCCC discussions.

BALA MOHAMMED: PDP WILL RESIST ANY ATTEMPT TO TURN NIGERIA TO ONE PARTY STATE

Damagum camp asked that they be excused to meet and come up with a decision. But the reconciliation committee rejected the idea of a separate meeting

The committee said it would prefer to observe the meeting to enable them intervene properly. It told the NWC that the party could not send them on a reconciliation meeting, when the PDP leadership was itself divided.

It was at that point that the NWC and the reconciliation committee met and resolved issues between the Damagum and Yayari Mohammed camps.

Briefing newsmen after the reconciliation meeting, Olagunsoye, flanked by Damagum on the left and Mohammed on the right, said the party's leadership was one hundred per cent reconciled.

Oyinlola stated, "The outcome of today’s meeting is that, to the

glory of God, we have been able to resolve the differences that have been causing our party some headache within the National Working Committee.

"We thank God that we have been able to open up to ourselves and resolve to move on as a united National Working Committee, which is what we needed for the progress of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

"The issues resolved are the differences that have pervaded the rank and file of the National Working Committee. I cannot be itemising them for you."

On whether the NEC meeting would hold on Thursday, Oyinlola said, "That wasn’t part of our discussion and I’m not in a position to talk about NEC meeting.

“I’m the chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee. There were differences in the National

Working Committee and that I have done and my job is finished."

The chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, it was learnt, had hoped for an ex-parte order to allow for the NEC meeting, as part of the strategies he had chosen to keep secret.

A high court in Abuja presided by Justice Peter Lodi had slammed a restraining order against the party from holding its NEC meeting.

THISDAY was told that the idea of seeking a contrary court order outside Abuja was due to the notion that courts in Abuja were already biased.

The PDP governors, therefore, approached a Federal High Court sitting in Gusau, presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim, to help facilitate the order.

Court documents sighted by THISDAY showed that the request was made on Tuesday, October 22,

2024 at 8.30am, and it was filed by one Imam Auwal.

The forum wanted a special order to ensure the NEC meeting held to pave the way for the PDP governors to have their way in the ongoing struggle for the soul of the party.

The court in Gusau was yet to issue any order at press time.

Meanwhile, a group in Bauchi State, Bauchi State PDP Coalition Youth Stakeholders, threw its weight behind Damagum.

The group, led by Sagir A. Sardauna, made the declaration while addressing journalists in Bauchi. It said it would continue to endorse the leadership of Damagun as the national chairman of PDP beyond the present.

"We are behind him and hereby declare our total support for our great party’s Acting National Chairman, H.E Ambassador Umar Iliya Damugun," the group stated.

assumption of regulatory oversight is not just about the transfer of authority, but represents a shared vision for a more efficient, responsive, and innovative electricity market.

“NERC has laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that EERC will build on that legacy to bring about positive changes for the people of Enugu State and beyond, in line with Enugu’s realities.

“Our mission is clear: to ensure that Enugu has access to reliable, cost effective, and sustainable electricity while promoting fairness and innovation in the sector.

“We are here to enhance the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders by creating an efficient regulatory environment that fosters growth and transparency.”

The chairman commended the Governor Peter Mbah administration for zero political interference in the affairs of the commission.

He stated, “I must say that we have enjoyed a tremendous level of independence from the state government activities and our own role. We have been established and supported to take off. However, we have also been given the authority and independence to develop the regulations and policies that we have put in place, not minding how they impact on the state government.”

A board member of Mainpower Electricity Distribution Ltd, Kester Enwereonu, assured the people of the state of a better electricity experience in all ramifications.

Enwereonu said, “We are not just identifying with EERC as the pacesetter, Mainpower will also want to be the pacesetter. We are assuring you that in the coming weeks, months, and years, and with the regulatory structure that are now tailored to the needs and purposes of the state, we are going to have an improved service to the people of Enugu State.”

Japa Reversal: Experts Advocate Retaining Nigerian Talents at Home

Mary Nnah

The Nigeria Talent UK Educated 2024 Career and Networking event held in Lagos at the weekend has sparked a renewed call to action to reverse the "Japa Syndrome" trend, where Nigerian talents seek greener pastures abroad.

Experts at the event stressed the need to retain Nigerian talents in the country, citing the importance of competitive packages, enabling environments, and flexible work arrangements.

Joshua Oluwadepo, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Jobberman, stated that, "It's not having a very good impact on the talent in Nigeria... As a recruiter, we get to start looking for talent here that, oh, this is a person already in the UK, already, oh, we cannot get to work here."

Tobi Odukoya, International Alumni Ambassador at the University of Nottingham, added, "One of the reasons people are Japa-ing is because they feel as if they don't have a choice... What the university is trying to do, and I'm sure other UK universities, but Nottingham in particular, is bring all of us that have this experience of UK schooling together and say, okay, what can we do together and collaborate?"

As Odukoya emphasized: "You can't keep quiet. You can't just sit down and say, oh, God will help me. You

have to be out there talking to people, asking questions."

The "Japa Reversal" call to action resonated throughout the event, as experts and attendees alike acknowledged the need to harness Nigeria's talent pool for national growth and development.

Emma Tarrant Tayou, Director of Graduate Guidance Group, highlighted the importance of providing outstanding career support to Nigerian graduates, saying, "We wanted to make sure that it was also available for Nigerian graduates. So, if you've chosen to return back to Nigeria, that doesn't mean that you should no longer receive support from your university."

Professor Emmanuel Adegbite from Nottingham University Business School stressed the need for public-private partnerships to address the brain drain, saying, "We want to continue our relationships with our students. So, when they become alumni, we want to engage with them; we want to be part of their success story and help in whatever way we can."

Regional Manager Annabel Mitchell from Nottingham Trent University UK encouraged students to leverage university resources, saying, "Take advantage of all those opportunities that are available to them... There's so many opportunities, students might not think that it's relevant to them or that it's for them, but it certainly is."

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

L-R: Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Are Afe Babalola (SAN): his wife, Yeye Modupe Babalola; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and his wife, Mrs Fatima Fagbemi, during the conferment of honorary Doctor of Laws on the AGF by ABUAD in Ado Ekiti …recently

FLAG-OFF OF TRACTOR ASSEMBLY PLANT AND SERVICE CENTRE...

House to Engage NGF, NGE, LG Chairmen, CSOs, Others over Constitution Review

Kalu announces membership of sub-c’ttees Says outcome of women summit will be included in alteration exercise 1999 constitution hindrance to good governance, say Attah, Osoba

Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has said it would engage some critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project as part of activities for the ongoing review. The stakeholders include the Nigerian Governors Forum, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, Chairmen of the 18 Political Parties, and the Civil Society Organisations, amongst

others.

Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who made this disclosure during the committee's meeting said the House would hold an international legislative dialogue on women on October 28 and

zonal public hearings in January. Kalu, however, assured the people that the committee was on track to deliver to Nigerians, a new Constitution by December, 2025 and that the essence of the engagements was to get the input of various stakeholders and brief

Ondo: INEC to Deploy over 4,000 BVAS

Commission says 55,859 PVCs collected within five days

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has revealed that it would deploy more than 4,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, stated this in Akure the state capital at a forum for reporters and on-air personalities as part of preparation for the poll.

The REC said a total of 4,002 BVAS would be deployed while 812 others would be set aside as backups.

According to her, INEC was preparing to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process across the

state’s polling units while 17,705 ad hoc staff, who have been adequately trained would be deployed for the election.

"As part of our preparations for the election, INEC commenced the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State from Thursday, 17th to 21st October 2024 in all the 203 Wards across the State.

“Tomorrow, 23rd October 2024, the cards will be available for collection in 18 Local Government Area Offices in the State until 29th October 2024,” she said.

She noted that as the election draws near, the threat of fake news remained a significant concern while misinformation has the potential to incite unnecessary tension and violence, urging Journalists prevent it.

Babalola, however, assured the people that INEC, in collaboration with security agencies, has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants in the election, including members of the media.

Meanwhile, INEC has announced that 55,859 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Ondo State were collected in all the 203 Wards across the state within five days.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement, revealed that the cards were personally collected by new registrants as well as applicants for transfer and replacement of lost or damaged cards

as provided by law.

“Over a period of five days (1721 October 2024), the Commission made the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Ondo State available for collection in all the 203 Wards across the State.

“The Commission is pleased to announce that at the end of the five-day period, 55,859 cards were personally collected by new registrants as well as applicants for transfer and replacement of lost or damaged cards as provided by law. This figure represents 62.2% of the 89,777 cards available for collection.

“This is the highest percentage of PVCs collected in five days in Ondo State since the Commission introduced the CVR in 2015,” he said.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgement in

Govs’ Suit Challenging EFCC's Legal Stand

Alex

The Supreme Court, has reserved its judgement in the suit challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other anti-graft agencies.

A seven-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, adjourned for judgement to a date that would be communicated to parties, after they all adopted their written addresses as their arguments for and against the suit. Meanwhile, Anambra, Adamawa and Ebonyi States at Tuesday's proceedings sought the leave of the apex court to withdraw as co-plaintiffs

in the suit.

The suit marked: SC/CV/178/2023 was originally filed by the AttorneyGeneral of Kogi State before being joined by 15 others.

The plaintiffs had predicated their case on a judgement of the Supreme Court, in the matter of Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, wherein the apex court had held that it was a United Nation Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.

The argument was that, in bringing

a convention into the Nigerian law, the provision of Section 12 which stipulates that majority of the states' houses of assembly must ratify the law must be complied with.

The argument of the states in the present suit, which they had reportedly corroborated by the Supreme Court in the previous case mentioned, is that the law, as enacted, could not be applied to states that never approved of it, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

They argued that any institution so formed on the basis of reducing UN Convention to law, should be regarded as an illegal institution.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the apex court held that its judgement

would apply to Imo, Bauchi, Ogun and Osun States.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was present in court as the Defendant, craved the court's indulgence to take the process they filed yesterday morning.

Abba-Aji thereby granted leave to the defendant to use the reply on point of law filed on Tuesday.

Mohammed Abdulwahab, SAN, who appeared for the 1st Plaintiff, pointed out that the amended processes filed by the AGF were different from what had initially been filed, noting that he had to refile his processes to answer to the fresh issues and facts.

them on what the committee was doing.

He noted that the Committee, in carrying out most of its assignments, would be broken down into subcommittees, which would not be exhaustive as additional members would be included later on to ensure that everyone was carried along.

Kalu assured the people that clear actionable recommendations from the women summit would be taken forward in the constitutional alteration exercise and that the summit would help in building of political will and elicit commitments from political leaders and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, former governors of Akwa Ibom and Ogun States, Obong Victor Attah and Chief Segun Osoba, have lamented that the 1999 Constitution has been a major hindrance to good governance in Nigeria.

Attah and Osoba stated this in their separate speeches at the 2024 National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) held in Abuja, the nation's capital.

The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, while delivering his keynote address at the event,

criticised the 1999 Constitution. Attah, who is also the chairman of the occasion, said the nation's constitution, carried over structural flaws from the military regime that undermined Nigeria’s federalism

“The defilement of federalism has been the biggest drawback to good governance, inclusiveness, and development,” he said and called for a critical reassessment of the nation’s governance structure.

He contended that, "That defilement was carried over into the 1999 constitution and that, by destroying the foundation of federalism on which the country was built, has in my honest opinion remained our biggest drawback to good governance, accountability, inclusiveness, productivity and development. Osoba, who aligned his thoughts with Attah’s, stressed the importance of food security, and emphasised that a selfsufficient nation was a powerful one.

He praised the forum for its dedication to national development, crossing party lines to focus on the future of Nigeria.

Reps Want More Allocation to NDA, DICON, CSC in 2025 Budget

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has promised to ensure more budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Command and Staff College (CSC),Jaji and the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in the 2025 budget.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Babajimi Benson, stated this in an interview with journalists during an oversight visits to the military institutions.

Benson said his committee was very impressed with the management of the three military organisations, noting that despite the revenue issues and the weak currency, they have been able to float and still keep their heads high.

He said: “We are here to see

and understand the roles and functions of these various agencies of the armed forces. We are very impressed with the management of the three agencies, the NDA, the CSC and DICON.

“They are actually floating beyond their weight. Despite the revenue issues, the fluctuation of the naira, they have been able to float and still keep their heads high. Their flags are very high”.

Benson described the NDA as a world class institution that is comparable to any academy in the world while the CSC attracts middle officers from all over the world.

He said that with the signing of a bill in January by President Bola Tinubu, DICON is expected to transform into a multi- industrial company for the production of military hard and soft wares.

Enumah in Abuja

L-R: Member, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Osita Eze; Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru; governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; CEO, ODK Group, Denmark, Morten Anderson; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, Adaora Chukwu and the Managing Director of Nortra Tractors, Philip Njoku, during the flag-off of the construction of Nortra Tractors Assembly Plant and Service Centre in Enugu … yesterday

CANADA-NIGERIA INVESTMENT SUMMIT...

L-R: President, Leadership and Governance Canada, Sam Adewale; Niger State Governor, Mohammed

Director Commonwealth, Blackson Bayewumi, at the Canada-Nigeria Business Investment Summit held in Canada…recently

Obi Laments Unending Bloodshed, Appeals to Security Agencies to Halt Killings

Group condemns declaration of sit-at-home order in S'East, urges release of Kanu

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election,

Peter Obi, has lamented the endless killings and bloodshed in parts of the country. He also appealed to security agencies in the country to step into

the situation and put an end to it. Obi, who took to his X account to lament the gory killings said, "I am deeply saddened and outraged by the unending killing and death

in our society. The senseless killing of 16 young men in Nibo, Anambra State remains condemnable.

"This despicable act is not only a profound loss to their families but

Court Sacks KANSIEC Chairman Three Days to Kano’s Local Government Elections

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, yesterday, sacked the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof. Sani Malumfashi, for being a political party cardcarrying member. With this development, the upcoming local government elections slated for October 26th, observers feared, may not go on as earlier scheduled.

Justice Simon Amobeda, gave the ruling on Tuesday in Kano, in a matter filed by Aminu Tiga and All Progressive Congress (APC).

The court ordered that the 9th

to 14h Defendants being cardcarrying members of the New Nigeria’s People Party (NNPP) and in partisan politics contrary to section 197 (1) (b) and section 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001, the dependents were not qualified to be the chairman and members of the commission.

The court ruled that the 9th Defendant not being an officer in the Kano State Civil Service not below the rank of Director prior to his appointment as Secretary

of the first defendant was not qualified to be appointed to the position pursuant to section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.

Also, the 1st Defendant whose composition of members was made in contravention of Constitutional provisions of section 197 (1) (b) and section 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001 states that the agency could not validly and competently conduct Local Government Election 2024 in respect of 44 Local Governments in the state until and

unless qualified persons are duly and legally appointed as chairman and members of the commission in line with relevant extent law.

The defendants in the suit are Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General , Kano State, INEC, Director, Department of State Services, Commissioner of Police, Kano Command, and State Commandant.

Others were the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, Anas Muhammad Mustapha, Mukhtar Garba Dandago, Isyaku Ibrahim Kunya, Kabir Jibril Zakirai and Amina Inuwa Fagge.

Obasanjo: Nigeria's Problem Starts with Principle of Regionalism

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said the Principle of Regionalism, which was adopted at Independence and still being craved for even today, was the root of Nigeria's problems.

Rather than thinking of which part of the country, a leader comes from or which part should produce the next president, we should be thinking about nationalism and who is best suited for whichever position of governance.

The former president stated this yesterday, when he hosted a group, known as "League of Northern Democrats" led by the former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State. Obasanjo said at independence, Nigeria was about the only African

country, that has three leaders at the helm of affairs in different regions, within one country instead of one.

"Maybe we have made mistakes in the past; maybe myself too has made mistakes in the past. But whatever may be our mistakes in the past, we do not want to repeat that mistakes. You said I am a believer in the greatness of this country, yes, I am.

“I am also an incurable optimist in this country. I am totally committed to the goodness of this country. But I believe that if we look back and we want to be sincere with ourselves, we can see some of the mistakes of the past which we must not fall into again.

"So, anytime I hear North, West, East; I feel frightened and that is my honest opinion because one of the things that have led us into where we are today and we haven't gone out of it is regionalism.

"At the time of our independence, we were probably the only country or one of the few countries in Africa that did not have one leader. At independence, we had three leaders.

“So, we attained independence with putting three countries in one and that remains part of our problems for a long, long time and it hasn't completely left us.

"So o, when you give the name of your league as Northern League of Democrats, my opinion was how I wish it has been National League of Democrats? But I will also say that you have to begin from somewhere.

"One of the things I always question myself about is, why should I be proud being a Yoruba man. I could as well been born in Sokoto. The fact that I was born in Yorubaland was not my making, it was God's making because I could as well been born in Maiduguri

and I will still be a Nigerian.

"I do not believe that where I was born should be the enemy of my Nigerianess. I believe and I feel that any sensible Nigerian will feel that way that I am increased by belonging to the Federal Republic of Nigeria than belonging to the Republic Oduduwa land.

“I am a Yoruba man and I'm proud to be a Yoruba man, but my being Nigerian should not be an enemy of my being a Yoruba man and neither should my being a Yoruba man being an enemy of my being a Nigerian."

Shekarau, in his remarks, explained that the group was an amalgamation of like minds from the northern extraction

He noted that the group of 400 membership, came into existence three months ago as a result of various consultations and discussions.

also a stark reminder of the escalating violence that continues to plague our communities.

"Life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it. Such heinous actions reveal a disturbing disregard for human dignity and the rule of law.

"Our nation cannot progress if we allow violence to become the norm, and we must work collectively to address the underlying causes of this growing menace.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Nibo community, the Government of Anambra State, and all those affected by this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

"I call on the authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice and ensuring that such incidents are never repeated. Nigeria must become a nation where safety and justice prevail over violence and lawlessness.

"May God grant the departed eternal rest and give their families, along with the Government of Anambra, the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss," he stated.

Meanwhile, a South East-based group, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has condemned the unending declaration of sit-athome in the South East zone of the country.

The group said it was alarmed over the orders, which did not come in a defined hierarchy, but on social media by unknown persons, and therefore called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, saying doing so would help to bring peace to the zone.

The group in a press release by its President General, Mr Goodluck Ibem, it said: "This orders come from unknown persons through voice notes and videos and people are terrified obeying such orders to the letter. We cannot continue this as a people. This madness must stop forthwith.

"We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to end this embarrassing situation where individuals use the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu to inflict pain, hardship and economic stagnation in South East zone.”

House Passes for Second Reading Bill Seeking Creation of New Oyo State Capital

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives, yesterday, passed for second reading, a bill seeking to create the New Oyo State with Oyo town as the Capital City.

The bill was sponsored by Hon. Adeniyi Adeyemi and six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate on the bill, Adeyemi, who observed that the bill was not new to the parliament.

He recalled that the bill was successfully passed in the Second Republic by both chambers (National Assembly) awaiting the presidential asset before military takeover.

Adeyemi explained that the National Assembly in 1983 successfully passed a motion on

the creation of New Oyo State with Oyo Town as its Capital. (See National Assembly Debates (Senate) Official Report. Volume 2. No. 24 of Wednesday 23” February, 1983). “The 2014 National Conference held in Abuja also recommended in its final report for the creation of New Oyo State with Oyo town as its capital. This “This is stated in volume II page 708 of the report, It’s noteworthy that present Oyo State deserves to be split into two being the largest state in terms of landmass in the South-West geopolitical zone with thirty-three Local Governments and it has a population of 5,580,894 people (2006 census).

Umar Bago; Vice President, Development Africa and lndia SkyPower Global, Benoit Fortin; and Country

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

ILAWE-IKOGOSI LINK ROAD INAUGURATION…

L-R: Olohan of Erijinyan, HRM Oba Adegoroye Oludare; Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South); Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and Alawe of Ilawe, HRM Oba Adebanji Alabi, at the inauguration of Ilawe-Ikogosi Link Road, in Ilawe, Ekiti State...yesterday

NDLEA Shooting: Family of 2-year-old Victim Pleads for Assistance

Juliet Akoje in abuja

The family of two-year-old Eromonsele Omhonria, who was tragically shot in the eye by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State, has made a heartbreaking appeal for help.

Despite the severity of his injury,

Eromonsele is yet to receive any medical treatment, leaving his family in distress.

The elder brother of the victim, Ivan, was killed in the incident by the bullets of the NDLEA officers.

The NDLEA officers were said to be conducting a raid nearby on July 13, 2023 and the children were struck by stray bullets.

Uduaghan a Compassionate, Detribalised Leader, Oborevwori Salutes Ex-Gov at 70

Omon-Julius Onabu inasaba

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

yesterday congratulated former Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan on the occasion of his 70th birth anniversary, describing him as a compassionate, detribalised leader and an outstanding Nigerian patriot.

Oborevwori noted that the tenure of the former governor was impactful and left indelible marks on the sands of time in terms of legacies in Asaba, the state capital, and across the state.

The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary,

Ivan was two and Eromonsele was one year old at the time of the incident.

The parents of the children yesterday said they have been

abandoned by the agency while meeting with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.

The family had petitioned the

House of Representatives and the matter was heard for the second time yesterday.

In attendance were the parents of the children, their lawyer as well as representatives of the NDLEA. The father, Mr. Fidelis disclosed that the surviving sibling of the unfortunate incident has been abandoned by the agency.

Group Condemns Incessant Declaration of Sit-at-home, Calls for Kanu’s Release

David-Chyddy Eleke in awka

A South-east-based group, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has condemned the incessant declaration of sit-at-home in the zone of the country.

Festus Ahon in Asaba, thanked God for the life and great accomplishments of the medical doctor turned politician, and prayed him many more years of achievements in good health.

Oborevwori also commended Dr Uduaghan for the supportive role he played in his emergence as Governor of Delta State last year.

He urged him to continue providing useful advice towards good governance of the state.

He acknowledged Dr Uduaghan’s Free Maternal and Under-five Healthcare programmes, which established the national standard.

Fatal Auto Crash Claims 19 in Plateau

No fewer than 19 persons have died in a fatal motor accident at Hawan Kibo, a community on the outskirt of Jos, along Abuja-Jos highway in Riyom Local Government Council in Plateau State.

The accident involving a lone bus traveling from Adamawa to Abuja killed all the 19 passengers on board.

Confirming the incident, state command spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Peter Yakubu said: “No one survived; everyone in the vehicle perished.”

A staff of Riyom Trauma Hospital said that the victims’ corpses were brought to the hospital. “All victims brought to us had already died. Some bodies were unidentifiable due to severe mutilation. As I speak, all corpses have been transferred to a Jos mortuary due to power outage in Riyom Local Government Council.”

He said that the vehicle involved was traveling from Adamawa State to Abuja when the accident occurred.

Yakubu said: “The sole person that didn’t die on the spot was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to death; 18 died at the scene.”

Unilever Nigeria Records 46% Turnover Growth in Q3

Raheem Akingbolu

Unilever Nigeria Plc has released its unaudited interim report for the nine months period ended 30th September 2024. According to the report, the company recorded a turnover of N103.8 billion in the period under review, which represents 46 per cent topline growth compared to N71.2 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2023. Going by the results, the

current economic headwinds notwithstanding, the company is believed to have posted an impressive performance judging by its key fundamentals.

The company recorded a gross profit of N42.9 billion for the period, which is 88 per cent increase compared to N22.8 billion reported last year. Net profit stood at N11 billion for the period , compared to a net profit for the corresponding period in 2023 of N7.5 billion, which is 47 per cent increase.

The group, which is the apex sociopolitical youth group in the region, said it is alarmed over the orders, “which do not come in a defined hierarchy, but on social media by unknown persons.”

The group also called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, saying that doing so will help to bring peace to the zone.

The group in a statement issued by its President-General, Mr. Goodluck Ibem, said: “This orders come from unknown persons through voice notes and videos, and people are terrified obeying such orders to the letter. We cannot continue this as a people. This madness must stop forthwith.

“The madness of somebody waking up from sleep and making a voice note ordering people to stay indoors must stop. This is a joke taken too far.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to end this embarrassing situation where individuals use the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu to inflict pain, hardship and economic stagnation in South-east zone.

Civil Society Consortium Demands Transparency on the VAPP Repeal Bill

Yinka Olatunbosun

A consortium of 16 civil society organisations led by Nguvu Collective has sent an open letter to Senator Jibrin Isah, calling for transparency and public consultations on the proposed VAPP Repeal Bill.

The need for stringent laws

and a better support system for survivors has always dominated the conversation about the rampant sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. In 2015, Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), was hailed as a critical tool in fighting gender justice. After a decade of advocacy, the VAPP

Act proved to be a pivotal turning point in the criminalisation of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), expansion of the definition of rape, and victim compensation. Despite diverse challenges, the VAPP Act was adopted by over 34 states.

However, a new bill by Senator Jibrin Isah, which passed a second reading in the Senate in September 2024, now seeks to repeal and replace it with what is termed “more robust” legislation. Activists worry that this may reverse the gains of grassroots efforts to mitigate gender-based violence (GBV) and have particularly decried the lack of transparency and consultation in the process of developing this new bill.

Don Seeks Inclusion of Monotechnics as Beneficiaries of TETFUND

Kemi OlaitaninIbadan

The Provost, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Dr. Ibrahim Lawal, has called for the inclusion of monotechnics across the country as beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in order to aid research as well as infrastructural development.

Lawal while addressing journalists in Ibadan, as part of activities lined up for the 85th anniversary of the College and 76th-83rd combined Convocation ceremony, said it would be unfair to continue to exclude monotechnics as beneficiaries of TETFUND.

According to him, if adequate funding is made available for monotechnics most of the problems confronting the country in the health sector would have become a thing of the past. He disclosed that the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, has designed some courses with a sole aim of combating terminal

ailments as well environmental challenges, maintaining that introducing courses such as BioScience and Indigenous Knowledge Science and Bio-Technology comes at the right time as it will provide great opportunity to train and teach the students the potent and usage of herbal medicine.

Association Tasks Govt on Investment in Corrosion Control

The Nigerian Corrosion Association (NiCA) has urged the government to invest in corrosion control in terms of personnel, production (equipment) and research, to enhance the performance of professionals to give better results

to the country, and also boost the country’s economy.

This as the association also called for collaboration between the government, institution of learning, industries and the community in addressing challenges that would guarantee conducive environmental sustainability and responsibility.

The call was made yesterday during the ongoing annual conference of the Nigerian Corrosion Association taking place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

THISDAY also observed as part of activities at the annual conference, the inauguration of new executives that will pilot

the affairs of the association in coming years.

While speaking, the newly inaugurated President of NiCA, Prof Auwal Kazim, said the gas sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, stressing that its sustainability is essential for collective progress.

House Wants More Allocation for NDA, DICoN, CSC in 2025 Budget

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has promised to ensure more budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Command and Staff

College (CSC), Jaji, and the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in the 2025 budget.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Babajimi Benson, stated this in an interview with journalists during an oversight visits to the military institutions.

Benson said his committee was very impressed with the management of the three military organisations.

He noted that despite the revenue issues and the weak currency, they have been able to float and still keep their heads high. According to him, “We are here to see and understand the roles and functions of these various agencies of the armed forces. We are very impressed with the management of the three agencies, the NDA, the CSC and DICON.

Elumelu, Omogiafo to Champion Africa’s Agenda at Saudi Arabia’s Investment Confab

Chairman of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, and President and Group CEO of Transcorp Group, Owen Omogiafo, will be key voices at the upcoming

eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Elumelu, known for his leadership in entrepreneurship and philanthropy, will co-chair the New Africa Summit, while Omogiafo will join global female leaders to discuss sustainable solutions within the energy sector.

According to a statement, this year’s FII, themed: “Infinite Horizons,” will bring together some of the world’s most influential business and financial leaders to explore how investments can drive a prosperous and sustainable future. Elumelu, a leading advocate for Africapitalism, will spotlight the role of entrepreneurship and youth investment as key drivers of Africa’s economic growth.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Seriki AdinoyiinJos

THE COMMONWEALTH IS MORE RELEVANT TODAY THAN IT HAS BEEN IN DECADES

for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – spanning the Americas and Asia, and with the accession of the UK, Europe and binding 12 countries in a trade-based pact – is one example; the Alliance for Small Island States (AOSIS), an intergovernmental organisation of low-lying coastal and small island countries, comprising 39 nations stretching across all corners of the globe is another. Though one is for trade, the other for political salience, both are based not on geography but on a common interest – the convening principle for which the Commonwealth is the original item.

While multi-continental, global networks are back in favour, that doesn’t mean the Commonwealth could not benefit from a rethink. As President of the Commonwealth’s second most populous state, I believe more can and should be done together on economic cooperation and

THE GOWON LEGACY

of roads – North-South or West-East in the 20,000 miles (from under 7,000 in 1967) of federal roads were either completed, or the works were in progress or planned by December, 1974.

4. Huge investment in public buildings, including the Federal Secretariat in Lagos and a federal secretariat in each state capital.

5. Huge investment in housing for civil servants especially the high-rise towers in Lagos to provide housing initally to host the All Africa Festival of Arts and Culture in 1976.

6. The National Housing Authority was set up under the Cabinet Office to provide housing units to the public after the festival. Festac Town was created in Lagos.

7. The establishment of the Federal Mortgage Bank, which took over the assets of the Nigerian Building Society after nationalising the Bntish interests in the latter.

8. Settlement of a well defined and permanent Nigeria/Dahomey (Benin) boundary. There has been no boundary dispute between our two countries ever since.

9. Charter for each of the professions of architecture, engineering, estate Surveying, building technology and land surveys.

10. Change over from Left-hand to Right-Hand Traffic.

11. Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Survey at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. It admits students from several African countries. Other major projects or achievements initiated by the other ministries, or the Cabinet Office (which include Fetac Town) during the Gowon Era were:

12. Nigerian National Oil Corporation, now Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

13. Decimalization. Decimal currency - the introduction of the Naira.

14. The Metric System, or Metrication initiated by the Ministry of Works and Housing, but executed by the Ministry of Trade.

15. Universal Free Primary Education throughout Nigeria, 1974.

16. Membership of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Producing Countries).

17. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

18. Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Act (Indigenisation Decree), 1972 which opened up commerce and industry to Nigerians.

19. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

20. Motor Assembly Plants: - (a) Volkswagen in Lagos; (b) Leylands in Ibadan; (c) Peugeot in Kaduna; (d) DaimlerBenz in Enugu.

21. Agro - allied industries: (a) Edible salt; (b) Sugar plant at Jebba (c) Super phosphate fertilizer project.

22. Agricultural Research Institute - assumption of full funding for the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research, the Institute of Agricultural Research at Samaru and the Rubber Research Institute at lyanomo and Akwette.

23. Establishment of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan. 24. Pulp and Paper Mills at Iwopin, Western State, and another in South Eastern State.

25. Development of Specialist Hospitals in the States which would also cater for development of and increase in medical manpower

26. Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry.

27. National Insurance Corporation.

28. Nigerian National Supply Company 29. The 2nd and 3rd Oil Refineries at Warri and Kaduna.

mutual political support.

Nigeria would like to see more significant intraCommonwealth trade, an opportunity in we have collectively underachieved as an alliance. Take Africa. Twenty-one of the continent’s countries are also Commonwealth member nations. All are members of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), a 54-country continent-wide free trade zone.

Bi-lateral agreements between AfCFTA and leading Commonwealth economies such as the UK, India, and Australia would create a web of interlinked trade agreements among Commonwealth nations, driving closer cooperation and deeper integration across the Commonwealth. Britain has proposed a UK-AfCFTA trade agreement. Others should follow.

Nigeria urges larger Commonwealth economies to

There has been no new ones ever since.

30: Federal Revenue Court (now Federal High Court).

31. Federal Court of Appeal (now Court of Appeal).

32. The Industrial Court.

33. Settlement of Nigeria/Cameroon Boundary.

The judgment of the International Court of Justice at the Hague in the matter of subsequent boundary dispute between Nigeria and the Cameroon 30 years later confirmed largely the legal position taken by the Gowon Government.

I propose to discuss briefly other achievements of Gowon's Government, the policies leading to winch were fully discussed in Council before gestation and decisions taken.

I took part in the process.

Closing

the Educational Gap

: Universal Free Primary Education

The Federal Commissioner for Education, Chief A.Y. Eke, identified some educational gaps in the field of education. In a memorandum entitled "Closing the Education Gap" presented to Council at its 37th meeting in 1972, he urged the Council to pay attention to the areas of need and come to the rescue of the states.

He referred to the "gross uneven educational development", especially between the northern and southern states. Although he conceded that there were gaps between Rivers and South Eastern states on the one hand and the Western and Mid-Western states on the other, he nonetheless produced figures to show the division between the north and the south in the field of education: “In the primary schools, for every child in the northern states, there were four children in the southern states; for every student in the secondary school in the northern states there were five students in the southern states. And for every undergraduate in higher institutions in the northern states, there were six students in the southern States.”

Chief Eke's solution for primary education was a federal government policy "to extend free primary education to all children all over the federation". With regard to secondary education, Chief Eke "recommended the building of twelve girls' secondary schools, one in each of the twelve states of the federation and the provision of funds for the expansion of existing secondary schools in the less developed areas as well as the provision of funds for the building of eight new secondary schools in those areas."

For university education, Chief Eke recommended building "Schools of Basic Studies to enable students from backward areas of the country to have opportunity of higher education". During discussion, the view was expressed that polarisation of educational development between the north and the south was untenable as there were also educationally backward southern states. Some members recalled that the Council had in 1969 commissioned the Shomade Committee to study the issue of primary education in Nigena and that the committee's report submitted in 1970 recommended the introduction of Free Primary Education for all. The members of the committee included Chief Tayo Akpata, Dr. Mahmoud Tukur, and Professor Otonto (as he then was) Nduka Otonto. The Executice Council was yet to examine its recommendations. The proposals in Chief Eke's memorandum were however approved by the Council.

I was in full support of the memorandum on closing the educational gap. A policy of Free Primary Education throughout Nigeria would not only extend to the northern states a scheme initiated 20 years earlier by Chief Awolowo in the West but which failed due

prioritise importing materials and foodstuffs from African Commonwealth nations. Supported by bilateral trade agreements, there’s no reason why African coffee or fresh produce couldn’t be offered to Western Commonwealth members at preferential rates in exchange for investment in local processing industries. This would not only integrate our economies but also provide nations like Britain with affordable products they can’t grow while creating jobs in Africa – reducing the need for migration by offering better opportunities at home. Nigeria and all African nations seek Commonwealth support for a bid for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Africa remains the only continent without a permanent seat on this crucial global decision-making body, even though it has been the subject of 70 per cent of its resolutions since

to inadequate funding in the East, the policy would also provide adequate funding for the scheme in the southern states. The proposal on establishing eight secondary schools in the less developed areas of the country and provision of funds for the expansion of existing schools in such areas was the answer to the Quota System of Admission of students to King's College, Lagos, which the King's College Old Boys Association had always opposed as it seemingly discriminated against merit. The new proposal by the federal ministry would in my view go a long way to bridge the educational gap and eliminate the discrimination and injustice embedded in the quota system of admission to King's College and Queen's College, Lagos, as well as the federal government other colleges.

Formal Launching of the Universal Primary Education Scheme

I had just returned from Mecca and I found my name in the list of Federal Commissioners and officials to accompany the Head of State on his visit to the North-Western State. Another punishing tour, setting out at times at 8.00 a.m. in one part of the vast state like North-West and ending up in another part at 8.00 or 9.00p.m, with little time for lunch. There were receptions and cultural shows at provisional headquarters, visits to schools and army formations, and courtesy calls on the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Argungu and other Emirs. The convoy of cars ran at breath-taking speed. And I was yet to recover from the hectic schedule of the Holy Pilgrimage as Amir-ul-Hajj for Nigeria. There was, however, one event which made the North-West tour memorable: the declaration by General Gowon on 20 January 1974 at the Race Course, Sokoto of his Government's intention to introduce Universal Free Primary Education throughout Nigeria in September 1976. The projection was to enrol 2.2 million children aged 5-6 years in 1976, rising to 2.6 million in 1981

In the words of Chief A.Y. Eke, the Federal Commissioner for Education, in his memorandum presented to Council on 16 January 1974: “The Universal Primary Education would provide an opportunity for the harmonisation of the content of the educational programme throughout the Federation and facilitate the task of relating the content and direction of education to the social-economic needs of the various communities in the country and superimpose a national purpose on our educational endeavours. Ultimately, it would help to bridge the educational gap between the various states and between the sexes and make it possible to adapt our educational policies to suit our manpower development needs. It would also help to bridge the gap between the rich and the poo± and give democracy a fair chance of success in the country. It would become possible to set unified moral, cultural and spiritual values throughout the country and the task of eradicating corruption would become much easier.”

The memorandum was generally well received, though the dangers of higher level of youth unemployment was noted. It was generally agreed that the scheme would be fully financed by the federal government, even though primary education was a state function under the Constitution. In approving the scheme, Council also took note of the need for expansion of secondary education. A special meeting of Council devoted to the Universal Free Primary Education Scheme was held on 7 June 1974.

Three memoranda on the following subjects were considered:

EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN: A PATHFINDER, VISIONER @70

transplant having earlier carried out hip-bone and knee cap replacement surgeries.

Uduaghan's health programmes made tremendous impact on health care delivery in Delta State & led to the remarkable fall in the infant mortality rate across the state from 545 per 100,000 births in 2007, to 241 per 100,000 in 2012, the lowest in the country. With accent on human capital development, Uduaghan ventured into just about any project that would enhance the quality of life of Deltans and residents of the state. At most council meetings, Uduaghan told his commissioners that leadership is not about just building roads and other infrastructure. Real development, he insisted, is driven by an empowered citizenry.

When I presented to him a proposal for the training of journalists practicing in Delta State at Reuters Institute, London, the Harvard of journalism, he enthusiastically

approved it and said beneficiaries should be every Delta-based practitioner. Through the scheme, more than 50 journalists irrespective of their state of origin benefitted from the training across two years.

He did not stop in human capital development. He executed numerous infrastructural projects in education, transportation and agriculture. As part of his policy of reinventing education in Delta State, Uduaghan carried out a comprehensive rehabilitation programme under which over 13 model secondary schools and 54 model primary schools were commissioned. His administration also remodeled more than 18,000 classrooms across the state. He conceptualised and built the Asaba International Airport, a first class facility suitable for night navigation and operations under challenging weather and which has become one of the few viable airports in the country.

The birthing of the transformation of Delta under

the end of the Cold War. Africa remains a constant focus of the Security Council yet lacks a constant say. The Commonwealth has finally begun caucusing as a group at the United Nations, a development that surprisingly only became official a few years ago. While not every vote is or should be taken as a bloc, one thing is clear: securing an African seat on the UN Security Council with Commonwealth backing would supercharge the relevance of our 56-country family. This move would decisively prove the Commonwealth’s importance and silence doubts about its future.

Far from done, the Commonwealth’s time has come.

•Bola Tinubu is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

(1) Universal Primary Education Staff Recruitment Development in Teacher Training College.

(2) Universal Primary Education Scheme: Teacher Training.

(3) Universal Primary Education Scheme: Recruitment, Recurrent Expenditure.

During discussion, Chief Eke disclosed that at a meeting of the National Council on Education comprising all the state commissioners in the federation under his chairmanship, the scheme was fully examined and approved. The commissioner, however, advised that while the scheme could commence in 1976, "It should not be made compulsory until 1979". The Council accepted that recommendation. The Council also approved other proposals, including: (1) That the federal government should bear financial responsibility for UPE Scheme throughout the country. (2) That a cabinet committee under the chairmanship of the federal commissioner for education and comprising the federal commisioners for finance, economic development and reconciliation, agriculture and natural resources, babour, and works and housing should be set up under the following terms of reference:

(i) To identify the critical sectors in the implementation of the UPE Scheme such as planning, management, financing and supervision.

(ii) To articulate the main steps to be taken to implement each of the sectors in (i) above.

(iii) To solve a timetable of action for each step in (ii) above.

(iv) To monitor the implementation of the UPE Scheme.

(v) To carry out all other assignments that would ensure the successful implementation of the UPE Scheme.

(vi) To submit report periodically for the consideration of the Council.

The Cabinet Committee's first meeting was held on 25 June 1974 when an outline of its work was discussed.

At its second meeting on 29 July 1974, we considered six papers, largely on teacher training, expansion of existing buildings and construction of new ones including classrooms, halls, laboratories and staff quarters, recurrent expenditure and funding and provision for teacher trainers.

The third meeting of the Cabinet Committee took place on 13 August 1974.The three papers considered included Revised 1974/75 Recurrent Estimate for Teacher Training College, Disbursement of Recurrent Funds and siting and building of 62 new Teacher Training Colleges for 1975/76 academic year.

The Council considered the First Progress Report of the Cabinet Committee at its meeting on 21 August 1974 during which the Council among other decisions:

(a) Approved an expenditure of N51.046m expansion and provision of additional facilities for the existing 156 Teacher Training Colleges.

(b) Noted the need for 62 Teacher Training Colleges at an estimated cost of N162.75m.

(c) Approved the recruitment of 1,200 Teacher Educators in addition to 1,000 members of the National Youth Service Corps to be deployed to the Teacher Training Colleges.

Such was the tempo of General Gowon's Government preparation for the commencement of the UPE Scheme by the Council and the Cabinet Comniittee till 30 December 1974 when I left the Federal Executive Council.

NOTE: Read the full article in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Uduaghan’s three-point agenda of human capital development, peace and security and development of infrastructure later graduating to "Delta Beyond Oil"in his second term was not heralded by media blitz and noisome cacophony. Service delivery, to him, should not be defined by unbidled propaganda. Uduaghan is not the typical Nigerian politician. He sees the most impactful part of programmes not on the many roads, schools and others he built, but in the numerous lives he touched through the programmes that equipped his people with the capacity to achieve their legitimate ambitions.

One of such outstanding programmes is the one designed for gifted students who made First Class at the end their degree programme. All such persons were automatically given scholarship to undertake postgraduate studies in any part of the world with a N5 million package for each person. Most of the

beneficiaries studied outside the country. Uduaghan may not have gotten all the flowers he deserved, but Nigerians certainly took note. The critical press kept track of his trajectory. He has been variously voted Vanguard Newspapers Man of the Year, Sun Newspapers Governor of the Year, Leadership Newspapers Man of the Year as well Silverbird Governor of the Year.

More importantly, the people of Delta State who he served diligently know what he did and continue to honour him. Today, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is 70 years. A fulfilled man, God has blessed him as a physician, leader and visioner. A leader with the heart of gold, he continues to inspire. Happy birthday, Your Excellency.

*Ogeah was Commissioner for Information, Delta State, 2011 - 2015

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Chukwueze Contributes Assist, Onyedika

Femi Solaja

Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to contribute an assist as AC Milan defeated Belgian side Club Brugge 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League campaign last night.

Chukwueze’s Super Eagles teammate on the Belgian team, Raphael Onyedika was however not that lucky as his high boot challenge on Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders fetched him a straight red card after an intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR) in the 40th minute.

Milan started the game on a

sluggish not, with Brugge the first to impress early on and only a fine save from Mike Maignan prevented Christos Tzolis from curling them ahead.

Milan - needing a win after opening defeats to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, however opened the scoring when former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic’s inswinging corner went straight in.

The visitors still managed to equalise with a fine goal, when substitute Kyriani Sabbe was the spare man at the end of a flowing move and drove into the far corner. In doing so, the 19-year-old became

just the fourth teenager to score against Milan in the Champions League.

Milan boss Paulo Fonseca’s decision to withdraw the lively Rafael Leao was jeered by home fans, but within seconds of the change, his replacement Noah Okafor made a goal.

Okafor skipped down the left and cut the ball back for Reijnders to finish with a side-footed strike.

Reijnders repeated the process for Milan’s third goal when he converted a cross from another

substitute, Chukwueze, to seal the win.

There was time for Francesco Camarda to come on and become the youngest Italian player to appear in the Champions League at the age of 16 years and 226 days.

Elsewhere, Monaco midfielder Takumi Minamino scored twice as his side continued their bright start to this season’s Champions League league phase with a big 5-1 victory over winless Red Star Belgrade. Ex-Liverpool player Minamino beat the offside trap to put his side

Real Madrid came from two goals down to hammer Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

Brazilian forward, Vinicius jr was the hero of the night as he scored a hat trick in Madrid’s five goal.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has said the incident involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya is being properly investigated and appropriate sanctions will be taken.

Motsepe said this when he addressed the CAF General Assembly yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

and national teams.

“I have heard too many stories of a football club or national team going to a country. You spend hours at the airport, and they ask you about documents,” he said

“Apparently, during COVID, they would look at who the best players are from your team and say those 10 players have COVID-19.

Vinícius Jr scored his third hat-trick for Real Madrid in all competitions, his second in the 2024/2025 season after his hat-trick against Barcelona in the Supercopa and his first in the Champions League.

Dortmund were great in the first half but completely threw the game away in the second half as Real Madrid ran riot. Nuri Sahin’s inexperienced showed with his substitutions and change in formation so early in the 2nd half.

Goals from Donyell Malen and Englishman Jamie Gittens gave Dortmund a comfortable lead at half-time in a repeat of last year’s final which Real won 2-0.

Antonio Rudiger pulled a goal back for the Spanish champions with a towering header in the 60th minute before Vinicius levelled two minutes later.

Captain Lucas Vazquez made it 3-2 to the hosts with a driven finish from a tight angle in the 83rd minute.

Vinicius then scored two late goals to take the game out of Dortmund’s reach, with both strikes coming after impressive solo runs. ...Vinicius Jr Scores

Victor Osimhen who scored a backflip goal good enough to win the FIFA Puska award at the weekend, will be in action this evening when Galatasaray host Swedish side Elfsborg at Rams Park. It will be the third game of their Europa League campaign as the Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray consolidate on their eighth place with four points in the league phase. Elfsborg are in 16th place with three points after two games and occupy a round

of 16 playoff spot. In earlier games, Galatasaray drew 2-2 with RFS on October 3 in their last game in the Europa League, a match that they failed to win despite having taken a two-goal lead after 38 minutes. Galatasaray also beat PAOK 3-1 in their first game of the Europa League on September 25, a match in which they produced 25 shots and nine

big chances compared to PAOK’s seven efforts and two big chances.

Manager Okan Buruk will be thrilled with his team’s Super Lig showing this season considering his side are already five points clear of second-placed Besiktas after just nine league games, although the Black and Whites have only played eight times.

Buruk’s side have won seven

and drawn two of their last nine competitive matches and have in fact only lost three times in their 14 games this season, twice in Champions League qualifiers and once in the Turkcell Super Cup final against Besiktas on August 3. Galatasaray also boast a strong home record having won four of their five most recent matches at Rams Park, and they have also won six, drawn two and lost just one of their last nine home fixtures in the Europa League.

“When there was a problem with the Nigerian national team in Libya. I will not comment on that (merits) because there is a proper investigation,” the CAF president said.

“But I want to emphasise a principle that we will not tolerate because this is something that has been going on for some time.

“Let me emphasize, forget about the Nigeria and Libya situation because that process is being properly investigated and appropriate action will be taken.

A CAF verdict on the matter is expected soon.

Against the background of the Super Eagles saga in Libya, Motsepe stressed on sportsmanship by clubs

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justine Madugu, on Tuesday expressed his delight that all 25 invited players were already in camp as the team prepared for its first training session at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos ahead of the two international friendly matches against the senior women’s national team of Algeria.

“I am very happy that all the invited players are here. We will be able to have four days of full training sessions and be in great shape for the first game. We thank the Nigeria Football Federation for arranging these two games for the Super Falcons.”

However, the heavy downpour in Lagos yesterday made the training session impossible, with the team having to return to Eko Hotel & Towers for gym sessions.

“You tell them that you have just been tested, and they say no, you have COVID. But it’s this lack of sportsmanship that has existed, and we haven’t taken effective action. If there are violations of those regulations and rules, we will take action.

“So, I just want to repeat, we are proud of those nations that treat visiting teams and football clubs with the respect and dignity that they deserve. But also who treat them in the same way that they want to be treated when they visit those clubs. We are reviewing those laws, and we want to emphasise sportsmanship.”

The nine-time African champions will take on the Algerian girls at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday, 26th October, and again at the same venue on Tuesday, 29th October. Both matches will kick off at 4 pm.

A 35-woman Algerian delegation is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria tomorrow morning, aboard a Qatar Airways flight, with the match officials from Benin Republic also scheduled to arrive in Lagos the same day. The Beninoise quartet of Aurore Christine Ligan, Nafissatou Yekini Shitou, Sonia Emilie Louis and Laurande Offin will take charge of the two matches, with Ligan serving as referee for the first match with Offin as fourth official, while Offin will be at the centre for the second match with Ligan in the role of fourth official.

AC Milan’s players celebrating their return to winning way following the Italian side’s 3-1 victory over Club Brugge last night

GUEST COLUMNIST

MISSILE

DHQ to Coup Advocates

“Those advocating military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution. To this end, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating unconstitutional changes in the country" –Acting Director, Defence Information (DDI), Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, warns those advocating for coup detat in the country.

The Commonwealth is More Relevant Today Than it Has Been in Decades BOLA AHMED TINUBU

If there wasn’t this global alliance of mostly Englishspeaking nations based on common law principles, there would be a need to create one.

Commonwealth leaders are meeting this week on the island of Samoa for our bi-annual summit. Intense discussion over free and fair trade, security, and climate action are occupying us 56 members – all friends and allies.

If an alliance of primarily English-speaking nations rooted in common law and shared commitment to global rules didn’t exist, one would need to be created. Like-minded countries would naturally come together to amplify their values while also providing a mechanism to lend collective heft to the individual economic and geopolitical interests of each member.

The world already has such an organisation, and its bi-annual leadership forum – the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – is it. Yet, every two years like clockwork, the usual, ill-informed questions about the purpose and future of this oldest international organisation of partner nations appear: How can it survive its members becoming republics? What is the purpose of an institution that is neither a single market nor a regional political union?

The organisation’s demise has been predicted for decades, mostly because of the misunderstanding that becoming a republic means Commonwealth exit. Quite the opposite: it is in fact a path most members have trod.

When Nigeria became independent in 1960, the Commonwealth comprised ten member nations, three

of which were republics. Nigeria became a member upon independence and then the fourth republic in 1963 – transitioning from retaining the late Queen as head of state to an elected presidency. Today, the Commonwealth boasts fifty-six members, of which two-thirds are republics. A few more would hardly rock the boat.

History aside, today the Commonwealth is more relevant than it has been in decades. The world is moving beyond regional trade and governance blocs, shifting towards global networks of nations with shared interests across regions and hemispheres.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement

Continued on page 30

GUEST COLUMNIST

At the end of the 43rd meeting of the Federal Executive Council held on 30 December 1974, the President of the Council, General Gowon delivered a valecdictory speech to the out-going Civil Commissioners.

during which they served loyally. He recalled that well over 3,000 memoranda were considered during the life of the present Council (which) dealt with high policy matters and issues of vital importance to the life of the nation. "It was now in the national interest that there should be a change", he said.

our triumphs and our disasters? I have already discussed the following major triumphs or achievements by the Ministry of Works and Housing during the Gowon Era: North-South

The Gowon Legacy

Port Harcourt - Enugu - Makurdi - Jos) two-lane carriageways were to be reconstructed into two-lane dual carriageways to complement the two new highways.

He observed that the life of the Council would come to an end at the conclusion of the meeting. As recorded by the Official Recorder: "He expressed the nation's gratitude and his government's appreciation for the services of the out-going civil commissioners" while recalling "the difficult times and anxious moments of the National Crisis and the Civil War

I left the Federal Government on 30 December 1974, having served in the same post as the Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing from 27 May 1967. In January 1975, General Gowon appointed Brigadier Olu Obasanjo to succeed me. It was time for change! Looking back over the years, what was the legacy of the Gowon Governemnt? What were

1. New two-lane dual carriage highways to make four. The two additional North- South Highways are: Warri - Sapele - Benin - Auchi - Koton Karfi - Abuja - Kaduna Highway; and Calabar -Yola - Maiduguri Highway. The existing two North-South roads (Lagos - Ibadan - Jebba - Kaduna - Kano – Daura; and

2. The construction of two-lane dual carriageways of Lagos - Ibadan section of the Lagos - IbadanJebba - Kaduna - Kano - Daura highway was well under way before I left office. So was the Shagamu - Benin section of Shagamu - Benin - Asaba - Onitsha two-lane dual carriageway.

3. Works on the construction of a great number

Continued on page 30 FEMI

GUEST COLUMNIST

Emmanuel Uduaghan: A

One of the eventful times in my career was when I had the privilege of serving as the Delta State Commissioner for Information when Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was governor of the state. Joining his cabinet at the onset of his second term in 2011, I worked closely with the man I came to admire and draw inspiration from. When he became governor in 2007 at a time Nigeria was seen to have enjoyed a level of economic boom, he was not carried away by the seeming cash flow. He knew that it would not last forever. Like he espoused at the time, things changed sooner than later. The idea of planning for

the day that crude oil which the country had always depended on to power its growth was not lost on him. He incorporated it as a State creed. "Delta Beyond Oil" became the state slogan that defined his administration. As instructive as the vision, no other government, state or federal, shared in the vision. But he never relented.

Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan became the governor of Delta State at a time the state needed a new direction. An accoplished medical doctor, he had the task of building a viable framework for quality and affordable healthcare delivery in the state that was just about 16 years old after it

was carved out of old Bendel State in 1991. Given his pedigree, he knew where the shoes pinch most. He instituted the Mother/Child Healthcare Scheme. The touch of Dr. Uduaghan’s administration on the citizenry in the health sector in Delta State started from the womb, just after conception. At the first contact with the Delta health service, the unborn child and mother were provided with free medical services through the duration of pregnancy to the point of delivery, surgical or otherwise. Following delivery, the mother is guaranteed free post-natal care for the first six weeks after delivery, and for the new born child, a free medical coverage is provided

for the first five years of life. In tertiary healthcare, Uduaghan launched an ambitious programme of carrying complex surgeries usually done in hospitals in other climes. He upgraded facilities, personnel and equipment at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara and entered into a five year partnership with UT South-Western Medical Centre, Dallas, United States which incorporated a training agreement to build infrastructure and human capacity. DELSUTH, Oghara achieved a medical feat with a successful kidney

Continued on page 30

King Charles